Episode 1: UNCW Rock and Free Speech

September 22, 2025

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Overview
About The Hosts

The first episode of the "Three Guys Podcast" dives into the recent controversy at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) surrounding the Spirit Rock—a campus tradition where students paint the rock to express messages, typically respecting an unspoken 24-hour display rule. This episode centers on the aftermath of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, for whom the rock was painted as a memorial by campus Republicans and Turning Point USA members. Reuel Sample, Nick Craig and Ben Schachtman discuss how vigil attendees guarded the rock overnight to protect the tribute, only for it to be quickly repainted with random colors before the customary period had passed. They unpack the outcry on social media, the broader implications for free speech on campus, and the reactions from both left- and right-leaning students as the incident goes viral and sparks heated debate.

The conversation expands into a nuanced exploration of campus culture, protest norms, and the evolving landscape of cancel culture and doxxing. The hosts reflect on the generational divides and the blurred line between protected speech and responsible expression, noting how online outrage has led to threats and the targeting of individuals on both sides of the conflict. They critique the increasing demand for punitive responses—such as firing or doxxing—against those with dissenting views and question whether such escalating tactics from both left and right are eroding the possibility for real dialogue. Ultimately, the episode uses the Spirit Rock controversy as a lens to examine the complex intersections of political protest, free speech, and civility in the digital age.

Reuel Sample is the Editor-in-Chief of The Wilmington Standard. A graduate of Grove City College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he has served as both a Presbyterian Pastor and a Navy Chaplain. He is the product of a classical liberal arts education combined with real world experience in politics and business and conservative Christian worldview firmly rooted in the Reformed tradition. He is the host of several podcasts including the NHC GOP Podcast, the Pastor's Voice, and co-hosts the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience. An avid sailor, he has sailed around the world as a youth and to the Azores as a teen as well as extensive trips up and down the east coast of the United States. He is honored to be married to his wife Pam and makes his home in Wilmington, NC.

Ben Schachtman is a journalist and editor with a focus on local government accountability. He began reporting for Port City Daily in the Wilmington area in 2016 and took over as managing editor there in 2018. He’s a graduate of Rutgers College and later received his MA from NYU and his PhD from SUNY-Stony Brook, both in English Literature. He loves spending time with his wife and playing rock'n'roll very loudly. You can reach him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and find him on Twitter @Ben_Schachtman.

Nick Craig is the creator and host of The Nick Craig Show, a daily podcast and broadcast known for sharp insight and bold commentary on politics, media, and news in North Carolina and beyond. Nick’s broadcasting career began in 2015 with a show focused on political issues in higher education, and since then he has worked on both the 2016 and 2020 Donald Trump campaigns, served as chairman of the Lower Cape Fear Young Republicans, and sat on the executive board of the North Carolina GOP. In addition to his radio work, Nick enjoys gaming, technology, and exploring local restaurants, and he is also the host of the Carolina Journal News Hour on WBT Radio in Charlotte.