FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PBS North Carolina Presents Season 6 of ‘Side by Side with Nido Qubein’

Premiering October 6, the new season includes conversations with VIETRI founder Susan Gravely, former Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Asheville chef Katie Button.

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 9/15/2026 — PBS North Carolina announces season six of Side by Side with Nido Qubein. The new season premieres Tuesday, October 6, 7 PM, on PBS NC as well as online and on the free PBS app.

“Side by Side’s success is a testament to our close collaboration with Dr. Nido Qubein and High Point University,” said David Crabtree, CEO and General Manager of PBS North Carolina. “Dr. Qubein’s thoughtful conversations with accomplished leaders about their life’s journey deeply resonates with our viewers because everyone has a unique story and we learn so much from one another. We thank Dr. Qubein and his team for this fruitful partnership and are excited to bring this new season to our air.”

The season premiere on October 6 features an interview with Susan Gravely, the visionary founder and creative director of the Hillsborough-based company VIETRI.

“I believe to be a great person, walk hand-in-hand and side-by-side with great people,” said Dr. Nido Qubein, host of Side by Side and president of High Point University. “When you take the time to get to know someone, something extraordinary happens. You learn what inspires them, excites them and gives them a reason to get out of bed in the morning. In season six of Side by Side, I have inspiring conversations with impactful leaders from all walks of life.”

Additional guests this season include former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (October 13), James Beard Award-nominated chef Katie Button (October 20) and Dr. H. Edward Croom, president of Mount Olive University (October 27). More guests will be announced later this season.

“Side by Side offers viewers the opportunity to hear directly from thought leaders and changemakers,” said Will Mikes, producer of the series. “We hope they are inspired by their insights and their surprising paths to success.”

Side by Side with Nido Qubein is made possible by financial support from The Budd Group, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc., and Truist.

Broadcast Schedule

Side by Side with Nido Qubein airs Tuesdays at 7 PM on PBS NC. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the latest scheduling information.

Episode 1: Susan Gravely, Founder & Creative Director, VIETRI
Premieres Tuesday, October 6, 7 PM
Susan Gravely, founder and creative director of VIETRI, reflects on turning adversity into a lifelong mission of spreading joy. She discusses how she built the North Carolina-based company into a premier importer of Italian dinnerware and décor, and how faith, courage and mentorship helped her build an iconic brand while inspiring others to heal and thrive.

Episode 2: John Kasich, Former Governor of Ohio
Premieres Tuesday, October 13, 7 PM
John Kasich, former governor of Ohio, explores the spiritual and ethical obligations of leadership. He reflects on overcoming adversity, remaining guided by core values, holding onto hope for the nation and using one’s gifts to create a better world.

Episode 3: Katie Button, Executive Chef & CEO, Katie Button Restaurants
Premieres Tuesday, October 20, 7 PM
Katie Button, James Beard Award-nominated chef of Cúrate restaurant in Asheville, discusses why she abandoned a traditional career path for artistic fulfillment. She also reveals how true leadership emerges during adversity and how food serves as a powerful medium for human connection, gratitude and healing.

Episode 4: Dr. H. Edward Croom, President, University of Mount Olive
Premieres Tuesday, October 27, 7 PM
Dr. H. Edward Croom, president of the University of Mount Olive in Pitt County, explores the spiritual and human weight of leadership. He also reflects on the painful realities of organizational restructuring, building authentic trust through relationships and finding the daily courage to focus, dream and serve in an ever-changing world.

Additional episodes will air through March 2027. Visit pbsnc.org/SideBySide to catch up on previous episodes.

About the Host

Nido Qubein immigrated to the United States as a teen in search of a college education. He supported himself through college, attending Mount Olive College, then High Point University to receive his bachelor’s degree and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for graduate studies. His entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic led him to a variety of business ventures and leadership positions with Truist Financial Corporation, La-Z Boy Corporation and Great Harvest Bread Company. Since 2005, he has served as the president of High Point University. Dr. Qubein is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Daughters of the American Revolution Americanism Award and was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans. To learn more, visit High Point University’s website.

About PBS North Carolina

As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, Rootle PBS KIDS, the Explorer Channel and the North Carolina Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

-PBS NC-

Media Contact
For press info and resources, email press@pbsnc.org.