CHARLOTTE — Two former Charlotte city councilmen are competing against Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson and Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang in a prestigious podcast-industry awards program.
Charlotte-based “R&D in the NC” podcast, hosted by former Charlotte City Council members Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston, are a 2026 Signal Awards finalist for Best Video Podcast Co-Host Team.
Bokhari, a Republican, and Egleston, a Democrat, have produced more than 140 episodes over 9 years. The podcast started as a way for the two to recap Charlotte City Council meetings. It now is a widely listened to program that breaks down current events from different perspectives. The duo frequently interviews elected officials about current events, like the I-77 toll lane project and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools superintendent firing.
“The coolest part isn’t just being recognized; it’s what we were recognized for,” Tariq Bokhari said. “Larken and I built this around the idea that two people can disagree about plenty, still be friends, laugh together and have an interesting conversation. To see something we built here in Charlotte recognized on this kind of stage is pretty surreal.”
The Signal Awards will announce whether the duo have received a gold, silver or bronze award on Oct. 20. Bokhari and Egleston are also eligible for a Listener’s Choice Award.
The public can vote now through Oct. 15 here.
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