Shows
Exploration LocalWander Far, Explore Local: A New Kind of AdventureSend us a textI'm redefining what adventure means after discovering the joy of exploring greenways and rail trails. From Colorado's Aspen-lined paths to Kentucky's riverside greenways, these accessible trails have transformed my understanding of meaningful outdoor experiences.• Experiencing the beauty of Breckenridge to Frisco on e-bikes amid golden Aspens• Discovering the Big Four Bridge and Ohio River Greenway during a Kentucky business trip• Seeing people of all ages and abilities enjoying the outdoors together on accessible trails• Exploring the Brevard Greenway and Thermal Belt Trail in North Carolina with my wife• Fi...
2025-04-2423 min
Exploration Local20 Years of Adventure: How Tom Dempsey and SylvanSport are Revolutionizing CampingSend us a textFor two decades, SylvanSport has been at the forefront of transforming outdoor adventures, redefining what it means to camp and explore the great outdoors. Founded by visionary Tom Dempsey, SylvanSport has combined innovation with a deep passion for nature, creating versatile and sustainable outdoor gear that has revolutionized the way we camp. As we celebrate 20 years of SylvanSport, we look back on the journey that brought this pioneering company to where it is today, and how Tom Dempsey’s vision has forever changed the camping experience.Tom takes us on a jo...
2024-08-1556 min
Exploration LocalRevitalizing the French Broad River: Green Infrastructure, Stormwater Strategies, and Community Action with Renee FortnerSend us a textCan green infrastructure save our rivers? Join us as we explore the French Broad River's transformation with Renee Fortner, Watershed Resources Manager at RiverLink. Discover RiverLink’s efforts in turning neglected riverfronts into community spaces and using innovative stormwater management strategies. Learn about projects like the Woodfin Greenway, Taylor's Wave, and Gateway Park in Asheville's River Arts District.Despite threats from industrial pollution and stormwater runoff, the resurgence of freshwater mussels offers hope. We'll discuss sedimentation's impact on aquatic life, the Clean Water Act, and local policies vital for river health. Ge...
2024-07-1758 min
Exploration LocalBehind the Mic: Mike Andress' Podcasting Journey and Storytelling AdventureSend us a textMy daughter takes on the role of interviewer, delving into the adventures that shaped my love for nature. From family trips across Europe in a converted Volkswagen van to the influence of my parents' adventurous spirits, we reflect on how these experiences molded my journey. Karsyn shares her own story of growing up in Western North Carolina, illustrating how our region's unique charm has fueled her own sense of adventure. Together, we celebrate the profound impact of exploration on our lives.Starting a podcast isn't always smooth sailing. We discuss the initial...
2024-06-2146 min
Exploration LocalWaypoint Adventure: Transforming Lives through Accessible Adventures, with Adam CombsSend us a textEver wondered how adventure can transform lives? Join us as we chat with Adam Combs, the passionate co-founder of Waypoint Adventure. Adam shares the remarkable journey of Waypoint in making outdoor experiences like rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking accessible to individuals with disabilities. Discover how cutting-edge adaptive equipment and specialized programs are breaking barriers and helping participants discover their strengths while building confidence.Adam provides an inside look into Waypoint's customized adventure programs tailored for a variety of groups, from schools to social service agencies. Hear about their exciting collaboration with North C...
2024-06-0753 min
Exploration LocalUnstoppable Strides: Finding Empowerment Through Trail Running, with Tera PruettSend us a textWhen Tera Pruett took her first strides on a winding trail, little did she know that each step was a journey away from the shadows of depression and toward a life of empowerment and community. On our latest episode, this trailblazing founder of Unstoppable recounts the transformative power of trail running, not just for her but for countless women seeking rejuvenation and connection in the great outdoors. Through her compelling narrative, Tera illuminates the symbiotic relationship between physical endurance and mental fortitude, and how the simple act of running can cultivate a sanctuary for...
2024-05-2444 min
Exploration LocalVenturing Through the French Broad Paddle Trail with MountainTrue's Jack HendersonSend us a textThe French Broad is home to more than 40 access points and 20 riverside campsites managed by federal, state, and local governments; non-profits; businesses and volunteers.In this episode I sit down with Jack Henderson from Mountain True and we talk in depth about the French Broad Paddle Trail. From the tranquil banks of Rosman to the distant shores of Douglas Lake, Tennessee, we unveil the geographical tale of the French Broad River.But our adventure doesn't end with geography. We delve into the heart of conservation, where collaboration is the key...
2024-04-2651 min
Exploration LocalRevitalizing Canton, NC: Chestnut Mountain Park and the Future of Ecotourism, with Nick ScheuerSend us a textFrom its industrial past to a future teeming with eco-tourism and innovation, Canton's story is one of resilience and transformation.In this episode, I sit down with Nick Scheuer, Canton’s Town Manager, and we delve into the captivating story of Chestnut Mountain Park, a sprawling 450-acre sanctuary helping to reshape Canton's economic and recreational landscape. We navigate the currents of Chestnut Mountain's impact on local businesses and the town's identity, illuminating how embracing outdoor recreation is propelling Canton into a new era of prosperity and purpose. We take a peek at th...
2024-04-1254 min
Exploration LocalBoarding for Change: Jared Lee's Skating and Snowboarding Journey from Passion to Community ImpactSend us a textJared Lee's tale is a testament to the power of community and perseverance. From advocating for a skatepark at town hall meetings as a youngster to seeing the fruits of his labor in the form of a state-of-the-art facility, his journey underscores the significance of mentorship and communal effort. His influence extends beyond the skatepark; it's felt in the passion he instills in others, and in the way he champions environmental protection. It's a narrative that celebrates the collaborative spirit—how a united community can shape thriving environments for youth to chase their athletic dr...
2024-03-1944 min
Exploration LocalMountain Biking and Cultural Reawakening with Laura Blythe, Eastern Band Cherokee Indians & 7 Moons MTBSend us a textIn this episode I sit down with Laura Blythe, a citizen of the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians, as she shares her transformative experience through mountain biking. We delve into the Seven Moons Mountain Biking program, where Laura intertwines her vibrant Cherokee heritage into every pedal stroke on the Fire Mountain Trails system. Discover how this program transcends fitness, serving as a bridge between past and present, while nurturing a community that rides together and grows together.Laura paints a vivid picture of the Seven Moons program, where participants pedal through rides rich...
2024-03-0152 min
Exploration LocalDiscovering the Joys of Southeast Skiing with Mike Doble: Innovations, Conditions, and CommunitySend us a textIn this episode, we're hitting the trails with Mike Doble, the driving force behind SkiSoutheast.com. We'll dive into the heart of the region's ski industry, guided by Mike's passion and dedication. From the humble beginnings of his websites to their current status as community pillars, Mike's honest reporting has kept skiers and snowboarders informed with real-time conditions and live camera feeds. Hear about the growth of local resorts and the rise of local talent on the national stage like Zeb Powell & Lili Bauer.We'll explore the vital role of snowmaking technology...
2024-02-1557 min
Exploration LocalFrom Corporate Life to Camping Innovation: Brent Nelson's Journey and the Community Fueled by Tentrax TrailersSend us a textWhen Brent Nelson swapped his corporate badge for the wild call of entrepreneurship, little did he know that his family RV trip would spark the creation of Tentrax, a beacon for adventurers seeking the ultimate in compact, customizable camping trailers. His story, infused with the warmth of a community brought together by a love for the outdoors, unfolds in our latest episode. We trace his journey from structured office life to the helm of a company that's not just selling trailers, but facilitating memories and friendships in the great outdoors.Our conversation...
2024-01-3156 min
Exploration LocalHistoric Tapoco Lodge: Where Adventure and Sanctuary Meet, with Valerie FrappSend us a textIn this episode I sit down with Valerie Frapp, General Manager of the Historic Tapoco Lodge. We delve into the rich history, timeless design, and unparalleled craftsmanship that define this haven, virtually unchanged since its establishment in 1930. The Lodge's spacious and inviting layout, featuring the Tapoco dining room, Laurel Lounge Whiskey Bar, grand fireplace, library, and riverside seating with firepits, continues to captivate visitors.Discover the fascinating evolution of the Historic Tapoco Lodge through Valerie's insights into its 27 unique rooms, ranging from rustic cabins to luxurious suites, and the 11 enchanting hiking trails...
2023-12-2048 min
Exploration LocalExploring the Allure of Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina's Lush Riverscape, with David StellingSend us a textThe trout streams in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Great Smoky mountains of North Carolina make North Carolina a premier fly fishing destination. In fact, North Carolina is the most popular destination in the entire Eastern United States for trout fishing boasting over 3,000 miles of streams teaming with fish.In this episode I sit down with David Stelling, the owner of High Country Guide Service, as he shares the extraordinary allure of fly fishing in North Carolina's lush riverscapes. David reveals his passion for fly fishing, his deep roots in the community...
2023-12-061h 00
Exploration LocalExploring North Carolina's Outdoors Thoughtfully & Responsibly, with Outdoor NC's Amanda BakerSend us a textWhat if you had the keys to unlock the beauty of North Carolina's outdoors responsibly? Today, I'm thrilled to take you on a journey with Amanda Baker, Partner Marketing Manager for the innovative Outdoor NC program. Together, we'll uncover the program's genesis, its three major components, and its key partnerships. The program is a trailblazer, centered around a noble cause - educating North Carolinians and visitors on the importance of responsible outdoor recreation. In partnership with Uproar Concept and Tourism Impact Services, Outdoor NC is leading a movement to transform how tourists a...
2023-11-2141 min
Exploration LocalBreaking Down Barriers: A Conversation with Earl B Hunter Jr, Black Folks Camp TooSend us a textWhat does it take to break barriers and invite more Black folks into the great outdoors? In this episode we unpack that, and a whole lot more as I sit down with Earl B Hunter, Jr. with Black Folks Camp Too to recap all the happenings since the last time Earl was on the show. Only this time, we go deeper.We reflect on Earl's transformational journey and how his high school football coach had a profound impact on his life. Earl's belief that 'a change gonna come' resonates powerfully with the...
2023-10-2543 min
Exploration LocalBridging the Gap: SAV Sankaran on Identity, Inclusion, and the OutdoorsSend us a textAs a person of color, SAV's experiences in the outdoor world have not just shaped him, but also profoundly transformed his outlook on life, community, and identity. His inspiring journey is a testament to the power of the outdoors in fostering a sense of belonging, and why it's essential to extend this inclusivity into the workplace.From his humble beginnings with a weekend job at Orvis, Sav Sankaran has gone on to play a pivotal role in the company's corporate landscape. His experiences navigating the outdoor industry as a person of color...
2023-10-1138 min
Exploration LocalDiving into North Carolina's Tourism Landscape with Visit NC's Wit TuttellSend us a textJoin us in a captivating journey with Witt Tuttle, the Executive Director of Visit North Carolina, as we unravel the scenic beauty and cultural diversity that makes North Carolina the sixth most visited state in the country. We pry into the heart of responsible tourism marketing, focusing on how it caters not only to the visitors but also to the culture, people, and picturesque locations that define the uniqueness of North Carolina. Together with Witt, we unveil how Visit NC collaborates with local tourism offices to spotlight the state’s breathtaking landscapes and ad...
2023-09-2836 min
Exploration LocalExploring the WNC Outdoor Industry: A Conversation with Matt Godfrey, Executive Director of the Outdoor Business AllianceSend us a textGet ready to get inspired! Meet our guest for today, Matt Godfrey, the Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance, a man who wears many hats - advocate, business leader, educator, and much more. Matt is no stranger to the outdoor industry, he's been instrumental in shaping it from his early days as a founding board member of the Outdoor Business Alliance. Experience his journey as we walk through the different stages of his career; from his time at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly and corporate America, to his role in a startup.
2023-09-0650 min
Exploration LocalMADE X MTNS: Building, Growing, and Amplifying the WNC Outdoor Recreation Industry w/ Amy AllisonSend us a textWith unmatched natural assets and a community intimately engaged in the outdoors, Western North Carolina is the outdoor industry hub of the east, and in 2021 a campaign was launched to develop a regional brand that celebrates and grows the outdoor industry across 24 counties. Today, that campaign has blossomed into a full blown partnership called MADE X MTNS (Made by Mountains). In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with Amy Allison, Partnership Director, to talk about how MADE X MTNS is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy a...
2023-08-1658 min
Exploration LocalExploring North Carolina Rock Climbing with Fox Mountain Guides, Forrest StavishSend us a textNorth Carolina is undeniably home to the best traditional rock climbing in the South. From beginners' routes to multi-pitch thrillers, North Carolina has it all, including the tallest rock face on the East Coast.In this episode I sit down with one of Fox Mountin’s Guides, Forrest Stavish. He started climbing in 2004 after being introduced to bouldering at Rumbling Bald, NC, and not long after that bouldering trip, he got his first taste of exposure on Table Rock in the Linville Gorge. Since then, Forrest has climbed extensively in North Ca...
2023-07-3154 min
Exploration LocalThe Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald: A True Appalachian Experience, with Lisa AdlerSend us a textNestled between Little and Big Sandy Mush Balds, at an elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level, lies one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited in the Blue Ridge Mountains; The Cabins at Sandy Mush Bald, an off-grid and authentic Appalachian experience, located on 500 private acres atop the Newfound Mountains in Western North Carolina.The Cabins at Sandy Mush started as a dream of the founder, John “Doc” Adler who longed to create a hike-in facility that provided a sense of hard-earned awe just like he found on the...
2023-07-1245 min
Exploration LocalUproar Concept: Creative Content Experts, with Nathan Jordan & Derek DiluzioSend us a textSo, what do you get when a talented photographer who creates one of a kind visual content for companies like Patagonia, Land Rover, Our State, and numerous Tourism Authorities - partners with an award-winning creative director who develops designs and messages for organizations like Explore Brevard, Biltmore Estate, Earth Fare and a broad range of tourism, outdoor adventure nonprofits and cultural heritage clients? Answer: A pretty RAD company making its mark in WNC’s outdoor community. That company is The Uproar Concept.In this episode I sit down with Derek DiLuzio an...
2023-06-2953 min
Exploration LocalBuilding Community & Making Memories with BRAVO (Blue Ridge Adventures Vision Optional)Send us a textIn this episode I sit down with very special guests Layla & Stacey Hildenbran, and Jay Hardwig from BRAVO which is Blue Ridge Adventures – Vision Optional, whose mission is To provide outdoor enrichment programsto youth with blindness and low vision. This is an especially fun episode for me because I have been hearing about Layla’s story since my wife taught her in first grade six years ago. She is a super special girl who is completely blind…and pursues life full on. And it’s not by accident. Her parents...
2023-06-1547 min
Exploration LocalChasing Waterfalls & Pursuing Life with Retired Pro Extreme Kayaker Pat KellerSend us a textPat Keller is known for his waterfall first descents as well as being a repeat winner of the coveted Green Race, winning the Great Falls Race and the inaugural Rey del Rio Waterfall World Championships in Mexico where he battled the world’s top boaters over three back-to-back waterfalls—a 25-footer, a 55-footer and a 35-footer. Accolades also include being a two-time Teva Mountain Games winner and the first Descents as I just mentioned including: Toxaway Falls, Linville Falls, Valser Rhein Falls, Cane Creek Falls, Wolf Creek Falls, and Ozone Falls. All th...
2023-06-021h 04
Exploration LocalO.G.R.E. (Outdoor Gear & Recreation Equipment) with CEO, Jason BowmanSend us a textJason Bowman grew up in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia chasing brook trout and working on trucks. Today he lives in Brevard, N.C. and still chases trout and works on trucks. The only difference today is that he’s a little bit older, LIVING with Stage 4 prostate cancer, a USMC Veteran, family man, business owner and creator in the outdoor gear space, and he spends as much time on the coast surfing as he does fishing the local rivers these days. Oh, and the trucks he works at O.G.R.E. on...
2023-05-181h 07
Exploration Local2023 NC Year of the TrailSend us a textThe NC Year of the Trail celebrates North Carolina’s vast and diverse collection of trails, greenways, and blueways which showcase its diverse landscapes – grand mountain vistas, quiet rivers, vibrant urban greenways, coastal forests, and the rolling hills of the piedmont.These trails not only help make NC a healthier, more accessible, and fun place to live, they also strengthen the economy in a big way. You see, the outdoor recreation industry in NC has an economic impact of over 28 billion dollars and provides over 260,000 jobs in the state. Trails are the...
2022-12-1957 min
Exploration LocalNorth Carolina: Home of North America's Most Popular Christmas Tree with Dr. Jim HamiltonSend us a textThe North Carolina Fraser Fir Christmas tree is the most popular Christmas tree in North America, but did you know they are shipped into every state in the U.S. as well as the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, Japan and other points all over the world. The cool temperatures and large amounts of rainfall in the mountains of North Carolina create the perfect climate for Fraser firs. So, it’s easy to understand how over 50 million Fraser firs are grown in North Carolina, and that the Fraser Fir has been judged the Na...
2022-12-0249 min
Exploration LocalFinding Clarity & Purpose In A Colorado Gap Semester, with Karsyn AndressSend us a textAlthough widely accepted in Europe since the 1960’s, the thought of a gap year in our western culture makes many people, especially parents, uneasy and questioning whether the experience will be fruitful. But a 2015 study at Temple University found that the gap year experience had proved fruitful and unanimously positive: 98% said their year had helped them develop as a person, 96% found it increased their self-confidence, and 93% agreed that it had increased their communications skills. Many also reported that their gap year helped them acquire skills to be successful in their careers, develop a gr...
2022-11-1641 min
Exploration LocalWilderness Cove Campground: Transforming An Outdoor Adventure Retreat, with Andrew GarciaSend us a textIn this episode I sit down with Andrew Garcia, who is the Managing Partner of Outdoor Adventure Partners. His company purchased the Wilderness Cove Campground along the lower Green River last Thanksgiving, and immediately began making improvements to the property in January of this year. We talk in depth about the new vision for this property and their desire to be good stewards of the land and be involved in the tight knit Green River Cove community. We also talk about all of the amazing improvements made so f...
2022-10-3150 min
Exploration LocalBlue Ridge Dreaming, with Mike PoggioliSend us a textIn this episode I sit down with Mike Poggioli, who is one of these rare photographers who truly meditates on his subject before shooting, and his passion for the craft is obvious. While living in Chicago in 2015, Poggioli's love of photography grew, fueled by the city's singular architecture and its orange-hued streetlights in the rain. Winding career paths eventually led him to Asheville, North Carolina, where he found a new appreciation for landscapes entirely devoid of skyscrapers and blurry subway cars. His upcoming collection, Blue Ridge Dreaming, is the product of meticulously timed...
2022-10-1242 min
Exploration LocalWhy Stories & Experiences Are Better Than Stuff: Emily Jackson, Co-Host The Great Family AdventureSend us a textIn this episode I sit down with Emily Jackson and we unpack how her adventurous childhood created such a solid foundation for her own life, that she couldn’t comprehend a different way of life. She is an accomplished professional kayaker, mom, wife, businesswoman, co-host of The Great Family Adventure TV series, and friend to so many. We talk about how her most clear recollection of her family’s happiness stemmed from a decision to live fulltime in a RV to pursue life together, forged on a mission to provide experiences and n...
2022-09-291h 11
Exploration LocalStaples InTents: Helping People of Color Experience Life-Changing Effects of The OutdoorsSend us a textSonya and Necota Staples started their camping journey just a few short years ago and it quickly snowballed into off-roading and overlanding. With their newfound love of glamping, they wanted to share it with their friends and family, but no one understood why they wanted to “rough it” outside. So they started making YouTube videos to educate and encourage friends, family, and the Black and Brown community to experience the life-changing effect of the outdoors. Their newfound love and passion to experience the outdoors together made such a huge impression on them, that they beca...
2022-09-1456 min
Exploration LocalFueling Adventures One Bite At A Time, with Lee “Natty” TrebotitchSend us a textIn this episode I sit down with Lee Trebotich, aka “Natty”. He created Food For Adventures for the outdoor athletes and weekend warriors who seek adventure, and to share the stoke of eating well in the outdoors. We talk about the long line of cooks he comes from, and how he grew up helping his mom in the kitchen where he learned how to cook exclusively with cast-iron. Besides being an amazing Outdoor Chef, Natty is just an all around awesome guy to be around. He’s the t...
2022-09-0157 min
Exploration Local“As Appalachian As It Gets” with Steven Reinhold, The Appalachian Adventure CompanySend us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Steven Reinhold, The Appalachian Adventure Company Co-Founder + Steward of the Stoke, who has been a force in the outdoor industry for many years. He is an avid explorer and adventure philanthropist who has been fortunate to pursue his passions around the globe. After climbing several of North America's most iconic peaks with the industry's leading guide services, Steven determined that mountain guides were the coolest people on the planet. One of the greatest outcomes of all of these experiences - he realized he truly found his...
2022-08-1858 min
Exploration LocalLake Toxaway: Rich History & A Story Of A Mountain Lake’s Resurrection, with John Nichols IIISend us a textThis is a special episode because it is a story of a remarkable place and fascinating history, told through the eyes of third generation resident, John Nichols III, whose grandfather helped restore Lake Toxaway to its former glory in the early 1960s. We talk about John’s earliest recollections of growing up in Lake Toxaway, living in what is now known as the Greystone, warm days summer & cool nights, lightning bugs, the sounds of nature, and a simpler way of life. There is an atmosphere surrounding Lake Toxaway that in John’s words, is n...
2022-08-0346 min
Exploration LocalWrong Way Lodge & Cabin Campground: Connecting Guests With The Transformational Qualities Of The OutdoorsSend us a textIn this episode, Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins owners Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele dropped by the studio to hang out and talk about their love and vision for Wrong Way, the transformational qualities of the outdoors, and the intentionality of creating a sense of place. Both are former whitewater raft guides turned trailblazing entrepreneurs. They came up with the idea for Wrong Way over the shared desire to get back on the river and encourage others to connect with the outdoors, have inspiring experiences, and experience a little local culture....
2022-07-131h 02
Exploration LocalWNC Kayaking Group Holds Inaugural Festival To Build Community & Give Back, with Crom Carey - Co-founder of WACKOSend us a textThe word community is, without question, central to the human experience. It conveys a sense of togetherness and positivity. Being a part of a community can make us feel as though we are a part of something greater than ourselves. And in some outdoor pursuits, community is key for a safe and enjoyable experience. That is definitely true when it comes to whitewater kayaking.In this episode I travel down to the Green River Ranch to take part in the Inaugural GRASS Festival, and I sit down with Crom Carey, event...
2022-06-0151 min
Exploration LocalDamascus, Virginia: Trail Town USA, Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail & Home of the Virginia Creeper TrailSend us a textDamascus is a small town with a big claim to fame: Seven nationally known trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail intersect within the town’s borders. The Damascus lifestyle is adventurous and creative, yet laid-back and well-paced. It’s a place where you can be super-active, or where you can reconnect with nature, rejuvenate, and find your inner peace. Damascus is also a gateway town to Mount Rogers, the highest point in the state of Virginia with a summit elevation of 5,729 feet, as well as nearby...
2022-05-1142 min
Exploration LocalEnsuring A Vibrant Future For The Outdoor Economy & Communities w/ Gayle Conelly Manchin & D. Reid WilsonSend us a textI recently had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina, where 600 outdoor industry businesses, conservationists, public land managers, development experts, nonprofit & government leaders, and entrepreneurs are looking to grow the outdoor industry in their communities and craft an economy that’s intimately tied to the quality and health of their places.I had the distinct honor of sitting down with D. Reid Wilson, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, who is implementing the largest investment in outdoor recreation in No...
2022-04-2754 min
Exploration LocalHickory Nut Gorge State Trail: A Magnificent Jewel in Western North Carolina, with Peter BarrSend us a textThe Hickory Nut Gorge is a magnificent jewel in the mountains of Western North Carolina. This 14-mile-long canyon cuts a picturesque pass exposing spectacular sheer granite cliffs, and contains an abundance of undisturbed forests.In this episode, I sit down with Peter Barr who led the development of more than 20 miles of new sustainable trails as well as the legislative authorization of the planned 130-mile Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail network. He is a two-time national award-winning trail designer, receiving recognition for outstanding construction and design for the three-mile Wildcat Rock...
2022-03-3049 min
Exploration LocalFull-time RV Living: A WNC Couple Creating A Lifetime of Memories & Shared ExperiencesSend us a textNearly 10.2 million Americans today consider themselves digital nomads—people who travel and explore while working—and that number is only expected to go up. In fact, when COVID started to wreak havoc in 2020, the number of digital nomads in the US increased by nearly 50% from 2019. In the case of fulltime RV’ers Peter and Allison Barr, they started making plans for a 5-year journey around the United States long before the COVID Crisis. Drawing on years of extended summer excursions, spring breaks and vacations, Peter & Allison yearned for an opportunity to explore and create...
2022-03-1459 min
Exploration LocalFoot Rx Running: A Mission Minded Small Business Providing Healthy Footwear from Ultra Runners to Casual WalkersSend us a textIt’s no surprise the last couple of years have been a challenge for small businesses. And it’s likely that we all know someone whose life and business has been adversely affected by the pandemic. We’ve seen longtime businesses struggle, companies pivot, bankruptcies filed, and doors closed. But thankfully there are also positive stories and good that has come about because of the pandemic too. There are stories of communities rallying to support local business, people looking to the outdoors as a respite for mental & physical health (sometimes for the first time...
2022-02-2854 min
Exploration LocalMast General Store: Still Serving Communities The Down-Home WaySend us a textIn this episode, I head to Banner Elk, NC to visit with Tracy Tilley & Sheri Moretz for a behind the scenes look at the iconic Mast General Store. We take a trip back in time and learn how the Mast's down-home way of doing business is still alive today. Drawing on it's own story of resurgence, its no surprise that part of what adds to the nostalgic charm of the Mast General Store experience is their intentional alignment with areas undergoing revitalization. Buildings at every Mast location have interesting stories to tell about...
2022-02-141h 02
Exploration LocalMountain True: Championing resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities, with Josh KellySend us a textOur public lands are among the most visited in the Southern Blue Ridge. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests receive over 10 million visitors annually, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are in the top 3 most visited parks in the Country. DuPont State Recreational Forest had its most crowded year ever last year, recording 1.3 million visitors. People love coming here and we can’t blame them. But declining budgets have stressed the U.S. Forest Service and led to closures at campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, & roads. In the last 20 ye...
2022-01-3153 min
Exploration LocalConserving Carolina: Protecting Wonderful Places For Nature And PeopleSend us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Kieran Roe, Executive Director of Conserving Carolina and we talk about how this organization works to protect & restore natural resources, as well as inspire others to love and care for our natural world. We talk about some of the areas that make up the 46,000 acres Conserving Carolina has helped to protect like Chimney Rock State Park, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Headwaters State Forest, as well as additions to the Green River Game Land and Pisgah National Forest. We also talk about how Conserving Carolina...
2022-01-1853 min