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Deep in the Woods
Deep in the Woods
Author: Andrew McEntyre
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© 2026 Deep in the Woods
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A podcast like no other—recorded entirely while walking in nature. Each episode follows host Andrew McEntyre and a guest as they explore various topics all guided by a single word chosen by the guest. This unique format invites raw, meaningful conversations shaped by movement, place, and the power of words. Take a walk with us into the woods and uncover the stories that connect us all.
27 Episodes
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Send a text A single word can open a whole landscape, and today that word is return. We set out along the Pigeon Hill Trail—where this show first began—to see how cycles in nature, story, and daily life shape who we become when we come back. What looks like a loop is actually a spiral: the place may seem familiar, but your eyes are not the same. We dig into the tension between awakening and routine. Mindfulness is powerful, but it isn’t a finish line to live on forever; it’s a practice that ...
Send a text What happens to our minds when we step away from constant connection? In this immersive conversation with Eric Graves, Executive Director of the Len Foote Hike Inn, we discover the profound mental health benefits that emerge when we disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and each other. Walking through the Chattahoochee National Forest near Amicalola Falls, Eric reveals how the backcountry lodge he oversees has become more than just a destination—it's a sanctuary fo...
Send a text The humble mushroom might be the most misunderstood organism on our planet. Walking Arabia Mountain with mycology expert Darling Ngoh reveals a hidden world of intelligence networks pulsing beneath our feet—without a single brain cell in sight. Mushrooms are reshaping how we understand intelligence itself. While exploring the unique granite landscape of this Georgia landmark, we discover that fungal networks operate with startling efficiency, solving complex problems that baffle ...
Send a text What if history isn’t just something we remember, but something we carry, share, and keep alive through stories? Walking through Austin, Texas's Zilker Park with award-winning Chickasaw storyteller Amy Bluemel transforms a conversation about history into a profound exploration of human connection, cultural preservation, and the universal language of storytelling. Amy immediately challenges our modern assumptions by revealing how storytellers functioned as historians before ...
Send a text Walking through a cemetery in Marietta, Georgia creates the perfect backdrop for contemplating time – that elusive concept we all experience yet struggle to understand. What happens when we recognize that our past and future exist only as stories we tell ourselves? During this solitary walk among thousands of gravestones, I share a recent dream where I met both past and future versions of myself, sparking profound questions about how we perceive time. Drawing from philosophers li...
Send a text Deep in the Woods Season 3, Episode 1: Freedom Welcome to Deep in the Woods with Andrew McEntyre, where storytelling meets the mysteries of life. Season 3 begins with a powerful episode on freedom, exploring personal and political liberties through the firsthand experiences of Tessie Peace. Walking through Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw, Georgia, Tessie recounts her time living in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, a period that reshaped an entire nation overnight. She shares de...
Send a text In this special bonus episode of Deep in the Woods, I take a unique approach—stepping into the kitchen with Damiao Wang as we prepare a meal for the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year. Damiao shares the word homage and reflects on the traditions, ancestral reverence, and cultural stories that make this celebration so meaningful. As we cook dishes like shrimp stir-fry, dumplings, and Guobao Rou, Damiao recounts childhood memories of fireworks, family gatherings, and ho...
Send a text In this thoughtful season finale, Andrew McEntyre returns to the East Palisades with Eugene O'Donnell to finish a conversation filled with reflections on faith, resilience, and life’s challenges. Together, they explore the valleys we face and the transformative growth that can emerge from them. Eugene reflects on his recovery from an injury on this very trail: "At the time, I thought it was just a stupid ankle thing. Now I realize there was a lot more loaded into that, and God had...
Send a text Andrew McEntyre takes us deeper into the theme of "Comebacks" in part two of his conversation with Eugene O'Donnell as they continue their walk on the Whitewater or East Palisades Trail in Atlanta, GA. This episode connects the dots between historical resilience, personal growth, and the powerful reconstruction of faith. Reflecting on Atlanta's journey from devastation to a global hub, Eugene shares, "Sometimes those trials can really make a huge difference in your life." Th...
Send a text In this deeply reflective episode of Deep in the Woods, we take a walk along the East Palisades or Whitewater Trail by the Chattahoochee River with Eugene O'Donnell, an Atlanta native and seasoned hiker who has experienced life’s highs and lows. Against the backdrop of flowing waters, golden autumn leaves, and a tranquil morning mist, Eugene shares his insights on the word “Comeback” — a theme that resonates throughout his journey of physical recovery, spiritual growth, and person...
Send a text In this episode of Deep in the Woods, Andrew McEntyre and guest Keith King take a walk along the peaceful banks of the Oostanaula River. They dive into the layered challenges of building community, supporting families in need, and wrestling with the concept of responsibility—both personal and collective. Against the backdrop of changing leaves and crisp fall air, they explore the meaning of "doing the work," not just as a task, but as a commitment to serve others, no matter how me...
Send a text Welcome to Deep in the Woods, a podcast that journeys through the natural world, exploring profound words and uncovering their connections to our lives. Each episode delves into a specific theme or word, reflecting on its significance through thoughtful conversations and immersive hikes. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back Dan Vollaro, an English professor and writer, including his essay collection "Reservoir: Tales from the Other Jersey." Together, we explore t...
Send a text Welcome to the Deep in the Woods Podcast, where we embark on a journey through the natural world, explore profound words, and uncover the connections they hold in our lives.In today's episode, I have the pleasure of taking a walk with Tim Villegas, who has chosen the word "Belonging." Tim serves as the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) and hosts both the Think Inclusive podcast and his recent project, "Inclusion Stories." Before h...
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Send a text Welcome to the Deep in the Woods podcast, where we delve into the profound meanings of everyday words and the places they lead us. In this special episode, we continue our exploration of the word "sacred," taking you on a journey through time and memory. In the last installment, we explored the historic McEntyre home from the 1840s and 1850s, reflecting on the concept of sacredness as something set apart with greater meaning. Today, we pick up where we left off, delving deeper int...
Send a text Welcome to the Deep in the Woods podcast, where we dive into the impact of language while exploring meaningful places from our lives. In this episode, I take you on a stroll around an old farm with a house that belonged to my great-great-great grandparents, William Tedford McEntyre and Sarah Hall McEntyre. We'll be exploring and digging deep into the word "Sacred." We'll dig into family history, reflecting on whether stories from our ancestors carry the same weight as those from o...
Send a text In this special reunion episode, join hosts Dan Vollaro, Ryan Cherry, Ryan Tomlinson, Cade Curtis, and Andrew McEntyre as they embark on a reflective journey through the past year of the 'Deep in the Woods' podcast. The theme of 'Crossroads' becomes the guiding thread, weaving connections between the diverse topics explored in each of their individual episodes. Together, they take a moment to 'be in the present,' delving into the evolution of the podcast over the past year and sha...
Send a text On Episode 8 of the Deep in the Woods podcast, we take boat ride onto Allatoona Lake with my dad, Dale McEntyre. He has chosen the word, "Fishing." We discuss how he started fishing, why he finds it to be relaxing and exciting, and some memories we had as a family around the fishing pole and bass boat. He also tells some mysterious stories including one where his bait was levitating high up in the air. Key quote: "Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing th...
Send a text On Episode 7 of the Deep in the Woods podcast, Damiao Wang and I walk a trail located behind the Rock Garden in Calhoun, GA. This garden included miniaturized versions of castles and other buildings that allow you to walk around and explore. Damiao is from China and has been living in the United States since early 2020. In China, he worked as an electrical engineer and co-owned a coffee shop and bakery. For our discussion, he has chosen the word "Genes" or "Genetics," which ...
Send a text On episode 6 of the Deep in the Woods podcast, I take a walk at Pooles Mill Bridge Park located in Forsyth County, GA. We talk with Tammy Deal about the word, "Inclusion." Tammy is a huge advocate and supporter of students and adults with disabilities. It is her passion and heart to serve this community, and she has given her time and energy to see their betterment! As we walk through the old bridge and avoid hornets as well as watch young kids swim in the creek, we discuss our ow...



