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Come journey with us as we explore and highlight the people and places that make the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains special and unique. We explore the towns, trails, rivers, scenic byways, businesses, and people that fuel the life & adventurous spirit in these mountains. Listen in on this relaxed conversational style podcast as host Mike Andress interviews Authors, Business Owners, Photographers, Athletes, Adventurers, Travelers and Friends who have a deep connection to the outdoors and directly influence the culture of the Blue Ridge. We’ll even explore the many ways nature & the outdoors can positivity influence our health and well being.
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Send us a text Every region has its stories, but few places weave storytelling into their cultural fabric quite like Appalachia. Bob Peck, the visionary behind Mountainwater Films, has dedicated himself to capturing these narratives through a lens that prioritizes authenticity above all else. When Hurricane Helene devastated much of Western North Carolina, Bob's storytelling took on new urgency. Through his documentary approach, he helped businesses like Asheville Tea Company—whose entire ope...
Send us a text What if the unexpected storm of the century could teach us about resilience and community strength? Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Russ Towers, the inspiring co-founder of Second Gear, as he recounts the tumultuous journey of his Asheville-based outdoor gear and consignment shop. From humble beginnings in West Asheville to a major expansion in the River Arts District, Second Gear thrived on blending new and used outdoor equipment. But when Hurricane Helene wreak...
Send us a text Come along with me as I embark on a snowy adventure at the newly revamped Hatley Pointe Ski Resort in Western North Carolina. Set against a picturesque winter backdrop, we explore this mountain gem, which has been transformed since Deb and David Hatley purchased it in March 2023. While I haven’t yet met the Hatleys, I’m already inspired by their vision and the distinct charm they've brought to this once-overlooked resort. Guests are treated to breathtaking views, cozy facilitie...
Send us a text Join us for an insightful and inspiring journey into the heart of Western North Carolina as we explore the region's remarkable resilience following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. In this episode, we speak with Amanda Baker from Outdoor NC, Brian Strong, Director of North Carolina State Parks, and biologist Doug Besler from the NC Wildlife Commission, as they share their expertise on the unprecedented flooding, park closures, and ongoing recovery efforts. Discover how stat...
Send us a textWhat happens when burnout from the film industry's hectic pace becomes a catalyst for an eco-entrepreneurial journey? Join us for an insightful conversation with Shelby Treichler, the creative force behind Cactus to Pine, as she shares her transformative path from working in props in bustling cities to finding peace within the climbing community. Shelby's journey is a testament to the power of passion and adaptability, as she reveals how she turned discarded climbing ropes into ...
Send us a text What if you could transform a dream into reality amidst the chaos of a global pandemic? Hartwell Carson did just that, and we're here to share his journey of turning a piece of family land into the Cold Spring Basecamp. Discover how this family-friendly destination swaps cumbersome tents for cozy cabins, positioning itself as the ultimate launchpad near popular hiking, biking, kayaking & fishing spots. Join us as we explore the unique features and craftsmanship of this rus...
Send us a text In this episode we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of mountain biking with Josh Whitmore, owner and head coach of Mountain Bike Skills Factory. Hear Josh's inspiring journey from his roots in Brevard, NC, to becoming a leading mountain bike instructor with over 25 years of coaching experience and a professional racing career. Josh explores the evolution of trails, the rise of bike parks like Kanuga, Chestnut Mountain, and Old Fort...and why certified instructi...
Send 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 ...
Send us a text Can 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 runo...
Send us a text My 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 explorati...
Send us a text Ever 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 prov...
Send us a text When 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 relation...
Send us a text The 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 geogra...
Send us a text From 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 h...
Send us a text Jared 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 ...
Send us a text In 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 ...
Send us a text In 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 nati...
Send us a text When 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 trai...
Send us a text In 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 evoluti...
Send us a text The 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 ri...
Send us a text What 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 par...
Send us a text What 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 powe...
Send us a text As 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...
Send us a text Join 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 co...
Send us a text Get 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 ...
Send us a text With 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...
Send us a text North 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 Linvil...
Send us a text Nestled 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 provid...
1Send us a text So, 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 c...
Send us a text In 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....
Send us a text Pat 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 F...
Send us a text Jason 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 work...
Send us a text The 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 ...
Send 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, ...
Send us a text Although 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 communicatio...
Send us a text In 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 a...
Send us a text In 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 skysc...
Send us a text In 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 tog...
Send us a text Sonya 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 l...
Send us a text In 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 ty...
Send us a text In 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 ...
Send us a text This 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 ...
Send us a text In 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 o...
Send us a text The 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 ...
Send us a text Damascus 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 ...
Send us a text I 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, Secr...
Send us a text The 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...
Send us a text Nearly 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 excur...
Send us a text It’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 t...
Send us a text In 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 ev...
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