Episodes

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I sit down with Executive Producer Michael Foley and Director Christopher Pike to talk about Scars on the Mountain, their feature documentary now streaming on Angel Studios. Foley shares what it was like to mobilize with volunteer helicopters, deliver medicine, and witness a grassroots rescue effort that became Operation Helo. Chris walks through the hardest part of the work: earning trust in small mountain towns, holding space for grief, and refusing to make ...

Send us Fan Mail For Sarah and Eric Rehmann, a dream of a different kind of life eventually led them to the mountains of Western North Carolina — and to an eleven-acre property that became the foundation for Cullowheegee Farms. What began as a small batch of handmade soap grew into a collection of natural goods inspired by the land, the seasons, and the values they live by. But this isn’t just a story about soap. It’s a story about listening to a place, building community, and allowing the la...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Kota of Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina as they celebrate 30 years of protecting the landscapes of western North Carolina. We talk about the work happening across eight counties, why protecting the headwaters of the Broad, Catawba, and Yadkin rivers matters to millions of people downstream, and how conservation today shapes the places we'll explore tomorrow. Our conversation centers on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail—how it's...

Send us Fan Mail What started as a podcast about trails, towns, rivers, and destinations has become something deeper: an exploration of the relationship between people and place. In this episode, I step back to trace how that realization formed over time. From conservationists protecting land corridors and trail builders connecting communities to tourism leaders balancing growth and preservation, seemingly different stories reveal a common thread—connection, stewardship, identity, and belongi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Bradley Siegel (community planner at Equinox) and Carol Groben (Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa) to unpack the story behind the proposed Swannanoa Greenway. The idea reaches back to flood planning after the 2004 storms and a 2010 greenway feasibility study that never turned into construction. Helene changed everything: the river’s path, the community’s priorities, and the stakes. Now the question is not just “Where should a trail go?” but “...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Deb Hatley shares the story behind rebuilding the former Wolf Ridge into Hatley Pointe — from major infrastructure challenges and leadership lessons to a bigger vision centered on hospitality, community, and creating a boutique mountain experience that feels intentional from the moment guests arrive. We talk about first impressions of the mountain, the unexpected renovation challenges that led to a full rebuild, and how every detail of the guest journey is be...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I am joined by Shannon Odom, executive director of the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority, to unpack why this corner of Western North Carolina is gaining serious momentum, and how it’s doing it in a way that feels rooted, welcoming, and real. We talk trails first, because the growth is undeniable: new mileage on the ground, rebuilt sections after Hurricane Helene, and the validation that comes with Old Fort joining the North Carolina Trail Towns Net...

Send us a text What happens when a small North Carolina factory lets the trail—not the spec sheet—make the call? We sit down with Doreen O’Malley and Brent Graves from Cane Creek to unpack 30 years of curiosity, craft, and rider-first design. From rugged Pisgah prototypes to components trusted around the world, they’ve shaped everything from headsets and titanium cranks to the legendary Thudbuster seatpost and Invert Gravel Fork—all designed to make every ride smoother, more controlled, and m...

Send us a text In this episode I sit down with South Yellow Mountain Preserve manager Park Greer to share the full, behind-the-scenes story: the surprise Earth Day donation, the eight months of deed work and surveying across a 33-mile boundary, and the careful plan that turned a generous transfer into a resilient, living landscape. Park brings a rare mix of park ranger experience and land surveying chops, and it shows. He walks us through the amphibolite bedrock that fuels calcium-rich soils...

Send us a text I sit down with advocate and author Palmer McIntyre to explore how North Carolina grew into the Great Trail State—and why that identity now shapes health, local business, and everyday life. Palmer shares the story behind Great Trail State Day, the annual October celebration that invites everyone to step onto a nearby path and bring a friend along. We trace the momentum that began during the pandemic, grew through Year of the Trail, and led to more than $61 million in sta...

Send us a text As outdoor tourism continues to grow, how can mountain communities plan with intention—not just for visitors, but for the residents, businesses, and natural spaces that make them unique? In this episode of Exploration Local, I sit down with Corrina Ruffieux, Executive Director of Visit Haywood, to talk about Haywood County’s innovative approach to tourism. Their comprehensive 10-year destination master plan is designed not just to attract visitors, but to do so in a way that al...

Send us a text Trail by trail, North Carolina is weaving a network of connections that transforms how we move, gather, and experience our communities. The Ecusta Trail stands as a prime example—a visionary 20-mile rail-to-trail corridor that will soon link Hendersonville to Brevard along a historic railroad line that once united these mountain towns. Joan Lyons and Emma Pindur, engineers with JMT, bring complementary perspectives to this transformative work. Joan studied in the Netherlands, ...

Send us a text I'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 enjoyi...

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 opera...

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 wreaked ...

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 were treated to breathtaking views, cozy facilities...

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 state ...

Send us a text What 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 un...

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 rustic ret...

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 instruction is es...

Send us a Text Message. For 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, a...

Send us a Text Message. 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 stormwat...

Send us a Text Message. 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 exp...

Send us a Text Message. 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...