Exploration Local
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.
Show episodes
Preserving Appalachia: The Power of Documentary Storytelling with Mountainwater Films
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 deva
Rising Above the Storm: The Resilience and Community Spirit Behind Second Gear's Revival
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 hum
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
Recovering Western North Carolina: Resilience, Responsible Travel, and the Path to Restoration
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 b
From Film to Climbing: Shelby Treichler’s Journey to Eco-Entrepreneurship with Cactus to Pine
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 f
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,