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
Celebrating North Carolina's Great Trail State Day with Palmer McIntyre, Author of Trails & Treats
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
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, I sit down with Corrina Ruffieux, Executive Director of Visit Haywood, to talk about Haywood County’s
From Rails to Trails: The Ecusta Trail’s Role in Linking Communities and Outdoor Spaces
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 o
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
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