Podcast
Exploration Local
Hosted by Mike Andress · EN
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.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Hatley Pointe: Rebuilding A North Carolina Ski Mountain Into A Year-Round Destination
1w ago00:57:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 being reimagined from arrival to apres. Deb also shares how inspiration from places like Snowmass and European resorts helped shape a focus on service, atmosphere, and shorter lift lines, along with the harder moments — from timeline pressure and refunds to the bull wheel failure that tested her fortitude.At its core, this is a conversation about building trust, balancing growth with guest experience, and what it really takes to operate and evolve a ski resort in the Southeast. We also look ahead to what’s next for Hatley Pointe as a true four-season destination, including lift-served mountain biking and expanded year-round access. If you care about mountain tourism, hospitality leadership, skiing and riding, or the future of outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge, you’ll get a lot from this one.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
Destination McDowell: Connecting Trails, Towns, and the Blue Ridge Experience
3w ago00:48:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 Network. Shannon explains the “trails for all” approach, from easy loops for beginners to the big headline project many people haven’t heard about yet: backcountry adaptive bicycling trails tied to the Wilderness Gateway Trail. From there, we zoom out into the long game, a connected network that could link Marion, Universal Park, the Thermal Belt Trail, and eventually the Fonta Flora Trail.Then we go beyond the bike to the full McDowell County travel guide experience: Old Fort’s railroad and frontier history, Marion’s downtown businesses and brewery scene, Little Switzerland’s Parkway charm, and practical updates on Blue Ridge Parkway access. We also hit the must-see waterfalls like Linville Falls, Catawba Falls, and Tom’s Creek Falls, plus culture and festivals that make a weekend feel packed, from the Orchard at Altapass to Bigfoot sightings and gold panning.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
Born in Pisgah: The Cane Creek Story with Dorene O’Malley & Brent Graves
Nov 2000:46:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when a small North Carolina factory lets the trail—not the spec sheet—make the call? We sit down with Dorene 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 more fun.Step inside their Experience Center, see how forks and shocks are hand-built and tested, and hear their vision for a future where cities embrace cycling for everyone—from school bike buses to e-bike family rides.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
South Yellow Mountain Preserve: Park Greer Reveals The Work And Wonder Behind Protecting A Rare Appalachian Preserve
Nov 700:54:10Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 and exceptional biodiversity, then threads that geology into the mining legacy of Spruce Pine—mica, feldspar, and world-class quartz. From rare plants like Gray’s lily and Roan Mountain bluet to a closely monitored peregrine falcon site, we talk about how data, training, and seasonal protections guide every decision, down to when and where people can visit.We also dig into the human side of stewardship: school groups that put down their phones and pick up field guides, citizen scientists mapping species with iNaturalist, and volunteers hauling out legacy trash from old mine dumps. You’ll hear how invasive species removal, pollinator habitat plans, and watershed protection keep clean water flowing to Spruce Pine’s reservoir and downstream wells. And you’ll see why guided access, local partnerships, and humble storytelling create ambassadors who carry the work beyond any boundary line.If you care about Appalachia, clean water, wildlife corridors, and conservation that honors history as much as habitat, this story delivers both heart and detail. Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
Celebrating North Carolina's Great Trail State Day with Palmer McIntyre, Author of Trails & Treats
Oct 1400:37:12Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailI 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 state investment for trail projects and the outdoor recreation economy’s $16.2 billion impact—fueling guides, outfitters, restaurants, lodging, and local tourism—and spotlight Old Fort’s trail expansion as a powerful example of how access can flip a switch for a small town.We also dig into Trails and Treats, the new guide pairing 30 approachable routes with locally owned eateries across the mountains, Triad, Triangle, and Charlotte. You’ll hear how the authors chose lesser‑known gems to spread use beyond crowded hotspots, why urban greenways count as real adventure, and how food culture helps tell the story of place. If you’ve been waiting for a nudge to get outside—or a reason to try that bakery after your ride—consider this your sign.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
Five Towns, One Vision: Inside Visit Haywood’s 10-Year Destination Master Plan
Jun 1100:44:31Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs 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 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 aligns with the values of the community and protects what makes the area special.We explore how Haywood County’s plan is rooted in stewardship, inclusivity, and a commitment to attracting visitors who share the local values of environmental respect, community care, and responsible tourism. The plan’s focus is on sustainable growth that ensures long-term benefits for residents, local businesses, and the area’s exceptional natural assets.Through community-driven engagement and a clear brand identity, Haywood County is proving that it’s possible to grow tourism while protecting the very things that make the place worth visiting in the first place.https://visithaywood.com/https://haywoodtda.com/Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
From Rails to Trails: The Ecusta Trail’s Role in Linking Communities and Outdoor Spaces
May 21, 202500:52:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailTrail 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, learning from world-class cycling infrastructure before bringing those insights home. Emma, who grew up in Cherokee, brings deep local knowledge and a personal connection to the region's trails. Together, they're designing pathways that reflect the diverse needs of the communities they serve while honoring the landscape's natural beauty.The impact is already visible—bike shops report surges in business as residents dust off long-forgotten bicycles. Families, seniors, and visitors alike are discovering safer, more accessible ways to explore. These trails are particularly vital for aging populations and those unable to drive, providing critical independence while simultaneously boosting local economies through increased tourism and community vitality.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
Wander Far, Explore Local: A New Kind of Adventure
Apr 24, 202500:23:42Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailI'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 enjoying the outdoors together on accessible trails• Exploring the Brevard Greenway and Thermal Belt Trail in North Carolina with my wife• Finding that adventure isn't always about conquering mountains—sometimes it's about connection• Looking forward to upcoming trails like the Ecusta Trail and sections of the East Coast GreenwaySend me a voice memo, message me on Instagram or Facebook, or email mike@explorationlocal.com to share your favorite trail experiences. Your story might inspire others to redefine what adventure means to them.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
Preserving Appalachia: The Power of Documentary Storytelling with Mountainwater Films
Mar 20, 202500:38:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEvery 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 operation was washed downstream—process their experiences while inviting customers back through powerful visual storytelling. His work in communities from Old Fort to Lake Lure demonstrates how film can simultaneously educate, inspire, and market in ways that honor the recovery process.What emerges most clearly is Bob's commitment to sustainable storytelling that connects "nuanced visitors" with authentic experiences while benefiting local communities. In a time when many places struggle with overtourism, his work aims to attract people who will appreciate and respect the true character of Appalachia, ensuring these communities and their stories continue to thrive for generations to come.Want to explore more of Appalachia's authentic stories? Follow Mountainwater Films on social media or reach out to Bob directly to discover how documentary storytelling can preserve heritage while building bridges to the future.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →
Rising Above the Storm: The Resilience and Community Spirit Behind Second Gear's Revival
Feb 14, 202500:35:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat 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 havoc in 2024, it threatened everything Russ and his team had built. Discover how they turned disaster into determination, securing a new location and reopening just in time for the holiday season with the help of passionate community support.Russ shares the emotional aftermath of the hurricane, highlighting the extraordinary resilience and adaptability that emerged amidst chaos. With community allies like Explore Asheville and the Chamber of Commerce, the business found unexpected sources of strength and aid. Learn how the power of teamwork, strategic partnerships, and a successful GoFundMe campaign allowed them to navigate financial challenges and maintain operations. Russ's stories of optimism and perseverance underscore the unyielding spirit of small businesses and the essential role of community support in overcoming adversity.Amidst the trials, there were unexpected positives that arose from this challenge, including heartwarming tales of generosity and unity. Russ reflects on the profound impact of a simple wooden angel figurine, symbolizing hope and continuity. By embracing their community's support and rekindling their mission to provide affordable outdoor experiences, Second Gear has not only survived but thrived. Let our conversation remind you of the power of local exploration and the solidarity that can help businesses rise above adversity. Join us in celebrating the enduring spirit of resilience and the heart of a community-driven business.Mike AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal
Transcribe →