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Season 1

Feb. 15, 2021

Hickory Nut Gorge: Home To One Of North Carolina's Most Beautiful Par…

The Hickory Nut Gorge is a 20,000 acre, 14-mile long canyon that cuts a steep pass through the Blue Ridge escarpment. It is abundant in undisturbed forests, waterfalls, and granite cliffs…and is located just a short drive fro...

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Feb. 4, 2021

Exploring Blue Ridge Mountain Communities

Blue Ridge Mountain communities have a special charm unlike any other. From panoramic vistas with breathtaking views and outdoor adventures in some of this Nation’s most beautiful parks and forests, to cruising the Blue Ridge...

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Dec. 23, 2020

Tribute To Our Top 5 Episodes Of 2020

This is a special episode where we recap of our Top 5 most listened to episodes in 2020. We’ll discuss them in the order they were released, and we’ll play a few clips and highlights to give you a taste for each episode. If y...

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Dec. 16, 2020

WINTER HIKING: Possibly The Best Time Of The Year To Hike, with Hanna…

Don’t ditch your hiking gear just yet! Winter is actually one of the best times to hike in our southern mountains. What makes winter such a great time to hike? For one, without the leaves on the trees, winter landscapes open ...

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Dec. 9, 2020

Catawba Falls, Old Fort & Looking Towards 2021, with Mike Andress

In this episode we highlight the 3.5 mile round trip hike to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall; Catawba Falls where historic buildings are scattered along the trail, and remnants of the 1920's hydropower dam that provi...

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Dec. 2, 2020

North Carolina Waterfalls & Waterfall Keepers of NC, with Kevin Adams

In this episode I sit down with Kevin Adams, a naturalist, writer, teacher, and photographer who has had a lifelong love affair with nature and the outdoors. He has authored nine books, led photo tours all over the world, tau...

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Nov. 26, 2020

Expressing Gratitude & Thanksgiving with Mike Andress

I love the Great Smoky, Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains. I love the culture, people, beauty, and recreational opportunities. I love the small towns, each with their own unique personality, and history. I love th...

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Nov. 18, 2020

Find Your Way, Lose Yourself with Pisgah Map Company (Pete Kennedy & …

Since 2009, Pisgah Map Company has been putting their Western North Carolina roots to work for their fellow trail bums. With a unique fusion of elegant design and trail-born intuition, they produce the best maps on the market...

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Nov. 11, 2020

The PERFECT Guide To The Beauty Of The Carolinas, with Ryan & Terri W…

The beauty of the Carolina's is unmatched in terms of diversity, accessibility, and the overall quality of things to do, see, and experience. In this episode, husband and wife duo, Ryan and Terri Watts talk about the heart a...

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Oct. 28, 2020

Next-Level Destination Mountain Towns & Communities, with Eric Woolri…

In this episode we sit down with Eric Woolridge, Appalachian State University Alumni & President of Destination by Design , which is an economic development firm comprised of local government planners, engineers, urban design...

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Oct. 21, 2020

Blue Ridge Parkway: America's Favorite Scenic Drive, with Tubby Kubik…

In this episode I sit down with Tubby Kubik, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association and we chat about the history of the Parkway, the unique characteristics of the Blue Ridge Mountains, resources to make you...

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Oct. 14, 2020

Bed & Breakfast Inns and Cottages – A Warm & Relaxing Way To Experien…

In this episode we sit down with Angela Harrell. She is the Owner & Innkeeper of the Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast , located in the beautiful and historic Montford District of Asheville. Angela is also a member of the Ashe...

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Oct. 7, 2020

Living the Dream With National & World Whitewater Kayaking Champion, …

In this episode we sit down with Nick Troutman who is a Professional Whitewater Kayaker, Growth Mindset Guru, and Champion Family Man! Nick paddles for Jackson Kayaks and has been a part of the Jackson family heritage for ove...

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Sept. 24, 2020

Discover The Hidden Beauty Of The Southern Appalachian Mountains, wit…

In this episode we sit down with Clayton Manche, a lifelong native of Asheville, and Owner of Asheville Adventures , a Locally-lead Adventure Tour Company that offers The Greatest Private Hiking Tours in Asheville. Receiving ...

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Sept. 18, 2020

North Carolina Mountains Fall Color Map Forecast 2020

The Western North Carolina Mountains are beautiful all year, but they really show off their colors and stunning beauty in Autumn and Fall. In this episode we break down the Fall Color Map for North Carolina by Appalachian Sta...

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Sept. 10, 2020

Creating Memories In Cozy Mountain Cabins, with Mike & Cate Szabo

It is common for people who visit the western North Carolina mountains to instantly fall in love with the area. From outdoor adventure enthusiasts and waterfall explorers to anglers and scenic byway drivers, those who love t...

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Sept. 2, 2020

Adventure Lover, Emmy Award-Winning Film and Video Creator, Thomas C …

Thomas C. Webb is an Emmy award-winning film and video creator who has dedicated his life to waking up at 3am, enduring -30-degree temperatures and climbing to spine-tingling heights to capture the perfect shot. Bringing the ...

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Aug. 26, 2020

15 - Apple Picking - The Ultimate Fall Pastime, with Stepp's Hillcres…

When the weather begins to cool off in the Southeast it means the best season of the year is fast approaching. Apple picking, a favorite fall pastime, actually begins in early September in western North Carolina. And, no appl...

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Aug. 19, 2020

14 - Mountain Towns, Hikes, Waterfalls, Scenic Drives & Mountain Biki…

In this episode we highlight some of the latest places we’ve been exploring. Exploration Local Host, Mike Andress, shares some of his favorite small mountain towns, new hikes, waterfalls, scenic drives & mountain biking trail...

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Aug. 5, 2020

13 - Capturing The Beauty Of The Linville Gorge & NC Highlands, with …

Leslie Restivo lives in Boone, NC. She is very comfortable in the backcountry of the Highlands and the rugged and scenic Linville Gorge. She has been known to rappel deep into the Gorge to grab the perfect shot. She is a Bran...

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July 29, 2020

12 - The Enormous Health Benefits Of Nature; Including Counteracting …

Years of careful study has proven that spending time in a forest can reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger; strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular and metabolic health and boost overall well-being. Explor...

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July 15, 2020

11 - Black Folks Camp Too, with Earl B. Hunter Jr.

After a three month, 14K mile father-and-son camping trip that included 49 campgrounds,, 20 states and provinces across the USA and Canada, and visiting numerous national parks and forests along the way, Earl B. Hunter Jr was...

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July 8, 2020

10 - Happy Yurting! The Most Unique and Glamorous "Camping" Experienc…

Are you looking to spice up your mountain getaway? Look no further than DuPont Yurts . Listen in as Sherry & Terry McCracken, owners of DuPont Yurts , talk about how an impromptu wedding anniversary trip staying in a Yurt sp...

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July 1, 2020

09 - How The Outdoors Helped An Immigrant Student Live His Best Life …

Yashdeep Kumar immigrated to the United States from India to attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and pursue his Biomedical Engineering Graduate Degree. Listen in as Yashdeep shares amazing stories and tal...

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