Exploration Local

Apr 11 2024 14

Exploration Local Podcast artwork

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.

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Revitalizing Canton, NC: Chestnut Mountain Park and the Future of Ecotourism, with Nick Scheuer

Apr 11 2024 54 mins

From its industrial past to a future teeming with eco-tourism and innovation, Canton's story is one of resilience and transformation.In this episode, I sit down with Nick Scheuer, Canton’s Town Manager, and we delve into the captivating story of Chestnut Mountain Park, a sprawling 450-acre sanctuary helping to reshape Canton's economic and recreational landscape. We nav

Boarding for Change: Jared Lee's Skating and Snowboarding Journey from Passion to Community Impact

Mar 18 2024 44 mins

Jared Lee's tale is a testament to the power of community and perseverance. From advocating for a skatepark at town hall meetings as a youngster to seeing the fruits of his labor in the form of a state-of-the-art facility, his journey underscores the significance of mentorship and communal effort. His influence extends beyond the skatepark; it's felt in the passion he ins

Mountain Biking and Cultural Reawakening with Laura Blythe, Eastern Band Cherokee Indians & 7 Moons MTB

Feb 29 2024 52 mins

In this episode I sit down with Laura Blythe, a citizen of the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians, as she shares her transformative experience through mountain biking. We delve into the Seven Moons Mountain Biking program, where Laura intertwines her vibrant Cherokee heritage into every pedal stroke on the Fire Mountain Trails system. Discover how this program transcends fitness, servin

Discovering the Joys of Southeast Skiing with Mike Doble: Innovations, Conditions, and Community

Feb 14 2024 57 mins

In this episode, we're hitting the trails with Mike Doble, the driving force behind SkiSoutheast.com. We'll dive into the heart of the region's ski industry, guided by Mike's passion and dedication. From the humble beginnings of his websites to their current status as community pillars, Mike's honest reporting has kept skiers and snowboarders informed with

From Corporate Life to Camping Innovation: Brent Nelson's Journey and the Community Fueled by Tentrax Trailers

Jan 30 2024 56 mins

When Brent Nelson swapped his corporate badge for the wild call of entrepreneurship, little did he know that his family RV trip would spark the creation of Tentrax, a beacon for adventurers seeking the ultimate in compact, customizable camping trailers. His story, infused with the warmth of a community brought together by a love for the outdoors, unfolds in our latest episode. We t

Historic Tapoco Lodge: Where Adventure and Sanctuary Meet, with Valerie Frapp

Dec 19 2023 48 mins

In this episode I sit down with Valerie Frapp, General Manager of the Historic Tapoco Lodge. We delve into the rich history, timeless design, and unparalleled craftsmanship that define this haven, virtually unchanged since its establishment in 1930. The Lodge's spacious and inviting layout, featuring the Tapoco dining room, Laurel Lounge Whiskey Bar, grand fireplace, library,

Exploring the Allure of Fly Fishing in Western North Carolina's Lush Riverscape, with David Stelling

Dec 06 2023 60 mins

The trout streams in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Great Smoky mountains of North Carolina make North Carolina a premier fly fishing destination. In fact, North Carolina is the most popular destination in the entire Eastern United States for trout fishing boasting over 3,000 miles of streams teaming with fish.In this episode I sit down with David Stelling, the owner of High Country

Exploring North Carolina's Outdoors Thoughtfully & Responsibly, with Outdoor NC's Amanda Baker

Nov 20 2023 41 mins

What if you had the keys to unlock the beauty of North Carolina's outdoors responsibly? Today, I'm thrilled to take you on a journey with Amanda Baker, Partner Marketing Manager for the innovative Outdoor NC program. Together, we'll uncover the program's genesis, its three major components, and its key partnerships. The program is a trailblazer, centered around

Breaking Down Barriers: A Conversation with Earl B Hunter Jr, Black Folks Camp Too

Oct 24 2023 43 mins

What does it take to break barriers and invite more Black folks into the great outdoors? In this episode we unpack that, and a whole lot more as I sit down with Earl B Hunter, Jr. with Black Folks Camp Too to recap all the happenings since the last time Earl was on the show. Only this time, we go deeper.We reflect on Earl's transformational journey and how his high school foot

Bridging the Gap: SAV Sankaran on Identity, Inclusion, and the Outdoors

Oct 10 2023 38 mins

As a person of color, SAV's experiences in the outdoor world have not just shaped him, but also profoundly transformed his outlook on life, community, and identity. His inspiring journey is a testament to the power of the outdoors in fostering a sense of belonging, and why it's essential to extend this inclusivity into the workplace.From his humble beginnings with a weeke