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.
Exploration Local
Latest Episodes
The Future of the South Mountains Protecting Tomorrow's Landscapes with Andrew Kota
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Kota of Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina as they celebrate 30 years of protecting the landscapes of western North Carolina. We talk about the work happening across eight counties, why protecting th...
Exploration Local: The Hidden Thread in Every Episode
What started as a podcast about trails, towns, rivers, and destinations has become something deeper: an exploration of the relationship between people and place.In this episode, I step back to trace how that realization formed over time....
The Swannanoa Greenway: More Than a Trail | Bradley Spiegel & Carol Groben
In this episode, I sit down with Bradley Spiegel (community planner at Equinox) and Carol Groben (
Hatley Pointe: Rebuilding A North Carolina Ski Mountain Into A Year-Round Destination
In 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 hospital...
Destination McDowell: Connecting Trails, Towns, and the Blue Ridge Experience
In 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 roo...
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Fan Mail
Happy Great State Trails day! Just finished Pod Cast…. Another awesome episode! Never stop doing this… Your Dad
Statesville, North Carolina