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
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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Born in Pisgah: The Cane Creek Story with Dorene O’Malley & Brent Graves
What 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 ...
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South Yellow Mountain Preserve: Park Greer Reveals The Work And Wonder Behind Protecting A Rare Appalachian Preserve
In 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 carefu...
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Celebrating North Carolina's Great Trail State Day with Palmer McIntyre, Author of Trails & Treats
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 Trai...
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Five Towns, One Vision: Inside Visit Haywood’s 10-Year Destination Master Plan
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 Ruffieu...
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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