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.
- Update frequency
- every 15 days
- Average duration
- 48 minutes
- Episodes
- 109
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
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…
From Rails to Trails: The Ecusta Trail’s Role in Linking Communities and Outdoor Spaces
Trail 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 visi…
Wander Far, Explore Local: A New Kind of Adventure
I'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 accessib…
Preserving Appalachia: The Power of Documentary Storytelling with Mountainwater Films
Every 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 himse…
Rising Above the Storm: The Resilience and Community Spirit Behind Second Gear's Revival
What 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 …
Skiing/Riding Beyond the Ordinary at Hatley Pointe
Come along with me as I embark on a snowy adventure at the newly revamped Hatley Pointe Ski Resort in Western North Carolina. Set against a picturesque winter backdrop, we explore this …
Recovering Western North Carolina: Resilience, Responsible Travel, and the Path to Restoration
Join us for an insightful and inspiring journey into the heart of Western North Carolina as we explore the region's remarkable resilience following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. …
From Film to Climbing: Shelby Treichler’s Journey to Eco-Entrepreneurship with Cactus to Pine
What happens when burnout from the film industry's hectic pace becomes a catalyst for an eco-entrepreneurial journey? Join us for an insightful conversation with Shelby Treichler, the c…
Cold Spring Basecamp: A Gateway to Exploration and Relaxation with Hartwell Carson
What if you could transform a dream into reality amidst the chaos of a global pandemic? Hartwell Carson did just that, and we're here to share his journey of turning a piece of family l…
Beyond the Ride: MTB Skills Factory's Josh Whitmore on Coaching, Bike Parks, and Rider Development
In this episode we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of mountain biking with Josh Whitmore, owner and head coach of Mountain Bike Skills Factory. Hear Josh's inspiring journe…
20 Years of Adventure: How Tom Dempsey and SylvanSport are Revolutionizing Camping
For two decades, SylvanSport has been at the forefront of transforming outdoor adventures, redefining what it means to camp and explore the great outdoors. Founded by visionary Tom Demp…
Revitalizing the French Broad River: Green Infrastructure, Stormwater Strategies, and Community Action with Renee Fortner
Can green infrastructure save our rivers? Join us as we explore the French Broad River's transformation with Renee Fortner, Watershed Resources Manager at RiverLink. Discover RiverLink’…
Behind the Mic: Mike Andress' Podcasting Journey and Storytelling Adventure
Waypoint Adventure: Transforming Lives through Accessible Adventures, with Adam Combs
Unstoppable Strides: Finding Empowerment Through Trail Running, with Tera Pruett
Venturing Through the French Broad Paddle Trail with MountainTrue's Jack Henderson
Revitalizing Canton, NC: Chestnut Mountain Park and the Future of Ecotourism, with Nick Scheuer
In this episode, I sit down with Nick Scheuer, Canto…
Boarding for Change: Jared Lee's Skating and Snowboarding Journey from Passion to Community Impact
Mountain Biking and Cultural Reawakening with Laura Blythe, Eastern Band Cherokee Indians & 7 Moons MTB
