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
Why Stories & Experiences Are Better Than Stuff: Emily Jackson, Co-Host The Great Family Adventure
In this episode I sit down with Emily Jackson and we unpack how her adventurous childhood created such a solid foundation for her own life, that she couldn’t comprehend a different way …
Staples InTents: Helping People of Color Experience Life-Changing Effects of The Outdoors
Fueling Adventures One Bite At A Time, with Lee “Natty” Trebotitch
In this episode I sit down with Lee Trebotich, aka “Natty”. He created Food For Adventures for the outdoor athletes and weekend warriors who seek adventure, and to share the stoke of ea…
“As Appalachian As It Gets” with Steven Reinhold, The Appalachian Adventure Company
In this episode, I sit down with Steven Reinhold, The Appalachian Adventure Company Co-Founder + Steward of the Stoke, who has been a force in the outdoor industry for many years. He is…
Lake Toxaway: Rich History & A Story Of A Mountain Lake’s Resurrection, with John Nichols III
This is a special episode because it is a story of a remarkable place and fascinating history, told through the eyes of third generation resident, John Nichols III, whose grandfather he…
Wrong Way Lodge & Cabin Campground: Connecting Guests With The Transformational Qualities Of The Outdoors
In this episode, Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins owners Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele dropped by the studio to hang out and talk about their love and vision for Wrong Way, the transform…
WNC Kayaking Group Holds Inaugural Festival To Build Community & Give Back, with Crom Carey - Co-founder of WACKO
The word community is, without question, central to the human experience. It conveys a sense of togetherness and positivity. Being a part of a community can make us feel as though we ar…
Damascus, Virginia: Trail Town USA, Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail & Home of the Virginia Creeper Trail
Damascus is a small town with a big claim to fame: Seven nationally known trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail intersect within the town’s borders. Th…
Ensuring A Vibrant Future For The Outdoor Economy & Communities w/ Gayle Conelly Manchin & D. Reid Wilson
I recently had the privilege of attending the 4th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee, North Carolina, where 600 outdoor industry businesses, conservationists, public land man…
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail: A Magnificent Jewel in Western North Carolina, with Peter Barr
The Hickory Nut Gorge is a magnificent jewel in the mountains of Western North Carolina. This 14-mile-long canyon cuts a picturesque pass exposing spectacular sheer granite cliffs, and …
Full-time RV Living: A WNC Couple Creating A Lifetime of Memories & Shared Experiences
Nearly 10.2 million Americans today consider themselves digital nomads—people who travel and explore while working—and that number is only expected to go up. In fact, when COVID started…
Foot Rx Running: A Mission Minded Small Business Providing Healthy Footwear from Ultra Runners to Casual Walkers
It’s no surprise the last couple of years have been a challenge for small businesses. And it’s likely that we all know someone whose life and business has been adversely affected by the…
Mast General Store: Still Serving Communities The Down-Home Way
In this episode, I head to Banner Elk, NC to visit with Tracy Tilley & Sheri Moretz for a behind the scenes look at the iconic Mast General Store. We take a trip back in time and learn …
Mountain True: Championing resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities, with Josh Kelly
Our public lands are among the most visited in the Southern Blue Ridge. The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests receive over 10 million visitors annually, and the Blue Ridge Parkway a…
Conserving Carolina: Protecting Wonderful Places For Nature And People
In this episode, I sit down with Kieran Roe, Executive Director of Conserving Carolina and we talk about how this organization works to protect & restore natural resources, as well as i…
Tribute To Our Top 5 Episodes Of 2021
We have a special episode in store for you today as we focus in on our Top 5 Most Listened To Episodes of 2021…but with a little different twist. This year I hit rewind and invited our …
Beech Mountain Resort: A Premier Multi-Season Resort & The Highest Ski Resort In The East
The mountains of North Carolina offer some unexpected treats for skiers and snowboarders. Snowmaking capabilities are outstanding and allow for a constant supply of fresh snow and great…
Virginia's Blue Ridge: A Premier Destination For Outdoor Recreation, Unique Attractions, Diverse Culture & Culinary Experiences
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is made up of the City of Roanoke at its heart and surrounding communities within an hour radius, including the City of Salem, Botetourt County, Franklin County, a…
Gorges State Park with Kevin Bischof, Park Superintendent
Gorges State Park, located about halfway between Cashiers and Brevard, is set in the midst of plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and a high concentration of rare…
Kitsbow: On A Mission To Make Riding Better, And To Make The Apparel Industry Better (Made In The USA)
In 1975, 80% of the clothes Americans purchased were made in the USA, but in the 1980’s, the decline in American made apparel began. By the 1990’s almost no apparel was manufactured in …