Finding Asheville Podcast

This Episode Contains Explicit Content Not Suitable For Children   For well over a year now you've listened to Benny and Emily interview lots of different people around Asheville. In this episode you find out why the lovely and talented Emily is taking a step back from Finding Asheville and how Benny recruited new co-host Chris. Get to know Chris and his other podcasting experience, listen to Emily say goodbye, and find out how everybody on the show feels about flat earthers. All that and more on this weeks Finding Asheville. Don't forget to share your thoughts with us on FaceBook!

It's been close to a year but finally Finding Asheville has a brand new episode! This week Jon Truitt and Michael Ciavaglia sit down with us to talk about the Asheville Lyric Opera and their upcoming show Elixer of Love. What's a good opera for beginners? What's the connection between opera and Darth Vader? And who the heck is that guy co-hosting with Benny? Find out all that and more on this week's Finding Asheville!

This week on Finding Asheville, we spend a little time with one of the busiest women in Buncombe County. NuAnna Horn talks to us about the many different hats she wears as she juggles multiple jobs and charities. NuAnna is founder of The People's Interactive network, a local not for profit whose goal is "To bridge the gap between waste and want" -or, one man's junk= another man's livelihood. In doing so we also reduce waste, decreasing the impact on our landfills, and create sustainability for those who are in need and lack resources or funding." Learn about NuAnna's other roles at Earth Guild Ministries. NuAnna explains - "I offer personal counceling & provide spiritual support to others. I also perform handfasts, weddings, and marriage of any denomination or non-denominational selection. I am an ordained Minister, Pastor, Reverend, and Priestess. I am ordained through three separate Ministries and a Monestary. I also perform baptisms, funerals, and service Celebration of Life ceremonies." All of this and more on this latest episode of Finding Asheville.   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

We're back! We took a mini summer vacation, but Finding Asheville is back with a fascinating new episode. While Benny plays at the beach, Emily and guest co-host Janet sit down with our guests for the week. Elizabeth McGuire and Lina Eriksson are a couple living in Sweden. Liz is a writer - formerly of the Mountain Xpress - and expat who now calls Sweden home.  Listen in as Janet and Emily learn about life in Sweden, and how the social life differs from here in the United States. Gain knowledge about how a socialist country cares for their citizens, and how people overseas view our current presidential race. All of this and much much more on this special edition of Finding Asheville. Follow Liz here: http://belovelive.com Follow Lina here: http://lier.se Read Liz's Asheville based coffee series, called 40 days of Fika here: http://ashevilleblog.com/40-cups-40-cafes-40-days-a-girl-and-her-fika/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

On the latest episode of Finding Asheville, our hosts sit down with guest Brian Bullman. Brian is co owner of Carolina Hemp Company, a wholesaler of premium hemp goods. The focus of Carolina Hemp Company is on "building a business that helps bring hemp to the mainstream market. While changing the stereotype and stigma associated with the Leaf." Listen in as we discuss industrial and commercial hemp. The uses of industrial hemp is endless, and Brian explains the difference between commercial hemp and cannabis. Learn about CBD oil, the difference between hemp and marijuana, and how industrial hemp can positively impact Asheville and all of WNC.  Visit Carolina Hemp Company: https://carolinahempcompany.com Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

This week we spoke to music producer and author Eric "Mixerman" Sarafin. Relocated from California, Eric tells us about the music industry, producing BJ Leiderman's upcoming album, what it was like writing as the mysterious "Mixerman" to satirize life as a producer, and how he adjusted to life in Asheville. Eric has worked with musicians such as Hilary Duff, Ben Harper, David Cassidy, Lifehouse, Amy Grant, Foreigner, and more. He has written three books: Zen and the Art of Recording, Zen and the Art of Producing, and Zen and the Art of Mixing, published through Hal Leonard books.  Learn more about Mixerman by visiting his website: http://mixerman.net   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

This week we spoke with Michael "The Asheville Mindreader" Spremulli about his upcoming show at the North Carolina Stage Company, and what it's like being a mindreader. Growing up with severe eyesight problems, Michael's other senses were heightened, including his gut instincts which leads to some interesting moments on stage. Using a combination of intuition and scientific facts, Michael has the ability to be eerily accurate about a person. He can even "read" people based on their handwriting so naturally we let him do it with us! We hope you enjoy this week's episode and if you don't The Asheville Mindreader will know. Check out the Asheville Mind Reader: http://ashevillemindreader.com   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

For over a year, Western North Carolina Advocacy League (WNCAL) has been helping people in need; with anything from repairing a wheelchair ramp to mediating court cases. This week's guest on Finding Asheville is Robin Vabolis, founder of WNCAL. Robin tells us about how this grassroots not-for-profit originated, what the future holds for WNCAL, and what you can do to help the cause. We hope you enjoy this philanthropic episode of Finding Asheville!   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

A divorced artist leaves California and moves to Asheville. Around the same time, an author and his wife leaves California and moves to Asheville. The difference, besides relationship status, is one is a fictional character and one isn't. N. John Shore, Jr. is the author of the "real time serial novel" Ashes to Asheville which follows the life of a fictional Californian woman whose husband left her Christmas day. She packs up and moves to Asheville and you get to read one chapter of her life every Thursday. John speaks to us about how he views Asheville through his character's eyes, what it is like writing in real time, and why he wants to be a "boy band" of writing. We hope you give a listen to this week's episode of Finding Ashes to Asheville! Read Ashes To Asheville here: http://www.citizen-times.com/topic/c5cc969f-f654-4db9-9aa3-f578d3402fbe/ashes-to-asheville/ Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Poles aren't just for strippers, hoops are made for more than hulas, and "curtain climbing" can be a beautiful form of dance. This week we spoke to Waverly Jones, owner of the training studio Empyrean Arts. Waverly teaches others about these new forms of dance and exercise that are becoming increasingly popular. She tells us about how she became an instructor, what it's like "wearing booty shorts to work," how aerial arts have helped her self confidence, and how it just might help yours as well. Don't miss this week's high flying episode of Finding Asheville! Empyrean Arts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpyreanArtsAsheville/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

In our latest local podcast crossover we speak to Blaine Kerr, host of Appalachian Pi. Blaine tells us about how he does things on his show; how it all got started; how it almost ended before it began, and about what the future may hold for all of the WNC area podcasts. Blaine is the creator of the Asheville Society of Podcasters, a local group who converse online and in person about their podcasting and radio projects. Blaine tells us how that came about, and invites all local listeners who enjoys podcasts to join. Find out more about Appalachian Pi: https://www.facebook.com/AppalachianPi/ Find out more about the Asheville Society of Podcasters: https://www.facebook.com/Asheville-Society-of-Podcasters-188621584831895/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

When you think of storytelling, you probably picture people sitting around a campfire trading tall tales of action, adventure, horror, or even comedy. That type of entertainment is as old as mankind itself, and continues to this day. This week we spoke to professional storyteller David Joe Miller. David tell us what it's like to be a storyteller, where he got his start, how he can make a living at it, and what you can do to get started telling tales. We were also lucky enough to have him share one of his stories with us. Stoke the fire and get the smores ready for this episode of Finding Asheville. More about David Joe Miller: https://www.facebook.com/David-Joe-Miller-Storyteller-131101940223/?fref=ts Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

New in town? From here, but looking for a job or trying to sell something? Or maybe you just want to see over twenty thousand people yell at someone who parks badly. For over two years now West Asheville Exchange, or WAX, has been the Facebook group to find all of that and more. This week we spoke to two of the admins, three if you count Benny. Founder Mikki Fox and longtime admin Kelly Poff tells us about how it all started, what the future may hold, and several stories about "herding cats" in one of the largest social media groups in the area. Buckle in, listen up, and WAX on! Join WAX: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245020652269214/  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Since 2013, Catherine Hunter of Asheville Horse and Carriage Tours has been providing natives and tourists a magical look at Asheville from the seat of a carriage. Using horses that she has rescued and trained, Catherine has been giving rescued horses a second lease on life. For thousands of years, horses have been been used by humans as working animals, and many continue to work today in a variety of forms, from racing, to field plowing, to carriage tours.  With an increased awareness of animal welfare, several misguided animal rights activists have targeted Asheville Horse and Carriage Tours and tomorrow at City Council a decision will be made on the carriages. Depending on the council ruling, the carriage tours could return to operations as normal without restrictions; or, the franchise could continue to operate under the conditions of shutting down at the end of the two year term.  We sit down and talk with Catherine about the many nuances of horsemanship. Do you know how to tell if a horse is healthy, happy, or relaxed? We go over the basics, and delve into the deeper issue behind the banning of carriage tours, and discuss animal welfare. Can a working animal suddenly be retired, and automatically be happy? What is the cost of caring for large working animals? Can an unhappy, or sick horse work? Learn all of this and more in this week's episode of Finding Asheville: Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Eighteen months ago Zuzu Welsh made a change and started his ownband. He has been on a whirlwind tour of WNC ever since. With twoCD's out and a third almost ready we're grateful he made some timeto talk to us.The Zuzu Welsh Band is comprised of Dana Koone on drums,percussion and vocals; Abbot Grivich on electric and acousticguitars, cowbell and vocals; Johnny Haisman on bass; Bobby Hicks onvocals, guitar and other supporting instruments; occasionally thewonderful Jen Wo on vocals, guitar and whatever else; and ZuzuWelsh on electric and acoustic guitars and vocalsWe spoke to Zuzu about his songwriting process, how he found hiscurrent band, some of his favorite places to play, and what some ofhis musical influences are. You may have seen the clip of the songhe played for us so sit back, relax, listen to us for a little bit,then get ready to hear the special song he wrote for his father.Enjoy!Get more info on the Zuzu Welsh Band by visiting theirwebsite: http://www.zuzuwelshmusic.comBe sure to subscribe to the podcast viaiTunes here toget new episodes to download to your listening devices each weekand get caught up on past episodes!Oh and if you are feeling super nice likethe Finding AshevilleFacebook page here.

This week we spoke to Carol Motley, the owner of Bury Me Naturally, who told us about the different ways to dispose of our mortal shells once we're gone. We discuss her company, which uses biodegradable coffins, no embalming fluid, and costs much less than traditional burials. We also talk about the origins of preserving bodies, the difference between caskets and coffins, and what our own final wishes might be. Give it a listen, this is the episode you've been dying to hear.   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

For our "sorry for being silent so long" bonus episode we spoke to Leah Kline. Leah is the organizer for the HVZ (Humans Versus Zombies) game in Waynesville this upcoming Tuesday. We try to stick to Asheville, but come on. What is HvZ? It's shooting real (Nerf) guns at real (not real) zombies! Leah gives us a rundown of all the rules, location, what you need to bring, and also gives us a little history lesson on HVZ's beginnings. We hope you enjoy this episode, and make sure to pay attention. We'll also be releasing a short video that tells you how you could win free Frostbite ice cream! Check out Humans Vs Zombie in the original form: https://humansvszombies.org Join the fun and check out the website to get updates about games in Waynesville and Asheville: https://www.facebook.com/HvZ-Haywood-County-WNC-718494521621352/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

A while back we told you we were going to try to do some "crossover" episodes with other local podcasts. the guys from 2-4-8 Podcast were nice enough to extend an olive branch and have us on their show. After weeks of scheduling issues, we finally got to repay the favor and have them on our show. We talked to Brently Sproles and Malachi Girmann about how they do their show, how it started, and what they hope for the show in the future, as well as lots of nerd talk. Parents, make sure the kids aren't in the room when you listen to this weeks episode of "Finding 2-4-8!" Check out 2-4-8 Podcast here: https://jake-jackson-c6qf.squarespace.com Check out our crossover episode with the guys of 2-4-8 here (explicit content warning): https://jake-jackson-c6qf.squarespace.com/blog/podcasts/episode-31-you-show-me-yours-ill-show-you-mine   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

On this episode of Finding Asheville, hosts Benny and Emily sit down with Pushy and Sailor of the Blue Ridge Rollergirls. The Blue Ridge Rollergirls are an all female, flat track roller derby league in Asheville. Don't know a lot about roller derby? Neither do our hosts, who get a sound education on the particulars of the roller derby sport.  Dating back to the 1930's, roller derby recently experienced a resurgence of popularity, seemingly due in part to the 2009 movie Whip It starring Ellen Page. Roller Derby is a contact sport played by two teams consisting of five members skating around a track. Game play consists of a series of 'jams', in which both teams have a player referred to as a jammer that scores points for their team by lapping players of the opposing team. Jams last two minutes on average.  Blue Ridge Rollergirls Sailor and Pushy explain the finer details of the sport, outlining the rules - no elbows to the face - and display their derby scars - Pushy shows us her broken nose from the last bout. Listen to the episode carefully, as you have a chance to win a small ice cream from our friends at Frostbite! You can learn more about the Blue Ridge Rollergirls by visiting their website: http://www.blueridgerollergirls.com and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeRollergirls/ If you are interested in watching the Rollergirls live, their first bout takes place April 16, 2016 at the US Cellular Center Downtown Asheville.   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

For the 101th episode we take a completely different direction, veering sharply from the episode with the Imam of the Islamic Center of Asheville, and discuss body modification. Our guests for this episode are Chris Winslow and Amber Meredith who work at Pure Steam in Asheville. Chris Winslow is an accomplished tattoo artist, while Amber is a veteran body piercer. Benny and Emily talk with Chris and Amber about body modification, tattoos, piercing, and what to look for in a body modification artist.  Tattoo and piercing is a deeply personal, individualized experience for each client, and we discuss the wide variety of tattoos and piercing, the stigmas associated with body modification, and the certification process a tattoo artist and piercing specialist go through.  Amber can be found at Pure Steam Tattoo, and check her piercing portfolio available here: https://www.facebook.com/PiercingIsMyPassion/?fref=ts Chris can also be found at Pure Steam, and his portfolio is available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1031268480245284.1073741841.929231723782294&type=3 Pure Steam Tattoo is located at 172 S Liberty Street in Downtown Asheville. Find them online: http://www.puresteamtattoo.com/ *warning, strong language used. NSFW. 

Over two years ago Nathan Miller started the Finding Asheville podcast. Unfortunately Nathan had to move away, but Benny and Emily have tried to keep this wonderful program alive. Today is Finding Asheville's landmark one hundredth episode. We got a bit more serious than usual for our hundredth and spoke to Mohammad Taha, the Imam (spiritual leader) of the Islamic Center of Asheville. Mohammad spoke to us about many aspects of Islam, what it means to be a Muslim, and the positive experiences he's has as a Muslim in Asheville. The Islamic Center of Asheville is a small mosque with about 80 families in attendance. We hear first hand from Mohammad about his faith, the Muslim view and recognition of Jesus, and more about the religion that 1.5 billion people follow. Despite what the media may portray, Islam is a peaceful religion, and those who make the news for terrorist acts are extremists, in the same way we deal with Christian extremists in the United States - KKK, anyone?  If you want to learn more about the Islamic faith, the Islamic center of Asheville has educational materials available. The mosque can be located at 941 Old Fairview Road.  You can also visit their website here: http://www.ashevillemasjid.com   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Hold on to your broomsticks! This week we spoke with Katie L, the founder of Asheville's chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance. The Harry Potter Alliance is: "changing the world by making activism accessible through the power of story. Since 2005, [the HPA] engaged millions of fans through our work for equality, human rights, and literacy." What does this mean exactly? We delve into the world of fan activism and learn about what types of charity efforts the Harry Potter Alliance works on, including Apparating Libraries and Accio Books. Next we learn that the popular wizarding sport Quidditch is now available to muggles globally. To top it all off, listen to Benny and Katie test their wits at a round of "Who Said It - The Pope or Voldemort?" Want to learn more about the Asheville Harry Potter Alliance? Give their Facebook page a like: https://www.facebook.com/AshevilleHPA/ Interested in attending a Yule Ball, featuring magical drinks and three wizard rock bands? Check out the charity ball hosted by the AHPA, happening March 19th at Sol Bar, New Mountain AVL: https://www.facebook.com/events/1676447532642845/

On this belated episode of Finding Asheville, hosts Benny Whitaker and Emily Trimnal sit down with Curtis Sluder. Curtis, a longtime smoker, had to suddenly give up his habit for health reasons a few years ago. Quitting smoking is hard, and replacing old habits with new ones is half the battle. Curtis got into the vaping scene before it was cool, and as soon as he saw how easy the transition was, and his doctor praised the health benefits of replacing a cigarette with an e-cig, he decided to open up his own storefront. Blue Ridge Vapor was born, and was one of only a handful in the area at the time.  We talk with Curtis about the pros and cons of vaping, the sudden and wild upswing in popularity, and how vaping can help quit a nicotine addiction. We segway into traffic laws and common ticket questions as our hosts talk with Curtis about his job as a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense, primarily traffic law.  Can you tell us how many ways there are to lose your drivers license in Buncombe County?

This episode of Finding Asheville got a little crowded. We spoke to Tommy Green and Chris Power, two Asheville locals who are heavily involved everything beer. Tommy started the app "Brewpon" and both Tommy and Chris were both very early members of the Asheville Beer Club. We were also joined by Chuck Franklin who, although mostly silent, will be helping us with our audio issues. Tommy and Chris talked to us about how the Asheville Beer Club got started, what they do at meetings, and how they originally got into beer. We also talk about Tommy and Chris's playful rivalry between the Asheville and Hendersonville beer scene, and how the two of them are planning on creating their own podcast called Drink Local Now, to promote craft breweries and educate individuals on the pitfalls of big beer companies and how big breweries like Anheuser Busch In-Bev negatively affect small craft brewers. Benny, Emily, Tommy and Chris muse about Asheville's beer bubble: with the rapid rate at which breweries are moving into the area, what is the saturation point? Do we need to be concerned about the feasibility of so many breweries popping up in a city this size?  Listen to the episode below, and give us your feedback:  

This week we spoke with Laura LaVoie about the tiny house movement. Owning one herself, she was able to give us a rundown on exactly what a tiny house is; the many of the advantages and disadvantages of owning one, and the unique struggle it is to downsize from a "normal" size household to life in 120 square feet. Laura also talks with us about why some cities seem to be much more opposed to tiny houses than Asheville; how Asheville might learn from tiny house friendly cities; and what the future may hold for tiny house hopefuls in both Asheville as well as all of Buncombe county. While there is no concrete definition of a 'tiny' home, a house built to be less than 500 square feet is considered to be a tiny house. Many tiny homes are often built on trailers so that they can easily be transported. Each tiny home is built exactly like a traditional stick built home, just on a much smaller scale. Learn all of this and more in this episode of Finding Asheville.  Visit Laura's blog, Life In 120 Square Feet: http://www.120squarefeet.com Learn more about the Asheville Small Home Advocacy Committee: https://www.facebook.com/AshevilleSHAC/ Wishbone Tiny Homes, a tiny house builder in West Asheville: http://www.wishbonetinyhomes.com   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

This week we talk to Alia Todd. Alia played a big part in Tupalo Honey's decision to bring back up the wages of Tupelo Honey's back staff after decreasing them. A veteran of the service industry, Alia was a founder of the Asheville Sustainable Restaurant Workforce. She tells us how A.S.R.W. came about, what their goals for Asheville's restaurants and restaurant workers are, and with the Tupalo campaign over, what's next for A.S.R.W. For some background information on the Tupelo Honey wage decrease, check out AshevilleBlog: http://ashevilleblog.com/tupelo-honey-restaurant-workers-petition-for-higher-wages/   The Asheville Sustainable Restaurant Workforce Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/asrw.org/?fref=ts   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

This week we talked to Will Hessling, the owner of Hero Hunter Comics. Will tells us a little about running a business in Candler, possible plans for relocating, and gives his thoughts on the sustainability of comic book movies. Benny gets to flex his "comic geek" muscles and tells us he may or may not have had the chance to get his hands on the first appearance of Deadpool, and everybody plays a game of "Who said it, Lady Gaga or Shakespeare?" which is actually harder then it sounds! Check out the episode below, and give local love by visiting Hero Hunter Comics, located at 1107 Smokey Park Highway, in Candler North Carolina.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

This week we talk to Nate Tomforde the owner of Pour Taproom. Nate started Pour in 2014 and his entreprenial spirit made Pour the first of its kind in the country. Using a mix of familiar taproom style atmosphere and new technology, Pour Taproom offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts. With over 48 types of beer, wine, hard cider, and mead on tap at all times, Pour lets the consumer take charge of what they drink and how much. This is a great model for those who are still learning what they like to drink, or a great way to try a wide variety of local and hard to find brews. We discuss the possibility of a second location for Pour, the growing popularity of craft beers, play a game of "Book or Beer?", and make it even easier for you to win free Frostbite ice cream. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

For this New Year's edition of Finding Asheville, we sit down with prominent local figure Rich Lee. Rich is an active figure in Asheville, having moved to Western North Carolina in 1997. Rich is a member of the City of Asheville Greenway Committee; the Buncombe County Triad; WNC Group Homes for Autistic Persons; 1-26 ConnectUs Project; and the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods just to name a few. In 2015 Rich ran for a seat on City Council, landing in 4th place during the election. A gentle, laid back individual Rich is on top of current Asheville news and has a good idea of what 2016 will look like for our fair city and townsfolk.  What about the 1-26 connector project? Will we see hundreds of home destroyed this year? Is New Belgium for sale? How will that impact the River Arts District where they are currently building a $175 million brewing facility? Politically what is in store for Asheville, as new seats and positions within the local government become available? We talk with Rich about all of these issues, and more, and discuss exactly what locals will see happen this year. 

Finding Asheville was originally created and curated by Nathan Miller. Over a course of two years Nathan interviewed, cataloged, and took painstaking efforts to create a high quality podcast that spoke to the hearts of Asheville, and Western North Carolina. When Nathan took a job that required him to move, Emily Trimnal and Benny Whitaker stepped up to take over Finding Asheville and carry on the amazing work that Nathan started.  In this weeks episode, instead of sitting down with a featured guest, Emily and Benny sit down and tell you about themselves. With Benny a Western North Carolina native and Emily a transplant from the West Coast, they offer an array of unique and interesting insights on Asheville, and tell listeners what brought them to the city. Learn about their recording studio - Great Escape Asheville - the sketchy semi automatic elevator, Benny's aversion to cats, and what the future of Finding Asheville holds.  Listen below, and be sure to pay attention for your chance to win a free small ice cream from Frostbite Ice Cream! Details inside. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Long time friends Jason Istvan and Caleb Autrey have one goal in mind with their new local business: to make people happy. Although their new ice cream shop has only been open three weeks, their dreams have come true while serving delicious, freshly made soft service ice cream to happy customers. "Ice cream is such a happy food, and we just want to make people smile," the friends told us right before they opened up shop on Patton Avenue.  We sat down with co-owner Jason this week and talked about Asheville, ice cream, delicious food, and much more. Opening up a new business is always a frightening and exhilarating endeavor, but a frozen treat shop in November is quite the leap of faith. Despite the chilly fall season, Frostbite and their employees have remained steadily busy. In addition to ice cream, freshly made beignets, funnel cakes, and coffee can be procured from the store. Customers can even stay in the comfort of their own car and take advantage of the convenient drive through.  Learn how one of Frostbite's most popular menu item, the salted caramel coffee float, came to be. Listen in to hear what exactly makes Frostbite's soft serve ice cream different than traditional soft serve from chain restaurants. Pull up a chair and get ready to become hungry while listening to this week's Finding Asheville.    Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Jenna Yarosh of Patton Avenue Pet Company and Sheryl Mann of Flying Dogs Photography have come together to create a new local nonprofit organization, the Asheville Animal Rescue Foundation. We sat down with both small business owners to talk about their individual businesses, and the formation of their new joint venture. Asheville Animal Rescue Foundation, or AARF, is a not for profit entity that aims to help underfunded or emergency based animal efforts. Yarosh and Mann aim to financially assist in trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs, spay and neuter programs, veterinary research, and emergency medical bills.  AARF will be funded through the sale of merchandise. Flying Dog Photography is responsible for the first newly released product, 5 whimsical and funny holiday cards featuring both dogs and cats. Christmas cards and Hanukah cards are available for sale at both locations of Patton Avenue Pet, and the duo plans to have additional stores carrying the AARF merchandise soon. All proceeds from AARF related merchandise goes directly into the foundation, to be donated to various local animal efforts as deemed necessary by Yarosh and Mann. 

Chris Neumann is a local filmmaker who displays a variety of popular and quirky interests. From hosting the Asheville Hiking Group, to producing television show Stashers and Cachers, Chris is a busy and interesting local flavor. Stashers and Cashers is a reality television show concept dreamed up by Neumann, who enjoys geocaching as a hobby. Geocaching is likened to a high tech treasure hunt chase, where cachers are given coordinates to clues and hidden objects. There are various levels of geocachers, and some like Chris enjoy setting up elaborate stages that challenge an individuals smarts and stamina while embarking on their challenging quest. While he is not staging elaborate geocaching missions, and leading hikes, Chris enjoys doing film work. One of his most recent projects was participating in the Doritos Crash The Superbowl Challenge. Chris led a small team to film their 30 second commercial in the waters of Lake Lure. Check out their hilarious entry here, and take a moment to rate it.  Learn more about Chris, geocaching, filmmaking, doritos, and more by listening to the most recent episode of Finding Asheville now.

Chung Do Kwan, created by Won Kuk Lee in 1944, is the first of nine schools or kwan teaching what came to be known as taekwondo. Porter Hughes is the co-founder of Jung Kwon Martial Arts Academy in West Asheville and a third degree black belt. His passion is in teaching people of all ages the true art of self defense. While his students compete and succeed in national and international competitions, for Hughes it is not about the awards or recognition. Instead, he takes satisfaction in knowing that his students cannot only perform the moves stoutly and reactively, but right handed, left handed, in the dark, from behind, and much more. Small class sizes with knowledgeable, dedicated instructors who do not upsell black belts, uniforms, or pressure students to compete is what Porter Hughes strives for with Jung Kwon Martial Arts Academy. Porter runs the successful academy with his wife. Learn more about Jung Kwon, karate, taekwondo, and how all the martial arts are connected by  listening to this week's episode of Finding Asheville.     Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

For over a decade, Orbit DVD has steadily grown from a small movie rental store to one that boasts retro video games, comics, books, t-shirts, pop culture items, and more. Marc McCloud sits down with Emily Trimnal and Benny Whitaker to discuss what it is like to be one of just over 1,000 independent video rental shops in the country. McCloud is a self professed spaghetti western junkie and horror film fanatic, so in keeping with the season, our hosts and guest discuss must watch scary movies for the upcoming Halloween holiday. Listen to Marc, Benny, and Emily discuss the 'STD scary movie', the now iconic 'sexual sloth' mural, and what is in store for Orbit, as Marc wisely makes moves to ensure that the store will keep up with the digital age. Orbit DVD is located at 781 Haywood Road, in the heart of booming West Asheville.   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

On September 19th, the Asheville community was set aback when misogynistic blogs, podcasts, and a tweets were discovered to belong to the owners of Waking Life Espresso. Waking Life has been a staple in the West Asheville community since the doors to the upper class coffee shop opened six years ago. We sat down with Mikki Fox, creator of the active online Facebook page West Asheville Exchange, lovingly referred to as WAX. Mikki was the first to organize an impromptu protest outside of the doors of Waking Life the day the story broke. Misti McCloud, a concerned Asheville transplant, was active during the protest, lending her expertise from her days in government and living in Washington DC to the cause. Your new hosts Emily Trimnal and Benny Whitaker talk to Misti and Mikki, discussing the feelings that surfaced when the community learned of the news. We also talk about how the city of Asheville handled the situation, the amazement when the story went national, and then international. How Asheville handled this scandal has impacted people globally - how do we continue to use this story for good, and bring education and awareness to not only our city, but beyond? All of this is covered and more in the latest episode of Finding Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Know limitations, ask questions, trust with Chef Katie Button Nathan sits down with chef Katie Button of Curate and Nightbell for the 84th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in South Carolina and New Jersey, how one can get stuck in a particular career path despite being unhappy, how one gets the courage to leave such path, why despite being successful, Katie Button would not recommend opening your own restaurant after only two year’s of cooking experience, how she learned from her experience at El Bulli that structure could pave way for creativity, what lead to the perfect storm of marketing for Curate’s first year success, and why the key to success is understanding your limitations and being courageous enough to ask questions. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Respect Culture, Craft, Product  Nathan sits down with chef John Fleer of Rhubarb for the 83rd episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Winston Salem, how a graduate school discussion about craft lead to a transition from academia to the kitchen, how Asheville chefs can help build a food system that will eventually benefit the food insecure, who can’t afford to dine at farm to table Asheville restaurants now or buy local produce, how a stint running the Culinary Institute of America’s restaurant completely changed how he viewed his career, why perceived ownership of one’s work whether in fact he or she is the owner of such work is key to being successful in one’s career, and why respecting each person for who they are shaped his own personal success. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Nathan sits down with chef Joe Scully and co-owner of The Corner Kitchen and Chestnut and Corner Kitchen Catering for the 82nd episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Demarest, New Jersey, why show business was his first career passion, the benefits of attending the Culinary Institute of America even for cooks who have years of experience in a kitchen, the importance of ‘pre-meal’ in determining success of Asheville restaurants, and why Joe and his business partner Kevin Westmoreland’s approach to conflict resolution has been key to the growth of The Corner Kitchen. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Why rush in figuring it out? Nathan sits down with Celeste Adams of The Burger Bar and Sadie Mae's Mobile Boutique for the 81st episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. We chat about growing up in Asheville, N.C., why the service industry is a haven for those that can’t decide what is the optimal career is for them, why learning to follow through on commitment no matter what that commitment may be helps you later on in life especially in business, how a brainstorming session for possible business ventures lead to Sadie Mae’s Mobile Boutique, why saving the Burger Bar was so important for Asheville versus just starting over with a new concept, why owning a bar is not the optimal career people necessarily dream about when wanting to own a bar, and what may be next for The Burger Bar. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Pick your focus... Nathan sits down with Catherine Campbell of Bright Planning for the 80th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Hayesville, NC, why marketing entrepreneurs need to pick a focus in a world full of free marketing information, why an unexpected layoff and a pep talk from Seth Godin lead to Catherine starting her own business, why LinkedIn can be a valuable tool to reach out to potential clients and customers, what the biggest mistake businesses make in marketing, and the nuts and bolts of Catherine’s new project Step Into Your Story. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Embracing self empowerment... Nathan sits down with local choreographer and dancer Christine Garvin for the 79th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Rocky Mount, N.C., where do you find a balance between loving one’s body image and at the same time living a healthy lifestyle, why a willingness to be vulnerable and community build is a necessary step in both entrepreneurship and personal wellbeing, why dance can be the ultimate form of self empowerment, and why a personally defeating 9-5 lead Christine to teaching dance full-time. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Failure + sacrifice + hard work = results Nathan sits down with local artist Jeri Bartley owner of Jeribella and co-owner of Copper Fish Metal Arts for the 78th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about how the death of her stepfather lead to her pursuing her passion full time, why pursuing your passion as a living may require living a lifestyle of lesser needs, why buying jewelry made from scraps is more environmentally and morally sound than buying from corporate jewelers, why learning a trade requires a prolonged period of sucking at such trade, and why the working hard cliché is Jeri’s equation for success. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Success = F@#$king hard work? Nathan sits down with local artist, graphic designer, food critic, and publisher of Asheville Flyer for Kids, Stu Helm for the 77th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in the Northeast, how working remedial jobs for seven years was the tipping point for taking his art career seriously, why the key to being a successful artist is adopting a craftsman work ethic, why the internet allows introverts to be successful entrepreneurs, and why Asheville Flyer for Kids is his dream come true. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Creating affordable art... Nathan sits down with local artist Andy Herod for the 76th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Oklahoma, how his initial passion of being an artist took a back seat to a pretty prolific rock career for a decade, why his focus as an artist has been on pumping out a lot of affordable small art pieces versus selling large expensive pieces, and why succeeding as an artist means showing up every single day and doing the work. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.  

Detroit work ethic in an artists' town... Nathan sits down with Jessica Tomasin of Echo Mountain Recording Studio and Jet Up Productions for the 75th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, why writing has always been her outlet for creativity, what the studio process looks like for both novice and veteran musicians, why success in the music industry is dependent on finding a balance between entrepreneurship and art, and what is the state and goals of Asheville Musical Professionals. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Waiting for offal things to happen... Nathan sits down with chef Steve Goff of King James Public House for the 74th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in a blue-collar family, why the birth of his daughter turned around his career and turned his life into a life long mission of making her proud, why he has fallen in love with the cuisine of England and peasant food, what he has learned about the culinary world since becoming an instructor at AB Tech, why cooking offal may be a metaphor for his upbringing, and why success can breed fear? This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes!  Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Embracing purpose to change business culture... Nathan sits down with Brian Boggs and Melanie Moeller Boggs, co-owners of Brian Boggs Chairmakers for the 73rd episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in Kentucky and the Dominican Republic, how frustration as an artist with only being able to tell stories through two dimensions lead to a career in woodworking, why identifying your purpose and your company’s purpose provides a roadmap to creating a business culture you ultimately want, why failure in 2008 despite being in business for 15 years lead to Brian actually thinking about his craft as a business, and how dramatically changing life conditions can prevent you from falling back into unhelpful routines. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Nathan sits down with artists Mark E. Flowers and Kristy Higby of Mountain Tea Studios for the 72nd episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about why the places you go in life are determined where you get A’s, why now is the best time to get into a career in arts, why to be an artist today is synonymous with being an entrepreneur, why technology has expanded the ability of artists to create work that comments on the world’s problems, and how choosing a career that provides opportunities to make art may be more sustainable than a full blown career as an artist. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Learning to Speak... Nathan sits down with Michelle Baker author, artist, photographer, and creativity consultant for the 71st episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about her new book The Canoe, growing up in a funeral director family, how a dream to become a photographer landed her a computer-programming career, why a fact about how many women authors actually submit op-ed pieces was the tipping point to finally have the courage to share her writing with the public, what her hopes were for The Canoe, and what she learned about the book business. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Finding artistic voice by trusting intuition... Nathan sits down with Phil Cheney artist and co-owner of Cheney Graphics Custom Screen Printing and Signs for the 70th episode of the Finding Asheville podcast. They chat about growing up in South Florida, why finding your artistic voice amounts to trusting your intuition, why he passed on the opportunity to do his own animated television show based on his work, what painting live as a part of Snake Medicine Oil Show was like, and why if for some reason you gave up your dream of becoming an artist there is still time, you just have to listen. This episode was mixed at Mojo Coworking at 60 North Market Street in Downtown Asheville. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.