American mountain range along North Carolina/Tennessee border
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Send us Fan MailLila Kilby is the Equestrian Director at Balsam Mountain Preserve, a 4,400-acre private residential community in Sylva, North Carolina, set amid the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. A Greenville, South Carolina native, Lila was bitten by the horse bug at age six on the back of a gentle Tennessee Walker named Sonny, and she never looked back. She earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Clemson University in 2016, then spent that year's show season working for a hunter/jumper veterinarian, traveling to circuits in Chicago, Traverse City, and Tryon.At Balsam Mountain, Lila oversees a growing equestrian program that includes the care of a dozen horses, boarding, lessons, guided trail rides across more than 40 miles of mountain trails, and a full calendar of horse-related community events. She's known for her passion, her warm sense of humor, and her ever-present barn dog and unofficial mascot, Goose.Balsam Mountain Preserve is a private, resort-style residential community set on roughly 4,400 acres high in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Sylva, North Carolina, surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Built around a philosophy of low-density living and land conservation, the Preserve pairs breathtaking mountain scenery with a close-knit community spirit and a genuine commitment to preserving its natural landscape.Residents enjoy an exceptional range of amenities, including an 18-hole championship mountain golf course, a full equestrian center, dining at The Summit House and The Mine Tavern, and more than 40 miles of well-maintained trails winding through peaks, valleys, and forests. The equestrian program, led by Equestrian Director Lila Kilby, offers boarding, lessons, and guided trail rides, and continues to grow with recently completed facilities that complement the community's original 14-stall barn.With its blend of outdoor adventure, refined amenities, and mild mountain summers, Balsam Mountain Preserve stands out as one of the most desirable communities in the Carolinas for individuals and families seeking a life immersed in nature.theplaidhorse.comThank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!
On March 1st, 1976 William Bradford Bishop Jr. bludgeoned his mother, wife, and three young sons to death in their Bethesda, Maryland home. He drove their bodies to North Carolina, where he dumped them a shallow grave and lit them on fire before driving to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There, he ditched his car, walked into the woods and vanished - or did he? Come see us on tour! Grab your Thuja :) For a full list of our sources, visit npadpodcast.com/episodes For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to this week's partners! AquaOmega: One of the highest-dose omega-3 supplements per serving, no fish burps, and for every bottle sold, removes 1 lb. of plastic and debris from the ocean and coastlines. Usecode NPAD for 20% off at myaquaomega.com/NPAD DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to http://joindeleteme.com/ NPAD and use promocode NPAD at checkout Quince: Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to quince.com/npad. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. WhatNot: Download Whatnot today and get $20 off your first purchase. Search Whatnot, W H A T N O T, in the app store, sign up, and start finding the best deals on the products you love with $20 off your first purchase. Bellessa: EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE Rose suction toy with their order! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/nationalparkafterdark- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
California has charged 14 people over the Montana LLC scheme, the same sales tax strategy being sold to RV buyers at shows across the country. Montana law says it is legal. The state where you park may disagree, and investigators are now checking RV storage lots for those plates.Also this week: Roadtrek's new owners announce two new Ford Transit Class B models and a major service partner. What the US-Canada tariff fight is doing to Canadian RV builders, and why the uncertainty costs you money even when the tariff never lands. The National Park Service turns 110 and National Park Week runs through August 30. And an invasive spider the size of your hand is spreading through the Great Smoky Mountains, which sounds worse than it is.We source every story we report. The full transcript, with links to every source used in this episode, is at RVPodcast.com. Look for the Transcript tab and scroll to the bottom.Free daily newsletter: RVLifestyle.com/Newsletter
Joey shared that his son is deep in an "85-year-old man" phase, wearing button-ups, loafers, carrying hand sanitizer, and even asking for a button-up swimsuit. Joey said that request was where he finally drew the line. Hot Tea: Prince Harry and Meghan are rumored to be moving back to the UK, Justin Moore revealed the large lump on his neck is benign, and a 19-year-old was arrested after allegedly threatening to bomb an Applebee’s because his food was taking too long. Nancy says he may be done visiting the Great Smoky Mountains after learning giant Joro spiders have been spotted in the park. Joey thought they looked pretty. Nancy strongly disagreed. Joey gave an update on the wealthy country music fan challenging him to a charity 90s country trivia duel. The two are trying to schedule a Zoom showdown, and Joey is hoping it leads to a bigger donation. Lucky 7 for $50 to Old South Candy A Megan Moroney appearance at a Raising Cane’s drive-thru sparked a conversation about jobs everyone would love to try for an hour. Answers included fighter pilot, storm chaser, penguin feeder, zoo worker, police ride-along, and 911 dispatcher. The show let listener Heather live out her dream of being a radio DJ by putting her on the air to promote the Dollywood Night Flight Expedition giveaway. The show gave away a chance to ride Dollywood’s new Night Flight Expedition coaster with them. Listeners text FLIGHT to 865-656-9485. Joey and Nancy say 5 people's names on the air. The first of those people to call us wins. Group Therapy: My Daughter Keeps Using AI to Argue with Me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joey shared that his son is deep in an "85-year-old man" phase, wearing button-ups, loafers, carrying hand sanitizer, and even asking for a button-up swimsuit. Joey said that request was where he finally drew the line. Hot Tea: Prince Harry and Meghan are rumored to be moving back to the UK, Justin Moore revealed the large lump on his neck is benign, and a 19-year-old was arrested after allegedly threatening to bomb an Applebee’s because his food was taking too long. Nancy says he may be done visiting the Great Smoky Mountains after learning giant Joro spiders have been spotted in the park. Joey thought they looked pretty. Nancy strongly disagreed. Joey gave an update on the wealthy country music fan challenging him to a charity 90s country trivia duel. The two are trying to schedule a Zoom showdown, and Joey is hoping it leads to a bigger donation. Lucky 7 for $50 to Old South Candy A Megan Moroney appearance at a Raising Cane’s drive-thru sparked a conversation about jobs everyone would love to try for an hour. Answers included fighter pilot, storm chaser, penguin feeder, zoo worker, police ride-along, and 911 dispatcher. The show let listener Heather live out her dream of being a radio DJ by putting her on the air to promote the Dollywood Night Flight Expedition giveaway. The show gave away a chance to ride Dollywood’s new Night Flight Expedition coaster with them. Listeners text FLIGHT to 865-656-9485. Joey and Nancy say 5 people's names on the air. The first of those people to call us wins. Group Therapy: My Daughter Keeps Using AI to Argue with Me See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fall may be the best RV camping season of the year, but it is no longer a well-kept secret. October campsites are filling quickly as Halloween weekends, fall foliage trips and seasonal festivals turn autumn into one of camping's busiest seasons.In Episode 634 of the RV Podcast, Stories from the Road, Mike and Jennifer explain why RVers should make the pivot from summer to fall camping right now. They share strategies for finding campsites after popular weekends appear sold out, including booking Sunday through Thursday, calling campgrounds directly about cancellations and using fall foliage prediction maps to better time your trip.You will also hear about memorable fall destinations and events across the country, from Tawas Point State Park and the Great Smoky Mountains to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, cranberry harvests, giant pumpkin competitions and even racing woolly worms.Fall camping brings cooler nights, fewer bugs, beautiful scenery and some of the year's most enjoyable RV travel. But if you want a good campsite, the time to make your reservation is today.Find all the dates, destinations and helpful links by the transcript tab above:
From conservation assistants, celebrities, protectors, and public educators - dogs have done it all in National Parks. Today we honor the stories of incredible canines who have ties to places like Yosemite, Denali, Great Smoky Mountains and more. Good boys and girls who have scaled mountains, crossed continents, navigated glaciers and braved rivers for their people - and would do it all again. COME SEE US ON TOUR! US BARK Rangers Sled Dog's in the White Mountains For the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials: Instagram: @nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @nationalparkafterdark Support the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page! Thank you to this week's partners! Avocado Green: Find an Avocado near you or shop online at Avocado Green Mattress and check out their mattress and bedding sale!Betterhelp: See the reviews, see what stands out, and see if BetterHelp is right for you. Visit betterhelp.com/npadButcherbox: Go to http://ButcherBox.com/NPAD to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ground beef for life, or free chicken thighs or top sirloins in every box for a year with free shipping.Nutrafol: Get $10 off your first month's subscription and freeshipping when you visit Nutrafol.com promo code NPADPaka: To grab your PAKA hoodie, go to www.pakaapparel.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thousands have stepped off marked trails and into America's wilderness never to be seen again, and the retired lawman who spent years cataloguing them found the same strange details surfacing case after case.EPISODE BLOG PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/Missing411READ or DOWNLOAD the full transcript of this episode: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/34vb6kexFEATURED STORIES IN THIS EPISODE: Thousands of people have vanished without a trace from America's wilderness areas, leaving behind baffling clues that defy conventional explanation. From children who disappear within seconds while picking berries to hikers in bright clothing who seem to evaporate from marked trails, these cases share disturbing patterns that suggest something beyond ordinary misadventure. What is happening in our national parks? And what strange forces might be responsible for those who seemingly step off the face of the earth?SOURCES and RESOURCES:David Paulides' "Missing 411" Book Series (Missing 411: Western United States & Canada * Missing 411: Eastern United States * Missing 411: North America and Beyond * Missing 411: The Devil's in the Detail)https://www.canammissing.com/missing-411.htmlCanAm Missing Project Website: https://www.canammissing.comGeorge Knapp's Interview with David Paulides for Mystery Wire: https://www.mysterywire.com/ufo/david-paulides-missing-411/National Park Service Missing Persons Database: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/foia/foia-reading-room.htmDocumentaries on Missing 411: "Missing 411" (2016), https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5864680; "Missing 411: The Hunted" (2019), https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10524262Coast to Coast AM Interviews with David Paulides: https://www.coasttocoastam.com/guest/paulides-david/49441/Mysterious Universe: https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2024/08/Don-t-Want-to-Mysteriously-Vanish-Don-t-Do-These-Things-/The Charley Project: https://charleyproject.org/National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): https://www.namus.gov/Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Dennis_Martin,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Alfred_Beilhartz,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Jaryd_Atadero, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kecksburg_UFO_incident(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.Originally aired: March 26, 2025Across North America, more than two thousand people have vanished in and around national parks under circumstances that resist every ordinary explanation. Former law enforcement officer David Paulides has spent years documenting these cases in his Missing 411 series, isolating the ones that can't be written off as voluntary disappearances, accidents, or animal predation — and finding that what remains follows a disturbing set of recurring patterns he calls profile points.This episode of Weird Darkness walks through those patterns one by one. It opens with the national park clusters and the failure of search and rescue dogs — trained trackers that lose the scent at a dead stop, panic, or never catch it at all — then moves to the berry-picking connection, with more than a century of cases: Lillian Carney in 1897 Maine, Alice Rachel Peck and her account of "The Black Man" who carried her, Eddie Hamilton, Wesley Piatote, Jack Pike, Simon Skogan, Gary Bailey, and the strange 1965 Kuninga family encounter in Finland. From there it examines the bright-clothing factor through the best-known cases in the catalog — Dennis Martin's 1969 vanishing in the Great Smoky Mountains, Alfred Beilhartz in Rocky Mountain National Park, and Jaryd Atadero in Colorado's Poudre Canyon — followed by the recurring role of granite boulder fields, nearby water, sudden weather, and victims who step out of sight around a bend and are gone.The episode also weighs what happens when bodies are recovered, often in previously searched areas or terrain the victim could not have reached, and lays out the range of proposed explanations — from unreported crimes and disorientation to cryptids, folklore entities, and Indigenous traditions of places where the veil between worlds runs thin — without landing on any of them. It closes with practical wilderness-safety guidance for anyone who'd rather not become a Missing 411 case themselves.
This is the final stop on our five-part audio guide to Asheville, North Carolina, and we're heading for the trees. In this episode of Unpacked by Afar, host Aislyn Greene laces up for Asheville hiking, and discovers why the oldest mountains on Earth are also some of the most beloved. On a tour with Hike Bike Kayak Asheville that takes Aislyn and guide David into the Pisgah National Forest, Aislyn learns that Asheville hiking means far more than a simple walk in the woods. These are among the oldest mountains in the world, cloaked in one of the most biodiverse forests in North America, home to thousands of plant species and waterfalls around nearly every bend. David leads her to quiet swimming holes and points out plants that grow nowhere else on Earth. She stands beneath Looking Glass Falls and hears how a single valley packs in world-class rock climbing, fly fishing on the Davidson River, and a 60-foot natural water slide called Sliding Rock. Zoom out, and the scale is staggering. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most visited places in the entire national park system, and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, rises just up the road. It helps explain why so many people who come here for Asheville hiking end up never wanting to leave, and why the outdoors are one of America's great travel destinations. It's a landscape you can dip into for a single afternoon or disappear into for a week. It all adds up to a rich piece of cultural travel and a fitting finale to our guide: a reminder that in Asheville, the wild is never far away. Whether you want a gentle waterfall stroll or a hard climb to a summit view, the trailheads are closer than you think, and the payoff is some of the most beautiful country in the eastern United States. Consider it your guide to where to go and what to know. Unpacked by Afar is a travel podcast that unpacks one destination at a time. That's the end of our Asheville audio guide, so catch up on the whole series in the feed. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Older Than the Atlantic 00:02:30 Meeting My Guide 00:06:30 The Blue Ridge Parkway 00:11:00 Looking Glass Falls 00:13:15 Wildflowers and Orchids 00:16:15 Behind Moore Cove GUESTS | David Teafatiller of Hike Bike Kayak Asheville, our hiking guide PLACES WE VISITED Pisgah National Forest Looking Glass Falls Sliding Rock Davidson River Blue Ridge Parkway Great Smoky Mountains National Park Mount Mitchell State Park MORE FROM AFAR Asheville Travel Guide 10 Travel Itineraries for Exploring Asheville Your Way (includes an outdoor itinerary) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2 Appalachian horror stories for today's video, and both of them are told by men who knew these mountains for a living.A state wildlife biologist is sent to survey a remote hollow in southwest Virginia where the deer numbers have never added up. A trail worker takes a solo 6-week contract in the most isolated drainage of the Great Smoky Mountains, a section the park quietly rotates workers through and never explains why. Neither of them ever went back.Linktree: https://linktr.ee/its_just_creepyStory Credits:►Sent in to https://www.justcreepy.net/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:01:58 Story 100:41:00 Story 2Music by:►'Decoherence' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auBusiness inquiries:►creepydc13@gmail.com#scarystories #horrorstories #appalachia#appalachianmountains
In the conclusion to our haunted road trip across North America, we travel north to the infamous Valley of the Headless Men, listen for an invisible gathering deep in the Great Smoky Mountains, cross the strange emptiness of the Badlands, and enter the haunted halls of the Banff Springs Hotel. Along the way, we explore how unanswered questions become legends, and why some mysteries only grow stranger with time. These are stories shaped by wilderness, uncertainty, and our need to know what happened. Pack your road trip snacks, keep your eyes on the trail, and join us for the final leg of Haunted Parks of North America. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Haunted Parks of North America – Part One (Ep. 227) For information or to purchase tickets for our ghost tours or paranormal adventures in Kingston, Ottawa, or Toronto, please visit hauntedwalk.com.
At 85 years old, Grandma Joy had never seen a mountain. So her grandson took her to see the Great Smoky Mountains. The pair went on to visit all 63 national parks.
Teen WALKS OUT of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park After 11 DAYS MISSINGBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
National Park Mysteries and Disappearances - The Great Smoky MountainsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
Episode 74: Carrying a Language Home with Gil Jackson Episode Description What does it mean to be so connected to a place that even your name carries it? Gil Jackson, known by the Cherokee name Dohi, meaning outside or outdoors, was born in Robbinsville, North Carolina in 1951 and today lives on 30 acres just 200 yards from the spot where he came into the world. He is a fluent Cherokee speaker, one of roughly 130 left, an elder of the Snowbird community, and an educator who has taught at Stanford, UNC Asheville, and Duke. In 2014, he thru-hiked all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, walking in part to honor his ancestors on the Trail of Tears. In this conversation, Gil takes Josh inside a tight-knit upbringing built on Gadugi, the Cherokee construct of community, where neighbors came together to cut wood, harvest crops, and care for anyone in need. He explains why family kept him rooted in Western North Carolina even when opportunity called him elsewhere, how a community school preserved the language while the wider world pushed assimilation, and why Cherokee is considered one of the ten hardest languages in the world. They also talk about why Gil keeps walking. From a 48-mile day in the Great Smoky Mountains to the ladder-strewn West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, his adventures are less about conquering anything and more about seeing the creator's creation. Most of all, this is a story about a race against time: preserving a language, the knowledge of medicinal plants, and the sacred sites that risk being lost before the next generation can carry them forward. Episode Highlights • 00:00 A name that means outdoors, and a home built 200 yards from where he was born • 02:00 The Cherokee tradition of burying the umbilical cord to connect a child to the land • 05:00 Why family kept him rooted in Western North Carolina despite chances to leave • 06:00 Growing up in 1950s Snowbird: one gravel road, one light bulb per room, no TV • 08:00 Gadugi explained: the community coming together to help in times of need • 13:00 An aunt's middle-class home, new clothes, and the family that raised him • 21:00 Selling moss for 25 cents a pound to buy a guitar he still owns • 22:00 A community school that taught English while protecting the Cherokee language • 24:00 Only about 130 fluent speakers left, and losing two and a half each month • 27:00 What makes Cherokee one of the ten hardest languages in the world • 29:00 Degrees in education, administration, and planning, and leading a language immersion school • 33:00 How Cherokee end-of-life traditions have changed over a lifetime • 35:00 Finding the therapeutic in streams, trees, and birdsong • 39:00 Why he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2014 to honor the Trail of Tears • 43:00 The brutal West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, with 100 ladders and 10 hours for six miles • 45:00 A tense night cooking near foraging bears in Virginia • 46:00 A trail family of five speaking four languages, all wanting to learn Cherokee • 53:00 Losing the knowledge of edible and medicinal plants, and the sacred sites that hold the stories • 57:00 Rapid-fire: Gvgeyu (I love you), favorite sunrises, beloved teachers, and the White Mountains About Gil Jackson Gil Jackson (Dohi) is a fluent Cherokee speaker, elder of the Snowbird community in Robbinsville, North Carolina, and a lifelong educator who has taught at Stanford, UNC Asheville, and Duke and served as principal of a Cherokee language immersion school. He remains committed to preserving the Cherokee language, traditional plant knowledge, and the region's sacred sites, and is an avid long-distance hiker who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2014. Connect with the On Adventure Podcast Hosted by Josh Self, financial advisor and everyday explorer. • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms • Follow on Instagram for short-form clips and behind-the-scenes content • Connect on Facebook: On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self • Connect on LinkedIn: Josh Self • If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it
Road trips are a rite of passage for Americans. And for us, there is definitely a recipe for success when it comes to the Great American Road Trip or any road trip you go on around the world! Between the perfect road trip snacks to how to break up your trip, these are fun ways to enjoy a road trip! Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): My Paris Kitchen by David Lebovitz: https://go.shopmy.us/p-65386340 Vermont Fall Road Trip: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/vermont-road-trip-itinerary/ Great Smoky Mountains: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/3-day-great-smoky-mountains-itinerary/ Glacier National Park Trip: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/itinerary-for-glacier-national-park/ Scotland 5-Day Trip: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/5-days-in-scotland-road-trip/ Serial Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wMPFS9B5V7gg6hZ3UZ7hf Crime Junkie: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DgfoleqaW61T2amZQKINx My Favorite Murder: https://open.spotify.com/show/0U9S5J2ltMaKdxIfLuEjzE Sasquatch Chronicles: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jriVXIcI6g4ZUVGsS1JqB 10 Junk Miles: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yeVQnjkjPK20gPxGeP5tu A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson: https://go.shopmy.us/p-65391778 Passport to Your National Parks: https://americasnationalparks.org/passport-to-your-national-parks/ 2-Week Japan Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/unique-2-week-japan-itinerary/ Southwest France Itinerary: https://francevoyager.com/10-day-southwest-france-itinerary/ Want to support our work? You can buy us a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/worldwidehoneymoon Need help planning your trip to France? Check out my trip consulting page: https://francevoyager.com/france-travel-consulting-custom-itineraries/ Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! https://www.facebook.com/groups/francevoyager/ Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2
A man named Dale wrote to me with no subject line and one question: had I ever taken a statement I wasn't allowed to write down. Sixteen years on the job in Atlanta meant that question landed somewhere familiar, so I wrote him back, and what followed was three phone calls and thirty years of a retired ranger's private records read to me out of the drugstore notebooks he'd been keeping since his first season. Dale spent most of his career in the Great Smoky Mountains, with early seasons out west and a few eastern parks along the way.He started out a skeptic, a hunting-family kid who filed the Bigfoot stuff in the same drawer as ghost lights and panther screams. He agrees with me about ninety percent of the way. No men in black, no federal directive, no coordinated national cover-up. But he wanted to push back on the last ten percent with three decades of receipts, because in his experience reports do get buried, not by conspiracy but by omission, by a supervisor saying write it as a bear, by a busy man deciding a thing is easier to ignore than explain. This episode walks through what he saw and what he was told to do about it. The two backpackers and the rock-throwing at the shelter that got logged as bear activity.The hunter who watched something walk a ridgeline on two legs and got angry when Dale wouldn't hand him an easy answer. The through-hiker, the scout troop, and the experienced hunter named Pres who watched one work a timber edge through a spotting scope for ten minutes in good light. The screams, the whoops, the wood knocks, the jabbering that broke a grown man because of the pauses. The casts Dale still keeps in his garage, the one he turned in early on that disappeared, the structures and tree breaks and stacked stones he couldn't argue down.The colleagues who only ever floated it sideways in a truck at the end of a shift, and the one who sat on his own sighting for forty years because a supervisor in the seventies told him he'd finish his career cleaning vault toilets.And the last one. A gray morning, a downed tree across a gated roadbed, and something standing fifty yards up the track that looked back at him over its shoulder and folded into the laurel without a sound. Dale had plaster in the truck.He'd cast a dozen prints for other people on far less. He looked at the two impressions it left, turned around, and drove down the mountain, and he never told anyone at the Park Service. The man who kept thirty years of records because he couldn't stand watching the truth get left out went and left out his own, and he knew exactly what he was doing while he did it.I still don't believe in the grand conspiracy. Institutions leak, people talk, somebody always wants the credit or the book deal. But Dale moved me on the small version, because the small version isn't a theory. It's just how organizations work, and I watched the same machinery punch the same hole in the same kind of paperwork wearing a different uniform.The motive never had to be sinister for the record to come out crooked. If you want to know how something stays hidden in plain sight that long, you don't need an agency. You need the most honest man in the woods to decide on his own that some truths cost more than they're worth. He'll keep the secret better than any conspiracy could, for free.Email BrianJoin Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.Have you had a Bigfoot encounter, Sasquatch sighting, Dogman experience, or other cryptid or paranormal encounter? We'd love to hear your story. Email brian@paranormalworldproductions.com to be featured on a future episode of Sasquatch Odyssey.Sasquatch Odyssey is a leading Bigfoot and cryptid podcast exploring real encounters, field research, and scientific analysis of the Sasquatch phenomenon.Follow the show and turn on automatic downloads so you never miss an episode.
In honor of the 250 years since the United States' conception, Lisa will be chatting about some of the beautiful natural parks that help preserve the landscape and wildlife of this country. In this iteration, she discusses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, between North Carolina and Tennessee, with its Chief of Staff, Katelyn Liming. […]
The Devil's Ledger | Week of June 15th, 2026 This week on The Devil's Ledger, we begin with something that feels almost surreal—the New York Knicks are World Champions. A long-awaited moment for a franchise and a fanbase that has carried decades of hope, frustration, and belief. From the Canyon of Heroes to living rooms across the country, this is more than a title—it's a moment etched into the mythology of New York sports. The Creepiest Thing I Heard This Week A moment in time that may not have moved the way it should have. We revisit Game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals, when Larry Johnson stepped to the line for one of the most iconic plays in Knicks history. But for those who were there, the memory isn't just the shot—it's what happened right before it. A strange thinning of sound. A collective pause. A sense that something had aligned just long enough for the outcome to land exactly where it was supposed to. Was it pressure? Adrenaline? Or something harder to explain? On The Devil Within We launch a brand-new summer series: Campfire Files: Stories That Follow Us Home These aren't distant legends or secondhand stories. These are grounded, firsthand accounts that begin in the places we trust the most—campgrounds, lakes, beaches, and vacation homes. We start in the Great Smoky Mountains, where a family trip turns into something far more unsettling. What begins as a quiet weekend in the woods slowly reveals something that doesn't behave the way it should—and doesn't stay where it started. We'll be here all summer, exploring encounters that begin in familiar places and follow people long after they leave. On Criminal Mischief Carolyn Ossorio returns with another sharp, unsettling look at the human condition—where ambition, envy, and pressure collide in ways that feel all too recognizable. These are the kinds of stories that happen more often than we'd like to admit—and still manage to surprise us every time. On The Culture of Criminal Cool Season One has wrapped, but the story may not be over. There are whispers of additional material, extended interviews, and possibly even new conversations with Adam Diaz. Nothing confirmed yet—but enough to keep your attention. On The Slippery This week's episode dives into the disturbing case of Dr. Thomas Weiner, once one of the most respected oncologists in Helena, Montana. What begins as the story of a trusted medical figure quickly unravels into something far darker, centered around a patient treated for over a decade for a disease they never had. As the investigation deepens, the image of a respected doctor begins to fracture—revealing patterns that raise troubling questions about trust, oversight, and how something like this could go on for so long. This Week in Horror A new film out of Norway taps into one of the oldest and most enduring myths: Kraken Strange behavior in marine life. Unexplained deaths in deep water. And the suggestion that something ancient has resurfaced. It's a return to elemental horror—vast, unknowable, and just beneath the surface. Listen & Follow Follow The Devil Within and The Devil's Ledger wherever you get your podcasts. If you're enjoying the show, take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find the stories. Watch & Subscribe Full episodes and video content are available on the Evio Creative YouTube channel. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss what's next. Join the Conversation Have a story, tip, or something we should cover?
In this week's Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down one of the most competitive short-term rental markets in America: Sevierville.With more than 15 million annual visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains and over 13,000 active short-term rentals in the surrounding market, Sevierville has become the perfect example of the "Amenities Arms Race" that has transformed the STR industry.The data is eye-opening:• Hot Tubs → 94.8% of listings• Game Rooms → 77.8%• Fire Pits → 52%• Pools → 45%• Pool Tables → 50%These aren't luxury amenities anymore. They're the baseline.In this episode, Mark breaks down what amenities you need just to compete and which upgrades can still help you stand out from thousands of competing cabins.If you're investing in the Smokies, this episode is a masterclass in understanding what it takes to win in a mature STR market.Tune in for new Market Data Reports every Monday and expert guest interviews every Friday.
STRANGE MYSTERIES Episode #13 with Steve Stockton- Welcome back to another deep dive into high strangeness, unsolved disappearances, and unsettling regional folklore. In this complete 10-story installment, we cross North America—from the dense woods of New England and the Great Smoky Mountains to the lonely desert highways of the Southwest—to uncover cases that defy explanation. In this episode, we cover: The Disappearance of Brittany Tee (Brookfield, Massachusetts) The Legend of Raw Head and Bloody Bones (Appalachian Folk Horror) The Baffling Vanishing of Philip Taylor Kramer (Psychedelic Rock & Aerospace Mystery) The Baffling Case of Terrence Woods (Penman Mine, Idaho) The Baffling Case of Dennis Martin (Great Smoky Mountains) The Macabre Fate of Gram Parsons (Joshua Tree, California) The Disappearance of Granger Taylor (Duncan, British Columbia) The Appalachian "Not-Deer" (Regional High Strangeness) The Slide Rock Bolter (Colorado Lumberjack Folklore) The Missing Truckers of the Desert Southwest (Lonely Highway Vanishings) Hit the SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of American High Strangeness! Enjoyed the video? Please leave a like and tell us in the comments below: Which of these mysteries creeped you out the most? Have you ever seen a Not-Deer?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
Head on down to Rocky Top with Randy, Caly, and Visit Knoxville Director of Communications Kristen Combs as they explore the Sunsphere, Market Square, Southern cuisine, outdoor adventures, and other top things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee—a unique city at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.Plan your next trip to Knoxville at https://VisitKnoxville.comSubscribe to RV Destinations Magazine at https://RVDestinationsMagazine.com and use code PODCAST20 to save 20% on your subscription today!
Great Smoky Mountains' Katie Liming joins Bob Thomas to talk about the synchronous fireflies events taking place this summer, the lottery process to win tickets, hiking in the Smoky Mountains & more! #PhilShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's True Weird Stuff - Bloody Bishop In 1976, a respected U.S. diplomat named William Bradford Bishop murdered his wife, mother, and three sons. He drove their bodies 275 miles to a swamp and set them on fire. Bishop vanished soon after, abandoning his car near the Great Smoky Mountains. He spent nearly 42 years on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and was never captured. No one knows if he died in those mountains…or if he simply became someone else.
Tonight on America at Night with McGraw Milhaven: Professor Anat Alon-Beck, an expert in corporate governance and tech litigation, joins the show to discuss the high-stakes OpenAI trial and what the case could mean for the future of artificial intelligence, corporate responsibility, and the rapidly evolving tech industry. Elahe Izadi, staff writer and podcast host for The Washington Post, examines what Stephen Colbert's cancellation could mean for the future of late-night television, the shifting media landscape, and how audiences are changing the way they consume entertainment and political commentary. Plus, Jacqueline “Jackie” Harp, Executive Director of Smokies Life, joins the program for the weekly National Parks segment to highlight the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States and a vital part of America's natural heritage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week's RV news is big. A congressional hearing reveals what really happened when the Grand Canyon burned. A potential mega-merger could reshape every RV on the road. Bears are attacking hikers at the most visited park in America. And the national parks are opening - with some major changes you need to know before you go.In this episode:The Dragon Bravo Fire scandal: did the NPS let it burn on purpose? Congress wants answers.Fire season is already here - Southeast RVers, there are campfire bans in effect RIGHT NOWPatrick Industries and Lippert in merger talks - the two companies inside your RV want to combineBears attacked six hikers at Great Smoky Mountains in two weekends - here is what not to doGrand Canyon North Rim reopens May 15 after the most destructive fire in park historyGlacier National Park drops its reservation system for 2026 - finallyAcadia, Yellowstone updates - and an RV height warning Acadia visitors must hearNew episodes every Monday (News) and Wednesday (Stories from the Road). Subscribe so you never miss one.Join our community at RVCommunity.com - ad-free, no algorithms, just RVers. Plan your next trip at rvlifestyle.com/plan
I took this episode from an article I wrote for Flying Snake magazine, which was published in December 2020 (Vol. 6, #18). Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. The Great Smoky Mountains is a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, which stretches from the middle of Alabama in the United States north into southeastern Canada. The Appalachians formed when the world's continents crunched together to form the supercontinent Pangaea. The southern Appalachians formed separately and later than the northern Appalachians, around 270 million years ago. The Appalachians were once as high as the Rockies or Himalayas, but by the time the dinosaurs went extinct, they had eroded down to the mountain cores. Sediment weathered from the peaks and filled in valleys. But during the Pleistocene, when massive glaciers covered the northern parts of North America, the weight of the ice pushed the North American plate down, causing the southern part of the plate to rise. Eventually the ancient mountains' roots were a thousand feet (300 m) above sea level again. Rivers that once flowed east into the Atlantic Ocean or west into the remains of the shallow Western Interior Seaway shifted their courses to flow northward. Streams that once meandered across the land now plunged down steep slopes and dug gorges into the rock. And over thousands of years, animals and plants retreating from the ice migrated southward along the mountain range. When the climate warmed some 11,000 years ago and the ice age glaciers melted, many cold-adapted species were trapped in the peaks of the southern Appalachians. One of the highest peaks is Mount LeConte, with its highest point, High Top, measured at 6,593 ft, or 2,010 meters. I hiked Mount LeConte on 7 May, 2016 when the weather in nearby Knoxville, Tennessee was a warm 82 Fahrenheit, or 27.8 Celcius, but there was snow on the mountain that morning. I wrote my name in it. A spruce-fir forest grows on the upper slopes, a remnant of forest that grew throughout the mountains during the last ice age. The climate at the peak of Mount LeConte is more like that of southern Canada than the warm, humid southeastern United States. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 to protect the mountains along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. No one lives in the park's 800 square miles (2,072 square km), which receives up to 90 inches [2.29 m] of rain a year, some of it from hurricanes that sweep up from the southern Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. Large tracts of old-growth forest still remain in the park too. So as you can see, the Smokies are a biodiversity hotspot. In 2018, the park announced its 1,000th species discovered that is new to science, which by July 2020 had grown to 1,025. Overall, 20,000 known species live in the park as of 2019 and scientists estimate that up to 100,000 more are yet to be discovered. The Smokies are heavily forested, of course, but some mountain summits and crests have no trees. Instead, native grasses and shrubs grow. They're called grassy balds and no one is sure why they exist. The prevailing theory is that Pleistocene megaherbivores opened the forests for grazing, and after their extinction, the balds remained open due to bison, elk (wapiti), and deer. When white settlers moved into the area, they used the balds to graze cattle and other livestock. Remains of mammoth and mastodon, musk ox, ground sloth, and other megaherbivores have been excavated from various balds throughout the park. Amphibian enthusiasts call the Smokies the Salamander Capital of the World, with 30 known species. Largest of these is the hellbender, which we talked about in episode 14, a giant salamander that can grow nearly 2 ½ feet long, or 74 cm, and which lives in swift-moving mountain streams. It's most closely related to the Chinese and Japanese giant salamanders, which can grow over twice as long as the hellbender. Twenty-seven of the salamanders found in the Smokies are lungless, in the family Plethodontidae. Instead of breathing with lungs or gills, the lungless salamanders absorb oxygen through their skin. Of these, the red-cheeked salamander is endemic to the Smokies—that is, it's found nowhere else in the world. The red-cheeked salamander lives in forests in high elevations. It can grow up to seven inches long, or 18 cm, and is gray or black with bright red patches on its face. It spends the day in a burrow, then comes out at night to find insects in the leaf litter. But it's hard to tell apart from the imitator salamander, although the imitator only grows a little over four inches long, or 11 cm. The imitator has red cheeks but its body is patterned black and brown instead of solid gray or black. Sometimes its cheeks are yellow, too, while the red-cheeked salamander only ever has red cheeks. Another animal found only in the Smoky Mountains, although it may also be present in mountains outside of the park, is a species of jeweled spider fly called Mary-Alice's emerald (Eulonchus marialiciae). Mary-Alice's emerald has a metallic-green body and yellow legs, and the adults eat nectar. But the larvae eat spiders. Specifically, they parasitize spiders. After hatching, the larva goes in search of a spider, especially trapdoor spiders that live in burrows. When it finds one, it works its way into the spider's body and eats it from the inside out, eventually killing it. Then it pupates in the burrow and emerges as an adult spider fly. It prefers high elevations that are cool and moist. A less horrific animal found in the Smokies is the Carolina northern flying squirrel. It was one of the species whose ancestors migrated south along the Appalachians during the Pleistocene. Then, after temperatures started to warm, the cold-adapted flying squirrel migrated north again. Some populations remained on mountaintops in the Smoky Mountains and have been isolated for thousands of years, evolving into a subspecies of flying squirrel found only in high elevations of the Smokies. It's much rarer than the southern flying squirrel that lives throughout the southeastern United States, and prefers spruce forests instead of the hardwood forests that southern flying squirrels like. But the spruce forests are threatened by climate change, the introduced woolly adelgid insect that kills fir trees, and pollution in the form of acid rain and pesticides that travel to the mountains from other states and even other countries. The Carolina northern flying squirrel has a patagium of furry skin that connects its front and back legs. When it jumps from a branch, it stretches its legs out and uses the patagia to glide to a new perch. It's clumsy on the ground, though, and spends most of its time in trees. It mostly eats fungi, mushrooms, and lichens, but will also eat nuts, insects, bird eggs and even baby birds, and other plant material like tree sap and buds. Bobcats still live in the Smokies, but the cougar, or mountain lion, was supposedly killed off in the area by the end of the 19th century. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the eastern cougar subspecies from the endangered species list in 2018, since it is supposed to be extinct. The last cougar in what is now the park was supposedly killed in 1920. But sightings continue in the Smokies, close to a dozen a year, and some sightings are compelling, like the 2002 report of a cougar crossing a road in the park, spotted by a veterinarian who treated captive cougars in his practice. Considering how seldom seen the bobcat is despite it being relatively abundant, it's possible that a small number of cougars still live in the park—either animals that have moved back into the mountains from elsewhere, or a relict population. The red wolf is native to the eastern United States and was once common in the Smoky Mountains, but was killed off by white settlers throughout most of its range. Where it remained in the wild, it interbred with closely related coyotes, until it was declared extinct in the wild in 1980. Fortunately, by then a captive breeding program was in place. Starting in 1991, 37 red wolves were released in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, following the release of 63 red wolves into the Alligator River Natural Area in North Carolina a few years earlier. But the release didn't go well in the Smokies. Wolves are shy and need enormous territories with lots of game. Before long some wolves were leaving the park and attacking livestock. Others died of parvo virus, especially wolf pups. Worse, this was about the same time that coyotes moved into the area from the west. The wolves started interbreeding with the coyotes, and the coyotes also competed with the wolves for food. In 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Service ended the program and recaptured all but one of the wolves originally released into the park. The North Carolina release went better, with a population peak in 2006 estimated at nearly 130 wolves. But that program was suspended in 2015, and without management of the wild population, the number has dwindled. As of 2019, only 14 wolves remain in North Carolina—and that's the entire population of red wolves in the wild. But sightings of red wolves continue in the Smokies. The trouble is that the red wolf looks very similar to the coyote. It's taller and larger, with a more pronounced reddish shade to its coat, but even experts can have trouble telling the two species apart if they can't get a good look at the animal. Most likely people are seeing coyotes, possibly ones descended from red wolf/coyote hybrids born during the reintroduction program. The biggest mystery in the park is the occasional sighting of a Bigfoot-type creature. Most sightings are probably bears, though. An estimated 1,500 American black bears live in the Smokies, and while some bears get used to hikers and tourists, most are shy and seldom seen. A black bear keeping an eye on hikers or cars will sometimes stand on its hind legs for a better view, and would naturally look like a hulking humanoid if glimpsed. But other sightings aren't so easy to explain. In February of 2009, a photographer named Deb Campbell was hiking the Middle Prong Trail in the snow. The Middle Prong Trail passes three major waterfalls and many smaller ones as it follows along a tributary of the Little River. She had the trail almost completely to herself—she says she only saw one person the whole time. Later she reported, “[A]t some point I am photographing along the stream and I start to smell a gawd awful stench. Not really like anything I had ever smelled before. I look around, see nothing, listen intently…nothing. So I finish up at that spot and go further up the trail.” The smell receded behind her but the snow increased, so finally she turned around to hike out. Around the area where she smelled the stink earlier, she started feeling watched. She stopped long enough to secure her camera gear for much faster hiking in slick conditions, when she heard a deep growl that she described as “very low, not like a cat, almost guttural.” Needless to say, she got off the mountain as quickly as possible. The black bear doesn't truly hibernate since its body temperature remains normal instead of dropping, but it does find a den in cold weather and will sleep for long stretches. It may emerge from its den occasionally during the winter during warm spells, but for the most part it's asleep in its den from around November through March in the Smoky Mountains. But Campbell was hiking in February during a snowfall, with snow already on the ground. A bear would most likely not be out of its den in that weather unless it had been disturbed. And bears don't actually smell bad. During the winter hibernation most bears don't defecate at all. Any feces left in a bear's digestive tract harden to form a fecal plug. If it does feel the need to defecate near the end of the winter, it will do so just outside its den, but the fecal plug has very little odor. Even under ordinary conditions, unless a bear has been eating carrion, it will smell no worse than a dog that needs a bath. Not only that, black bears don't actually growl. They make grunty, huffing noises when warning people away or when males fight in the summer, and a frightened bear will moan, but they don't growl like a dog. It's possible that Campbell hiked past a bear that had emerged from its den early and had found and eaten carrion, possibly roadkill, and that she was so close to the bear without seeing it that she smelled its breath. That's almost more frightening than the thought of passing near a Bigfoot. The growl might have come from a different animal, a coyote or who knows, maybe even a red wolf. Or Campbell might have encountered a creature sometimes called a skunk ape due to its foul odor. The skunk ape is most commonly reported in Florida swamps, but sightings—or smellings—have come from many other states. The smell is sometimes described as that of rotting food and roadkill on a hot day. A bear or other animal that has been rooting around in garbage bins can pick up this odor, especially in hot weather, but it's hard to believe that a bear would be actively foraging so much in winter that it would smell like trash. January and February are the depths of winter in East Tennessee. The bears are hibernating, not foraging. Thanks for your support, and thanks for listening! This is what a couple of fighting bears sound like: [bear sounds]
Tennessee is known for its rolling hills and deep river valleys, but beneath the scenic beauty lies a history of bone-chilling encounters with the unknown. In this episode, we dive into the top 5 cryptids that call Tennessee home.We explore the legend of the Tennessee River Monster, a "Leviathan of the Deep South" with reports of aggressive attacks dating back to the 1800s. We move into the dense woods of Dickson County to hear the blood-curdling tales of the White Bluff Screamer, a creature known for its terrifying, banshee-like shrieks.The journey continues with the Tennessee Wild Man, the region's own powerful and elusive version of Bigfoot, and the bizarre, semi-aquatic Lizard Man of Big South Fork. Finally, we look at the modern-day "super swine" known as Hogzilla, a massive apex predator roaming the Great Smoky Mountains. Join us as we uncover the history, the sightings, and the enduring mysteries of these Appalachian legends.Have your own story? Send it to us: https://www.spookyappalachia.com/submitastory.phpStay Spooky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Scott and Jesse discuss President Donald Trump's call for TVA CEO Don Moul's pay to be cut by 90 percent; informational signs in the Great Smoky Mountains flagged for supposedly objectionable content by the Trump administration; a breakthrough in an almost 40-year-old Knoxville missing person case; the University of Tennessee's research ambitions; the arrest of a Nashville Spanish-language reporter by ICE; and the removal of two Republican candidates from the May primary ballot. They also look ahead to this week's meetings of County Commission, City Council, and the UT Knoxville Campus Advisory Board. This is a FREE service of CompassKnox.com SHARE IT...with EVERYONE
Want a truck that works hard without the luxury price tag? We take the 2025 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew 4x4 on real roads to see how its 5.0-liter V8, 10-speed automatic, and direct steering stack up against the high-trim hype. With 12,700 lbs of towing, 1,685 lbs of payload, and a standard 12-inch center screen, this “lower” trim still brings serious muscle and everyday comfort. We break down the maze of trims, cabs, beds, and engines, then map the pricing landscape against Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Chevy Silverado to pinpoint where the value truly lives.From there, we trade spec sheets for scenery with five family-ready spring break road trips. Base out of Flagstaff for a Grand Canyon loop with Sedona red rocks and Route 66 neon, or chase ocean air on California's Pacific Coast Highway with Monterey and Santa Cruz stops. Prefer forests and wildlife? The Great Smoky Mountains deliver waterfall pullouts, easy hikes, and a Cades Cove loop with deer and black bear sightings. Desert dreamers get a cooler-season window into Utah's Mighty Five—Zion, Bryce, and Arches—where short hikes lead to vast views. And if nostalgia calls, string together Route 66 segments for vintage motels, classic diners, and Americana in motion.We also pull back the curtain on parking lot design. Why do angled spaces feel easier? When does perpendicular packing backfire? We explain 30, 45, and 60-degree tradeoffs, one-way flow, door clearance, and ADA considerations so you can pick smarter spots and keep your doors ding-free. Finally, we put the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus under the microscope. With 227 hp, 310 lb-ft, upscale materials, and a compact footprint, it's a lively daily driver—though a small trunk opening and fussy infotainment hold it back. We compare it with Civic, Corolla, and Elantra to help you choose the right compact for your roads.If this helped you sort your next truck or plan a better road trip, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a quick review—what would you drive first, the F-150 STX or the Mazda 3?Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
What keeps a classic car honest isn't a fresh coat of paint—it's the quiet, careful work that makes it start, steer, and stop like it should. We sit down with Tim Winton, founder of Cambrian Classics in West Wales, to unpack the craft of mechanical stewardship: how a small, dedicated team brings MGs, Triumphs, Austin‑Healeys, Alfas, and air‑cooled VWs back from the shed to the street. Tim shares the overlooked checks that transform the driving experience—like why an MGB's steering rack must be oil‑filled—and how correct tire pressures, proper lubrication, and smart carb and ignition tuning often beat expensive “upgrades.”Tim's journey from the modern motor trade to a thriving classic workshop reveals what really builds trust: consistent results and a feel for how these machines were meant to behave. We talk MG identity in 2026, the difference between bodywork makeovers and true recommissioning, and why variety—from a TR5 to a rare Humber Hawk—keeps the craft sharp. You'll hear how long‑stored cars return to life step‑by‑step, and why experience across “a hundred variations on a theme” helps diagnose issues by sound and feel alone.We broaden the lens with two practical segments for everyday drivers and road‑trippers. First, a clear look at parking space design—30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° layouts—how aisle widths and one‑way flow affect access, safety, and door clearance, and why perpendicular slots can be the worst for usability. Then we map five spring break road trips across the United States: the Grand Canyon loop from Flagstaff, California's Pacific Coast Highway, the Great Smoky Mountains, Utah's Mighty Five, and the timeless pull of Route 66. Whether you drive a well‑loved MG or a modern SUV, you'll leave with actionable tips and fresh ideas for the next journey.If this mix of hands‑on wisdom and road inspiration hit the mark, follow the show, share it with a car‑loving friend, and leave a quick review so more enthusiasts can find us.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com
4 Disappearances That Search Teams Still Can't ExplainLinktree: https://linktr.ee/its_just_creepyStory Credits:►Sent in to https://www.justcreepy.net/Music by:►'Shadows and Dust' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auHe walked a hundred yards ahead of his group. When they caught up… he was gone. No body. No gear. No trace. Just silence.Tonight, we cover four lesser-known disappearances of adults who vanished in the wilderness under circumstances that still don't make sense. A hunting guide who knew the woods better than anyone alive. A woman who waved at her friends, walked over a hill, and ceased to exist. The only park ranger in modern history to vanish from his post and never be found. And a hiker whose backpack was recovered — but never him.These are not famous cases. These are the ones that slipped through the cracks. And they might be the most unsettling stories I've ever told.
Disappearances in the Great Smoky Mountains National ParkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
Go to https://kachava.com and use code HSP for 15% off your first order. One summer, a 24-year-old runner parked her car on a remote Wyoming road, left behind a to-do list with one uncrossed item "run" and was never seen again. Across the country, another woman was walking with friends on a well-traveled trail in the Great Smoky Mountains, went off ahead of her friends, and vanished without a trace. Today, we're diving into two backwoods disappearances, where the search parties found almost nothing, and the questions still go unanswered. These are the cases of Amy Wroe Bechtel and Polly Melton. Both of the cases in today's episode are open and unsolved. If you have any information please contact the below: Amy Wroe Bechtel: Please Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-442-8477. or the Fremont County Sheriff at 307-332-5611 Pauline Melton: Please Contact Tennessee Bureau of Investigation 615-744-4000 or the National Parks Service https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/cold-cases.html Subscribe on Patreon to become a member of our Rogue Detecting Society and enjoy ad-free listening, monthly bonus content, merch discounts and more. Members of our High Council on Patreon also have access to our weekly after-show, Footnotes, where I share my case file with our producer, Matt. You can also enjoy many of these same perks, including ad-free listening and bonus content when you subscribe on Apple Podcasts . Follow on Tik Tok and Instagram for a daily dose of horror. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In June 2004, a 22-year-old college student was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, who had been stalking her for months. The suspect fled the state and triggered a multi-agency manhunt that stretched across the Southeast and ended with a high-risk pursuit in the rugged terrain of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Support the show!For bonus content join our Patreon!patreon.com/CrimeOfftheGridFor a one time donation:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cotgFor more information about the podcast, check outhttps://crimeoffthegrid.com/Check out our Merch!! https://in-wild-places.square.site/s/shopFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/crimeoffthegridpodcast/ and (1) FacebookSources:https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2004/06/10/murder-suspect-killed-himself/30552840007/ https://www.wect.com/story/1925156/john-peck-killed-after-chase-shootout/ https://www.carolinajournal.com/killings-shock-wilmington-campus/ https://www.stalkingawareness.org/about-sparc/ https://www.wral.com/story/111447/ https://npshistory.com/morningreport/incidents/grsm.htm
Paranormal Insight welcomes Vinnie "Funkmaster V" Vineyard January 15th, 2026 EP: 62 Vinnie "Funkmaster V" Vineyard is a versatile performer. He has garnered notoriety in filmmaking, radio, music, stand up comedy, professional wrestling and acting. In 2013, the Maryville Daily Times did a piece on Vineyard, suggesting that he possibly is the most interesting man in East Tennessee shortly after he won his party's nomination for state representative. Vineyard, along with his tag team partners "Big Luke" Walker and Travis "El Gordo Gringo" Graves, created their own paranormal TV show "Wrestling With Ghosts" which airs on several stations. In 2018, he ran for Tennessee State Governor. He has since created the Paranormal TV shows "It Happened to Me..." "Haunted Graves", and a comedy skit show entitled "Lets Make Love with Big N Funky." Vinnie and his tag team partner "Big" Luke Walker have started writing and producing six movies about some of the legends, myths, and stories surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains in a collection they call "The Smoky Mountain Chronicles". These include WJHC AM, The Hike, Showdown in Secret City and Camp Smokey.
Every once in a while, a story comes across my desk that stops me cold. Not because it's sensational, but because it's precise, deeply personal, and impossible to dismiss. The account you're about to hear is one of those. It arrived as a letter from a man I'm calling Tom, a seventeen-year park ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains who has spent his life dealing in facts, emergencies, and hard reality—not Bigfoot stories.Tom was called to a remote homestead owned by an eighty-two-year-old woman named Mabel. Something had been raiding her property, tearing apart her barn, stealing dog food and chickens, and—most unsettling of all—unlatching doors and closing them behind itself. Bears don't do that. What Tom found near the coop were sixteen-inch footprints with five toes, unmistakably primate, and impossible by any known standard.What followed changed everything he thought he knew about those mountains. Mabel told him she had lived alongside these creatures her entire life. Her mother, her grandmother, and even her great-grandmother had known about them since settling that hollow in the 1840s. There had always been rules, boundaries, and even communication. But a new presence had arrived—larger, gray-furred, aggressive—and for the first time in eighty years, Mabel was afraid. Tom chose to stay. Over the next two weeks, he documented wood knocks, vocalizations unlike any known animal, tree breaks forming deliberate perimeters, rocks thrown with intent, and images from trail cameras that still haunt him. With help from a trusted wildlife officer, he gathered casts, recordings, and photographs that defy easy explanation. And on the eleventh night, he had an encounter that permanently altered his understanding of reality. This story doesn't end with proof or confrontation. It ends with something far rarer: understanding.Tom wrestled with whether to share this, knowing the cost of speaking out. But he thought of Mabel, of his friend who'd carried his own encounter in silence, and of everyone who's seen something in these woods and been told they imagined it. I believe him.What you're about to hear is exactly as Tom wrote it, in his own words. It's long. It's detailed. And it's one of the most moving accounts I've ever received.So settle in. From an eighty-acre homestead at the edge of the Smoky Mountains, this is the letter from Ranger Tom.
What can real trail time in the Great Smoky Mountains reveal about where today's light-truck tires truly fit? In this episode of What's Treading, Tire Review heads to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for a hands-on ride and drive featuring three Hankook Tire Dynapro tires: the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, Dynapro MT2, and Dynapro XT. We got the opportunity to test and compare how each tire handled on-road driving and off-road terrain. See the testing conditions, compare performance differences, and hear Robert Nasca, product and sales training manager, and K.C. Jensen, VP of U.S. PC/LT sales, explain how each tire fits drivers who split time between pavement, dirt, and rocky terrain.
Missing Teen Walks Out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park After 11 Days!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
Strange Stories from the Great Smoky Mountains National ParkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.
The Articulate Fly's final Casting Angles segment of 2025 delivers essential cold weather fly fishing strategies from host Marvin Cash and fly fishing expert Mac Brown, owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish in the Great Smoky Mountains. As winter conditions settle across the country, Mac shares decades of hard-earned wisdom on layering techniques and gear selection that keep anglers comfortable and effective on the water when temperatures drop into the 20s and below. Learn Mac's counterintuitive footwear approach of wearing boots 1-2 sizes larger to accommodate heavy wool socks without restricting circulation, preventing the painful cold that results from compressed feet. Discover the complete layering system using silk weight Capilene base layers, expedition weight mid-layers and quality Gore-Tex outer shells, plus Mac's ingenious shower cap trick for superior heat retention under toboggans. The discussion covers critical hand protection using poly or nitrile food service gloves that maintain full casting sensitivity and strike detection while keeping hands warm through wet line handling. Mac and Marvin also share tactical tips including why your jacket should always go over your waders, the value of Hot Hands and vintage hand warmers and how carrying a simple backpacking stove for hot beverages can extend your productive fishing time when temperatures drop. Whether you're pursuing winter trout in neoprene waders or preparing for your first cold weather outing, this episode provides the complete blueprint for staying warm, dry and fishing effectively all winter long.Related ContentS6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac BrownS6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac BrownS6, Ep 130 - Casting in Color: Mac Brown's Fall Fly Fishing StrategiesS7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting TechniquesAll Things Social MediaFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your...
Head into the Great Smoky Mountains with Randy, Caly, and Dana Soehn, President and CEO of Friends of the Smokies, as they explore America's most visited national park. Discover the hiking trails, historic Appalachian culture, scenic overlooks, hidden gems, and conservation efforts that protect this iconic landscape for future generations. Learn more about Friends of the Smokies at https://FriendsOfTheSmokies.orgSubscribe to RV Destinations Magazine at https://RVDestinationsMagazine.com and use code PODCAST20 to save 20% on your subscription today!
Welcome to this special collection episode of Sasquatch Odyssey, featuring six of the most compelling Bigfoot encounters I've documented across the Southeastern United States over the past five years. These stories span sixty years of fear, awe, and unanswered questions, carrying us from Alabama's river bottoms to South Carolina's swamps, and showing why the South may be one of the last true sanctuaries for something we still don't understand.We open in the suffocating heat of Alabama in 1967, where a power company lineman working near the Cahaba River noticed something impossible: massive handprints sunk deep into a utility pole. Moments later, he found himself face to face with a towering presence that moved with purpose and intelligence. That encounter sets the tone for everything that follows—brief, terrifying interactions where the creature controls the moment, revealing itself only on its own terms.From there, we climb into the mountains of North Georgia in 1973, where four seasoned hunters discovered the woods had a hierarchy they didn't sit atop.Near Blue Ridge, their camp became the target of relentless intimidation—rocks crashing through darkness, trees shaking violently, and a chilling discovery at dawn: dozens of stick figures arranged in a perfect warning circle around them. The night didn't just scare them; it shattered friendships and ended their lives in the forest forever.The third account takes us into Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains in 1985, where a park ranger and wildlife biologist experienced something that demolished her scientific certainty. While stationed in a fire tower, she watched a massive creature climb the structure and examine her equipment with unsettling curiosity, as if it understood what it was seeing. Even more disturbing was what she learned afterward—that similar encounters had been quietly documented for decades, tucked away and never meant for public eyes.The most heartbreaking story comes from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas in 1991.A family camping trip turned into a nightmare when towering beings approached their site and demonstrated strength beyond anything human—crushing rocks in their hands while the family huddled in terror. A young girl watched it unfold, and the trauma that followed tore the family apart, leaving permanent scars long after the woods fell silent again. In 2002, deep in North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest, an experienced hiker found himself living through an encounter unlike any other in my files. He described three days in captivity with what appeared to be a family group of these beings, observing tool use, complex social behavior, and a kind of focused curiosity toward human objects. His story challenges the idea of Sasquatch as a solitary wilderness phantom and suggests something closer to culture—structured intelligence living beyond our reach.Our final encounter lands in South Carolina in 2014, when college biology students captured forty-three minutes of high-definition footage of a creature inspecting their research equipment with clear understanding of its purpose.What happened next was just as chilling as what they filmed: a rapid government response, confiscated evidence, and enforced silence that raises the question of how long this phenomenon has truly been known—and how actively it's been buried.Across six stories and six decades, the same threads surface again and again: the heavy, musky odor that announces their presence, the massive handprints left behind like signatures, and the unnerving sense of being watched by something that doesn't panic or flee—but evaluates. Most unsettling of all is the repeated realization that these creatures could harm us effortlessly, yet choose restraint instead. Witnesses don't describe a mere animal. They describe something hovering in a blurred space between human and beast, perfectly adapted to remain hidden while living alongside us. What emerges from these accounts is a portrait of the American South as a vast refuge for an undiscovered species—or perhaps a parallel branch of human evolution that chose isolation over contact. From Alabama's rivers to Tennessee's peaks and the deep wild of the Ozarks and Carolinas, these beings have claimed territories in the spaces we've ignored or forgotten. They watch from cover, occasionally stepping into view when a boundary is crossed, always vanishing before the mystery can be pinned down. They want you to know the woods are not empty, that something ancient and intelligent still moves through them, and that the old instinct to tread carefully in the dark may be rooted in more than superstition.As you listen, notice how the behavior of these creatures shifts over time, especially around human technology. Consider what it means that responses to evidence sometimes seem immediate and organized. And ask yourself what else might be sitting in classified files, protected by silence and dismissal. These aren't campfire tales or urban legends. They are documented encounters from credible witnesses whose lives were never the same afterward. The South keeps its secrets well, but every now and then—between darkness and dawn, between wilderness and civilization—those secrets step out just long enough to remind us how much we still don't know.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.
Many fans of the iconic Predator film franchise are all too familiar with that unmistakable click-click-click, the guttural growl, and the eerie shimmer of its cloaking device.Our guest today, Jason York, heard and witnessed something chillingly similar while filming the gripping documentary Sasquatch and the Missing Man in the remote wilderness, a powerful reminder that when you actively hunt for monsters… sometimes they hunt you back.Jason is an accomplished digital creator, professional photographer, host of the acclaimed podcast AFK Discussions, and a key member of the renowned Merkel Media team.In this episode, Jason takes us deep into his recent expeditions in the notoriously active Elkmont region of the Great Smoky Mountains, revealing startling encounters and unexplained phenomena that prove when you venture out in search of high strangeness, you just might get far more than you ever bargained for.We are thrilled to announce the official launch of Let's Get Freaky merchandise! Our collection includes hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and more. Explore the full range at http://tee.pub/lic/aQprv54kktw.Do you have a paranormal or extraordinary experience to share? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us to be a guest on the Let's Get Freaky podcast. Email us at letsgetfreakypodcast@mail.com or reach out via social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, or YouTube at @tcletsgetfreakypodcast. Connect with us at https://linktr.ee/letsgetfreaky.
In this episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash connects with Mac Brown from Mac Brown Fly Fish in Bryson City, North Carolina, for another Casting Angles segment exploring an often-overlooked winter fishing strategy: dry fly fishing in cold weather conditions. Mac reveals why winter dry fly fishing deserves more attention, particularly in the Great Smoky Mountains where low, clear water and selective trout make stealth presentations with dries surprisingly effective. The discussion covers critical winter hatches including midges, blue wing olives and October caddis, with Mac emphasizing that BWOs in the Smokies are exceptionally small—requiring size 30 patterns for selective fish rather than the typical size 18 parachutes many anglers default to. Both anglers share insights on dry dropper techniques for precision nymphing in skinny winter water, explaining how light rigs allow far more accurate presentations than indicator setups when targeting specific fish. Mac reflects on how his most memorable catches throughout his guiding career have come on dry flies during fall and winter, challenging the modern trend toward nymph-only approaches. The conversation also touches on late-winter black stonefly hatches and Mac's upcoming 2026 fly fishing show schedule including Boston, Edison, Denver, Bellevue, Pleasanton and Lancaster.Related ContentS7, Ep 28 - Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac BrownS6, Ep 130 - Casting in Color: Mac Brown's Fall Fly Fishing StrategiesS6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac BrownS6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac BrownAll Things Social MediaFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the
Building HVAC Science - Building Performance, Science, Health & Comfort
Some quotes: “When we treat the house as the biggest duct, comfort and performance finally line up.” “Field data becomes financial data the moment a homeowner decides—so it has to be right.” “If you can't measure it, you can't improve it.” — often attributed to Lord Kelvin Fresh back from the early-September NCI Summit in Austin, Bill and Eric recap three big themes: whole-home thinking, data you can trust, and tools that make better work faster. The “high-performance HVAC” mindset came through in a lively contractor panel moderated by Ben Lipscomb, where folks like Mitch Bailey, Dustin Cole, Ty Branaman, Jeremy Begley, MIcahel Cianfrocco, and others talked about uniting HVAC and building science to solve real problems, improve installs, and reduce callbacks. NCI's training depth—airflow, combustion, diagnostics—was front and center, and the format (several sessions presented twice) helped attendees catch more of what mattered. Eric highlighted his session on using recorded field data for smarter troubleshooting and clearer homeowner communication, calling out platforms like MeasureQuick to aggregate, analyze, and report. On the show floor, you two dug into standout tools: the Shaeco fin-restoration attachment for oscillating tools (a genuine hail-damage time saver), the EEV-Mate for driving unipolar electronic expansion valves (with a demo Ty Branaman filmed), and Testo's 860i wireless thermal imager that streams to a phone or tablet—great for homeowner show-and-tell. Startups NOSO Labs (AI for windshield-time prep and voice-note capture) and Thalo Labs (multi-point system sensors) hinted at where the trade is headed. With ~210 attendees and ~20 exhibitors—Fieldpiece, TEC, Daikin, Energy Circle, TSI, Sauermann, and more—the vibe was busy, practical, and optimistic. They also shouted out the Canadian contingent (including Anthony Woo, Contractor of the Year-Small) and noted EOS adoption gains. Bill also notes that BetterHVAC.org sign-ups ticked up to ~250 contractors, and he previewed a heavy fall travel calendar (Nexstar Super Meeting, Women in HVACR, BPA New England, Heat Pump Summit, ASHRAE Buildings XVI, etc.). NCI's next Summit is slated for September 2026 the Great Smoky Mountains—contractors should keep an eye out. LINKS: Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ NCI site: https://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com/ NCI Homeowner site: https://www.myhomecomfort.org/ NCI Summit Site: https://www.gotosummit.com/ The GRIT Foundation: https://www.thegritfoundation.com/ The Joe Groh Foundation: https://www.josephgrohfoundation.org/ Shaeco Coil Straightener: https://trutechtools.com/condenser-coil-connection/ EEV Mate: https://trutechtools.com/eevmate Testo 860i: https://trutechtools.com/testo-860i-wireless-thermal-imaging-camera/ BetterHVAC: www.BetterHVAC.org This episode was recorded in September 2025.
Growing up in the north Georgia mountains in the 1980s, I had an encounter that changed everything I thought I knew about the world. Something massive, walking on two legs, chased me out of the woods when I was twelve years old. That terrifying experience sent me down a decades-long rabbit hole, researching and collecting stories from across the American Southeast.In this episode, I share my personal encounter along with the haunting story of Mr. Brown, a Summerville carpenter who came face-to-face with an injured eight-foot-tall creature while hunting ginseng in 1986. We explore the hidden history of Sasquatch sightings throughout Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, from ancient Cherokee legends of Tsul 'Kalu to modern-day encounters captured on police dash cams.Despite what skeptics claim about the Southeast being too developed for unknown primates to exist, the evidence tells a different story. We examine compelling accounts from the Minnehaha Falls incident, the Florida Skunk Ape photographs, Tennessee's Flintville Monster siege, and hundreds of other documented encounters that mainstream science refuses to acknowledge. From the vast wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains to the impenetrable Everglades, these creatures have been seen by thousands of credible witnesses over centuries.This isn't about proving anything to anybody. This is about the truth of what people have experienced in the shadows of the Southern woods, and why these ancient mysteries deserve our respect, not our ridicule.Because sometimes, in those quiet moments when the fog rolls through the hollows and the modern world feels far away, we're reminded that we don't know everything about the forests we call home.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.
In this week's Travel Flashback Episode, we're sharing 10 of the most perfect mountain towns for a trip this Fall. The list includes mountain towns, places for fall leaf peeping, and regions that really lean into fall experiences like apple picking and wine tasting. This is the perfect episode to escort you into the fall season or get your wheels turning to inspire a future trip for the next autumn season.1. Mount Rainier National Park, WAWhere to Stay near Mount Rainier National Park: Ashford: Paradise Village Hotel or Mountain Meadows InnSumner & Puyallup Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Suites Sumner or Candlewood Suites SumnerItinerary: Download our Washington National Parks ItineraryEpisode: Exploring Mount Rainier & Olympic National Parks2. Mammoth Lakes, CAWhere to Stay in Mammoth Lakes: Empeiria High Sierra Hotel or Juniper Springs Resport3. Shenandoah National Park, VIWhere to Stay near Shenandoah: Doubletree By Hilton Front Royal Blue Ridge Shadows or Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Conference CenterEpisode: Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park4. North Cascades National Park, WAWhere to Stay near North Cascades National Park: Mt. Baker Hotel or North Cascades InnItinerary: Download our Washington National Parks ItineraryEpisode: Best Hikes in North Cascades & Glacier National Parks5. Lake Tahoe, CA/NVWhere to Stay in Lake Tahoe: The Landing Resort and Spa or Harrah's Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino Episode: Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Summer and Winter6. Asheville, NCWhere to Stay in Asheville: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville or The Residences at BiltmoreEpisode: The Best Things to Do in Asheville7. Rocky Mountain National Park, COWhere to Stay near Rocky Mountain National Park: YMCA of The Rockies Estes Park or Ponderosa LodgeEpisode: We talk about Rocky Mountain National Park in our episode on How to Spend 3 Days in Denver8. Gatlinburg- Great Smoky Mountains, TNWhere to Stay in Gatlinburg: Crossroads Inn & Suites or Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gatlinburg DowntownEpisode: Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains and Nearby Cities 9. Cherry Log, GAWhere to Stay in Cherry Log: Airbnb cabin Episode: The Ideal Fall Cabin Weekend in Cherry Log, GA10. Acadia National Park, Maine Where to Stay in Bar Harbor: The Bluenose Inn or The Pathmaker HotelEpisode: Things to Do in Acadia National ParkGeneral Information: Find a great flight deal to a nearby airport of these destinations by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.---------------------------------------Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
In this exciting episode of the Jeep Talk Show, hosts Tony and April dive into the latest Jeep news: the iconic 392 Hemi V8 is here to stay in the Wrangler and making its debut in the Gladiator! We discuss Jeep's push for bigger tires, custom colors, electrified models like the 4xe hybrids, Wagoneer S EV, and Recon. Plus, we welcome a new Patreon subscriber with a hilarious Grok AI shoutout and continue our "Ask Grok" segment—getting expert advice on the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion (Aug 21-23, Pigeon Forge) and the best-selling Jeep Gladiator mod (Nitto Ridge Grappler tires!). Whether you're into off-roading, Jeep mods, or EV hybrids, this episode has it all. We also chat Tesla range anxiety, Dollywood Jeep fun, and why V8s are essential for American Jeepers. Don't miss our sponsor spots from Windshield Defense (code JTS20 for 20% off), RealTruck camper shells, and G-tops (25% off with code 25OFF)! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Grok AI Debate 05:30 - Welcome New Patreon: Russell D (Grok Style!) 10:45 - Jeep 392 Wrangler Continuation & Gladiator V8 Reveal 20:15 - Jeep Personalization: Bigger Tires, Custom Flares 25:00 - Electrified Jeep Lineup: Wagoneer S, Recon, 4xe Gladiator 35:20 - Ask Grok: Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Invasion Tips 45:10 - Best Jeep Gladiator Mod: Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires Explained 50:30 - EV Talk: Tesla vs. Jeep 4xe Off-Roading 1:00:00 - Nikki G's Joke & Outro Subscribe for more Jeep talk, off-road tips, and AI fun! Hit the bell for notifications. Support us on Patreon: jeeptalkshow.com/contact. Follow on Instagram for Jeep Life updates. #Jeep392 #JeepGladiator #GreatSmokyMountainJeepInvasion #GrokAI #JeepMods #Jeep4xe #OffRoad #JeepNews #V8Jeep #Dollywood #PigeonForge #JeepTalkShow Welcome to Jeep Talk Show, the ultimate podcast for Jeep enthusiasts! Join Tony, and, the crew as we dive into off-road adventures, Jeep Wrangler 392 updates, Jeep Gladiator camping, and the Jeep Cherokee relaunch. From $130K Jeep resale trends to Gladiator tent reviews, we cover Jeep modifications, off-road gear, and events like Easter Jeep Safari and Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion. Get expert Jeep 4xe towing tips, lightweight truck camper insights, and off-road trail guides for Jeeps. Subscribe for weekly Jeep news, join our community at jeeptalkshow.com/discord, and hit the trail with us! Head to https://jeeptalkshow.com to explore our world of Jeep madness, subscribe, and let us make your day a little more rugged and a lot more fun. Ready to roll with us? Let's hit the trails together! #Jeep Talk Show, #Jeep podcast, #off-road podcast, #Jeep community, #Jeep off-roading, #Jeep Wrangler, #Jeep Gladiator, #Jeep news, #Jeep modifications, #Jeep accessories, #off-road adventures, #Jeep events, #Jeep 4xe, #Wrangler 392, #Jeep camping, #Jeep trails, #Jeep Wrangler 392, #$130K Jeep resale, #Jeep infotainment bricking, #TuneOutdoor Gladiator tent, #RealTruck trail access 2025, #Jeep Gladiator camping, #lightweight truck camper, #$13K Jeep camper, #Jeep Cherokee relaunch 2025, #Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion, #Easter Jeep Safari 2025, #Jeep Badge of Honor app, #women off-road Jeep podcast, #Chic Chat Jeep podcast, #Jeep off-road gear reviews, #best Jeep accessories 2025, #Jeep 4xe towing tips, #off-road trail guides for Jeeps
This episode was originally published on February 5th, 2024. My guest this week is Charity Rutter [39:50], a great friend and longtime guide in the Great Smoky Mountains. She and her husband Ian have just finished a great book (I read the manuscript and loved it) and although it won't be available until April, you can pre-order it here: https://randrflyfishing.com/store/fly-fishing-guide-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/ Charity shares her secrets for making more out of your time on small waters, and although she concentrates on her area, she has fished small streams throughout North America and her tips will help you no matter where you fish. In the Fly Box this week we have a nice assortment of questions and tips on fly fishing and fly tying, including: Why do you hate hook keepers so much? Is it true that you should not hook your fly onto your stripping guide? A listener recounts his first experience with selling flies he tied himself. A number of people chide me for not using a wading staff—yet. Will it hurt my fly line if I stretch it first before fishing? A listener gives some good advice on how to get out of a dangerous situation while wading, and how to prevent your waders from acting like a sea anchor. A tip from a listener on how he deals with litter during a day of fishing and one on how he carries rods on the back seat of his vehicle. A listener tells me how pleased he was with Orvis reel repair service. Should I wear socks when wearing the new Pro Approach Hikers in salt water? Can I Euro nymph in lakes and ponds? A tip from a listener on making more durable peacock herl bodies. Where should I put the heavy section of mono on a shock leader? A listener shares a tip on playing darts during the winter to keep those casting muscles in shape I used rubber soled wading shoes on slippery rocks and had poor traction. Should I stud them or just get a pair of felt-soled boots? In a remote lake with an inlet and outlet, will trout move into the outlet as well as the inlet? How can I keep my dropper and tippet from slipping off my barbless hook when fishing with a dry dropper? And what knot is best when attaching a dropper to a hook bend? I have a 9-foot 5-weight rod and want a rod for fishing for panfish and streamers for trout. What rod should I get next?