Podcasts about Smokies

In dieser Folge Smoking Area ist die Bestellung flawless und das Twix premium. Pati widmet sich den corny desires ihrer Smokies und fragt sich ob eine moralische Diskussion über Schönheitseingriffe überhaupt möglich ist. Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/PodcastSmokingArea Du möchtest Werbung in diesem Podcast schalten? Dann erfahre hier mehr über die Werbemöglichkeiten bei Seven.One Audio: https://www.seven.one/portfolio/sevenone-audio

Teen Missing in the Smokies WALKS OUT After 11 DaysBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

CreepGeeks Podcast Episode 361 INTRO  You're listening to CreepGeeks Podcast! This is Season 10, Episode 361 Booms, Tick Boxes, Bigfoot Campers, Erin Brockovich, Lochness Monster Drone and Crawl Space Cryptid Welcome to CreepGeeks Podcast! We broadcast paranormal news and share our strange experiences from our underground bunker in the mountains of Western North Carolina.  THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BARLEY'S BITES Barley's Bites Barley's Bites is dedicated to providing top-quality, home-made dog treats for every doggo to enjoy. Our treats are made with fresh, healthy ingredients and no harmful chemicals, ensuring your pet receives the best possible nutrition.  Jack loves them, and the dog neighbors approve. Made in New Mexico! Thanks, Kristen and Dave, for sending Jack and us some tasty treats! Barley's Bites: Exclusive offer for CreepGeeks Listeners- Barley's Bites would like to offer all CreepGeeks Podcast listeners 20% off their orders with code "CreepGeeks" at checkout. 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North Carolina artist creates 'Bluebirds of Hope' from glass shattered by Helene | Fox Weather  One Artist Picks Up the Pieces | Our State  Greg is pushing forward in his quest to own his own digital content. Greg celebrated his YouTube Channel's 15th birthday! Listener Messages- Dave in New Mexico-  You guys need to drink more water. The Brain is the Last thing to Hydrate. Hey y'all. I do not know if this is interesting enough for y'all or not, but, what is up with all these booms? South Carolina had one yesterday (and parts of NC heard it), and now Massachusetts.  https://youtu.be/DftmBX98WTY?si=GCWispPYuH2_GuBi  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=RDNSAKdZb-JzHDI&playnext=1&si=vy-3TE5uclTTMLP8  Last Episode FollowUp:  Aliens.gov website has launched. White House launches cheeky 'Aliens.gov' website -- as admin slowly releases UFO files: 'They walk among us'  Dead Vultures 33 black vultures found dead in Smokies, National Park Service seeks public's help   Vulture vomit is the leading theory for Kentucky's 1876 meat shower Missing Scientists- Jemez Mountains, Boulder through the Back Window? Los Alamos is close enough Missing scientist's shattered car sparks chilling mystery in remote New Mexico mountains | Daily Mail Online  Authorities say remains and gun found in Carson National Forest are one of the missing scientists. Weird: Manufactured Food Shortages Will Continue- Walmart Is Being Accused Of Significantly Hiking Up Meat Prices  Weird NEWS: Booms- Loud Boom Effect Bolides or Exploding Meteors? Sky Quakes? Military Craft? 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This week in national parks and public lands news, Yosemite is already dealing with major traffic headaches after dropping its reservation system, Arches could be moving toward a shuttle future, and Grand Teton visitors should prepare for a summer full of construction delays. We'll also talk about a new proposal to stop staffing cuts at public lands agencies, a major land donation at the Smokies, expanded hunting and fishing access at park sites, and a brand-new experience opening underneath the Lincoln Memorial. Join our mailing list at https://rvmiles.com/parkography 00:00 Headlines Preview 00:40 Yosemite Traffic Chaos 02:57 Arches Shuttle? 04:40 Grand Canyon North Rim Reopens 06:05 Grand Teton Construction Season 07:06 Hunting and Fishing Expansion 08:53 Bill to Stop Staffing Cuts 09:57 Smokies Land Donation 10:37 Lincoln Memorial Undercroft 11:44 Wrap Up and Mailing List

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Welcome back, Book Nerds! This week we're bringing the chaos straight to Nashville because we're talking all things Smutmas in the Smokies 2026 — the romance author signing event happening July 17-18 in Nashville, TN… and yes, What the Smut will officially be there as a vendor!We're joined by our Booksta bestie Jess from @thebookishclaus, the mastermind behind Smutmas in the Smokies, and y'all… this episode is packed with romance books, author event chaos, unhinged thoughts, and all the bookish shenanigans you expect from us.We dive into: The lineup of romance authors, narrators, and vendors coming to Smutmas Sports romance, forced proximity, fake dating, and favorite romance tropes Why Hallmark movies are elite comfort viewing Parenting feral children while surviving on caffeine and delusion Why people driving slow in the left lane should absolutely move over immediatelyJess also shares behind-the-scenes details about building a first-year romance book signing event, supporting indie romance authors, and creating a space where readers can discover new-to-them authors, narrators, and vendors.If you love: Romance books Bookish podcasts Indie romance authors Sports romance Forced proximity & one bed tropes Bookstagram chaos Christmas in July vibes…then this episode was made for you.Smutmas in the Smokies Details:

Investing In the Sevierville/Gatlinburg Market The Sevierville and Gatlinburg markets continue to attract investors from across the country — but is now still the right time to buy in the Smokies? In this episode of Real Estate with Ryan, we break down what's happening in one of Tennessee's hottest vacation rental and second-home markets. From short-term rental opportunities and tourism trends to rising inventory, pricing shifts, and long-term investment potential, we're covering what buyers and investors need to know before making their next move. Whether you're considering a luxury cabin, overnight rental, vacation home, or long-term investment property, understanding the Sevierville/Gatlinburg market could help position you for success in East Tennessee real estate. Listen this Saturday at 11 AM on Talk Radio 92.3 FM / AM 760 WETR Also airing at 1 PM on News Talk 98.7 FM Listen anytime on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Google Podcasts. Thinking about investing in East Tennessee real estate? Call 865-693-SOLD (7653) or visit RyanColeman.org Ryan Coleman Founder/Broker/CEO Hometown Realty LLC Voted Best of Knoxville 2017-2025 Proud Sponsor of the VOLS Dave Ramsey Top ELP YOUR TENNESSEE AGENT #RealEstateWithRyan #SeviervilleRealEstate #GatlinburgRealEstate #SmokyMountainRealEstate #ShortTermRental #VacationRental #EastTennesseeRealEstate #KnoxvilleRealEstate

Brian sits down at the mic after wrapping a long-form interview for Sasquatch Odyssey with researcher Natalie Smearman, and what she shared in that recording was too good to keep on one show. This episode brings her story over to Backwoods Bigfoot Stories in full. Natalie grew up in West Virginia thinking the Bigfoot stories were just something parents told kids to keep them out of the woods, and a local news report out of central Florida about a sighting in the Ocala National Forest cracked that assumption open. From there she spent years reading everything she could get her hands on, eventually buying herself a VIP ticket to the Great Florida Bigfoot Conference as a birthday gift to herself in the middle of a divorce.That weekend put her in front of Adam Davis, R.P.G., and Ken Gerhard, and from that point forward she stopped being a hobbyist and started becoming a field researcher.The bulk of this episode covers the November twenty twenty-five expedition Natalie took with Relic Films into Land Between the Lakes, the one hundred and seventy thousand acre stretch of Kentucky and Tennessee forest that has a documented reputation for high strangeness. Brian walks listeners through Natalie's pheromone bait experiment with Obsession for Men and dollar store dog toys, the singing in the cemetery that calmed down whatever was watching them, the bathroom growl that started a quiet truce in the dark, and the encounter on the second night that broke open everything. Three crawler creatures emerging from a bluish-white oval of light on the ridge line. A charge stopped by bear spray. Cameras and phones and thermals all dying at once.A massive Bigfoot walking out from behind Natalie's truck and disappearing into thin air, witnessed only by her. Martin Groves driving two squatches out of base camp with a stick. Jim hunkered down in his tent the next night while these things pushed in on the hard campers and left the soft tents alone.Brian also covers Natalie's work at the Emmaus Asylum in Missouri and the perfect track she found there, her experience at the Ocala postage stamp where the government bought up land next to a river that whoops and screams across at night, the filming work in the Smokies that turned into the documentary The Vanished with Adam Davis, and a long discussion of the rake creatures that came out of that ridge line at LBL.Natalie's view on these creatures has shifted dramatically over the last year of fieldwork, and Brian asks her directly whether what she's seen has changed how she thinks about the subject. Her answer is honest, and it's the kind of answer that ought to give every flesh and blood researcher something to chew on.Find Natalie on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube under Natalie S. Smearman. Relic Films Media is on the same platforms.Their talk show Beyond the Ordinary is on YouTube. Natalie will be at the Townsend Bigfoot Festival on May first and second, the Ocala Bigfoot Conference on June thirteenth, and the Gatlinburg Bigfoot Conference on July twenty-fifth. The Vanished will be streaming on Tubi, Roku, and Amazon. Brian's full long-form interview with Natalie is available on Sasquatch Odyssey.You can reach Brian directly at brian@paranormalworldproductions.com.Have you experienced a Bigfoot sighting, Sasquatch encounter, Dogman experience, UFO sighting, or any unexplained cryptid or paranormal event deep in the woods? We want to hear your story.Email your encounter to brian@paranormalworldproductions.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode of Backwoods Bigfoot Stories.Backwoods Bigfoot Stories is a paranormal storytelling podcast featuring real Bigfoot encounters, Sasquatch sightings, Dogman reports, cryptid experiences, and true scary stories from the backwoods.Follow the show and turn on automatic downloads so you never miss a chilling encounter from the forest. Listen with the lights off… if you dare.

Explorer and researcher Adam Davies joins Bigfoot Society for one of the wildest Tennessee episodes yet. Deep in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Adam shares firsthand investigations involving terrifying roars, unexplained rock clacks, phantom voices on remote mountain roads, fresh tree breaks, and witnesses who have carried their stories in silence for years.This episode dives into intense activity around Cades Cove, strange encounters near Townsend, and a chilling account from Land Between the Lakes involving red eyes in the dark and creatures moving through the tree line.We also spotlight the 2026 Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival, happening May 2, 2026 in Townsend, Tennessee. The 6th annual event is set to feature guest speakers, live music, vendors, food trucks, contests, family activities, and thousands of Bigfoot fans gathering in the gateway to the Smokies. Townsend has become one of the most exciting destinations in America for Bigfoot culture, and this year's “Bigfoot Birthday Bash” edition looks bigger than ever. Adam also opens up about why serious witnesses stay quiet, what he believes researchers are missing, and the hidden side of Appalachian Bigfoot reports that rarely gets discussed publicly.If you want credible encounters, deep wilderness mystery, Tennessee Bigfoot history, and one of the most compelling researchers working today, this is an episode you need to hear.Resources:Get tickets for the festival here:https://www.thebigfest.com/https://www.youtube.com/@adamdavies-explorer/videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@RelicFilmsMediaAdam Davies books:https://shorturl.at/fVyZqhttps://www.facebook.com/SmokiesBigfoot/The best interview about Adam's encounters with the Oregon portal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boaa924-adam-davies-john-carlson/id279245126?i=1000354032259

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]

What does it take to build a successful short-term rental business in one of the most competitive markets in the US?In this Host Planet Playbook feature, sponsored by Hospitable, Todd Parker from Overlook Cabin Rentals shares the lessons he's learned running high-performing cabins in the Smoky Mountains.From setting the right guest expectations to finding reliable cleaners and delivering consistent five-star experiences, Todd breaks down what actually drives bookings, reviews, and repeat business.In this episode, you'll learn:- The biggest mistake hosts make when it comes to guest expectations- Why cleanliness is non-negotiable (and how to get it right every time)- How to find and manage the right cleaning team- What amenities really move the needle (hint: hot tubs matter)- How to grow beyond Airbnb and Vrbo into direct bookings- The mindset shift that separates average hosts from top performersIf you're serious about building a profitable and sustainable short-term rental business, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.Watch now and level up your hosting game.1:37 Overlook Cabin Rentals in The Smokies 1:54 Todd's journey into the world of short-term rentals 3:21 Todd's biggest lesson learned, including setting guest expectations properly 4:15 Challenges and opportunities in The Smokies  6:02 Focus on your amenities, such as a hot tub, which pretty much comes as standard in The Smokies 7:08 If you don't have a clean property when guests walk in, you've failed 9:03 How to find the right cleaners (you might fire a lot of people) 10:44 What makes Todd's rentals special  13:18 From Airbnb and Vrbo to Booking.com and direct bookings 14:57 How to generate direct bookings  16:33 What Todd loves move about hosting 17:23 Quickfire questions, including details of how Hospitable has helped Todd develop his businessDownload a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbookThe Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with  property management software, Hospitable. Interested in using a PMS which will help you manage your rentals on autopilot? Get 25% off Hospitable for the first three months: https://hospitable.com/partners/hostplanetTodd Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-parker-1238291b/The Host Planet Playbook series is presented by James Varley, Founder and CEO of Host Planet. Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/The Host Planet Podcast is where Airbnb hosts, Booking.com hosts, Vrbo hosts, and short-term rental operators come to learn what actually works. Each episode features expert insights from people actively building, managing, and scaling short-term rentals, covering everything from Airbnb hosting fundamentals to advanced rental strategies. Whether you're focused on guest satisfaction, rental management, or smarter automation tips, the show delivers practical advice you can apply immediately to improve performance and increase Airbnb bookings.Across the series, we explore Airbnb host tips, listing optimization, price optimization, and Airbnb listing optimization – alongside real-world investing insights and behind-the-scenes Airbnb secrets you won't hear elsewhere.The show is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club#DirectBookings #VacationRental #HostTips #ShortTermRental #GuestExperience #PropertyManagement #HostPlanetPlaybook #HostPlanet #Hospitable #PMS #PropertyManagementSoftware #HostPlanet #AirbnbHost #STRBusiness #ToddParker #TheSmokies

Slowly, over decades, Tennessee has been building a linear trail to give hikers and backpackers access to a part of the Appalachians that isn't the Smokies. Plus the local news for April 24, 2026 and the connection between stargazing and conservation. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Send us Fan MailIn Episode #56 of Season #4, I will discuss what tiny little insect is killing off the majestic and beautiful Hemlock Trees?One of my hobbies is to hike and near me is the Red River Gorge Geological Area.  I love hiking in this area but I do a tiny bit of hiking in Georgia, Berea, KY, and in the Smoky Mountains.  When you are in many of these mountainous areas you will see 70-90% of the Hemlock Trees dead or dying in some areas. What is killing them?It is a tiny tiny black bug covered in a white cotton looking protective layer, and it's name is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.  Your host is Tommy Fowler. I have a biology degree from the University of Kentucky and a high passion for the outdoors.  I am "The Amateur Naturalist".We will talk about:In tonight's episode, I will discuss when it was introduced and where it came from originally.I will talk also talk about the chemical and biological ways we might be able to control it and maybe someday defeat it._________________________________________________________________________*************   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TommyFowler   **************One way that you can support this podcast is to "Buy Me a Cup of Coffee".  Not a real cup of coffee.  Just click on the Buy Me a Cup of Coffee and you can give a small donation to help me get some new equipment or to just stay on the air.  Many thanks in advance if you do._________________________________________________________________________My website:https://theamateurnaturalist.buzzsprout.com/2032491Also, be sure to visit Facebook and look for my site ... The Amateur NaturalistI would love to hear your ideas, see your pictures or hear your feedback.____________________________________________________________________You can help me out by:Please hit “download” on every episodePlease hit Followplease leave me a reviewdownload each of my episodesplease leave a 5-star rating    This helps me grow as a podcaster please tell 1-2 friends or family about this podcast_______________________________________________________________________You can support the people who support the Smoky Mountains, black bears  and wildlife by going to:Friends of the Smokies.          https://friendsofthesmokies.orgAppalachian Bear Rescue.     https://appalachianbearrescue.org________________________________________________________________________** Click here to get $20 off a paid Buzzsprout account to start your own podcast.  It's fun, start today!!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2014700_________________________________________________________________________The short music intro and outro is:"Hickory Hollow" by Dan Lebowitz.  I love this music.  Thank you, Dan.This music is royalty free.Designer Mini Goldendoodle puppiesDesigner Golden Doodles offers the best quality mini and micro mini goldendoodle puppies.Support the show

Dana came to visit me for a zero day this week. The Smokies are over and a record I hoped to beat while I was there remains intact!! Even with a relaxing zero with my love, I still had to prepare for my return to the trail the following day, so there is always plenty to do; even on zeroes. i managed to record Dana's reaction to seeing me as well as a conversation I had with a young German couple   I'm using Polarsteps to record my AT thru-hike this year. If you'd like to follow my progress between episodes, as well as photos of my journey, please go to https://www.polarsteps.com/mightyblue and click on the follow button. I used my hike in 2024 on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission. Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Come on the show! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network . Additionally, you can join our membership at Steve (Mighty Blue) Adams. It's worth checking out what is on offer for you there. If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received. Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work! If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.    

The Smokies are all but done, with glorious weather all the way with just one day to go. I think I was more concerned about them than I should have been, but it has been a pure pleasure to be hiking above the clouds at 5-6,000 feet all day long. This recap covers last Wednesday thru Saturday, when I navigated the perils of Newfound Gap, needing to get to Gatlinburg, yet stay in Cherokee. Happily it all worked out. Along the way, I chatted with a ridge runner, Houdini, who shared a few tips with me. It's been a great four days. I'm using Polarsteps to record my AT thru-hike this year. If you'd like to follow my progress between episodes, as well as photos of my journey, please go to https://www.polarsteps.com/mightyblue and click on the follow button. I used my hike in 2024 on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission. Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Come on the show! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network . Additionally, you can join our membership at Steve (Mighty Blue) Adams. It's worth checking out what is on offer for you there. If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received. Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work! If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.  

Into the Smokies this week for what feels like the end of the beginning. Cell service has been spotty at best, so getting this done a few hours late seems like a win! While recapping my own adventures, I also got the chance to sit down and chat with Doug and Laura, or Smokey and Candy Corn. I didn't get a picture of Candy Corn, but this is Doug. I'm using Polarsteps to record my AT thru-hike this year. If you'd like to follow my progress between episodes, as well as photos of my journey, please go to https://www.polarsteps.com/mightyblue and click on the follow button. I used my hike in 2024 on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission. Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Come on the show! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network . Additionally, you can join our membership at Steve (Mighty Blue) Adams. It's worth checking out what is on offer for you there. If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received. Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work! If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.  

Episode OverviewIn this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash and Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish tackle the science behind low-water trout presentation — the kind of technical adjustment that separates consistent anglers from frustrated ones. With drought conditions pushing Western North Carolina rivers to July-like flows in early April, Marvin and Mac deliver a timely primer on two interconnected concepts: Snell's window (the physics governing what trout can see through the water's surface) and the Rule of Six (a practical formula for calculating your safe approach distance). The conversation covers how to apply the 2.25x depth multiplier to size a trout's window of vision and then use that measurement to determine the minimum casting distance before the fish has already seen you. Mac also breaks down the grid-the-water approach — systematically working small quadrants across the entire stream rather than repeatedly targeting the most obvious foam line — and explains why the biggest, most visible foam lines are often holding the smallest fish. Marvin adds presentation mechanics to round out the discussion: reach-cast technique to keep fly line out of the target current, dry dropper rigging with terrestrials for flat-water conditions, weighted dropper management and the rationale for casting well upstream of a target fish to give an unweighted nymph time to sink into the zone. Mac closes with an observation on declining spring hatches in the Smokies — midges and micro caddis dominating where March Browns and Hendricksons once defined the season.Key TakeawaysHow to calculate a trout's window of vision using the 2.25x depth multiplier so you can size your approach distance before spooking fish in low, clear water.Why the Rule of Six (your height in the water in feet × 6 = minimum safe casting distance) becomes critical when summer-like flows arrive weeks ahead of schedule.How gridding the water in small quadrants based on fish depth forces you to cover the entire stream rather than over-fishing the obvious foam line.Why the largest foam lines in a run often hold the most small fish, and how to identify the compact, exclusive feeding lanes where big trout hold alone.When to use a reach cast to place your fly line in slower adjacent current, eliminating drag and keeping line off the heads of fish you're targeting.How casting well upstream with an unweighted or lightly weighted dropper gives the fly time to sink into the strike zone without a splash-down that spooks fish in flat, pressured water.Techniques & Gear CoveredThe episode centers on low-water presentation fundamentals: precise approach distances derived from Snell's window and the Rule of Six, systematic grid-casting across a run rather than casting to single obvious targets and the reach cast as a drag-reduction tool when fly line and target current are aligned. For rigs, Marvin and Mac discuss the dry dropper setup as the preferred configuration for flat, low-flow water — specifically terrestrials (beetles, ants, crickets, grasshoppers) as the dry fly indicator — paired with unweighted or lightly weighted dropper nymphs. Mac mentions that his guide trips have been running unweighted Pheasant Tails in sizes 16–18 given the near-absence of larger spring hatches, with size 20–32 midges and size 18 micro caddis making up the bulk of what's on the water. The conversation also touches on angler visibility and stealth — muted or camouflage clothing, avoiding bright colors, keeping the casting stroke in the horizontal plane rather than the vertical — as underappreciated factors that compound with technical presentation mechanics in clear, low conditions.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you calculate how close you can approach a trout in low, clear water?Multiply the fish's depth in feet by 2.25 to get the diameter of its surface window, then multiply your own height in the water in feet by six to determine your minimum safe approach distance from the edge of the trout's surface window. In smooth, slow water that figure generally sits between 30–40 feet; anything closer in clear conditions and the fish has likely already spotted you and is preparing to bolt.Why does gridding the water produce more fish than casting to the best-looking foam line?In shallow freestone water where fish are feeding in the kitchen — riffles six inches to a foot deep — the window of vision is tiny, so each quadrant of the run needs tighter two-foot spacing. The big, four-foot foam line usually holds a crowd of smaller fish competing for the same food; larger fish stake out smaller, exclusive feeding lanes where there's enough food for one fish and they can defend it. Systematically working the whole grid with a back-to-front, close-to-far progression exposes those secondary lies that most anglers skip.When should you use a reach cast instead of a direct upstream presentation?Use a reach cast any time your target current and the adjacent current containing your fly line are running at different speeds. Dropping the rod tip to one side after completing the cast positions the fly line in the slower adjacent current, preventing it from dragging the dry fly unnaturally and keeping it out of the surface window of the fish you are trying to catch.How do you manage a weighted dropper nymph to avoid spooking fish in flat water?Cast well upstream of the target fish rather than directly at it, using enough distance that a lightly weighted or unweighted fly has time to sink to the strike zone before it reaches the fish. Reducing weight is Mac's preferred solution on currently low Western NC water, which is why unweighted Pheasant Tails in sizes 16–18 are the primary dropper choice on his guide trips right now.What are the realistic hatch expectations for Western North Carolina this spring?Mac reports that the classic March Brown and Hendrickson hatches that defined Western NC spring fishing for decades are largely absent this year. He notes this decline has been a long-term trend, cautioning anglers against planning trips around guaranteed hatch windows that no longer reliably materialize.Related ContentS8, Ep 21: Casting into Spring: Mac Brown Discusses Wild Trout Fishing and Upcoming ClassesS7, Ep 28: Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac BrownS7, Ep 60: Mastering the Drift: Technical Trout Tactics for Summer Success with Mac BrownS8, Ep 18: The Learning Curve: Mac Brown on Effective Teaching MethodsHow a Trout Sees: The Rule of Six & Proven Tactics for Stalking TroutHow Trout See Underwater: Snell's Law & Angler TipsLast Bite at the Apple: Trout Vision and ColorConnect with Our GuestFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.Join our Patreon community to support the show.If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting...

The three days from NOC to Fontana Dam were my toughest section so far. I made it, but the difficulty shook my confidence a bit.  The walk down into NOC was a totally different story, for one specific reason, which you'll learn today.  Along the way, I met more great people and they shared their stories with me, including Sue Powell (Sweet Tears) and Henry Southall (Hot Tang).  With the Smokies next, this is going to be a another important week. I'm using Polarsteps to record my AT thru-hike this year. If you'd like to follow my progress between episodes, as well as photos of my journey, please go to https://www.polarsteps.com/mightyblue and click on the follow button. I used my hike in 2024 on the South West Coast Path in the UK to help raise money for my absolute favorite charity, Parenting Matters, on whose board I've been privileged to serve for over a decade. You can learn more about the hike and the organization–and donate–by visiting Hike with Steve - Empowering Parents, One Step at a Time | Parenting Matters %. I hope you want to support this critical mission. Don't forget. Our entire series of videos from our Woods Hole Weekend in 2022 is now FREE and available at my YouTube page at Woods Hole Weekend - Trailer There, you'll find all sorts of tips and tricks that our guests took away from the weekend that helped them with their own hikes this year. Check it out. I often ask listeners for ideas on who to interview, and I'm sure several of you say, "I could do that. I've got an awesome story to tell." You're the person we need to hear from. If you'd like to be interviewed on the podcast, just register as a guest on the link below, and I'll be in touch. Come on the show! If you like what we're doing on the Hiking Radio Network, and want to see our shows continue, please consider supporting us with either a one-off or monthly donation. You'll find the donate button on each Hiking Radio Network page at Hiking Radio Network . Additionally, you can join our membership at Steve (Mighty Blue) Adams. It's worth checking out what is on offer for you there. If you prefer NOT to use PayPal, you can now support us via check by mailing it to Mighty Blue Publishing, 3821 Milflores Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Any support is gratefully received. Additionally, you can "Zelle" me a donation to steve@hikingradionetwork.com. Or "Venmo" me at @‌Steve-Adams-105. They both work! If you'd like to take advantage of my book offer (all three of my printed hiking books–with a personal message and signed by me–for $31, including postage to the United States) send a check payable to Mighty Blue Publishing at the address just above.  

Check out Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey is wearing bright red shoes today because he sent his black ones back to Nike. He says they wore down too fast and they are under warranty, so he sent them back to either get a refund or a new pair. We gave away Hardy tickets with a Hardy Haiku. We read haiku poems about a Hardy song and whoever guessed the song correctly won! Nancy got caught watching some old people falling asleep during a meeting yesterday. She loves to watch and see if they will twitch and jump awake. Joey tests Nancy on the most popular misquoted movie quotes. Lucky 7 for $50 to Old South Candy Joe Exotic (Tiger King) stood us up! Karly had scheduled a call with him from prison, but he didn’t call us. Joey had to tell his wife that her favorite word, dadgumit, was based off of a phrase that takes the Lord’s name in vain. She had no idea and was shocked! What Makes You Special? We Own a Luxury Treehouse Resort in the Smokies! A TN couple that had been married for 70 years died only a few hours apart from each other. Nancy said that her grandparents did the same thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey is wearing bright red shoes today because he sent his black ones back to Nike. He says they wore down too fast and they are under warranty, so he sent them back to either get a refund or a new pair. We gave away Hardy tickets with a Hardy Haiku. We read haiku poems about a Hardy song and whoever guessed the song correctly won! Nancy got caught watching some old people falling asleep during a meeting yesterday. She loves to watch and see if they will twitch and jump awake. Joey tests Nancy on the most popular misquoted movie quotes. Lucky 7 for $50 to Old South Candy Joe Exotic (Tiger King) stood us up! Karly had scheduled a call with him from prison, but he didn’t call us. Joey had to tell his wife that her favorite word, dadgumit, was based off of a phrase that takes the Lord’s name in vain. She had no idea and was shocked! What Makes You Special? We Own a Luxury Treehouse Resort in the Smokies! A TN couple that had been married for 70 years died only a few hours apart from each other. Nancy said that her grandparents did the same thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MOPs & MOEs is powered by TrainHeroic, the best coaching app on the planet. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to get 14 days FREE and a consult with the coaches at TrainHeroic to help you get your coaching business rolling on TrainHeroic. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MOPs & MOEs delivers our training through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TrainHeroic and you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠get your first 7 days of training with us FREE by clicking here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To continue the conversation, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠join our Discord!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We have experts standing by to answer your questions.In this week's episode we deep dive the fitness test used by Backcountry Search and Rescue (BUSAR). They are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of members with extensive backcountry and outdoor experience, as well as specialized professional expertise from the NPS, Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. Members also have experience in aviation, tracking, survival, firefighting, law enforcement, and medical professions.Their unique fitness test consists of the following: Burpee pack pullups - as many reps as you can do in 10 minutes with your SAR pack (~ 20 lbs.) - minimum 50225 pound trap bar deadlift - as many reps as you can do with good form in 1 minute - minimum 153 mile pack test with 45 pounds in under 45 minutes (USFS pack test), followed by additional 30 minutes up and over a picnic table with your SAR Pack (~ 20 lbs.) and a 45# kettlebell or dumbbellAndrew Herrington grew up a free range kid, shaped by Boy Scouts, wilderness, and hard less. A near-fatal rescue at 17 locked his purpose in for good. With nearly two decades in Smokies Search & Resuce, he became a master of survival. His specialties include land navigation, tracking, swiftwater, hunting, trapping, and wildland fire operations. A former backcountry ranger, hog hunter, and wildland firefighter, he blends instinct with experience. As founder and leader of the team, he trains others to think, adapt, and move. Known as an empathetic problem solver, he builds teams under pressure. He doesn't just solve rescues, he forges heroes.Greg Grieco learned early that standing still gets people hurt. As a former wildlife ranger in the Smokies, he tracked and trapped conflict bears relying on his photographic memory and encyclopedic mind to outsmart the beasts before they could cause more problems. A university of Tennessee football alum, Greg brings power, speed, and fearless momentum to every mission. He specializes in land navigation, rapid decision making, and reading terrain like an open book. When hesitation creeps in, he pushes that team forward.

The Drive is LIVE from Smokies opening day More Hoops and Baseball talk The Top 5 at 5:00

In this gripping episode, we sit down with an all-star lineup of paranormal voices: Laura from the Midnight in the Mountains Podcast, Jason York from AFK Discussions, and Brooks Rinish from the East Tennessee paranormal team The Smokies Unforgotten Spirits.Together, we dive deep into one of Tennessee's most haunted and mysterious locations — Elkmont Ghost Town, nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg.Once a thriving early 1900s logging community and exclusive mountain resort for the wealthy, Elkmont was left to slowly fade after the creation of the national park. Today, its decaying yet eerily preserved cabins, the infamous “Troll Bridge,” and historic homes stand as a haunting time capsule of Appalachian life — and a hotspot for intense paranormal activity.From shadowy air entities and dark figures to chilling encounters with Black-Eyed Kids, aggressive spirits, and even reports of Bigfoot, Elkmont has earned its reputation as one of the most active locations in the Smokies.But this episode goes far beyond the legends. The guys open up about a terrifying personal experience they had in the ghost town — an encounter so powerful it has haunted them ever since and may have left a lasting impact on their lives.Join us for a wild, unforgettable night at Elkmont Ghost Town and discover the lingering effects this abandoned place continues to have on those who dare to investigate it.Got a mind-blowing paranormal encounter, cryptid sighting, UFO experience, or any high-strangeness story that still gives you chills? We want to hear it—and we want YOU on the show! Become a guest on Let's Get Freaky and share your true story with our growing freaky community. Drop us a line at: letsgetfreakypodcast@mail.com Or slide into our DMs on socials: Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, or YouTube → @tcletsgetfreakypodcastEverything you need in one place: https://linktr.ee/letsgetfreaky

In this episode, a single spark in the Smokies becomes a vivid mirror for the soul: two matches, a raging wildfire, and the reminder that a small flame can change everything. Drawing on Paul's charge to Timothy, we follow a compelling narrative of recognition and renewal — learn how to acknowledge the spark God's given you, fan it with His presence and Scripture, warm it through community, and fuel it with gifts and vision. With scripture, real-life imagery, and clear next steps, this episode invites you to take your next step and let your faith burn brighter for others.

Today's episode of Backpacker presented by The Trek brought to you by Topo Athletic, is the horniest. Goda Latvys, known on trail as Freyja, has been hiking more or less non-stop over the last 5+ years, and in the process, writing in vivid detail about her many sexual conquests, which is the central theme of today's conversation. When I say x-rated, please do not take that lightly, as the subject matter is highly explicit sexual content, and most definitely not intended for young audiences or anyone who is uncomfortable with vivid adult themes. You have been warned. We wrap the show with the news of a fella who thru-skated from Mexico to Alaska, a conspiracy theory we don't believe in but wish were true, the triple crown of cookies, a sex story from a reader that is certifiably insane, and yet another entry into the heated debate of whether you'd rather encounter a bear vs. a man in the woods. Topo Athletic: Use code "TREKWINTER15" at topoathletic.com. Mountainsmith: Use code "TAKEAHIKE" for 20% off at mountainsmith.com. [divider] Interview with Goda Latvys Goda's Trek Author page Goda's Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:32 - Reminders: Apply to vlog or blog for the Trek, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and subscribe to The Trek's Youtube! 00:07:38 - Introducing Goda 00:09:00 - Excerpt #1 00:11:30 - Can you describe some of your fetishes? 00:14:15 - Do you ever use false names or dramatize anything? 00:16:11 - Tell us about your encounter with Vegas 00:19:25 - Do you have an OnlyFans? 00:20:35 - Where are some of the craziest places you've had sex? 00:22:40 - Excerpt #2 00:27:00 - Excerpt #3 00:28:15 - Excerpt #4 00:30:55 - What are some of the typical reactions you get? 00:33:55 - Freyja's hitchhiking stories 00:39:45 - How do women receive you on trail? 00:40:44 - Excerpt #5 00:43:30 - Who's your ideal type? 00:46:55 - What does your family think? 00:48:20 - How do you handle when people get frustrated about what you write? 00:50:55 - How do you fund your hiking? 00:52:45 - Tell us about the situation with the cigarette 00:56:00 - Do you ever fear for your safety? 00:57:36 - What are your hot takes? 00:59:45 - What do your friends think about your life? 01:00:20 - Tell us about sex cults 01:01:50 - What story do you get the most feedback about? 01:04:08 - Tell us about your trail family 01:07:44 - What leads you to turn down a hitch? 01:09:03 - Tell us about almost dying in the Smokies 01:12:50 - What has been the best trail for hitchhiking? 01:13:18 - Do you have any tips for sex while thru-hiking? 01:15:07 - Tell us about rope play 01:17:15 - Do you have a higher pain tolerance than usual? 01:18:50 - Are you attracted to women? 01:21:08 - What was it like to quit your first thru-hike? 01:23:50 - What got you into thru-hiking? 01:26:20 - What happened with the starfish? 01:28:10 - Tell us about bikepacking in Ghana 01:30:25 - Do you have any fears? 01:31:20 - How did you accidentally cross into Chile? 01:35:00 - What advice would you give to someone interested in starting to thru-hike? 01:37:27 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Man Skateboards From Mexico to Alaska on the Continental Divide: "It's Honestly the Worst Way To Thru-Travel" by Anna McKinney Smith QOTD:  What's a conspiracy theory you don't believe in but wish were true? Triple Crown of cookies Listener Voicemail Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, Jason Kiser, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

Send a textIn Episode #55 of Season #4, I will discuss some acid loving plants.  Specifically, acidic soil loving plants such as some trillium plants (4), some ferns (2) and some blueberry plants (2).  Plants such as these grow in and around the Appalachian Mountains, the Appalachian Foothills to the mountains and some call it the Appalachian Plateau.One of my hobbies is to hike and near me is the Red River Gorge Geological Area.  I love hiking in this area but I do a tiny bit of hiking in Georgia, Berea, KY, and in the Smoky Mountains.  You will see these plants in many of these areas if there is an acidic soil to sustain the plants.Your host is Tommy Fowler. I have a biology degree from the University of Kentucky and a high passion for the outdoors.  I am "The Amateur Naturalist".We will talk about:In tonight's episode, I will discuss 4 trillium plants, some ferns, and some blueberry plantsI will talk about why the soil is probably acidic._________________________________________________________________________*************   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TommyFowler   **************One way that you can support this podcast is to "Buy Me a Cup of Coffee".  Not a real cup of coffee.  Just click on the Buy Me a Cup of Coffee and you can give a small donation to help me get some new equipment or to just stay on the air.  Many thanks in advance if you do._________________________________________________________________________My website:https://theamateurnaturalist.buzzsprout.com/2032491Also, be sure to visit Facebook and look for my site ... The Amateur NaturalistI would love to hear your ideas, see your pictures or hear your feedback.____________________________________________________________________You can help me out by:Please hit “download” on every episodePlease hit Followplease leave me a reviewdownload each of my episodesplease leave a 5-star rating    This helps me grow as a podcaster please tell 1-2 friends or family about this podcast_______________________________________________________________________You can support the people who support the Smoky Mountains, black bears  and wildlife by going to:Friends of the Smokies.          https://friendsofthesmokies.orgAppalachian Bear Rescue.     https://appalachianbearrescue.org________________________________________________________________________** Click here to get $20 off a paid Buzzsprout account to start your own podcast.  It's fun, start today!!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2014700_________________________________________________________________________The short music intro and outro is:"Hickory Hollow" by Dan Lebowitz.  I love this music.  Thank you, Dan.This music is royalty free.The Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It. Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Designer Mini Goldendoodle puppiesDesigner Golden Doodles offers the best quality mini and micro mini goldendoodle puppies.Support the show

Episode OverviewThis fly fishing podcast episode delivers a timely late-winter transition report from Southwest Virginia, covering the critical window when musky season winds down and pre-spawn smallmouth bass fishing kicks into gear. Host Marvin Cash reconnects with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing — a USCG-licensed captain and specialist in smallmouth, musky and other predatory game fish in the New River system — for a frank assessment of where conditions stand and what anglers should be targeting over the next several weeks. Recent snowmelt pushed water temperatures down, but a sustained stretch of warm days (highs in the 60s and 70s with some approaching 80°F) has temperatures climbing back through the mid-to-upper 40s, signaling that pre-spawn smallmouth are beginning to stage out of their winter holding water. Matt also previews his spring striper run program, opening dates on his guiding calendar, and his expanded mountain trout program through associated guides in southwest Virginia — a fishery he argues is underutilized by visiting anglers drawn instead to the Smokies or Virginia's tailwaters. For serious anglers planning a spring trip or looking to understand how temperature history shapes fish location in early season, this report is essential listening.Key TakeawaysHow water temperature history — not just current readings — dictates where pre-spawn smallmouth will be holding after warm early-season spikes followed by cold snaps.When to start streamer fishing for pre-spawn smallmouth: once morning temps consistently hit 50°F, a mid-column baitfish presentation becomes reliable; mid-to-upper 40s can work with slow retrieves and long pauses.Why fishing smallmouth through the winter gives you a positional advantage in early spring, since you can track fish as they move from deep winter holds to staging edges.How to locate early pre-spawn fish: upper ends of winter pools, lower ends and tail-outs, spreading throughout the river once temps push past 50°F.When to book spring guide dates proactively rather than waiting for newsletter announcements — late-notice cancellations open dates that never get widely publicized.Why the southwest Virginia mountain trout fishery is an overlooked destination for visiting fly anglers focused on the Smokies or regional tailwaters.Techniques & Gear CoveredThe episode is technique-focused on early pre-spawn smallmouth streamer presentations. Matt details the adjustment between cold-water (mid-40s) and warming-water (upper 40s into 50s) approaches: in colder conditions he recommends a slower mid-column retrieve with extended pauses and suspension, explicitly advising against immediately defaulting to dumbbell-eyed patterns bouncing on the bottom. Once morning temps reach 50°F, he transitions confidently to a standard baitfish-profile streamer fished mid-column. The conversation also touches briefly on the striper run, which typically runs mid-April through mid-May and requires constant monitoring given how quickly fish can move through.Locations & SpeciesThe primary fishery discussed is the New River in southwest Virginia, with contextual references to the broader regional mountain trout waters of the same area. Target species include pre-spawn smallmouth bass (the dominant focus), musky (wrapping up the season with a couple of remaining guide trips), striped bass (spring run, mid-April to mid-May) and wild mountain trout in the higher-elevation tributaries and streams of the Mount Rogers area. Conditions at time of recording reflect post-snowmelt recovery, with water temps north of 40°F in most stretches and some reaching the upper 40s — the threshold Matt identifies as the beginning of productive pre-spawn streamer fishing. The episode also notes the absence of any cicada brood emergences in 2026 (the only such year in the next 13), which Matt acknowledges will simplify the spring guiding calendar compared to recent years.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do water temperatures affect pre-spawn smallmouth location on the New River?In the mid-to-upper 40s, smallmouth are staging at the edges of their winter holding areas — look for them at the upper ends and tail-outs of winter pools. Once temps push past 50°F, fish spread throughout the river and become more actively feeding. Temperature history matters significantly: if fish have already experienced 52–53°F water during an early warm spell, they may have already moved even if a cold snap has pulled temps back down to the mid-40s.What streamer presentation works best for pre-spawn smallmouth in cold water?In the mid-40s, Matt favors a slow mid-column presentation with long pauses and extended suspension rather than bottom-bouncing dumbbell patterns or active retrieves. At 50°F and above, a standard baitfish-profile streamer fished mid-column is his go-to — at that temperature threshold he has enough confidence in the bite to commit fully to that style unless conditions clearly dictate otherwise.When does the striper run typically happen in southwest and south central Virginia and how predictable is it?Matt's striper program generally runs from mid-April through mid-May, but stripers can appear one day and be gone the next, making it a "wait and see" fishery that requires staying closely tuned to conditions. He monitors fish presence actively and adjusts guide bookings accordingly, making early contact with him the best way to position for a slot during the run.Why is the southwest Virginia mountain trout fishery underutilized by visiting anglers?Most visiting anglers traveling to the mid-Atlantic and Southern Appalachian region default to Tennessee's tailwaters or the Smoky Mountains, and don't end up in southwest Virginia even though the wild trout fishing there can be exceptional from late February through summer. Matt notes he's fielded consistent demand for these trips and has recently channeled that interest to associated guides who specialize in the mountain program — guides he describes as more skilled at it than himself.How should anglers approach booking with a guide like Matt Reilly given limited availability?Matt recommends direct outreach rather than waiting for newsletter announcements of open dates — by the time a cancellation makes it into a newsletter blast, competition for the slot is higher. Spring and summer prime-time top-water smallmouth dates tend to book first; fall dates (especially early October) are typically the last to fill and often have more flexibility.Related ContentS8, Ep 2 – January Fishing Forecast: Weather Patterns and Musky Tips with Matt ReillyS7, Ep 19 – Weathering the Winds: March Fishing Insights and Pre-Spawn Strategies with Matt ReillyS7, Ep 99 – Winter's Approach: Matt Reilly's Tips for Catching Musky in Low WaterS6, Ep 33 – Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with Matt Reilly (Pre-Spawn Smallmouth)S7, Ep 1 – Winter Fly Tying and Pre-Spawn Tips with Matt ReillyConnect with Our GuestFollow Matt on Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.Join our Patreon community to support the...

Nancy got stuck in a rolling roadblock for the first time yesterday. She got stopped on an entry ramp to Alcoa Hwy and then could only drive 5mph all the way to the airport. Nerd News! A new study found that houseplants do not clean the air in your home, contrary to popular belief. There’s a new app that will alert you if someone is wearing smart glasses that take photos and videos. The screechy sound that scotch tape makes is actually from mini sonic booms. Hot tea: Megan Moroney and Ella Langley are the first country female artists to top the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 simultaneously. Jack Hughes, the Olympic hockey player, says he will be getting his teeth fixed soon. Brantley Gilbert now has his own non-alcoholic beer. We gave away Dollywood gold season passes by having a rollercoaster scream off. Whoever can hold their scream the longest wins! Joey’s spring break vacation is at risk because now both of his kids have the flu. He drove all around Knoxville yesterday to get them all xofluza, a flu treatment and preventative pill. Lucky 7 for $50 to Old South Candy We spoke with Sergeant Nolan Ogle from the TN Army National Guard about the recent hiker rescue in the Smokies. He was the medica that got lowered down from the helicopter on a cable to get to the hiker. We played our new game called Hear Me Out. Joey and Nancy put on noise cancelling headphones so they couldn’t hear Karly. Karly then gave them country music lyrics that they had to guess. What Makes You Special? I Am a World Record Karate Board Breaker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy got stuck in a rolling roadblock for the first time yesterday. She got stopped on an entry ramp to Alcoa Hwy and then could only drive 5mph all the way to the airport. Nerd News! A new study found that houseplants do not clean the air in your home, contrary to popular belief. There’s a new app that will alert you if someone is wearing smart glasses that take photos and videos. The screechy sound that scotch tape makes is actually from mini sonic booms. Hot tea: Megan Moroney and Ella Langley are the first country female artists to top the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 simultaneously. Jack Hughes, the Olympic hockey player, says he will be getting his teeth fixed soon. Brantley Gilbert now has his own non-alcoholic beer. We gave away Dollywood gold season passes by having a rollercoaster scream off. Whoever can hold their scream the longest wins! Joey’s spring break vacation is at risk because now both of his kids have the flu. He drove all around Knoxville yesterday to get them all xofluza, a flu treatment and preventative pill. Lucky 7 for $50 to Old South Candy We spoke with Sergeant Nolan Ogle from the TN Army National Guard about the recent hiker rescue in the Smokies. He was the medica that got lowered down from the helicopter on a cable to get to the hiker. We played our new game called Hear Me Out. Joey and Nancy put on noise cancelling headphones so they couldn’t hear Karly. Karly then gave them country music lyrics that they had to guess. What Makes You Special? I Am a World Record Karate Board Breaker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dolly Parton BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Dolly Parton is making waves in the travel and entertainment world with Dollywood front and center as her empire expands into the skies. Fox13 News reports Allegiant Air just announced Flight 925 Destination Dollywood a themed flight from Orlando Sanford to Knoxville on November 6 tying directly to her hit song 9 to 5 with onboard Dollywood entertainment trivia themed snacks exclusive merch and park perks like exclusive ride times during Smoky Mountain Christmas. The Points Guy confirms Dollywood president Eugene Naughton hyping it as a fast fun route to their award-winning park fresh off 2025 Golden Ticket wins for best guest experience kids area and family coaster. This partnership screams long-term biographical gold cementing Partons theme park as a cultural juggernaut drawing fans without her lifting a finger onstage.Country Living magazine revealed tickets on sale for their exclusive June 5 to 7 2026 weekend at Dollywood resorts featuring early park access a no-line Dolly Parton Experience tour replica of her childhood home bingo with prizes editor meet-and-greets and Sevierville hometown tours including murals statues and Reds Soda Fountain. Editor-in-chief Rachel Hardage Barrett calls it a kindred spirits bash in the Smokies spotlighting Partons philanthropy like Imagination Library.Tour buzz simmers hot with Ad-Hoc-News speculating 2026 might be fans last shot at live Dolly as she hints at slowing down from grueling roads favoring residencies festivals or TV specials amid active tour page checks and Reddit TikTok frenzy over Nashville runs Glastonbury slots or guest spots with Miley Cyrus. No confirmed dates yet but AOL lists her among 2026s 100 biggest tours fueling the urgency. Kfin notes her recent frank Johnny Cash tribute blending humor and respect while Lainey Wilson gushed about their friendship on Country 959 radio February 22.Unconfirmed whispers from Zapzee claim Parton stepped back for health reasons sparking minor business hiccups like a soda fountain glitch but thats insider chatter without verification. No fresh public appearances social posts or major headlines in the past few days just this Dollywood dominance proving her brand thrives eternally. Fans youre booking flights not missing the magic.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Bob Thomas is joined by President of the Knoxville Smokies Chris Allen to preview the 2026 season, what all new is coming to Covenant Health Park for the upcoming season & more! #PhilShow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of “Why I Teach,” Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), sits down with Dr. Kevin E. O'Donnell, Professor of English and recipient of the 2024 Stephen L. Fisher Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Appalachian Studies Association. With more than 30 years of experience teaching literature, composition, and environmental writing, Dr. O'Donnell shares insights on storytelling, writing pedagogy, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the power of honesty in writing. He also discusses teaching The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green, Appalachian literature such as Serena by Ron Rash, and his upcoming book, The Woodlands of the Mind: Rambles Through Campus Forests. Find out more: ETSU Common Read: https://www.etsu.edu/provost/common-read.php ETSU Festival of Ideas: https://www.etsu.edu/festival/ ETSU College of Arts and Sciences: https://www.etsu.edu/cas/ Podcast Transcript:  [Music] Dr. Kevin O'Donnell I love John Green's writing for one thing. It's really accessible. His voice draws you in. He starts with these quirky topics. He'll be writing about Super Mario Kart. Within a few pages, he's talking about community and luck versus skill, and these bigger issues. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Hi, I'm Kimberly McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at East Tennessee State University. From the moment I arrived on this campus, I have been inspired by our faculty, their passion for what they do, their belief in the power of higher education, and the way they are transforming the lives of their students. This podcast is dedicated to them: Our incredible faculty at ETSU. Hear their stories as they tell us why I teach. In this episode, we will sit down with Dr. Kevin E. O'Donnell, Professor of English and recipient of the 2024 Stephen L. Fisher Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Appalachian Studies Association. A native of Northeast Ohio, Dr. O'Donnell earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and has taught at ETSU for more than 30 years. His courses include Advanced Composition, American Literature, Literary Nonfiction, and Environmental Writing. He's the author of numerous publications, including Seekers of Scenery: Travel Writing from Southern Appalachia, co-authored with Helen Hollingsworth. This year, he looks forward to the release of a new book, co-written with his ETSU colleague, Dr. Scott Honeycutt, titled The Woodlands of the Mind: Rambles Through Campus Forests. Enjoy the show. Dr. O'Donnell, welcome to the show. I start my podcast with the same question for every guest. Take me back to your first day as a faculty member at ETSU, and looking back on that day, what is one piece of advice that you would have given yourself? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Well, it's a great question. I have to think back and see if I can remember 30 years. It's half a lifetime ago, you know. But if I could give myself advice, I would say, young Kevin, trust the process. With writing, it's so challenging. You get papers from the students, especially in the first-year classes on the first day. And they've got all kinds of issues, and the first thing you see are the problems when you read them, and you want to fix everything. But just trust the process. You know, if they've got 15 weeks, if they get four or five good writing experiences, including revision and feedback, and over the course of 15 weeks, you can do a lot. Yeah. Thank you. Reflecting on your 30-plus years in the classroom here, how has your approach to teaching literature and composition changed over the years? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, that's kind of a related question. I don't think my philosophy has changed, but a lot of the technology has changed. I mean, I kind of developed the belief in grad school that you learn to write by having an audience, writing for audiences. But 30 years ago, typically, students would print one copy, and if you were lucky, you could circulate it, do some group work and stuff, but you couldn't publish it. And then with the development of the internet, making easier access to the internet available, I started publishing my students' work on the web, and then they started publishing their own, and you get it out in front of an audience a lot more. And that's great for writing pedagogy. And then multimedia, doing this kind of stuff, like the Whisper Room over in... We were talking about that earlier over in the Innovation Commons. Yeah. I've had my students doing that, so that's part of writing now, I think, is multimedia. You can't just think of it as words on a page. Typically, anything, it's words on a screen, and then the spoken word component, recording. So that's changed how I teach a lot. I'll have my students do an audio piece and then post it on YouTube, say. That's what they did last semester. They must enjoy that. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell The response to it was great. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle   How do you see the connection between storytelling and how we understand our environment, culture, and region? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, storytelling, I mean, it's... You could argue that all understanding is narrative. Like, people understand things in terms of people in places doing things, which is character-setting-plot, you know? So with the Environmental Studies minor, there's a required course that's environmental writing. We get students who are being trained in science, like biologists, who take that minor, and they come in and read some environmental literature, and you've got these science writers using narrative to make sense of the science. So I think it's a crucial component. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Which literary work or author has been especially rewarding for you to teach over the years, and why? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, I love that question. There's been a lot of them. I'm teaching a book this semester, a 2008 novel by Ron Rash called Serena, which is a super well-written, super fun novel, but it takes place in Haywood County, North Carolina, in the 1920s when the Smokies were being logged. So it's set against the backdrop of this huge natural resource extraction story that shaped Appalachia, the logging of the great Appalachian forest. But it's also really dramatic. It's got these tightly written chapters. There's some great villains and some shocking murders, and it's a great book. And Ron Rash is coming to our literary festival in April. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Fantastic. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell So students are reading that novel, and I've taught that four or five times over the years, and it's a great, great book for an environmental writing class. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Is he a regional author? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell He's at Western Carolina. He's down in Cullowhee. He's probably about ready to retire, but he grew up in upstate South Carolina. And yeah, he's a great writer. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle It must be great for students to connect to a book that's about the region. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, and a lot of students didn't know the story that it tells, and people know the area, recognize places where scenes take place. Yeah, so it's great. That's a good one. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Earlier this year, you presented an outstanding lecture to kick off this year's Common Read, The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. What about that book resonated with you, and why do you think it was a good fit for ETSU's campus community? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, I think it was a great fit, or it seems to be getting a good response from students. And part of it, for 15 years or more, I was a fan of the Vlogbrothers. They do their YouTube science stuff. And the format is, it's basically the essay format. You've got two, 3,000 words. I love John Green's writing, for one thing. It's really accessible. His voice draws you in. And he starts with these quirky topics. Like he'll be writing about Super Mario Kart. And within a few pages, he's talking about community and luck versus skill and these bigger issues. And so I like that they're inviting, these essays are inviting and they draw you in. They're really accessible. You can read one in 15 minutes. And the five-star review format is kind of fun. Like that, my students want to write those. You give that as a writing assignment. Here's an essay, you're going to make it ostensibly a review of something. That you're going to give five stars. So your job is to evaluate. Students like it. So I think it was a good choice. I'm excited about him. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle That's great, yeah. I know, as you said, a lot of students are excited. They've connected to his work for a long time. Students who've said he taught them what they know about history, for instance. As you know, we are excited to be able to welcome John Green to campus in just a few days to speak at the ETSU Festival of Ideas. From your experience, how does engaging with an author and hearing them talk about their work deepen students' connections to a text compared to just reading it in a classroom? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, I think it's a big deal. It can change your relationship to the text. It sure humanizes it, you know? One thing about reading, even if you're reading for a class, reading seems like a really solitary activity. You go to your quiet space and you're sitting by yourself. But then these students are going to come together and see hundreds of other people who have also connected with the same text and see the author. It just makes it very visceral, the sense of how social reading is, even though it feels solitary in some ways it is, but it's a deeply social act. And I think one of the things I'm excited about is it's fun seeing other people who are excited about writing that you're excited about. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Right, yeah. Feels like you're in a community of readers when you watch an author talk about their work. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Right. Yeah, yeah. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle As I mentioned in the introduction, you have a book coming out this year. Will you please share a preview of The Woodlands of the Mind and a bit about what inspired you and Dr. Honeycutt to write the book? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, thanks for asking about that. So it was really inspired by the ETSU campus. We've got, well, you know about University Woods south of the railroad bypass there. We've got 30 acres of, couple dozen at least ancient oak trees up there. And it's a really special place. And Scott Honeycutt and I, for years we'd been taking our students over there to do classrooms and to do awareness stuff and to do walks. And back in 2018, I think it was before COVID, we wrote a small grant and brought an author to class, author to campus rather, Joan Maloof, who is a biologist from Maryland who's also written some very good books, including one that Scott and I are fans of called "Among the Ancients" where she goes around and visits different old, remnant old growth forests and writes about them, but also writes about regional history and natural history. So we brought her to campus. It turns out she's the founding director of the Old-Growth Forest Network. And long story short, she came to campus, did a public nature walk with people over in the woods and then did a talk in the evening at the old East Tennessee Room and generated a lot of excitement, which led to us forming an ad-hoc committee to see if we can get the University Woods to be part of the Old-Growth Forest Network. As a community forest, Dr. Noland, our awesome president, was very supportive of this. So long story short, later that spring, Joan came back on her own dime for a dedication ceremony we did where Dr. Noland spoke and read a little poem on some other people, and we designated it as a community forest. So that experience, Scott and I to look around and it turns out a lot of universities have often old-growth remnants, which are rare attached to their property, partly because of the history of universities and land use, especially in the East. So we started learning about these places. So we thought, well, no one's written about this. So we've selected 15 places from Rome up to Maine, some small colleges, some bigger schools, like Virginia Tech and Penn State. And we split them up and we went around and wrote, kind of inspired by Joan Maloof, these travel essays with history, natural history, and we package them together and sent our proposal to the University of Georgia Press, and the editor called us back the next day and said she wanted to publish it. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Congratulations. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah, thanks. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Look forward to reading it. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Awesome. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle What books do you have on your to-read pile and do you have any favorite books or authors that you'd recommend for consideration for future common reads at ETSU? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Right. Yeah, my to-read pile is pretty big and half of them I never get to. I own a lot of books I've never read. I'm glad to hear that it makes me feel less guilty. But something about owning them, I hope that maybe I'll soak up. I don't know. And even better if you put them on your bedside table to look at you, yes, yeah. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yes, one I was thinking about that I read recently is Beth Macy who is, she wrote a book called Dopesick that the Hulu miniseries starring Michael Keaton was based on, was pretty much directly from that book. And it's a great book. But more recently in the fall, she came out with a book called Paper Girl. It's sort of a memoir she tells about growing up underprivileged in rural Ohio and then goes back there now and finds a version of herself and to look at how kids don't have the same opportunities, basically, young people. And in the process she's also talking about being a journalist and how people respond or don't respond to journalism and conspiracy theorizing has sort of moved into the vacuum where journalism has moved out of and which sounds all serious, but it's a fun book and it got a lot of attention in the fall. That one, she lives down at Roanoke. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Interesting. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell We should get her up here. That would be a good one. But my dream author would be Elizabeth Kolbert. She's a New Yorker magazine writer who probably about 10 years ago she published a book called The Sixth Extinction which won the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction which is an amazing book. It's about the planet that is currently undergoing a major extinction event, which is a grim topic. But she writes these essays where she goes around and talks to people and they're really engaging. She's the best science writer I know and she's a best seller. I think there'd be enthusiasm about her. She's got a new book, which is a collection of her New Yorker essays. So Elizabeth Kolbert--I don't know if we could get her. I don't know if she does campus visits but she'd be a good get. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Great suggestions. Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Yeah. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Finally, what impact do you hope you've made on your students? Dr. Kevin O'Donnell Gosh, that's a big one. Been thinking about that a lot now that I'm 30 years into this. I would hope when my students leave my class they understand that good writing is about honesty. Because I think students come in and when they're supposed to do academic writing they feel like they need to adopt this persona that's the voice of authority. And they don't feel confident in that authority. So they put on a role. And that, as much as anything, leads to tangled sentences and unclear writing. But if you can be honest about your relationship to your material and your audience, and in a simple way, not like deep profound, doesn't have to be deep profound honesty, but that's honesty is what good writing is about. That's, I would hope students would leave my class with that understanding. Dr. Kimerly D. McCorkle Dr. O'Donnell, it's been a pleasure speaking with you. Thank you for your thoughtful reflections on teaching, literature, and the Common Read experience. Thank you for the way you engage your students with literature. I'm looking forward to adding your new book to my reading list this year. Thanks for listening to "Why I Teach." For more information about Dr. O'Donnell, the College of Arts and Sciences, or this podcast series, visit the ETSU Provost website at etsu.edu slash Provost. You can follow me on social media at ETSU Provost. And if you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to like and subscribe to "Why I Teach" wherever you listen to podcasts. (soft music)  

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you this very special episode all about one of our favorite organizations in the Smokies, Appalachian Bear Rescue in Townsend, Tennessee! Celebrating 30 years of volunteer-powered bear rescue, ABR is doing incredible work saving orphan cubs, rehabilitating them with minimal human contact, and releasing healthy bears back into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They truly are the gold standard. On a beautiful Saturday we were invited on one of their exclusive behind-the-scenes tours (only four small groups were allowed that day, we felt so honored!). We finally got to see the secluded facility where the magic happens, tucked way back in the county so the bears stay wild and never get used to people. After the tour we sat down right here at our home with the brand-new Executive Director, Greg Greico. What a genuine, passionate guy, perfect for the job! We talked for over an hour about his wild journey into bear work, the history of ABR, why these bears matter so much, and what the future holds. You're in for a treat, this one is full of hope, history, and a few “wow” moments. Learn more at My Smoky Mountain Guide Podcast Produced by Marc & Ann BowmanMy Smoky Mountain Guide, Helping you make the most of your time in the Smokies© 2020-2026 | Marc & Ann Bowman | Maryville, TennesseeArtwork by Ann BowmanRecording and editing by Marc Bowman

Episode OverviewMac Brown joins host Marvin Cash for this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly, a fly fishing podcast focused on practical instruction and technique refinement. With winter weather keeping many anglers off the water across the mid-Atlantic and southern Appalachians, Mac and Marvin discuss how to use this downtime productively by organizing gear and preparing equipment for the upcoming season. The conversation covers essential off-season maintenance tasks including line cleaning, wader re-treating, fly box reorganization and boot cleat maintenance. Mac shares his custom tippet management system that prevents fumbling for tippet in freezing conditions and emphasizes the importance of getting fly weight systems dialed in before prime fishing returns. The discussion also touches on the transition from winter's deep freeze to early spring fishing opportunities, with Quill Gordon hatches beginning as early as mid-February on National Park streams and post-spawn streamer fishing on tailwaters like the South Holston and Watauga. This episode provides a comprehensive checklist for serious anglers to ensure their gear is ready when weather breaks and fishing conditions improve.Key TakeawaysHow to organize fly boxes by weight and technique during the off-season to streamline on-water efficiency when the season begins.Why washing and re-treating waders now prevents cutting into prime fishing time during peak spring hatches.How to create a reliable tippet management system using elastic and clear tubing so you never struggle to find the tippet end in cold conditions.When to expect the earliest hatches in the southern Appalachians, with Quill Gordons appearing in mid-February on National Park streams.Why the first warm day after extended cold spells consistently produces excellent fishing as water temperatures rise from the mid-30s.Techniques & Gear CoveredMac emphasizes moving away from traditional split shot systems because mashing lead onto tippet significantly weakens the tippet when wet, instead favoring organized weight systems built into flies. The discussion covers comprehensive line cleaning protocols for multiple setups, particularly for lake fishing applications where having several lines ready prevents last-minute scrambling. Mac details his custom tippet management method using elastic and clear tubing (similar to New Zealand strike indicator material) that keeps 2 inches of tippet exposed and prevents the frustrating search for the tippet end when fingers are numb. Boot maintenance receives attention with the recommendation to install fresh 5/8-inch sheet metal screws using an eighth-inch driver to maintain traction. The episode also addresses seasonal gear rotation, including moving chemical hand warmers, nitrile gloves and other cold weather gear in and out of fishing kits as conditions change.Locations & SpeciesThe episode references winter conditions across Charlotte, Swain County and western North Carolina, where snow and single-digit temperatures have kept guides off the water for nearly two weeks. Marvin mentions an upcoming post-spawn brown trout streamer trip on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers near Johnson City, taking advantage of warming trends with temperatures reaching 60 degrees. Mac discusses early-season opportunities on National Park streams in the Smokies, where Quill Gordon hatches begin in the second or third week of February—some of the earliest dry fly action in the country. The conversation also touches on Mac's

This week we revisit a show that featured The Lil Smokies from Montana and Emily Scott Robinson from Telluride to eTown Hall. The Lil Smokies have graduated from 'up and coming' to 'fully arrived' - they showcase their hyper-melodic brand of song-strong Bluegrass music. Emily Scott Robinson shares the stage with her sultry voice and plays a 'spooky' tune with Nick, Helen and The eTones. Also, Christina Carlson, from Urban Peak in Denver, talks to Nick about youth and homelessness.     That's all this week, on eTown!   Visit our Youtube Channel to see artist interviews, live recordings, studio sessions, and more! Be a part of the audience at our next recording: https://www.etown.org/etown-hall/all-events/ Your support helps us bring concerts, tapings and conversations to audiences while fostering connection through music, ideas and community. If you'd like to support eTown's mission to educate, entertain and inspire a diverse audience through music and conversation, please consider a donation: https://www.etown.org/get-involved/donate-orig/.  

Send us a textIn Episode #54 of Season #4, I will discuss some acid loving plants.  Specifically, acidic soil loving plants such as Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, and White Pine trees.  Plants such as these grow in and around the Appalachian Mountains, the Appalachian Foothills to the mountains and some call it the Appalachian Plateau.One of my hobbies is to hike and near me is the Red River Gorge Geological Area.  I love hiking in this area but I do a tiny bit of hiking in Georgia, Berea, KY, and in the Smoky Mountains.  You will see these plants in many of these areas if there is an acidic soil to sustain the plants.Your host is Tommy Fowler. I have a biology degree from the University of Kentucky and a high passion for the outdoors.  I am "The Amateur Naturalist".We will talk about:In tonight's episode, I will discuss rhododendron, mountain laurel, and white pine trees.I will talk about why the soil is probably acidic._________________________________________________________________________*************   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TommyFowler   **************One way that you can support this podcast is to "Buy Me a Cup of Coffee".  Not a real cup of coffee.  Just click on the Buy Me a Cup of Coffee and you can give a small donation to help me get some new equipment or to just stay on the air.  Many thanks in advance if you do._________________________________________________________________________My website:https://theamateurnaturalist.buzzsprout.com/2032491Also, be sure to visit Facebook and look for my site ... The Amateur NaturalistI would love to hear your ideas, see your pictures or hear your feedback.____________________________________________________________________You can help me out by:Please hit “download” on every episodePlease hit Followplease leave me a reviewdownload each of my episodesplease leave a 5-star rating    This helps me grow as a podcaster please tell 1-2 friends or family about this podcast_______________________________________________________________________You can support the people who support the Smoky Mountains, black bears  and wildlife by going to:Friends of the Smokies.          https://friendsofthesmokies.orgAppalachian Bear Rescue.     https://appalachianbearrescue.org________________________________________________________________________** Click here to get $20 off a paid Buzzsprout account to start your own podcast.  It's fun, start today!!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2014700_________________________________________________________________________The short music intro and outro is:"Hickory Hollow" by Dan Lebowitz.  I love this music.  Thank you, Dan.This music is royalty free.Support the showSupport the show

Dennis Martin Disappearance in the Great Smokies - Latest UpdateBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

In this Monday Market Data Report, Mark Lumpkin breaks down Gatlinburg, Tennessee, one of the most talked-about short-term rental markets in the country. Using real performance data, Mark walks through how revenue, occupancy, and nightly rates change as you move from three-bedroom cabins to six-plus bedroom luxury properties.In this episode, you'll learn:How three-bedroom STRs in Gatlinburg earn between $55K and $95K annuallyWhy four-bedroom properties can generate $20K–$45K more per year than three-bedroomsHow five-bedroom cabins separate average performers from true top-tier experiencesWhy six-plus bedroom properties show the largest revenue jump Mark has seen in any marketHow ADR and occupancy work together to drive outsized returns in GatlinburgWhat the data reveals about guest expectations for larger, experience-driven homesIf you're considering investing in Gatlinburg or already own in the Smokies, this episode breaks down exactly what size property performs best and why.Tune in every Monday for market data reports and every Friday for expert guest interviews on the STR Investing Podcast.

Cody Cramer went from hotel revenue management to building a multi-market short-term rental co-hosting business, all while operating remotely. In this episode, Mark sits down with Cody to break down how he scaled across the Smokies and Florida markets, why systems matter more than location, and what actually drives guest satisfaction.In this episode, you'll learn:How Cody transitioned from hotels into STR co-hostingWhat it really takes to manage properties remotely without sacrificing qualityWhy your cleaning and maintenance team is the most important hire you'll makeThe exact tech stack they use: Hostaway, PriceLabs, Breezeway, and Happy GuestHow non-traditional partnerships created early deal flowThe four metrics that matter in any STR market: bedroom count, RevPAR, booking lead time, and amenity saturationHow better communication reduces guest questions and improves reviewsConnect with Cody / Ascent Co-Hosting:Website: www.ascentcohosting.comIG: Ascent CohostingFB:  Ascent Cohosting

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Neil Norman, a writer, lifelong angler, and Smokies regular, to talk about far more than fish. Neil's upcoming book, Tight Lines and Tall Tale Stories of Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing, serves as a backdrop for a wide-ranging conversation about mountain history, old fishing methods, unforgettable characters, and the deep sense of place that defines fly fishing in Appalachia.We spend time exploring how fishing in the southern Appalachians is inseparable from its stories. From rough-looking hollers that turned out to be filled with kindness, to warning shots fired near suburban creeks, Neil shares experiences that highlight the contrast between perceived danger and genuine mountain hospitality.Backcountry Myths and Realities: Neil shares stories from fishing rough-looking Appalachian hollers, where perceived danger often gave way to generosity, kindness, and deep-rooted mountain etiquette.From Pasture Water to Plunge Pools: A look at how fishing long, sandy New River runs shaped Neil's approach, and how that foundation translated into Smokies-style pocket water and steep plunge pools.Old-School Tactics That Still Work: We dig into monofilament fishing, homemade split shot, and techniques born from necessity that remain deadly effective in Appalachian trout water.Flies with a History: Neil breaks down classic Southern Appalachian patterns, including the Sheep Fly, and explains why fishing historic flies in historic places adds another layer to the experience.Preachers, Faith, and Fishing Days: Stories of mountain preachers who treated time on the water as sacred, blending faith, routine, and fly fishing into Appalachian life.The One That Got Away: A winter encounter with a massive spawning rainbow on a tiny tributary near Watauga Lake, complete with a flashing dorsal fin and a lesson in humility.Post-Fishing Eats in Townsend: Neil shares his go-to food stops after a day in the Smokies, from casual bites at Peaceful Side Social to a full sit-down experience at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro.Resources:Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletterProduced by NOVA

Building a successful vacation rental portfolio isn't just about numbers—it's about strategy, intuition, and having the confidence to trust both. In this episode, we explore what it really looks like to invest with intention, think long-term, and build a business rooted in education rather than hype.In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible Parker Borofsky, whose passion for lending and vacation rental investing shines through every story she shares. From her early days as Avery Carl's lender to becoming a seasoned investor herself, Parker offers a behind-the-scenes look at a journey shaped by curiosity, courage, and thoughtful decision-making.In this conversation, Parker shares:How her early career in lending gave her an “under the hood” view of what truly makes a short-term rental successful—and how she used that insight to build a portfolio spanning the Smokies and Florida's PanhandleThe remarkable story behind acquiring a bona fide Frank Lloyd Wright home in Kentucky, including the family connections and moments of serendipity that led her thereWhat it's really like to invest during uncertain and unpredictable times, and why balancing solid research with gut instinct allowed her to seize opportunities others overlookedThe unique challenges and rewards of restoring and short-term renting a historic home, from navigating appraisals to thoughtfully weaving the property's history into the guest experienceWhy putting heart and education above hype—and surrounding yourself with the right community—is essential to building a more meaningful, sustainable businessParker's insights and grounded enthusiasm make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to build a smarter, more intentional vacation rental portfolio. It's filled with practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and real-world lessons for scaling with clarity and purpose.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[01:00] A short introduction about our guest Parker Borofsky, and how she got into investing in short-term rentals[03:00] Parker walks through her growing short-term rental portfolio across Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky, highlighting a pivotal purchase in Townsend, Tennessee[08:43] Parker explains how intuition, timing, and storytelling led her to an unexpected Kentucky purchase[13:01] Parker shares how stewardship and storytelling shape the experience of owning a Frank Lloyd Wright home[18:56] Parker reflects on the emotional full-circle of stewarding a historic Frank Lloyd Wright home[21:24] Parker dives into the complexities of securing a mortgage for a one-of-a-kind Frank Lloyd Wright home, emphasizing that unique properties often create appraisal challenges[26:51] How to handle appraisal challenges for unusual properties, emphasizing preparation, collaboration, and clear communication[31:24] Parker talks about the mortgage options that are trending for real estate investors, particularly for self-employed borrowers or those with complex income streams[34:57] The importance of connecting with experienced loan officers as a critical first step for anyone looking to grow their property portfolio in 2026

In this episode, host Rebecca George welcomes her husband, Dustin George, to chat about his book titled ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Before Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode is the fourth episode in a four-part series where Dustin will discuss themes of his book, focusing on hope, dependence, and perseverance. This episode focuses on Chapter 9 (Perseverance: Keep Sowing, Keep Going)!Dustin C. George is a lead pastor, a writer, and a conference speaker. He has served for nearly two decades in various pastoral positions across all age ranges. Before entering full time church ministry, Dustin taught high school English for ten years. In his free time, Dustin can usually be found fly-fishing in the Smokies, expanding his skills as a craftsman, or enjoying his next adventure. He and his wife, Rebecca George, live in East Tennessee.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Before Dawn on Amazon⁠⁠⁠Sponsors:Comfy Earrings: Whether you're headed to family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozying up by the fire, Comfy Earrings add the perfect sparkle without the fuss. They also make an amazing gift for the women in your life.Use code Rebecca15 at ComfyEarrings.com for 15% off your order this holiday season.Live Oak Integrative Health: If fatigue, brain fog, or hormone struggles have kept you from showing up fully with the people you love, you're not alone. My friend Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health helps women uncover the root of their symptoms with advanced hormone and gut health testing, then creates personalized wellness plans that honor the way God designed our bodies. Book your free consultation at⁠ ⁠liveoakintegrativehealth.com⁠ and Radical Radiance listeners get $40 off any service package.Christian Standard Bible:Have you ever opened your Bible and wished you could better understand how all of Scripture fits together? The CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament is a brand-new resource designed to help you trace the grand story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Whether you're teaching, discipling, or simply wanting to grow in your faith, this is the perfect guide. Learn more at connectingscripture.com.Grace Bible: Maybe you or someone you love has struggled to read the Bible because of dyslexia or other reading challenges. That doesn't have to be a barrier anymore. The CSB Grace Bible and CSB Grace Bible for Kids are designed with a specially tested typeface, layout, and design to make God's Word easier to read for every level and variety of dyslexia. These Bibles open the door for families, kids, and adults to experience Scripture in a fresh and accessible way. You don't have to miss out on the truth of God's Word—see the difference today at csbgracebibles.com.

What if the camera didn't just catch a creature, but the doorway it came through? In this episode, Tony sits down with Travis Carpenter to revisit the night his father, Scott Carpenter, filmed one of the clearest portal manifestations ever recorded. From that moment on, everything changes. They unravel Scott's groundbreaking DNA research suggesting Bigfoot's supernatural origins, the eerie connection between metallic “door” sounds and portals, and the possibility that East Tennessee's ancient mountains are dotted with thin places, geographic points where spiritual war bleeds into the physical world. By the end, it's not just about a portal in the Smokies, it's about realizing we live on a battlefield where those doors are opening again. Please pray for Tony's wife, Lindsay, as she battles breast cancer. Your prayers make a difference! If you're able, consider helping the Merkel family with medical expenses by donating to Lindsay's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8f76890 Become a member for ad-free listening, extra shows, and exclusive access to our social media app: theconfessionalspodcast.com/join The Confessionals Social Network App: Apple Store: https://apple.co/3UxhPrh Google Play: https://bit.ly/43mk8kZ The Counter Series Available NOW: The Counter (YouTube): WATCH HERE The Counter (Full Episode): WATCH HERE Tony's Recommended Reads: slingshotlibrary.com If you want to learn about Jesus and what it means to be saved: Click Here Bigfoot: The Journey To Belief: Stream Here The Meadow Project: Stream Here Merkel Media Apparel: merkmerch.com My New YouTube Channel Merkel IRL: @merkelIRL My First Sermon: Unseen Battles SPONSORS SIMPLISAFE TODAY: simplisafe.com/confessionals GHOSTBED: GhostBed.com/tony CONNECT WITH US Website: www.theconfessionalspodcast.com Email: contact@theconfessionalspodcast.com MAILING ADDRESS: Merkel Media 257 N. Calderwood St., #301 Alcoa, TN 37701 SOCIAL MEDIA Subscribe to our YouTube: https://bit.ly/2TlREaI Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theconfessionals/ Discord: https://discord.gg/KDn4D2uw7h Show Instagram: theconfessionalspodcast Tony's Instagram: tonymerkelofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheConfessionalsPodcas Twitter: @TConfessionals Tony's Twitter: @tony_merkel Produced by: @jack_theproducer OUTRO MUSIC Joel Thomas - Missing YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

In this episode, host Rebecca George welcomes her husband, Dustin George, to chat about his book titled ⁠⁠⁠⁠Before Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode is the third episode of a four-part series where Dustin will discuss themes of his book, focusing on hope, dependence, and perseverance. This episode focuses on Chapter 4 (Dependence: The Call to Meekness)!Dustin C. George is a lead pastor, a writer, and a conference speaker. He has served for nearly two decades in various pastoral positions across all age ranges. Before entering full time church ministry, Dustin taught high school English for ten years. In his free time, Dustin can usually be found fly-fishing in the Smokies, expanding his skills as a craftsman, or enjoying his next adventure. He and his wife, Rebecca George, live in East Tennessee.⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Before Dawn on Amazon⁠⁠Sponsors:Comfy Earrings: Whether you're headed to family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozying up by the fire, Comfy Earrings add the perfect sparkle without the fuss. They also make an amazing gift for the women in your life.Use code Rebecca15 at ComfyEarrings.com for 15% off your order this holiday season.Live Oak Integrative Health: If fatigue, brain fog, or hormone struggles have kept you from showing up fully with the people you love, you're not alone. My friend Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health helps women uncover the root of their symptoms with advanced hormone and gut health testing, then creates personalized wellness plans that honor the way God designed our bodies. Book your free consultation at⁠ http://liveoakintegrativehealth.com/radiance and Radical Radiance listeners get $40 off any service package.Christian Standard Bible:Have you ever opened your Bible and wished you could better understand how all of Scripture fits together? The CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament is a brand-new resource designed to help you trace the grand story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Whether you're teaching, discipling, or simply wanting to grow in your faith, this is the perfect guide. Learn more at connectingscripture.com.Grace Bible: Maybe you or someone you love has struggled to read the Bible because of dyslexia or other reading challenges. That doesn't have to be a barrier anymore. The CSB Grace Bible and CSB Grace Bible for Kids are designed with a specially tested typeface, layout, and design to make God's Word easier to read for every level and variety of dyslexia. These Bibles open the door for families, kids, and adults to experience Scripture in a fresh and accessible way. You don't have to miss out on the truth of God's Word—see the difference today at csbgracebibles.com.

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

In this episode, host Rebecca George welcomes her husband, Dustin George, to chat about his book titled ⁠⁠⁠Before Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life⁠⁠⁠. This episode is the second episode of a four-part series where Dustin will discuss themes of his book, focusing on hope, dependence, and perseverance. This episode focuses on Chapter 2 (Hope: More Than Wishful Thinking)! Dustin C. George is a lead pastor, a writer, and a conference speaker. He has served for nearly two decades in various pastoral positions across all age ranges. Before entering full time church ministry, Dustin taught high school English for ten years. In his free time, Dustin can usually be found fly-fishing in the Smokies, expanding his skills as a craftsman, or enjoying his next adventure. He and his wife, Rebecca George, live in East Tennessee.⁠⁠Order Before Dawn on Amazon⁠ Sponsors:Comfy Earrings: Whether you're headed to family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozying up by the fire, Comfy Earrings add the perfect sparkle without the fuss. They also make an amazing gift for the women in your life.Use code Rebecca15 at ComfyEarrings.com for 15% off your order this holiday season.Live Oak Integrative Health: If fatigue, brain fog, or hormone struggles have kept you from showing up fully with the people you love, you're not alone. My friend Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health helps women uncover the root of their symptoms with advanced hormone and gut health testing, then creates personalized wellness plans that honor the way God designed our bodies. Book your free consultation at http://liveoakintegrativehealth.com/radiance and Radical Radiance listeners get $40 off any service package.Christian Standard Bible:Have you ever opened your Bible and wished you could better understand how all of Scripture fits together? The CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament is a brand-new resource designed to help you trace the grand story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Whether you're teaching, discipling, or simply wanting to grow in your faith, this is the perfect guide. Learn more at connectingscripture.com.Grace Bible: Maybe you or someone you love has struggled to read the Bible because of dyslexia or other reading challenges. That doesn't have to be a barrier anymore. The CSB Grace Bible and CSB Grace Bible for Kids are designed with a specially tested typeface, layout, and design to make God's Word easier to read for every level and variety of dyslexia. These Bibles open the door for families, kids, and adults to experience Scripture in a fresh and accessible way. You don't have to miss out on the truth of God's Word—see the difference today at csbgracebibles.com.

In this special episode, host Rebecca George introduces her husband, Dustin George, and his book titled ⁠Before Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life⁠. This episode kicks off a 4-part series where Dustin will discuss themes of his book, focusing on hope, dependence, and perseverance. Today we start by hearing Dustin narrate the introduction for the book.Dustin C. George is a lead pastor, a writer, and a conference speaker. He has served for nearly two decades in various pastoral positions across all age ranges. Before entering full time church ministry, Dustin taught high school English for ten years. In his free time, Dustin can usually be found fly-fishing in the Smokies, expanding his skills as a craftsman, or enjoying his next adventure. He and his wife, Rebecca George, live in East Tennessee.⁠Order Before Dawn on AmazonSponsors:Comfy Earrings: Whether you're headed to family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozying up by the fire, Comfy Earrings add the perfect sparkle without the fuss. They also make an amazing gift for the women in your life.Use code Rebecca15 at ComfyEarrings.com for 15% off your order this holiday season. Live Oak Integrative Health: If fatigue, brain fog, or hormone struggles have kept you from showing up fully with the people you love, you're not alone. My friend Rebecca Belch at Live Oak Integrative Health helps women uncover the root of their symptoms with advanced hormone and gut health testing, then creates personalized wellness plans that honor the way God designed our bodies. Book your free consultation at http://liveoakintegrativehealth.com/radiance and Radical Radiance listeners get $40 off any service package.Christian Standard Bible:Have you ever opened your Bible and wished you could better understand how all of Scripture fits together? The CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament is a brand-new resource designed to help you trace the grand story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. Whether you're teaching, discipling, or simply wanting to grow in your faith, this is the perfect guide. Learn more at connectingscripture.com.Grace Bible: Maybe you or someone you love has struggled to read the Bible because of dyslexia or other reading challenges. That doesn't have to be a barrier anymore. The CSB Grace Bible and CSB Grace Bible for Kids are designed with a specially tested typeface, layout, and design to make God's Word easier to read for every level and variety of dyslexia. These Bibles open the door for families, kids, and adults to experience Scripture in a fresh and accessible way. You don't have to miss out on the truth of God's Word—see the difference today at csbgracebibles.com.