<h3>The Podcast That Starts Your Smoky Mountain Adventure</h3>Gateway to the Smokies is a podcast dedicated to memorable experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Western North Carolina, and East Tennessee. This is not a travel tip show, though you will undoubtedly learn some good tips, it instead features personalities, experts, and locals who will expound upon the richness of culture, food, history, and adventure that awaits people who want to explore deeply this ancient mountain habitat where communities have existed for 3000 years. The podcast is hosted by Joseph Franklyn McElroy, who was born and raised in Haywood County, NC, the original “Gateway to the Smokies”, and whose family immigrated to the Smoky Mountains in the early 1800s. Each episode will feature a folktale or myth that sets the stage for the rest of the podcast, followed by guests who will enrich the listener with insights, experiences, and adventures gained from their life in and studies of the Smokies. At the end, Joseph will tie in annual events, places, experiences and adventures that relate to the overall theme of that episode. ‍The themes and travel experiences expressed on the podcast are explored further on Joseph’s blog <a href="https://smokiesadventure.com/" rel="nofollow">Smokies Adventure</a> and his Smoky Mountains destination hub on <a href="https://wheretraveler.com/great-smoky-mountains/" rel="nofollow">Where Traveler</a> Magazine. For authentic Smoky Mountain experiences, visit Joseph&#39;s classic roadside motel - the <a href="https://meadowlarkmotel.com/" rel="nofollow">Meadowlark Motel</a> - Your Smoky Mountain Adventure Starts with Where You Stay.

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In this episode of &#34;Gateway to the Smoky Podcast,&#34; host Joseph Franklyn McElroy introduces listeners to Andrew Wakefield, a Asheville-based musician known for blending traditional and modern sounds into his music. Andrew shares his global influences, from a childhood in Korea to Southern and Appalachian music. They discuss Andrew&#39;s journey through various music genres, his current bluegrass focus, and the importance of live performance energy. The conversation also touches on the challenges of a musician&#39;s life, including constant travel and the need for creative space. Andrew highlights Chimney Rock as a must-visit in the Smoky Mountains and recommends Gypsy Queen for dining in Asheville. Listeners can learn more about Andrew&#39;s work and upcoming gigs through his website.

Episode 71: Musician's Creative Life on the Road with Andrew Wakefield

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<h1>About this Episode:</h1>In this podcast episode, I interview Jennifer Cole, a successful chef who has won the competition show “Chopped” and has been cooking professionally for over 25 years. We discuss her career path, including working in Atlanta, New Orleans, Paris, and Spain before returning to her family farm in Haywood County. Cole emphasizes her interest in working with local farmers and using locally sourced ingredients in her cooking. The conversation also touches on topics such as the importance of creativity and understanding recipe rules as a chef, favorite ingredients like olive oil and heirloom beans, and the growing trend of farm weddings.<h3>Connect with Jennifer Cole:</h3><h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.coleruiz" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></h3><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chefjennifercoleruiz/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><h3>Connect with our host Joseph Franklyn McElroy:</h3><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmcelroy/" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Meadowlarkmotel" rel="nofollow">Business Facebook Page</a><a href="https://meadowlarkmotel.com/" rel="nofollow">Website</a><h3>Check out our Social Media:</h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gatewaytothesmokiespodcast" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gatewaytothesmokies/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><a href="https://bit.ly/3Cpxa49" rel="nofollow">Youtube</a><h1>Transcript:</h1>00:00: 27–00:01: 01 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Hello. This is Joseph Franklyn McElroy here with the Gateway to the Smokies podcast. I have with me today my guest Jennifer Cole, who is a native of western North Carolina. And her family has actually been in Haywood County for generations. And she’s had a successful career as a chef for over 20 years, including winning chopped on in season 8. Hello, Jennifer, how are you doing? 00:01:01–00:01: 02 Jennifer Cole:  Good, how are you? 00:01:02–00:01: 03 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Yeah, cool. 00:01:04–00:01: 05 Jennifer Cole: Good to be here. 00:01:05–00:01: 11 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: How was that how was that? Was that exciting to win the season? Was it a difficult challenge? 00:01:11–00:01: 20 Jennifer Cole: Well, you know, it was a lot of fun. I think a lot of people didn’t really expect an old gal to be able to win it. 00:01:20–00:01: 21 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Yeah. 00:01:21–00:01: 23 Jennifer Cole: Yeah, So it was a lot of fun. 00:01:24–00:01: 25 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: And what did you cook?00:01:25–00:01: 28 Jennifer Cole: Oh, God, it was a lot of stuff. Three different courses.00:01:29–00:01: 31 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:   Really? They give you the ingredients, say, make it.00:01:31–00:01: 40 Jennifer Cole: In a basket. It’s actually one of the few TV shows. It’s real. They actually give you a basket, and you don’t know until you open it.  00:01:41–00:01: 44 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Really? Wow. And then you have to figure out so can create and be able to fly. So creativity is very big.00:01:44–00:01: 45 Jennifer Cole: Very important.00:01:47–00:02: 13 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Well, when you reach out to us after moving here, I sort of gave you the challenge in a spot to come up with a guest chef menu here at the Homecraft at the Meadowlark Motel. And you did a really fantastic job. We had a lot of people show up. What were the three dishes were a moose. 00:02:13–00:02: 40 Jennifer Cole: I did a Mexican chocolate mousse is the dessert. For the appetizer, I did roasted beefs with field greens that I picked on my farm. That was with local trap that I cured overnight. And then for the entree, I did a red one braised local beef cheeks with goat cheese Ballinta. I mean, goat cheese risotto. 00:02:41–00:02: 53 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Wow. Yeah. That was really fantastic. That was good. Well, you said you’ve been cooking as a professional for 30 years. For 20. What was your first cooking job? 00:02:53–00:03: 18 Jennifer Cole:  Well, I put myself through college waiting tables and cooking. I was waiting tables, and they were short of line cooks, and they’re like they asked for a volunteer among the wait staff. And so I was like, I’ll go home. So started doing that. Also worked for a catering company in Chapel Hill. The Chapel Hill Catering Company, which still exists. And that’s how I got started. 00:03:18–00:03: 27 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Yeah. And then did you experiment with other careers for a little while or anything, or did you just go straight into cooking as a career?00:03:28–00:03: 45 Jennifer Cole:  Well, studying political science at Chapel Hill to go into law, and then decided the decided, there’s a lot of lawyers out there. I want to do this. I like the instant gratification of seeing people’s face light up when you let them try something new. 00:03:45–00:03: 46 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Right. Yeah. 00:03:46–00:03: 57 Jennifer Cole:  So went to Atlanta and did an 18 month apprenticeship with a very well known at the time chef in Atlanta and started there. 00:03:57–00:04: 12 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:   Cool. And what do you think is more important in being a chef? Is it understanding the science and the rules of recipes or creativity?00:04:12–00:04: 20 Jennifer Cole:  Well, science and rules usually go more toward pastry or baking. You have to understand the rules so you can bend them. 00:04:20–00:04:21 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:   Right. 00:04:21–00:04: 26 Jennifer Cole:  And you have to be able to be creative to bend them. So a little bit of both. 00:04:26–00:04:45 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Cool. All right. I took one class, I think, in New York City. Was it Culinary Institute? And I think there was a question at one point said, what’s your favorite ingredient? What’s the best ingredient? Baking or butter? 00:04:47–00:04: 48 Jennifer Cole:  Well, I think olive oil. 00:04:48–00:04:52 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Olive oil, okay. There you go. Good. Olive oil.00:04:52–00:05:02 Jennifer Cole: I mean, I was in Spain for twelve years and that was beaten into my head. Butter is France, olive oil is Spain and southern Italy. 00:05:02- -00:05:05 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Okay. And it’s better for you. 00:05:05–00:05:07 Jennifer Cole: Yeah, I mean, butter’s a lot of fun. 00:05:07- -00:05:17 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Yeah, butters is a lot of fun. Yeah. Especially on biscuits. So you’ve lived in, you were here, you were in Atlanta, right? 00:05:18–00:05:40 Jennifer Cole:  I cooked in Atlanta for five years, and then I moved to New Orleans for a couple of years, and then I moved to Spain for twelve. I was in Paris for two, and then moved to New York when the economy tanked in 2008. And then moved back to New Orleans in 2015 and have just moved home to my family farm. 00:05:40- -00:05:44 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: That’s fabulous. Of all those places, where did you have the most fun cooking? 00:05:44–00:05:49 Jennifer Cole:  I have fun cooking wherever I go. I mean, you got to have fun. 00:05:50 -00:05:56 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Yeah. Well, it sounds like Madrid was the biggest experience, so that must have been very formative. 00:05:57–00:06:07 Jennifer Cole: Spain was very formative, and Spanish cuisine is amazing and diverse and regional. And you can find something new every day. But you can do that up here too. 00:06:08 -00:06:15 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Of course. Both New Orleans and New York City are food towns. Right. 00:06:15–00:06:19 Jennifer Cole:  Frankly, in my opinion, new Orleans beats New York. 00:06:19 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Really? 00:06:19–00:06:27 Jennifer Cole: Yeah. You got four full growing seasons. You got fresh produce all the time. 00:06:28 -00:06:30 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: That’s good. You got great seafood, 00:06:30 -00:06:41 Jennifer Cole:  you got great seafood, you got great charcutory, you’ve got great local farms, which is very near and dear to my heart. So, all that.00:06:42 -00:06:49 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Well, we’re filming here at the Meadowlark so we’ll get a little bit of background noise. I hope everybody doesn’t mind. Hope you don’t mind. 00:06:50 Jennifer Cole: I don’t mind. 00:06:50 -00:06:54 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  So what inspires you to move back to Haywood County? 00:06:55 -00:07:16 Jennifer Cole:  Well, my family is from here. I own a farm with my two brothers, and we’re not doing anything with it, so I wanted to move home. And while I am working as a chef, I also want to do some stuff on my farm. We got a lot of lands to play with. 00:07:17 -00:07:18 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Yeah. How many acres you got there?00:07:18 Jennifer Cole: 90,00:07:18 -00:07:24 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:   90 acres. Wow, that’s a nice big farm. Was it farmed in the past? 00:07:25 -00:08:00 Jennifer Cole: When I was a kid, it was a tobacco farm. My grandfather always had cattle on it. We had pigs when I was a very small kid. And then when my dad took it over, turned it in more into a gentleman’s farm and grew gardens and had goats and had a couple of Sicilian donkeys and turkeys and guineafall. And right now we are just playing with it, renting it out to a couple of different local farmers. 00:08:00 -00:08:34 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:    All right, so that’s great, right? Yeah. There’s a number of farms, I guess you would call them becoming gentleman farms at Haywood County. There’s actually one that’s out over in Crab Tree that is a bison farm. But they’ve also put in train cars as like, cabins that you can rent and they have a whole train thing. Is that something you’d be looking to do? Is that make yours into the destination as well? 00:08:35 -00:08:36 Jennifer Cole:  No, definitely not. 00:08:36 -00:08:38 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Purely just a farm. Farm, farm. That’s cool. 00:08:39 -00:08:55 Jennifer Cole: Although we do have somebody that’s coming tomorrow to take pictures with, I think, like a bridal party on the farm. She has an agreement with my brother that as long as she gives us a heads up, she’s welcome to do that also.00:08:58 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:Farm weddings? 00:08:59 Jennifer Cole: Yeah. 00:09:00 -00:09:01 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  You got some pictures? I guess. 00:09:01 -00:09:10 Jennifer Cole: I just want to know if they’re on the property so I don’t call the police. 00:09:10 -00:09:15 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  You mentioned pig farms. I don’t remember a lot of those around here growing up. 00:09:15 -00:09:28 Jennifer Cole: It’s usually for self-use. I mean, we would have pigs for us a year. Okay, I’m not talking a huge pig farm. 00:09:30 -00:09:46 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Well, it was strange. I was walking around with my kids in Asheville, in North Asheville, not too far from downtown. All of a sudden we passed around the corner and they were in the backyard. There was somebody that had a huge hog right in the backyard in Ashville. I was like, how are they doing that? They smell pretty bad, don’t they? 00:09:46 -00:09:49 Jennifer Cole:  Actually, they don’t. They don’t smell as bad as chickens do. 00:09:49 -00:10:03 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Really? Chickens are pretty tasty smelling. I mean, how tasty is it? Like only when they don’t smell too good. When they’re not cooked organic odor. Cool. 00:10:03 -00:10:10 Jennifer Cole:  But in New Orleans, you have feral chickens running around all over. Yeah, it’s very interesting. 00:10:10 -00:10:15 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  So you mentioned how you really want to work with local farmers. What’s your vision there? 00:10:15 -00:10:45 Jennifer Cole:  Well, I’m as a chef, and I love working with local produce. I’m an avid forager and still a beginner, but still very interested in that. I can’t wait until the farmers market in Waynesville opens in April. Looking forward to doing business with them personally and hopefully as a chef. 00:10:45 -00:11:03 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Cool. There’s a couple of people that have been on this podcast before. I’ll introduce you to Ila Hatter, who’s a well-renowned forager right? And you might find some interesting. And then there’s Will Ritter, who is up in Madison County is doing heritage seeds. 00:11:03 -Jennifer Cole:  Oh, interesting.00:11:04 Joseph Franklyn McElroy: Right? 00:11:06 -00:11:12 Jennifer Cole:  We have a couple of heirloom seeds that have been we had some beans that have been in my family for at least four or five generations. 00:11:12 -00:11:25 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Right. Wow, cool. He’d probably lived to collect those and having the opportunity to share with you. Yeah, I love bold beans. The big long ones like that. Yeah. All right.00:11:26-00:11:27 Jennifer Cole: You grow them in your cornfield? 00:11:27 -00:11:48 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Yeah, that’s what I’m planning to have a little bit of corn and beans this year. Maybe you’ll give me some of your beans. We’ll see you here. Now, you’re looking for besides building your farm, you’re also looking to work with various restaurants or whatever that might want. 00:11:50- 00:11:58 Jennifer Cole: Some good for a good fit. Not only teach a good staff, and build a good staff, but learn from people. 00:11: -00:11:48 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  That’s interesting. I mean, the reason we exist is to focus a little bit on the heritage of mountain culture foods. Mostly smokeys, but also other mountain cultures. And that seems to be your interest now. 00:11:50- 00:12:38 Jennifer Cole: Absolutely. I mean, I’ve been very lucky dealing with I mean, outside of Madrid, right behind Madrid, you have a huge mountain range, and there’s a lot of classic dishes that are from up there that I had the pleasure learning from people not only as a chef but through friends and their mothers and their grandmothers. 00:12:38 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  And you were in Mexico, too? 00:12:38- 00:12:46 Jennifer Cole: I’ve been to Mexico, but oahuka, I haven’t been to Wahaka yet. I’m supposed to go to Wahaka this summer. 00:12:46 -00:12:48 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  All right, cool. Because those are mountain cultures. 00:12:48- 00:12:49 Jennifer Cole: Yeah, for sure. 00:12:49 -00:12:59 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  We were talking about the Mexican foods that you were doing. Cool. Well, how can people find out more about you? 00:12:59- 00:13:03 Jennifer Cole : They can go on my Facebook or they can go on my Instagram. 00:13:03 -00:13:04 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  And what’s your Facebook? 00:13:04- 00:13:17 Jennifer Cole : My Facebook is Jennifer Louise Cole. And my Instagram is what is my Instagram? I think it’s Chef Jennifer Cole. 00:13:18– 00:13:23 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Okay, cool. Was there anything else you would like to mention about shout out about things. 00:13:23- 00:13:30 Jennifer Cole: Meadowlark. You all should come in and go out and good music. I’m definitely coming tomorrow night. 00:13:30– 00:13:52 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  Oh, yeah. We got some Ananna Kay who’s going to be doing some up-and-coming big-time artist in Nashville. And then we got your menu again tomorrow night with the beef cheeks and the mousse and the salad, and that’s going to be great. It’s been a good week, and people love the food. A lot of got great reviews. Good shoutouts from that. 00:13:52- 00:13:58 Jennifer Cole: We had a bunch of people in from Waynesville on Tuesday night and all loved everything, which is a lot of fun. 00:13:58– 00:14:08 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  It’s a big table. Well, thank you for being on the podcast. All right. And we look forward to working with you some more. 00:14:08- 00:14:09 Jennifer Cole: Thank you. 00:14:10– 00:14:11 Joseph Franklyn McElroy:  All right, bye, everybody. Bye. 00:14:11 00:14:12 Jennifer Cole: Bye y&#39;all

In this podcast episode, I interview Jennifer Cole, a successful chef who has won the competition show “Chopped” and has been cooking professionally for over 25 years. We discuss her career path, including working in Atlanta, New Orleans, Paris, and Spain before returning to her family farm in Haywood County. Cole emphasizes her interest in working with local farmers and using locally sourced ingredients in her cooking. The conversation also touches on topics such as the importance of creativity and understanding recipe rules as a chef, favorite ingredients like olive oil and heirloom beans, and the growing trend of farm weddings.

Episode 70: Cooking Authentically with Jennifer Cole

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/2/8/21/956cdced-252d-488d-a5cb-9bc342d81db2_gatewaypodcastnicholson_2.mp3

Episode 69: Darren Nicholson - The Intimacy of Bluegrass Culture

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/8/9/20/8c8b3811-2a2f-4b3c-926c-7bf1b797b702_jim_lauderdale-_1.mp3

Episode 68: Overcoming Songwriters Block with the Nashville Legend Jim Lauderdale

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/8/9/17/ead0499a-dff9-42be-a4de-8e6810971369_interview_with_zeb_ross.mp3

We had the opportunity to sit down with Zeb “The Legend” Ross and his partner, Ashley Ross, of JCreek Cloggers on Gateway to the Smokies Podcast before their amazing performance in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Meadowlarkmotel/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__tn__=kK-R" rel="nofollow">Meadowlark Motel</a>.Enjoy this fun interview with the stars of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__tn__=-%5DK-R&id=100063452415685" rel="nofollow">JCreekCloggers</a>! We talk about their unique dance style, how they began dancing together, touring around the world, how they became Viral on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/tiktok?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__eep__=6&__tn__=%2ANK-R" rel="nofollow">#Tiktok</a>, and much more.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/smokymountainsnationalpark?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__eep__=6&__tn__=%2ANK-R" rel="nofollow">#smokymountainsnationalpark</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/northcarolina?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__eep__=6&__tn__=%2ANK-R" rel="nofollow">#northcarolina</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mountaindance?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__eep__=6&__tn__=%2ANK-R" rel="nofollow">#mountaindance</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/jcreekcloggers?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__eep__=6&__tn__=%2ANK-R" rel="nofollow">#jcreekcloggers</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/podcast?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__eep__=6&__tn__=%2ANK-R" rel="nofollow">#podcast</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mountainlife?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVkGqdtcklPb7h56SVbKUitxEOPL6s1HBeXgdR0Fc7gByN70CB4LLOpgoPvpFWXUbADdx-VX4_R5OxLVNeqapeudgwjiCesyLQM-45Q3FIpJ52VOpRa8vxEHC64jOf2yWE3RuPT8hmkC8I2QY9MmIPYRVCYGG7B6ZZ30vEOkJrmWNOJR9MJ6I9KLVA5yntC9-gNeBy7ZdFV2XFVgMR-d4fC&__eep__=6&__tn__=%2ANK-R" rel="nofollow">#mountainlife</a>

Episode  67: Interview with Zeb “The Legend” Ross and his Dancing Partner and Wife Ashley Ross

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WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?What does Agritourism mean for farmers, entrepreneurs and residents in the mountains? Tune in to find out the answer to this question from our guest today, Laura Lauffer as we go on with our conversation with her.EPISODE SUMMARY:Joseph will interview our special guest, Laura Lauffer, Project Director of EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems and Appalachian Regional Commission Power Project Center for Environmental Farming Systems sponsored by North Carolina State University – an organization whose objective is to offer financial, technical, and business support to regional farms and food-related businesses, while also being an advocate for agritourism. This conversation will cover the process of creating and implementing a business model that emphasizes community development, as well as the relationship between public policy and economic development in Appalachian communities.Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/empowermtnfood/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/empowermtnfood/</a>Website: <a href="https://cefs.ncsu.edu/food-system-initiatives/emfs-empowering-mountain-food-systems/" rel="nofollow">https://cefs.ncsu.edu/food-system-initiatives/emfs-empowering-mountain-food-systems/</a>EPISODE QUOTE: “ Everybody’s got a yellow squash in July, so maybe planta different kind of beet instead. You have to be smart.”  Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/eDD1-nKkLJ/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 66: Agritourism, Farm to Table with Laura Lauffer

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WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN?Learn about folk culture and heritage with Evan Hatch, Executive Director of Folkmoot USA. Listen to this episode, as he dedicated this to all folks who carry forward their heritage through music, dance, and song!EPISODE SUMMARY:What&#39;s the Folkmoot USA all about? Discover all about the Folkmoot USA with Evan Hatch on our podcast! Tune in as Joseph interviews Mr. Hatch, an expert folklorist with almost two decades of experience as a Grammy Award-winning record producer, event production coordinator, vernacular artist, documentary filmmaker, and recorder of oral history, as well as holding high-level management experience with some of the most prestigious cultural organizations in the Southeast. Hatch is currently the Executive Director of one of the oldest and most popular educational centers and festivals in the Southeast—Folkmoot – with headquarters in Waynesville, N.C. He holds degrees from both UNC and Ole Miss and resides in Waynesville. He&#39;s going to tell us all about the Folkmoot USA, including what it is and how you can get involved! He will also share what makes this festival so unique, as well as how he got involved in this industry and how he got started. Don&#39;t miss this episode! LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhatch22/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanhatch22/ </a>Website: <a href="https://www.folkmoot.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.folkmoot.org/</a>‍EPISODE QUOTE: “If you want to get to know your future ancestors I would definitely talk about going to my website, Narrate Project, which is a business I;’m still running and still love to do.” Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/f11cbce9-fc3b-4426-81b4-cdefcddbb9df/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 65: Folkmoot USA—Many Cultures, One Community – A Visit with Evan Hatch

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WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN? Tune in as you&#39;ll learn about how folklife preservation is manifested in building community and cultural engagement through the rich culture of North Carolina.EPISODE SUMMARY: In today’s episode, Joseph is joined by our special guest Sarah Bryan, who is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Folklife Institute, an organization that for more than four decades has been dedicated to the preservation, appreciation, and understanding of folklife heritage and culture in North Carolina. Sarah will share with us the importance of preserving cultural heritage, the amazing work that NC Folklife does in the community, and what it&#39;s like to be a writer and a musician.<a href="https://sarah-bryan.com/" rel="nofollow">https://sarah-bryan.com/</a>‍<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbryannc/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbryannc/</a>‍<a href="https://twitter.com/sarahbryan" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/sarahbryan</a>‍EPISODE QUOTE: “ That makes it all the more essential for organization like both of ours to create these opportunities whenever we can to help young people find out about traditions in their communities.”  Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/egb44bkdqY/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 64: The NC Folklife Institute with Director Sarah Bryan

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This week&#39;s episode explores the world of Appalachian dance, and why it is so important to keep the culture alive.The Gateway to the Smokies Podcast is proud to introduce our special guest today, Kim Ross. Kim has roots firmly entrenched in the Southern Appalachians. A native of Snowflake Virginia, not far from the historic Carter Family Fold and the birthplace of country music on the Tennessee- Virginia border, Kim grew up loving old-time music, Appalachian culture, and especially traditional mountain dancing. Today she resides with her family in Waynesville, N.C., and perpetuates her family legacy by managing and dancing with the iconic J Creek Cloggers. Kim Ross will discuss the rich history and culture of the Southern Appalachian region while sharing the stories of their ancestors and their passion for mountain dance music.Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063452415685" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063452415685</a>Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/d_TEuYTzR5/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 63: Kim Ross of the J Creek Cloggers

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Hi, Folks! Tune in, as you&#39;ll learn from our guest today some of the great advice for musicians and musicians-to-be and we are glad to have him on the show today! We’re pleased to introduce our special guest today, Richard Hurley, a Canton, N.C. native, and UNC grad who is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former radio DJ, and a renowned award-winning songwriter and musician. He is active in community work, serving on various boards and as an emcee for Folkmoot, Shindig on the Green, the Mountain Dance &amp; Folk Festival, and the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival, while also promoting area musical events along with his own musical projects –Cataloochee, and My Mountains, My Songs. He now resides in Asheville, N.C. In this podcast episode, he will discuss the North Carolina mountain music scene, his involvement in the community, his first (and second) music project as well as upcoming events in the area. <a href="https://richardhurleymusic.com/" rel="nofollow">https://richardhurleymusic.com/</a>Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/dT7qmAN7yB/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 62: Songs on Cataloochee Valley by Richard Hurley

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In today&#39;s episode, you&#39;ll learn about moonshine history, how NASCAR emerged from the Prohibition Era and how moonshine runners&#39; lives have an impact on today&#39;s world. Joseph is joined by our special guest Dan Pierce, he is a renowned author, columnist, and consultant. He earned degrees from WCU, the University of Alabama, and the University of Tennessee before becoming a history professor at UNC Asheville. Dan is an avid outdoorsman, passionate about NASCAR, moonshine history, Appalachian culture, environmental issues, and race relations. He lives with his family in Black Mountain, N.C. He joins us to talk about Tar Heel Lightning: How Secret Stills and Fast cars Made N.C. the Moonshine Capital of the World, NASCAR, and more.Don&#39;t miss this out!Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/dHqsL0NN3T/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 61: Tar Heel Lightning - Talking NASCAR with Dan Pierce

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Tune in as you&#39;ll learn what it takes to become a successful author while you discover the upbringing in the Cherokee culture. On this episode of the Gateway to the Smokies Podcast, we have a very special guest, <a href="https://www.asaunookeclapsaddle.com/" rel="nofollow">Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle</a>, a renowned author, writer, and educator. She is the author of Even as We Breathe, one of the best books of 2020 by National Public Radio. She is a graduate of Yale University and William and Mary and an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Tribe. Annette resides with her family in Qualla, N.C., and is an avid mountain biker, and a staunch advocate for equal rights, education, and Cherokee history. She&#39;s joining us to talk about her journey of writing her award-winning debut novel, Even as We Breathe, and her latest book. She will also discuss the Cherokee education system, the importance of language preservation, and how we can influence change in our communities. Don&#39;t miss this out! ‍Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="https://d38rqs2egh08o4.cloudfront.net/link_click/gH1Z5FwgBr_bkMBq/2396ea3378d1b4353a7726133bbd88e0" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/dxYTGL9X9Z/" rel="nofollow">﻿Facebook Livestream by clicking here</a>.<h3>Show Notes</h3><h4>Segment 1</h4>Joseph kicks off today&#39;s episode mentioning the sponsors, The Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley and smokiesadventure.com. Joseph announces that this is his first podcast as a resident again in North Carolina! Some upcoming events include June 11 with a pottery seminar with Cory Plott, a master craftsman, who will teach you how to create your own handmade pottery. On June 18th, there will be part 4 of the heritage book series with Bob Plott, free for guests and members. Check out more events at meadowlarkmotel.com. He also introduces his guest, Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle. She is the author of Even as We Breathe, one of the best books of 2020 by National Public Radio. Annette was born and raised in the Smokies and a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Tribe for her whole life. Her grandfather also has history with the tribe as well; his name was Osley Saunooke. She talks about how fascinating he was. Did you know that Osley was a wrestling world champion?! She also speaks about working in the family business and how her parents influenced her in learning and entrepreneurship.<h4>Segment 2</h4>Annette talks about getting her Bachelors degree from Yale University. She also got her Masters degree at William and Mary. She talks about why chose to come back to the Smokies. Annette mentions her family and connections she has in North Carolina and wanting to continue to raise her family there. Annette also was a director if the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. She was also a teacher for 12 years. She also talks about her writing. Annette mentions having amazing teachers growing up which influenced her to be creative. She mentions a quote someone from Yale said to her and her mother when they visited the first time. The quote was “the best thing to do with world-class education is to share it.” Her goals as a teacher is to create empathy and resilience through writing and the process. Some topics she mentions within this are making mistakes and the work that is part of this like the process of editing and writing. She discusses some ways she would teach her students. Annette talks about a manuscript that never officially got published called Going to Water. It&#39;s about a fictional story of her grandfather. She never got to know who he actually was as he passed away at an early age. So the character in the story was as close to what she knew of him, full of adventure.<h4>Segment 3</h4>Annette talks about her book Even as We Breathe, which came out in 2020. She says that she had read an article about the role that the Grove Park Inn played in World War II and Ashville’s role as well. This history wasn&#39;t familiar with many historians and people like herself who have lived in Ashville for a long time. She gave herself a writing prompt and spent a long time writing on the simplest object that she could think of. In her method of writing, Annette spent time in a very tiny room in the Jackson County Library in Sylva, North Carolina. She talks about the story of what she wrote. She is very inspired by where she loves and the interactions as shown in her novel. It takes place in 1942 and is a coming of age kind of story. Until she was working on the marketing packet, she didn&#39;t realize that she wrote historical fiction. Other topics include issues of identity, racism and Cherokee culture. She tells a funny story about teaching her students. She also talks about her decision to retire from teaching.<h4>Segment 4</h4>Annette says that she is working on a new book, a novel that&#39;s contemporary with a female protagonist. It&#39;s set in Cherokee, which is close to home. She also does nonfiction writing for regional magazines and edits for the Appalachian Future Series through University Press of Kentucky. She also talks about teaching workshops in different locations. Annette also talks about mountain biking. She says that she likes to be in the middle of the woods, biking fast, and being isolated for a moment from everything. She even lost 65 pounds by mountain biking. Annette and Joseph also discuss favorite trails in North Carolina. For people going to visit Cherokee Reservation, Annette mentions visiting Sassy Sunflower, a sandwich shop. If you want a country buffet, you have to go to Granny’s kitchen and get a pie. You can learn more about Annette at asaunookeclapsaddle.com. You can also search her name on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to connect!

Episode 60: Masterful Stories in the Smokies with Author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle

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Tune in today as you&#39;ll learn about the changing environment of songwriting retreats, what motivates someone to bring their talent for writing music to share in an artistic retreat-like environment, and the importance of having a mentor guiding your creative efforts.Joseph is joined by our special guest Louisa Branscomb, an Award-Winning Songwriter, Musician, Bandleader, Teacher, Psychologist, Author, and a Pioneer Trailblazer in Bluegrass music. She is a Grammy-winning songwriter behind such iconic songs as &#34;Steel Rails,&#34; made famous by Allison Krause. Louisa was one of the first females to ever front their own bluegrass band, while also writing original material and playing the banjo.Louisa has spent the past 33 years combining her talents and passions to lead songwriting events at her artist retreat—first at Woodsong Farm, in north Georgia, and today at Lyric Mountain Songwriter Retreat near Asheville, N.C. Still active as a performer and writer, she has mentored over 1,000 songwriters during the course of her storied career, including several multiple generational students.Don&#39;t miss this episode!Website: <a href="https://louisabranscomb.com/" rel="nofollow">https://louisabranscomb.com/</a>‍Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/d7FKBKEoBB/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 59: Lyric Mountain and Woodsong Songwriting Retreats

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If you love crafts or have an interest or family tradition in making crafts, you are going to love this episode! You&#39;ll learn Dogwood Crafters Cooperative featuring Brenda Anders.In today&#39;s episode, Joseph is joined by our special guest Brenda Anders, she is a true daughter of the Smokies who has lived in WNC since 1978 when her husband took a job with WCU. Not long after that, Brenda joined Dogwood Crafters, one of the most storied crafts cooperatives in the Southeast, located in historic Dillsboro, N.C. Since then Brenda has played an integral role in the success of the business --which was first formed in 1976 –serving in various key leadership positions including President and Chairman of the Board, along with heading multiple operational committees within the organization.Website:<a href="https://dogwoodcrafters.com" rel="nofollow"> https://dogwoodcrafters.com</a>Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/cZhTZOvgx5/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 58: Dogwood Crafters Cooperative with Brenda Anders

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In today&#39;s episode, you will learn about the art of blacksmithing and metalworking in the Smoky Mountains. Matthew Sirey is an Award-winning Blacksmith and Metalworking Artist who has resided in Sylva, N.C. for over 15 years. A native of Pennsylvania, Matthew has been a full-time craftsman since 2017 and the Owner of Shira Forge since 2005. Matthew was also the winner of the 2022 season premiere of the History Channel hit television show –Forged in Fire! He will discuss what it means to be a blacksmith in the 21st century and see how he forged his career out of metal at an early age.Website: <a href="https://www.shiraforge.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.shiraforge.com/</a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/matthew.shirey.54" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/matthew.shirey.54</a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shiraforge/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/shiraforge/</a>Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/f11cbce9-fc3b-4426-81b4-cdefcddbb9df/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 57: Forging a Blacksmithing Career in the Smoky Mountains

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Tune in to this week&#39;s episode of Gateway to the Smokies Podcast featuring Joe Sam Queen, as he discusses the cultural and historical side of his career and other aspects of his life that folks might not be aware of. You will learn from him about the responsibility of preserving our past to make room for our future. Joe Sam Queen is a renowned Architect, Historian, Dancer, Dance caller, and Politician – having served in both N.C. Senate and the N.C. House of Representatives –and is on the Traditional Artists Roster of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Association.He has been director of the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival for over 30 years and has served on the Board of Directors for Folkmoot and the Shelton House, as well as playing an active role as an officer in the local Sons of the American Revolution chapter along with many other regional charities, clubs, and historical groups. Joe Sam&#39;s experiences growing up in Western North Carolina epitomize the cultural expression and deep-rooted tradition of the Smoky Mountains. Relive the past and learn about the future. Don&#39;t miss this incredible conversation with a great man!LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sam-queen-7b66a376/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-sam-queen-7b66a376/ </a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joesam.queen" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/joesam.queen </a>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joesamqueennc/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/joesamqueennc/?hl=en</a>Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/f11cbce9-fc3b-4426-81b4-cdefcddbb9df/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 56: Preserving the Past and Building for the Future

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In this episode, you&#39;ll discover the Great Smoky Mountain region is home to some of the most remarkable riding destinations in the world. A land of enchanting beauty and endless possibilities for adventure on two wheels. A space to explore your greatest passions surrounded by the natural beauty of majestic mountain ranges, endlessly winding roads, and rustic cabins.We are joined by our special guest, Chris Parker, who is the Founder and Chief Designer of Road Wolf Design, a company based in Greer S.C. that he founded in 2007. His clients include Texas Pete Hot Sauces, Touring Sport BMW, Spartanburg Regional Health Care System, and Beowulf Technologies-- among many others.Prior to starting his own company, Chris spent over a decade working as a designer and artist in some of the top art departments in his industry. Chris is an avid BMW motorcycle enthusiast who has spent a large part of his adult life riding his bike in the Great Smoky Mountain region of WNC and East Tennessee, as well as in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia and across the United States. We will discuss the upcoming Rally in Valley scheduled for May, as well as his expertise in creating memorable riding adventures in the Great Smokies.Website: <a href="http://roadwolfdesign.com/" rel="nofollow">http://roadwolfdesign.com/ </a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-parker-8442179/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-parker-8442179/</a>Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/f11cbce9-fc3b-4426-81b4-cdefcddbb9df/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 55: Rally in the Valley—Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Adventures

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Jackson County is a wonderful area to live, work, and have fun in! Beautiful waterfalls, excellent stores, fantastic restaurants, and wonderful companies abound in that area. This week&#39;s episode features a special guest, Kelly Donaldson. He will be bringing you up to speed on all the big things happening in town. You&#39;ll learn about the best waterfalls to check out, where to grab a bite to eat and what businesses have the best gifts.Kelly Donaldson is the Assistant Director of the Jackson County, N.C. Chamber of Commerce –a job he has held for the past eight years. Kelly’s wife, Julie Donaldson is the Executive Director of the same organization and has served in that role for 23 years. Kelly spent 15 years as a Sports Journalist and Editor for various publications in WNC—as well as in Gainesville, Georgia, before embarking on his career with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce in 2014. Kelly’s hobbies include photography, attending WCU sporting events, and spending time with his family, along with an impressive resume of volunteer work in the community he loves and promotes so well. He will keep you up to date on all the great things happening in Jackson County that you need to know about. So, tune in and don&#39;t miss out!Websites: <a href="https://www.mountainlovers.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.mountainlovers.com/ </a><a href="https://www.nctroutcapital.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.nctroutcapital.com/</a><a href="https://www.hooklinedrinkerfest.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.hooklinedrinkerfest.com/ </a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mountainlovers/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/mountainlovers/</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConcertsOnTheCreek" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/ConcertsOnTheCreek</a>Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/co88VFfm1J/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 54: Jackson County Treasures in the Great Smoky Mountains

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Tune in with this week&#39;s episode of Gateway to the Smokies Podcast featuring Zeb Smathers as he discusses the economic development in Haywood County and the region, along with his work to open a new park in the area; Chestnut Mountain Park.Our host Joseph McElroy, Owner of the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, NC. is joined by an incredible guest, Zeb Smathers, he is a graduate of Duke University and UNC Law School who resides with his wife and son in Canton, N.C. Like his father, Patrick Smathers, before him, Zeb is currently Mayor of <a href="https://www.cantonnc.com/" rel="nofollow">Canton</a>, while also working as an Attorney with his dad. Zeb has guided an Economic Resurgence in Canton and recently spearheaded the efforts to open an incredible new park in Haywood County—Chestnut Mountain Park – while also helping steer rebuilding efforts through two epic floods that nearly destroyed downtown Canton and surrounding communities.  Zeb is a highly respected community leader, renowned for his ability to avoid partisan politics while always working in the best interests of his constituents—regardless of party affiliation.‍Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="http://talkradionyc.msnd26.com/tracking/lc/55a823b6-3838-404f-b133-bd448f75a057/e39b8abf-4cb7-426c-827f-565623b8b2bd/f25fc686-2a52-46eb-9d50-40591187f976/" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/cdMaViAyXF/" rel="nofollow">Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here</a>.

Episode 53: Canton Recovers and Builds a Mountain Biking Park

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Tune in with this week&#39;s episode of Gateway to the Smokies Podcast featuring Ed Sharpe as he discusses Medicine Man Crafts and Cherokee craftsmanship.Joseph is joined by our special guest, Ed Sharpe, Owner and Operator of <a href="https://medicinemancrafts.com/" rel="nofollow">Medicine Man Crafts</a> in Cherokee N.C.The business, founded by Tom Underwood in 1963, and later sold to Kay Sharpe—Ed’s late mother – is one of the oldest and most prestigious purveyors of authentic Cherokee crafts on the Qualla Boundary. Ed is also an avid hiker and nature photographer –is proud to carry on the great legacy of true Cherokee culture created by Tom Underwood and Kay Sharpe.You will hear from him the history of Cherokee crafts and how the tradition has been passed down to him. Don&#39;t miss this fun interview! Tune in for this fun conversation at <a href="https://d38rqs2egh08o4.cloudfront.net/link_click/gH1Z5FwgBr_bkMBq/2396ea3378d1b4353a7726133bbd88e0" rel="nofollow">TalkRadio.nyc</a> or watch the <a href="https://fb.watch/c4NIt46Iwe/" rel="nofollow">﻿Facebook Livestream by clicking here</a>.

Episode 52: Carrying the Torch for Traditional Cherokee Crafts

*The Podcast That Starts Your Smoky Mountain Adventure*
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Gateway to the Smokies is a podcast dedicated to memorable experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Western North Carolina, and East Tennessee. This is not a travel tip show, though you will undoubtedly learn some good tips, it instead features personalities, experts, and locals who will expound upon the richness of culture, food, history, and adventure that awaits people who want to explore deeply this ancient mountain habitat where communities have existed for 3000 years.

The podcast is hosted by Joseph Franklyn McElroy, who was born and raised in Haywood County, NC, the original “Gateway to the Smokies”, and whose family immigrated to the Smoky Mountains in the early 1800s. Each episode will feature a folktale or myth that sets the stage for the rest of the podcast, followed by guests who will enrich the listener with insights, experiences, and adventures gained from their life in and studies of the Smokies. At the end, Joseph will tie in annual events, places, experiences and adventures that relate to the overall theme of that episode.

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The themes and travel experiences expressed on the podcast are explored further on Joseph’s blog Smokies Adventure ( https://smokiesadventure.com/ ) and his Smoky Mountains destination hub on Where Traveler ( https://wheretraveler.com/great-smoky-mountains/ ) Magazine. For authentic Smoky Mountain experiences, visit Joseph's classic roadside motel - the Meadowlark Motel ( https://meadowlarkmotel.com/ ) - Your Smoky Mountain Adventure Starts with Where You Stay.