Gateway to the Smokies

In this episode of "Gateway to the Smoky Podcast," 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's journey through various music genres, his current blue...

About this Episode: 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...

Our special guest in this episode is Darren Nicholson. Darren Nicholson ended his relationship with Balsam Range and has launched out in new directions with his music. Darren shares all about his new music, what he's been up to, and how the major life-changing events in his life have shaped him into who he is today. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Joseph Franklyn McElroy got a chance to interview our special guest this week, Jim Lauderdale . Jim won two Grammys, released 34 full-length albums, and took home the Americana Music Association’s coveted Wagonmaster Award. But his forthcoming album Game Changer is convincing evidence that the North Carolina native is only continuing to hone his craft. Check out this episode to hear about how he’s...

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 Meadowlark Motel . Enjoy this fun interview with the stars of JCreekCloggers ! We talk about their unique dance style, how they began dancing together, touring around the world, how they became Viral on #Tiktok , and mu...

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 Comm...

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's the Folkmoot USA all about?  Discover all about the Folkmoot USA with Evan Hatch on our podcast! Tune in as Joseph interviews Mr...

Guest: SARAH BRYAN WHAT WILL THE AUDIENCE LEARN? Tune in as you'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 m...

KIM ROSS OF THE J CREEK CLOGGERS This week'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 birthpla...

Guest: RICHARD HURLEY In this episode, you'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 i...

Guest: DAN PIERCE In this episode, you'll learn about moonshine history, how NASCAR emerged from the Prohibition Era and how moonshine runners' lives have an impact on today'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...

In this episode, you'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, Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle , 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...

GUEST: Louisa Branscomb In this episode, you'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, Bandleade...

GUEST: BRENDA ANDERS   If you love crafts or have an interest or family tradition in making crafts, you are going to love this episode! You'll learn Dogwood Crafters Cooperative featuring Brenda Anders. In today'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 lon...

GUEST: MATTHEW SHIREY In this episode, you will learn about the art of blacksmithing and metalworking in the Smoky Mountains.  Matthew Shirey 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...

GUEST: JOE SAM QUEEN In this episode of Gateway to the Smokies Podcast featuring Joe Sam Queen, 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 Po...

In this episode, you'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 specia...

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'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'll learn about the best waterfalls to check out, where to grab a bite to...

Zeb Smathers, 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 f...

Ed Sharpe discusses Medicine Man Crafts and Cherokee Craftsmanship. Ed Sharpe , Owner, and Operator of Medicine Man Crafts 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 t...

In this episode, we'll explore the wonderful world of beer and the amazing craft beer revolution, and what it takes to turn your passion into profit. Corey Bryson , Co-Owner with his wife, Laurie Bryson, of Balsam Falls Brewery —is an award-winning craft beer artisan and certified beer judge hailing from Tampa, Florida. He and his wife are also Cicerone Certified Beer Servers. They now own and...

In this episode with Garret Woodward. you'll hear about his coverage of the local music scene and his conversation with the Legendary Musician Raymond Fairchild. Garret Woodward is an award-winning journalist, author, events promoter, and musician now living in Waynesville, N.C. A native of upstate New York, he was a college track star. After graduating with a degree in Journalism and working...

If you’re looking for music to harmonize to, or a guide for your next river adventure, this episode is for you because our guest this week is a musician and a fly-fishing expert. You will find out more about songwriting, fly-fishing, and life in Asheville. Whether you are a musician yourself, or just a music lover, you will find this episode's insights fascinating. Charles Humphrey III is a Gr...

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is a beautiful and iconic way to experience the area, as well as a unique way to connect with nature and find tranquility. Today, our guest will discuss some of his amazing hiking adventures and the social media impact he has had on so many individuals. Creating Memorable Hiking and Outdoor Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains Our host, Joseph Franklyn McElro...

GUEST: WILLIAM RITTER In this episode, you will learn about the amazing life and career of a man who has dedicated his life to the study of early mountain music. He is dedicated to preserving the history, talent, and culture of old-time music. Our host, Joseph is joined by our special guest, William Ritter , He is an award-winning historian, author, folklorist, singer, and songwriter, can play alm...