James

On the Porch with Jim Williams

History EN ↓ 20 episodes

Capturing the stories of the folks of Marion, McDowell County, and Western North Carolina. Told by those with first-hand experience.

Author

James

Episodes

Walt and Jim Do Movies - Part two 11.07.2026 1:04:47

Send us Fan Mail Another round of movie banter.

Walt and Jim Do Movies - Part One 30.06.2026 55:07

Send us Fan Mail Walt and I discuss a variety of movies and do a deep dive into the making of some of them. Hopefully, you will discover a few that you haven't seen and decide to watch. The insight to some of the older flicks may give you a little understand that will help you enjoy them again.

Steve Pierce - President of McDowell Trails Association 28.06.2026 1:32:58

Send us Fan Mail Steve and I discuss numerous trails in Western North Carolina. Steve's vast hiking experience allows us to provide specific details about many of the trails. If you're a hiker, or just interested in North Carolina back country, this one is for you.

Annette Bryant - Photographer 20.06.2026 1:09:38

Send us Fan Mail Annette and I discuss photography from philosophy to execution. I keep bugging her until she shares some basic tricks with the i-Phone.

Alyssa Hughes - Entrepreneur 10.06.2026 1:30:43

Send us Fan Mail Alyssa and I discuss the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur in today's economy. We also talk about how she and her husband have shared their success with the community. You might find some good lessons in this one.

Rotary Club of Marion 05.06.2026 55:36

Send us Fan Mail Members of the Rotary Club of Marion join me to discuss the upcoming auction on October 15.

Kim Clark - Author, Historian, and Radio Personality 29.05.2026 1:10:25

Send us Fan Mail We discuss the Marion Massacre a little known part of Marion history. I think this is on of the most emotional episodes so far. Told eloquently by Kim Clark. Don't miss this one.

Mayor Steve Little - A return episode 26.05.2026 1:15:54

Send us Fan Mail Steve and I discuss trains and their effect on Marion both past and future. Listen to what is in our future.

Nora Coffey - Park Superintendent Lake James State Park 19.05.2026 1:08:17

Send us Fan Mail Nora and I discuss some of the many attractions at the park. Most of them are free. Maybe a couple of tales from the past and one kinky story about handcuffs. It's worth a listen.

Walt Bagwell - Walt and Jim do food 16.05.2026 1:06:32

Send us Fan Mail Walt Bagwell and Jim Williams, self proclaimed food experts? Muddle their way through eateries in Marion and around the country. Believe it or not, you may find a new place to visit for a great meal.

Blake and Betsy Watson Movie Stars? Entrepreneurs? 08.05.2026 1:22:35

Send us Fan Mail We discuss movies, Marion, and making your way in an adventurous life style. This is a fun one. Great to just sit back and listen when your traveling from point a to point b. You might learn something along the way.

Anne Landis Swann - Author, Lecturer, Historian 26.04.2026 1:08:59

Send us Fan Mail Life in Marion about 250 years ago. You need to be alert of those hiding in the tree line. You need to know who wants to be free and who wants to stay under English rule.

Martha Jordan Former Exec Director of the Historic Carson House 18.04.2026 1:08:16

Send us Fan Mail Martha and I discuss some history of the North Cove area, a couple of ghost stories, and her time at the Historic Carson House.

Molly Sandfoss County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Ext McDowell County Center 12.04.2026 1:20:34

Send us Fan Mail Need to know what to plant and when? This might be the episode for you. Want to learn about computers or how to use your cell phone? Molly will guide you. Don't miss this one,

Executive Director of Marion Business Association Freddie Killough 02.04.2026 1:20:30

Send us Fan Mail Want to start a business? This episode just might help you get started. We discuss everything from the past days of Old Fort to the value of liver mush.

Mayor of Marion Steve Little 28.03.2026 1:36:12

Send us Fan Mail The Mayor joins me to discuss everything from the Marriot to convict labor in the mountains between Old Fort and Ridgecrest. The session is full of insights about the Mayor and some really fun things in store for Marion in the near and distant future. And yes...we do get to talk about railroads.

Steve Pierce, President of McDowell Trails Association 20.03.2026 1:25:38

Send us Fan Mail Steve and I discuss his hikes from the Joseph McDowell greenway to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. A look at the past accomplishments of the MTA and future projects and their impact on Marion. We'll take a look at some current trail conditions and how anyone can join MTA and take part in helping the community. Also, a brief look at upcoming podcasts.

Chuck Abernathy finds the missing history of Marion 14.03.2026 1:14:50

Send us Fan Mail A discussion with Chuck Abernathy uncovers some forgotten or lost history of Marion between the years of 1845 and 1892. More important, when will we get a Chick Fillet?

Annette Bryant - Former owner of WBRM Radio 07.03.2026 1:13:13

Send us Fan Mail Interview with Annette Bryant. Owner and voice of WBRM radio in Marion, NC for many years. Some of her favorite moments and personalities.

Introduction to upcoming episodes. 21.02.2026 13:27

Send us Fan Mail Jim Williams, the host of On the Porch with Jim Williams, will introduce you to the morning voice of Marion for many years. Go on a hunt for Bigfoot and ancient aliens. We'll take an in depth look at the construction of railroads between Marion and Asheville, North Carolina. Look at some hometown architecture and meet some of the most interesting people North Carolina has to...