The Real Boone Podcast

Corrie Freeman has been a 4th grade teacher at Hardin Park Elementary for 26 years. In this episode, she shares the ins and outs of elementary education, her deep love for her students, and how she's shaped futures one classroom at a time. A heartfelt conversation about community, purpose, and what it means to show up for kids in Boone, NC. Support local stories from the High Country—follow an...

Mike Boone, founder of Magic Cycles, shares the wild story behind building Boone's go-to bike shop. From a life-changing DUI to rediscovering long-lost trails, he opens up about resilience, adapting a business in a changing world, and his love for cycling in the High Country. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠⁠Magic Cycles 🌐  ⁠⁠Real Boone Studios⁠⁠ 📸  ⁠⁠Instag...

Rachael Van Dyke is a full-time artist based in the Blue Ridge Mountains whose abstract landscape and figurative works are shaped by her off-grid lifestyle and travels abroad. In this episode, she shares her creative process, experiences at artist residencies around the world, and the life lessons she's learned along the way. A must-listen for artists and dreamers in the High Country and beyon...

Joe Keys, owner of Our Daily Builders, shares his story of ultra-running, fatherhood, and faith. We talk about what it takes to run 100 miles, raising a daughter, and how his beliefs shape his life and work in the High Country. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠Our Daily Builders 🌐  ⁠⁠Real Boone Studios⁠⁠ 📸  ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠ 💬  ⁠⁠evan@realboone.com

Shane Hillman is the force behind F.A.R.M. Cafe, one of Boone's most beloved restaurants. In this episode, he shares his journey in the food industry, how he ended up in the High Country, and why he's passionate about serving the community through food. A must-listen for anyone who loves local dining in Boone, NC. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠⁠ FARM Caf...

Kat Eller is the Community Liaison for Boone Police Department and a former detective. In this episode, she shares stories from her years in law enforcement, what it takes to be a police officer, and how she created her own role within the department. A behind-the-scenes look at Boone PD and the people who serve our community. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🌐  ⁠⁠Rea...

Cacey Wells, Ph. D., is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at Appalachian State University. In this episode, he shares his story and explores why so many people struggle with math, how to teach creatively, and working through personal tragedy. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or someone recovering from math trauma, this conversation is for you. Support local stories from the Hi...

Amber Bateman is the Executive Director of Watauga Arts Council, founder of Quiet Givers, and an accomplished artist based in the High Country of North Carolina. In this episode, she shares her story, the current needs of the local artist community, and an exciting vision for Cheap Joe's warehouse as a future center for the arts in Boone. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and...

Seth Kingdon, founder of Kingdon Marketing, shares his journey from W-2 employee to business owner in Boone, NC. We talk about taking the leap, building systems that work, and balancing entrepreneurship with family life. A must-listen for anyone thinking about starting their own business in the High Country. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠⁠ Kingdon Marketing 🌐 ...

Elijah Kiser, a talented rock climber based in Boone, NC, explores how climbing intersects with art and creativity. He shares his story, what makes the High Country a destination for climbers, and why people dedicate their lives to the sport. Whether you're a seasoned climber or have never touched a rock wall, this conversation is both inspiring and informative. Support local stories from the...

Our first video episode! Documentary filmmaker and designer Matt Rath joins us to talk about his creative journey, life as a father, and the lessons he's learned along the way. This one is packed with good stories, laughs, and real talk about balancing work and family in the High Country. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠⁠Matt's Work 🌐  ⁠⁠Real Boone Studio...

James Milner of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate shares his career journey and the nuances of doing business in a small mountain town. We talk about why relationships matter, how community connection drives success in Boone, NC, and what it takes to build something meaningful in the High Country. Also, Paul raps the intro—so there's that. Support local stories from the High Country—follow an...

Britty Daniels is the founder of Boone Dance Trove, a studio for young girls in Boone, NC. In this episode, she shares her passion for teaching dance and building confidence, courage, and self-worth in her students. An encouraging conversation for anyone who has ever struggled with self-confidence. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠⁠ Boone Dance Trove⁠ 🌐  ⁠⁠Real Bo...

Pastor and thinker Michael Talley explores the deep connection between creativity, spirituality, and God. In this thought-provoking conversation, we dig into theology, church history, human nature, and hope for the future. A must-listen for creatives and believers in the High Country and beyond. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠ ⁠Michael's Church 🌐  ⁠⁠Real Boo...

Filmmaker Isaiah Rendon shares his journey from making skateboard videos with friends to traveling the world behind a camera. In this episode, we get into lighting, production techniques, and what it's like to make films in Boone, NC. A must-listen for aspiring filmmakers and creatives in the High Country. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 Isaiah's Work⁠ 🌐 ...

Evan France, co-host of The Real Boone Podcast and co-founder of Real Boone Studios, shares his journey from getting his first paid video gig at 14 to becoming a commercial photographer and filmmaker in Boone, NC. He talks about building community, finding his passion, and helping local businesses thrive through visual storytelling. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗...

Whitney Brown is a local legend in Boone, NC, helping businesses integrate sustainable practices. In this episode, she shares her journey—from humanitarian work in Haiti to consulting with High Country businesses—and how to set a meaningful 10-year vision for your life and work. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠ Whitney's Work 🌐  ⁠⁠Real Boone Studios⁠⁠ 📸  ⁠⁠I...

Josiah Davis is the founder of Local Lion and Venture Chocolate & Wine—two of the most iconic businesses in Boone, NC. In this episode, he shares the wild stories behind building both brands, lessons learned as an entrepreneur, and what it takes to create something people love in a small mountain town. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🔗 ⁠⁠ Local Lion 🔗 Venture 🌐...

Juliet Rath creates social media tourism videos that showcase the High Country of North Carolina. In this episode, she shares her marketing expertise, her passion for telling untold stories, and how she helps local businesses grow through video content. A must-listen for anyone looking to level up their social media game in Boone and beyond. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and s...

In Part 2, Paul Sherar shares his journey from full-time employment to freelance creative work in Boone, NC. He talks about building a business, renovating the Real Boone Studios space, and the faith and vision behind it all. A conversation about entrepreneurship, risk, and chasing your dreams in the High Country. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share!  🔗 ⁠Paul's Work⁠ 🌐 ⁠...

Hurricane Helene devastated the High Country of North Carolina in late September 2024. In this special episode, Paul and Evan share firsthand stories from Boone during the storm, what it was like on the ground, and how they documented the aftermath through photos and video. A raw look at our community's resilience. Support local stories from the High Country—follow and share! 🌐 ⁠Real Boone St...

Meet Paul Sherar, co-host of The Real Boone Podcast and co-founder of Real Boone Studios. A former humanitarian photographer for Samaritan's Purse, Paul has traveled to over 80 countries documenting some of the most remote communities in the world. In Part 1 of this conversation, he shares his stories, photography expertise, and advice for aspiring travel photographers. Support local stories from...

Welcome to The Real Boone Podcast! In this first episode, we introduce ourselves and share our mission: highlighting the stories of entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives in Boone and the High Country of North Carolina. Learn what to expect from future episodes and why we're passionate about our local community. https://www.realboone.com