Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama

Markus Doering grew up in Germany, met his wife, a Cullman native, in Croatia and eventually made North Alabama his home. What started as a one-year AmeriCorps VISTA role writing grants grew into a place he loves, and today he’s assistant director of the North Alabama Agriplex in Cullman. He joins Melea to share why this hands-on nonprofit is one of North Alabama’s best-kept secrets, sitting right...

Every third weekend in October, downtown Decatur comes alive as the lawn at City Hall transforms into the RiverClay Fine Arts Festival. It’s a juried art festival that brings more than 70 artists from across the country to Decatur, Alabama. Kim Mitchell, executive director of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and a member of the RiverClay Steering Committee, joins Melea to share the story behind one...

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Paul White has built his entire career from Florence, Alabama. He has never lived in Nashville. Not once. Host Melea Hames sits down with the Muscle Shoals-raised musician — half of The Civil Wars, co-founder of Single Lock Records — to talk about the talent show that accidentally revealed he could sing, why his recording studio is still somebody's house, and...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Matt Mandrella, Huntsville's Music Officer — the first full-time job of its kind in the country — who landed in the Rocket City by way of a decade in Austin and a run at Elvis Presley's Graceland. Matt shares what a city music audit actually is and why Huntsville commissioned one, how the scene grew into a $278 million music economy with more than 2,200...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Pete Conroy, Director Emeritus of the Little River Canyon Center, and Angela Bates, an educator with the National Park Service at Little River Canyon National Preserve. Angela takes us through a river that runs along the top of Lookout Mountain, three waterfalls including Alabama's tallest at 133 feet, and a boulder the highway was built around — while P...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Tere Richardson, Executive Director of Athens Main Street, and Mary Helmer Wirth, President and State Coordinator of Main Street Alabama, to talk downtown revitalization. From Merchants Alley's $30,000 idea that became a $200,000 landmark to 16 new restaurants in 34 months and a boutique hotel on the way, Tere and Mary share what it really takes to build...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Heath Puckett, Superintendent of Lake Guntersville State Park, and Andrew Kelly, to explore one of North Alabama's most scenic and beloved outdoor destinations. Heath shares his journey from golf course management to leading one of Alabama's crown jewel state parks, what makes Lake Guntersville special, and his vision for growing the park as a premier mo...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Cooper Smitherman, Community Outreach Representative for Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Centers in Huntsville and a writer, editor, and UAH Honors College Top Scholar. Cooper shares how a Master's in English led him to community storytelling, what it's like connecting people to one of North Alabama's favorite entertainment destinations, and why H...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Brad Collett, Executive Director of the Tennessee RiverLine — the bold initiative transforming all 652 miles of the Tennessee River into North America's next great regional trail system. From new kayak fleets launching across North Alabama to a $750,000 partnership with the University of North Alabama, Brad shares how landscape architecture, community pa...

Join host Melea Hames as she dives into the history and hidden gems of Decatur’s crown jewel with Nicole Belcher, Marketing and Events Coordinator for Point Mallard Park. Nicole shares the wild history of how the first wave pool in the U.S. ended up in North Alabama, the "unexpected" winter activities at the park, behind-the-scenes secrets of the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, and why Po...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Muscle Shoals singer-songwriter Bay Simpson — fresh off his run on Season 29 of NBC's The Voice. Bay shares what it was like growing up in the studios of the Shoals with a songwriter stepdad and drummer dad, why he chose Tom Petty over Elvis for his blind audition, the surprise family tree that makes him Elvis Presley's second cousin once removed, the st...

Join host Melea Hames as she sits down with Scott Black, President of LawLers Barbecue — a North Alabama institution that has been firing up hardwood smokers since 1978. Scott shares the story behind this beloved regional brand, what it takes to run 13 locations across the Tennessee Valley and why slow-smoked barbecue built on community and tradition will never go out of style. Follow North Alabam...

Join host Melea Hames as she visits the beloved Morgan Price Candy Company in downtown Decatur. Guest Lee Anne Smith, the store's new owner, shares the journey of carrying on a 35-year North Alabama tradition, what it means to take the reins from the previous owner, and why handcrafted candy made in small batches will never go out of style. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram T...

Host Melea Hames hits the trails at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont. Co-owner LaBreeska Ponder shares how she and her husband transformed 4,700 acres of reclaimed mining land into a premier off-road destination, the unique wildlife you'll find on the trails, and the importance of preserving private property rights for outdoor recreation.  Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagra...

Join host Melea Hames as she visits the historic U.G. White Mercantile in downtown Athens. Guest Derrick Young, owner and commercial pilot, shares the journey of saving this 100-year-old landmark, the creation of Merchants Alley, and why the "general store" experience is more relevant today than ever. Follow North Alabama on Social Media! Website Instagram TikTok LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Facebook...

Join host Melea Hames for an inspiring journey into one of North Alabama’s most important natural spaces — Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Guest David Young, Park Ranger and Visitor Services Manager, shares what makes the refuge a must-visit destination, from seasonal wildlife spectacles and educational programs to conservation efforts and unforgettable visitor experiences. Learn how Wheeler NWR...

Join host Melea Hames as she steps inside "3614 Jackson Highway," the legendary studio that helped put North Alabama on the global musical map. Guest Debbie Wilson, Executive Director, shares the "unexpected" stories of the Swampers, the restoration of this historic landmark, and how the "Muscle Shoals Sound" continues to draw music lovers from around the world to Sheffield, Alabama. Follow North...

Join host Melea Hames for a mouthwatering journey into one of North Alabama’s most beloved barbecue institutions — New Market BBQ. Guest Libby Webb, co-owner and operator, shares the story behind the restaurant’s legacy, what makes North Alabama barbecue so special, and how New Market BBQ has become a community gathering place for locals and travelers alike. From pit-room traditions and family rec...

Join host Melea Hames for a creative journey into one of North Alabama’s most inspiring cultural landmarks — the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur. Guest Kim Mitchell, Executive Director of the Carnegie, shares the story behind the historic Carnegie Library’s transformation into a vibrant arts hub, the role visual arts play in community identity, and how the center creates unexpected experien...

Join host Melea Hames as she welcomes Donna Castellano, Executive Director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation and steward of the beloved Harrison Brothers Hardware, Alabama’s oldest continually operating hardware store. They explore the importance of preservation, the unexpected stories uncovered through historical work, and how Harrison Brothers blends the past with modern-day community connec...

Join host Melea Hames as she welcomes Bart Crabtree, co-founder of Sipsey Vineyard and Winery, a handcrafted micro-winery rooted in the natural wonders of the Bankhead National Forest. Bart shares the unexpected journey that led him from a career in public health and military service to winemaking, the inspiration behind Sipsey’s locally influenced wines, and how his passion for community, land, a...

Join host Melea Hames as she welcomes Jennifer Allen, creator of Wonders Within Reach, a leading blog and community dedicated to accessible family travel. Jennifer shares inspiring stories from her journeys with her family — including her children with disabilities — and offers valuable insight into how destinations across North Alabama can make travel more inclusive for everyone. Together, they d...

Join host Melea Hames for a festive journey into Decatur’s beloved holiday tradition — the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes. Guests Brenda Henson, past-president of the Historic Decatur Association, and Robin McCutcheon, a community advocate and tour participant, share stories behind the event’s historic homes, the effort that goes into the dazzling decorations, and how this holiday celebr...

Join us for a conversation with accessibility advocate and travel blogger Phoenyx Powell. We’ll explore the important work being done to make North Alabama more inclusive and welcoming for all. Phoenyx shares insights from her own experiences traveling with accessibility needs, highlights local initiatives, and discusses how communities can better support residents and visitors of all abilities. F...

Join us for a festive episode as we chat with Nathan Anderson, Executive Director of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, and the driving force behind Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt — one of the most enchanting holiday experiences in the South. Nathan shares how this authentic German-inspired winter market came to life, the traditions that make it special, and the incredible impact it’s having...