Highlights of the Carolina Outdoors

Nourish Up, a hunger relief organization, partners annually with local scout troops in a food drive in the Charlotte area. In 2025, approximately 185,000 pounds of food was collected by Mecklenburg County Scout Troops! Tina Postel, Executive Director of Nourish Up, joins the Carolina Outdoors to talk about the mission of Nourish Up, their partnership in Scouting for Food, and how to donate. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

For more than 25 years, North Carolina Outward Bound School has empowered young CMS students through the Charlotte Unity Project. Alexys Woods, a Unity Project alumni and current Program Director, shares more about the program, which includes a free 7-day wilderness course for students, complemented by a Unity Club on their school’s campus. Learn more about the Unity Project, its mission, and how it impacts the Charlotte community. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Jake Rash, Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, works with the coordination of research and management of North Carolina’s trout resources. He joins the Carolina Outdoors this week to discuss delayed harvest, economic benefits, hatcheries, and more. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Brian Hester is an artist, fly fisherman, and author of She Talks to Fish. He also recently retired from his role as an art teacher at Myers Park High School. Mr. Hester joins the Carolina Outdoors to talk about what his year has looked like since retiring, including book tours, writing movie scripts, and the upcoming Fly Fishing Film Tour on March 19th. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As a winter storm approaches Charlotte, Bill and TJ talk about snow day activities and safety. From movies to card games to safe driving, the Carolina Outdoors covers what you need to be prepared for winter weather. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Duck hunting season in North Carolina and South Carolina is currently in effect, ending on January 31st. Jimmy Dobes, president of Southeast Specialty Outdoors, joins the Carolina Outdoors to talk about the sport – from his own passion for the outdoors, to safety, to decoys and calls. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As temperatures drop and snow flurries fall, it’s the perfect time to go skiing in the mountains of North Carolina. Gunther Jochl of Sugar Mountain Resort joins the Carolina Outdoors to talk the 2026 ski season and changes to Sugar Mountain over the years. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As the Carolina Panthers head into their first playoff appearance since 2017, the Carolina Outdoors talks Panthers football over the years. Bill walks through some of the Panthers’ best playoff games, as ranked by Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer. Find his article here. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Did you know that North Carolina is home to the nation’s 2nd larger Christmas tree industry? Our state has more than 53 million trees growing on 33,000 acres of land, and over 3 million trees harvested each year. Dr. Will Kohlway, Extension Specialist for Christmas Tree Production & Marketing at NC State University, shares more on Christmas trees in North Carolina, including their impacts on the economy and the effects of weather, pests, and disease. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As December progresses and days get shorter, nights also get longer – and are filled with stars, galaxies, meteors, and more! Will Snyder, manager of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis, Missouri, shares what to look for in the night sky this winter, including star clusters, galaxies, and nebulas. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Taylor Piephoff, naturalist, member of the Mecklenburg Audubon Society, and the “bird whisperer” of Charlotte, discusses bird watching, the Christmas Bird Count, and more! Tune in to this week’s edition of the Carolina Outdoors for more on the birds seen in the Carolinas this winter. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

What connects two literary giants, Norman Maclean and Theodore Geisel aka “Dr. Seuss”? They were both authors, classmates, and friends – but not only that, they were both fishermen. Norman Maclean, the author of A River Runs Through It, and the famed Dr. Seuss shared a love for the outdoors. Tune in to hear their connection and history, more about the Carolina Fly Fishing Club, and more. For more information on the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) in Charlotte, click HERE! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Visit Jesse Brown’s at the Southern Christmas Show this year from November 13th-23rd! Christmas carols, treats, trees, and great holiday gift ideas can all be found at the Southern Christmas Show – the official start of the holiday season. Find your friends from Jesse Brown’s and buy tickets here. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

The Carolina Fly Fishing Club, a local chapter of Fly Fishing International, was founded in North Carolina to promote, advocate for, and educate on the sport of fly fishing. Chapter President Bill Jewett, otherwise known as “Fly Tying Santa,” joins the Carolina Outdoors this week. Learn more about the CFFC, how Bill was coined “Fly Tying Santa,” and the impact of fly fishing. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Over the last 50 years, the forest and farmland of the SouthPark area have transformed into the city neighborhood, business district, and shopping mall that we know today. Drew Thrasher, SouthPark resident, board member of the SouthPark Area Neighborhood Association, and guide of the SouthPark Loop Trail joins the Carolina Outdoors this week. Hear about the growing pains of the area, the history surrounding us, and the original vision its creators had. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As temperatures cool, fly fishing conditions only improve. Ryley McKnight, lead fly guide at Jesse Brown’s, joins the Carolina Outdoors to discuss fall fly fishing. Hear more about the effects of weather on trout fishing, how there are less crowds as the year progresses, and the differences between the Carolinas and Ryley’s home state, New York. Looking for more fly fishing this fall? Visit Jesse Brown’s, Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things angling – from gear to rods & reels to guided trips to plain old advice! Ryley is available for guided angling trips throughout the fall. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

The trout streams of North Carolina are a huge part of the economy in the state, from permits and licenses to gear and guide sales to tourism. Jake Rash, the Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, joins the Carolina Outdoors this week to discuss trout in the state. How did Hurricane Helene impact trout? What do the different classifications of trout streams look like? Jake answers these questions and more on this week’s episode. Looking to explore Western North Carolina this fall? Visit Jesse Brown’s, Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things adventure – from apparel to footwear to accessories to plain old advice! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Dr. Howard Neufeld, the “Fall Color Guy”, joins the show from Boone, North Carolina to discuss all things fall foliage. Why do leaves change color? Why do some leaves change to orange and yellow while other trees’ leaves change to red? How will Hurricane Helene impact the fall foliage this year? Dr. Neufeld answers these questions and more on this week’s episode of the Carolina Outdoors. Looking to explore Western North Carolina this fall? Visit Jesse Brown’s, Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things adventure – from apparel to footwear to accessories to plain old advice! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Leconte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, is a bucket list item in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Atop Mount Leconte at an elevation of 6,593 feet, the Lodge is only accessible by trail and through a competitive lottery system. Tune in for more about Leconte Lodge, host Bill’s recent journey there, and how you can experience it for yourself. Looking for more hiking? Visit Jesse Brown’s, Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things adventure – from apparel to footwear to accessories to plain old advice! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Tango and Kat, otherwise known throughout Charlotte as Susan Lakeman and Kathy Pilotti Lindenberger, are a duo of anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and friends. Hear their journeys to fly fishing, the healing effects of nature, and their upcoming fly fishing competition this fall. Looking for more fly fishing? Visit Jesse Brown’s, Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things angling – from gear to rods and reels to guided trips to plain old advice! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Tango and Kat, otherwise known throughout Charlotte as Susan Lakeman and Kathy Pilotti Lindenberger, are a duo of anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and friends. Hear their journeys to fly fishing, the healing effects of nature, and their upcoming fly fishing competition this fall. Looking for more fly fishing? Visit Jesse Brown’s, Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things angling – from gear to rods and reels to guided trips to plain old advice! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Sylva, North Carolina, home to the Western Fly Fishing Trail, is a popular destination for anglers, hikers, and tourists of all kinds. The Carolina Outdoors welcomes Chris Maney, native of Sylva and sales representative for Abel, Ross Reels, and Fishpond, onto the show this week. Looking to visit Western North Carolina this fall? Learn more about fall tourism, hike recommendations, fishing the Tuckasegee River, and the leaf change in Sylva. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As the new season begins, take a look forward at the hunting and fishing in the Carolinas this fall. Get important dates for dove hunting, deer season, fly fishing, and upcoming events at Jesse Brown’s. For more information on hunting and fishing in the Carolinas, reference the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources or North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Retired Charlotte fireman, passionate fly fisherman, and author of the book Stream Safety & Fly Fishing, Gregg Murphy, joins the Carolina Outdoors this week! Learn more about safety while fly fishing, how to best prepare for an angling trip, and tips from “Murph”. Murph will also be at Jesse Brown’s on October 9th from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come hear more of his story and enjoy refreshments along with a book signing! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Retired Charlotte fireman, passionate fly fisherman, and author of the book Stream Safety & Fly Fishing, Gregg Murphy, joins the Carolina Outdoors this week! Learn more about safety while fly fishing, how to best prepare for an angling trip, and tips from “Murph”. Murph will also be at Jesse Brown’s on October 9th from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come hear more of his story and enjoy refreshments along with a book signing! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Daniel Stowe Conservancy (formerly Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden) is one of the most-visited destinations in the Charlotte area, offering botanical gardens, trails, events, and more. Its CEO John Searby joins the Carolina Outdoors to share about the property’s updates, trails throughout Stowe, and the upcoming Trails and Tunes event on September 20th. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As fall begins in the Carolinas, so does dove hunting season. September 2nd marks the opening day in both North and South Carolina. James Buice joins the Carolina Outdoors to share his experiences dove hunting in the Carolinas and beyond, safety tips, his favorite dove recipe, and more. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As summer ends, it’s back to school season – and in North Carolina, back to school means high school football. Langston Wertz Jr., sports journalist for The Charlotte Observer, joins the Carolina Outdoors this week to talk new conferences, coaching changes, and top players and teams. Hear his take on the upcoming season and learn which matchups to keep an eye on this fall. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Summer adventures can continue into the fall as the time for back-to-school approaches. Granger Bartee, incoming freshman at UNC Chapel Hill, shares his local adventures this summer (like rodeos and mud runs!) and looks forward to new adventures this fall. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As summer comes to a close and back-to-school approaches, the Carolina Outdoors looks back on adventures of the season with Granger Bartee, a recent high school graduate with a busy schedule. Looking for an adventure closer to home? Tune in to learn more about the family-friendly activities Granger was able to find in the Carolinas, including rodeos and mud runs. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

It’s no secret that plastic waste is an environmental issue – especially in our oceans. Sea Threads makes its products from 100% recycled ocean plastics sourced specifically from marine and coastal ecosystems. Dylan Cross, its founder, joins the Carolina Outdoors to share more about Sea Threads and how it works to improve our oceans. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

It’s no secret that plastic waste is an environmental issue – especially in our oceans. Sea Threads makes its products from 100% recycled ocean plastics sourced specifically from marine and coastal ecosystems. Dylan Cross, its founder, joins the Carolina Outdoors to share more about Sea Threads and how it works to improve our oceans. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Adventure starts in the Carolinas and can take you all around the world – including to western Europe. Scott Wurtzbacher joins the Carolina Outdoors to share his experiences hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc, a 106-mile route through the Alps in Italy, France, and Switzerland. Whether you’re planning on visiting soon or just looking for something else to add to your bucket list, learn more about the Tour Du Mont Blanc on the Carolina Outdoors! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As Carolinians continue to enjoy the water this summer, Ryley McKnight joins the show to discuss smallmouth fishing – the cousin of the largemouth bass. Learn about how the fish differ, where to find smallmouth bass, and how to register for the Jesse Brown’s Smallmouth Fly Fishing School coming up in August. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

24 Hours of Booty in Charlotte is an annual charity cycling and walking event to raise money for cancer survivorship and patient navigation programs. Scott Dunstan, biker, sponsor, volunteer, and committee member joins the Carolina Outdoors to share more about the community-wide event. 24 Hours of Booty is happening July 25th – 26th, 2025, in the Myers Park neighborhood. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Hear from Wilson Gabriel, fly guide, traveler, and longtime member of the Jesse Brown’s team, as he shares about his experience in Cruisers on the Rockies, a trail riding event for Land Cruisers in Colorado. Learn about his travels, fly fishing, and the sense of community in the beautiful setting on Silverton, CO. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Trails are found throughout North Carolina, from the mountains to suburban areas to the coast. Palmer McIntyre, part of the Great Trails State Coalition, joins the Carolina Outdoors podcast this week to share about the Great Trails State, some reopened waterfalls in western NC, and her personal favorite spots from her book Trails and Treats. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Trails are found throughout North Carolina, from the mountains to suburbs to the coast. Palmer McIntyre is the coordinator of the Great Trails State Coalition and a conservationist with a passion for celebrating the outdoors. She shares about the Coalition’s work, the 2023 NC Year of the Trail, and the importance of trails in our communities. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

What better way to beat the heat on a summer day than by cooling off at a refreshing swimming hole? In the Charlotte area, Carrigan Farms is a local favorite for swimming, relaxing, getting a bite to eat, and more. Hear Doug Carrigan share about this refreshing natural quarry, the farm, and all the summer fun at Carrigan Farms! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As summer progresses and the Carolina beaches attract more visitors, it’s important to be aware of beach safety, and especially of rip currents. Rip currents are powerful flows of water that flow away from the shore. Carolina Outdoors host Bill Bartee shares rip current safety advice and advises swimmers to be aware when visiting the beach this summer. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As summer progresses and temperatures rise across the Carolinas, fish are also feeling the heat. How is the sport of fishing affected by heat waves & weather change? Learn from Elijah Saint Blancard, lead fishing guide and head fly fishing instructor at Jesse Brown’s, to find out what the heat means for the trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass of the Carolinas. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

When self-described “beach bum” and avid outdoorsman Mike Haney moved to North Myrtle Beach, he realized how difficult it was to set up beach umbrellas. Eventually, this observation led to the invention of Mike’s Spike: a specialized beach umbrella anchor with a pile-driving design to easily secure your umbrella in the sand, even on the windiest days. Mike joins Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown’s, to share how he discovered his love for outdoors, his invention, and more about the product, which is available at Jesse Brown’s! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

When self-described “beach bum” and avid outdoorsman Mike Haney moved to North Myrtle Beach, he realized how difficult it was to set up beach umbrellas. Eventually, this observation led to the invention of Mike’s Spike: a specialized beach umbrella anchor with a pile-driving design to easily secure your umbrella in the sand, even on the windiest days. Mike joins Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown’s, to share how he discovered his love for outdoors, his invention, and more about the product, which is available at Jesse Brown’s! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

With summertime in full swing, so is boating season in the Carolinas. Boat owner and water sportsman Charles Jenkin started sailboating at age 9 and, following retirement, is now a safe and responsible powerboater. He joins Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown’s, to share his passion for boating, the importance of safety on the water, and common boating courtesies. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

With summertime in full swing, so is boating season in the Carolinas. Boat owner and water sportsman Charles Jenkin started sailboating at age 9 and, following retirement, is now a safe and responsible powerboater. He joins Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown’s, to share his passion for boating, the importance of safety on the water, and the popularity of boating on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Celebrate National Trails Day in the Carolinas: Explore Nature and Community National Trails Day, celebrated on the first Saturday of June each year, is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature, and explore the scenic beauty of the Carolinas. North and South Carolina are home to hundreds of miles of diverse trails that wind through breathtaking mountain ranges, serene coastal paths, and vibrant urban greenways. Whether you’re an avid hiker, mountain biker, or casual walker, National Trails Day is a great reason to enjoy the natural beauty that makes the Carolinas a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Organized by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day encourages people across the country to support and protect trail systems. In the Carolinas, this day often includes guided hikes, trail cleanups, educational events, and community volunteer efforts. From the rugged trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the peaceful Lowcountry marsh paths, there’s something for everyone to experience. In North Carolina, popular trails such as the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, and the greenways of Raleigh and Charlotte host events for all ages. In South Carolina, check out Table Rock State Park, Congaree National Park, and the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville—each offering scenic hikes and organized activities for National Trails Day. One connection to both states is the Carolina Thread Trail that helps connect the Charlotte-metro region. This is also the home base to local outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s. They continue to promote activity on trails through sponsorship of the Carolina Outdoors Radio Program & Podcast. Participating in these events helps promote conservation and trail maintenance. Many organizations, including local land trusts and state park systems, use this day to engage communities in stewardship. It’s also a wonderful way to meet fellow outdoor lovers, learn about regional wildlife, and discover hidden gems right in your backyard. To make the most of National Trails Day in the Carolinas, wear comfortable footwear, bring water, and don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray. Most importantly, leave no trace—pack out everything you bring in and respect wildlife and trail rules. Looking to get involved? Visit local park websites or the American Hiking Society’s event finder to locate nearby events. Many towns across the Carolinas host group hikes, nature walks, and volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re trekking up a mountain or strolling along a river, celebrating National Trails Day in the Carolinas is a chance to reconnect with nature, support sustainable recreation, and celebrate the beauty of the trails that bring us together. Make it a tradition and discover a new trail every year!

How many of us have a career in something, then return to the one thing that we had a passion in? Bob Senn began his Bob Senn began his Certification as a Naturalist in 2014. He then became a Certified South Carolina Master Naturalist in 2017. He did all of this after spending a career in telecommunications. Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee, spends some time learning Senn’s background and the difference between a “Naturalist” & a “Naturist”. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Bob Senn visits the Carolina Outdoors to talk about the changes in the Carolina Outdoors. Climate, growth, and the habits of people and animals have changed. This Certified South Carolina Master Naturalist & a member of the SC association of Naturalists shares insight to the changes going on in our environment. Visit the full write-up of the show & liner notes at the Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s.

Mike Floyd has worked with Gray’s Sporting Journal for over thirty years. After growing up in Spartanburg, SC, he was introduced to a ton of adventure in Rabun County, GA. After graduating in newspaper journalism & history from the University of Georgia, he took his love of the outdoors to this famed publication. His career has spanned tons of change in print media but Gray’s remains timelessly popular with advertisers and most importantly, the readers.

Our Gray’s Sporting Journal conversation continues. Editor Mike Floyd shares knowledge on this literary magazine. It is published seven times each year celebrating hunting and fishing. Plus, poetry, long form features, & detailed photos. Ray Matthews (a friend of the Carolina Outdoors) has had articles published along with Annie Proulx, Pete Fromm, & C.B. Bernard. The choices are usually made by a “blind reader” format with a bow towards some of the best writers in the outdoor world.