The Real Boone Podcast
by Real Boone Studios
Created by Real Boone Studios to highlight the stories of local entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives in the high country of North Carolina. Our goal is provide as much value as possible for our local community here in Boone.
Episodes
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The Story of Stick Boy Bread Company with Carson and Mindy Coatney
Carson and Mindy Coatney are the founders of Stick Boy Bread Company, a Boone, NC institution that started in 2001 with seven maxed-out credit cards, a thousand square feet next to a laundromat, and two people who had no formal training in baking. Carson was a Duke pre-med who never went to med...
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The Story of Pressley Laton Band: From App State to Award-Winning Musician
Pressley Laton is a singer-songwriter and bandleader based in Boone, NC, who traded a six-year career in higher education at App State to bet on music full time. She grew up singing in church in Stanley County, taught herself guitar in high school, and spent years thinking about pursuing music...
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The Story of Mast General Store with Lisa Cooper
Lisa Cooper is the CEO of Mast General Store, a fifth-generation family business that has become a cornerstone of mountain retail across the High Country of North Carolina and beyond. Lisa didn't choose this path at first—when her parents sold everything they had in Florida to buy a shuttered...
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Hurricane Helene Recovery Two Years Later with Steve Marks
Steve Marks is the Executive Director of Watauga Long-Term Recovery Group and the Fire Chief of Cove Creek Fire Department. With over 40 years in firefighting, a Master's in Emergency Management, a Master's in Divinity, and a background in storm chasing and meteorology, Steve has spent his life...
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The Story of Blue Ridge Conservancy with David Ray
David Ray is the Executive Director of Blue Ridge Conservancy, a Boone-based land trust working to permanently protect natural resources across seven counties in the High Country of North Carolina. With a law degree from the University of Georgia and over two decades in conservation work, David...
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Inside Watauga County Schools with Leslie Alexander
Watauga County Schools has nine schools, and Dr. Leslie Alexander knows every one of them. She's the superintendent here in Boone, NC — an App State alum who came up through the classroom as a high school English teacher, spent nine years as a principal, and took the top job in the High Country…
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The Story of Ray's Weather with Ray Russell
In Boone, NC, nobody checks the weather app — they check Ray’s Weather. Dr. Ray Russell is the founder of RaysWeather.Com, the most trusted forecast in the High Country of North Carolina, and he's entirely self-taught. He spent three decades teaching computer science at Appalachian State…
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The Story of Shipley Farms with Gray Shipley
Gray Shipley of Shipley Farms joins us to talk about why real food has gotten so hard to find — and so hard to eat. Gray runs sales, marketing, and finance for his family's fifth-generation cattle operation in Vilas, just outside Boone, NC, where the Shipleys have raised pasture-raised,...
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The Invisible Architect of Boone & Small Towns with Eric Woolridge
Eric Woolridge is the President of Destination by Design, a Boone-based planning and design firm that helps small towns across the U.S. plan, build, and market themselves as destination-quality communities. With over 20 years of experience and work across 150+ local government jurisdictions, Eric...
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The Story of Tiny Hands Pottery with Amy Lowery
Amy Lowrey is the owner of Tiny Hands Pottery, a handcrafted ceramics studio based in Boone, NC. Amy calls herself an accidental potter — she spent her adult life in the nonprofit world, building homes in Mexico, traveling to 40+ countries, and helping underserved students access college funding....
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Being a songwriter in the age of AI with John Lucas
Singer/songwriter John Lucas has built the kind of career most musicians only imagine—over 40 million Spotify streams, songs licensed by Google, MTV, and Freeform, and a loyal following grown over more than a dozen years. Now putting down roots in Boone, NC, he joins us in the High Country of…
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Midwifery & Women's Health with Carrington Pertalion
Carrington Doolittle Pertalion is a Certified Nurse Midwife at AppHealthCare in Boone, NC, and has been caring for women across the High Country of North Carolina for more than 25 years. In this episode, Carrington walks us through her unlikely path to midwifery — dropping out of high school at…
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The Story of Baker Forge with Coy Baker
Coy Baker, Founder and CEO of Baker Forge & Tool, joins us to talk about building one of America's leading Damascus steel manufacturers in Boone, NC. Coy started his blacksmithing journey in the mountains of Western North Carolina in 2016, engineered his own 25-ton hydraulic forging press, and in...
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The Story of Common Good Co. with Jacob & Melina Daniels
Description: Jacob and Melina Daniels are the husband-and-wife co-owners of Common Good Co., an artisan gallery and fine art space on King Street in Boone, NC. In this episode, you'll hear how two App State art students went from selling their work at traveling markets to owning and restoring a...
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How a 26 Year Old Became The Mayor of Boone with Dalton George
Dalton George is the Mayor of Boone, NC and the youngest mayor in North Carolina. Before the title, he's a kid from Midway who came to App State and fell in love with the mountains. In this episode, we get to know Dalton — who he is outside of politics, what shaped him, and how he ended up…
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How To Buy a Business with Chris Grasinger
Chris Grasinger is the High Country Regional Manager for Mountain BizWorks and a co-founder of Center 45 Climbing and Fitness in Boone, NC. He's a Blowing Rock native, App State MBA grad, and has spent the last decade deep in the business development world — from co-founding Startup High Country…
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The Story of Reid's Cafe, Betty's Biscuits, & More with Tina Houston
Tina Houston is the owner of Reid's Cafe & Catering, The Beacon Butcher Bar, Betty's Biscuits, and Pearl's Kitchen + Tiny Market — four restaurants across the High Country of North Carolina built over 25 years. In this episode, Tina shares how she went from launching a catering company in 1999 to...
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The Story of HiveTracks with Max Rünzel
Max Rünzel is the CEO and Co-Founder of HiveTracks, a Boone-based tech company using bees as biosensors to track hive health and biodiversity across 150+ countries. Originally from Germany, Max left a dream job at the United Nations in Rome when two beekeepers from the High Country convinced him…
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Our New Podcast Studio Is Here!
After 38 episodes, 1,000+ listening hours, and 5.46 terabytes of footage, Paul and Evan sit down in their brand-new podcast studio in Venture Chocolate & Wine to reflect on the journey so far. They share favorite episodes, behind-the-scenes stats, and the story of how The Real Boone Podcast came…
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Building a Business in College with Evan Smith and Ella Triber
Ella Triber and Evan Smith are members of the Association of Student Entrepreneurs at Appalachian State University and help lead Sweet Carolina, a canned water company—Ella as Executive Director and Evan as CFO. In this episode, they share how the club became a launchpad for building a real...
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The Search for Mount Sinai with Josiah Davis & Johnathan Thornton
Josiah Davis (founder of Local Lion and Venture Chocolate) and Jonathan Thornton have partnered up on Conquer Your Mountain, a venture that helps entrepreneurs find purpose and build businesses with intention. In this episode, they share how they got connected through a common interest in Mt....
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Scaling Your Business Without Burning Out with Cat Roten
Cat Roten is a business coach, fractional Chief Operating Officer, and podcaster based in Boone, NC. In this episode, she shares how she helps overwhelmed business owners get out of the weeds and build systems that scale. We talk about time management, marketing, and what it really takes to grow…
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The Story of Bald Guy Brew with Don Cox
Don Cox, founder of Bald Guy Coffee in Boone, NC, shares his journey of faith, failure, and building something that lasts. From coming to Boone in the '80s "to fish" to a traumatic brain injury that ended his ministry career, Don talks about how coffee became both a calling and a lifeline. We…
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The Story of Summit Pickleball with Grant Williams and Crystal Smith
Grant Williams and Crystal Smith, co-owners of Summit Pickleball in Boone, NC, share the real story behind starting a pickleball space rooted in community, connection, and place. They talk openly about the challenges, risks, and rewards of running a recreation-based business in the High Country....
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The Story of The Speckled Trout with Emily Brinker
Emily Brinker, co-owner of The Speckled Trout in Blowing Rock, NC, shares how she, her husband, and two friends opened a restaurant with no experience—just grit, a love for Appalachian food, and a deep belief in community. In this episode, she talks about how risk turned into reward, hospitality…
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Regenerative Agriculture with Daniel Law
Daniel Law is a regenerative agriculture practitioner implementing innovative farming solutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this episode, he shares his insights on the broken food system in America, the principles of regenerative agriculture, and how these practices are transforming...
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From Bangkok to Boone with Sherri Pengjad
Sherri Pengjad, founder of Thai Foodie in Boone, NC, shares how her love for Thai cooking became a bridge between cultures. In this episode, she talks about her heritage, the lessons she learned growing up, and the joy she finds in sharing meals with others. A beautiful reminder that food is one…
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The Story of Center 45 with Aaron Parlier
Aaron Parlier, co-founder of Center 45 Climbing & Fitness, shares his story of grit, curiosity, and community. From growing up on a gravel road in a holler to becoming a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne to building a climbing gym in Boone, NC—his journey is one of passion and perseverance. We...
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From South Africa to Boone with Jaco Gerbrands
Jaco Gerbrands, realtor with Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate in Boone, NC, shares his wild story of moving from South Africa to the High Country. We talk about adaptation, perseverance, and how his commitment to hard work and genuine human connection has shaped his life and career. A...
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The Art of Software Development with Declan Nishiyama
Declan Nishiyama, founder of Mountain Dev, is a software developer based in Boone, NC. In this episode, we explore the world of software development, artificial intelligence, and how tech is shaping the future—even in a small mountain town. Whether you're a coder, curious about AI, or just...
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Building a Manufacturing Business in Boone with Scott Korbyn
Scott Korbyn, founder of Steakager, shares the story of building a manufacturing business in Boone, NC. We talk about product design, how tariffs are changing the game for American manufacturers, and what it takes to bring something new to market. A great listen for entrepreneurs and makers in…
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Running 1900 Miles in 36 days with John Kelly
Ultrarunner John Kelly joins us to talk about his recent Appalachian Trail speed record attempt and why he had to stop just short of the finish. He shares his thoughts on embracing discomfort, setting big goals, and pushing beyond your limits. Whether you're a runner or just looking for…
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The Story of Venture Chocolate with Meredith Davis
Meredith Davis is a designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Local Lion and Venture Chocolate in Boone, NC. In this episode, she shares how a campus coffee shop job led to building two beloved local businesses, starting with almost no budget. We talk about risk, faith, creative purpose, and get…
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Shaping the Next Generation with Corrie Freeman
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…
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The Story of Magic Cycles with Mike Boone
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…
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Art, Travel, and Off-Grid Living with Rachael Van Dyke
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…
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Running 100 Miles, Fatherhood, and Faith with Joe Keys
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...
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The Story of FARM Cafe with Shane Hillman
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...
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Stories from Boone Police Department with Kat Eller
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...
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The Art of Teaching with Cacey Wells
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...
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The Future of Arts in the High Country with Amber Bateman
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…
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W-2 Employee to Business Owner with Seth Kingdon
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...
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The Art of Climbing with Elijah Kiser
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…
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Filmmaking, Design, and Fatherhood with Matt Rath
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...
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Commercial Real Estate & Community in Boone with James Milner
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…
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Dance, Confidence, & Courage with Britty Daniels
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…
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The Theology of Creativity with Michael Talley
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....
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From Skate Videos to Documentaries with Isaiah Rendon
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…
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Building a Video Business from Scratch with Evan France
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…
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Business Sustainability & 10-Year Goal Setting with Whitney Brown
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...
About this show
Created by Real Boone Studios to highlight the stories of local entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives in the high country of North Carolina. Our goal is provide as much value as possible for our local community here in Boone.
Hosted by
Real Boone Studios