Finding Asheville Podcast

This Episode Contains Explicit Content Not Suitable For Children   For well over a year now you've listened to Benny and Emily interview lots of different people around Asheville. In this episode you find out why the lovely and talented Emily is taking a step back from Finding Asheville and how Benny recruited new co-host Chris. Get to know Chris and his other podcasting experience, listen to Emily say goodbye, and find out how everybody on the show feels about flat earthers. All that and more on this weeks Finding Asheville. Don't forget to share your thoughts with us on FaceBook!

It's been close to a year but finally Finding Asheville has a brand new episode! This week Jon Truitt and Michael Ciavaglia sit down with us to talk about the Asheville Lyric Opera and their upcoming show Elixer of Love. What's a good opera for beginners? What's the connection between opera and Darth Vader? And who the heck is that guy co-hosting with Benny? Find out all that and more on this week's Finding Asheville!

This week on Finding Asheville, we spend a little time with one of the busiest women in Buncombe County. NuAnna Horn talks to us about the many different hats she wears as she juggles multiple jobs and charities. NuAnna is founder of The People's Interactive network, a local not for profit whose goal is "To bridge the gap between waste and want" -or, one man's junk= another man's livelihood. In doing so we also reduce waste, decreasing the impact on our landfills, and create sustainability for those who are in need and lack resources or funding." Learn about NuAnna's other roles at Earth Guild Ministries. NuAnna explains - "I offer personal counceling & provide spiritual support to others. I also perform handfasts, weddings, and marriage of any denomination or non-denominational selection. I am an ordained Minister, Pastor, Reverend, and Priestess. I am ordained through three separate Ministries and a Monestary. I also perform baptisms, funerals, and service Celebration of Life ceremonies." All of this an

We're back! We took a mini summer vacation, but Finding Asheville is back with a fascinating new episode. While Benny plays at the beach, Emily and guest co-host Janet sit down with our guests for the week. Elizabeth McGuire and Lina Eriksson are a couple living in Sweden. Liz is a writer - formerly of the Mountain Xpress - and expat who now calls Sweden home.  Listen in as Janet and Emily learn about life in Sweden, and how the social life differs from here in the United States. Gain knowledge about how a socialist country cares for their citizens, and how people overseas view our current presidential race. All of this and much much more on this special edition of Finding Asheville. Follow Liz here: http://belovelive.com Follow Lina here: http://lier.se Read Liz's Asheville based coffee series, called 40 days of Fika here: http://ashevilleblog.com/40-cups-40-cafes-40-days-a-girl-and-her-fika/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each

On the latest episode of Finding Asheville, our hosts sit down with guest Brian Bullman. Brian is co owner of Carolina Hemp Company, a wholesaler of premium hemp goods. The focus of Carolina Hemp Company is on "building a business that helps bring hemp to the mainstream market. While changing the stereotype and stigma associated with the Leaf." Listen in as we discuss industrial and commercial hemp. The uses of industrial hemp is endless, and Brian explains the difference between commercial hemp and cannabis. Learn about CBD oil, the difference between hemp and marijuana, and how industrial hemp can positively impact Asheville and all of WNC.  Visit Carolina Hemp Company: https://carolinahempcompany.com Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

This week we spoke to music producer and author Eric "Mixerman" Sarafin. Relocated from California, Eric tells us about the music industry, producing BJ Leiderman's upcoming album, what it was like writing as the mysterious "Mixerman" to satirize life as a producer, and how he adjusted to life in Asheville. Eric has worked with musicians such as Hilary Duff, Ben Harper, David Cassidy, Lifehouse, Amy Grant, Foreigner, and more. He has written three books: Zen and the Art of Recording, Zen and the Art of Producing, and Zen and the Art of Mixing, published through Hal Leonard books.  Learn more about Mixerman by visiting his website: http://mixerman.net   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

This week we spoke with Michael "The Asheville Mindreader" Spremulli about his upcoming show at the North Carolina Stage Company, and what it's like being a mindreader. Growing up with severe eyesight problems, Michael's other senses were heightened, including his gut instincts which leads to some interesting moments on stage. Using a combination of intuition and scientific facts, Michael has the ability to be eerily accurate about a person. He can even "read" people based on their handwriting so naturally we let him do it with us! We hope you enjoy this week's episode and if you don't The Asheville Mindreader will know. Check out the Asheville Mind Reader: http://ashevillemindreader.com   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

For over a year, Western North Carolina Advocacy League (WNCAL) has been helping people in need; with anything from repairing a wheelchair ramp to mediating court cases. This week's guest on Finding Asheville is Robin Vabolis, founder of WNCAL. Robin tells us about how this grassroots not-for-profit originated, what the future holds for WNCAL, and what you can do to help the cause. We hope you enjoy this philanthropic episode of Finding Asheville!   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

A divorced artist leaves California and moves to Asheville. Around the same time, an author and his wife leaves California and moves to Asheville. The difference, besides relationship status, is one is a fictional character and one isn't. N. John Shore, Jr. is the author of the "real time serial novel" Ashes to Asheville which follows the life of a fictional Californian woman whose husband left her Christmas day. She packs up and moves to Asheville and you get to read one chapter of her life every Thursday. John speaks to us about how he views Asheville through his character's eyes, what it is like writing in real time, and why he wants to be a "boy band" of writing. We hope you give a listen to this week's episode of Finding Ashes to Asheville! Read Ashes To Asheville here: http://www.citizen-times.com/topic/c5cc969f-f654-4db9-9aa3-f578d3402fbe/ashes-to-asheville/ Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past

Poles aren't just for strippers, hoops are made for more than hulas, and "curtain climbing" can be a beautiful form of dance. This week we spoke to Waverly Jones, owner of the training studio Empyrean Arts. Waverly teaches others about these new forms of dance and exercise that are becoming increasingly popular. She tells us about how she became an instructor, what it's like "wearing booty shorts to work," how aerial arts have helped her self confidence, and how it just might help yours as well. Don't miss this week's high flying episode of Finding Asheville! Empyrean Arts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpyreanArtsAsheville/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

In our latest local podcast crossover we speak to Blaine Kerr, host of Appalachian Pi. Blaine tells us about how he does things on his show; how it all got started; how it almost ended before it began, and about what the future may hold for all of the WNC area podcasts. Blaine is the creator of the Asheville Society of Podcasters, a local group who converse online and in person about their podcasting and radio projects. Blaine tells us how that came about, and invites all local listeners who enjoys podcasts to join. Find out more about Appalachian Pi: https://www.facebook.com/AppalachianPi/ Find out more about the Asheville Society of Podcasters: https://www.facebook.com/Asheville-Society-of-Podcasters-188621584831895/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

When you think of storytelling, you probably picture people sitting around a campfire trading tall tales of action, adventure, horror, or even comedy. That type of entertainment is as old as mankind itself, and continues to this day. This week we spoke to professional storyteller David Joe Miller. David tell us what it's like to be a storyteller, where he got his start, how he can make a living at it, and what you can do to get started telling tales. We were also lucky enough to have him share one of his stories with us. Stoke the fire and get the smores ready for this episode of Finding Asheville. More about David Joe Miller: https://www.facebook.com/David-Joe-Miller-Storyteller-131101940223/?fref=ts Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

New in town? From here, but looking for a job or trying to sell something? Or maybe you just want to see over twenty thousand people yell at someone who parks badly. For over two years now West Asheville Exchange, or WAX, has been the Facebook group to find all of that and more. This week we spoke to two of the admins, three if you count Benny. Founder Mikki Fox and longtime admin Kelly Poff tells us about how it all started, what the future may hold, and several stories about "herding cats" in one of the largest social media groups in the area. Buckle in, listen up, and WAX on! Join WAX: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245020652269214/  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

Since 2013, Catherine Hunter of Asheville Horse and Carriage Tours has been providing natives and tourists a magical look at Asheville from the seat of a carriage. Using horses that she has rescued and trained, Catherine has been giving rescued horses a second lease on life. For thousands of years, horses have been been used by humans as working animals, and many continue to work today in a variety of forms, from racing, to field plowing, to carriage tours.  With an increased awareness of animal welfare, several misguided animal rights activists have targeted Asheville Horse and Carriage Tours and tomorrow at City Council a decision will be made on the carriages. Depending on the council ruling, the carriage tours could return to operations as normal without restrictions; or, the franchise could continue to operate under the conditions of shutting down at the end of the two year term.  We sit down and talk with Catherine about the many nuances of horsemanship. Do you know how to tell if a horse is healthy, ha

Eighteen months ago Zuzu Welsh made a change and started his ownband. He has been on a whirlwind tour of WNC ever since. With twoCD's out and a third almost ready we're grateful he made some timeto talk to us.The Zuzu Welsh Band is comprised of Dana Koone on drums,percussion and vocals; Abbot Grivich on electric and acousticguitars, cowbell and vocals; Johnny Haisman on bass; Bobby Hicks onvocals, guitar and other supporting instruments; occasionally thewonderful Jen Wo on vocals, guitar and whatever else; and ZuzuWelsh on electric and acoustic guitars and vocalsWe spoke to Zuzu about his songwriting process, how he found hiscurrent band, some of his favorite places to play, and what some ofhis musical influences are. You may have seen the clip of the songhe played for us so sit back, relax, listen to us for a little bit,then get ready to hear the special song he wrote for his father.Enjoy!Get more info on the Zuzu Welsh Band by visiting theirwebsite: http://www.zuzuwelshmusic.comBe sure to subscribe to the p

This week we spoke to Carol Motley, the owner of Bury Me Naturally, who told us about the different ways to dispose of our mortal shells once we're gone. We discuss her company, which uses biodegradable coffins, no embalming fluid, and costs much less than traditional burials. We also talk about the origins of preserving bodies, the difference between caskets and coffins, and what our own final wishes might be. Give it a listen, this is the episode you've been dying to hear.   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super nice like the Finding Asheville Facebook page here.

For our "sorry for being silent so long" bonus episode we spoke to Leah Kline. Leah is the organizer for the HVZ (Humans Versus Zombies) game in Waynesville this upcoming Tuesday. We try to stick to Asheville, but come on. What is HvZ? It's shooting real (Nerf) guns at real (not real) zombies! Leah gives us a rundown of all the rules, location, what you need to bring, and also gives us a little history lesson on HVZ's beginnings. We hope you enjoy this episode, and make sure to pay attention. We'll also be releasing a short video that tells you how you could win free Frostbite ice cream! Check out Humans Vs Zombie in the original form: https://humansvszombies.org Join the fun and check out the website to get updates about games in Waynesville and Asheville: https://www.facebook.com/HvZ-Haywood-County-WNC-718494521621352/   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling super n

A while back we told you we were going to try to do some "crossover" episodes with other local podcasts. the guys from 2-4-8 Podcast were nice enough to extend an olive branch and have us on their show. After weeks of scheduling issues, we finally got to repay the favor and have them on our show. We talked to Brently Sproles and Malachi Girmann about how they do their show, how it started, and what they hope for the show in the future, as well as lots of nerd talk. Parents, make sure the kids aren't in the room when you listen to this weeks episode of "Finding 2-4-8!" Check out 2-4-8 Podcast here: https://jake-jackson-c6qf.squarespace.com Check out our crossover episode with the guys of 2-4-8 here (explicit content warning): https://jake-jackson-c6qf.squarespace.com/blog/podcasts/episode-31-you-show-me-yours-ill-show-you-mine   Be sure to subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here to get new episodes to download to your listening devices each week and get caught up on past episodes! Oh and if you are feeling su

On this episode of Finding Asheville, hosts Benny and Emily sit down with Pushy and Sailor of the Blue Ridge Rollergirls. The Blue Ridge Rollergirls are an all female, flat track roller derby league in Asheville. Don't know a lot about roller derby? Neither do our hosts, who get a sound education on the particulars of the roller derby sport.  Dating back to the 1930's, roller derby recently experienced a resurgence of popularity, seemingly due in part to the 2009 movie Whip It starring Ellen Page. Roller Derby is a contact sport played by two teams consisting of five members skating around a track. Game play consists of a series of 'jams', in which both teams have a player referred to as a jammer that scores points for their team by lapping players of the opposing team. Jams last two minutes on average.  Blue Ridge Rollergirls Sailor and Pushy explain the finer details of the sport, outlining the rules - no elbows to the face - and display their derby scars - Pushy shows us her broken nose from the last bout.

For the 101th episode we take a completely different direction, veering sharply from the episode with the Imam of the Islamic Center of Asheville, and discuss body modification. Our guests for this episode are Chris Winslow and Amber Meredith who work at Pure Steam in Asheville. Chris Winslow is an accomplished tattoo artist, while Amber is a veteran body piercer. Benny and Emily talk with Chris and Amber about body modification, tattoos, piercing, and what to look for in a body modification artist.  Tattoo and piercing is a deeply personal, individualized experience for each client, and we discuss the wide variety of tattoos and piercing, the stigmas associated with body modification, and the certification process a tattoo artist and piercing specialist go through.  Amber can be found at Pure Steam Tattoo, and check her piercing portfolio available here: https://www.facebook.com/PiercingIsMyPassion/?fref=ts Chris can also be found at Pure Steam, and his portfolio is available here: https://www.facebook.com/m