Episodes

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 ...

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, N...

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 Brow...

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.

Our guest Scott Wurtzbacher is many things. A top producing realtor since 2003, a board member of the NCOBS, a well-regarded podcaster with Inspire Campfire, & a brand new author. We’re going to chat with Scott about his personal and professional journey in work, family, and adventure on this edition of Carolina Outdoors. You’ll learn his background, the podcast, Inspire Campfire, and his brand new book, Campfire Within.

Scott Wurtzbacher, adventurer, author, & podcast host, joins the Carolina Outdoors to talk about his new book, Campfire Within. The book parallels his podcast, Inspire Campfire, & the three tenants: Be Inspired, Be Open, & Be Amazed.

Ruck sack is a term that comes from the German word Rucken, which means “back.” From that origination comes the sport of Rucking. It has evolved into a mainstream workout craze that has taken the U.S. by storm. You’ll see many in your neighborhood wearing a weighted vest &/or a pack marching at a quick pace along their route. Guest, Marie Oblinsky Price shares where she became interested in the sport, her successes, challenges, & her career with MudGear.

Marie Oblinsky Price joins the Carolina Outdoors to talk about the growing popularity of mud runs, obstacle races, & companies ascending in the market. The company where she acts as Head of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Mud Gear, has grown as people are participating more in the sport of Rucking.

Host Bill Bartee welcomes longtime contributor to the Carolina Outdoors, Judy Walker. Walker has been watching birds as a kid. However, it was in the 1980s when a female cardinal should up in her window. This became her “spark bird” & began her interest in ornithology. She shares her thoughts on the local club history to the changes in technology, & the continuing growth of members of the Mecklenburg Audubon Society.

Judy Walker of the Mecklenburg Audubon Society shares how people have recently been coming into the activity of bird watching. She adds to Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee’s list of famed people with Amy Tan, author of the Backyard Bird Chronicles & the character James Bond was named for a friend of Ian Fleming. Backyard watching is how many people begin in the activity of birdwatching. There is nothing that should hold someone back, except time, in becoming a birder. Birdwatching is a “gatew...

Elijah St. Blancard, Head Guide and Instructor at Jesse Brown’s, joins us today on the Carolina Outdoors to go over the spring ’25 fishing report and open a window into his philosophy as a guide and outdoorsman. Tune in for advice, learning opportunities, and more in this episode of the Carolina Outdoors.

Today we are joined by Alex Flowers, backpacking outfitter and world traveler from Jesse Brown’s. Alex is a backpacker, sailor, Scout and adventurer from Charlotte, and has just returned from a weeklong adventure in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Listen in as we delve into the logistics, history, and present day feel of the Emerald Isle.

Before the Tuck Fest became one of the premier outdoor festivals in the Southeast, it was a small gathering of outdoor enthusiasts at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (NWWC) in Charlotte, NC. The event was born from the desire to celebrate everything from whitewater rafting and kayaking to trail running and mountain biking. Over time, the Tuck Fest grew into a massive multi-day event that brings together world-class athletes and weekend warriors alike. This year, the competition has reached n...

This year’s outdoor programming in North Carolina looks a little different, with some adjustments following the recent hurricane impacts. North Carolina’s turkey season officially opened on April 12th and will run through May 10th, with hunters limited to one bird per day. The state is actively working to boost the wild turkey population, ensuring sustainable hunting and conservation efforts in the region. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors in other ways, a new urban hike has been introduc...

We talked today with Drew Thrasher, who told us how the Loop 5K and block party are already gearing up to be one of Charlotte’s most anticipated spring events. On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the day begins at 8:00 AM with a 3.1-mile run through tree-lined streets surrounding SouthPark Mall, offering a blend of urban and suburban scenery. The moderately challenging course is perfect for both seasoned runners and casual joggers. Following the race, from 8:45 AM to 12:00 PM, the post-race block party k...

Before Sam Johnson began writing books on fly fishing & hosting YouTube fishing channels he was a youth growing up in Alabama. He played college football at Southern Miss where his tight-ends coach was former UNC Head Coach Mac Brown. His time on the Carolina Outdoors covers the groundwork of his foundation & entry into becoming one of the highest regarded fly fishing personalities in the United States.

The conversation continues with Sam Johnson, author of two Fly Fishing the Blue Ridge Parkway books. The NC-section & the VA-section, respectively. You’ll learn his favorite waters in both states and bits of knowledge about western North Carolina & southwestern Virginia Trout Streams.

David Hamme is an award winning author, an innovation consultant for businesses, and a specialist in strategic planning. However, Today we’re speaking to David about Lost Worlds Brewing, a bus tour he’s hosting, and of course, his joining us at Jesse Brown’s for Storyteller’s night on April 10th!

Today we are joined by Drew Thrasher, guide for the Jesse Brown’s-sponsored ‘Walk in the Park’ for years. Drew is a resident within the SouthPark district and serves on the Board of the SouthPark Area Neighborhood Association. Drew brings with him his knowledge of the district for an episode about the SouthPark loop trail and the history of the region.

David Fleming has spent the last thirty years in sports journalism. Working in the long-form journalism field for Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, and Meadowlark Media. Despite gorwing up in Detroit, David has called the Charlotte Area home for the last 25 years, and it was here, in Charlotte, that his interest in the Declaration of Independence began to spark, David is an upcoming Storyteller at Jesse Brown’s, on April 10th. Join us in welcoming Author and Adventurer, David Fleming!