Highlights of the Carolina Outdoors

In the Carolinas, the spring season brings an influx of migrating birds to their breeding or wintering grounds. Bird watching offers a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy nature, and slow down. This week on the Carolina Outdoors, Bill shares which birds to look out for in the area, tips for a successful day of bird-watching, and more. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Have you ever wondered about the history of the area where we live and work? Drew Thrasher co-founded the Urban Hike to encourage his kids to get outside and learn more about the history of the area. Now an annual event, the 2026 Urban Hike is coming up on Sunday, March 29th. Drew Thrasher is on the Carolina Outdoors this week to share about the hike, this year’s location of Matthews, and more. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

As temperatures rise and spring adventure approaches, Scott Wurtzbacher joins the Carolina Outdoors to share about his most recent trip to the W Trek in Patagonia. Host of the Inspire Campfire podcast and author of Campfire Within, Scott discusses weather, packing, gear, and more. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

How were you first introduced to adventure – whether that be fly fishing, hiking, or something else? Donna R. Gore is introducing children to fishing through her children’s book, Plugnose and the Fisherman. She joins the Carolina Outdoors this week to share the writing process, the meaning in the book, and more. In Part Two, Donna discusses technology, relationships, and her journey from Connecticut to the Carolinas. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

How were you first introduced to adventure – whether that be fly fishing, hiking, or something else? Donna R. Gore is introducing children to fishing through her children’s book, Plugnose and the Fisherman. She joins the Carolina Outdoors this week to share the writing process, the meaning in the book, and more. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

Bill Jewett, former president of the Carolina Fly Fishing Club, joins the Carolina Outdoors to share about his time as president, how he united fly fishing groups, and the upcoming Fly Fishing Film Tour on March 19th. Learn more about the Carolina Fly Fishing Club HERE. To learn more about the F3T and to get your ticket, click HERE!  More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

MyOutdoorJoy was founded by James Smith with the goal of helping people learn how to be outdoors. People are exposed to the outdoors less and less due to changing cultural, situational, and generational circumstances. MyOutdoorJoy aims to change that with classes, adventure, and reflection. In Part Two of this week’s episode, James Smith discusses how the company has grown and adapted over the past few years, including rebranding, team building, and more. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

MyOutdoorJoy was founded by James Smith with the goal of helping people learn how to be outdoors. People are exposed to the outdoors less and less due to changing cultural, situational, and generational circumstances. MyOutdoorJoy aims to change that with classes, adventure, and reflection. Hear James Smith discuss his background, the importance of getting outside, and more on the Carolina Outdoors. More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

In recent years, the game of Mahjongg has exploded in popularity in the United States. The Chinese tile game is becoming America’s favorite way to build connection and enjoy friendly competition. Kandy Steiner, a Mahjongg instructor, joins the Carolina Outdoors to teach us more about the game, its origins, and its rise in popularity. Kandy is hosting Mahjongg 101 at Jesse Brown’s on February 25th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Click HERE for more information & registration! More Liner Notes are available online at Jesse Brown’s

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