Appalachia Ramblin’

About Appalachia Ramblin’

Welcome to Appalachia Ramblin', a podcast hosted by Dillon and Sam, a husband and wife building their life right here in the 828. We talk about our adventures, the culture, the community, and the stories rooted in these Appalachian mountains, but the conversation goes wherever real life takes us. This show is for the people who love Appalachia, whether you were born here, found your way here, or just wish you were here. Kick your boots off and stay a while.

Publisher

Stonewall828

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jun 2026

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Appalachia Sayings, Words, and Phrases Trivia

   We take a quick break from our Appalachia Spooky series! Today, Sam, Ayla and Dillon are taking a deep dive into the rich and often misunderstood world of mountain speech. In this episode, we turn classic mountain words and sayings into a head-to-head trivia showdown! From everyday terms like yonder, haint, and catawampus, to iconic sayings like barking up the wrong tree, madder than an old wet hen, and if the creek don't rise, we unpack where these phrases actually came from, the wild history behind them, and see who really knows their mountain roots best. Plus, we put our own mountain pronunciations to the test! Dillon, Ayla and Sam face off in a rapid-fire word-pronunciation round to highlight how mountain accents subtly shift across lines, hollows, and towns. Don’t worry, we still have a local ghost story to share. Meet Ruby, the friendly ghost from the historic Jarrett House located in Dillsboro, NC. What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: Ruby and Her Ringing Bell: A local ghost story based in the historic Jarrett House in Dillsboro, NC. Trivia Challenge: Sam, Ayla and Dillon are in the hot seat with multiple-choice trivia on classic mountain words. Word Pronunciation Showdown: We compare how they pronounce everyday words like fire, oil, and iron based on where they grew up. What Did We Miss? Comment on the episode with words or phrases you grew up hearing in the mountains, or tell us how you pronounce words like light and boil! Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com) Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. We want to share your Appalachian stories too! You can email us your personal stories at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out the Stonewall828 apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the culture we talk about on this show.

2. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Spooky Encounters

   Dillon and Sam dive into the spooky encounters Dillon has experienced while in the woods or hunting in the mountains, Sam tries to understand how Dillon can still be so skeptical after all his stories! We break down chilling adventures and personal experiences, from mysterious blue lights and footprints that suddenly turn into a person, to a disappearing bear, unexplained noises while hunting, and local encounter with Cullowhee witches the day after halloween. What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: Blue Lights & Mysterious Footprints The Disappearing Bear & Hunting Encounters Cullowhee Witches Was it Bigfoot? Strange Smell in the Woods Share Your Appalachian Stories! Send your stories to us at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com) Join the Ramblin' Community: Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

3. 

   5 Oct 2026

   The Legend of Spearfinger

   The Whiteside Witch Dillon and Sam head into the misty ridges of Jackson County to uncover one of the most terrifying figures in Cherokee folklore: U'tlun'ta, better known as Spearfinger. We break down the legend of the stone-skinned witch, her sharp, knife-like finger, her taste for human hearts and livers, and the classic warning signs of her approach like dropping temperatures and scattered flocks of birds. We explore Whiteside Mountain as her historic hunting ground, the clever trap set by the Cherokee with the help of a little chickadee bird, and why this ancient story still matters today as a way to map the landscape, interpret historical trauma, and center Indigenous voices in Appalachian history. Plus, we look at how the legend lives on in public art with Peter Lundberg’s abstract sculpture Utlunta at The Village Green in Cashiers, North Carolina. What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 10:50 – Intro & Mountain Happenin’s: Dillon Sets the Stage 12:42 – Appalachia Cryptid- Not Deer 20:33 – Spearfinger’s Characteristics 22:09 – The Witch of Nantahala 42:39 – Why Spearfinger Still Matters: Geography, History, and Cherokee Voices 58:08 – Dillon Reads Chapter 2 of The Mountains Keep Their Secrets Resources James Mooney, Myths of the Cherokee (1900) — earliest full English account, from Eastern and Western Cherokee narrators Visit Highlands, NC, "The Haunting of Whiteside Mountain: The Legend of Spearfinger" (Oct. 7, 2024) Alex Hall, "U'tlun'ta, the Spearfinger: A Cherokee Smoky Mountain Legend" (Dec. 11, 2025), Appalachian Folklore & Myths Series Kathi Smith Littlejohn, "Spearfinger" — Eastern Cherokee storyteller's version Sandra Muse Isaacs, *The Living Oral Tradition of the Eastern Cherokee* (dissertation) Museum of the Cherokee People, Cherokee, NC — "Fear as a Teacher" exhibit Peter Lundberg's *Utlunta* sculpture, The Village Green, Cashiers, NC (interview, *The Laurel Magazine*, June 2020) https://www.highlandschamber.org/articles/post/haunted-highlands-the-legend-of-spearfinger/ (https://www.highlandschamber.org/articles/post/haunted-highlands-the-legend-of-spearfinger/) https://appalachianhistorian.org/utlunta-the-spearfinger-a-cherokee-smoky-mountain-legend/ (https://appalachianhistorian.org/utlunta-the-spearfinger-a-cherokee-smoky-mountain-legend/) https://thelaurelmagazine.com/arts-in-highlands-nc-and-cashiers-nc/cherokees-utlunta-legend (https://thelaurelmagazine.com/arts-in-highlands-nc-and-cashiers-nc/cherokees-utlunta-legend) Share Your Appalachian Stories! Have you felt the air go cold on a hike up Whiteside Mountain, or do you have a strange mountain legend of your own? Send your stories to us at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com) Join the Ramblin' Community Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

4. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Appalachia’s Spooky Lights: Is it Aliens, Floating Orbs, or Something Worse?

   Brown Mountain Lights Appalachia Ramblin’ (with Sam, Dillon, and Special Guest Autumn) Autumn returns to tell us about two scary paranormal experiences. We hear about her eerie camping trip at Deep Creek and the strange, unexplainable lights she witnessed growing up near Big Ridge. That leads us down the rabbit hole to the most famous unexplained lights in the region: The Brown Mountain Lights. We look at the history and the classic LuLu Belle and Scotty Wiseman bluegrass song, and examine scientific research from Appalachian State University; including ball lightning theories, temperature inversions, and webcam monitoring. Plus, we touch on local Cherokee legends, historical sightings dating back to 1771, and the best spots to catch the phenomenon yourself (like Wiseman's View and the Lost Cove overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway). Plus, stay tuned until the end as Dillon wraps up the show by reading Chapter 1 of his book! What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 2:01 – Intro & Appalachia Happenin’s 8:13 – Autumn’s Encounters at Deep Creek & Big Ridge 15:28 – Dillon’s Unexplainable Lights 21:11 – Reddit Encounters & Gingercake Road 32:50 – Mountain Ghost and Curious Tales of WNC 36:00 – Ralph Lael: Alien Lover? 43:30 – Appalachian State Findings: Brown Mountain Lights 1:08:42 – Chapter 1 of The Mountains Keep Their Secrets Sources & References: Appalachian State University: Brown Mountain Lights Research & Monitoring Project (View Website (https://www.dancaton.physics.appstate.edu/BML/index.htm?utm_source=gemini) & History Archive (https://www.dancaton.physics.appstate.edu/BML/History/index.htm?utm_source=gemini)) Informational Archives: Brown Mountain Lights Info (www.brownmountainlights.info (https://www.google.com/search?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brownmountainlights.info) / www.brownmountainlights.org (https://www.google.com/search?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brownmountainlights.org)) Folklore & History: The Collector - Appalachian Folk Stories and Legends (Read Article (https://www.thecollector.com/appalachian-folk-stories-scary/?utm_source=gemini)) Mountain Ghost Stories and Curious Tales of Western North Carolina: In this collection, Randy Russell and his wife, Janet Barnett, present eighteen samples of western North Carolina folklore The Salesman, The Lights, His Alien Lover and a Mummy: https://www.museumoftheweird.com/2014/07/18/the-salesman-the-lights-his-alien-lover-and-a-mummy/ (https://www.museumoftheweird.com/2014/07/18/the-salesman-the-lights-his-alien-lover-and-a-mummy/) Share Your Appalachian Stories! Have you witnessed the Brown Mountain Lights, or do you have a strange mountain encounter of your own? Send your stories to us at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show! Support the Podcast: If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com?utm_source=gemini) Join the Ramblin' Community: Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

5. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Episode Show Notes: Appalachia’s Deadliest Grandma

   Appalachia Ramblin’ (With Sam and Dillon) Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for another episode of Appalachia Ramblin’! Kick back as Sam and Dillon launch into our brand-new spooky season series, exploring the darker, mysterious, and stranger side of Appalachian history. First up in Appalachia Happenin’s, Dillon talks about getting prepped for hunting season, and Sam shares how excited we are for officially kicking off spooky season—from hitting up Spirit of Halloween to diving into blind boxes and watching more scary movies now that Ayla is older. Then, we dive into our main subject: a chilling true-crime mystery from right here in Haywood County, not far from where Dillon’s family is from in Maggie Valley. We’re looking back to February 1913 and the dark tale of Nance Dude Kerley—known as Appalachia’s Deadliest Grandma—when a 60-year-old woman and her granddaughter walked into the Western North Carolina woods, but only one returned. Dillon reads through an archival feature from Our State Magazine (February 1994), and we break down the timeline, examine conflicting accounts, and look at how different sources tell the tale. Plus, stay tuned until the end for a big announcement! What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 00:56 – Intro & Appalachia Happenin’s: Cracking open cold drinks, getting ready for hunting season, and diving headfirst into spooky season with movie nights and Halloween gear. 6:21 – Appalachia’s Deadliest Grandma (Intro): Introducing our brand-new Spooky Appalachia series and setting the scene for the 1913 Haywood County murder case involving Nance Dude Kerley. 8:21 – The Our State Magazine Account: Dillon reads from the February 1994 feature on the case, exploring the historical details of the fateful trip into the WNC woods. 20:00 – Timeline & Conflicting Accounts: Breaking down the variations between historical records, oral traditions, and alternate versions of the story. 35:35 – Did Nance Do It?: Weighing the evidence, community reactions, and the lingering questions surrounding the legend. Sources & References: The Appalachian Storyteller (YouTube): Watch the video account here North Carolina Periodicals Index & State Archives: NCPI Index Record 1391 State Document Record Find a Grave: Nancy Ann Kerley Memorial Record The Smoky Mountain News: Archived Feature on Nance "Dude" Legend Share Your Appalachian Stories! Have you heard local legends growing up, or do you have a chilling mountain story of your own? Send your stories to us at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: www.stonewall828.com Join the Ramblin' Community Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

6. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Why Hunt with Coonhounds?

   Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for another episode of Appalachian Ramblin’! Today, Sam and Dillon dive deep into one of the most misunderstood hunting traditions in Appalachia: hunting with coonhounds. First, we catch up on Appalachia Happenin’s, celebrate a major milestone with over 90 listeners, read the prologue to Dillon’s book, and talk about our local apparel brand, Stonewall828, featuring all-hound shirt designs drawn by Dillon. Then, we step into the history books to trace coonhounds back to their European roots, explain why settlers had to breed specialized dogs for rugged mountain terrain, and highlight the 6 main coonhound breeds, including Haywood County’s very own Plott Hound. Next, we break down and debunk 5 major misconceptions about hunting with coonhounds. Dillon clears the air on whether these dogs attack wildlife, addresses myths surrounding dog care, GPS tracking technology, and coonhound temperaments at home. We also take a close look at how Native American tribes viewed dogs as spiritual equals rather than property, bred specialized working breeds like the Tahltan Bear Dog and Mi'kmaq Snowshoe Tracker, and hunted strictly for mutual survival. Finally, to kick off the upcoming spooky season, Dillon shares an eerie encounter on an old logging road in Jackson County, North Carolina. What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 00:27 - Intro & Appalachia Happenin’s: Countdown, cracking open cold drinks, celebrating over 90 listeners, reading a prologue, and showcasing new hound apparel and hat designs on Stonewall828. 16:28 - History of the Mountain Hound: Early European foxhounds vs. rugged Appalachian terrain, the origins of treeing game, and an overview of the 6 main coonhound breeds (including the local Plott Hound). 32:51 - Myth Busting: Addressing dog care myths, how modern GPS collars prevent lost hounds, and why coonhounds make gentle, "couch potato" family pets. 1:06:00 - Native American Hunting Traditions: Examining Indigenous relationships with hunting dogs, spiritual kinship, specialized pre-colonization breeds, and how European settlement changed canine history. 1:27:00 - Spooky Season Teaser: A preview of our upcoming October spooky episodes and Dillon's crazy encounter. Share Your Coonhound & Mountain Stories! Have you ever hunted with coonhounds, had an unexplainable run-in in the mountains, or have a local story to share? Send us your stories to be read on the show! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com/) Join the Ramblin' Community: Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. Connect With Us! We want to share your Appalachian stories too! You can email us your personal stories at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

7. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Just Ramblin: Reclaiming Appalachia

   Just Ramblin Episode 2: Reclaiming Appalachia In this episode, we define what “reclaiming Appalachia” really means to us and break down the comments on our latest TikTok posts. We clarify who we consider an Appalachian person, dive deep into our core views, and address the haters along the way. Welcome to another episode of Just Ramblin'; a raw, uncut spin on Appalachia Ramblin' where it's just the two of us, Sam and Dillon, to talk candidly about life, Appalachian culture, and whatever trends are kicking around these mountains. In this episode: 00:38 - What does Reclaiming Appalachia mean?: We dive into what we mean when we say Stonewall828 and Appalachia Ramblin wants to “Reclaim Appalachia.” 13:29 - Reading our TikTok Comments: It’s time to address the haters and start a conversation about the type of community we’re trying to build. 30:50 - Saying “good-bye” to the Queen of Appalachia: Dolly Parton was the definition of what a true Appalachian is. We talk about her life and what she meant to this region. Links from this episode: Stonewall828 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ceMgCV/ (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ceMgCV/) Appalachian Mountains Map: https://appalachianmountaindreams.com/appalachian-mountain-dreams-is-updating/the-appalachian-regions/ (https://appalachianmountaindreams.com/appalachian-mountain-dreams-is-updating/the-appalachian-regions/) We want to share your Appalachian stories, you can email us at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com (mailto:appalachiaramblin@gmail.com) If this sounds like your kind of podcast then follow us, leave a review, tell somebody about us. Until next time, don’t be an asshole and in a world you can be anything you want to be, be kind to somebody!

8. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Panthers in Appalachia: Sightings, Hoaxes, and Big Cat Lore

   Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for another episode of Appalachian Ramblin’! Today, Sam and Dillon are joined by their best friend Autumn to tackle one of the most heavily debated topics in mountain lore: are there panthers and mountain lions secretly roaming the Appalachian Mountains? First, we catch up on Appalachia Happenin’s with Autumn, get an update on Dillon’s book projects, and hear about Sam’s new spooky, cryptid-themed shirt designs dropping for Stonewall828. Then, we dive straight into feline biology and regional history; breaking down the differences between bobcats, extinct Eastern Cougars, expanding Western Cougars, and the endangered Florida Panther. Next, Autumn shares her and her family's experience with Panther sightings. Dillon opens up about his own close encounters in Cashiers and Maggie Valley, and we investigate a famous viral photograph from 2008 claiming a massive 260 lb mountain lion was struck near Cashiers, NC. We also head over to Reddit to share chilling community encounters, from a deep-woods 2006 sighting of a black panther with piercing green eyes to tan, long-tailed cats darting across roads near Cherokee, NC. Finally, we break down official statements from the North Carolina and Tennessee wildlife agencies, ending with crucial survival tips on what to do if you ever face down a big cat in the wild. What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 04:04 - Intro & Appalachia Happenin’s: Cracking open cold drinks, catching up with Autumn, updates on Dillon's writing, and Sam's new spooky cryptid shirt drops for Stonewall828! 08:51 - Cat Breakdown – Cougars vs. Bobcats: The biology, size, and markings of big cats. We examine the extinction status of the Eastern Cougar, the range expansion of Western Cougars, and the solitary population of Florida Panthers. 16:16 - Autumn’s Scary Night Encounter & Unexplainable Trail Cam Image: Autumn shares what she heard late one night and even photo proof of a Panther living in her “backyard.” 21:10 - Dillon’s Sightings & The Cashiers Hoax: Dillon shares personal encounters from Cashiers and Maggie Valley. Plus, we pull up a viral 2008 forum email about a 260 lb panther on US-64 and uncover the truth behind the photo. 42:39 - Deep-Woods Reddit Encounters: Real-life community accounts, including a 2006 sighting of an elusive black panther in Western NC, reports of all-black litter, and big cat sightings near the Great Smoky Mountains. 54:39 - What the Wildlife Agencies Say: Reviewing official stances from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) on transient big cats versus established breeding populations. 58:55 - Big Cat Safety Protocol: Essential survival steps if you meet a cougar in the woods: why you should never run, how to make yourself look large, and how to fight back if necessary. Share Your Panther Stories! Have you ever seen a mountain lion, a black panther, or something completely unexplainable in the Appalachian woods? Send us your stories to be read on the show! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com) Join the Ramblin' Community: Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. Connect With Us! We want to share your Appalachian stories too! You can email us your personal stories at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

9. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Just Ramblin: Internet Trolls & an Identity Crisis

   Internet Trolls & an Identity Crisis Welcome to the very first episode of Just Ramblin'; a raw, uncut spin on Appalachia Ramblin' where it's just the two of us, Sam and Dillon, pulling up a chair to talk candidly about life, culture, and whatever trends are kicking around the mountains. That single comment sparked a much bigger conversation we knew we had to have: 02:15 - A little Reddit mishap: Someone online took one look at a photo from our recent stay at a treehouse in Zirconia and immediately slapped us with the ultimate mountain label: carpetbaggers. 10:00 - Who gets to define "Appalachian"? What does an Appalachian actually look or sound like, and why are we so quick to judge and gatekeep one another? 28:22 - Code-switching in the wild: The exhausting mental shift Appalachians make every day, altering our voices, accents, and vocabulary just to navigate corporate boardrooms and academic halls without being dismissed. We want to share your Appalachian stories too, you can email us at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com (mailto:appalachiaramblin@gmail.com) If this sounds like your kind of podcast then follow us, leave a review, tell somebody about us. Until next time, don’t be an asshole, do something nice for somebody, and keep your nose out of other people’s business!

10. 

    11 Aug 2026

    Would You Rather: Campfire Edition

    Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for a special vacation episode of Appalachia Ramblin’! We’re broadcasting from Parke’s Stand, a cozy treehouse getaway in Zirconia, North Carolina. By popular demand, we’re bringing back Would You Rather. We catch up on recent Appalachian happenings; from book writing and waterfall hikes to treehouse stays. Before diving into six rounds of campfire-themed dilemmas using the Would You Rather? Campfire Card Game. Grab a drink, play along, and let us know your picks in the comments! What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 01:16 - Intro & What We’re Drinkin’Sam, Dillon, and special guest Ayla kick off the episode from the treehouse with their drinks of choice. 05:04 - Appalachia Happenin’s Dillon shares progress on his upcoming book. Ayla gives her take on our recent family waterfall hike. Sam talks about our stay at Parke’s Stand treehouse in Zirconia, NC. 07:24 - Would You Rather: Campfire Edition 8:27 - Round 1: What Kind of Camping? 16:55 - Round 2: Eat, Drink, & Camp 22:49 - Round 3: Camping Games & Activities 27:58 - Round 4: The Wild World 32:45 - Round 5: Take a Hike 38:24 - Round 6: Get (Un)comfortable 42:33 - Wrap-Up Links & Featured Resources Featured Card Game: Would You Rather? Campfire Card Game on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G8XNNYVC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) (Not sponsored) Stay Location: Parke’s Stand Treehouse – Zirconia, North Carolina Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out the Stonewall828 apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the culture we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com) Join the Ramblin' Community Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. Connect With Us! We want to share your Appalachian stories too! You can email us your personal stories at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

11. 

    28 Jul 2026

    The Appalachian Trail: Trail Magic, High Peaks, and Dark Trail Tales

    Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for another episode of Appalachian Ramblin’! Today, Sam and Dillon are diving deep into one of the most iconic, grueling, and legendary paths in the world: the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Spanning roughly 2,200 miles across 14 states, the A.T. holds a world of history, community, and mystery. First up, Dillon shares his personal experience section-hiking the trail, including why he ditched a traditional tent for a hammock setup, how he survived the elements, and his close encounter with a “bear”. Then, we talk about the incredible culture of Trail Magic and trail angels, while breaking down crucial best practices from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on how to give back without harming the ecosystem or losing the spirit of the wilderness. We also recap our visit to Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), the highest point on the entire trail, and discuss its history and recent name restoration to its original Cherokee name. Finally, we pull some chilling stories straight from Reddit: from a real-life murder investigation and an eerie note left at a shelter, to unexplained violently shaking trees and bizarre mid-flight satellite movements in the night sky. What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 00:28 - Intro & Appalachia Happenin’s: Cracking open cold drinks and showing off the brand-new Stonewall828 shirts that just dropped! 12:32 - The Appalachian Trail – Dillon’s Adventure: Dillon breaks down his own time on the A.T., detailing his adventures, his hammock camping setup, and his adventures from the trail. 19:25 - Trail Magic & Responsible Trail Angel Practice: What is Trail Magic? We talk about the food, shuttles, and gear drops that rescue tired hikers, plus a vital PSA on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's guide for responsible Trail Magic. 37:48 - Visiting Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome): Reflecting on our trip to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail (6,643 feet). We discuss the September 2024 official name restoration to Kuwohi, the original Cherokee name meaning "mulberry place." 47:47 - The Decorated Knives & The Fugitive: A wild, true account from a 2003 thru-hiker who found a mysterious backpack filled with decorated kitchen knives and a chilling handwritten note at Wilson Creek Shelter, leading right to a real-life murder investigation. 54:13 - Spooky Woods & Strange Lights: Unexplained experiences on the trail, from eerie, dead-silent forests in North Carolina where multiple trees suddenly start violently shaking, to impossible UFO maneuvers over Tray Mountain in Georgia. Share Your Trail Stories! Have you ever hiked the A.T., experienced Trail Magic, or seen something completely unexplainable in the mountains? Send us your stories to be read on the show! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com/) Join the Ramblin' Community: Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. Connect With Us! We want to share your Appalachian stories too! You can email us your personal stories at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

12. 

    14 Jul 2026

    Would You Rather: Mountain Edition (With Special Guest Ayla!)

    Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for a brand-new episode of Appalachian Ramblin’! This week, Sam and Dillon have a very special guest in the studio, their daughter, Ayla. Before the family heads out for their final summer vacation in a real-deal treehouse, they are sitting down to settle some serious mountain debates. We’re playing the ultimate game of Would You Rather: Mountain Edition. Over four grueling rounds, we put each other to the test with impossible choices about life on the trail, backcountry survival, Appalachian cryptids, and brutal outdoor dealbreakers. From choosing between a freezing sleet storm and a downpour, to deciding whether you'd rather have Mothman nesting on your roof or a Wampus Cat circling your house, things get hilarious, fast. We wrap it all up with a lightning-fast rapid-fire round and a special adventure bonus question straight from Reddit. Grab your favorite drink, head out to the porch, and play along with us to see who makes the right calls! What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 00:36 - Intro & Appalachia Happenin’s: Cracking open some cold drinks with our special guest Ayla, talking summer vibes, and breaking down our upcoming summer vacation staying in a mountain treehouse. 05:35 - Round 1: On the Trail & At the Campfire: The misery of hiking 10 miles with wet socks versus a heavy pack, setting up camp in a downpour vs. packing up in freezing sleet, and an ultimate nighttime hiking nightmare: locking eyes with a "Not Deer" or hearing a Sasquatch screeching from the ridge. 11:11 - Round 2: Mountain Living: Choosing between owning a square mile of untouched backcountry or a private mile of premier fly-fishing creek. Plus, the family decides which cryptid roommate they'd prefer: Mothman on the roof or a Wampus Cat circling the yard, and lines are drawn over a historic log cabin living with no electricity vs. no running water. 20:49 - Round 3: The Ultimate Dealbreakers: The pure agony of a permanent boot rock versus a constant horsefly in your ear, dream cabins overrun with mice versus boring suburban houses, and a choice that divides the studio: eating biscuits and gravy every single day for breakfast or never drinking a hot cup of coffee again. 29:41 - Round 4: Rapid Fire: A lightning round of quick-choice mountain dilemmas. Topo maps vs. GPS apps, sunset overlooks vs. sunrise porches, accidentally wiping with poison ivy vs. a belly button tick, and the terrifying choice of answering a voice calling your name from the dark woods. 33:55 - Bonus Question (Reddit Adventure Edition): We take it to the internet to choose between surviving a mysterious uncharted island without technology or navigating an enchanted forest with just your wits. Plus, Ayla shares the exact magical creature she hopes to encounter. Play Along with Us! Comment below on the episode and tell us who you think had the right answers, and give us your own "Would You Rather" questions for the next time we play! Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com) Join the Ramblin' Community: Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. We want to share your Appalachian stories too! You can email us your personal stories at appalachiaramblin@gmail.com and we’ll read them right here on the show. If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

13. 

    2 Jul 2026

    What America Got From Appalachia: We talk about 4th of July Traditions, Appalachia History, and Yes... Roadkill

    What America Got From Appalachia (4th of July Special) Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for a special 4th of July bonus episode of Appalachian Ramblin’ as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. When people think about the history of the United States, they usually think about big cities, famous battlefields, and political figures. But the truth is, America wouldn’t be what it is today without the backbone, the land, and the soul of Appalachia. Today, Sam and Dillon dive deep into what our mountains have actually done for this country over the last two and a half centuries, from the soldiers who bled for it and the coal that built it, to the music and food that gave it a soul. But look, it’s the 4th of July, so we aren't just keeping it serious. We’re also talking about the weird and wonderful side of mountain life. We dive into some downright hilarious July 4th traditions, share a few laughs over roadkill, and break down the heavy truths and untold history that shaped the nation. Whether you're firing up the grill, hitting the porch, or just trying to figure out how roadkill and a 250th birthday mix, you’re in the right place. Happy 4th, y'all! What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 07:38- The Soldiers & The Sacrifices: Why mountain numbers have always punched way above their weight class in every American war, dating all the way back to the Overmountain Men at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. 14:30- The Land & Resources: How Appalachian timber built America's skyline and Appalachian coal powered the Industrial Revolution, and the heavy toll it took on the surface of the land and the bodies of local miners. 19:22- The Roots of Forestry: A look into our own backyard at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest, where American forestry policy actually started, and the complicated reality of land conservation for local families. 24:17- The Culture that Shaped a Nation: Music: How mountain roots laid the foundation for bluegrass, country, folk, and rock & roll (plus a look at the traditional instruments Dillon plays!). Storytelling & Crafts: Keeping the oral history alive, the value of traditional woodworking and basketry, and a shoutout to the Quilt Block Trail in Haywood County. Food: From pure survival cooking to modern appreciation, including the heritage of wild game like squirrel and groundhog on the mountain dinner table…and road kill? 54:01- The Big Picture: What we hope the rest of the country remembers and understands about Appalachia as America celebrates its 250th birthday. On the 4th of July, it’s easy to focus on the big national stories, but the real heartbeat of this country’s history is right here in these Appalachian mountains. Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com Join the Ramblin' Community: Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventure, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. Connect With Us! If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show! Have a safe and happy 4th of July, everybody. Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

14. 

    30 Jun 2026

    What People Get Wrong About Appalachia

    Pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and join us for a brand-new episode of Appalachian Ramblin’. When people think about Appalachia, they usually bring a whole lot of assumptions with them. Between old stereotypes and modern internet horror stories, the real picture of mountain life gets buried pretty quickly. Today, Sam and Dillon break down six major misconceptions about the region, sharing their raw, first-person perspectives on what the outside world gets wrong, and what the reality actually looks like from their own backyard. What We’re Coverin’ in This Episode: 02:14 - Stereotypes vs. Reality: We tackle the blanket assumption that everyone in the mountains is poor and uneducated, and discuss how to push back against that narrative while still respecting the real economic history of the region. 07:16 - It’s Not All the Same: From the differences between towns like Cashiers, Waynesville, and Asheville to the deep hollers of Virginia, we talk about the massive cultural jumps within the mountains and why Appalachia is far from a monolith. 11:29 - Cryptids, 'Wendi-boys,' and Nightmare Fuel: The internet is obsessed with making Appalachia look like a horror movie. We dig into why people are so terrified of these woods lately, share a local perspective from a spooky Reddit post, and talk about balancing the real beauty of everyday life with the unexplainable things that do happen out here. 19:44 - Preserving Home vs. Rejecting Outsiders: We untangle the heavy difference between a mountain community simply wanting to protect its heritage and lifestyle versus actually being unwelcoming to folks from the outside. 23:33 - Bored in the Backwoods?: Responding to the common outsider assumption that rural mountain life is boring, limited, or lacking in things to do. 27:18 - The Power of the Mountain Voice: Why oral history and storytelling are the absolute lifeblood of Appalachian culture, and why it matters that locals tell their own stories. At the end of the day, these mountains are full of vibrant culture, deep roots, and distinct communities that defy any single label. Support the Podcast If you love raw, unfiltered storytelling and want to support the preservation of mountain heritage, check out our apparel drops. Every design is inspired by the traditions, the wildlife, and the history we talk about on this show. Stonewall828: https://stonewall828.com (https://stonewall828.com) Join the Ramblin' Community Follow along on our social channels for behind-the-scenes content, our outdoor adventures, and early access to apparel drops. We’re @stonewall828 on all socials. Connect With Us! We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the six misconceptions we covered today? Do you agree, disagree, or have another common myth you think we missed? Leave a comment below and let us know! If this sounds like your kind of podcast, hit that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and tell a buddy about the show. Until next time... don’t whistle in the woods at night, and go touch some grass!

15. 

    16 Jun 2026

    Who is Appalachian Ramblin’? (Pilot Episode)

    Episode Number: 001 Hosts: Sam & Dillon Pull up a chair, crack one open, and let’s get into it. In this pilot episode of Appalachia Ramblin’, hosts Sam and Dillon introduce themselves, share the story of how they met in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and dive into why they are building this podcast community. From busting common myths and misrepresentations about Appalachian culture (no, it’s not just scary cryptids and "Wendi-boys"), to honoring the hardworking, blue-collar roots of the region, this episode sets the stage for what this show is all about. You’ll also get the origin story behind their family business, Stonewall828, and a glimpse into their journey of building a life on a mountain in Waynesville. Whether you grew up in these hills, recently moved here, or left and miss it, you belong here. 00:18 — Welcome to Appalachian Ramblin’: What are we drinkin'? 1:36 — Section 1: Who Are We? Sam and Dillon share their mountain roots, from living outside the USA to growing up in Cashiers, and their journey to building a life together on a mountain in Waynesville. 4:52 — Section 2: Why This Podcast? We’re building a digital community for everyone who loves these mountains, whether you're a local, a transplant, or missing home from afar. 7:07 — Section 3: How Appalachia is Misrepresented. The truth about mountain culture vs. the internet's obsession with cryptids, plus a look at the real, hardworking blue-collar people of the region (and an acknowledgment of the actual spooky shit that happens here). 12:02  — Section 4: What is Stonewall828? The story behind Sam and Dillon’s family business, how it was named after a great-grandfather, and its evolution from hound-inspired roots into a mountain soul apparel brand. 16:08 — Section 5: The Close. Final thoughts from the hosts.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings