Whether you’re strolling at the park or cruising around the Parkway, cleaning your house or running errands, cranking up a podcast only enhances the experience. Fortunately, there are more than a few local podcasts to educate, entertain + enlighten you. A perk of living during this podcast renaissance is that there’s truly something for everyone: food lovers, music fans, business champs, etc. So without further adieu, let’s jump into a sampling of Asheville podcast-land.
Enjoy a scary story
Dark Corners
Listen to author David Allen Voyles dwell on the macabre through readings of some of his original short stories as well as serialized tales of “Witch-Works” and “Wraiths of the Appalachian.” Although a new episode hasn’t been released since 2021, the collected stories there are worth a stream.
Old Gods of Appalachia
This horror anthology podcast boasts three seasons and features standalone tales or short multi-episode series created by childhood friends Steve Shell (of Asheville) and Cam Collins (of Bristol, TN). It was the first professional podcast nominated for a World Fantasy Award in 2022, has received a total of 36 Audioverse Awards, and won Best Overall Podcast in the 2021 DiscoverPod Awards.
Palimpsest
Co-created by writer Jamieson Ridenhour and actress Hayley Heninger, this don’t-miss podcast features five seasons that each explore a self-contained story of horror, fantasy, and psychological realism. The fifth season, which began in October 2023, follows an American expat, Lenore, who is whisked off to France after marrying a mysterious man.
Focus on your wellness
How Are You Healing?
Are you interested in ways to boost your quality of life that don’t come from a prescription pad? Explore unorthodox avenues to improve your health and better your life (like shamanism and equine therapy) with this podcast, which was hosted until 2021 by Dr. Michael Fortini through the WNC Holistic Center.
Relationships! Let’s Talk About It with Pripo Teplitsky
Hosted by local psychotherapist Pripo Teplitsky, LCMHC, who specializes in relationship issues, this podcast uses guest conversations + personal monologues to explore how we can have happier, more harmonious relationships with those we love.
Get down to business
Her Two Cents
Hosted by local financial advisers Laura Webb + Faith Doyle, this podcast offers a multigenerational perspective on empowering women financially. An added bonus? The hosts’ approachability and warmth make even potentially stuffy and/or intimidating topics entertaining and, we dare say, fun.
Making It In Asheville
Inspiring leaders and locals share their business advice with husband and wife team Sarah and Tony (and with you). You’ll get business resources and hear from experts in retail, food, the arts, nonprofits, wellness, and more.
Talking ‘Ship
Join Director of Venture Asheville Jeff Kaplan as he talks all things entrepreneurship and interviews local business experts about Asheville’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Dive into the news + activism
The Overlook with Matt Peiken
The audio, video, and print journalist is the host of this podcast all about Asheville and the folks behind (and at the center of) its headlines. New episodes are online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so you can listen to interviews with local government leaders, journalists, artists, and more.
Se Ve Se Escucha (Seen and Heard)
In an exploration of language justice, hosts Ada and Andrea discuss being interpreter, an organizer, and bilingual in the South as well as community impact and meaningful relationships.
This Crip Life
An Asheville FM podcast produced by DIYabled, the podcast dives deep into the lives of interesting and remarkable people who just happen to have disabilities, sharing their stories, presenting research, and offering info about activism.
Go exploring
The Pisgah Podcast
Wanna stay on top of the mountain biking scene in WNC? Then be sure to tune into this podcast, which launched in December 2020. Hosts Drew Hager + Michael McQueen discuss everything from seasonal gear and trails to local forest roads and area bike parks.
Speaking of Travel
With more than 900 episodes, this podcast — hosted by travel lover + marketing maven about town Marilyn Ball — takes you around the world by highlighting the ways travel affects our lives for the better. Go ahead and pack your bags, because these stories will give you travel inspo galore.
Immerse yourself in a hobby
Band of the Sky
For local music lovers, this podcast explored Asheville’s unique music history from the 1960s to 90s. It goes beyond musicians, songwriters, and venues, delving into how social movements such as the Asheville schools’ integration affected local music. Although the most recent episode was in 2020, you can enjoy the stories in the back catalog.
Run That Back
A 103.3 Asheville FM production, this sports talk show (with just a bit of comedy) talks to correspondents from all over the region and the world about their favorite teams, careers, and histories.
The Talking Book
Whether you’re a writer, reader, or both, this podcast — the official one of Asheville’s indie audiobook studio of the same name — lets you aurally explore readings + conversations with innovative authors.
Sample the culinary world
Consuming the Craft
Learn the stories behind your sipping. For Beer City devotees, Jeff “Puff” Irvin explores the world of craft beer and the craft beverage industry through interviews and entertainment.
The Okra Podcast
Food offers connection to community + culture, and co-hosts Rebekka White and Chris Smith — executive director of the Utopian Seed Project and author of the 2020 James Beard Award Winner The Whole Okra — use the humble and deceptively cool okra plant as the vessel in this limited series.
