Best Smokies Life Podcasts (2025)

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11 - Wanted William Bradford Bishop 1:04:06

11d ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna speak with Laura Riste about the disappearance of William Bradford Bishop. Bishop disappeared in 1976 after slaughtering his family. If you have any information please contact your local FBI office. This episode was previously published on May 1st, 2023 on Missing. Thank you to Lau…

1
10 - Dennis Martin - Missing in the Smokies 1:13:32

11d ago1:13:32

1:13:32

In this episode, Tim Pilleri, Lance Reenstierna, and Jennifer Amell speak about the mysterious disappearance of Dennis Lloyd Martin from the Great Smokey Mountains National Park on June 14th, 1969. And we play clips from a conversation with researcher ⁠Laura Riste⁠ about Dennis's disappearance. This episode was previously published on May 4th, 2023…

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9 - Polly Melton - Missing in the Smokies 1:00:58

11d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

In this episode ⁠Crawlspace Media⁠'s Tim Pilleri, Lance Reenstierna and Jennifer Amell discuss the disappearance of Thelma Pauline Melton from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. This episode was previously published on March 9th, 2023 on Missing. On an idyllic summer afternoon while hiking with her friends in the Great Smoky Moun…

1
Episode 232: Oh, Herbert Morrison 22:40

15d ago22:40

22:40

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. On June 13th, 2025, I'll do a special, one-night-only live show at the Tribeca Audio Festival in New York City, joined by two of the audiobook's readers: Carrie Coon and L…

1
Episode 231: On Dexter Avenue 17:54

29d ago17:54

17:54

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. During mid-May, 2025, I'm doing a Midwestern book tour, with stops in Minneapolis, Cincinatti, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Find out more at www.thememorypalace.us/events. T…

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8 - New Trenny Gibson Updates w/ Laura Riste 1:33:11

1M ago1:33:11

1:33:11

In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Laura Riste about the mysterious disappearance of Trenny Gibson from the Smoky Mountain National Park on October 8th, 1976. This is part 8 of our series on Trenny Gibson. Laura's FB page for Trenny: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/searching.for.trenny⁠. Laura Riste's site devoted to Trenny…

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#77 | Learning Life’s Greatest Lessons Through Faith, Struggles, and Change - Michael Wahl 1:01:05

1M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Sometimes our most profound lessons aren't learned in the classroom, but in the school of life. Michael Wahl shares how God used real-life experiences to prepare him for his ultimate calling: sharing God's love with others. Michael grew up with struggles like dyslexia and a stutter, but never allowed those challenges to hold him back. He and his be…

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Happy Earth Day 2025! 12:50

1M ago12:50

12:50

Happy Earth Day! There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now when it comes to the environmental health of our planet. Political leaders seem unable or unwilling to take action on climate change. And we continue our rapid loss of biodiversity. But I wanted to give you a little hope on this special day by sharing a little different perspecti…

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Episode 230: Helen Hulick Takes the Stand 15:48

1M ago15:48

15:48

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. During mid-April, 2025, I'm doing a southern book tour, with stops in San Antonio, Houston, Gainesville, Montgomery, New Orleans, and Oxford. Find out more at www.thememor…

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19 Cats and Counting Episode 144 Trap, Neuter, Revolution: How One Woman’s Mission Transformed a Town 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

What do you do when there are so many community cats outside, and they keep having more and more kittens? If you’re Jan Leonard, you don’t wait for someone to fix the problem: you create your own solution. Backwoods TNR is a non-profit organization in Clinton, Louisiana, was created by Jan when she saw that no one else was helping these cats. Their…

1
Episode 229: Teammates 15:56

2M ago15:56

15:56

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. During mid-April, 2025, I'm doing a southern book tour, with stops in San Antonio, Houston, Gainesville, Montgomery, New Orleans, and Oxford. Find out more at www.thememor…

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Mustang Week Texas 1st Annual Event 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

This podcast is all about Mustang Week Texas in Galveston, Texas 2025. For the first time since Mustang Week has been running it will have a second event in another location outside of Myrtle Beach and it promises to be amazing and fun filled for Mustang enthusiasts. Listen in as Lance talks with James Lawrence of Mustang Week and Power Auto Media …

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19 Cats and Counting Episode 143 Animal Communicator Kara of Pet’s Eye View 36:58

2M ago36:58

36:58

Do you believe in animal communicators? Linda was skeptical and Rita did not think it was possible, until we met Kara Udziela from Pets Eye View. Kara told us things she could not have known! So what's the point? What if we told you a good animal communicator can tell you about pain and illnesses your cat is hiding? What if you were accidentally do…

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19 Cats and Counting Episode 142 Saving Smoky: How One Cat Sparked a Movement to Cure FIP 30:19

2M ago30:19

30:19

FIP affects 1 - 2 percent of the cat population. Historically, 96% of cats with FIP did not survive. While it is not common for cats to develop FIP, all cats are at risk, even if they are kept indoors. Peter Cohen's beloved cat, Smoky was diagnosed with FIP at 17 weeks and was one of the first cats to be cured with an experimental trial. To honor S…

1
Episode 228: Free Time 12:18

2M ago12:18

12:18

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit …

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#76 | Green Beret Amputee Who Still Commands 3rd Group and Founded Gold Star Teen Adventures - Kent Solheim 1:11:28

2M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

While he was born in the United States, Kent spent the majority of his growing-up years in Canada, where he met his wife, Trina, at a summer camp. After trying his hand at bicycle racing he and his wife made the decision to become a military couple. He would become selected for Special Forces and, during a mission in Iraq, lose his leg in a firefig…

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Episode 227: A Brief Note Written After Learning the National Parks Service Removed the word Transgender from Stonewall' 13:29

3M ago13:29

13:29

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit …

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#75 | Born on the 4th of July: The Green Beret Commander Who Lost His Leg—but Never Quit Fighting - John Wayne Walding 1:37:44

3M ago1:37:44

1:37:44

John Wayne will be the first to tell you not to believe his resume and all the accolades because that doesn't tell the full story. Growing up with his grandparents because of his parents' struggle with drug use was the beginning of a life filled with curve balls, trials, and lessons learned. But John decided early on to live the life of a victor an…

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#74 | From New Jersey to Haiti to Franklin: One Family's Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Leadership - Danny Antoine 1:15:20

3M ago1:15:20

1:15:20

A household name in Franklin, NC, "Mr. Danny" and his beautiful wife, Mary, have made such a difference in our town. Yes, they own and operate the karate school, but they do so much more. They are mentors to so many young people and their parents in our community. But life hasn't always been easy. Danny shares about growing up, all the adventures, …

1
Episode 176: The Air and the Sea and the Land 21:42

3M ago21:42

21:42

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit …

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#73 | Anchored by Faith: One Woman's Courageous Journey Through Alcoholism and Family Mental Illness - Loretta Newton 1:08:38

3M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

Loretta Newton does not shy away from a challenge. From helping support and love on her siblings with their mental health, facing everyday challenges and sticking with her sobriety for over 30 years, Loretta knows where her strength comes from and she does not shy away from giving God credit for carrying her through. This is a wonderful story that …

1
19 Cats and Counting Episode 141 Multi-Cat Households 30:33

3M ago30:33

30:33

So, you’ve decided to have more than one cat. Congratulations! You’ve officially leveled up in the game of feline companionship. While single-cat life has its perks, nothing beats the chaos, comedy, and cuddles of a multi-cat household. But let’s be honest—living with multiple cats isn’t all synchronized purring and Instagram-worthy group naps. It’…

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Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski Ate Around the World With Your Favorite Celebrities. These Are the Meals That Still Haunt Him 33:22

3M ago33:22

33:22

Antoni Porowski, our favorite culinary expert from Queer Eye, takes you behind-the-scenes of his new National Geographic show, No Taste Like Home (premiering February 23, 2025). In this episode, he shares the connection that sent him crying off camera with Awkwafina, the dish that defeated his adventurous palate with Henry Golding, and how his Poli…

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#72 | Hearts in Haiti: A Missionary Family’s Story of Service and Separation - Pastor Maxeau, Anne, and Samuel 1:06:04

4M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Most of the time, stories of tragedy in other countries are just that… stories. But for our guests today, those stories of tragedy, corruption, gangs, and literally running for your life are all a part of their daily lives. Pastor Maxeau and Momma Anne both grew up in Haiti and came to know Jesus at a young age in a culture that does not celebrate …

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Episode 226: A Wild One 11:59

4M ago11:59

11:59

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit …

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19 Cats and Counting Episode 140 Spay/Neuter Saves Lives 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

Spring is coming up fast, and with spring comes kitten season. With rescues and shelters already overpopulated, what is the answer? Preventing those kittens from being born in the first place. Join Linda and Rita as they talk with Brianna Lovell Myers, Director of United Spay Alliance and their Fix By Five initiative. Find out how United Spay Allia…

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Tom Mangelsen: Grizzy 399 and confessions of a wildlife photographer 40:34

4M ago40:34

40:34

Tom Mangelsen is one of the most gifted and prolific wildlife photographers of our time. He may be best known for documenting the life of Grizzly Bear 399 in and around Teton National Park in Wyoming. I’ve spent thousands of hours alongside, and guiding some of the best wildlife photographers in the world, but I’ve never been lucky enough to spend …

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#71 | From California to France to Boone, NC: The Journey of a Chocolatier - Suzanne Clouzeau 1:05:55

4M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

When we met Suzanne at Grandfather Vineyard in Boone, NC, we were able to see her passion and love for being a chocolatier. Little did we know all the fun experiences that led her to finding that passion. Suzanne has traveled the world, worked in the film industry and is now a successful business owner who is watching and helping her community rebu…

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Yellowstone National Park: Celebrity bears, and a tale of two trout 45:28

4M ago45:28

45:28

You can’t come to Yellowstone without thinking about the grizzly bear. This thriving ancient ecosystem is like a sacred space for them. And a critical source for food which they are constantly in search of in order to get the needed calories that will sustain them through their long winter sleep. But what many grizzly bear lovers might not think ab…

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#70 | From Stock Broker to Film Chef to Marketing Ninja: One Entrepreneur's Unconventional Path - Calvin Rouse 1:07:20

4M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Calvin had three professional goals in life; to be a stock broker, to be a chef, and to work in marketing. He was very goal-oriented early on. That, combined with his work ethic and charming personality, opened doors to amazing, challenging, and fun opportunities. Join us to see how he’s doing and where he is with regard to fulfilling those goals. …

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A harsh life among ‘super over-caffeinated’ penguins (reprise) 30:16

4M ago30:16

30:16

Behind most wildlife documentaries is someone who has spent countless hours, often in challenging conditions, waiting for that perfect shot. Chris talks to filmmakers Jeff Wilson and Mark Smith about their experience filming Adelie penguins for four months in Antarctica. With wind gusts up to 150 miles per hour it is one of the coldest and harshest…

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19 Cats and Counting Episode 139 Feeding Fears: Bird Flu and the Raw Diet Debate 34:14

4M ago34:14

34:14

There’s no doubt that raw food for our cats and dogs has arguably been the number one choice, touted by veterinarians and pet experts alike. Closer to what cats and dogs would eat in nature, the benefits of feeding raw range from improved appetite, weight management, and healthier skin and coats. However, our love of the raw diet has now been tarni…

1
Episode 225: Emma and the Trail 23:40

4M ago23:40

23:40

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm. The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit …

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Sepia Tones: Exploring Black Appalachian Music—E6: Hip-hop in the Heart of Appalachia 35:46

4M ago35:46

35:46

Dr. William Turner and Dr. Ted Olson talk to Geonoah Davis and Kelly Thompson, two artists whose hip-hop sounds are expanding traditional ideas about music in Appalachia. Borrowing from a generations-old African American heritage of spoken word expression, rap and hip-hop echo a long narrative tradition of African American cultural survival against…

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#69 | A Guardian, Warrior, and Champion of Love and Resilience - Vanessa Hendriks Cook 1:25:14

5M ago1:25:14

1:25:14

To know Vanessa is to love her. You can't be around her too long without seeing her beautiful smile, finding a listening ear, and receiving words of wisdom and encouragement. Vanessa has had her share of challenges, but she chooses to take life's lemons and make lemonade. She epitomizes taking what life has to offer and learning to find the good. S…

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Zoë Schlanger: Do plants think? Why eating a salad may never feel the same again 50:59

5M ago50:59

50:59

Maybe you’re eating an apple, or a piece of lettuce right now. Could be a broccoli stem or perhaps a lovely juicy tomato. If you are, are you wondering how intelligent that plant is? I’d guess not. But here’s a conversation that might make you think twice. Zoë Schlanger, a science writer for the Atlantic, has written an eye-opening book on the topi…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Smokies Life Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen