Welcome back to the third episode of our four-part podcast series leading up to the Wildlife Wednesday Series on June 11 & 18!

In this episode, we get to talk with Kelly McCoy, a fisheries biologist and the founder of RiverGirl Fishing Company.

Kelly brings education, heart, and deep-rooted respect to everything she does. Whether she’s sending her guests on a kayak trip or simply encouraging visitors to pause and appreciate the wildlife around them, her mission is clear: educate, empower, and inspire stewardship.

In this conversation, Kelly shares how RiverGirl encourages ethical wildlife interaction and sustainable tourism, reminding us that the best way to love nature is to learn more about it.

Learn more & connect with RiverGirl:


Website: rivergirlfishing.com


Instagram: @rivergirlfishingco

Welcome back to the second episode of our four-part podcast series leading up to the Wildlife Wednesday Series on June 11 & 18!

Our guest, Grady “Tree” Cole is a graduate from the University of Oklahoma. He began traveling and found a career in ethical wildlife ecotourism, having led trips in Hawai’i, the Virgin Islands, and the Outer Banks. Tree enjoys helping people appreciate nature and wildlife and hopes to instill confidence in everyone’s ability to get outside and explore.

In this episode, Tree shares his thoughtful approach to interacting with wildlife, emphasizing education and ethical practices and encourages a mindset of “just enjoying the view.”

Learn more & connect with Tree:


Website: thelivelost.com

Instagram: @TourGuideTree

This episode kicks off a special four-part podcast series leading up to our Wildlife Wednesday Webinar series on June 11 & 18!

Our guest, Tal Galton, is a lifelong naturalist and founder of Snakeroot Ecotours, where he’s been guiding people through wild places for 30 years. Before launching his ecotourism business, Tal spent two decades teaching in experiential learning environments like the Arthur Morgan School and The Arete Project. He also writes a column on Appalachian ecology for Ashville's Mountain Xpress, coaches cross country, and co-founded the South Toe Conservation Fund.

In this episode, Tal shares his thoughtful approach to connecting people with place, the ethics of wildlife tourism, and how education can support conservation efforts.

Learn more & connect with Tal:


Website: snakerootecotours.com


Blog: https://www.snakerootecotours.com/blog

Instagram: @snakeroot.eco

Facebook: Snakeroot Ecotours

Join us as we talk with Maggie Moncus! A proud Yadkin County native, Maggie has always carried a deep love for her community. After earning a degree in General Marketing from Appalachian State University, she returned home to serve the place that shaped her. Now, as the Executive Assistant for both the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce and the Yadkin County Tourism Development Authority, Maggie is passionate about promoting her hometown through creative marketing, local events, and storytelling that highlights Yadkin’s charm as a hidden gem in North Carolina’s wine country. When she’s not working, you’ll find her adventuring with her yellow lab, Charlee, or enjoying everything the state has to offer.

Stay connected with what’s happening in Yadkin County by following:

Instagram: @visityadkinnc

Website: VisitYadkin.com

Facebook: Visit Yadkin

Join us as we talk with Cynthia Ellis, founder of C. Ellis Management, who’s passionate about helping people succeed. Cynthia is a Small Business Consultant and Growth Strategist based in North Carolina with 28 years of experience in the retail, banking, and healthcare industries. As a 12-year business consultant, she focuses on the positive impact of economic development in communities as a whole, and in the lives of entrepreneurs. She is the Founder and CEO of C. Ellis Management LLC and Co-founder of Raising the Barr Nonprofit Organization.

Find Cynthia on her socials below:

TikTok: c@ellismgmt

Instagram: @cellismgmt

Threads: @cellismgmt

Facebook: Biz Coach C

Website: www.cellismgmt.com

Truth, Entertainment & Legacy: The Art of Storytelling

Join us as we talk with Tyler Halstead, Director of Exhibitions and Collections at the Siamese Twins Museum, part of the Surry Arts Council in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Tyler shares his journey from earning a BFA in Arts and Visual Culture at Appalachian State University to fulfilling his dream of working in the museum field. With a passion for arts, history, and storytelling- fueled by the support of his mother and wife- Tyler plays a key role in preserving and sharing the legacy of Eng and Chang Bunker. Tune in to learn more about history, heritage, and the power of storytelling in rural spaces!

Explore the Siamese Twins Museum and other venues under the Surry Arts Council online:

Website: surryarts.org

Facebook: Surry Arts Council

Instagram: @surryartscouncil

And be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing at uplifttourism.com.

Join us as we chat with Tony Waldron at the Flying Disc Clubhouse, where disc golf meets and local history in rural Caswell County. Discover how a historic 1936 cabin and its surrounding land were transformed into a community-driven destination, blending the love of private disc golf courses and local storytelling.

We’ll dive into the rise of disc golf tourism, the benefits of private courses, and how Tony and his wife Gillian started their journey.

Find the Flying Disc Clubhouse online:

flyingdiscbeer.com

Instagram: @flyingdiscclubhouse

Facebook: Flying Disc Clubhouse

And be sure to stay up to date with what UPLIFT is doing at uplifttourism.com!

Join us as we talk with Dwayne Patterson, former Director of NC State Parks, about his impactful career in public service. Dwayne secured historic funding, helped to expand park lands, and increased diversity in park ranger hires. We’ll explore his legacy, from launching the Schools in Parks program to shaping policies that enhance access and inclusion. Tune in for insights on leadership, people skills, and the future of outdoor recreation in North Carolina. To learn more about the parks you can visit ncparks.gov and be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is up to at uplifttourism.com!

Join us as we talk with Dr. Lisa Nelson, a passionate cycling advocate who founded The Black Farm Tour to highlight black farmers, economic empowerment, and community. Inspired by her work with Triangle Bike Works, she turned long-distance cycling into a tool for education, connection, and change. Now in its fourth year, the tour brings riders together to explore history, support black-owned farms, and build a stronger future. Tune in to hear how she’s using cycling to reclaim narratives and create lasting impact. Learn more at www.trianglebikeworks.org, www.blackfarmtour.us, and https://youtu.be/P2r_TOVqmrE. Also, be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing at www.uplifttourism.com!

Get ready for an unforgettable night of style, sound, and culture. Join us as we talk with Jennifer Everett about the 3rd annual Queens March, happening March 26 at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. This passion project is more than just an event. It’s a movement, celebrating the diverse talents, gifts, and voices of women. From live performances to fashion, art, and mentorship, Queens March is all about creating opportunities for women to share their gifts and be uplifted.

Be part of this celebration and show us what you’re working with! Learn more and get your tickets at www.cltqueens.com/events/queens-march-2025 and stay updated with UPLIFT at www.uplifttourism.com!