Mayberry Unscripted – Episode 3

Special Guest: Tanya Jones, Executive Director of the Surry Arts Council

In Episode 3 of Mayberry Unscripted, Mayor Jon Cawley joins the “3 J’s” of the Visit Mayberry tourism team—Jenny, Jamie, and Jessica—for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Tanya Jones, Executive Director of the Surry Arts Council.

Tanya shares her story of growing up with a deep appreciation for creativity and community, and how her early experiences shaped a lifelong passion for the arts. From small-town roots to leading one of the region’s most influential cultural organizations, she reflects on the mentors, moments, and milestones that guided her journey.

The conversation dives into the transformative power of the arts in Mount Airy and Surry County—how music, theatre, visual arts, and heritage programming help preserve the spirit of “Mayberry” while also driving tourism and economic impact. Tanya speaks candidly about the role the Arts Council plays in stewarding treasured local assets like the Andy Griffith Museum and the Siamese Twins Museum, and how those attractions connect visitors to authentic storytelling.

A highlight of the episode is Tanya’s behind-the-scenes account of how the very first Mayberry Day came to life—an idea rooted in community pride that blossomed into a signature event now woven into the fabric of Mount Airy’s identity. She shares the challenges, the unexpected wins, and the heart behind creating a celebration that continues to bring locals and visitors together year after year.

Full of laughter, reflection, and hometown pride, this episode explores how arts and culture aren’t just entertainment—they’re the heartbeat of a community.

🎙 Tune in to hear how one woman’s passion for the arts helped shape the Mayberry experience we know and love today.

In Episode 2 of Mayberry Unscripted, hosts Jenny Smith and Jamie Johnston sit down with Mike Cockerham, owner of Mayberry Squad Car Tours, for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the power of storytelling in tourism.

Mike shares the origin story of Squad Car Tours—from the spark of an idea rooted in Mount Airy’s Mayberry legacy to turning that vision into one of the town’s most recognizable visitor experiences. He candidly discusses the challenges he faced along the way, including startup hurdles, operational growing pains, and the work required to keep an experience both authentic and engaging year after year.

The episode also explores the broader impact Squad Car Tours has had on Mount Airy’s tourism economy and community identity. Mike reflects on how the tours help connect visitors to the spirit of Mayberry, support local businesses, and create lasting memories for guests from around the world. Throughout the conversation, Jenny and Jamie highlight how Mike’s passion and persistence exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape Mount Airy as a welcoming and vibrant destination.

This episode offers listeners an inside look at what it takes to build a successful tourism business—and why experiences like Squad Car Tours play such a vital role in keeping Mayberry’s story alive.

Episode 1: “Talkin’ Tourism”

Welcome to the very first episode of Mayberry: Unscripted. In this debut conversation, we’re setting the stage by talking about one of the driving forces behind Mount Airy’s growth and vitality—tourism.

Host Mayor Jon Cawley is joined by special guests Jessica Icenhour Roberts, Jamie Johnston, and Jenny Smith, the team behind Visit Mayberry, for an open and engaging discussion about what tourism really means to this community. From first impressions and favorite local moments to the strategy, storytelling, and collaboration that happen behind the scenes, this episode offers listeners a candid look at how Mount Airy is shared with the world.

The conversation explores how the idea of “Mayberry” has evolved—from its pop-culture roots to a modern destination built on authentic experiences, welcoming people, and local pride. The guests discuss how tourism supports small businesses, creates jobs, fuels events and attractions, and helps preserve the character of the town while embracing new opportunities.

Listeners will also get to know the personalities behind the promotion—why they’re passionate about Mount Airy, what makes this place different from anywhere else, and how they balance nostalgia with innovation. Along the way, they share personal stories, insights into current initiatives, and a preview of what’s ahead for both the podcast and the destination.

“Talkin’ Tourism” is an introduction not just to the podcast, but to the heart of Mayberry today. Whether you’re a longtime local, a frequent visitor, or someone who’s only heard of Mayberry through television lore, this episode invites you into the conversation and sets the tone for the stories to come.

This is where it begins—real talk, real people, and the real Mayberry.