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.