Natures Edge with Dale Stewart

When Sonny Ledford teaches others about Cherokee culture, he says, “I tell about how I grew up, from a child to a man.” As a small child growing up in Birdtown, Ledford spoke Cherokee, and he only began to learn English when it became a practical necessity for enrolling in kindergarten. His mother, a member of the Bird Clan, and his father, a member of the Long Hair Clan, both spoke Cherokee as their first language, and were deeply versed in the tribe’s history and traditions of artistry. Geneva Teesatuskie Ledford, his mother, was from the Snowbird Community. He remembers times when she wrapped loads of baskets that she had made in a large sheet-which she carried on her back with the top of the sheet tied around her shoulders and the bottom tied to her waist, the same way that she carried her children when she gardened-and walked all the way to Cherokee to sell her work. His mother taught him to do the beadwork that he continues today. Noah Ledford, Sr., his father, taught him about woodcarving, and told him many of the traditions about his people that he now shares in his lectures, and in his travels teaching. His father told him, “Use a stern voice when talking about your people.” Following that advice, Ledford presents Cherokee history in a way that is both passionate and authoritative. Sonny Ledford is one of the seven original members of the Warriors of Ani Kituwah, a dancing group that performs and teaches traditional Cherokee dance. He learned the old songs and dances from family members and other elders of his people, especially his mentor Walker Calhoun. Ledford has been employed by the Cherokee Historical Association for over twenty years, as was his mother, who dedicated twenty-two years to the Association. He lectures and demonstrates at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Though he cautions that he is no longer fluent in the language, as he was when he was a child, Ledford can assist with Cherokee language instruction. For more information about Sonny go to: https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/artist/sonny-ledford/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Richard Wiese, an American explorer, is the author of the guidebook, Born to Explore: How to Be a Backyard Adventurer. In 2002 he was the youngest man to become president of the Explorers Club. He is the 44th president of the club. For more information on Richard go to https://www.borntoexplore.net/richard-wiese Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Nick Kapustin is the Deputy Zoo Administrator and Veterinarian at the Greenville Zoo. Nick comes on the show today and talks about the new "happenings" at the Greenville Zoo.

An experienced non-profit manager, raised in rural Cherokee County, Alabama. Angie co-founded One World Adventure Company, an Outdoor Education 501(c)3 and is responsible for the growth of the organization over the past decade. She is actively engaged in the growth of my region steering a sustainable tourism industry and outdoor community programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. Accomplishments - 2010-2012 Alabama Clean Water Partnership: Chair-Upper Coosa Watershed Committee. - 2012 Thrive 2055 16 county regional planning committee-Chattanooga, TN - 2013 Environmental Education Association of Alabama. Board of Directors - 2014 The Lookout Mountain Gateway Trail Project. Founding member - 2014-2017 Progressive Women of Northeast Alabama. Fundraising Chair - 2015 Recipient of The Times Journal award 40 under 40 for Leadership, service and commitment to progress in DeKalb county, Alabama. -2015 Recipient of the Alabama Dept. of Tourism PEAK Award - Top Attraction -2017 Recipient of Alabama River's Alliance - River Hero Award One World Adventure Company is a grass-roots non profit founded in 2008. Our goals are to create self and environmental awareness through Fun Outdoor Education experiences. Programs consist of Residential and Travel camps for youth, young adults, families and individuals. Our school outreach programs are custom designed to suite teachers needs and can cater to any specific learning goals. We offer local adventure trips in the Mentone and surrounding areas for groups of walks of life. One World is also the Little River Waterkeeper, serving the residents of the Little River Watershed. We educate and advocate for clean healthy water, so many generations will enjoy the pristine waters of Little River. For more info about Angie and One Wold Adventure go to: https://www.oneworldadventure.org/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

A 15-year veteran with more than 75 professional and consumer audio technology products under his belt, Dan discovered lots of pain in creating a professional podcast… despite being a giant audio nerd! About Auxbus: Our mission is to develop technology that brings clarity to speech, and makes audio content creation accessible to the world. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Auxbus team shares a common goal of eliminating obstacles that stand between audio content creators and their audience. We’re helping you sound clever, conversational, creative, and in control of your audio – clearly. For more info about Dan and Auxbus check out https://www.auxbus.com/ Auxbux is offering, "Natures Edge" listeners a free upgrade. Go to https://www.auxbus.com/ and click on the BETA link on the top right and enter promo code, "DALE" for unlimited access Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Katrina received her PhD in microbiology from the University of California Davis, and joined the Alaska SeaLife Center as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Tuula Hollmen’s Eider Laboratory in 2011. She became a Scientist at the Alaska SeaLife Center in 2015. Her research interests include microbiology, immunology and cell biology. Her projects are focused on infectious disease and immunology in marine animals and coastal ecosystem processes and bioindicators. She primarily employs biochemical and molecular methods in her research. For more information about Katrina goto: https://www.alaskasealife.org/eidervft_meetkatrina Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

A complete anomaly to the modern music scene, Justin Johnson has forged an iron-clad name for himself and developed a worldwide fanbase, all as an independent artist, with no label or industry support whatsoever. Armed with nothing more than his own signature sound and a desire to connect every day with fans of that sound, Justin has created a Social Media following of well over a million fans on Facebook and YouTube, and 50,000+ followers on Instagram. Justin has been declared a “must-see act” by Guitar World, lauded as an “American Master” by John Carter Cash, and a “musical visionary” by Ted Nugent.. He has had his “funk” praised by Bootsy Collins, and his musical approach described as “timeless” by North Mississippi Allstar frontman Luther Dickinson. He has been recognized as Slidestock International Slide Guitar Champion, and his original music has been licensed to Wieden & Kennedy, Dodge Motor Co, Ken Burns, Florentine Films, the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, PBS, scores of independent film, and the list keeps growing. When legendary filmmaker David Lynch was recently asked by Pitchfork Magazine what current musical artist he'd most like to work with, he cited Justin Johnson. For more info on Justin go to: OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.JustinJohnsonLive.com YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/justinjohnsonlive FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/JustinJohnsonLive INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/justinjohnsonlive TWITTER: www.twitter.com/justinjohnson11 OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE: www.JustinJohnsonLive.com/store.html

Kevin is recognized worldwide for his wildlife photography and was selected to represent the USA Team in 2017 in the Professional Photographic World Cup which the USA won! His passion for capturing intense moments in animal behavior has earned him many awards including the Top 40 International Photographers of Africa Geographic, Wildlife On The Move and semi- finalist for Nature’s Best and Nature’s Best Africa. He has recently accepted invitations to teach workshops in the Professional Photographers of America and will be inducted into the PPA Master of Photography, Jan. 2020. Kevin has been featured in Yahoo News, June 2019, and The Daily Mail News, UK , Feb 2019.Kevin is also a qualified South Africa Field Guide which enables him to teach wildlife lessons as well as photography. For more information about Kevin goto: http://www.kevinsphotography.com/ or http://www.idubephotosafaris.com/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Matt Godfrey is currently CEO at Alpine Towers International, Inc. and founder/owner of Periscope Solutions, LLC in Asheville, NC. He supports companies in all stages of development and growth. He prioritizes establishing or rebuilding a platform where leadership avoids the pitfall of becoming entangled in daily operations and losing site of the horizon. It’s hard to navigate from the engine room!! For thirteen years, Matt worked for a fortune 500 company, winning many accolades and promotions along the way. For the past 5 years, Matt has been deeply engaged in the entrepreneurial community of Western NC. For more information about Matt and his current projects goto: https://www.mountainbizworks.org/waypoint/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Tick season is here, and Dale has the perfect guest on Nature's Edge this afternoon. Join Dale and his guest Dr. Michael Miller at 5:30pm on Biz Radio WZGM 1350 am, Asheville: https://tunein.com/radio/Biz-Radio-1350-s23339. Dr. Michael Miller was with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta for 35 years until his retirement. After the anthrax attack in Washington DC, for five years he led the development and operation of the Laboratory Response Network - the LRN- a consortium of the nation’s reference laboratories for the detection and confirmation of agents of bioterrorism. He served as the Chief Science officer for a major infectious disease center that was responsible for CDC’s responses to all foodborne, vector-borne, enteric, water-borne, zoonotic, and most viral diseases, healthcare associated infections, and bioterrorism laboratories. Currently, he is the Director of Microbiology Technical Services, LLC which is a private clinical microbiology consulting service for hospital and private laboratories throughout the U.S. If you miss the radio broadcast you may listen 24/7 to the podcast version: buzzsprout.com/23941

Christian MacLeod is the Cryptid Guy. Founder, director, and lead investigator of the Asheville Cryptid Society, he has over twenty years of experience investigating Cryptid and Paranormal activities. With a passion for studying and preserving The Native American Tribe culture, folklore, and legends, he also knows about dealing with topics such as The Occult, UFO’s, Forbidden Archeology, The Freemasons, The Knights Templar, Secret Societies and many other Governmental cover-up allegations and Conspiracy theories. Christian holds a Bachelor’s level degree in Psychology and minor in Criminology from the University of South Florida, as well as a Master’s of Arts and Teaching (MAT) from Western Carolina University and working towards a second Master’s Degree in American History. For more info about Christian go to: https://www.cryptidguy.com/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Bill is the founder of the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. The Bull Riding Hall of Fame is created to recognize, commemorate and celebrate the bull riders, bull fighters, the bulls, stock contractors, events and individuals that have made a history making impact and have achieved exemplary excellence in the sport. Through the efforts and vision of the directors, administrators, committee members, founding members and sponsors, The Bull Riding Hall of Fame is established with a mission for growth, service and a passion of purpose. The Bull Riding Hall of Fame is an organization with global membership made available to enthusiasts of the sport worldwide. For more info about Bill and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame Go to: http://www.the-bull-riding-hall-of-fame.com/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Bob Plott is a third great grandson of (Johannes) George Plott who first brought the Plott bear hounds to America in the mid-18th century, and he is a great-great nephew of Henry Plott who introduced the breed to the Great Smoky Mountains in the early 1800's. He has spent most of his professional life working as either a manufacturing executive or a martial arts instructor, although for the last ten years he has been employed in the NASCAR racing industry. Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Ever since she was a child, Stephanie has felt a strong connection with nature. She embraces the importance of living as a part of the natural world, rather than separate from it. And she knows that sharing that connectivity is critical to protecting nature on a global scale. She’s worked with – and learned from – biologists, conservation leaders, CEOs, farmers and fisherman in Africa, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the United States. As a wildlife conservation professional, she’s committed to raising awareness about the disconnect between modern society and the natural world. And she’s determined to explore and share how each of us can use our specific talents and skills to bridge that gap to make our planet a healthier place for generations to come. Today, she is not only the host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom but also a public speaker on global efforts in conservation and sustainability. Her insight has earned her a seat on the International Union of Conservation Nature’s (IUCN), Education and Communication Commission. Recently, Stephanie became a Deep Elite Ambassador for Scubapro; named Ambassador for the Planet by the Wyland Foundation; was profiled in Dive Alert Magazine; joined the advisory council for Ecology Project International, and became co-founder of The Creative Animal Foundation. Stephanie has become a regular on Harry Connick Jr.’s daytime show, “Harry!” as well as The Weather Channel, and Animal Planet’s, “Animal Nation” with comedian, Anthony Anderson. She’s also been featured on an episode of the HGTV series “Tiny House, Big Living”, kicking off the 2017 tiny house tour for the Creative Animal Foundation. To learn more or book Stephanie to speak at your school, zoo, corporation, TV program, radio, or news station, Contact Us. Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Lucia is an Outreach Program Manager with the Dogwood Alliance. She is a "Wetland Wonderer". Lucia comes to Dogwood from the Forest Service where she was a Public Affairs Specialist. Her work in Environmental & Wildlife Biology has taken her all over the country and to Africa and Mexico. Lucia holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Organizational Psychology from the University of San Diego in addition to a BS Wildlife Habitat Management from Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys being with friends, listening to live music, and exploring. She loves skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and trying new restaurants and breweries. For more info on Lucia and the Dogwood Alliance go to: https://www.dogwoodalliance.org/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Jim Warren is the Executive Director of The Carolina Raptor Center Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) ignites imaginations and inspires engagement in the natural world through the exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Our 3/4 mile Raptor Trail is an educational visitor attraction that displays over 30 different species of raptors in Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Our Jim Arthur Raptor Medical Center treats over 900 raptors a year, releasing almost 70% of the birds that live for the first 24 hours back into the wild. Every year, more than 67,000 people visit us or participate in our education programs, and over half a million engage with us through media like Keeper Talks, EagleCam, a live streaming television feed of our resident bald eagles, or our raptor rehab blog. For More info go to: https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/carolina-raptor-center Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Kix Brooks was born and raised in Shreveport, LA where he hit the ground running and has never slowed down. He got into music at a young age which eventually lead him to Nashville where he started his career writing hit songs for other artists such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Highway 101, and John Conlee. In 1990 Kix teamed with Ronnie Dunn to form Brooks & Dunn, who are the highest selling duo in the history of country music. They sold more than 30 million records, won more than 75 major industry awards, and had 20 #1 hits during their 20-year run together. Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Josie Passantino, known as the radio sweetheart, is a multi-award winning host, with multi-award winning brands under her full network, The Josie Network of Brands. The Josie Network is the leader in cutting-edge brand CEO/Brand – The Josie Network of Brands www.thejosienetwork.com Brands Radio Show Founder/Owner/Host – The Josie Show (award-winning) www.josieshow.comCo-Owner with Tinamarie Passantino – Cosmetic/Hair Care Brand “Confidently Ready by Josie Passantino” www.confidentlyready.comRadio Station Owner/General Manager – Country Blast Radio (Licensed/award-winning)www.countryblastradio.comCo- Owner with Tinamarie Passantino – The Josie Music Awards www.josiemusicawards.comAuthor – Published Book “The Artist Collection”Host – Season I and II of “The Dream Quest Challenge”Singer/SongwriterLive Event Host Owner – “Chic Ready Pet Boutique” giving back to animal charitiesOwner – Indie Star EntertainmentCo-Owner with Tinamarie Passantino – The Independent Country Music Hall of FameNatures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit that coordinates the needs of wildlife rehabilitation in Western North Carolina providing care for injured and orphaned wildlife, support for the wildlife rehabilitation network and conservation education to the community. For more information about Appalachian Wild go to https://www.appalachianwild.org/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart

Paddling season is upon us! Justin Thompson with Southern Raft Supply and Watershed Drybags is in studio Justin talks with Dale about finding out what your skill level is, and buying the correct gear for your skill level. Justin is also one of the founders of the French Broad River Fest, which is coming up the first weekend in May..For more info about Southern raft supply go to https://www.southernraft.com/ or Watershed Drybags go to https://www.drybags.com/ or The French Broad River Fest go to http://www.frenchbroadriverfestival.com/ Natures Edge with Dale Stewart Natures Edge, explores a wide range of topics that aim to immerse the listener in the wonder, surprise and importance that nature has to offer. Dale Stewart is known worldwide as a naturalist, explorer, adventurist, and conservationist. He is also a published author and speaker, who still seeks that next great challenge. He has devoted much of his life to exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and living with and learning from indigenous people along the way. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Edge-with-Dale-Stewart