On the Porch with Jim Williams
Capturing the stories of the folks of Marion, McDowell County, and Western North Carolina. Told by those with first-hand experience.
Episodes
29 episodes
Katie Stinson - Assistant to Marion City Manager - City Clerk - Public Information Officer
Katie helps me to understand a little more about how the city government works.
Mike Conley - McDowell News
Some great stories about the big movie made in Marion. We also talk about how a small town can fight the big corporations.
1944 - An Addendum
Scott Hollifield and I read the articles we wrote in 2021 after we found the B-24.
1944: Crash of the B-24 on the Blue Ridge
Join me and the group of explorers, Walt Bagwell, Arvin Hicks, Scott Hollifield, Steve Pierce, and Dan Smith who sought, and found, the unknown location of a World War II bomber that crashed in McDowell County in 1944.
The Cruise Part 2 and Episode 25
A little housekeeping and the last two remotes from our Alaska cruise.
Jim Burgin - Jack Frost Dairy Bar
Jim and I forgo trivial issues like the origin of the universe or the ascent of man and get right to the age-old quandary of mankind, vanilla or butter pecan. Join me for one of my most pleasant interviews and get to know a very special m...
William Kehler - Emergency Services Director for McDowell County
Will and I discuss the current state of emergency services available to residents of McDowell County. We dive a little deeper and discuss the emotional and physical toll those folks pay and how their dedication allows us to have some of t...
The Cruise - Guests Mark Flick and John Dyer
It's package delivery to high school basketball as I interview two fellow passengers for a remote podcast on a rolling ship on the high seas. This one is just for fun. I hope you enjoy it.
John Bruner - Retired Paramedic for McDowell County - Commander of Bigfoot 911 Field Research Team
John and I discuss his time with McDowell County as a paramedic. Things get a little deeper when John imparts his knowledge, wisdom, and bravery in his fight against cancer. Then we go into the woods to find Bigfoot. We discus...
Walt and Jim Do Movies - Part One
Walt and I discuss a variety of movies and do a deep dive into the making of some of them. Hopefully, you will discover a few that you haven't seen and decide to watch. The insight to some of the older flicks may give you a little un...
Steve Pierce - President of McDowell Trails Association
Steve and I discuss numerous trails in Western North Carolina. Steve's vast hiking experience allows us to provide specific details about many of the trails. If you're a hiker, or just interested in North Carolina back country...
Annette Bryant - Photographer
Annette and I discuss photography from philosophy to execution. I keep bugging her until she shares some basic tricks with the i-Phone.
Alyssa Hughes - Entrepreneur
Alyssa and I discuss the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur in today's economy. We also talk about how she and her husband have shared their success with the community. You might find some good lessons in this one.
Rotary Club of Marion
Members of the Rotary Club of Marion join me to discuss the upcoming auction on October 15.
Kim Clark - Author, Historian, and Radio Personality
We discuss the Marion Massacre a little known part of Marion history. I think this is on of the most emotional episodes so far. Told eloquently by Kim Clark. Don't miss this one.
Mayor Steve Little - A return episode
Steve and I discuss trains and their effect on Marion both past and future. Listen to what is in our future.
Nora Coffey - Park Superintendent Lake James State Park
Nora and I discuss some of the many attractions at the park. Most of them are free. Maybe a couple of tales from the past and one kinky story about handcuffs. It's worth a listen.
Walt Bagwell - Walt and Jim do food
Walt Bagwell and Jim Williams, self proclaimed food experts? Muddle their way through eateries in Marion and around the country. Believe it or not, you may find a new place to visit for a great meal.
Blake and Betsy Watson Movie Stars? Entrepreneurs?
We discuss movies, Marion, and making your way in an adventurous life style. This is a fun one. Great to just sit back and listen when your traveling from point a to point b. You might learn something along the way.
Anne Landis Swann - Author, Lecturer, Historian
Life in Marion about 250 years ago. You need to be alert of those hiding in the tree line. You need to know who wants to be free and who wants to stay under English rule.
Martha Jordan Former Exec Director of the Historic Carson House
Martha and I discuss some history of the North Cove area, a couple of ghost stories, and her time at the Historic Carson House.
Molly Sandfoss County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Ext McDowell County Center
Need to know what to plant and when? This might be the episode for you. Want to learn about computers or how to use your cell phone? Molly will guide you. Don't miss this one,