Mountain Magnolia's Podcast

Mountain Magnolia's Podcast Mary Noble Braden interviews locals to reveal the heart & soul of their community !

10/05/2026

HOLLER:

A small, narrow valley carved between two mountain ridges in the Appalachian Mountains. It almost always has a small stream or creek running through the bottom or alongside a narrow dirt or gravel road.

The Appalachian word derived from Scottish roots. Settlers in this area usually lived along the banks of the creek, with multiple family members living in the same Holler - Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Siblings...many of this area's hollers have a family name attached to them.

So, when we talk about multi-generational living around here. It's not a new thing. It's a way of life where everyone pitched in and I'm pretty sure, it's why the concept of community is so strong in this region.

Places change throughout time.
But when they are strong and deep, the values and ideals remain.

Community. It's what drives this valley.
And I'm so thankful that I get to be a part of it.

Got a story about a Holler?
Or want to tell your WNC story?
DM or reach out:
[email protected]

The Mountain Magnolia's Podcast
Revealing the Heart and Soul of this Beautiful Community


Join Mary Noble Braden at The Peri Social House Wednesday October 75:30-7:00 PMfor aFRONT PORCH SESSION WITH ANNA STEARN...
10/01/2026

Join Mary Noble Braden at The Peri Social House
Wednesday October 7
5:30-7:00 PM
for a
FRONT PORCH SESSION WITH ANNA STEARNS!

Come out for a Meet & Greet with some of our favorite community members at one of our favorite gathering spots!

See you there....



How will you be celebrating 9-2-5 day!??Comment below - I’d love to hear your Dolly Day ideas.
09/25/2026

How will you be celebrating 9-2-5 day!??

Comment below - I’d love to hear your Dolly Day ideas.

09/23/2026

Maybe belonging to a place isn’t one big thing.
Maybe it’s a hundred tiny ones.

Knowing which road turns gold first in October.

Having a table you hope is open.

Recognizing someone across the grocery store.

Knowing where the light falls at the end of the day.

Driving a road so many times you stop noticing the view—until you’ve been away.

Those are the stories we’re interested in.

What place in Western North Carolina feels like yours?
Tell us in the comments.

Supporting the women in my life that show up time and time again is really at the core of my system. Y'all already know ...
09/18/2026

Supporting the women in my life that show up time and time again is really at the core of my system.

Y'all already know that community is everything.
Start with your immediate community.
Lift them in every possible way.
And together, you will build great things that radiate out to a further community.
And then some.

And dogs.
Always include dogs.
They bring the smiles. 🐶 😁


The Mountain Magnolia's Podcast is where we share the heart and soul of this community.
Take a listen! hop into my BIO or:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2KrerdQjdAyolMjy5SXm0D?si=62fea263f0264bca

“Community is much more than belonging to something. It’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”Wi...
09/17/2026

“Community is much more than belonging to something. It’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”

With local elections coming soon, I thought it would be a great time to share my earlier conversation with Anna Sterns, who's running for Buncombe County Commissioner.
This episode is the perfect way to get your feet wet in learning just what the role of County Commissioner entails and what Anna can bring to the table.

Flashback to Episode 67 - Anna Sterns: Love for Community and Buncombe County Commission.

Anna shares her journey from growing up in Buncombe County and becoming a young mother, to building a career rooted in service, law, and advocacy. Together, they discuss Swannanoa recovery efforts, public trust, local leadership, and the importance of reconnecting face to face.

Have a listen!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fsaLZL1ZBEj4htSBFqVMo?si=C_joaRXQRSWDKLafQOYyrA
or check my bio link!

Knowledge is power, y'all.
DM me with any questions and let's lift our community every chance we get!

09/10/2026

“Food is a connection”

As we come up on the 6th year of Cousins Cuban Cafe in Black Mountain, I’m reminded of this story Betty shared on the Mountain Magnolia’s Podcast.

It’s so true- food is a memory, a connection a piece of our past and our loves, our communities, our ancestors, or even just a small moment in time. They all weave the stories.

Hear the full podcast from last year when Cousins Cuban Cafe was about to celebrate year 5 in this little mountain town and that has welcomed them with open hearts and grumbling bellies!

Episode 61 : Food is a Memory -With Betty Martinez-Sperry of Cousins Cuban Cafe.

You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen to your favorite podcasts.

Mountain Magnolia’s Podcast | Mary Noble Braden-Host
The Mountain Magnolia’s Podcast
Revealing the heart and soul of Western North Carolina.

Have a listen.
Save for later and Share this with a friend or few.
Have a coffee and Cuban Pastry while you listen! 😉

Get in on The Mountain Magnolia's Local ChallengeIf you've done all 5 of these, you're basically local.How many did you ...
09/06/2026

Get in on The Mountain Magnolia's Local Challenge

If you've done all 5 of these, you're basically local.
How many did you get? Comment the number below!

Be honest
Did you get all 5?
Most people fail #4
Take some time and drop by the The Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center in Black Mountain
and learn something new about this amazing Valley!

Comment your score below!

Want to learn even more?
Listen in on Spotify or Apple or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

The Mountain Magnolia's Podcast - head over to my bio for a link-
you'll hear locals reveal the stories that are the heart and soul, and the rich history and vibrant culture of the the Swannanoa Valley in Western North Carolina.

Address

Black Mountain, NC
28711

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