Mayberry Unscripted Podcast

The stories behind America’s favorite small town are now front and center with the launch of Mayberry Unscripted, a new podcast produced by the Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority and the Tourism Partnership of Surry County.

Hosted by Mount Airy Mayor Jon Cawley and members of the Visit Mayberry tourism team — Jessica Roberts, Jenny Smith, and Jamie Johnston — Mayberry Unscripted offers listeners an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the people, businesses, and visionaries who make Mount Airy and Surry County a dynamic tourism destination.

Each episode features candid conversations with local leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers who are shaping the community’s future while honoring its rich heritage.

Recent guests include:

• Tanya Jones, Executive Director of the Surry Arts Council, sharing the origin story of Mayberry Day and her lifelong passion for the arts.
  
• Mike Cockerham, owner of Mayberry Squad Car Tours, discussing the growth of one of Mount Airy’s most iconic visitor experiences.
  

“Mount Airy is more than a nostalgic destination — it’s a living, evolving community filled with passionate people,” said Jessica Roberts, Executive Director of the Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority. “Mayberry Unscripted gives us a platform to tell those stories in a real, relatable way. It’s not scripted tourism messaging — it’s honest conversation about what makes this place special.”

The podcast highlights Mount Airy’s unique identity as the inspiration for Mayberry, its thriving arts and music culture, its growing culinary and wine scene, and its strategic location as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Yadkin Valley.

Episodes are available on major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and are promoted through Visit Mayberry’s social media channels and website.

By expanding into long-form digital storytelling, Visit Mayberry continues to position Mount Airy and Surry County as destinations rooted in authenticity, creativity, and community.

To listen on Apple Podcasts, click here

To listen on Spotify, click here