Mayberry: Unscripted is a storytelling podcast that goes beyond the black-and-white nostalgia to reveal the real people, places, and passion that make Mount Airy, North Carolina—known to many as the inspiration for Mayberry—so special today.
Hosted by Mount Airy Mayor Jon Cawley alongside members of the Visit Mayberry tourism team, Mayberry: Unscripted offers candid conversations with the individuals who shape this community every day. From small business owners and artists to winemakers, musicians, civic leaders, and longtime locals, each episode shares authentic stories that connect Mount Airy’s rich heritage with its vibrant present and promising future.
Listeners will hear how a small town became a beloved cultural touchstone—and how it continues to evolve. Episodes explore local traditions, signature events, food and drink, outdoor adventures, creative entrepreneurship, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that support tourism, economic development, and community pride. Along the way, the hosts spotlight a featured attraction, restaurant, or local business, giving listeners a true insider’s guide to experiencing Mayberry beyond the postcards.
Whether you grew up watching The Andy Griffith Show, have visited Mount Airy once and want to come back, or are discovering Mayberry for the first time, this podcast invites you to see the town through a fresh lens. It’s honest, conversational, and rooted in the belief that Mayberry is more than a place—it’s a state of mind.
Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and join us for stories that celebrate connection, character, and community. This is Mayberry—unscripted.