The Backbone

Sarah Myers
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The Backbone is a storytelling podcast from Deep Creek and Western Maryland, featuring community conversations, narrated feature stories, and reflections on what it’s really like to live and work in our mountain region. From interviews with the people behind local businesses, organizations, and events to long-form features and everyday observations, this podcast is about the people, places, and moments that shape life here. Produced by Backbone Media MD and local partners DeepCreekTimes.com and The Lakefront Magazine.

Episodes

  1. It Just Sounded Cool

    6H AGO

    It Just Sounded Cool

    Brooks Mead, an 18-year-old from Garrett County, Maryland, shares his recent mountaineering and ice climbing experience as part of an intro to mountaineering class. The conversation covers his enrollment, course components, preparation, gear, accommodations, climbing equipment, hiking experience, ice climbing, and avalanche safety, as well as his learning and takeaways from the experience. Takeaways Mountaineering and ice climbing experiencePreparation and gear for mountaineeringLearning and takeaways from the experience Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background20:20 Accommodations and Shelters25:43 Learning and Takeaways

    14 min
  2. The Scariest Thing I've Ever Done

    1D AGO

    The Scariest Thing I've Ever Done

    Ashlynn Anderson shares her experience of an alpine climbing trip to Mount Washington, New Hampshire as part of the Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Education curriculum at Garrett College. The trip involved ice climbing, learning climbing techniques, and dealing with extreme weather conditions. Ashlynn shares her thrilling experience of ice climbing, rappelling, and avalanche research in the challenging terrain of Mount Washington. She also discusses the impact of the experience on her career pathway and the opportunities it has opened up for her. Takeaways Alpine Climbing ExperienceIce Climbing Techniques Ice ClimbingAvalanche Research Chapters 00:00 Climbing Above the Tree Line20:22 Impact on Career Pathway

    51 min
  3. As a Matter of Fat: A First Winter Bike Race

    JAN 28

    As a Matter of Fat: A First Winter Bike Race

    Sarah Walter shares her experience participating in the Highlands Fat Bike Race Series event in McHenry. She discusses the challenges of the race course, the therapeutic experience of fat biking, the supportive community, and the unpredictability of fat biking. Sarah also shares her background and how she arrived in Garrett County. Takeaways Fat biking offers a therapeutic and empowering experience.The supportive community and inclusive nature of fat biking make it accessible and enjoyable for all. Chapters 00:00 Sarah's Background and Arrival in Garrett CountySee Sarah's video of her experience: facebook.com/reel/1884141329155093/?s=single_unitSee the McHenry Race album courtesy of FADFOLIO MEDIA: https://bit.ly/4b42Gbd

    23 min
  4. We Had All The Elements (And a Trout)

    JAN 28

    We Had All The Elements (And a Trout)

    Exploring Garrett County with Lynn Beckman In this episode, we sit down with Lynn Beckman, a lifelong advocate for Garrett County and a key figure in its tourism and community development story. Lynn shares firsthand insights into how Garrett County evolved into a thriving four-season destination, the challenges of marketing a rural region, and the people whose vision helped shape its future. From the early days of the Garrett County Promotion Council to the transformative impact of WISP Resort on winter sports, Lynn reflects on the strategies, risks, and creativity that helped put Garrett County on the map. The conversation also dives into the rich history of Deep Creek Lake, outdoor recreation, and the lasting legacy of leaders like Ace Heissand marketing innovator Asa Stanton. This episode is a thoughtful look at how tourism, history, and community pride intersect—and why Garrett County continues to be a “magical place” for visitors and residents alike. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Lynn Beckman and Garrett County04:49 – The Role of the Promotion Council09:57 – Vision for Tourism and Economic Development14:56 – The Impact of WISP and Winter Sports19:55 – The Evolution of Outdoor Recreation25:01 – The Legacy of Ace Heiss30:03 – Deep Creek Lake’s Unique History35:11 – Asa Stanton and Marketing Innovations40:11 – Conclusion and Future Aspirations Glades Star Archives: https://archive.org/details/GladesStar Article about Deep Creek Lake dam. By Tony Lolli: https://lakefrontmagazine.com/deep-creek-lake-almost-wasnt-a-450-foot-advantage/

    44 min

  5. JAN 26

    Perspectives From Western Maryland

    In this first episode of The Backbone, Sarah Myers introduces the heart behind the project and the stories it’s here to tell. She shares her own connection to Western Maryland, why she chose to stay, and how years of working in local media and community development led to creating a space for deeper, more human storytelling. This episode sets the stage for what’s coming: community conversations, narrated Lake-Front Magazine features, and reflections on what it’s really like to live and work in Deep Creek and the surrounding region. More than a show about headlines or highlights, The Backbone is about the people behind the place — and sharing what those of us who live here are doing on a random Tuesday. It’s an invitation into the stories, rhythms, and voices that shape this community — and an open call for listeners to be part of the conversation. The conversation introduces the Deep Creek Lake area and its community, emphasizing the importance of local perspectives and community storytelling. Sarah Myers, the owner of DeepCreekTimes.com (http://deepcreektimes.com/) and The Lakefront Magazine, discusses her work in connecting locals. Takeaways     •    Community storytelling     •    Rural community development Chapters     •    00:00 Connecting Locals and Visitors Through Storytelling Buy The Service Solution Book: https://a.co/d/208PJnY

    5 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

The Backbone is a storytelling podcast from Deep Creek and Western Maryland, featuring community conversations, narrated feature stories, and reflections on what it’s really like to live and work in our mountain region. From interviews with the people behind local businesses, organizations, and events to long-form features and everyday observations, this podcast is about the people, places, and moments that shape life here. Produced by Backbone Media MD and local partners DeepCreekTimes.com and The Lakefront Magazine.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Myers
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sarah Myers