Behind The Anvil Podcast – Special Edition Episode 26 Forging the Future: Dustin Rhodes Launches Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post In this special edition of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith and educator Dustin Rhodes to discuss an exciting new chapter in his journey. Formerly known as Axes on Main and Dustin Rhodes Forge Works, Dustin shares the story behind his transition to the newly established Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post in Sevierville, Tennessee. Dustin talks about purchasing property in Tennessee and opening his new forging destination at 2320 Winfield Dunn Parkway, where visitors can experience hands-on blacksmithing and knife-making adventures through the popular Forge a Memory family program. From railroad spike knives and horseshoe knives to family-friendly forging experiences, Dustin explains how his mission remains centered on creating lasting memories for people of all ages. The new location sits near Smoky Mountain Knife Works and is scheduled for its official Grand Opening on July 1st. The investment represents a major step forward for the business and its future growth. Michael and Dustin also dive into the realities of being full-time knife makers, discussing the challenges of running a small business, balancing custom work with production pieces, teaching blacksmithing classes, and managing customer expectations. The conversation covers Dustin's plans to pursue Journeyman Smith status, his recent LASIK surgery, and how teaching forging experiences is helping him further develop his skills. The two craftsmen also discuss custom sheath making, shop safety, dust collection systems, and the importance of creating an efficient workspace. Dustin gives listeners a virtual tour of the new shop, including displays of handmade tomahawks, beadwork, trading post merchandise, and his modular forging setup. The episode wraps up with exciting updates about Dustin's increased involvement with Turtle Island Preserve, upcoming classes, and the future of Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post. It's an inspiring conversation about taking risks, investing in your dreams, and building a business that creates memories while preserving traditional craftsmanship. A special thank you to Mike's Damascus Knives LLC for sponsoring this episode. Follow Dustin Rhodes and Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokyMountainForgeWorks Learn more about Mike's Damascus Knives: https://www.MikesDamascusKnives.com

On this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Mandy Thomas of Dragon City Resort and Mission Phoenix, along with Mission Phoenix founder Josh Gagne, for a powerful conversation about serving those who have served our nation. Mandy shares the incredible journey of acquiring Dragon City Resort along Tennessee's famous Tail of the Dragon and transforming it into more than just a destination for motor enthusiasts. What started as a resort has grown into a vision for helping veterans through community, purpose, and housing initiatives designed to support those struggling with PTSD, homelessness, and the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life. Josh opens up about the personal tragedy that inspired him to create Mission Phoenix after losing his father to undiagnosed post-traumatic stress. He discusses the organization's mission to combat veteran suicide, the development of the Invictus Initiative that trains law enforcement officers to better understand and assist veterans in crisis, and the lives that have already been saved through the program. Together, Mandy and Josh discuss the challenges veterans face after service, including PTSD, homelessness, broken relationships, and the stigma surrounding mental health. They share how Mission Phoenix and the upcoming Bunker 22 housing project aim to provide temporary housing, counseling, job readiness, networking opportunities, and a supportive veteran community to help veterans rebuild their lives. The conversation also explores the therapeutic benefits of craftsmanship, community connections, peer-to-peer support, and innovative ideas such as a future veteran networking app designed to connect veterans with others who understand their struggles. This episode is an inspiring look at what happens when people refuse to stand by and instead dedicate themselves to helping veterans find purpose, healing, and hope. Learn more about Dragon City Resort: https://dragoncityresort.com Learn more about Mission Phoenix: https://missionphoenix.org

.From Navy Flight Engineer to Changing Lives: Rebecca Dawn & T14P In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with Rebecca Dawn, founder of T14P, a Sevier County-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women battling breast cancer regain a sense of normalcy through custom-fitted, medical-grade wigs. Rebecca shares the incredible story behind T14P, explaining how she and her sister launched the organization after discovering that many hair donation programs still charged recipients for wigs. What began as a passion project has grown into a mission-driven nonprofit that uses donated human hair to create high-quality wigs for cancer patients at no cost. Beyond her nonprofit work, Rebecca discusses her unique journey from growing up in northern Idaho to serving as a U.S. Navy in-flight engineer aboard Boeing 747 aircraft. She shares stories from detachments around the world, including experiences in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Wake Island. Michael and Rebecca dive into the realities of running a nonprofit, overcoming self-doubt, fundraising challenges, and the overwhelming generosity of local communities. Rebecca also highlights T14P's upcoming motorcycle poker run fundraiser in Joseph, Utah, where every dollar raised goes directly toward providing wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. The conversation also explores Rebecca's passion for motorcycles, lessons learned from solo rides through Death Valley, future charity ride plans across the country, and an exciting discussion about designing custom knives specifically for female riders. This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in someone's fight against cancer. Follow and support T14P on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CNxsKJw8X/