In this episode of The Appalachian Tale Podcast, I travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, to visit Mama Bear Sweet Treats and sit down with owner Chrissy for a conversation about cookies, community, creativity, and what it means to build a business rooted in hospitality.

While baking a giant cast iron skillet cookie filled with flavors inspired by Dolly Parton, banana pudding, s'mores, and more, we talk about the journey from a home kitchen fundraiser to a thriving mail-order cookie company. Along the way, we discuss Appalachian hospitality, entrepreneurship, Pride Month, finding your place in a community, and why sharing food around a table can bring people together in unexpected ways.

From cookie-making secrets and small business lessons to conversations about belonging, kindness, and the diverse voices that make Appalachia special, this episode is equal parts sweet treat and front porch conversation.

In this episode:

• The story behind Mama Bear Sweet Treats
• Building a food business from the ground up
• Appalachian hospitality vs. Southern hospitality
• Pride, community, and creating welcoming spaces
• Cookie flights, cast iron skillet cookies, and baking tips
• Dolly Parton-inspired treats and creative flavor development
• Why food remains one of our most powerful ways to connect

Pull up a chair, grab a cookie, and join us for a conversation about food, friendship, and finding common ground around the table.

#Appalachia #AppalachianCulture #KnoxvilleTN #SmallBusiness #CookieBaking #CastIronCooking #SouthernFood #PrideMonth #FoodStories #Entrepreneurship #TheAppalachianTale