Neil "Hondo" Williamson the legendary voice of the Georgia Bulldog radio network, Gregg Russell of Harbour Town Sea Pines Plantation, chef and restaurateur Ford Fry, Cooper Manning of Fox NFL Sunday's "Manning Hour", Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth and so much more. Check out Season 1 of the Retire Southern podcast for authentic experiences and meaningful connections from the heart of the American South.

Kevin Joseph isn’t just serving oysters—he’s serving up transformation. In this episode of Southern Character, James and Amanda dive into Raw Lab, a 12-seat experimental dining experience in Charleston that challenges guests to slow down, engage every sense, and discover something new about food and themselves. From caviar rituals and choreographed courses to stories of resilience and reinvention, this conversation peels back the layers behind one of Charleston’s most unforgettable food experiences.

Nashville’s culinary legend Ms. André Prince joins Southern Character to share the spicy story behind Prince’s Hot Chicken. From its origins as “revenge chicken” to its worldwide reputation, Ms. Prince reflects on family legacy, food culture, and how she built an empire—without even knowing how to cook. Now in her late 70s, she’s passing the torch while holding tight to her community roots. Listen in for wit, wisdom, and a little heat.

Fred LeBlanc, drummer and frontman of Cowboy Mouth, joins Southern Character to talk about his wild journey through the music industry—from trash can drums and New Orleans chaos to packed festival stages and decades of electric live shows. Hear how a punk rock spirit, a passion for people, and a commitment to joy have shaped one of the South’s most iconic bands. It’s loud, it’s personal, and it’s everything you'd expect from Fred.

Hospitality at Commander’s Palace isn’t a job description—it’s a full-body commitment to excellence. In this episode, Ti Adelaide Martin shares how her team delivers that level of care day after day, from the first phone call to the final course. She also opens up about co-founding NOCHI, New Orleans’ first dedicated culinary and hospitality training insitution, now partnered with brands like Aramark, Sodexo Live! and Viking River Cruises. Ti’s passion for people, paired with her relentless pursuit of great service, has set a new bar—not just in New Orleans, but across the industry.

Blair Crimmins didn’t just find his sound—he fought for it. From fronting rock bands in Atlanta to leading a full seven-piece ragtime jazz ensemble, Blair’s journey has been anything but conventional. After a life-altering accident and some soul searching, he rediscovered the sounds of New Orleans jazz and Dixieland swing and embraced a vision that defies industry norms. Catch this episode of Southern Character for an exclusive look into Blair’s relentless pursuit of authenticity, the challenges of bringing vintage jazz to modern audiences, and the fun story of how music led him to his wife, Davi Crimmins. Tune in for a conversation about passion, reinvention, and the power of a good horn section.