Christie Gribble once said she’d never return to Blue Ridge, Georgia—but since moving back in 2015, she’s become one of its greatest champions. As President & CEO of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and CVB, Christie supports over 1,000 local businesses and welcomes thousands of tourists each year to this scenic mountain town. In this episode, she shares her deep-rooted family story, her unexpected love story, and the unique role tourism plays in Blue Ridge’s small-business economy. Get her take on local events, seasonal favorites, and what makes this town such a magnetic place to live and visit.

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.

Chuck Swaney didn’t touch bourbon for 30 years after a rough night in high school—until Eric Church reintroduced him with a proper pour and a lesson in sipping. That moment reignited a passion that would lead Chuck, a longtime country radio executive, to launch a Nashville-based whiskey tasting experience blending storytelling, education, and rare bourbon. From his career in country music promotion to his second act as the Nashville Whiskey Guy, Chuck shares how he built a business rooted in community, curiosity, and a really good glass.

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.

Chef Conner Hinderks is bringing bold flavors and big ideas to Greenville, SC, with his pop-up residency kitchen, Little Secret. From his early days in Kansas City to honing his craft in New Orleans, Conner shares how his culinary journey led him to create accessible, high-quality food without the fine-dining price tag. Hear how he’s building a name for himself through community partnerships, creative brunch menus, and a vision for a future brick-and-mortar.

In this episode of Southern Character, James and Amanda dive into the beautifully chaotic world of family life, travel planning, and dog training. They share their secrets to booking the perfect family vacation, their love for St. George Island, and why planning months ahead is a must. Plus, meet Georgie Sand—the newest (and most mischievous) member of Team Chaos—who’s about to embark on an intensive two-week training program. And with James’ big birthday approaching, there’s talk of a dream Bahamas getaway—if Amanda can get past the whole “who’s driving the boat?” thing. Tune in for laughter, travel tips, and a whole lot of Southern grit and grace!