Small Space, Huge Success: The Gold’s Deli StoryGeorge Kougias went from Boston restaurant life to launching Gold’s Deli in Columbia, Tennessee, inside a tiny 275 sq ft shop. In this episode, we get real about starting small, serving quality over quantity, and building a deli that often sells out by mid-afternoon. George shares honest lessons on staffing, menu focus, catering at scale, handling the rush, and why putting the product and the customer first still wins.Topics we cover:• How to know you are ready to open• Why a small, simple menu can beat big concepts• Catering operations from a micro space• Saying no to delivery apps and protecting the guest experience• Profit First cash flow and real peace of mind• Columbia’s growing food district and day-trip ideas• Boston food stories and a quick Beantown itineraryIf you enjoyed this convo, drop a comment with your favorite deli order and share this with a friend who is dreaming of opening their own spot.https://www.instagram.com/goldsdelicolumbia?igsh=MWwwYnQxZXczbG5tNw==https://www.goldsdelicolumbia.com/
BlackBox Ice Cream – From Food Truck to Nashville Favorite 🍦What happens when a touring musician and a Disney-trained artist team up to create Nashville’s most adventurous ice cream shop? You get BlackBox Ice Cream.In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Alex and Holly, the husband-and-wife team behind BlackBox. Their story is one of creativity, resilience, and community — from turning a family truck into a food truck during the pandemic to building a brick-and-mortar shop in Smyrna.We talk about:Why empathy and hospitality matter in today’s worldHow wild flavors like ube, jalapeño popper, and key lime pie come to lifeThe struggles of running a family business while raising kidsTransitioning from music and art careers into ice cream entrepreneurshipThe food truck scene in Nashville and collaborations with other chefsIf you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, or just love hearing the behind-the-scenes of Nashville’s food culture, this episode is packed with inspiration (and a lot of ice cream talk).📍 Follow BlackBox Ice Cream:Instagram: @theblackboxicecreamtruckEmail: blackboxicecreamtruck@gmail.com🎧 Subscribe for more Nashville stories, food, and culture:
@XPLR.NASH
Inside the Champion Mindset with Brandon Curry
On this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Nashville native and 2019 Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry. From his early football days at MTSU to becoming one of the best bodybuilders in the world, Brandon shares how discipline, visualization, and staying present shaped his career. We dive into his training philosophy, how he balances family and business, and the lessons he’s carried from the gym to life.
Brandon opens up about overcoming doubt, the discipline behind training and diet, his rise in the bodybuilding world, and how visualization and staying present became his biggest advantages. He also shares advice on contracts, confidence, and why being true to yourself will always set you apart.
Whether you’re into fitness, entrepreneurship, or just need some motivation, Brandon’s story is packed with wisdom you can apply far beyond the gym.
From Cupcakes to Tequila: Ivey Childers’ Southbound Journey 🌵🥃From running one of Nashville’s most beloved bakeries to creating an award-winning tequila brand, Ivey Childers has reinvented herself in the most inspiring way. 🌟In this episode of the XPLR Podcast, Ivey shares her Southbound Journey—from Tennessee to Mexico—where she built Southbound Tequila, a brand rooted in quality, creativity, and intention.We talk about:✨ The transition from cupcakes to tequila✨ Building Southbound Tequila with authenticity and craft✨ The challenges of scaling a spirits brand✨ Balancing creativity, motherhood, and entrepreneurship✨ Why Nashville is the perfect home for launching a national tequila brandIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn passion into a product, or why tequila deserves to be sipped (not just shot), this conversation is for you.Follow Southbound Tequila: https://www.drinksouthbound.comFollow Southbound on Instagram: @drinksouthboundFollow Ivey Childers on Instagram: @iveychildersSubscribe for more stories from Tennessee’s creators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.
In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Andy Lang — Army veteran, former Green Beret, and founder of Leatherwood Distillery in Clarksville, TN.We talk about:Making Skittles wine during deployment in IraqBuilding a distillery from scratch with just $100KWhiskey, bourbon, and the secrets behind Snake Eater BourbonNavigating insane alcohol tax lawsHis journey through PTSD and finding healing at Warriors HeartHow his military experience shaped his business mindsetLaunching a barbecue restaurant and staying resilient through a fireAndy’s story is equal parts wild, inspiring, and brutally honest. If you're into whiskey, entrepreneurship, or just great stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.📍 Visit Leatherwood: https://www.leatherwooddistillery.com💬 Drop a comment below with your go-to drink order or barbecue plate.
Go behind the scenes with Anas, the creator of Nashville Hidden Gems, as he shares the real story of how he built one of Nashville’s most unique food and culture accounts. In this episode, we talk about:
How Nashville Hidden Gems started with local food tours and grew during a massive wave of new Nashvillians.
The importance of community, authenticity, and telling YOUR story as a business or creator.
What it’s like running a page focused on Nashville’s immigrant-owned restaurants and multicultural neighborhoods.
Why having a real strategy matters (it’s not just about the views and likes!).
Life lessons from traveling to Yemen, Mexico, and New York—and how those experiences shaped Anas’ content and worldview.
Burnout, screen time, and how to actually enjoy being a content creator long-term.
The future of social media, why local events matter, and how to build real relationships with your audience.
Whether you’re a Nashville local, a food lover, or an aspiring creator, this episode is packed with honest stories, actionable insights, and a deep dive into what makes a community-driven brand stand out.
Join us on the XPLR.NASH podcast for an inspiring conversation with Kalani, the creator behind “Kalani Ghost Hunter,” as he shares his incredible journey from a Tennessee state job to building a viral platform with millions of followers. Discover how Kalani went from living out of his car and filming in haunted locations across the U.S. and UK, to reviewing food, exploring local culture, and telling powerful stories about history and travel.
In this episode, Kalani opens up about his roots in Middle Tennessee, the challenges of content creation, and the importance of staying authentic both on and off camera. We dive deep into topics like:
• Ghost hunting in Tennessee and around the world
• The power of supportive relationships in chasing your dreams
• Going viral on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram• Balancing food reviews, paranormal investigations, and ethical storytelling
• The impact of honest reviews on local Nashville restaurants
• Travel, history, and exploring dark tourism• Advice for aspiring content creators
Hear about Kalani’s most intense paranormal experiences—like ghost hunts at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, the Bell Witch Cave, and chilling moments in haunted Kentucky farmhouses. Plus, Kalani reveals how growing up in Tennessee and his love for diverse food cultures shaped his channel and life.
Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, food adventures, or you want tips for starting your own channel, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk. Don’t miss it!
Follow Kalani Ghost Hunter:
Website & All Socials
Subscribe for more XPLR.NASH adventures, Tennessee stories, and behind-the-scenes interviews with the creators who make Nashville unique
Welcome to the XPLR.NASH Podcast! In this special episode, we sit down with Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to reveal the real secrets behind Tennessee’s ongoing success.
Discover what truly sets Tennessee apart—from the Volunteer spirit and thriving communities to booming business, authentic local stories, and one-of-a-kind travel experiences. We dive deep into the people, places, and policies shaping Tennessee’s future, and why more Americans are calling the Volunteer State home.
Topics include:
Why Tennessee is considered the friendliest state in America
How Nashville and small towns work together to fuel growth
The impact of business, infrastructure, and smart leadership
Hidden food and travel gems you won’t find anywhere else
Real talk on storytelling, branding, and what makes Tennessee “feel like America”
Personal lessons on leadership, resilience, and serving the community
If you love Tennessee, Nashville, or discovering inspiring stories from passionate leaders, this episode is for you. Subscribe and join us as we explore the heart and soul of the Volunteer State!
👉 Like, comment, and share your favorite Tennessee hidden gem below!
Subscribe for more: XPLR.NASH YouTubeFollow us everywhere: @XPLR.NASH
Welcome to the XPLR.NASH Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Rey Bello—a Venezuelan immigrant whose journey from starting over in Nashville to hosting some of the city’s most exclusive culinary events is nothing short of incredible.Rey’s story goes way beyond food and live events. He opens up about the tough lessons he’s learned in business, why emotional resilience is everything, and how building genuine relationships—not just making money—changed his life. From the car business to sold-out Michelin pop-ups, Rey shares what it takes to build real respect and a true sense of community in Music City.Inside this episode:Why being good emotionally is the foundation for success in businessHow Rey built a name for himself in a new country, without a PR company or big marketing budgetWhat goes into hosting legendary events with Michelin-star chefs and 150-pound tunasThe evolution of Nashville’s food scene and predictions for its first Michelin starsLessons on helping others, earning respect, and building a community that looks out for each otherRey’s story is about grit, respect, and always showing up for others. If you’re into entrepreneurship, hospitality, or just love a good Nashville success story, you’ll love this one.Featured Guest:Rey Bello – Event Producer, Culinary Connector, and StorytellerTopics Covered:• Emotional health in business• Building a career from scratch in Nashville• How to stand out (and stay humble) in a crowded city• The art of live events and pop-up dinners• Where Nashville’s restaurant scene is headed👉 Subscribe for more real conversations with the people moving Nashville forward.Connect with Rey on Instagram: @reybell0 Want to be part of a future event? Keep following XPLR.NASH for the latest collaborations and live experiences!events.xplrnash.com
In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Chris Blair, the founder of The Listening Room — one of Nashville’s most beloved venues and songwriter stages. Chris opens up about why prioritizing artists and guests over profits helped him survive 19 years and four relocations in an ever-changing city. We talk through the challenges of operating a fast-paced restaurant + music venue, Nashville’s explosive growth, and what it means to create a space where Grammy winners and up-and-comers share the same stage. Plus, what does the future of The Listening Room look like as downtown Nashville continues to evolve?Website: https://listeningroomcafe.com/Chris’s Podcast: Stories Behind the Songs – available wherever you stream podcasts
In this episode, we sit down with Akki Grover — the owner and operating partner behind Sindoore and Jashan in Nashville, Tennessee. Both restaurants have earned coveted spots on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., with Jashan ranked #49 and Sindoore at #55 Akki walks us through his journey from India to Music City, detailing how he combined tradition with creativity to build two standout concepts. We discuss the unique challenges of modern Indian cuisine, upscale (Jashan) versus classic (Sindoore) dining, and what it takes to climb into Yelp’s elite list — twice.Whether you’re a foodie, restaurateur, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at how passion, consistency, and authenticity can elevate your dreams — and your restaurants — to national recognition.Sindoore (Indian by nature, Donelson Pike) — official site: sindoore.com Jashan (Indian Brasserie, Hillsboro Village) — official site: jashannashville.com
Jam-Packed Success: The Story of Farmstead Nashville w/ Gary BaronJoin us on the XPLR.NASH Podcast as we sit down with Gary Baron, the mastermind behind Farmstead Nashville and the former Nashville Jam Company. Discover how a humble jar of strawberry jalapeño jam sparked a journey from farmer's markets to co-packing for some of Nashville's top restaurants. Gary shares his entrepreneurial insights, from navigating food science and manufacturing challenges to building lasting business relationships.We also dive into the evolution of Nashville's food scene, the ups and downs of running a restaurant, and how a simple passion for quality turned into a thriving business. Whether you're a food lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the story behind your favorite local jams, this episode is a must-listen!🔗 XPLR.NASH Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@xplrnashpod🔗 Connect with Farmstead Nashville: https://farmsteadnashville.com/🔗 Follow The Farmstead Nashville: https://www.instagram.com/thefarmsteadnash
Twenty-five musicians. One stairwell. One chaotic take. That’s where the journey began for Chris Ruediger and the now-viral 615 House. In this episode, Chris sits down to unpack the wild story behind their most iconic shoot, the strategy behind standing out in a saturated digital world, and the founding of Fort Nash—a growing media empire rooted in country culture and collaboration.
We talk about:
The importance of defining your brand before you post
How 615 House helped launch country artists like Ashley Cooke and Spencer Crandall
Why Nashville still might be a 10-year town
What success really means (hint: it’s not just views)
Behind-the-scenes stories from viral shoots, artist development, and travel mishaps (including a lemon in Florence that almost ruined everything)
Plus: We reveal the dream projects that could shape the future of local storytelling and music media—including a hot air balloon festival over the Natchez Trace and an epic town revival mission.
Whether you're a creator, an artist, or a fan of country music—this episode will leave you inspired and ready to build something real.
https://www.fort-nash.com/
Tech, Beards, and Laughs: Joel Beasley’s Journey from CTO to Comedy
Join us on this fascinating journey with Joel Beasley, the mind behind Modern CTO, a podcast that dives deep into the tech world, leadership, and innovation. In this episode, we get to know Joel beyond the microphone—from his unexpected leap into comedy to his passion for growing the perfect beard. We explore how AI is shaping the future of cities, his personal journey from software engineering to stand-up comedy, and the joys (and challenges) of fatherhood.
Joel shares his personal experiences, including how he started a podcast without ever meeting his co-founder in person, and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace the comedy stage. We also dive into his unique perspective on Nashville's tech scene and how small-town data-driven decisions are changing the business landscape.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, aspiring comedian, or just a fan of great stories, this episode will inspire you to take that unexpected leap into something new. Tune in for a mix of tech insights, personal stories, and a few good laughs!
Follow Joel on Instagram at MrJoelBeasley to stay up to date on all things tech and comedy!
https://www.instagram.com/mrjoelbeasley?igsh=bTA1cXpxcGJ1dDdj
In this episode of the XPLR.NASH10 podcast, we sit down with filmmaker and creative mastermind Jordan. From his first time shooting out of a helicopter to working on WWE documentaries and navigating the wild world of Hollywood, Jordan shares his unique journey through filmmaking, creativity, and storytelling.
We also dive into his thoughts on Nashville's growth, the evolution of content creation, the future of wrestling in Las Vegas, and some mind-blowing insights into ancient civilizations and modern myths. Plus, a few unforgettable food recommendations in Nashville! Buckle up – this one’s a ride!
https://www.instagram.com/iamjordanheid?igsh=ZTl4OWY2cHhxcjVz
In this episode of the Explore Nash Podcast, Stuart Deming sits down with Nashville native and longtime collaborator Joe Penna for one of our most honest and personal conversations yet.
From growing up across Middle Tennessee to living in cities like Houston and New Orleans, Joe has seen the best and worst of what Nashville was—and what it’s becoming. Together, Stuart and Joe explore the controversial idea that southern hospitality might be a facade, especially in today's fast-paced, rapidly changing Nashville.
We break down:
The tension between old Nashville and new Nashville
How mom-and-pop restaurants are fighting to survive in a big city boom
The harsh realities of mental health in the hospitality industry
Joe’s personal journey through rock bottom and his passion for helping others avoid it
The pros and cons of growth, gentrification, and southern charm in Music City
You’ll also hear about Joe’s favorite spots to eat in Nashville (spoiler: he went to one of them five times in one week 😅) and his dream itinerary for someone visiting the city for the first time.
This is a raw, unfiltered look into the heart of Nashville—from someone who’s lived it.
📍 Follow Joe on Instagram: @thatjoeyouknow
📍 Follow us: @xplr.nash
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 Do you think southern hospitality is still real? Let’s talk.
In this episode of the XPLR NASH Podcast, we sit down with Matt Burrill, co-owner of Raised Rowdy — one of Nashville’s rowdiest country music brands. From hosting Bailey Zimmerman’s first-ever performance to helping artists like Josh Ross and Ole 60 before they blew up, Matt shares how Raised Rowdy has built a powerful live music community in the heart of Music City.
🎤 What you’ll hear in this episode:
Whether you’re an artist trying to break into country music or a fan who wants to see the next big thing before they blow up — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
📍 Catch Raised Rowdy live every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Midtown Nashville.
💥 Follow Raised Rowdy & Matt Burrill:
Instagram: @raisedrowdy
Shop Merch: shop.raisedrowdy.com
Podcast: Outside the Round (available on all platforms)
Tennessee is losing 60,000 acres of farmland and natural spaces every year — that's like losing a state park annually. In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Jon D. B. from TennGreen Land Conservancy to uncover why this is happening and what’s being done to protect Tennessee’s incredible natural landscapes. 🌲🌄From the Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile trail in the making, to the hidden caves beneath Nashville and wildlife making a comeback (like black bears, elk, and bobcats), we explore it all. We also tackle how conservation crosses political and worldview lines — and why everyone should care about the future of Tennessee's land, water, and wildlife.Topics We Cover:✅ Why Tennessee is losing 60,000 acres of agricultural land per year✅ The massive Cumberland Trail project — Tennessee’s first linear state park✅ How land conservancies save land for future generations✅ Tennessee's wildlife resurgence — black bears, elk, bobcats & wild boars✅ Nashville's secret underground caves and saber-tooth cat history✅ The Duck River — one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world✅ How Tennesseans from all backgrounds can work together for conservation✅ What is Hike-a-Thon and how to get involved!Get Involved:➡️ Learn more & join Hike-a-Thon: https://hikeathon.com➡️ Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnbdalvy➡️ Check out TennGreen Land Conservancy: https://tenngreen.org👉 Subscribe for more stories about Tennessee's people, parks, history, and wildlife. Let's explore together!
Join us as we sit down with Charles Hatcher of Hatcher Family Dairy to discuss the deep-rooted history, challenges, and innovations of running a multi-generational dairy farm in Middle Tennessee. From the impact of real estate on farming to the rise of local food movements and cutting-edge technology like robotic milking, Charles shares insights on the evolving world of agriculture.
We also dive into:
If you're interested in farm-to-table, sustainable agriculture, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of family legacy and innovation, this episode is for you!
🔔 Subscribe for more stories of Tennessee’s culture and business scene!
📍 Follow Hatcher Family Dairy: @HatcherFamilyDairy
📍 Learn more: HatcherFamilyDairy.com
📢 Sponsored by GO XPLR – Your tailored loyalty platform. Learn more at goxplr.io
In this episode, we sit down with Giovanna and Jared, the passionate owners behind Tutti Da Gio, one of the top-rated Sicilian restaurants in the U.S. according to Yelp! They share their incredible journey, from Giovanna’s upbringing in Sicily and her deep-rooted love for cooking to the challenges of opening a restaurant in Nashville and going viral overnight.We dive into what makes Sicilian cuisine so unique, the importance of slowing down to enjoy food, and the struggles of finding dedicated talent in the restaurant industry. Plus, they reveal what American food surprised Giovanna the most!If you love food, culture, and inspiring stories of chasing dreams, this episode is a must-watch.Visit Tutti Da Gio: https://tuttidagio.comFollow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuttidagio/