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.