Southern Americana

Kevin Elliott fell in love with Panama City, Florida, in the late 1980s as a 13-year-old military transplant. Today, not only does this entrepreneur host one of the Emerald Coast's most successful film festivals, but he's also an ardent supporter and the city's "unofficial ambassador." After spending a couple of decades on the corporate merry-go-round, Kevin exercised his creative energy by founding Wewa Films, a company specializing in commercial film work and documentaries. Concurrently, Kevin saw an opportunity to highlight both Panama City's downtown and documentary films by co-founding the Redfish Film Fest in 2024. Kevin explains the history of Panama City, the devastation caused by two major hurricanes, and how a fledging downtown gained new life throuhg the vision of local and transplant creatives.

Most everyone enjoys a cup of coffee to jumpstart the day. Jeff Daniels, the Director of Sales at Non-Fiction Coffee, provides insight on making a better cup at home or knowing what questions to ask your local barista. Based in Pelham, Alabama, Non-Fiction Coffee strives to roast the best coffee while dignifying the coffee producers they work with and buy from worldwide. Jeff describes how Non-Fiction selects their growers and the details behind the roasting process, including tips on brewing or purchasing better coffee.

David Dunavent grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, along the banks of the Mississippi River, and in the heart of "Blues Country." Not only is David an accomplished singer-songwriter who tours extensively across the Southeastern U.S., he also has an incredible knowledge of Blues history. Recorded in SOWAL House, in Rosemary Beach, FL, join us as we talk about how the Blues originated and its impact on all genres of music and musicians.

Regarded as one of the South's best chefs, John Currence made a name for himself in the 1990s when he opened City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi. Today the City Grocery Restaurant Group also includes Boure, Snack Bar, and the fast-growing chain Big Bad Breakfast. I sat down with Chef Currence in his Oxford home on a fall evening to chat about all things Southern, including the hospitality industry, his favorite dishes, SEC football, and bourbon. A Louisiana native, Currence was named the Best Chef South in 2009 by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. He also won the Charleston Wine and Food Festival's Iron Chef Challenge that same year. His three cookbooks are "Tailgreat," "Big Bad Breakfast," and "Pickles, Pigs, & Whiskey." No trip to Oxford, MS, is complete without visiting one of Chef Currence's establishments. Big Bad Breakfast restaurants are located throughout the South.

Emmanuel Kemiji became only the 12th American to achieve the rank of Master Sommelier and one of nine to pass the exam on his first attempt. Born in the United States, Kemiji grew up in Spain and lives in Puerto Rico. He obtained degrees in Spanish Literature and Economics from the University of California at Davis, where he also studied Viticulture. Formally the Director of Wine & Spirits at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco, Kemiji is currently a managing partner at Clos Pissarra winery in Priorat, Spain, and the proprietor of Miura Vineyards in Santa Rosa, CA. While in town for the 30A Wine Festival, Kemiji sat down with me in the podcast studio at SOWAL House in Rosemary Beach, FL, to discuss his wines, the wine industry, and how to enjoy fine wine and food best.

Maria D'Souza is an international artist who lives near Nashville, TN. Her beaded skull art is coveted by western enthusiasts and designers across the U.S. Maria has been featured in Cowboys & Indians and Belle Meade Lifestyle magazines.

Heidi Newfield always colors outside the lines. It's apparent in her songwriting and stage presence, whether blowing blues harmonica or singing her chart-topping lyrics. She grew up in rural California before moving to Nashville and joining Trick Pony. In 2008 she embarked on a solo career that continues to resonant in Country and Americana circles. Listen as Heidi shares many of her fondest memories and future dreams.

Anthea Turner is an entrepreneur and the owner of Anthea Le Jardin, a European-inspired boutique at The Hub on 30A near Watersound, Florida. Before opening in February 2020, Anthea spent 20 years in the jewelry industry, including three years working on cruise ships. Her unique boutique features one-of-a-kind jewelry, gift items, art, and clothing rarely found along 30A. Anthea is a true renaissance woman whose elegance is reflected in her personal style and creativity.