The Robertson and Easterling Podcast

In this episode, Craig sits down with retired Chancellor Ed Patten for a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at a career spent at the intersection of law and real life. Judge Patten's path to the bench wasn't linear—he began as a pharmacist before earning his law degree from Ole Miss and building a successful legal practice in Hazlehurst, eventually serving five terms over more than two decades as Chancellor of Mississippi's Fifteenth Chancery Court District. In the first part of our conversation, Judge Patten reflects on his upbringing, his transition into law, and what led him to the bench, while offering a clear picture of what a chancellor actually does and the weight of decisions that shape families, estates, and futures. In the second segment, we explore his transition into mediation and how his role has shifted from decision-maker to facilitator, breaking down the critical differences between having your case decided by a judge versus resolving it through negotiation. Along the way, Judge Patten shares practical insight, hard-earned wisdom, and a grounded perspective on conflict, responsibility, and what ultimately leads to better outcomes for the people involved.

Life is hard—and when loneliness creeps in, it can feel impossible to carry on. But on this episode of The Robertson and Easterling Podcast, hosts Matt Easterling and Craig Robertson sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor Naomi Muffuletto for a powerful conversation about what it really means to feel connected. Together, they explore how trauma, shame, and disconnection can isolate us—and how vulnerability, healing, and safe relationships can lead us back into the light. Whether you're walking through loneliness yourself or trying to support someone who is, this conversation is a reminder: you don't have to go it alone.

In this special episode of the Robertson and Easterling Podcast, Craig Robertson sits down with legendary Mississippi State coach Ron Polk—known to many as the "Godfather of SEC Baseball"—for a heartfelt and insightful conversation that spans over half a century of baseball history, mentorship, and legacy. From his early childhood in Arizona, where his father — a former semi-pro ballplayer—first introduced him to the game, to his rise as one of the most influential coaches in NCAA history, Coach Polk shares stories that have shaped his life and career. Listeners will hear about his humble beginnings, his mother's health struggles which prompted his family's cross-country move, his journey through college and graduate school, and the pivotal moments that led him to Starkville, leading the USA baseball team and beyond. With 1,373 career wins, 8 College World Series appearances, and over 180 players drafted into professional baseball, Coach Polk's impact on the game is undeniable. But this episode goes deeper than stats—it reveals the heart of a man who has dedicated his life to machine-like service, who still writes handwritten letters to former players, and who built a home that doubles as a museum to honor the teams and people he's loved along the way. Whether you're a lifelong Bulldog fan, a lover of baseball, or just someone who appreciates a life of service well lived, this episode offers a rare and personal glimpse into the legacy of a true American sports icon.