Potluck: A Podcast about Southern Culture

A Rite of Passage, Southern Superstitions, and #SkynyrdGate

November 07, 2018 20:55 - 1 hour - 96.3 MB

Will and Chris catch up on somethings that happened since they saw each other last week, including a storm producing tornados in their area. Then they discuss some odd rituals around the south, including one which requires a bottle of bourbon one month before nuptials. You can read about that ritual here. Finally, they discuss a pair of essays posted by Bitter Southerner about Freebird... which has been dubbed #SkynyrdGate. You can read the anti-Freebird essay here, and the pro-Freebird e...

Shoulder Steak, Waffle House, and Reading the South

October 31, 2018 20:33 - 1 hour - 99.1 MB

Will leads off by discussing a style of BBQ that he had never heard of before, from Monroe County, Kentucky. However, Chris disputes that this preparation of pork deserves the title of BBQ. You can read the New York Times article on it here. Then they talk about a column celebrating Waffle House, from the Chattanooga Times Free Press. You can read that here. And finally, they discuss a column which shows the diversity of publications emanating from the South, called "Reading the New South....

October Old Fashioned Friday by Buffalo Trace

October 26, 2018 05:11 - 57 minutes - 78.5 MB

It's time again for our monthly bonus show: Old Fashioned Friday. In these episodes, we mix up some Old Fashioned cocktails with some Buffalo Trace bourbon, and try our best to answer questions sent in by listeners. If you have a question for a future episode, send it in via Twitter or Instagram @potluckpod. Thanks to Buffalo Trace, our exclusive sponsor of Old Fashioned Friday. Mix up a cocktail of your own, turn on the show, snap a picture, and share it using #TasteTheTrace. Enjoy!

Halloween '93, Arby's Duck, and 36 Hours in Nashville

October 25, 2018 01:03 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MB

Chris leads off the episode by finally telling the story of Halloween and a punch to the face. Then, they talk about limited offering at some Arby's restaurants: a seared duck sandwich. This leads to a discussion about duck hunting and conservation. Then, they talk about a New York Times article laying out what to do when you have 36 hours in Nashville. Will and Chris talk about some of the things they think that the NYT missed in the article. You can read that article here: https://www.nyti...

Hot & Hot, Branson, and Choctaw Horses

October 17, 2018 20:24 - 1 hour - 87.6 MB

Will starts off the episode by pouring Chris a Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale that he brought back from Alabama. Then they get into a discussion about Will's meal at Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, AL. After that, they discuss Chris's trip to Branson, MO, and once again question if Missouri maintains Southern status. Finally, Will brings up an article about some Choctaw horses found in Mississippi. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Big T Coastal Provisions - Tony Blanchard's crab dip i...

Lorraine, Southern Pine, and Legacy Items

October 11, 2018 00:55 - 1 hour - 97.2 MB

Will and Chris start off discussing a new children's book Lorraine: The Girl Who Sang the Storm Away written by Old Crow Medicine Show's front man Ketch Secor and illustrated by Higgins Bond. Then they discuss a Wall Street Journal article about the depressed prices of southern pine, and the effect its having on those who invested in it 30 years ago. Finally, they discuss the topic, suggested by a listener, of legacy or heirloom items. Thanks to our sponsors, who make this show possible: ...

Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned Friday

October 05, 2018 04:14 - 1 hour - 124 MB

It's Old Fashioned Friday! Each month, Chris and Will release a bonus episode on the last Friday of the month, and answer questions from Potluck listeners. This one was pushed back a week, because Will was sick. Hope you pour a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned, kick your feet up, and enjoy this episode. This episode is brought to exclusively by Buffalo Trace Bourbon. The house bourbon of Potluck! Post your pictures on instagram or twitter of you with your Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned or pour of...

Made in USA, TrueSouth, and Southern Festival of Books

October 03, 2018 20:32 - 1 hour - 97.3 MB

First, Will and Chris talk about an article in the Wall Street Journal about a shoe brand's new campaign of "made in America," and they discuss whether things being made in the South matters. Then, they talk about the new television show TrueSouth on the SEC Network. Finally, they discuss the upcoming Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, TN from Oct. 12-14. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors: Big T Coastal Provisions - A family recipe crab dip with 100% wild-caught crab, no fillers or...

Pilgrimage, Bardstown Murders, and NOLA Nikes

September 27, 2018 04:07 - 1 hour - 84 MB

First, Will and Chris recap the Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, TN and the unexpected twist. Then, they talk about a few big crime stories out of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Finally, they talk about some limited edition Nike SB Dunks, which celebrate New Orleans in a very unique way. Thanks to our amazing sponsors: Franklin Flannels - Vintage one-of-a-kind, cotton Flannels. Upcycled in Franklin, TN. http://franklinflannels.com or @franklinflannels on Instagram. Southern Socks - S...

Festivals, Adam's House Cat, and New Southern Media

September 20, 2018 03:33 - 59 minutes - 81.7 MB

First, Will and Chris talk about some great Southern music festivals and the different focuses of different festivals. Then, they talk about a record being released by Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers. It was by his and Mike Cooley's first band, Adam's House Cat, which was recorded in 1990, but never released until now. That leads into a discussion of art with heavier themes. Finally, they talk about two "media" focused stories: a new season of Chef's Table which will feature two southern...

Story Time, Whole Hog BBQ, and a Top BBQ List

September 13, 2018 01:42 - 1 hour - 94.3 MB

First, Chris starts the show off with a story about how some folks dear to us showed some Southern neighborly love. This took us into a brief discussion about Operation BBQ Relief and the work they will be doing in the aftermath of hurricane Florence. Then they discuss an Eater.com article titled, "Whole Hog Is an American Tradition — So Why Is It Stuck in the South?" Then, the get a little fired up about a list Southern Living put out title, "The South’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints 2018." Th...

Football Begins, New Music, and Will Gets Fired Up

September 05, 2018 20:48 - 1 hour - 89 MB

First, Will and Chris talk about week 1 of college football, and Chris shows that he knows more than he lets on. Then they discuss the new St. Paul and the Broken Bones record, which releases on September 7, 2018. Finally, they discuss an article in the Indianapolis Star which broke down an economic report claiming that Indiana is now more like a "southern state" than a midwestern one. Will expresses some emotions during this one. Thanks to our sponsors: Dallas & Jane - Chef Alex Belew...

BONUS: Old Fashioned Friday 2

August 31, 2018 04:52 - 1 hour - 93.8 MB

It's the end of the month, so we are doing our second ever bonus show on Old Fashioned Friday. We take questions from listeners and drink Old Fashioned Cocktails. Enjoy. This episode is brought to you exclusively by Visit Franklin. They are giving away an incredible VIP trip for two, to come visit Franklin… all expenses paid. Flights, two nights at Aloft hotel, $250 spending money, $250 Lyft credit to get around…. and some incredible VIP experiences. Enter now at: www.visitfranklin.co...

Southern Whiskey Society, Procured Pottery, and the Machine

August 30, 2018 02:29 - 1 hour - 84.4 MB

We start off the show by debriefing the wonderful Southern Whiskey Society event which happened in Franklin, TN on last Saturday. This leads us into a good discussion of some mouthwatering dishes that we had at the event. Then, we discuss a Food and Wine article which discusses southern chefs and the attention they are giving to the pottery on which their creations are served. That article is titled "Why Southern Chefs Are Picking Pottery Like Produce," if you want to read it for yourself. ...

40 for 40, Chesapeake Requiem, and Wildsam Field Guide

August 23, 2018 01:46 - 56 minutes - 78.3 MB

First, Will and Chris talk about a list put out by Food & Wine of the 40 most influential restaurants in the past 40 years. There is some crossover from the list we covered by Robb Report, but this contains about 10 more southern restaurants! Then, they talk about a book Will is reading by Earl Swift called Chesapeake Requiem: A Year with the Watermen of Vanishing Tangier Island. It is great non-fiction work, chronicling the work of Chesapeake Bay crabbers on a remote island, which has lost...

Soul vs Southern Food, Top 5 Southern Albums, and Landsharks

August 16, 2018 03:54 - 1 hour - 91.4 MB

First, Chris tells Will about a dinner he went to in downtown Nashville and put on by Southern Foodways Alliance, called "Brown in the South" at Chauhan Ale & Masala House. This leads into a discussion of a New York Times article discussing the difference between "soul food" and "southern food." After that, they talk about their top 5 southern albums of the last 10 years. Finally, they talk about the new Ole Miss mascot, the "land shark." Thanks to our sponsors, who make this all possibl...

Sean Brock, Time's "South Issue," and The Lost Country

August 09, 2018 02:05 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MB

First, Will and Chris discuss a story which has set the "Southern internet" on fire this week: Sean Brock's announcement that he is stepping away from Neighborhood Dining Group. They dissect the cryptic announcement and speculate what it could mean for the future. Then, they skim the surface of what is a quite deep issue of Time magazine focusing on the South. Finally, they talk about a new book will is reading: The Lost Country by William Gay. Gay was a Tennessee writer who passed away in 2...

Gifts, Southern Sodas, and Minor League Baseball

August 01, 2018 19:41 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MB

First, Chris starts off the show by bringing Will a few gifts. One of those gifts launches into a conversation about regional Southern sodas. Finally, the guys talk about the minor league baseball team moving to Madison, AL and the outrageous names on the short list for the team. They quickly transition to a chat about the fun names of other minor league teams. We are grateful to the folks who make this podcast possible: Mountain Valley Spring Water - Delicious spring water straight fr...

BONUS: Old Fashioned Friday

July 28, 2018 00:08 - 1 hour - 87.1 MB

Surprise, Y'all! This is a bonus episode showcasing a little tradition we call "Old Fashioned Friday." On a normal Friday afternoon, we get together and have some Eli Mason Old Fashioneds. Today we decided to grab our microphones and take some listener questions in this special bonus episode. It was so much fun, we think it will become a mainstay bonus episode. Old Fashioned Friday is brought to you by: Mountain Valley Spring Water - http://mountainvalleyspring.com Southern Socks - ht...

Mobile Tea, Chris' Quick Trip, and Meal Kits

July 26, 2018 00:36 - 53 minutes - 74.2 MB

Will and Chris begin this episode by attempting to recreate a beverage mentioned in the book "The Happy Table of Eugene Walter." This mythical drink features "best bourbon," sparkling water, and amaretto, and gives of the impression the partaker is enjoying an iced tea. Then, Chris gets into some of the fun details of his whirlwind trip to Atlanta and Birmingham. Finally, they discuss Chick-fil-a's new concept of meal kits. Thanks to our partners for making this show possible: Mountain V...

Southern Writers, Bookstores, and L.I.T.s

July 19, 2018 02:00 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

This week, Potluck starts off with a dramatic reading or two by Chris from the book Heating & Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs. This leads into a discussion of a New York Times opinion piece titled "What is a Southern Writer, Anyway?" Chris and Will talk about some independent bookstores, then give their top three Southern books. Though, due to the impromptu nature of Chris's question, one may anticipate an amendment next week. Then, Will and Chris have a deep philosophical discussion about the Lo...

BBQ, Country Ham, and Cookbooks

July 11, 2018 20:01 - 58 minutes - 80.6 MB

First, Chris asks to amend his influential restaurants list from last week, and will obliges him. That leads to a discussion of some great BBQ, and ends up revealing that Chris and Will may be more passionate about BBQ than they originally thought. Chris brings up an article on country ham, that Will had sent them earlier in the week. This leads will to geek out about curing methods. You can read that article here. Then Chris throws Will a curveball, and talks about cookbooks. As always,...

Sliders, Influential Restaurants, and Cat Graves

July 05, 2018 03:04 - 42 minutes - 57.9 MB

In this episode of Potluck, Chris and Will talk about the Great Slider Showdown in Franklin, TN, which had 10 chefs from around the south competing for ultimate slider glory. Then, they discuss a list put together by Robb Report of the 30 Most Influential Restaurants of Last 30 Years. It includes some surprises from the South. Chris puts Will on the spot, and the both say 5 restaurants which have impacted their lives. Then Chris tells a story about a recently lost pet. We'd like to thank...

Barton, Birmingham, and Potato Chips

June 28, 2018 01:45 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MB

Will and Chris catch up on one of the biggest Southern stories this week: the rickhouse collapse at the Barton distillery in Bardstown, KY. Then they turn to Will's weekend trip to Birmingham, including Collins Bar and a quaint Airbnb outside of town. Finally, they round out the show questioning if a potato chip flavor has gone too far. This week's episode is brought to you by: Mountain Valley Spring Water - https://www.mountainvalleyspring.com Tree House Macarons - http://treehouse...

Welcome to Potluck

June 23, 2018 17:49 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

Lifelong southerners Chris from MADE SOUTH and Will from The PodCask introduce themselves and their new show: Potluck. Then they discuss a few happenings around the south, to give a taste of what future shows will be like. Make sure to subscribe, so you don't miss any episodes!