Stories of the South

On the Southern Character podcast, host James Lewis shines a light on the unique true-life stories of intriguing individuals who exemplify the authentic Southern values of grit and grace. From chefs and athletes to business leaders and entertainers, get ready to meet the people who leave lasting impressions on those they encounter. Listen to new episodes every other Monday to discover and revel in the tales of these inspirational Southern Characters who live life with intention and follow their compass.

Listen Now

Explore the stories


Blair Crimmins: The March of the Hookers
Lauren Noble Lauren Noble

Blair Crimmins: The March of the Hookers

Discover how Blair Crimmins defied the mainstream music industry to revive the timeless sounds of Dixieland jazz, blending vintage energy with modern grit in a way only he can.

Read More
An Inside Look at Little Secret Greenville
Lauren Noble Lauren Noble

An Inside Look at Little Secret Greenville

Chef Conner Hinderks shares his journey from Kansas City to New Orleans to Greenville, SC, where his pop-up residency kitchen, Little Secret, is redefining accessible, high-quality dining through community-driven partnerships and bold, inventive flavors.

Read More
How John Lavin Brought New Life to the Blue Ridge Inn
Lauren Noble Lauren Noble

How John Lavin Brought New Life to the Blue Ridge Inn

John Lavin’s journey from acting to innkeeping led him to the heart of Blue Ridge, GA, where he restored the historic Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast. Discover how he blends history, hospitality, and local charm to create a one-of-a-kind guest experience in the Appalachian Mountains

Read More
Growing Up Manning
Lauren Noble Lauren Noble

Growing Up Manning

Cooper Manning’s journey, shared on Southern Character with James Lewis, highlights his unique path from a sports-filled childhood in New Orleans, through challenges like a career-ending spinal stenosis diagnosis, to building a distinctive legacy in broadcasting, hospitality, and fatherhood while stepping out of the Manning family shadow.

Read More
Bob Kesling: The Legendary Voice of the Tennessee Vols
Lauren Noble Lauren Noble

Bob Kesling: The Legendary Voice of the Tennessee Vols

Bob Kesling, the legendary voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, shares his remarkable 50-year career in sports broadcasting. From iconic game calls to mentoring future broadcasters and giving back through community service, discover the enduring legacy of this celebrated commentator as he approaches retirement.

Read More
Gregg Russell: The Pied Piper of Harbour Town
Lauren Noble Lauren Noble

Gregg Russell: The Pied Piper of Harbour Town

Join us as Gregg Russell shares his 47-year legacy of performing under Hilton Head's Liberty Oak Tree, his work with Hilton Head Heroes, and features from his Apple TV+ documentary, If This Old Tree Could Talk.

Read More
Nola Bred, Nola Fed: An Interview with Ralph Brennan
Lauren Noble Lauren Noble

Nola Bred, Nola Fed: An Interview with Ralph Brennan

Ralph Brennan takes us through his journey to president of a New Orleans restaurant empire, including Brennan’s, Red Fish Grill, Ralph’s on the Park, and Napoleon House to name just a few, sharing personal stories of family tradition, French Quarter culture, and the challenges he faced over nearly 50 years in the food service industry.

Read More