John Lavin: The Hottest Innkeeper in Appalachia
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Release Date: 02/10/2025
The Kids Can Fish Cast
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Tom Lewis, founder of the Kids Can Fish Foundation, joins Retire Southern to share how one moment with his daughter turned into a thriving nonprofit helping kids fall in love with fishing. From coast-to-coast camps to the high-stakes Running of the Bulls Charity Surf Redfish Tournament, this episode explores how generosity, mentorship, and family shaped a mission to break down barriers for young anglers of all backgrounds.
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Retire Southern Season 1 Trailer
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Neil "Hondo" Williamson the legendary voice of the Georgia Bulldog radio network, Gregg Russell of Harbour Town Sea Pines Plantation, chef and restaurateur Ford Fry, Cooper Manning of Fox NFL Sunday's "Manning Hour", Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth and so much more. Check out Season 1 of the Retire Southern podcast for authentic experiences and meaningful connections from the heart of the American South.
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Kevin Joseph: In the Raw (Lab)
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Kevin Joseph isn’t just serving oysters—he’s serving up transformation. In this episode of Retire Southern, James and Amanda dive into Raw Lab, a 12-seat experimental dining experience in Charleston that challenges guests to slow down, engage every sense, and discover something new about food and themselves. From caviar rituals and choreographed courses to stories of resilience and reinvention, this conversation peels back the layers behind one of Charleston’s most unforgettable food experiences.
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Ms. André Prince: The Matriarch of Nashville Hot Chicken
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Nashville’s culinary legend Ms. André Prince joins Retire Southern to share the spicy story behind Prince’s Hot Chicken. From its origins as “revenge chicken” to its worldwide reputation, Ms. Prince reflects on family legacy, food culture, and how she built an empire—without even knowing how to cook. Now in her late 70s, she’s passing the torch while holding tight to her community roots. Listen in for wit, wisdom, and a little heat.
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Fred LeBlanc: Meet the Soul Behind the Mouth
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Fred LeBlanc, drummer and frontman of Cowboy Mouth, joins Retire Southern to talk about his wild journey through the music industry—from trash can drums and New Orleans chaos to packed festival stages and decades of electric live shows. Hear how a punk rock spirit, a passion for people, and a commitment to joy have shaped one of the South’s most iconic bands. It’s loud, it’s personal, and it’s everything you'd expect from Fred.
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Commander’s Palace: A Master Class in Hospitality with Ti Adelaide Martin
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Hospitality at Commander’s Palace isn’t a job description—it’s a full-body commitment to excellence. In this episode, Ti Adelaide Martin shares how her team delivers that level of care day after day, from the first phone call to the final course. She also opens up about co-founding NOCHI, New Orleans’ first dedicated culinary and hospitality training insitution, now partnered with brands like Aramark, Sodexo Live! and Viking River Cruises. Ti’s passion for people, paired with her relentless pursuit of great service, has set a new bar—not just in New Orleans, but across the...
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Blair Crimmins: The March of the Hookers
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Blair Crimmins didn’t just find his sound—he fought for it. From fronting rock bands in Atlanta to leading a full seven-piece ragtime jazz ensemble, Blair’s journey has been anything but conventional. After a life-altering accident and some soul searching, he rediscovered the sounds of New Orleans jazz and Dixieland swing and embraced a vision that defies industry norms. Catch this episode of Retire Southern for an exclusive look into Blair’s relentless pursuit of authenticity, the challenges of bringing vintage jazz to modern audiences, and the fun story of how music led him to...
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Chef Conner Hinderks: Greenville's Little Secret
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Chef Conner Hinderks is bringing bold flavors and big ideas to Greenville, SC, with his pop-up residency kitchen, Little Secret. From his early days in Kansas City to honing his craft in New Orleans, Conner shares how his culinary journey led him to create accessible, high-quality food without the fine-dining price tag. Hear how he’s building a name for himself through community partnerships, creative brunch menus, and a vision for a future brick-and-mortar.
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John Lavin: The Hottest Innkeeper in Appalachia
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Hear the incredible story of John Lavin, the visionary owner of the historic Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast in Georgia. From his Southern upbringing split between Lafayette, LA and Chattanooga, TN, to a brief acting career in NYC + Hollywood and a passion for curating guest experiences, John shares how he found his true calling as an innkeeper - starting with going viral on TikTok showing tourists around New Orleans. Learn about the rich history of the 1890 Victorian inn, the unique guest experiences he curates, and the magic of Blue Ridge, a mountain town full of charm and adventure....
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Cooper Manning: Growing Up Manning
Retire Southern with James Lewis
What’s it like to grow up as the eldest Manning brother in a family of football legends? Cooper Manning joins Retire Southern to catch up with high school pal and host, James Lewis, to share colorful stories of growing up in New Orleans with his father, Archie, and brothers, Peyton and Eli. From hilarious memories of his intense basketball coach, Coach Fitz, to afternoons in the Saints locker room with his dad, Cooper offers a unique glimpse into his childhood filled with sports and family traditions. Cooper also reveals how a life-changing diagnosis ended his football career at Ole...
info_outlineHear the incredible story of John Lavin, the visionary owner of the historic Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast in Georgia. From his Southern upbringing split between Lafayette, LA and Chattanooga, TN, to a brief acting career in NYC + Hollywood and a passion for curating guest experiences, John shares how he found his true calling as an innkeeper - starting with going viral on TikTok showing tourists around New Orleans. Learn about the rich history of the 1890 Victorian inn, the unique guest experiences he curates, and the magic of Blue Ridge, a mountain town full of charm and adventure. Whether you're dreaming of a getaway or seeking inspiration for your own creative pursuit, this episode of Retire Southern is a story you won’t soon forget!