The South’s Hospitality Blueprint: Grit, Gratitude, and Giving Back
Retire Southern with James Lewis
In this episode of Retire Southern, James sits down with Chris Hall, one of the South’s most influential hospitality leaders and the co-founder of Unsukay Restaurant Group. From childhood memories shaped around a family dinner table to the intense kitchens that forged his career, Chris shares a story filled with grit, generosity, and the belief that food connects us all. You will hear how Muss & Turners, Local Three, MTH Pizza, and Roshambo came to life, why Chris never wanted to wake up at sixty and wonder what if, and how a tragedy inside their restaurant family sparked the creation of...
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Serenbe: A Community Built on Radical Common Sense
Retire Southern with James Lewis
In this episode of Retire Southern, Steve Nygren shares the remarkable story behind Serenbe, the pioneering wellness community tucked into the hills of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. Steve opens up about the Monday morning he woke up, stepped off the corporate treadmill, and completely rewrote the script of his life. What began as a quiet escape to the country became the spark for a movement built on radical common sense. Steve reflects on the moment a bulldozer flattening a nearby forest pushed him from observer to advocate, and how that single wake-up call inspired a new model for community...
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Colder Weather & Warmer Hearts: Music, Family, and Purpose
Retire Southern with James Lewis
In this episode of Retire Southern, host James Lewis sits down with — Grammy-winning guitarist, songwriter, and children’s author best known for his work with the — to explore how music, family, and purpose intersect in a life built on creativity and gratitude. From his “blue-collar Wonder Years” upbringing in Thomaston, Georgia, to writing hits like Colder Weather and Knee Deep, Bowles shares how his Southern roots shaped his storytelling — and how fatherhood and faith now fuel his passion for inspiring others. He also opens up about his newest children’s book, Every...
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The Spotted Trotter & the Rise of New American Charcuterie | Eat Good Meat
Retire Southern with James Lewis
In this episode of Retire Southern, we sit down with Kevin Ouzts, founder of The Spotted Trotter, sharing how his entrepreneurial spirit, grit, and dedication to the craft has shaped a slow food legacy with a Southern twist. Learn how he built one of the nation’s most respected charcuterie houses with the trademark, New American Charcuterie, and how his story defines what it means in the context of living well in the South.
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Bringing Livin Home: Gather Well, Stress Less
Retire Southern with James Lewis
In this episode of Retire Southern, we sit down with Erica Tuggle, founder of Livin, a meal service that connects professional chefs with busy families for healthy, affordable, home-cooked dinners and gatherings. Recorded inside James and Amanda’s home, Erica shares how Livin helps families reclaim their time, build better habits, and support local chefs. If you’ve ever asked “What’s for dinner?” one too many times—this episode is for you.
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From History to Haunting: Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Ghost Tour
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Charleston doesn’t just tell its history—it haunts it. In this episode of Retire Southern, we meet Mike Brown, historian and host of the Pleasing Terrors Podcast and ghost tour. Mike shares how his fascination with Charleston’s darker past led to a podcast praised for both its research and atmosphere. From personal paranormal encounters at the Old Jail House to historical truths buried under decades of myth, Mike gives us a front-row seat to the ghost stories that still linger in the Holy City. Listen now to hear how storytelling, history, and hauntings come together in one unforgettable...
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Custom Skim Boards, Surf Camps & Skimboarding Lessons on St. Simons
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Cristi Kavanaugh caught her first wave at 38 — and built a business that helps others catch theirs, too. In this episode of Retire Southern, host James Lewis visits Cristi at her St. Simons Island home to talk surfing, custom skimboards, community events, and the much anticipated opening of the KavPar Boardsports storefront. Whether you’re a beach lover, parent, or entrepreneur, Cristi’s story of confidence and coastal connection will leave you inspired. Catch the full episode and book surf camps at .
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Creature Comforts: From Pints to Proof
Retire Southern with James Lewis
Creature Comforts Brewing is a force for good - just like its mission statement. Now an Athens stronghold with direct connections to the University of Georgia, the Brewery started with roots in science and sustainability, with a little curiosity. CEO Adam Beauchamp joins Retire Southern to teach us about how their focus on community impact, sustainability - and of course, making award-winning beer and distilled spirits - creates a lasting impact.
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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.
info_outlineTom 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.