Infinity and Beyond: Exploring Mississippi's Space Legacy with Michelle Anderson
Release Date: 02/12/2025
Inside the World of MS Sneaker Culture with Randy Richardson and John Carter
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Randy Richardson and John Carter, co-founders of MS Sneaker Culture. They dive into the world of sneakers, discussing their passion for collecting, trading, and customizing sneakers. Randy talks about his long-time love for sneakers and how he has around 150 pairs in rotation. John shares how he got into sneakers with Randy's influence, now owning about 70 pairs. The episode also explores the origin of MS Sneaker Culture and its fast-growing sneaker conventions. They discuss the details of their events, emphasizing an upscale,...
info_outline
From Family Roots to Radio Waves With Rip Daniels
Bottled Up
In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Rip Daniels, CEO of WJZD Incorporated. Rip shares his journey from growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to becoming a successful entrepreneur and radio station owner. With deep family roots in the area, Rip discusses his family's history of entrepreneurship, which inspired his desire to start his own business. He recounts his early endeavors, from working in construction to becoming an announcer and eventually launching in 1994. Rip emphasizes the importance of community involvement and how the station remains dedicated to serving their local...
info_outline
Infinity and Beyond: Exploring Mississippi's Space Legacy with Michelle Anderson
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with , CEO and Executive Director of the . They discuss Michelle's background, including her education and journey to the Science Center. Michelle shares the history and development of the Infinity Science Center, starting from its early days as the Stentosphere to its grand opening in 2012. They talk about the center's relationship with NASA's Stennis Space Center, its major fundraisers, and future plans. Michelle touches on exciting new exhibits and her favorite one. They also highlight the center's role in both public education and...
info_outline
Exploring Walter Anderson's Legacy: Art, Nature, and Community with Julian Rankin
Bottled Up
In this episode, Andrew Allen speaks with Julian Rankin, Executive Director of the , about the impact of coastal artist Walter Anderson. They explore Anderson's role in promoting creativity and his misunderstood vision, discuss the museum's growth over the past 30 years, and highlight recent expansions like a new restaurant and green space. Rankin also discusses the museum's educational goals, community engagement, and exciting events like the "Silent Light" festival. They reflect on the resilience shown during Hurricane Katrina and the museum's ongoing efforts to support the creative...
info_outline
Building Christmas Magic: Behind the Scenes of Gulfport's Harbor Lights Event
Bottled Up
In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew interviews Billy Lehman and Alicia Chambless about their roles in organizing events for the city of Gulfport. Billy, the Assistant Director of Leisure Services, and Alicia, the Special Events Coordinator, share their experiences and backgrounds. They discuss the history and growth of the , a massive Christmas light display in Gulfport's Jones Park. The event has grown significantly since it started in 2015, featuring over 2 million lights, Santa's Village, and various food vendors. They talk about the planning process, which begins more than a year in...
info_outline
Transforming Main Street: Kristen Garriga's Vision for Gulfport
Bottled Up
In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with , executive director of the . Kristen shares her journey from volunteering to help businesses with social media during COVID to establishing her own LLC and taking a vital role in revitalizing downtown Gulfport. We learn about her work with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and her efforts in real estate marketing. Kristen discusses organizing events like ViewThe Coast, Gunbo Fest, and the upcoming concert series. She also highlights challenges like vacant properties and high insurance costs and outlines plans for more retail, residential...
info_outline
Halloween Magic and Green Thumbs with Kiowa Walley
Bottled Up
In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Kiowa Walley, a seasoned hair colorist, landscaper, and Halloween enthusiast. Kiowa shares his love for gardening, growing tomatoes, peppers, peas, and watermelons, and discusses the changing nature of outdoor activities across generations. He talks about running a landscaping business, stressing planning and relationships. Kiowa, who started in the landscaping field about ten years ago, also recounts organizing "WalleyWeen," a neighborhood Halloween tradition supporting local charities. He explains how the event evolved, involving themed rooms and...
info_outline
Exploring Music, Real Estate and Charity with John Carter
Bottled Up
In this episode, Andrew Allen talks to John Carter about his journey from casino worker to real estate expert and charity founder. John shares heartfelt memories of his late aunt, who battled triple-negative breast cancer, inspiring him to start . The charity hosts events like the "" to support cancer patients. John also discusses his family's Blackjack Ranch, known for Wagyu beef, and his passion for music, which led him to form a band. Learn about his ventures in real estate with Century 21 and his new interest in sneaker conventions. Tune in for an impactful episode filled with community...
info_outline
Family, Friendships and Fizz With Charles Duggan and Junior Estes Graves
Bottled Up
Andrew Allen welcomes guests Charles Duggan and Junior Estes Graves in this episode. They discuss changes in work ethic and communication in today's workforce, emphasizing the need for face-to-face interaction. Andrew shares a crucial lesson about building confidence he learned on the job. The group reminisces about winning the "Bottler of the Year" award and memorable experiences in the business, especially with Andrew's father, whose legacy still inspires them. They also share humorous stories about encounters on their delivery routes, like a goat mistaken for a dog and a lady with a cow...
info_outline
Hickory Hills Tee Time Tales with Troy Guillotte
Bottled Up
In this episode, Andrew Allen sits down with Troy Guillotte, a prominent figure from Gautier, Mississippi. Troy, the owner and PR/Marketing Director of shares his incredible journey of reviving a 226-acre gem along the scenic Pascagoula River. Hickory Hills features an 18-hole championship golf course, a restaurant, a bar, event venues, and condos for rent. Troy shares the story of reviving and his strong business partnership with Allen Beverages. They discuss personal stories, including playing golf with family and Troy's first job at at a fishing camp. They also cover Troy's passion for...
info_outline
In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Michelle Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of the Infinity Science Center. They discuss Michelle's background, including her education and journey to the Science Center. Michelle shares the history and development of the Infinity Science Center, starting from its early days as the Stentosphere to its grand opening in 2012. They talk about the center's relationship with NASA's Stennis Space Center, its major fundraisers, and future plans. Michelle touches on exciting new exhibits and her favorite one. They also highlight the center's role in both public education and community outreach activities.
3 Key Listener Takeaways
1. Infinity Science Center's Dual Purpose and Growth: The Infinity Science Center opened to the public in 2012 and serves as both an educational attraction for the general public and a field trip destination for students. It's designed to represent the scientific advancements at the Stennis Space Center and provides a wide array of STEM-related exhibits and interactive experiences.
2. Impact and Recovery from Hurricane Katrina: Hurricane Katrina in 2005 significantly affected the development plans for the Infinity Science Center. The original blueprints were more luxurious and extensive, but the rebuilding had to prioritize essential structures and facilities. Despite the setbacks, they managed to open a substantial and functional center in 2012.
3. Strategic Community Engagement and Fundraising: The Infinity Science Center actively engages with the local community, including partnerships with schools and NASA. They rely on admissions, donations, and fundraisers such as the Monsters and Masquerade Bash to support their operations. Their engagement also includes outreach programs and potential new interactive exhibits and educational tools like the "Small Lab."
Show Overview
00:00 Mississippi STEM Center Origins
06:37 Infinity Science Center Planning Overview
08:25 Infinity Science Center's Unrealized Vision
11:45 Dual Role of Stennis Space Center
16:30 Deep Ocean Exploration Challenge
19:33 Monsters & Masquerade Fundraiser Events
21:47 Showcasing Diverse Science Contributions
23:50 Legacy of Wise Spending
28:51 Fun with Customizable Masks and Projectors
30:44 Infinity Experience Overview