Southern Fried

Chef Rob McDaniel joins this episode of Southern Fried, who, along with his wife Emily, has made a massive impact on the culinary scene not only in Birmingham, but has stretched throughout Alabama and the South. Chef McDaniel is a multi-time James Beard Semifinalist and executive chef of a New York Times top 50 restaurant in the US. From Haleyville to the Plains, Lake Martin to Birmingham where he...

Chris Thomas joins this episode of Southern Fried to talk southern brands and hospitality. Starting Made South, a brand that highlights southern creators and artists, catapulted Chris into a field where he stops at nothing to show how important southern hospitality is and how important it is to southern culture. Check out this episode of Southern Fried as we continue to explore the South through i...

One of the most underrated aspects of the South is its unique beauty. We’re home to mountains and waterfalls, but also swamps and beaches. There’s always something to discover in this great region. On this episode we’re joined by two people who know exactly that, through their journey of exploring every county in the great state of Alabama. From exploring trails to finding the best spots to eat, U...

John Lyda joins Southern Fried this week as we continue to explore the South through its people! A small town childhood in Alabama is the foundation of John's life that would later lead him to the suburbs of Birmingham in Hoover where he would eventually find his way deeply intertwined with the community serving on the city council for 13 years. From cornbread to marathons - get ready to hear John...

Dr. Janie Clay joins Southern Fried on this episode! As a registered dietitian who grew up on her family farm in Marengo County, AL, Janie and her family gained popularity on social media through their knowledge of agriculture and love for each other. Give this episode a listen to learn not only a little about farming, but to hear a love for a family that's unrivaled!

Bobby Horton joins Southern Fried on this episode! An Alabama native, Mr. Horton is a talented musician who performs all over the country solo and with his band Three on a String. He’s also worked on the scores for 19 of Ken Burns’ documentary films and produced numerous albums that take you back in-time to the American past. Enjoy this episode with the multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, a...

This episode of Southern Fried we're joined by Trey Echols, otherwise known as The Fedneck! Trey is a Birmingham, AL native who has a passion for good food that has recently exploded on Instagram through his burger reviews. This episode explores the food scene of Birmingham, the current southern renaissance, and Trey's take on the best burger you can get. Give this one a listen and leave a review!

Sally McKay joins us on this episode of Southern Fried! She's a baker, food stylist, blogger, and now TV star after appearing on Baked With Love: Holiday on the Hallmark Channel. Sally talks with host Charlie about how the South is a major influence on all that she does. Be careful listening to this episode, because you'll definitely want a homemade treat once its over!

Ahmad Austin joins this episode of Southern Fried! As a contemporary artist that specializes in abstract, jazz inspired, and palette knife works, Ahmad takes us through what it's like to be an independent artist in the South. Born and raised in Birmingham, AL, Ahmad knows a thing or two about how things are done down here. Check out this great episode and leave a review!

Charlie has the opportunity to sit down with his great friend, Bailey Tolbert, on this record-breaking length episode of Southern Fried! Bailey is a talented musician who spent time in Nashville after high school writing, performing, and recording music. Her story doesn't start there though, as she grew up in Hoover, AL spending as much time as she could with her family on the water. Skiing, wakeb...

Southern Fried is joined this week by Avent Vanhorn. A current Starkville, MS native she finds her roots west of the college town in the Mississippi Delta. Avent recaps her growing up in Greenwood, MS, time as a student at Mississippi State, and work on set of the movie The Help . Join Charlie and Avent as they chat and share a lot about the Bulldogs!

Allie Davis comes to Southern Fried by way of Ovett, Mississippi. A true small town of the South, Allie takes us through life in Jones County, her love for country artists, and the greatness of Neshoba County Fair. Allie is a proud Mississippi State alumnus and student, currently on track to become a veterinarian through the College of Veterinary Medicine. Enjoy this episode of Southern Fried - an...

Martie Duncan joins Southern Fried this week! From appearing on season eight of Food Network Star, to writing many recipe and cook books, and being known as an incredible host - our guest today knows all about Southern Hospitality. She also loves Alabama just as much, or maybe even more, than Charlie! Enjoy this episode of Southern Fried and leave us a review!

Welcome Jordy Searcy to the Southern Fried family! Today we’re joined by the first musician to appear on the show, and in a region that’s heavily defined by the artists that make it up, I’m excited to hear his perspective. From appearing on season 7 of The Voice to amassing over half-a-million listeners monthly on Spotify, his music has been heard by many. As a college student in the late 2010s an...

Born and raised in Minnesota before a life in the ministry landed him in Alabama, Tyler Christiansen is a pastor in the Birmingham area. This week we discuss faith in the south, how it's different in other parts of the country, and SEC dominance.

Lucas Steele is an SEC baseball player currently enjoying life down on The Plains of Auburn, AL. He started his collegiate career at Samford University outside of Birmingham where he had a successful run before taking his talents to the Tigers. He has many accolades and a great personality, but will always be haunted by only being his grandmother's second favorite grandchild. We hope you enjoy thi...

Nick Morris lives in the Birmingham, AL area by way of Zachary, LA. After graduating from Louisiana State University and bouncing around states, he found himself in Alabama working in the restaurant business. From there, he would go on to open up his own speciality butcher shop in Hoover,AL that focuses on Louisiana flavors. Enjoy this fun episode that brings the spice!

This week Leighton Hart joins the Southern Fried family! From storytelling to comedy, million dollar business ideas to the actual price of what things should be, his personality is seen through the screen by way of his Instagram @leightonwrites. He tops all that off with a timeless style that’s been displayed 155 days straight on @dadgetsdressed. Check out this episode to learn what it's like to l...

Jack Cook is a filmmaker, videographer, and content creator based in Los Angeles, California. That's not where Jack's story begins, however, as he grew up in Savannah, GA before attending college at Auburn. Join Charlie and Jack to hear about growing up in Savannah, living in the South, and how that has translated to a life in California.

Matt Willoughby is a meteorologist currently based out of Louisville, KY. He grew up in New Orleans, LA until Hurricane Katrina hit his hometown and would force his family to move where they relocated to Baton Rouge. After attending college at Mississippi State University, Matt has gone onto work at news stations in Louisiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Matt's contagious personality and genuine joy is ev...

Southern boundaries, potential SEC schools, and defining BBQ with Janna Steele.

First ever episode of Southern Fried! No better way to begin talking about the South than talking with someone who impacts most southerners lives - moms. My own mom was gracious enough to help kickoff this series. It was a great interview about her life in the South and what impacted it. Give it a listen!