Part of the Experience

"We‘re Gonna Do Part of the Hot Ones Experience" — We turn up the heat in this episode as Russell, Hayward, and Nathan take on a full-blown Hot Ones style wing challenge in honor of Oxford’s upcoming Hot Sauce Festival. The crew surprises Russell for his birthday, sparking stories between tears, laughs, and a lineup of fiery sauces (yes, even The Bomb ). Along the way, Russell shares wil...

"Then I Realized I Hate This" — In this episode, we sit down with Chad Smith to hear the remarkable story of how a health crisis, a cross-country move, and a leap of faith led him from Vermont and Boston to Oxford. Chad opens up about his wife’s life-saving transplant, his decades of experience in design and construction, and how he’s found new purpose in a small town through disc golf,...

"I Made These Awesome Chrome Fangs" — Tommy joins us in the studio to reflect on a remarkable journey that took him and his family from coast to coast in the aftermath of the Covid era. He shares vivid stories from his days in the early ’90s music scene with his band As Yet Untitled , delves into his dental career, and recounts some wild celebrity encounters—like crafting fangs for Al Jo...

"I’m Just Gonna Live Here on This Boat Forever" — With fire season ramping up, Joe joins Russell and Chad to share the origin story of Ember Flash Aerospace—the groundbreaking company he co-founded that's changing the game in climate disaster response. He reflects on his winding journey across multiple states (and even life aboard a boat) before finally settling in Oxford. Along the...

"Just Imagine if People Were Pets" — Russell and Chad settle into the studio for their first podcast without a guest. They kick things off with a lighthearted chat about pets before touching on a range of topics, from poison ivy and stitches to Native American culture and mountain men. Chad shares his journey to Oxford, and the two of them reminisce about what brought them to the Oxford...

"I'm A Logistics Guy" — Giovanni joins Russell and Chad in the studio to reflect on his remarkable 30-year career spanning two branches of the military and law enforcement. From his roots in Delaware to his current internship with the city of Oxford, he shares insights from his journey—highlighting the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and his admiration for his wife, Pat, Oxfor...

"I‘ll Tell You Another Band I Can‘t Stand" — Ron returns to the studio to chat about his music podcast, Stuck in Rotation , and his session series spotlighting bands from North Carolina’s vibrant music scene. Russell and Ron reminisce about their shared experiences in the industry, swapping stories about everything from failed stage dives to hardcore fans in the pit. The guys also discus...

"You Will Look at Me, Sidestep, and Run As Hard as You Can Into a Fence" — In this seasonally-inspired episode, Jeremy joins the podcast to share his journey as the owner of PAC Whitetails, a thriving deer farm in Oxford. From his roots in Virginia to his career as an electrical engineer, Jeremy dives into his path of professional growth and his passion for wildlife. Along the way, we explore hila...

"Can I Be the Little Spoon" — Dylan joins us at Next Door Studio to chat about his adventures working events and festivals for Tobacco Wood Brewing, all while poking fun at Russell's trash opinions. The conversation explores their passion for skateboarding and sports, diving into the highs and lows of playing, spectating, and dealing with the aches of getting older. Other highlights include prank...

"The Only Agency Responsible for Everything and in Charge of No One" — As Western North Carolina continues to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation, this episode takes a thoughtful, reflective tone. Doug, a seasoned professional with over 30 years in emergency services, joins us to share his journey and insights. He delves into the history, evolution, and critical phases of emergen...

"I Would Load Up With 15 Different Beers" — Ryan stops by the studio to dive into everything beer-related, including the upcoming Oxford Beer Festival. From serving craft brews at The Hub on Main to organizing the festival, Ryan shares insights on breweries, craft beer culture, and events in the NC brewing scene. The pod also touches on the Hot Sauce Festival, Julia Stovall's lasting impact, The H...

"I Was One of Those Creepy Little Kids" — In the spirit of the season, the podcast takes a spooky turn as Stefani shares stories of ghostly encounters from her childhood. From witchcraft to Ouija boards, the conversation delves into a bit of everything related to the unseen—culminating in a chilling experience Russell recounts after discovering a hidden room at a friend's house. Other topics inclu...

"I'm Channeling Patrick Swayze" – Anna reflects on her path to pottery and the launch of her own studio, sharing the process and vision for her new space, 'Sanctum,' opening in downtown Oxford. She also discusses the good and bad that come with growing cities. The episode wraps up with stories from Chapel Hill, including Anna's koozie side hustle.

"I Feed Them Every Week" — Kelly recalls the path that led to the creation of his brand and business, BigFoot BBQ. He provides insights into his process and preparation, discussing the approach and mindset he carries in life beyond whole hog BBQ. The pod covers his experience as a Marine, his Kountry Boy King rap projects, and a pile of shingles.

"It Is A Cute Spicy Book" — Mandy stops by and talks about the career path that included stops at a pharmaceutical company and teaching Biology, before transitioning to book sales and opening Angle Wings Bookstore. An unhinged door and blue aliens finding romance become the topic when the conversation shifts to Mandy's spicy book club and its relationship with slander in politics.

"He Was My Waiter at Ruby Tuesday" — Savannah graciously drops by and recounts how a few of her life changing events fell into place. Topics include her career as a dental hygienist, starting a family, and becoming a yoga instructor. The conversation also veers into stories of teeth, our first cell phones, and having or not having kids.

"Young Joe Is Like 73" — Curtis and Ron stop by the studio to talk about the retail space of 'She Chose Down' and 'OX4D Music'. They cover a variety of music and media topics before discussing their joint 'Next Door Music Festival' project and the game of Crokinole.

"You Don't Want Any Wee Woo Wagon" — Ashley recounts a restaurant journey that started at and ultimately led her back to Randy's Pizza. She details her encounter with a customer and his live chicken, then chats with the guys about coffee and life in Oxford.

"I Mailed a Video to a Bunch of Schools" — Nathan joins the pod to discuss the running path that took him from New Jersey to North Carolina. He also shares stories and lessons learned from managing restaurants to his current role in customer success.

"You Can't Have the Mahogany Sauce" — Q talks about returning to Oxford after college and his journey from Milano's to Tobacco Wood with stories from the stops along the way.