Spirits In The Material World | A MidSouth Culture and Southern Stories Podcast

What does it mean to truly live the music you make? Richard Lynch has the answer — and it looks like hay fields, a hand-built barn, Grand Ole Opry legends, and 30+ years of staying true to traditional country music no matter what Nashville said. In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean sits down with Richard Lynch — Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, independent country artist...

What happens when a four-octave powerhouse vocalist, Grammy-nominated recording artist, author of four books, and founder of the Global Badass Goddess platform walks into your podcast? You clear your calendar — because one hour is never enough. In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean Blankenship sits down with Glenda Benevides — singer-songwriter, transformational guide, and force o...

What do you get when a Memphis-born family physician moonlights as a singer-songwriter with a Tommy Award-winning band, a catalog of Americana records, and a song called "Tom Petty Sucks"? You get Rice Drewry — and this conversation is exactly as fun as it sounds. In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean Blankenship sits down with Rice Drewry — guitarist, songwriter, physic...

What happens when a municipal attorney runs for city commissioner, writes internationally bestselling novels, and then builds one of the most unique literary festivals in America — all at the same time? You get Mark Mustian. In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean Blankenship sits down with Tallahassee-based author, attorney, and festival founder Mark Mustian for a wide-ranging conv...

Some of the most important musicians in American music history don't chase attention. They chase the work. Kirk Smothers has spent over 40 years playing, recording, and touring the world — shaping records you've heard while building a life in Memphis music without a highlight reel or brand strategy. He's played alongside BB King, toured internationally, and remained one of the most res...

Some of the most important musicians in American music history don’t chase attention. They chase  the work . Kirk Smothers has spent over 40 years doing just that—playing, recording, touring the world, shaping records you’ve heard, and building a life in music without a digital footprint, a brand strategy, or a highlight reel. In this episode of  Spirits in the Material World , Kirk and I talk abo...

Episode Description:  In the Room Where Soul Lives — Boo Mitchell and the Magic of Royal Studios Step inside the heartbeat of Memphis with Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer  Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell , the man carrying forward the legendary legacy of  Royal Studios  — where timeless soul meets modern sound. In this intimate, one-hour conversation, host  Sean Blankenship  dives deep with Boo...

Ted Townsend serves as the President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, a role he assumed in December 2022 following a unanimous vote by the organization's Board of Directors. Prior to this, he held the position of Chief Economic Development Officer for both the Greater Memphis Chamber and the University of Memphis from 2020 to 2022, where he contributed to regional growth initiatives. With o...

In this episode, Geoff Calkins, a prominent journalist from Memphis, shares his intriguing journey from Buffalo, New York, to Harvard and into the world of sports journalism. Despite sharing a name with a successful entrepreneur and having a Twitter handle stolen by his nephew, he carved his own path. Calkins humorously recounts a time he challenged himself to play Christmas carols on a tuba if th...

The latest episode of 'Spirits in the Material World' features an engaging conversation between host Sean Blankenship and guest Andy O'Fee, known as the Yankee Closer. They delve into Andy's intriguing transition from Wall Street to Memphis, his rich childhood experiences in New Jersey, and a shared love for baseball. Reflecting on their generational differences in childhood play, the discussion t...

In this lively podcast episode, the hosts dive into the intersection of music and spirits with guest Kevin Cantrell, an artist and whiskey enthusiast. They explore the nuances of whiskey and tequila, the art of sipping, and the unexpected surprises that good spirits and music can offer. Kevin shares personal anecdotes, including his introduction to Pappy Van Winkle, and discusses the value of savo...

In this engaging episode of 'Spirits in the Material World,' host Sean Blankenship introduces Doug Browne, President and General Manager of the iconic Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Browne shares his journey from growing up in the Caribbean with a military background to becoming a luminary in the hospitality industry. Listeners are treated to anecdotes about his passion for ballroom dancing, his aspira...

In this episode of 'Spirits in the Material World', longtime SEAL veteran Ronnie Hodges shares his incredible journey from being drafted into the Marine Corps to joining the elite Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. He recounts the intense BUD/S training and harrowing missions, revealing the mental and physical endurance required to survive and accomplish their covert operations. Hodges offers a gl...

In this podcast episode, Sean and Wyatt Blankenship explore the complex world of whiskey. They delve into the distinctions between different types of whiskey such as bourbon, rye, and scotch, explaining the unique ingredients and processes each involves. Wyatt shares insights on how bourbon should be 51% corn and aged in new charred white oak barrels. Regional influences, like Tennessee whiskey's...

In 'Spirits in the Material World,' host Sean Blankenship embarks on an exploration of the Mid-South Delta's rich cultural heritage. Through deep-dive interviews, the podcast offers a captivating look into the lesser-known stories of Memphis and its surrounding areas, exploring themes of music, mysticism, and community. With a dedication to emotional storytelling, Sean artfully connects listeners...