The Community Bank Podcast

Today we sit down with Scott Cocanougher, CEO of First Community Bank in Shelbyville, Tennessee and Randy Goggans, founder of the company BankerBounty. Together we discuss the keys to creating change inside your organization and how to create an effective referral program. Click Here to Book a Free Strategy Call. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of th...

In this episode of The Community Bank Podcast , Caleb Stevens sits down with attorney Mark Kanaly to explore the fundamentals of effective strategic planning for community banks. They discuss how strong leadership, clear alignment, and thoughtful preparation can turn strategy from a one-time exercise into a living, actionable roadmap. Mark shares practical insights on fostering collaboration, avoi...

In this episode, Chris Nichols and Caleb Stevens sit down with Brennan Perkins, a recent Citadel graduate, to explore how early leadership experiences translate into a career in banking. From learning how to be an effective follower to leading peers under pressure, Brennan shares key lessons on servant leadership, attention to detail, and building influence without authority. The conversation high...

In this episode, Chris Nichols and DJ Seeterlin explore what banks can learn from Trader Joe's approach to strategy, focusing on clear customer segments, intentional trade-offs, and delivering value over price. They discuss how aligning products, people, and experiences around a defined audience can help banks stand out, and how these same principles apply to areas like AI, where technology should...

In this episode, Chris Nichols is joined by Samer Saab of Alloy Labs to explore the growing tension between a traditional "debt mindset" and a more forward-looking "equity mindset" in banking. While banks are built to minimize risk and protect principal, that same instinct can limit innovation, partnerships, and long-term growth. Samer shares practical ways banks can rebalance risk and reward by m...

In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Jack Henry's Lee Wetherington  to unpack the biggest strategic shifts facing community banks today. From deposit pressures and the rise of small business banking to the growing importance of data strategy and payments, the conversation highlights how banks must rethink their approach to growth. The discussion makes one thing clear: success in the next...

In this episode, Caleb Stevens talks with Eva Daniel, founder of The Speak Shop, about why effective communication is a critical leadership skill. Eva shares why every professional should have a signature message, common mistakes leaders make when presenting, and how thoughtful storytelling and structure can dramatically increase clarity and credibility. Tune in to learn the hidden career advantag...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Udell, a former community banker turned AI advisor, to break down what AI actually means for banks today and how to start using it in practical ways. Ben shares how bankers can use AI to save time, sharpen decision-making, and enhance relationships. From turning voice notes into board reports to accelerating commercial loan analysis and preparing for tougher l...

Today we speak with Erik Weiner, CEO of de novo Portrait Bank. We discuss his banking background, why he started Portrait bank, the capital raise process, attracting talent, and building out a tech stack.  Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessari...

Recorded live from the Financial Brand Fourm on April 14th, Caleb Stevens sits down with Dan Marks, President of OptimaFI, to talk about what bank marketers should actually be focused on today. They dig into using data to prove ROI, aligning marketing with lending and finance, avoiding "shiny object" syndrome, and where AI can genuinely help community banks grow. A practical, real‑world conversati...

Today we sit down with brothers Pat and Robert McLaughlin. Though they come from different, diverse fields, Pat and Robert share a passion in leadership development. They talk to us about presence, the traits of championship teams, and what they've learned from their work with Jon Gordon.    The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involve...

In this episode, former U.S. Senator and SouthState Bank board member Ben Sasse joins Caleb Stevens and Chris Kamienski for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of community banking, the loneliness epidemic, and the digital revolution reshaping the economy.    Learn more about SouthState's Correspondent Banking Division at https://southstatecorrespondent.com/ The views, information, or opinion...

Today we speak with Chris Carneal, Founder and CEO of Booster, the largest elementary school fundraising company in the country. He tells us about how he's created a remarkable company through his leadership and a vision. Chris drives his company through virtue, and he shares how community bank leaders can build culture by acting on what your organization believes in. Click Here to Register for th...

Today we're joined by Bill Moreland, a credit risk expert whose data and analysis we rely on heavily. Bill helps us break down what's really happening beneath the surface of today's credit metrics — from the rise of NDFIs to the surge in loan modifications and what that signals about risk in this cycle. View Agenda & Register for The Elevate Banking Forum View Agenda & Register for The Deposit Con...

Today, Tom Fitzgerald, from our strategy and research group interviews our asset-liability manager, Billy Fielding, from our broker dealer SouthState Securities to discuss the latest trends and asset liability management. Click Here to Subscribe to Tom's Weekly Piece - The Friday Five  The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and...

Today Tom Fitzgerald and Joe Keating discuss the current global landscape, including ongoing U.S. politics, developments in the Fed, and the ongoing war with Iran. They tie it all back to how they impact the economy and one's investments. Register for The Elevate Banking Forum: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/the-2026-elevate-banking-forum/ Register for The Deposit Conference: https://southsta...

In this episode, Caleb Stevens sits down with author and speaker Jon Acuff to talk about where procrastination shows up most often in the business world—and why even high-performing leaders struggle with it. Jon shares practical strategies from his latest book, Procrastination Proof, to help you stop putting off important work and start making meaningful progress. If you've ever delayed a tough co...

Today we have the privilege of welcoming back our very first podcast guest, Billy Boughey.  Billy is the founder of Elevate Experiences, a company that creates unforgettable corporate events and experiences. Billy talks about the 3 keys to a remarkable event, casting vision for your company, and the importance of courage and taking ownership. Coach Dabo Swiney Quote that Billy Referenced: "Sight i...

Today we're joined by two of our fellow SouthState team members — Shellee Spagnoletto and Jake Schoolfield.  They talk about the Private Banking line of business we have here at SouthState and some of the keys any community banks can learn as they build their own. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily rep...

Today we speak with Karan Bhalla, Founder and CEO of AiVantage. He tells us about how banks can utilize AI to personalize their marketing efforts and, in turn, deepen client relationships.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. -...

Today we sit down with Ballard Cassady, CEO of the Kentucky Bankers Association. Ballard shares the unique perspective a banking association must keep while navigating the evolving banking landscape. He tells us about his lobbying efforts, his thoughts on AI, how stablecoin will impact the industry, and what community banks do best.   Learn more about The ARC Program here !   The views, informatio...

Today we sit down with Dan Odom, President and CEO of Western Bank out in Lubbock, Texas. He discusses the history of his family-owned community bank and how he has developed it over the last decade. He tells us about his community profile, his thoughts on talent development, and the challenges and opportunities he faces in west Texas. Learn more about The ARC Program here !   The views, informati...

Today on the show Caleb and Chris talk about one of Chris' recent blog articles, What a F1 Pit Crew Can Teach Banking — Performance as a System.  Read the full blog article here: https://southstatecorrespondent.com/banker-to-banker/bank-performance/what-a-f1-pit-crew-can-teach-banking-performance-as-a-system/ The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the pa...

In today's show, Caleb and Chris delve into some of the top marketing tactics and frameworks we utilize at SouthState's Correspondent Division. They also explore how community banks can adopt these strategies to effectively capture the attention of their most promising prospects.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do n...

Today Chris Nichols sits down with Ryan Zacharia and Adam Aspes, partners at FINTOP. Returning after four years from their last appearance on our show, they discuss tokenization, AI, and the digital transformations banks are undergoing in an era of evolving technology.   The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessar...