Nashville Daily

In this episode, we sit down with Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for a wide-ranging conversation on what it’s really like leading one of America’s fastest-growing cities.We talk candidly about the challenges of modern politics, building and maintaining public trust, and what Mayor O’Connell has learned during his time in office. The conversation dives deep into Nashville’s transit future, East Bank development, neighborhood investments, public safety response times, and how infrastructure decisions made today shape the next generation of the city.We also touch on small business concerns, property taxes, permitting delays, technology-forward transit planning, and what Nashville’s long-term identity could look like if housing, transportation, and neighborhoods grow together the right way.This episode was recorded a few weeks before release, so some details may have shifted, but the vision, strategy, and philosophy behind Nashville’s growth are fully on display.

What happens when a Philly native runs track at TSU, falls in love with Nashville, and decides the city deserves a real cheesesteak?On this episode of The XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Z, owner of It’z a Philly Thing, to talk about how he turned a single food trailer into one of Nashville’s most talked-about spots for authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks — now serving daily from a permanent setup in Bellevue.Z shares:

They built one of Tennessee’s best barbecue spots out of pure grit, faith, and heart ❤️Nick and Kendra from Brazen Q in Livingston, TN, share their incredible story — from being house parents helping at-risk kids to surviving cancer, building a restaurant from the ground up, and learning how to keep their dream alive through community, consistency, and good food.They talk about:

Glenn Jacobs — known to millions around the world as Kane from WWE — sits down with XPLR.NASH to talk about life after the ring, leadership, and what it means to serve Tennessee.In this conversation, Glenn opens up about his 30-year wrestling career, what it was like joining the WWE Hall of Fame, his journey to becoming Mayor of Knox County, and how faith and family keep him grounded. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into WWE’s massive logistics operation, life on the road, and how lessons from wrestling shaped his approach to leadership and community.We also talk about his love for East Tennessee, his favorite local restaurants, and why he calls Knoxville home.Full episode streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Facebook.https://www.instagram.com/glennjacobstn?igsh=MWVjNXhpNTluYmN1MQ==

Small Space, Huge Success: The Gold’s Deli StoryGeorge Kougias went from Boston restaurant life to launching Gold’s Deli in Columbia, Tennessee, inside a tiny 275 sq ft shop. In this episode, we get real about starting small, serving quality over quantity, and building a deli that often sells out by mid-afternoon. George shares honest lessons on staffing, menu focus, catering at scale, handling the rush, and why putting the product and the customer first still wins.Topics we cover:• How to know you are ready to open• Why a small, simple menu can beat big concepts• Catering operations from a micro space• Saying no to delivery apps and protecting the guest experience• Profit First cash flow and real peace of mind• Columbia’s growing food district and day-trip ideas• Boston food stories and a quick Beantown itineraryIf you enjoyed this convo, drop a comment with your favorite deli order and share this with a friend who is dreaming of opening their own spot.https://www.instagram.com/goldsdelicolumbia?igsh=MWwwYnQ

BlackBox Ice Cream – From Food Truck to Nashville Favorite

Inside the Champion Mindset with Brandon CurryOn this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Nashville native and 2019 Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry. From his early football days at MTSU to becoming one of the best bodybuilders in the world, Brandon shares how discipline, visualization, and staying present shaped his career. We dive into his training philosophy, how he balances family and business, and the lessons he’s carried from the gym to life.Brandon opens up about overcoming doubt, the discipline behind training and diet, his rise in the bodybuilding world, and how visualization and staying present became his biggest advantages. He also shares advice on contracts, confidence, and why being true to yourself will always set you apart.Whether you’re into fitness, entrepreneurship, or just need some motivation, Brandon’s story is packed with wisdom you can apply far beyond the gym.https://www.instagram.com/brandon__curry/

From Cupcakes to Tequila: Ivey Childers’ Southbound Journey

In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Andy Lang — Army veteran, former Green Beret, and founder of Leatherwood Distillery in Clarksville, TN.We talk about:Making Skittles wine during deployment in IraqBuilding a distillery from scratch with just $100KWhiskey, bourbon, and the secrets behind Snake Eater BourbonNavigating insane alcohol tax lawsHis journey through PTSD and finding healing at Warriors HeartHow his military experience shaped his business mindsetLaunching a barbecue restaurant and staying resilient through a fireAndy’s story is equal parts wild, inspiring, and brutally honest. If you're into whiskey, entrepreneurship, or just great stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Go behind the scenes with Anas, the creator of Nashville Hidden Gems, as he shares the real story of how he built one of Nashville’s most unique food and culture accounts. In this episode, we talk about:How Nashville Hidden Gems started with local food tours and grew during a massive wave of new Nashvillians.The importance of community, authenticity, and telling YOUR story as a business or creator.What it’s like running a page focused on Nashville’s immigrant-owned restaurants and multicultural neighborhoods.Why having a real strategy matters (it’s not just about the views and likes!).Life lessons from traveling to Yemen, Mexico, and New York—and how those experiences shaped Anas’ content and worldview.Burnout, screen time, and how to actually enjoy being a content creator long-term.The future of social media, why local events matter, and how to build real relationships with your audience.Whether you’re a Nashville local, a food lover, or an aspiring creator, this episode is packed with honest stories, action

Join us on the XPLR.NASH podcast for an inspiring conversation with Kalani, the creator behind “Kalani Ghost Hunter,” as he shares his incredible journey from a Tennessee state job to building a viral platform with millions of followers. Discover how Kalani went from living out of his car and filming in haunted locations across the U.S. and UK, to reviewing food, exploring local culture, and telling powerful stories about history and travel.In this episode, Kalani opens up about his roots in Middle Tennessee, the challenges of content creation, and the importance of staying authentic both on and off camera. We dive deep into topics like:• Ghost hunting in Tennessee and around the world• The power of supportive relationships in chasing your dreams• Going viral on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram• Balancing food reviews, paranormal investigations, and ethical storytelling• The impact of honest reviews on local Nashville restaurants• Travel, history, and exploring dark tourism• Advice for aspiring content creator

Welcome to the XPLR.NASH Podcast! In this special episode, we sit down with Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to reveal the real secrets behind Tennessee’s ongoing success.Discover what truly sets Tennessee apart—from the Volunteer spirit and thriving communities to booming business, authentic local stories, and one-of-a-kind travel experiences. We dive deep into the people, places, and policies shaping Tennessee’s future, and why more Americans are calling the Volunteer State home.Topics include:Why Tennessee is considered the friendliest state in AmericaHow Nashville and small towns work together to fuel growthThe impact of business, infrastructure, and smart leadershipHidden food and travel gems you won’t find anywhere elseReal talk on storytelling, branding, and what makes Tennessee “feel like America”Personal lessons on leadership, resilience, and serving the communityIf you love Tennessee, Nashville, or discovering inspiring stories from passionate leaders, this episode is for you. Subscribe

Welcome to the XPLR.NASH Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Rey Bello—a Venezuelan immigrant whose journey from starting over in Nashville to hosting some of the city’s most exclusive culinary events is nothing short of incredible.Rey’s story goes way beyond food and live events. He opens up about the tough lessons he’s learned in business, why emotional resilience is everything, and how building genuine relationships—not just making money—changed his life. From the car business to sold-out Michelin pop-ups, Rey shares what it takes to build real respect and a true sense of community in Music City.Inside this episode:Why being good emotionally is the foundation for success in businessHow Rey built a name for himself in a new country, without a PR company or big marketing budgetWhat goes into hosting legendary events with Michelin-star chefs and 150-pound tunasThe evolution of Nashville’s food scene and predictions for its first Michelin starsLessons on helping others, earning respect, and building a c

In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Chris Blair, the founder of The Listening Room — one of Nashville’s most beloved venues and songwriter stages. Chris opens up about why prioritizing artists and guests over profits helped him survive 19 years and four relocations in an ever-changing city. We talk through the challenges of operating a fast-paced restaurant + music venue, Nashville’s explosive growth, and what it means to create a space where Grammy winners and up-and-comers share the same stage. Plus, what does the future of The Listening Room look like as downtown Nashville continues to evolve?Website: https://listeningroomcafe.com/Chris’s Podcast: Stories Behind the Songs – available wherever you stream podcasts

In this episode, we sit down with Akki Grover — the owner and operating partner behind Sindoore and Jashan in Nashville, Tennessee. Both restaurants have earned coveted spots on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., with Jashan ranked #49 and Sindoore at #55 Akki walks us through his journey from India to Music City, detailing how he combined tradition with creativity to build two standout concepts. We discuss the unique challenges of modern Indian cuisine, upscale (Jashan) versus classic (Sindoore) dining, and what it takes to climb into Yelp’s elite list — twice.Whether you’re a foodie, restaurateur, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at how passion, consistency, and authenticity can elevate your dreams — and your restaurants — to national recognition.Sindoore (Indian by nature, Donelson Pike) — official site: sindoore.com Jashan (Indian Brasserie, Hillsboro Village) — official site: jashannashville.com

Jam-Packed Success: The Story of Farmstead Nashville w/ Gary BaronJoin us on the XPLR.NASH Podcast as we sit down with Gary Baron, the mastermind behind Farmstead Nashville and the former Nashville Jam Company. Discover how a humble jar of strawberry jalapeño jam sparked a journey from farmer's markets to co-packing for some of Nashville's top restaurants. Gary shares his entrepreneurial insights, from navigating food science and manufacturing challenges to building lasting business relationships.We also dive into the evolution of Nashville's food scene, the ups and downs of running a restaurant, and how a simple passion for quality turned into a thriving business. Whether you're a food lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the story behind your favorite local jams, this episode is a must-listen!

Twenty-five musicians. One stairwell. One chaotic take. That’s where the journey began for Chris Ruediger and the now-viral 615 House. In this episode, Chris sits down to unpack the wild story behind their most iconic shoot, the strategy behind standing out in a saturated digital world, and the founding of Fort Nash—a growing media empire rooted in country culture and collaboration.We talk about:The importance of defining your brand before you postHow 615 House helped launch country artists like Ashley Cooke and Spencer CrandallWhy Nashville still might be a 10-year townWhat success really means (hint: it’s not just views)Behind-the-scenes stories from viral shoots, artist development, and travel mishaps (including a lemon in Florence that almost ruined everything)Plus: We reveal the dream projects that could shape the future of local storytelling and music media—including a hot air balloon festival over the Natchez Trace and an epic town revival mission.Whether you're a creator, an artist, or a fan of countr

Tech, Beards, and Laughs: Joel Beasley’s Journey from CTO to ComedyJoin us on this fascinating journey with Joel Beasley, the mind behind Modern CTO, a podcast that dives deep into the tech world, leadership, and innovation. In this episode, we get to know Joel beyond the microphone—from his unexpected leap into comedy to his passion for growing the perfect beard. We explore how AI is shaping the future of cities, his personal journey from software engineering to stand-up comedy, and the joys (and challenges) of fatherhood.Joel shares his personal experiences, including how he started a podcast without ever meeting his co-founder in person, and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace the comedy stage. We also dive into his unique perspective on Nashville's tech scene and how small-town data-driven decisions are changing the business landscape.Whether you're a tech enthusiast, aspiring comedian, or just a fan of great stories, this episode will inspire you to take that unexpected leap into somethin

In this episode of the XPLR.NASH10 podcast, we sit down with filmmaker and creative mastermind Jordan. From his first time shooting out of a helicopter to working on WWE documentaries and navigating the wild world of Hollywood, Jordan shares his unique journey through filmmaking, creativity, and storytelling. We also dive into his thoughts on Nashville's growth, the evolution of content creation, the future of wrestling in Las Vegas, and some mind-blowing insights into ancient civilizations and modern myths. Plus, a few unforgettable food recommendations in Nashville! Buckle up – this one’s a ride!https://www.instagram.com/iamjordanheid?igsh=ZTl4OWY2cHhxcjVzhttps://www.fpsfilms.tv/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaXC8wTPQudtDTCaEwGtORH6gbxOfo2739nxzLww-83Q2Utp3Of8UyEDTg_aem_zNOK9lAuHfeQRfqoLmOFlw

In this episode of the Explore Nash Podcast, Stuart Deming sits down with Nashville native and longtime collaborator Joe Penna for one of our most honest and personal conversations yet.From growing up across Middle Tennessee to living in cities like Houston and New Orleans, Joe has seen the best and worst of what Nashville was—and what it’s becoming. Together, Stuart and Joe explore the controversial idea that southern hospitality might be a facade, especially in today's fast-paced, rapidly changing Nashville.We break down:The tension between old Nashville and new NashvilleHow mom-and-pop restaurants are fighting to survive in a big city boomThe harsh realities of mental health in the hospitality industryJoe’s personal journey through rock bottom and his passion for helping others avoid itThe pros and cons of growth, gentrification, and southern charm in Music CityYou’ll also hear about Joe’s favorite spots to eat in Nashville (spoiler: he went to one of them five times in one week