In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Monica Daniels, Executive Director of Special Olympics Mississippi. Monica shares her personal journey into the nonprofit world, inspired by her daughter's experience with Magnolia Speech School. She explains how the Special Olympics empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through competitive sports. She discusses the history of the Special Olympics, its focus on inclusion and unified teams, and highlights how athletes now compete at high levels with dedicated training and support. Monica also talks about the organization's year-round events, the importance of community support, and ways people can get involved or volunteer. The conversation sheds light on how Special Olympics is changing lives both on and off the field, building confidence, independence, and community.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


Empowering Athletes Through Competition and Voice

Monica Daniels emphasizes that Special Olympics Mississippi focuses on being a truly competitive sports organization rather than just a recreational one. The goal is not only to train and prepare athletes for high-level competition but also to empower them to advocate for themselves, both on and off the field. Monica emphasizes the importance of allowing athletes to discover and utilize their own voices, developing not only physical skills but also confidence and self-advocacy.

Unified Sports and Community Inclusion

The organization has made significant strides in growing unified sports programs, primarily through partnerships with schools and Boys & Girls Clubs. These unified teams, made up of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, help break down social barriers, promote inclusion, and foster friendships. Monica discusses successful unified teams in Mississippi and the broader effort to integrate these programs into schools and communities, helping to change mindsets and encourage greater acceptance.

Comprehensive Support and Opportunities for Athletes

Special Olympics Mississippi doesn't just focus on competition; it also provides extensive health screenings (vision, hearing, dental, podiatry, and overall health management) at state-level events, all free to athletes. The organization ensures no athlete pays to participate in competitions, including national-level events, thanks to donor support and community partnerships. They also make it easy for athletes, parents, and potential volunteers to get involved, highlighting a robust, community-driven support network.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Hinton and Jeff Weatherford, two longtime leaders at Allen Beverages. With over 50 years of combined experience, they share how they worked their way up from trainees to management, recall how technology and the soft drink business have evolved, and highlight what makes their workplace culture feel like family. From hilarious stories of soda mishaps to practical advice for new hires, Mike and Jeff stress the importance of building relationships, adapting to new challenges, and supporting each other. Whether you’re curious about the real work behind your favorite drinks or just want to hear what it’s like working at a local business, this episode is packed with honest insights and memorable moments.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Power of Customer and Team Relationships

Both Mike and Jeff emphasized that building and maintaining strong relationships—with customers, colleagues, and team members—is at the heart of their work at Allen Beverages. They highlighted how personal connections and mutual trust are essential for successful operations and overall satisfaction, whether it’s working directly with store owners, managing employees, or collaborating with long-time colleagues.

2. Adapting to Change and Embracing Technology

The soft drink distribution industry has evolved significantly over the years, especially in terms of technology. Mike and Jeff discussed how the move from handwritten orders and pricing guns to sophisticated scanning and inventory systems has changed daily operations. Despite the sometimes overwhelming pace of technological change and the constant addition of new products (SKUs), adaptability has been a crucial skill for thriving in the business.

3. Perseverance and Culture Matter

Decades-long careers like those of Mike and Jeff are a testament to the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a supportive company culture. They both attributed their longevity and enjoyment at Allen Beverages to the company’s commitment to promoting from within, its familial work environment, and the sense of pride they feel from their work. The stories and inside jokes shared throughout the episode also underscored the importance of camaraderie and a positive, resilient workplace culture.

These lessons reflect not just their individual experiences, but key values that contribute to the company’s ongoing success.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Chris and Payton Gollott, owners of The Frosty Mug in Wiggins, Mississippi. Chris shares his background growing up in D'Iberville, MS., his lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, and the journey to acquiring The Frosty Mug in December 2023. He discusses balancing tradition with new ideas, improving menu quality, and the importance of maintaining the community's beloved gathering spot. Payton, Chris's son, talks about joining the family business while studying business in college and how the hands-on experience is shaping his future goals. The Gollott family emphasizes community involvement, small changes for big improvements, and their vision to expand The Frosty Mug while staying true to its roots. If you're in Wiggins, check out their classic burgers and milkshakes, and experience a true local treasure.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Preserving Community Heritage:

Chris and Payton emphasized how important the Frosty Mug is to the Wiggins community. The restaurant has a long legacy and deep ties—people have worked there across generations, gotten engaged there, and even requested the Frosty Mug to cater their weddings. When Chris and his family took ownership, their main goal was not to drastically change things but to build on its nostalgic and historic value while making careful, thoughtful improvements.

2. Thoughtful Modernization:

Rather than overhauling everything after purchasing the Frosty Mug, Chris took time to observe and gradually implement improvements, especially focused on quality and process in the kitchen. They enhanced recipes (like making sauces in-house and improving their grilled chicken), modernized operations with digital platforms, and sought to blend a classic 1960s feel with present-day conveniences, highlighting a respect for tradition while aiming for efficiency and better guest experiences.

3. Community Engagement and Growth Vision:

Payton and Chris described a community-first approach, with deep involvement in local schools, events, and outreach spearheaded by Chris's wife. They have started catering, sponsored local teams, and introduced new services like breakfast. Their vision includes both physically expanding the restaurant (adding indoor seating, maybe enclosing patios) and potentially growing The Frosty Mug brand to other communities while preserving its unique, nostalgic character.

Show Overview


00:00 Journey to Owning Community Landmark

06:07 Culinary Journey and Career Growth

07:45 Quality Over Speed in Dining

11:08 Buying Historic Community Restaurant

16:19 Revamping The Frosty Mug

21:29 Improving Seating for Year-Round Use

23:43 Nuanced Kitchen Transformation

28:47 Custom Po Boy Conversation

32:40 Rising Food Costs Frustrate Customers

36:15 Balancing Business Decisions and Community

38:05 Community Champion: Outreach Impact

40:51 Discussing Business Leadership

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Randy Richardson and John Carter, co-founders of MS Sneaker Culture. They dive into the world of sneakers, discussing their passion for collecting, trading, and customizing sneakers. Randy talks about his long-time love for sneakers and how he has around 150 pairs in rotation. John shares how he got into sneakers with Randy's influence, now owning about 70 pairs.

The episode also explores the origin of MS Sneaker Culture and its fast-growing sneaker conventions. They discuss the details of their events, emphasizing an upscale, polished feel and providing a platform for sneaker enthusiasts to buy, sell, and trade. The upcoming event on May 19 at the MGCCC Hospitality Center promises to be exciting, with giveaways, food trucks, and more. If you're into sneakers, this episode is packed with insights and passion from true sneakerheads.

3 Key Listener Takeaways:

1. Origins and Passion for Sneakers: Randy Richardson and John Carter co-founded MS Sneaker Culture, driven by their long-standing love for sneakers. Randy's journey into sneaker collecting began in high school with basketball and has been revitalized by his daughter's interest in recent years. While not always into sneakers, John has had a passion for looking good from the ground up, making his transition into sneaker collecting natural.

2. Sneaker Convention Vision: The idea for Mississippi Sneaker Culture and its events came about after recognizing a gap in the regional market for sneaker conventions. Seeing a lack of such events between Houston and Atlanta, Randy and John decided to create a unique and upscale sneaker event, setting Mississippi apart by providing a polished environment for sneaker enthusiasts to gather, trade, and interact.

3. Growth and Community Engagement: Their initial event exceeded expectations, attracting around 250 attendees and receiving positive vendor feedback. This success showcased a demand for regional sneaker events, motivating them to continue organizing these conventions. Additionally, they emphasize community engagement by integrating giveaways, maintaining a professional setup, and involving local sponsors to foster a strong local sneaker culture.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Michelle Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of the Infinity Science Center. They discuss Michelle's background, including her education and journey to the Science Center. Michelle shares the history and development of the Infinity Science Center, starting from its early days as the Stentosphere to its grand opening in 2012. They talk about the center's relationship with NASA's Stennis Space Center, its major fundraisers, and future plans. Michelle touches on exciting new exhibits and her favorite one. They also highlight the center's role in both public education and community outreach activities.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. Infinity Science Center's Dual Purpose and Growth: The Infinity Science Center opened to the public in 2012 and serves as both an educational attraction for the general public and a field trip destination for students. It's designed to represent the scientific advancements at the Stennis Space Center and provides a wide array of STEM-related exhibits and interactive experiences.


2. Impact and Recovery from Hurricane Katrina: Hurricane Katrina in 2005 significantly affected the development plans for the Infinity Science Center. The original blueprints were more luxurious and extensive, but the rebuilding had to prioritize essential structures and facilities. Despite the setbacks, they managed to open a substantial and functional center in 2012.


3. Strategic Community Engagement and Fundraising: The Infinity Science Center actively engages with the local community, including partnerships with schools and NASA. They rely on admissions, donations, and fundraisers such as the Monsters and Masquerade Bash to support their operations. Their engagement also includes outreach programs and potential new interactive exhibits and educational tools like the "Small Lab."

Show Overview

00:00 Mississippi STEM Center Origins
06:37 Infinity Science Center Planning Overview
08:25 Infinity Science Center's Unrealized Vision
11:45 Dual Role of Stennis Space Center
16:30 Deep Ocean Exploration Challenge
19:33 Monsters & Masquerade Fundraiser Events
21:47 Showcasing Diverse Science Contributions
23:50 Legacy of Wise Spending
28:51 Fun with Customizable Masks and Projectors
30:44 Infinity Experience Overview

In this episode, Andrew Allen speaks with Julian Rankin, Executive Director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA), about the impact of coastal artist Walter Anderson. They explore Anderson's role in promoting creativity and his misunderstood vision, discuss the museum's growth over the past 30 years, and highlight recent expansions like a new restaurant and green space. Rankin also discusses the museum's educational goals, community engagement, and exciting events like the "Silent Light" festival. They reflect on the resilience shown during Hurricane Katrina and the museum's ongoing efforts to support the creative economy in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Listen to learn about Walter Anderson's legacy and the vibrant cultural experiences at WAMA!

3 Key Listener Takeaways

Expansion and Integration of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art:

Over the past 30 years, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art has significantly expanded, moving beyond just showcasing art to incorporating modern amenities like a restaurant, coffee shop, and public green space. This expansion also includes thematic explorations such as foodways and marine education and engaging events like the "Silent Light" festival and Flowerfest, which resonate with The Mississippi Coasts' cultural and artistic heritage.

Walter Anderson's Enduring Legacy and Community Engagement:

Walter Anderson's impact as an artist goes beyond his watercolors and block prints; his vision of integrating creativity into the community remains central to the museum's mission. The museum emphasizes educational engagement and the creation of meaningful experiences, aligning with Anderson's ethos. Agnes Grinstead Anderson's dedication to education further underscores the museum's focus, while initiatives like the audio guide and the support for local events reinforce this engagement.

Historical Challenges and Resilience of WAMA:

The museum faced significant hurdles during Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected both its physical premises and visitor numbers. Despite these challenges, the museum demonstrated resilience, leveraging its slight hill location for protection and adopting creative solutions to navigate the pandemic. Additionally, the museum collaborates closely with the community and local businesses, such as the food and beverage sector, to ensure sustainability and continued cultural contribution.

Episode Highlights:

- Walter Anderson's life, work, and lasting impact on the art community.


- The significant role of Agnes Grinstead Anderson in fostering educational engagement through museums.


- The museum's evolution and recent expansions including new dining establishments and public spaces.


- Exciting events like "Silent Light" and "Flowerfest," capturing the spirit of community fusion and celebration.


- Stories of resilience and creativity from Hurricane Katrina to COVID-19 challenges.


- Insights into the symbiotic relationship between art, culture, and local businesses.


In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew interviews Billy Lehman and Alicia Chambless about their roles in organizing events for the city of Gulfport. Billy, the Assistant Director of Leisure Services, and Alicia, the Special Events Coordinator, share their experiences and backgrounds. They discuss the history and growth of the Harbor Lights Festival, a massive Christmas light display in Gulfport's Jones Park. The event has grown significantly since it started in 2015, featuring over 2 million lights, Santa's Village, and various food vendors. They talk about the planning process, which begins more than a year in advance, and how they manage the logistics. They also mention new additions and highlights for the upcoming season. Both Billy and Alicia express their passion and commitment to making Harbor Lights a beloved holiday tradition despite the challenges. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the possible future additions, like an ice skating rink and a dedicated train track, to make the event even better.

What You'll Learn:

1. The rich history and evolution of Gulfport's Harbor Lights.

2. Behind-the-scenes insights into the planning and execution of this massive event.

3. The challenges and triumphs of creating a spectacular light display with over 2 million lights.

4. Sneak peeks into new attractions and what to expect in the upcoming 2024 season.

5. How the community comes together to make Harbor Lights a magical experience for visitors from all over the country.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

Continuous Improvement and Planning: The team begins planning for the next year's Harbor Lights Festival almost as soon as the current one begins, ensuring constant innovation and improvement.

Community and Family Involvement: Both Billy and Alicia emphasize the importance of community and family in their work, showcasing how they balance event responsibilities with personal time.

Future Aspirations: Exciting plans are on the horizon for Harbor Lights, including potential additions like an ice skating rink and dedicated train tracks, highlighting the team's forward-thinking mindset.