Chuck Swaney didn’t touch bourbon for 30 years after a rough night in high school—until Eric Church reintroduced him with a proper pour and a lesson in sipping. That moment reignited a passion that would lead Chuck, a longtime country radio executive, to launch a Nashville-based whiskey tasting experience blending storytelling, education, and rare bourbon. From his career in country music promotion to his second act as the Nashville Whiskey Guy, Chuck shares how he built a business rooted in community, curiosity, and a really good glass.

Fred LeBlanc, drummer and frontman of Cowboy Mouth, joins Southern Character to talk about his wild journey through the music industry—from trash can drums and New Orleans chaos to packed festival stages and decades of electric live shows. Hear how a punk rock spirit, a passion for people, and a commitment to joy have shaped one of the South’s most iconic bands. It’s loud, it’s personal, and it’s everything you'd expect from Fred.

Hospitality at Commander’s Palace isn’t a job description—it’s a full-body commitment to excellence. In this episode, Ti Adelaide Martin shares how her team delivers that level of care day after day, from the first phone call to the final course. She also opens up about co-founding NOCHI, New Orleans’ first dedicated culinary and hospitality training insitution, now partnered with brands like Aramark, Sodexo Live! and Viking River Cruises. Ti’s passion for people, paired with her relentless pursuit of great service, has set a new bar—not just in New Orleans, but across the industry.