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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: 🍽️ How It’z a Philly Thing started from a college dorm freezer and evolved into a staple in Nashville’s food scene 🚚 What it’s like running a food trailer full-time with a permanent home base 💡 Lessons in patience, focus, and knowing your worth in the food business 📈 How an XPLR.NASH video helped boost sales overnight 🌆 Why Nashville still needs Philly classics like stromboli and real breakfast sandwiches If you love authentic food stories, small-business hustle, and Nashville culture — this episode is for you. 📍 Guest: Z, Owner of It’z a Philly Thing (Bellevue, TN)🎧 Podcast: The XPLR.NASH Podcast 🌐 Website: itsaphillything.com 📲 Follow: @itzaphillything on Instagram and Facebook.👇 Comment below: What’s your go-to Philly order — cheesesteak, hoagie, or stromboli?

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: 🔥 The difference between Texas and Memphis-style barbecue🔥 Overcoming throat cancer while opening their restaurant 🔥 What it means to run a small-town BBQ joint with big-city flavor 🔥 The impact of our XPLR.NASH video that helped grow their business 300% 🔥 Their three pillars: undeniably good food, top-notch hospitality, and consistencyIf you love real stories of Tennessee grit, entrepreneurship, and amazing food — this one will hit home. https://www.brazenque.com/ 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Facebook.📍 Visit Brazen Q in Livingston, Tennessee — it’s worth the drive.

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=MWwwYnQxZXczbG5tNw==https://www.goldsdelicolumbia.com/

BlackBox Ice Cream – From Food Truck to Nashville Favorite 🍦What happens when a touring musician and a Disney-trained artist team up to create Nashville’s most adventurous ice cream shop? You get BlackBox Ice Cream.In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Alex and Holly, the husband-and-wife team behind BlackBox. Their story is one of creativity, resilience, and community — from turning a family truck into a food truck during the pandemic to building a brick-and-mortar shop in Smyrna.We talk about:Why empathy and hospitality matter in today’s worldHow wild flavors like ube, jalapeño popper, and key lime pie come to lifeThe struggles of running a family business while raising kidsTransitioning from music and art careers into ice cream entrepreneurshipThe food truck scene in Nashville and collaborations with other chefsIf you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, or just love hearing the behind-the-scenes of Nashville’s food culture, this episode is packed with inspiration (and a lot of ice cream talk).📍 Follow BlackBox Ice Cream:Instagram: @theblackboxicecreamtruckEmail: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe for more Nashville stories, food, and culture: @XPLR.NASH

Inside the Champion Mindset with Brandon Curry On 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 🌵🥃From running one of Nashville’s most beloved bakeries to creating an award-winning tequila brand, Ivey Childers has reinvented herself in the most inspiring way. 🌟In this episode of the XPLR Podcast, Ivey shares her Southbound Journey—from Tennessee to Mexico—where she built Southbound Tequila, a brand rooted in quality, creativity, and intention.We talk about:✨ The transition from cupcakes to tequila✨ Building Southbound Tequila with authenticity and craft✨ The challenges of scaling a spirits brand✨ Balancing creativity, motherhood, and entrepreneurship✨ Why Nashville is the perfect home for launching a national tequila brandIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn passion into a product, or why tequila deserves to be sipped (not just shot), this conversation is for you.Follow Southbound Tequila: https://www.drinksouthbound.comFollow Southbound on Instagram: @drinksouthboundFollow Ivey Childers on Instagram: @iveychildersSubscribe for more stories from Tennessee’s creators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

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.📍 Visit Leatherwood: https://www.leatherwooddistillery.com💬 Drop a comment below with your go-to drink order or barbecue plate.

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, actionable insights, and a deep dive into what makes a community-driven brand stand out.

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 creators Hear about Kalani’s most intense paranormal experiences—like ghost hunts at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, the Bell Witch Cave, and chilling moments in haunted Kentucky farmhouses. Plus, Kalani reveals how growing up in Tennessee and his love for diverse food cultures shaped his channel and life. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, food adventures, or you want tips for starting your own channel, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk. Don’t miss it! Follow Kalani Ghost Hunter: Website & All Socials Subscribe for more XPLR.NASH adventures, Tennessee stories, and behind-the-scenes interviews with the creators who make Nashville unique

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 America How Nashville and small towns work together to fuel growth The impact of business, infrastructure, and smart leadership Hidden food and travel gems you won’t find anywhere else Real talk on storytelling, branding, and what makes Tennessee “feel like America” Personal lessons on leadership, resilience, and serving the community If you love Tennessee, Nashville, or discovering inspiring stories from passionate leaders, this episode is for you. Subscribe and join us as we explore the heart and soul of the Volunteer State! 👉 Like, comment, and share your favorite Tennessee hidden gem below! Subscribe for more: XPLR.NASH YouTubeFollow us everywhere: @XPLR.NASH

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 community that looks out for each otherRey’s story is about grit, respect, and always showing up for others. If you’re into entrepreneurship, hospitality, or just love a good Nashville success story, you’ll love this one.Featured Guest:Rey Bello – Event Producer, Culinary Connector, and StorytellerTopics Covered:• Emotional health in business• Building a career from scratch in Nashville• How to stand out (and stay humble) in a crowded city• The art of live events and pop-up dinners• Where Nashville’s restaurant scene is headed👉 Subscribe for more real conversations with the people moving Nashville forward.Connect with Rey on Instagram: @reybell0 Want to be part of a future event? Keep following XPLR.NASH for the latest collaborations and live experiences!events.xplrnash.com

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