The Shrimp City Report Podcast (Charleston, South Carolina)

Inside Groucho's Deli with Max Miller

Pictured: Bruce Miller (L) and our guest for the episode, Max Miller (R).  Both of Groucho's deli.   In this episode we sit down with Max Miller, owner-operator of Groucho’s Deli in the Charleston area, for a deep dive into sandwiches, family history, and what makes a hometown deli last. It is a lively conversation about the classic lunch-counter vibe, community connections, and the recipes that built a South Carolina institution. We trace Groucho’s roots back to Columbia in 1941 with founder Harold “Groucho” Miller and learn how the shop evolved under Max’s grandfather, Ivan — from a go-by-the-pound deli to the signature sandwich and side-focused menu the family is known for today. Hear the origin stories for their iconic dippers and sauces (including the famous 45 sauce, developed in 1945, and the 95 sauce), the Apollo-era influences, and why those flavors still set Groucho’s apart. Max shares his personal journey — growing up in Columbia, studying entrepreneurship at the College of Charleston, and opening the Mount Pleasant location in October 2020 in the middle of COVID. He talks candidly about the risks and rewards of launching during the pandemic, community support, and the day-to-day of operating neighborhood sandwich counters with long lunch bars where regulars gather. There is also behind-the-scenes anecdotes about family lore (including immigrant roots and a surprising Philadelphia orphanage chapter), menu favorites like potato salad and coleslaw, the mechanics and appeal of dipping sandwiches, and fun moments (TikTok prep, pre-interview coaching, and loyal customers who buy sauce by the pint). The episode also touches on future plans — retailing the sauce, trademark ideas, and keeping a local brand growing while staying authentic. Groucho's Mt. Pleasant: https://www.facebook.com/grouchosmp [https://www.facebook.com/grouchosmp/] https://locations.grouchos.com/locations/sc/mount-pleasant [https://locations.grouchos.com/locations/sc/mount-pleasant] Groucho's Deli: https://www.facebook.com/GROUCHOSDELI [https://www.facebook.com/GROUCHOSDELI] https://www.instagram.com/grouchos_deli [https://www.instagram.com/grouchos_deli/]

Bowen's Island: A Tradition of Oysters, Seafood, Family & Folly Beach Sunsets

On this live episode of the Shrimp City Report, hosts Devin and DJ broadcast from Bowen's Island Restaurant on a small Lowcountry island just outside Folly Beach. Their guest is Hope Barber, a fourth-generation member of the Bowen family who runs the iconic, longest continuously operating restaurant in Charleston.  Hope traces Bowen's origins to 1946 when her great-grandmother Sarah May bought the 13-acre island (for $3,900) and later turned a fisherman's offer into a meal service that evolved into the restaurant. The conversation covers family continuity (many island homes remain in the family), Hope's journey from law and teaching back to the restaurant, and the restaurant's role as a community hub across storms, fires and changing times. The episode digs into Bowen's menu and seafood sourcing: the preservation of classic fried fish, shrimp and flounder platters; the addition of a raw bar and local oysters due to nearby oyster farms; the farm-to-table/river-to-table experience of watching oysters come off boats; and practical tips for newcomers (how to enjoy oysters, steamed vs. raw, fried green tomatoes, crab dip, seafood platters and Frogmore Stew). Expect discussion of oyster terroir (salinity and minerality), the local oyster season (generally October–May), all-you-can-eat clusters, and the restaurant’s oyster-recycling and conservation practices. Key milestones and challenges are highlighted: Bowen's earned the James Beard America’s Classic award, suffered a major fire and rebuilt over several years — a narrative of resilience that underscores the family’s stewardship of the land and waterways. Hope also talk about operations: docks for boat arrivals, working with Charleston Outdoor Adventures and kayak tours, event and wedding venues on site, staffing patterns (local students and long-term employees), and how the business balances tradition with new offerings. The episode previews recent and upcoming events at Bowen's — from EDM “Grooving Violations” nights and pilates-on-the-pier pop-ups to partnership events like Flavor Fest with Southern Flavor Magazine — and notes that many special events sell out quickly. Website [http://www.bowensisland.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bowensislandrestaurant/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/bowensisland/]

Inside Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens with Jim Westerhold

For this podcast we were on location at Boone Hall Plantation with special guest Jim Westerhold, General Manager of Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens. In this episode Jim walked us through the property’s dual identity: the historic plantation and its working farm, and explains how the site operates as a unique 738‑acre oasis in the middle of Mount Pleasant. The conversation traces Boone Hall’s roots back to the original 1681 land grant, highlights the iconic Avenue of Oaks (planted in 1743), and clarifies that the signature mansion dates to 1935. Jim discusses recent archival discoveries from the Harlbeck family and the ongoing effort to present history accurately and respectfully. We learned about Boone Hall’s agricultural operations — seasonal U‑pick strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, honey from on‑site beehives, indigo and cotton display plots, native sweetgrass and longleaf pine — and how agritourism and education are central to the mission. Jim describes daily tours, the tractor‑pulled farm & nature tour, school programs, and seasonal events such as the Strawberry Festival, extended Pumpkin Patch & corn maze, Christmas Tree Festival, and popular wine and oyster events on the historic side. Key themes include conservation and community: Jim explains the 2019 conservation easement placed by Willie and the McRae family that protects Boone Hall from subdivision and development, ensuring the property’s appearance and public access remain for future generations. The episode also celebrates Willie’s legacy, local partnerships (including Willie’s Roadside Produce Market), and the staff of over 100 who run daily operations and seasonal programming. The episode touches on ecology and wildlife found at Boone Hall — alligators, bald eagles, wood storks and pollinators — and how those natural neighbors are woven into interpretive programs. Jim also highlights cultural programming such as Black History Month events in the Gin House, partnerships that send students to learn abroad, and plans to expand community offerings. Practical information included: which activities require advance tickets, where to buy Boone Hall honey and produce (Willie’s Roadside Market), and how to follow events and purchase tickets via the plantation’s website and social media. Expect a warm, informative tour‑style episode that blends Lowcountry history, hands‑on farming, conservation, and family‑friendly events — perfect for locals and visitors planning a Boone Hall experience. For tickets and further information: https://boonehallplantation.com [https://boonehallplantation.com]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boonehallplantation [https://www.facebook.com/boonehallplantation]   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boonehallplantation [https://www.instagram.com/boonehallplantation]

SXVXNT - Chatting with an impactful Lowcountry Rap musician and promoter

We had a great time discussing  SXVXNT’s journey from the west side of Chicago through four years in the Army, studying at DePaul, and grinding the open‑mic circuit in Los Angeles. He explains why he stylized his name S‑X‑V‑X‑N‑T, the move from L.A. to the Southeast to be closer to family, and how remote work during COVID gave him the chance to build his own recording setup. The conversation highlights his deep musical roots: a father who played piano and sang, early training on piano and trumpet, ongoing jazz chops, and surprising classical influences (including Alexander Goedicke). SXVXNT names Nas, Prince, Mos Def (Yasiin Bey), Lupe Fiasco, Phonte and others as key inspirations that shaped his lyricism and songwriting. We discuss his creative process — from tinkering and multi‑year revisions to freestyling that became finished tracks (notably on the Wayfair project and the freestyled “Kobenhaven 0400”). He also recounts early performances (first Chicago gig at Reggie’s, opening for Planet Asia in LA), industry experiences (label offers and the pressure for visuals), and the practical realities of producing and mixing his own work. On the local front SXVXNT explains the Rap‑A‑Lot series — an ongoing effort to put Charleston rappers on bigger stages — and his vision for stronger venues and mixed‑genre bills. He talks memorable shows (including opening for D Smoke)  and winning Rapper of the Year. We also discuss the challenges and camaraderie within the Lowcountry scene, and his preference for music as an auditory art even as he accepts the need for visuals. What to expect from this episode: personal stories, performance anecdotes, the mechanics of freestyling and songwriting, gig life across L.A., Chicago, Atlanta and New York, and SXVXNT’s plans for future shows. Find his music and updates at soundofkanai.com and on Instagram @sxvxntsoc [https://www.instagram.com/sxvxntsoc/]— tune in to hear a musician who blends classical training, jazz instrumentation, and hip‑hop hustle into a distinct Charleston voice. Music | Sound Of Cannae [https://soundofcannae.bandcamp.com/]

Shrimp, Blessings & Small-Town Spirit: Inside the 48th LowCountry Shrimp Festival

In this episode we speak with Alicia Leland about the 48th annual Low Country Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet, held in and around McClellanville at the Robert E. Ashley Boat Landing (at the end of Pinckney Street). Alicia, a McClellanville native, walks us through the festival’s history, its roots in the community, and what keeps this tradition alive. Topics covered include the festival’s role as a fundraiser for the Cape Romaine Environmental Education Charter School (CREEKS), the school’s environmentally themed, project-based curriculum, and the ways students and volunteers participate in the event (yes—kids help peel shrimp). We trace the festival’s origin back to 1976, note the two missed years during COVID, and explain how the event transitioned from supporting a former private school to backing the charter school. Alicia also discusses the festival’s efforts to be greener and how the partnership with the school fits the festival mission. The episode highlights McClellanville’s working waterfront: one of the largest East Coast fleets and two commercial processing docks (Carolina Seafoods and Livingston’s Bulls Bay Seafood). Listeners get a look at festival logistics and must-do moments: the Blessing of the Fleet (clergy bless boats during the parade down), plenty of shrimp and other foods, live music, roughly 60 local craft vendors, and crowd estimates of about 2,500–4,000 people for the day (in a town of roughly 550 residents). The show also covers planning rhythms, key volunteers and vendors, and humorous community stories from past festivals. Alicia advises attendees to come prepared for typical Lowcountry weather—rain or shine—with tents and covered areas available. She mentions plans and hopes for the festival’s 50th anniversary and encourages listeners to join the celebration. For more information and updates, follow the Low Country Shrimp Festival on Facebook (Low Country Shrimp Festival) or visit lowcountryshrimpfestival.com. The Blessing of the Fleet is scheduled for 4:00 PM on festival day; check the festival’s Facebook event page and FAQ for the latest details.