258 Podcast

Ep #23 – From Federal Job to Country Star: Kevin Thomas’ Leap of Faith | 25/8 Podcast

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, Johnny Free and Andrew “Sully” Sullivan sit down with Kevin Thomas — rising outlaw country artist from Kentucky — joined by John and John II McLemore, founders of Masterbuilt Grills and The McLemore Boys.What follows is a powerful, southern-rooted conversation about faith, family, grit, and redemption. Kevin opens up about his journey from heartbreak and addiction to rebuilding his life through music, while the McLemores share lessons from building a national brand on the same principles of hard work, humility, and belief.From quitting a government job to chase music, to serving veterans and feeding communities, this episode blends music, entrepreneurship, and faith into one unforgettable conversation.🔥 Best Moments:(00:04:00) The grandmother’s gift that started Kevin’s journey.(00:06:00) Heartbreak, addiction & the road to redemption.(00:09:00) The open mic that changed everything.(00:10:00) Leaving a government job to chase music.(00:13:00) Building a movement, not just a fanbase.(00:17:00) Kevin’s bond with The McLemore Boys.(00:23:00) Faith, family, and food — why purpose fuels both paths.(00:29:00) Going viral: 250,000 followers in six months.(00:35:00) How to treat music like a business.(00:45:00) “Stay small enough long enough to be big enough soon enough.”(00:55:00) “Don’t Tread on Me” — live acoustic performance.If you love stories of redemption, faith, and the southern hustle — this one’s for you.💬 Drop a comment, hit ❤️ LIKE, and 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.👉 Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com🎶 Follow Kevin Thomas: https://kevinthomasofficial.com🔥 Follow The McLemore Boys: https://www.themclemoreboys.com

Ep #22 – From Backyard Grills to a National Brand: The McLemore Boys Story | 25/8 Podcast

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, Johnny Free and Andrew “Sully” Sullivan sit down with John and John II McLemore — “The McLemore Boys” — the father-son duo behind Masterbuilt Grills and the hit brand The McLemore Boys.From humble beginnings welding smokers in their backyard, to building one of America’s most beloved grill brands, to cooking for NASCAR legends and Fox News — this story is pure faith, family, food, and freedom.They share how a backyard dream became a national brand, what it means to live by five core values, and how their mission to serve veterans and bring people together through food continues to grow.🔥 Best Moments:(00:03:00) The backyard that built Masterbuilt.(00:07:30) Faith, family, fun, food, and freedom — the five values.(00:08:10) Getting fired and reborn as “The McLemore Boys.”(00:10:00) The Fox News era and becoming America’s pitmasters.(00:13:20) Cooking for NASCAR and Richard Childress.(00:23:30) The $300 Wagyu tomahawk story.(00:30:00) Why Travis Pastrana’s hot dogs changed everything.(00:45:00) Paula Deen, Flo Rida, and lessons from unexpected mentors.(00:52:00) Business lessons: taking risks, building teams, and trusting God.(00:57:00) Barbecue meets business — “Just do it.”(01:00:30) Freedom, faith, and what’s next for The McLemore Boys.If you love stories about grit, faith, and American hustle — this episode is for you.💬 Drop a comment, hit ❤️ LIKE, and 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.👉 Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com🎥 Follow The McLemore Boys: https://www.themclemoreboys.com

Ep #21 – Resilience at Full Throttle. Bill Phillips’ Mission to Keep F’ing Going | 25/8 Podcast

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, hosts Andrew “Sully” Sullivan and Johnny Free sit down with Bill Phillips — retired Navy Pilot and founder of the Keep F*ing Going Project (CFG)**, a nonprofit supporting cancer survivors, caregivers, and veterans through coaching and community.Bill shares his incredible story — from growing up on the Jersey Shore to flying F-18s for the U.S. Navy, and how a cancer diagnosis changed his life’s mission. He opens up about surviving stage 3 colorectal cancer, finding strength through service, and turning adversity into purpose.You’ll also hear wild stories about Enterprise Rent-A-Car days, jumping rental cars off ramps, life in the cockpit, and the brotherhood that led both Bill and Sully from the corporate grind to the military.🎯 Best Moments:(01:10) Growing up on the Jersey Shore and moving to Maryland.(03:40) Enterprise Rent-A-Car chaos and meeting Sully.(07:00) 9/11 and joining the Navy the next day.(12:10) Flying F-18s and life aboard the carrier.(20:15) Overcoming cancer and starting the CFG Project.(33:00) Mindset, resilience, and rebuilding life after diagnosis.(40:20) Supporting veterans, caregivers, and survivors.(45:30) How to get involved and help the mission.🔥 If you believe in resilience, purpose, and real stories of transformation, this episode is for you.Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.👉 Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com👉 Learn more or donate at https://Kfgproject.org

EP #20 – $1.8M Pulls & a $250K Gamble: The Wild Rise of Grand Slam Collectibles | 25/8 Podcast

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, hosts Keith Kilgore and Johnny Free sit down with Nathan Burns, founder of Grand Slam Collectibles and the man behind the legendary Grand Slam After Hours.Nathan shares how chasing a Jordan rookie as a kid turned into building one of America’s most recognized card shops. From selling his dad’s gift just to keep the lights on, to risking $250,000 on 39 sealed cases of 1989 Upper Deck, to hosting the break where a $1.8 million Justin Herbert 1/1 Shield RPA was pulled — his story is pure hustle, faith, and community.You’ll also hear about the early Facebook Live days, Ric Flair signings, million-dollar hits, and why generosity is Nathan’s true secret weapon.🎯 Best Moments:(01:15) The Jordan rookie card that started it all.(03:50) Selling his dad’s gift on day one — and buying it back later.(07:00) How Grand Slam After Hours became a social media phenomenon.(09:30) Ric Flair, Facebook, and the power of community.(15:40) The $250,000 find: 39 cases of Upper Deck hidden since 1989.(23:30) A Justin Herbert pull worth $1.8 million.(30:10) The Golden Nugget chase packs and why people love the gamble.(36:00) Giving kids free packs — why small gestures make the biggest impact.(42:00) Busting $300 packs live on the show.(45:28) Rapid fire: Chick-fil-A orders, favorite music, and his last concert.(48:06) Favorite Kentucky football memories and why Will Levis is “his guy.”🔥 If you believe in hustle, authenticity, and the thrill of the chase — from cardboard to community — this episode is for you.Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.👉 Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com

Ep #19 – 25/8 Podcast with Logan Crosby (Part Two)

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, Johnny Free sits down with Logan Crosby — Georgia-born country artist and breakout star from Claim to Fame — for Part Two of their conversation, recorded on tour at Wild Wing Café in Macon, Georgia.Logan opens up about life on the road, performing in his hometown, and what it means to see his dreams come full circle. He talks about how Claim to Fame changed his career, how Megan Moroney took a chance on him, and the lessons learned from nonstop touring, songwriting, and staying grounded.The two share hilarious stories about Nantucket nights, missed flights, and gas station hot dogs, plus some deep moments about family, faith, and finding balance in the chaos of the music industry. Logan also reveals his new podcast, Nobody Asked for This, and hints at what’s next for 2026.Best Moments:(00:40) Playing hometown shows in Georgia.(01:50) Touring with Priscilla Block, Megan Moroney & more.(03:00) How Claim to Fame changed his life.(04:45) From Athens to Nashville — chasing the dream.(07:10) Nantucket adventures & flying private (almost).(09:00) Falling off the tour bus in Massachusetts.(10:30) New music and plans for 2026.(11:00) Gas station hot dogs & road trip food.(12:10) Launching the podcast Nobody Asked for This.(13:50) True crime talk & working in a funeral home.(18:50) Coming home to Macon — a full-circle moment.🔥 If you love country music, road stories, and raw conversations from the heart of the South, this one’s for you. Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com