Southern Hospitality for Beginners

From church banquets to store shelves with Kudzu Bakery co-founder Joey Rabon

Pound cake, key lime pie, red velvet, oh my! Kudzu Bakery co-founder Joey Rabon shares his experience starting a Southern-style bakery with his wife, Stacy, in Georgetown, South Carolina, in 1989 on the latest episode of SHFB. The bakery now has four locations across South and North Carolina, and they sell a lot more than pastries. Joey, who was born in Georgia and grew up in South Carolina, says the Southern foods his bakery offers would be recognizable to anyone in attendance at his grandmother's after-church social. He discusses the importance of using real butter in most recipes, as well as fresh, local ingredients. And, of course, Joey discusses the meaning of Southern hospitality and whether that concept still exists today—from the unique perspective of a local business owner.

Three generations of Southern Hospitality with Emma Grace, Memama, and Sabrina Burke

This may be the sweetest episode to date on Southern Hospitality for Beginners. I had the privilege of interviewing the viral granddaughter-grandma duo known on TikTok as Emma Grace and Memama, plus Emma Grace's mom, Sabrina Burke. The three women discuss the importance of family, Southern traditions, accents that change over time, and what initially made Emma Grace and her Memama go viral on social media. Memama, who is 85, also shares some of her secrets to living a healthy and fulfilling life after experiencing loss. Hear how three generations of women became best friends on the latest episode of SHFB.

The Southern accent is disappearing with Prof. Robin Dodsworth

North Carolina State University Professor Robin Dodsworth, Ph.D., who has been studying linguistic change in Raleigh for years, says the Southern accent as we know it is definitely disappearing. Listen to the latest episode of SHFB to find out why she thinks that is.

Coastal charm in Mississippi with Shannon Stage and Beverly Frater

When I think of coastal retreats, Mississippi does not come to mind. That's why Bay St. Louis surprised me when my sister- and brother-in-law introduced me to the charming Gulf Coast town in November. It was my first time in Mississippi, and I was pleasantly surprised by the slow, quiet vacation spot and all it had to offer, from seafood restaurants to coffee shops to locally owned boutiques and antique stores. We only spent a day there, so I didn't get to take in all the town has to offer, but on this episode of Southern Hospitality for Beginners, Beverly Frater of the Hancock County Historical Society and Bay St. Louis-based interior designer Shannon Stage fill me in on the town's rich history and Southern charm that appeals to visitors from all ocer the country.

Classical femininity with Margaret Mitchell's relative, The Swish magazine founder

Hannah Brusven, founder and editor-in-chief of The Swish magazine, discusses her background as an eighth-generation Georgian. She is a relative of Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler and Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. Hannah delves into her fascination with classical femininity, etiquette, and traditional Southern hospitality on the latest episode of SHFB.