#25 Ian O'Leary

#27 Chef David Crews

The Breaking Bread Podcast is proudly sponsored by Stafford's Market in Drew, Mississippi. If you're passing through the Delta, stop by, grab something good to eat, and help us keep these conversations coming. Today's guest is my longtime friend, Chef David Crews, owner of Crews Culinary Investments, culinary instructor at Mississippi Delta Community College, and the driving force behind the Delta Supper Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that's bringing world-class dining experiences to the Mississippi Delta. The Delta Supper Club has become one of the most unique culinary experiences in the South, hosting unforgettable multi-course dinners prepared by acclaimed chefs in some of the Delta's most iconic settings, from historic Dockery Farms to other remarkable locations throughout the region. Their newly reimagined season has just launched, and the first event sold out almost immediately. David and I go way back. In my early years of running restaurants, he was one of the people who taught me what running a kitchen really looked like. We talk about the restaurant business, mentoring the next generation of chefs, building community through food, and why the Mississippi Delta continues to inspire people from all over the country. If you love food, entrepreneurship, and great stories, you're going to enjoy this conversation.

#26 Brooks Bishop

BREAKING BREAD PODCAST WITH STAFFORD SHURDEN Episode 26 | Special Guest: Brooks Bishop In this episode of Breaking Bread, Stafford sits down with his friend Brooks Bishop, owner of Southern Summit Roofing in Cleveland, Mississippi. Brooks is a young entrepreneur with an interesting story and a wide range of experiences. He's been a regular supporter of the Success Supper Club, has introduced Stafford at multiple events, and has built a reputation as someone who is always looking for ways to grow, learn, and help others succeed. In this conversation, Brooks shares his journey, talks about the roofing business, discusses entrepreneurship in the Mississippi Delta, and offers insights on leadership, relationships, and building a company from the ground up. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just enjoy hearing the stories of people making things happen in rural America, you'll enjoy this conversation. About Brooks Bishop Brooks Bishop is the owner of Southern Summit Roofing, based in Cleveland, Mississippi. Through Southern Summit Roofing, Brooks helps homeowners and businesses protect their investments while building a company focused on service, trust, and long-term relationships. Episode Sponsor Today's episode is sponsored by Stafford's Market & Deli. Located in the heart of Drew, Mississippi, Stafford's Market & Deli is open Sunday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., serving some of Mississippi's favorite home-cooked meals, sandwiches, daily specials, and famous fried chicken. If you're traveling through the Delta, stop by and grab lunch. Learn more at StaffordShurden.com. Connect with Stafford Website: StaffordShurden.com Thanks for listening to Breaking Bread with Stafford Shurden. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

#25 Ian O'Leary

In this episode of Breaking Bread, Stafford sits down with entrepreneur, firefighter, martial arts instructor, coach, and leadership expert Ian O'Leary for a powerful conversation about purpose, perseverance, faith, and helping others discover their gifts. Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, Ian was raised in a close-knit family where faith played a central role. The son of a minister, he spent much of his childhood immersed in spiritual experiences while developing a passion for sports. After winning a state football championship in high school, Ian pursued baseball at the collegiate level, eventually helping lead an underdog Division II program to a national championship appearance. His journey would take him from corporate management to entrepreneurship, personal training, martial arts instruction, network marketing leadership, and eventually into the fire service, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter and EMT. Along the way, he became one of only a handful of instructors worldwide certified to teach Bruce Lee's martial art, Jeet Kune Do. But Ian's story is about much more than professional accomplishments. He opens up about some of the deepest challenges of his life, including divorce, the heartbreaking loss of twin nephews to a rare genetic disorder, caring for his father during his battle with dementia, and navigating the long-term health challenges faced by his wife, Kristina, following her diagnosis with long COVID. Through tragedy, uncertainty, and sacrifice, Ian shares how faith, family, and purpose became the anchors that carried him forward. Today, Ian and Kristina lead Champian International, a company dedicated to helping individuals discover their purpose, maximize their potential, and overcome life's obstacles. Their mission is rooted in personal experience and a belief that every challenge can become part of a greater story. This episode is a conversation about resilience, leadership, personal growth, and finding hope when life doesn't go according to plan.

#24 Terry Roberts

In this episode, Stafford sits down with Terry Roberts, a man who spent decades navigating the corporate world with companies like IBM, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic only to walk away and bet on himself. After realizing in his mid-50s that corporate advancement had a ceiling, Terry made a hard pivot. No safety net, no guarantees. Just a decision to learn real estate from scratch. Over the next several years, he built a portfolio strong enough to replace his income and step away from corporate life on his own terms. Now semi-retired, Terry shares what that transition really looked like; the uncertainty, the discipline, and the long game most people aren’t willing to play. This is a conversation about reinvention, knowing when to pivot, and building something that actually gives you freedom. Outside of business, Terry is a family man first. He’s been married to his college sweetheart Gina for over 40 years, with three daughters, a growing crew of grandkids, and a life centered around family, faith, and Mississippi State athletics. You’ll usually find him at a game, at the lake house on the Tombigbee, or in the shop working with his hands. He also co-hosts the Cardiovascular Matters podcast alongside Dr. Craig Walker, where they dig into heart health and real-world medical insights. This one’s about what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start building your own path.

#23 Jesse R Phillips

In this episode of Breaking Bread, Stafford sits down with Jesse Phillips, a Marine, filmmaker, photographer, writer, and what can only be described as a true warrior poet. Jesse is the kind of man you don’t forget after you meet him. He’s got a quiet intensity, a natural charisma, and a presence that feels like it belongs on screen. But underneath all of that is something deeper. Jesse is a man of faith, a devoted husband and father, and someone who genuinely cares about people and their stories. A lot of Jesse’s work is centered around sitting down with veterans and giving them a space to be heard. Not polished. Not scripted. Just real. And if you had to boil it all down, that’s who he is at his core he is a storyteller. We talk about his journey from the Marines to filmmaking. What it means to carry both strength and vulnerability. The influence of his father—the original “warrior poet”. And how faith, family, and purpose all tie it together.