Bottled Up

On this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen sits down with Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell, co-owners of Tony's Brick Oven Pizzeria in downtown Gulfport. They share their backgrounds in hospitality, how they became involved with Tony's, and what it's like to run a busy restaurant while juggling other careers and family life. The Caldwells talk about employee retention, creating a family-like atmosphere, upgrades to the restaurant, and starting their own food truck. They also discuss booking events at Tony's, what makes their space unique, and their passion for fostering great experiences for customers and staff. Whether it's classic pizza, a revamped sidebar, or supporting local events, Savannah and Danny give a behind-the-scenes look at building community through good food and genuine care.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Employee-Centered Management Creates a Strong Team Culture

Both Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell emphasized the importance of treating their staff like family, rather than just employees. They prioritize respecting schedules, valuing feedback, and fostering a supportive environment. This approach helps with employee retention, encouraging team members to stay and even return if they leave.

2. Continuing and Honoring a Local Legacy

Taking over Tony's Brick Oven Pizzeria was about more than business for Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell. They were motivated by respect for Mr. Tony and his long-standing commitment to the community. Their goal was to maintain Tony's legacy, serving loyal customers and building on the restaurant's reputation as a cornerstone of Gulfport.

3. Adaptability and Continuous Improvement as Core Values

The new owners are committed to learning and evolving. Whether it's tweaking the menu, renovating the space, or optimizing event offerings, Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell demonstrate flexibility and a growth mindset. They actively seek feedback, reflect on their daily operations, and aren't afraid to make changes that benefit both their customers and their business.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Paul Loomis, founder of The Loomis Agency and partner at Luminous Sound Studios. Paul Loomis shares his journey from growing up in Washington, D.C., with a musical family to writing iconic jingles, such as "Stanley Steemer." He discusses his switch from dreaming of film composition to building a successful career in advertising music, working fast under tight deadlines, and creating memorable brand music for companies. Andrew Allen and Paul Loomis also discuss how jingles are crafted, the impact of AI on the industry, and offer advice for young musicians. Plus, listeners get to hear the debut of a new jingle for Allen Beverages.

3 Key Takeaways

1.The Evolution and Impact of Jingle Writing: Paul Loomis offers fascinating insight into the craft of jingle writing, discussing its evolution into "brand music" and how catchy, memorable tunes paired with effective brand positioning can drive remarkable business success. He shares notable examples, like the Stanley Steemer jingle, explaining how such work requires both creativity and an understanding of marketing psychology.

2. Adapting to Changes in the Music Industry: The conversation dives into how technology and artificial intelligence are changing the music and advertising landscape. Paul Loomis acknowledges using AI as a tool but warns about its potential to replace traditional human creativity in the future. He also touches on the challenges modern artists face with revenue due to streaming platforms, and the shift away from traditional band instruments toward computer-assisted music.

3. Music as a Multifaceted Career: Paul Loomis's journey demonstrates how a strong musical foundation can lead to diverse opportunities, from writing for jazz ensembles and collaborating with legends like Gil Evans to producing jingles and working on projects like Barney and Vanilla Ice. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the creative and business sides of the industry, highlighting his experience building a successful agency and launching a record label that's finding success with new acts.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Jourdan Derouen, owner of Oliver Scott Insurance, host of his own podcast, and co-founder of Carter's Champions. Jourdan shares his story growing up on the Gulf Coast, how he got into podcasting, and his passion for community service. They dive into the origins of Carter's Champions and the annual Pink Dress Run, which raises money and awareness for cancer patients. This year, thanks to years of hard work, the event will provide free mammograms through Memorial Hospital. Jourdan also opens up about overcoming personal struggles, the power of failure, and why real connections matter in both business and charity. The episode highlights the value of resilience, teamwork, and giving back to the community. 3 Key Takeaways 1. Embracing Failure and the Power of Persistence Jourdan Derouen's journey highlights the importance of embracing failure as a part of growth. Both he and Andrew Allen discuss how failure is essential to learning and success—Jourdan shares personal experiences from dropping out of school to starting and evolving his podcast, as well as co-founding Carter's Champions. They both agree that being willing to fail, learn, and try again is at the heart of any self-made success. 2. Community Impact Through Carter's Champions and the Pink Dress Run A major focus of the episode is the Carter's Champions charity and its signature event, the Pink Dress Run. Jourdan explains the organization's origins, how it has grown (raising significant funds for cancer support), and the big milestone this year—offering free mammograms in partnership with Memorial, making cancer screening more accessible for the community. The event is depicted as a true community effort, supported by local businesses, volunteers, and heartfelt collaboration. 3. The Value of Authentic Storytelling and Human Connection in Podcasting Both speakers emphasize how meaningful conversations and storytelling are at the core of podcasting. Jourdan shares that the most impactful podcast moments come from genuine, long-form conversations where guests are comfortable and open, not just chasing popularity or clicks. It's these real, sometimes vulnerable stories that build connection, inspire listeners, and serve the greater good—be it in raising awareness, building community, or simply sharing life lessons. Let me know if you want more details or quotes from the conversation! Show Overview 00:00 Self-Made and Driven 06:04 The Importance of Self-Learning 06:49 Embracing Failure Early 09:58 Forming an Online Gaming Clan 15:47 Podcasting's Spontaneous Conversations 17:29 Podcasting Without Ego 20:07 Overcoming Fears and Business Origins 24:31 Local Business Tech Support 27:29 Late-Night Routine Reflections 34:33 Viral Clip Sparks Emotional Connections 35:59 Authenticity Over Fame 39:49 Initiative for Free Mammograms 44:57 Starting a Charity: A Heartfelt Endeavor

In this episode of Bottled Up, David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, shares his journey from growing up in Jackson to revitalizing the city's cultural spaces and leading statewide arts initiatives. David talks about his early love for architecture and community, working on projects like the Welcome to Jackson mural and the renovation of the Mississippi Planetarium. He explains how public art can change city narratives, what it takes to fund creative projects in Mississippi, and how the coast has become a hub for vibrant arts. David also highlights opportunities for artists to get involved, apply for grants, and attend events like the Governor's Arts Awards and National Folk Festival. It's a conversation about intentional design, community impact, and celebrating Mississippi's creative spirit.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Public Art as a Catalyst for Community Change David Lewis discusses how public art projects, like the Welcome to Jackson mural, can reshape a city's narrative and inspire civic pride. He shares how intentional, community-focused design and art can help change perceptions and energize cities that might otherwise seem stagnant, while also attracting and retaining creative talent.

2. The Mississippi Arts Commission's Role and Impact As executive director, David Lewis explains that the Mississippi Arts Commission provides essential state and federal grant funding to support artists, arts organizations, and public art projects throughout Mississippi. Their work covers a wide range—visual arts, theater, music, cultural festivals—and aims to uplift creative communities from the coast to rural towns, enriching quality of life and boosting the state's economic and tourism profile.

3. Celebrating Mississippi's Artistic Uniqueness on a National and International Stage David highlights how Mississippi's unique cultural identity is being shared not just statewide, but internationally—such as the MSU School of Architecture's exhibit at the Venice Biennale. He also mentions upcoming events like the Governor's Arts Awards and the National Folk Festival coming to Jackson, emphasizing how Mississippi's stories, spaces, and creativity have distinctive value and resonance both locally and abroad.

Show Overview 0:00 Exploring Art's Impact with David Lewis 3:10 Inspirational Art Teacher Influence 9:04 Architectural Education: Creativity and Advocacy 11:23 Returning Architectural Inspiration to Mississippi 15:52 Public Art Inspiring Civic Pride 18:49 Planetarium Renovation Vision and Strategy 21:56 Innovative Renovation and Revitalization 24:36 Mississippi Arts Funding and Support 29:52 Connecting with Mississippi's Creative Community 33:27 Southern American Novelty in Europe 35:07 Accessible Warmth of Southern Culture 39:02 Commendable Community Dedication 42:25 Supporting Mississippi's Creative Community

In this episode of Buttoned Up, Andrew Allen talks with Emily Sham, the regional philanthropy officer for the American Red Cross in Alabama and Mississippi, and shares her journey from Madison, Mississippi, to the Gulf Coast. She discusses her background in marketing and event planning, her impactful work at Two Men and a Truck, and her passion for community engagement. Emily details the Red Cross's diverse efforts, disaster relief, home fire response, blood drives, and military family support, emphasizing the need for local involvement and volunteerism. The conversation highlights the unique spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ways listeners can give back. Here's What You'll Learn In This Episode:

The surprising statistics behind local disasters: Did you know home fires are the #1 disaster the Red Cross responds to here? Emily explains why—and how you can help.

Why the Gulf Coast is America's most disaster-prone region, and what that means for support and preparedness.

The Red Cross goes beyond disaster relief in many ways, including free smoke alarm installation in at-risk neighborhoods, blood drives, and special support for military families.

How you can make a difference: Volunteer, donate blood, or contribute financially—Emily gives you real, actionable ways to get involved locally.

The story behind Two Men and a Truck's international journey and their Movers for Moms campaign helping women in need each spring.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Community Involvement: Whether it's coordinating disaster relief, supporting military families, or running blood drives, engaging with your local community can make a huge difference. Emily is proof that one person's network can amplify support for entire regions.

2. Disaster Relief Goes Beyond Headlines: While the Red Cross is known for responding to hurricanes and fires, they're also working behind the scenes – most disaster calls in their region are actually home fires, not the natural disasters we typically think of.

3. Anyone Can Get Involved: From donating blood or volunteering, to simply staying informed, there are so many ways to support vital organizations like the Red Cross. 90% of their workforce is made up of volunteers, and local contributions stay local!

Show Overview

00:00 Emily Sham: Local Philanthropy Insights

05:35 Franchise's First Marketing Efforts

06:17 Community-Centric Marketing Approach

11:35 Horn Island's Unique Coastal Experience

15:01 Joining Chamber, Focusing on Marketing

17:22 Red Cross: Beyond Disaster Relief

19:46 Mission-Focused Financial Efficiency

24:05 Red Cross: Certification and Military Support

28:34 Mississippi Red Cross Deficit Solution

30:45 Blood Donation App Simplifies Process

33:47 Coastal Life and Community Bonds

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Monica Daniels, Executive Director of Special Olympics Mississippi. Monica shares her personal journey into the nonprofit world, inspired by her daughter's experience with Magnolia Speech School. She explains how the Special Olympics empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through competitive sports. She discusses the history of the Special Olympics, its focus on inclusion and unified teams, and highlights how athletes now compete at high levels with dedicated training and support. Monica also talks about the organization's year-round events, the importance of community support, and ways people can get involved or volunteer. The conversation sheds light on how Special Olympics is changing lives both on and off the field, building confidence, independence, and community.

3 Episode Key Takeaways Empowering Athletes Through Competition and Voice

Monica Daniels emphasizes that Special Olympics Mississippi focuses on being a truly competitive sports organization rather than just a recreational one. The goal is not only to train and prepare athletes for high-level competition but also to empower them to advocate for themselves, both on and off the field. Monica emphasizes the importance of allowing athletes to discover and utilize their own voices, developing not only physical skills but also confidence and self-advocacy.

Unified Sports and Community Inclusion

The organization has made significant strides in growing unified sports programs, primarily through partnerships with schools and Boys & Girls Clubs. These unified teams, made up of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, help break down social barriers, promote inclusion, and foster friendships. Monica discusses successful unified teams in Mississippi and the broader effort to integrate these programs into schools and communities, helping to change mindsets and encourage greater acceptance.

Comprehensive Support and Opportunities for Athletes

Special Olympics Mississippi doesn't just focus on competition; it also provides extensive health screenings (vision, hearing, dental, podiatry, and overall health management) at state-level events, all free to athletes. The organization ensures no athlete pays to participate in competitions, including national-level events, thanks to donor support and community partnerships. They also make it easy for athletes, parents, and potential volunteers to get involved, highlighting a robust, community-driven support network.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Hinton and Jeff Weatherford, two longtime leaders at Allen Beverages. With over 50 years of combined experience, they share how they worked their way up from trainees to management, recall how technology and the soft drink business have evolved, and highlight what makes their workplace culture feel like family. From hilarious stories of soda mishaps to practical advice for new hires, Mike and Jeff stress the importance of building relationships, adapting to new challenges, and supporting each other. Whether you're curious about the real work behind your favorite drinks or just want to hear what it's like working at a local business, this episode is packed with honest insights and memorable moments.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Power of Customer and Team Relationships Both Mike and Jeff emphasized that building and maintaining strong relationships—with customers, colleagues, and team members—is at the heart of their work at Allen Beverages. They highlighted how personal connections and mutual trust are essential for successful operations and overall satisfaction, whether it's working directly with store owners, managing employees, or collaborating with long-time colleagues.

2. Adapting to Change and Embracing Technology The soft drink distribution industry has evolved significantly over the years, especially in terms of technology. Mike and Jeff discussed how the move from handwritten orders and pricing guns to sophisticated scanning and inventory systems has changed daily operations. Despite the sometimes overwhelming pace of technological change and the constant addition of new products (SKUs), adaptability has been a crucial skill for thriving in the business.

3. Perseverance and Culture Matter Decades-long careers like those of Mike and Jeff are a testament to the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a supportive company culture. They both attributed their longevity and enjoyment at Allen Beverages to the company's commitment to promoting from within, its familial work environment, and the sense of pride they feel from their work. The stories and inside jokes shared throughout the episode also underscored the importance of camaraderie and a positive, resilient workplace culture.

These lessons reflect not just their individual experiences, but key values that contribute to the company's ongoing success.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Chris and Payton Gollott, owners of The Frosty Mug in Wiggins, Mississippi. Chris shares his background growing up in D'Iberville, MS., his lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, and the journey to acquiring The Frosty Mug in December 2023. He discusses balancing tradition with new ideas, improving menu quality, and the importance of maintaining the community's beloved gathering spot. Payton, Chris's son, talks about joining the family business while studying business in college and how the hands-on experience is shaping his future goals. The Gollott family emphasizes community involvement, small changes for big improvements, and their vision to expand The Frosty Mug while staying true to its roots. If you're in Wiggins, check out their classic burgers and milkshakes, and experience a true local treasure.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Preserving Community Heritage:

Chris and Payton emphasized how important the Frosty Mug is to the Wiggins community. The restaurant has a long legacy and deep ties—people have worked there across generations, gotten engaged there, and even requested the Frosty Mug to cater their weddings. When Chris and his family took ownership, their main goal was not to drastically change things but to build on its nostalgic and historic value while making careful, thoughtful improvements.

2. Thoughtful Modernization:

Rather than overhauling everything after purchasing the Frosty Mug, Chris took time to observe and gradually implement improvements, especially focused on quality and process in the kitchen. They enhanced recipes (like making sauces in-house and improving their grilled chicken), modernized operations with digital platforms, and sought to blend a classic 1960s feel with present-day conveniences, highlighting a respect for tradition while aiming for efficiency and better guest experiences.

3. Community Engagement and Growth Vision:

Payton and Chris described a community-first approach, with deep involvement in local schools, events, and outreach spearheaded by Chris's wife. They have started catering, sponsored local teams, and introduced new services like breakfast. Their vision includes both physically expanding the restaurant (adding indoor seating, maybe enclosing patios) and potentially growing The Frosty Mug brand to other communities while preserving its unique, nostalgic character.

Show Overview 00:00 Journey to Owning Community Landmark

06:07 Culinary Journey and Career Growth

07:45 Quality Over Speed in Dining

11:08 Buying Historic Community Restaurant

16:19 Revamping The Frosty Mug

21:29 Improving Seating for Year-Round Use

23:43 Nuanced Kitchen Transformation

28:47 Custom Po Boy Conversation

32:40 Rising Food Costs Frustrate Customers

36:15 Balancing Business Decisions and Community

38:05 Community Champion: Outreach Impact

40:51 Discussing Business Leadership

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Randy Richardson and John Carter, co-founders of MS Sneaker Culture. They dive into the world of sneakers, discussing their passion for collecting, trading, and customizing sneakers. Randy talks about his long-time love for sneakers and how he has around 150 pairs in rotation. John shares how he got into sneakers with Randy's influence, now owning about 70 pairs.

The episode also explores the origin of MS Sneaker Culture and its fast-growing sneaker conventions. They discuss the details of their events, emphasizing an upscale, polished feel and providing a platform for sneaker enthusiasts to buy, sell, and trade. The upcoming event on May 19 at the MGCCC Hospitality Center promises to be exciting, with giveaways, food trucks, and more. If you're into sneakers, this episode is packed with insights and passion from true sneakerheads.

3 Key Listener Takeaways:

1. Origins and Passion for Sneakers: Randy Richardson and John Carter co-founded MS Sneaker Culture, driven by their long-standing love for sneakers. Randy's journey into sneaker collecting began in high school with basketball and has been revitalized by his daughter's interest in recent years. While not always into sneakers, John has had a passion for looking good from the ground up, making his transition into sneaker collecting natural.

2. Sneaker Convention Vision: The idea for Mississippi Sneaker Culture and its events came about after recognizing a gap in the regional market for sneaker conventions. Seeing a lack of such events between Houston and Atlanta, Randy and John decided to create a unique and upscale sneaker event, setting Mississippi apart by providing a polished environment for sneaker enthusiasts to gather, trade, and interact.

3. Growth and Community Engagement: Their initial event exceeded expectations, attracting around 250 attendees and receiving positive vendor feedback. This success showcased a demand for regional sneaker events, motivating them to continue organizing these conventions. Additionally, they emphasize community engagement by integrating giveaways, maintaining a professional setup, and involving local sponsors to foster a strong local sneaker culture.

In this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Rip Daniels, CEO of WJZD Incorporated. Rip shares his journey from growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to becoming a successful entrepreneur and radio station owner. With deep family roots in the area, Rip discusses his family's history of entrepreneurship, which inspired his desire to start his own business. He recounts his early endeavors, from working in construction to becoming an announcer and eventually launching WJZD in 1994. Rip emphasizes the importance of community involvement and how the station remains dedicated to serving their local audience. He also reflects on working with his children and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Tune in to hear Rip's inspiring story and insights into his community-focused approach to business. 3 Key Listener Takeaways Entrepreneurial Spirit and Community Roots: Rip Daniels discusses his family's long history on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and their involvement in various entrepreneurial ventures dating back to the 19th century. This deep-rooted connection to his community and a family history in business played a significant role in his drive to become a business owner and radio station operator. His path was influenced by a desire for independence and self-sufficiency, which was instilled in him from a young age. Diverse Career Path: Throughout the conversation, Rip Daniels highlights his diverse career journey, ranging from his early days as a cement finisher to his ventures in construction, real estate, and the radio industry. Daniels' journey was not linear, and he often pursued multiple business endeavors simultaneously, driven by the goal of self-reliance. His experience in various industries gave him the skills and insights to launch and manage WJZD Incorporated successfully. Commitment to Community Involvement: Rip Daniels emphasizes the importance of community involvement and support throughout his career. He recounts how WJZD's success and high ratings are tied to its active engagement with the local community, addressing community issues, and providing educational content. Daniels values the role his radio station plays in the community, aiming to maintain a genuine connection with listeners and contribute positively to the Gulf Coast region. Episode Highlights: - Rip's rich family legacy dating back to 1876 in Gulfport, Mississippi - The origins of Rip's career in radio and his unexpected path to entrepreneurship - Navigating challenges and triumphs in the radio business - The founding of WJZD and the creation of a local radio powerhouse - The importance of community engagement and supporting local initiatives