Episode 9: Duck Bands & Cotton Rows – A Conversation with Tucker Miller

In this episode of Breaking Bread, Stafford sits down with a true Delta legend—Tucker Miller from right here in Drew, Mississippi. Tucker’s a world-renowned duck hunter and a lifelong cotton consultant with nearly 60 years of stories from the fields and flooded timber. From the art of checking cotton to the thrill of the morning hunt, Tucker’s lived it all—and he's got more duck bands than years to prove it. We talk tradition, wildlife, farming, and the kind of grit it takes to keep showing up season after season. Pull up a chair—this is Southern storytelling at its finest.

 In this episode of Breaking Bread with Stafford Shurden, we sit down with Ryan Biles, an architect and community developer from Lonoke, Arkansas. As the owner of Kudzu Collective, Ryan is dedicated to designing spaces that foster connection and growth. His work extends beyond Arkansas, making an impact throughout the Mississippi Delta. Join us as we discuss his passion for architecture, the role of thoughtful design in community development, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the Delta region. 

 Jay Bradley is a seasoned entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, and business strategist. As the former owner of the iconic Cowbells Bar in Starkville, MS, and the founder of Roofnuts, Jay has built a reputation for turning businesses into thriving success stories. Today, he travels the country, training and inspiring business owners on how to scale sales, maximize growth, and achieve true entrepreneurial freedom.

Don Joe and his brother Wally owned the best reviewed restaurant in the south for years, KCs. 

Mike Ellis is a Musician and retired farmer. Mike Ellis and the Hometown Band have been a staple of Mississippi Delta Music for 60 years. 

Jenny Smith aka Mississippi Memaw is a social media influencer with millions of views. She went viral for ordering pickles in her Dr. Pepper at Sonic landing in the top 10 most searched things on Google for 2024. She is loved for her down to earth Mississippi charm and is followed by hundreds of thousands of people. 

This was such a fun episode for me as a restaurant guy. Robert is a salt of the earth all around good man and I feel inspired just by being around him. Robert has written 13 books and owns several restaurants including, Crescent City Grill, Tabella, Ed's Burger Joint, Enzo, The Midtowner, Loblolly Bakery, and The Mahogany Bar. Robert also was instrumental in founding Extra Table, a non profit committed to ending hunger in Mississippi. Today's lunch was from Roberts restaurant, The Midtowner. 

Dr. Michael Manning is both a Doctor and serial entrepreneur. Dr. Manning co owns several clinics including the Men's  Clinic in Madison, MS. He is also a land developer and owns the property where the Half Shell Oyster House is located in Madison. He also co owns the Mississippi Vein Institute and Mississippi Medical Ascetics. Dr. Manning grew up in Drew, MS.  Lunch today came from The Half Shell in Madison. 

What happens when a serial entrepreneur with over 160 employees prefers a cheeseburger over renowned barbecue?  Our meal on this episode is from Abe's BBQ in Clarksdale and has been open since 1924! Join us as we share a meal with my dear friend Will Bradham. We chat about our favorite dishes and swap stories from the Delta, reminiscing about local favorites like Rest Haven and Ramon's. 

The episode takes flight, literally, as we dive into the thrills and challenges of piloting a small aircraft. But that's not all—Will and I explore the future of employment with AI and automation, the frustrations with self-checkout machines, and the lessons learned from the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. We round off with the joy of podcasting, reflecting on how it has connected us with listeners near and far. From Southern nostalgia to business insights, this episode offers a rich mix of humor, wisdom, and heartfelt stories.