In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Kevin Finch, Executive Director of Big Table, and Becky Kinder, City Director for Big Table. Big Table is a nonprofit that exists to care for those who care for us—the people working in restaurants and hospitality.

Together, we dive into:

• What sets Big Table apart from other restaurant and hospitality-focused charities.

• The role of faith and values in their mission and how it is only an option, not a requirement.

• The Big Table dinners—what they look like, why they matter, and the impact they’ve had on hospitality workers across the country.

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about compassion, community, and supporting the people who keep the hospitality world moving.

If you’re a restaurant owner, operator, or someone who wants to better understand how to care for those working in our industry, you won’t want to miss this one.

👉 Learn more about Big Table at www.bigtable.com

Guests:

• Jacob Steiner – Brand Ambassador, Robert Mondavi Winery

• Jessika Hickman – Field Sales Manager, Constellation Brands

• Jennifer Alexander – Key Account Manager (On-Premise), Lippman Brothers

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Episode Overview

In this episode, we sit down for an impromptu but lively conversation with three people shaping the way wine is experienced and sold in Nashville and beyond. From Napa Valley to Broadway, we dig into the history, trends, and future of wine in America.

Jacob shares his journey from Southern California surf kid to Napa Valley sommelier, his climb through the Court of Master Sommeliers, and what it’s like to represent one of the most iconic names in American wine. Jessika brings her insight on how trends are shifting in Nashville’s dining scene—where tequila, mocktails, and even THC drinks are competing for space alongside wine lists. Jennifer, with her deep background in sales and relationships, rounds out the discussion with a boots-on-the-ground perspective from one of Tennessee’s leading distributors.

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Key Topics We Discuss

• The Robert Mondavi Legacy: How Robert Mondavi helped put Napa Valley—and American wines—on the global map.

• Jacob’s Wine Journey: From hosting at King’s Fish House to Napa Valley, Montana, and beyond, plus his pursuit of the Master Sommelier certification.

• Wine Education: The difference between WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers, and what it really takes to blind taste at the advanced level.

• Shifting Consumer Trends:

• Sauvignon Blanc’s surge in popularity (California, New Zealand, and Napa styles).

• Portuguese wines as an approachable entry to European reds.

• Why Pinot Noir still rules and Merlot is making a comeback.

• The Nashville Angle:

• How over-saturation of restaurants is reshaping the market.

• Why more guests are choosing mocktails, THC seltzers, and low/no-ABV options.

• The tension between “what’s new” and what has stood the test of time.

• Mondavi’s Future: Sustainability, organic certification, cutting-edge winemaking technology, and the brand’s recommitment to its Napa Valley estate.

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Memorable Moments

• Jacob explaining the Court of Master Sommeliers exam process and what it’s like to be grilled on every wine region in the world.

• The group laughing about the impact of “Sideways”—how one line in a movie crushed Merlot’s reputation for decades.

• A candid discussion about the post-pandemic relationship with alcohol, mocktails, and how restaurants adapt.

• Jennifer reflecting on her liquor store roots and how being a “chameleon” in relationships has fueled her success.

• Jacob’s final takeaway: “Wine doesn’t have to be fancy all the time. Drink it with friends, enjoy it, and have fun.”

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Why You Should Listen

If you love wine, hospitality, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how brands, distributors, and restaurants work together to shape what’s in your glass, this episode is for you. It’s equal parts education, storytelling, and a reminder that wine is about connection—not pretension.

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Ryan Reisdorf—founder of Placemat—joins us to explore how healthy, at-home dining and hospitality can foster community well-being. A former nursing student turned entrepreneur, Ryan shares the journey that led him to launch Placemat out of a passion for health and connection.

Episode Highlights

• From Nursing School to Meal Platform

Ryan began studying nursing and metabolic disease at Belmont University in 2017 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 9. These experiences deeply shaped his desire to improve community health through food and hospitality. 

• The Birth of Placemat

Founded in August 2017, Placemat grew from Ryan’s idea that sharing thoughtfully prepared, wholesome meals in people’s homes could make health more accessible and enjoyable. 

• Core Mission and Impact

Placemat delivers feel-good, healthy meals with world-class hospitality—effectively blending nutrition, convenience, and community.  

• Growth Beyond Nashville

What began in Nashville has expanded to serve thousands across more than 24 states, showcasing the platform’s scalability and reach. 

Key Takeaways

1. Personal health challenges can be powerful catalysts for social innovation.

2. Hospitality and wellness can create meaningful community impact.

3. Entrepreneurial passion paired with personal experience fosters authenticity and resilience.

Call to Action

Explore more about Placemat and Ryan’s vision at notcatering.com or follow his journey via Instagram @eatplacemat

Hey y’all, welcome back to Nashville Restaurant Radio — I’m your host, Brandon Styll, and today I have the honor of sitting down with one of the most fascinating and talented chefs in our city — Jake Howell, chef and partner at Peninsula Restaurant here in Nashville, and the 2025 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southeast.

This is a marathon of an episode — just over two hours — and honestly, I could’ve kept going.

Jake is a true creative force. Before he ever stepped into a professional kitchen, he was a painter in Seattle — crafting visual art while cooking on the side just to pay the bills. But somewhere along the way, cooking became the canvas. And despite his success, Jake told me himself — he’s still working to perfect his craft.

In this conversation, we dive into the mind of an artist turned chef, exploring his approach to food, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his thoughtful — and sometimes unconventional — philosophy on leadership. Jake opens up about his journey, what inspires him, and where he loves to eat in Nashville.

The second half of the episode really settles into a rhythm — two people connecting over the things that matter most in this industry: creativity, passion, and people.

I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed being part of it.

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🗓️ Quick reminder before we get started: The NARA Connect event is happening Wednesday, August 14th from 3 to 6pm at the Music City Center. This is the official launch of the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance, and it’s totally free to attend. If you’re a restaurant owner, chef, or GM — come hang with us, meet some amazing vendor partners, and connect with others in the industry.

🔗 Register now at www.naranashville.com and follow us on Instagram @naranashville.

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Tyler Lechtanski, the creative force behind Jambox, one of Nashville’s most talked-about sandwich shops. From his roots in fine dining to launching a concept rooted in nostalgia and bold flavor, Tyler shares the journey that led him to create a neighborhood favorite that’s redefining what a sandwich shop can be.

We dive into:

• Tyler’s culinary background, including his time as GM at J. Alexander’s

• The origin story of Jambox and how the brand was born from passion and purpose

• Building a concept that blends chef-driven technique with approachable comfort food

• Why Jambox is more than “just a sandwich shop” — and how it’s cultivating a strong local following

• Challenges and lessons learned in launching a fast-casual brand in Nashville

• Tyler’s vision for growth, community, and what’s next for Jambox

Whether you’re a restaurateur, chef, or sandwich lover, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and insights into what it takes to build something unique in Nashville’s ever-growing food scene.

📍 Learn more or plan your visit: https://www.eatjambox.com
📸 Follow them on Instagram: @eatjambox

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Vaccaro, CEO of Liquor Lab, a hands-on, interactive cocktail experience with locations in Nashville and Louisville.

Aaron shares the story behind Liquor Lab’s unique concept — part mixology class, part social event — and how it’s become a go-to destination for team building, date nights, and unforgettable group experiences. We talk about what makes the Liquor Lab model so successful, how his background in hospitality and brand building shaped the company, and what’s next as they grow across the region.

In this episode:
🍸 How Liquor Lab blends education with entertainment
🚀 The journey from concept to multi-city brand
🧠 Lessons in leadership, hospitality, and innovation
🌟 Why community and culture are key to their growth

Whether you’re a restaurant owner, cocktail enthusiast, or just love hearing inspiring hospitality stories — you’re going to enjoy this one.

Learn more or book your experience at: https://liquorlab.com

In this lively episode, we sit down with Janell and Mike Bass, the husband-and-wife duo behind PonyBoy Slings, the ready-to-drink bourbon cocktail that’s quickly taking the market by storm.

We kick things off by learning how they met, the proposal story (yes, it’s a good one), and whatever Bumble is—because, apparently, your host needed a quick dating app tutorial.

From there, we dive into their backgrounds in bartending, acting, and stand-up comedy, and how these experiences shaped their approach to building a beverage brand that feels fun, approachable, and community-driven.

You’ll also find out:
🥃 What exactly a “sling” is (and why you’ll want to order one)
🍑 The flavors they’re currently producing
🏷️ The “why” behind the brand, their distribution through Best Brands, and what it’s like to launch a beverage business in Tennessee
✨ How their love for hospitality shows up in their business today

If you love founder stories, bourbon, or simply enjoy a good entrepreneurial journey, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe craving a PonyBoy Sling for your next drink.

Where to find PonyBoy Slings:

• Distributed by Best Brands throughout Tennessee

• Available in bars, restaurants, and select retailers

• drinkponyboy.com

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Mark Waldo, the founder of Waldo’s Chicken & Beer — one of the fastest-growing chicken concepts in the Southeast.

Mark shares the story behind Waldo’s: from opening the first location in Germantown, to now expanding into multiple states with a clear mission — great chicken, cold beer, and genuine hospitality. We talk about what makes Waldo’s different in a crowded fast-casual space, how Mark approaches culture and growth, and the power of keeping things simple.

Highlights from the conversation include:

• The origin story of Waldo’s and how Mark identified a gap in the market

• Scaling with purpose: the challenges of growing while protecting company culture

• Advice for operators looking to expand while staying true to their core

Mark’s insight into operations, leadership, and hospitality is full of wisdom for anyone in the industry — whether you’re running a neighborhood spot or dreaming up the next big concept.

You’ll also hear some great stories from the early days and learn what’s next for the Waldo’s team.

This special bonus episode is a little different. Today, we’re sharing an episode from another podcast — Shut Up and Thrive! — where our very own Brandon Styll was the guest.

Over the past year, Brandon has experienced profound personal loss. Within a single month, he lost his cousin Blake, his grandmother, and his beloved cat, Mr. Business. While he hasn’t talked much about this journey on Nashville Restaurant Radio, the emotional weight of this season has undoubtedly influenced the way he’s shown up — both on the mic and in life.

In a previous episode of Shut Up and Thrive!, co-hosted with transformational coach Debra Sunderland, Brandon opened up about how the grief was overwhelming and affecting him daily. That conversation became a catalyst — one that led to him booking a trip to California to face the pain head-on, visit the crash site of his cousin’s plane, and begin truly processing the loss.

This episode is the full story — a raw, honest reflection on the past year and what healing has looked like so far. If you’ve noticed some ups and downs with Brandon lately, this might help explain a bit of what’s been going on beneath the surface.

Loss is something we all face, and sharing stories like this helps remind us that none of us are alone.

We hope you’ll give this one a listen — and if you enjoy it, check out more episodes of Shut Up and Thrive! on Spotify with Debra Sunderland.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and Men’s Health Month — and we’re diving deep into both.

Today’s guest is Dr. Joe Pazona, board-certified urologist and founder of Pazona MD, who joins us to talk about something we all need more of: preventative health.

From prostate health and prostate cancer screenings to erectile dysfunction, GLP-1 medications for weight loss, hormone optimization, and the importance of regular checkups — we cover it all in this candid, eye-opening conversation designed to help you or the men in your life live longer, healthier lives.

We kick things off with a powerful conversation about women’s mental health, joined by my amazing wife Jennifer Styll, who opens up about her own experience navigating perimenopause.

This episode is for everyone. If you care about your body, your brain, or someone else's — give it a listen. It just might save a life.

🎧 Listen. Learn. Share it with someone you love.