Rough Draft Mississippi

Christina Dent is the president of the End It For Good Organization based out of Jackson, MS. End It For Good calls for the decriminalization of substance abuse as it typically endangers and worsens the conditions of chronic substance users' lives. Dent is an established author, a Tedx speaker, a podcaster, and an incredible advocate for those struggling with addiction. Listen in to hear about the work she is doing to change the way we see drug addiction and eliminate punitive measures towards it. Music for the episode provided by Between the Banks Band with songs "Atmosphere" and "Slow."

Elise Firth is a multi-faceted young woman/rockstar. James, Holley, and Elise discuss music, songwriting, the loss of loved ones, and the memory of Niko Everette. 

James and Holley of Rough Draft Hattiesburg welcome local comedian Ben Compton to the show! Ben Compton is a rising star in the comedy world. Native to Picayune, MS, Compton now calls Hattiesburg his true home and draws his hilarious comedic narrative from everyday life. Join us for a humorous and informative conversation about Ben's struggles and successes in the comedic world! Music for the episode provided by Candace Bush Band with original songs "Highway Foot" and "This is Rough."

James and Holley have officially done 50 episodes of Rough Draft Hattiesburg. To celebrate, Brandiilyne Magnum-Dear, owner of Red Jasper, preacher, and oracle reader, performs a reading for the city of Hattiesburg. Music for the episode provided by Kelsey Wishik. 

James and Holley are joined by best-selling author David McRaney; creator of "You Are Not So Smart," "You Are Now Less Dumb," and "How Minds Change." McRaney also operates the "You Are Not So Smart" podcast. In his work, McRaney explains various psychological phenomena and seeks to answer difficult psychological questions like "why we are the way we are" and "why our choices are psychological." Music for the episode provided by Hattiesburg music legend, Cary Hudson. 

Jess Carter is an impressive young woman with a thriving restaurant and hotel business in our neighboring city of Petal. Road House Restaurant and Hotel boast incredible culinary dishes and updated interiors done by Jess herself. Jess is also an aspiring actress, writer, director and previous Miss Mississippi Teen USA. Catch the season 5 season premier of Rough Draft Hattiesburg!

In this yearly recap, Mayor Toby Barker gives us an update on all things Hattiesburg as well as educates us on how to become a registered voter in Mississippi. Don't miss this crucial episode. Music for the episode provided by Royal Horses with original songs "Ruby Do" and "Bottom of the Charts."

James and Holley sit down with Hattiesburg's Historical Preservation Planner, Russell Archer. In this informative episode, Archer tells us what constitutes a historical building or attribute and how to present new builds and renovations within a historical community to the committee. We are excited to present this episode all about the man behind the mustache! Music provided by Grits & Greens with original songs "Waco" and "Slingshot."

Rough Draft Hattiesburg is proud to present this episode with the one and only Tony Lymon. James and Holley discuss music, art, life, design, and more with Tony, who is a multi-talented drummer, instructor, artist, coffee roaster... Trust us, he does it all! This long awaited episode is a true example of why we do this show. Tony is an inspiration and truly a gift to the city of Hattiesburg. Listen in!

In this episode James and Holley sit down with entrepreneur Colby Farris and mycologist Lauren Romine of Slow Poke Farms. Slow Poke is a new business venture in Hattiesburg that provides culinary mushrooms for local businesses and restaurants. So much to learn from this dynamic duo. Look out for Slow Poke mushrooms on menus all around the Hattiesburg area! Music for the episode provided by Tyler Tisdale.