Southern Americana

At 17, Western Australian native Jaimen Hudson suffered a devastating injury that paralyzed him from the armpits down. Today he's a world-drone photographer, husband, and father with an astonishingly positive outlook. The documentary "From Sky to Sea" profiles Jaimen's story. This podcast originated from a recorded interview for a cover story in 30A.com's Beach Happy magazine.

Maria D'Souza is an international artist who lives near Nashville, TN. Her beaded skull art is coveted by western enthusiasts and designers across the U.S. Maria has been featured in Cowboys & Indians and Belle Meade Lifestyle magazines.

Sergeant First Class Will Summers retired from the U.S. Army in 2013. Along with a handful of his Special Forces buddies, today, they promote Horse Soldier bourbon.

Summers and 11 of his fellow Green Berets were featured in the movie "12 Strong," as the first group of soldiers to fight the Taliban after 9/11.

I sat down with Will, along with Horse Soldier sales manager Merrick Mirabella at SoWal House in Rosemary Beach, FL, to talk and taste Horse Soldier's three award-winning bourbons.

Heidi Newfield always colors outside the lines. It's apparent in her songwriting and stage presence, whether blowing blues harmonica or singing her chart-topping lyrics. She grew up in rural California before moving to Nashville and joining Trick Pony. In 2008 she embarked on a solo career that continues to resonant in Country and Americana circles. Listen as Heidi shares many of her fondest memories and future dreams.

Annie McFarland is awesome! Actually, Annie is the Director of Awesome at Piper Lou Collection, an awesome online retailer of caps, tumblers, t-shirts with the most incredible slogans anywhere.

Months after her husband passed away from cancer, Annie received her own diagnosis. Determined not to allow these setbacks to deter her, Annie forged ahead to the "awesome" job she has today. Check out her awesome posts on all the major social media platforms.

Anthea Turner is an entrepreneur and the owner of Anthea Le Jardin, a European-inspired boutique at The Hub on 30A near Watersound, Florida. Before opening in February 2020, Anthea spent 20 years in the jewelry industry, including three years working on cruise ships. Her unique boutique features one-of-a-kind jewelry, gift items, art, and clothing rarely found along 30A. Anthea is a true renaissance woman whose elegance is reflected in her personal style and creativity.

Mike Ragsdale and his family moved from Birmingham, Alabama, to Florida's 30a area in 2006. Within a few years, Mike created The 30A Company and 30a.com, one of the nation's most popular lifestyle brands. The light blue and yellow 30A stickers and their beer and wines labels are now seen throughout the country. Mike discusses his path to Florida's Emerald Coast and the bumps and bruises he endured before hitting it big on 30A.

Devon Allman has quickly established himself as one of Southern Rock's best frontmen. He began his musical journey as a teenager, meeting his dad, the legendary southern rocker Greg Allman, at 16.

Along with Duane Betts, the son of Allman Brothers band member Dickey Betts, they formed The Allman Betts Band. The group's soulful, blues-based sound is reminiscent of their father's yet contains an original vibe not felt in years by true Southern Rock fans.

I caught up with Devon while working on projects in his St. Louis area studio between tour dates. In late July, they begin the Spirit of the South Tour with Blackberry Smoke. Their latest album, Bless Your Heart, was released in 2020.

Kameron Marlowe grew up in Kannapolis, North Carolina. His love for music evolved while listening to talented country vocalists such as Ronnie Dunn and Travis Tritt. Both had a considerable influence on the singer's style and voice inflections. During his formative teen years, he started singing and writing songs and playing in local bands.

From The Voice to Nashville, Kameron Marlowe will be playing near you soon, so check out his music and listen to our conversation.

Country music recording artist Alex Hall grew up in Gainesville, Georgia. At the tender age of five, Alex wanted to learn to play guitar after hearing Elvis Presley's records. Unfortunately, his guitar instructor informed his parents that since he didn't know how to read, learning the instrument was useless. Fortunately, Alex resumed playing several years later and is writing and performing some amazing music.

Listen as Alex shares the story of his Nashville experience and recording songs with Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and others.