Be sure to sign up for our email list at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com if you want first dibs on our first ever Southern Gentlemen Camo Hat!

In this episode of the Southern Gentlemen Podcast, Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze dive into a curious case of déjà vu in the world of modern country music. Two hit songs—different artists, nearly identical sound. Is it inspiration, coincidence, or something more?

The guys break down the similarities between the tracks and use the moment to explore the formula for a "popular" country song today. They also get into the legal side of songwriting: what can you protect, what can’t you, and how the Nashville machine keeps churning out familiar-sounding hits.

If you’ve ever listened to a song and thought, “Wait a minute… haven’t I heard this before?”—this one’s for you.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

🎙️ Tune in, tap your boots, and let’s talk twang, trends, and tune theft.

Connect with us online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com.

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Be sure to sign up for our email list at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com if you want first dibs on our first ever Southern Gentlemen Camo Hat!

In this special Father's Day episode of The Southern Gentlemen Podcast, Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze each bring three hand-picked items to the table that they believe every Southern dad would love. From grilling gear to outdoor essentials, this Southern-inspired gift guide is packed with thoughtful, rugged, and downright cool recommendations.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

Featured brands include:

🦆 Chene Gear – for the outdoorsy dad who demands the best 🐠 Choona Clothing – Southern inspired threads with laid-back charm 🔥 Lodge Cast Iron – for the dad who rules the kitchen (or the campfire) 🦌 Poncho Outdoors – stylish everyday performance wear 🧊 RTIC Coolers – because warm drinks are a sin 🔪 Williams Knife Co. – handmade blades that are sharp in every sense Whether you're shopping for your dad, your husband, or treating yourself (we won’t judge), this episode is loaded with Southern charm and rock-solid gift ideas.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a comment with your favorite pick, and share this with someone who needs a last-minute gift idea! 

Connect with us online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com.

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Be sure to sign up for our email list at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com if you want first dibs on our first ever Southern Gentlemen Camo Hat!

In this episode of the Southern Gentlemen Podcast, hosts Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze break down the essential life skills every Southern man ought to have in his back pocket. From grilling a perfect steak to building a fire that would make your granddaddy proud, the fellas cover the timeless talents that separate the boys from the men. They also share why having a signature cocktail is non-negotiable—and how to whip one up in a pinch.

To wrap things up, they dig into The Male Bag to answer a listener question that’s got ‘em thinking... and maybe even laughing a little too hard.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something smooth, and settle in for another episode full of wisdom, wit, and a whole lot of Southern charm.

Connect with us online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com.

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In this episode of the Southern Gentlemen Podcast, Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze recap their Memorial Day weekends, then dive into the first two episodes of the new Amazon Prime docuseries Earnhardt, unpacking the legacy, the legend, and the unmistakable mustache of Dale Sr. They talk about what the series gets right, what it might be missing, and what Earnhardt meant to the South beyond just racing.

Then, it’s time to reach into the ol’ Male Bag, where a listener poses the very serious, very Southern question: “Is Buc-ee's worth the hype?” Chris and Winston have a very spirited beaver debate, and we find out which one of them owns a Buc-ee's onesie. ;)

Grab a cold Cheerwine, settle into your rocking chair, and enjoy another dose of Southern wit, wisdom, and wholehearted man talk.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

Connect with us online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com.

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In this episode of The Southern Gentlemen Podcast, your hosts Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze catch up on all the latest life happenings and podcast updates. Chris’ wild and crazy German Shepherd puppies - Huck and Birdie - are finally headed off to doggy boot camp with the same trainer who worked wonders with Winston’s dog June. The fellas also talk about what’s new with the show: we’ve fully bounced back from the Great YouTube Channel Deletion of 2025, the subscriber count is climbing, and we’re getting ready to move into a brand-new studio space.

The guys give an update on the first Southern Gentlemen camo hat (yes, it’s happening), and wrap things up by digging into a handful of your listener-submitted questions in a segment we call The Male Bag.

It’s casual, it’s funny, and it’s exactly what you need in your ears this week.

Connect with us online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com.

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In this episode of the Southern Gentlemen Podcast, Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze sit down with former NFL tight end, Super Bowl Champion, and one of Winston’s closest friends - Ben Utecht.

The conversation kicks off with a powerful story about how Coach Tony Dungy’s belief in Ben changed the course of his life and led to him becoming a key part of the Super Bowl-winning Indianapolis Colts. The guys then dive into Ben’s deeply personal journey following his football career - his battle with CTE, memory loss, and the emotional toll of life after the NFL.

Ben shares how those challenges became fuel for his second act as a speaker and author. They unpack his latest book, The Champion’s Creed, and how he's using it to inspire teams, businesses, and individuals to live with purpose and conviction.

And to lighten things up, the episode wraps with a fun little showdown game: Minneapolis vs. Nashville. Spoiler alert - things get competitive.

Pull up a chair, pour something good, and join us for a conversation that’s honest, moving, and full of heart.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

To learn more about Ben, visit https://benutechtspeaks.com.

Connect with Chris and Winston online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com.

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In this episode of The Southern Gentlemen Podcast, hosts Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze sit down with Dixon Dedman - 12th generation Kentucky native, hospitality pro, and whiskey-maker with Southern roots deeper than an old oak tree.

Dixon shares stories from his time running his family’s James Beard Award-winning inn, The Beaumont Inn, and how he brought his great-great-grandfather’s long-lost bourbon brand, Kentucky Owl, back to life. The conversation gets real as Dixon opens up about the emotional journey of selling both Kentucky Owl and The Beaumont Inn, what that taught him, and how those experiences led to his bold new venture: 2XO Whiskey.

The fellas also dive into what truly makes Southern hospitality stand out in a noisy world, how tradition and innovation can live in the same bottle, and why the stories we carry are just as important as the spirits we pour.

Grab a glass and settle in - this one’s all heart, history, and a good pour of wisdom.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

To learn more about Dixon and 2XO, visit https://2xowhiskey.com. 

Connect with Chris and Winston online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com!

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In this episode of the Southern Gentlemen Podcast, hosts Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze sit down with bestselling author Ian Morgan Cron for an honest and engaging conversation.

The three men talk about Ian’s move from the Northeast to Nashville, and what captured his heart about life in the South — including his deep affection for the way Southerners talk. They dive into Ian’s bestselling book The Road Back To You, exploring how Christians perceive the Enneagram and why it can be such a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Ian also opens up about his latest book, The Fix, and shares why he believes that at some level, we’re all addicts searching for healing.

If you love authentic conversations about faith, growth, and the beauty of Southern culture, you’re going to love this episode.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

To learn more about Ian, visit https://ianmorgancron.com.

Connect with Chris and Winston online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com!

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In this laugh-filled episode of the Southern Gentlemen Podcast, hosts Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze welcome Alabama-based humorist and internet legend Matt Mitchell. Best known for his hilarious Southern-inspired videos, Matt shares the story of his roots in Walker County, Alabama, and how a parody newspaper account jumpstarted his comedy career.

The guys dig into Matt’s journey from working with the popular sketch comedy channel It’s A Southern Thing to stepping out on his own and building a loyal following through his signature Southern charm and wit. Along the way, Matt shares his very strong opinions on Duke’s Mayonnaise, the evolution (or downfall?) of country music, and what inspires his creative process.

They close out the episode with a few listener questions from The Male Bag, and as always, things get a little ridiculous in the best way.

Pull up a rocking chair, pour a glass of sweet tea, and get ready to laugh.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

To learn more about Matt, visit https://alostrich.com! 

Connect with Chris and Winston online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com!

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In this episode of the Southern Gentlemen Podcast, hosts Chris Thomas and Winston Cruze sit down with country music artist Craig Campbell for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation. Craig opens up about losing his father at a young age and how that experience shapes the way he shows up as a dad to his girls today. The guys dive into a fun back-and-forth on the great debate: 80’s country vs. 90’s country. They also talk about Craig’s appearance on American Idol with Mattie Pruitt, what that moment meant to him, and how it came to be.    But it’s not all music - Craig also shares the inspiration behind his hometown coffee shop, Grindstone Cowboy, how it came to be, what it's meant to his community, and where he hopes to take it next. 

To top it all off, Craig talks about his new single "Missing You," then closes out the episode with a live performance of his beloved hit “Outskirts of Heaven.” This one’s got heart, humor, and a whole lotta Southern soul. Don't miss it.

Watch the video version on YouTube!

To learn more about Craig, visit https://craigcampbell.tv!

Connect with Chris and Winston online at https://thesoutherngentlemen.com!

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