Sunday Afternoon Smokes

Tay Nelson, owner of Bobby's Barbecue in Fountain Inn, joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes for a conversation about barbecue, entrepreneurship, faith, and the long road to building something that lasts.

What begins with cigars and the process of creating Tay's own premium cigar brand, Octavius Reserve, quickly expands into the story of how a career at GE unexpectedly led to barbecue, catering, seasoning blends, and eventually one of the Upstate's most respected barbecue restaurants.

Chris and Tay discuss learning through failure, the value of mentors, why excellence matters more than shortcuts, and how consistency has shaped Bobby's Barbecue from its earliest days. Tay shares stories of working alongside some of the country's most respected pitmasters, the lessons he learned from Aaron Franklin, Rodney Scott, and others, and why mastering the craft requires patience, humility, and relentless curiosity.

The conversation also explores leadership, raising a family, building a business with integrity, the role of faith during difficult seasons, and the importance of slowing down to enjoy life—whether around a barbecue pit or over a good cigar.

This is a conversation about craftsmanship, perseverance, entrepreneurship, faith, barbecue, cigars, and building a life with purpose.

Bobby's BBQ: https://www.eatbobbys.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eatbobbys/

Tay Nelson: https://www.instagram.com/tay_nelson__/

Sunday Afternoon Smokes: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

Houston Miller joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes for one of the most personal and emotionally charged conversations in the show's history.

What begins as a discussion about Houston's background in law enforcement, construction, and public service becomes a deeper conversation about fatherhood, family court, forgiveness, faith, and the challenges many parents face after separation and divorce.

Chris and Houston discuss the importance of fathers in their children's lives, the emotional toll of custody disputes, the realities of family court in South Carolina, and why both believe children deserve meaningful relationships with both parents whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Along the way, the conversation explores faith, personal responsibility, forgiveness, law enforcement, the role of men in their families and communities, and the lasting impact parents have on their children.

During the conversation, Houston also discusses Equal Roots, a developing support community focused on encouraging and equipping fathers navigating separation, custody challenges, and family court proceedings. For more information, contact Houston Miller via DM on Instagram.

This episode is not a debate. It is a conversation between two fathers sharing personal experiences, discussing difficult realities, and raising awareness about an issue they believe deserves greater attention.

To learn more about South Carolina's proposed Equal Parenting Act, visit:
www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4622.htm

Houston Miller: https://www.instagram.com/houston.miller97/

https://www.instagram.com/thehunting.experience/

Follow the Show: www.sundayafternoonsmokes.com

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

Armand Groesbeek, owner of House of Holland Tattoo Emporium, joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes for one of the most personal and faith-centered conversations in the show's history.

What begins as a discussion about identity quickly becomes a deep conversation about Christianity, obedience, prayer, testimony, and what it means to build your life on something greater than your profession or accomplishments.

Chris and Armand discuss faith in Jesus Christ, the difference between who we are and what we do, lessons learned through hardship, and the moments that shaped their understanding of God's leading and purpose. Along the way, Armand shares powerful stories from his life, including his family's journey of faith, his path into tattooing, and experiences that challenged and strengthened his beliefs.

The conversation later expands into entrepreneurship, immigration, fatherhood, marriage, South African culture, and Armand's journey from South Africa to South Carolina. Together they explore the opportunities, challenges, and perspective that come from building a life in a new country while holding tightly to the values that matter most.

This is a conversation about faith, identity, perseverance, family, purpose, and the search for home.

Armand Groesbeek: https://www.instagram.com/armandgroesbeektattooartist/

House of Holland: https://houseofhollandtattoo.com/

https://www.instagram.com/house_of_holland_tattoos/

Sunday Afternoon Smokes: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

Product Placement: The custom crystal ashtray featured in this episode was provided by Nancy Davis Studio.

Jarrett Forrester joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes to discuss entrepreneurship, customer service, branding, and the unexpected path that led him from full-time musician to business owner.

Known throughout the Southeast as a touring Americana and country artist, Jarrett shares how Cowboy Custom Printing was born almost by accident after a frustrating business experience revealed an opportunity to do things differently. What started as a side venture quickly grew into a thriving apparel and promotional products company built on relationships, creativity, and helping customers succeed.

Chris and Jarrett explore what makes great merchandise actually sell, why customer trust matters more than a single transaction, the challenges of building a business from scratch, and how authenticity creates long-term opportunities. Along the way, they discuss branding, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, music, cigars, and the value of creating products people are genuinely excited to wear.

This conversation offers an inside look at the mindset of a creator who has built careers in both music and business by focusing on relationships first and sales second.

Topics include entrepreneurship, branding, custom apparel, merchandise design, small business ownership, customer service, touring musicians, fatherhood, creativity, marketing, and building a business through genuine connections.

Cowboy Custom Printing: https://www.instagram.com/cowboycustomprintinggvl/

Jarrett Forrester Music: https://www.instagram.com/jarretforrestermusic/

https://www.youtube.com/@jarretforrestermusic

Sunday Afternoon Smokes: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

What does it actually mean to train a horse?

Jessica Fry, founder of Wild Hearts Equine Therapy, joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes for a conversation about horses, healing, trust, and the surprising connection between human and animal nervous systems.

What begins as a discussion about equine therapy quickly expands into a deeper conversation about emotional regulation, anxiety, confidence, trauma, and the role connection plays in both human and animal relationships. Jessica explains how horses help people slow down, feel safe, and build trust, while sharing the philosophy behind her unique approach to horsemanship.

Along the way, Chris and Jessica discuss growing up as a Navy brat, living overseas, being a self-described wild child, young motherhood, entrepreneurship, coffee, travel, and the lessons horses have taught her about softness, communication, and leadership.

Whether you're fascinated by horses or simply interested in how people heal and grow, this episode offers an honest look at the power of presence, trust, and learning to listen.

Topics include equine therapy, horse training, emotional regulation, anxiety, trauma recovery, entrepreneurship, leadership, confidence, nervous system health, motherhood, and personal growth.

Wild Hearts Equine Therapy: https://www.wildheartsequinetherapy.org/

https://www.instagram.com/wildheartsequinetherapy/

Sunday Afternoon Smokes: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

Eddie King, Editor-in-Chief of Upstate Community Press, joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes to discuss community, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and the winding path that shaped his life.

Raised in Belton, South Carolina, Eddie shares how an unexpected end to his plans of joining the Marine Corps sent him searching for a new direction, eventually leading him to Hawaii. What began as an attempt to escape became a journey of personal growth, identity, and discovering what truly mattered.

Chris and Eddie discuss local business, building community, podcasting, media, leadership, cigars, bourbon, and the importance of helping people tell their stories. They also explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of meaningful conversations, finding purpose after failure, and why authentic human connection matters more than ever.

Whether you're a business owner, creator, entrepreneur, or simply someone navigating life's unexpected turns, this conversation offers insight into building something meaningful while staying true to who you are.

Topics include:

• Upstate Community Press

• Entrepreneurship and local business

• Moving to Hawaii and finding identity

• Community building and networking

• Podcasting and content creation

• Leadership and personal growth

• Cigar culture and conversation

• Purpose, failure, and reinvention

Eddie King Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingeditor/

Upstate Press: https://upstate.press

https://www.instagram.com/upstatepress

Follow the Show: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

Nancy Davis joins Sunday Afternoon Smokes to share her unexpected journey from medical transcriptionist to jewelry artist and entrepreneur.

What started with handmade bottle lights and alcohol ink artwork eventually evolved into Nancy Davis Studio, where she now creates custom rings, earrings, bracelets, ashtrays, and other wearable art. Along the way, she learned the realities of craft markets, the challenge of valuing creative work, and how following curiosity can lead to opportunities you never saw coming.

Chris and Nancy discuss creativity, artistic identity, entrepreneurship, social media, custom jewelry, the business of handmade products, and why many artists struggle with the question of what their work is truly worth. They also explore the transition from traditional employment to self-employment, finding purpose after a career change, and the importance of creating something unique in a crowded marketplace.

Plus, Nancy surprises the lounge with custom Sunday Afternoon Smokes crystal ashtrays and a gift unlike anything the show has received before.

In this episode:

* How Nancy discovered her artistic side later in life

* Building a business through experimentation and curiosity

* The realities of craft markets and vendor events

* Creating custom rings and wearable art

* Why artists often undervalue their work

* Transitioning from a longtime career into entrepreneurship

* The importance of authenticity and originality

* Custom ashtrays, jewelry design, and functional artwork

Learn more about Nancy and her work at NancyDavisStudio.com and follow @NancyDavisStudio on social media.

Follow the show @sundayafternoonsmokes on Instagram

sundayafternoonsmokes.com

Lounge Partner: The crystal ashtrays featured in the Sunday Afternoon Smokes Lounge are provided by Nancy Davis Studio. Learn more at NancyDavisStudio.com.

In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Dallas Vickers, owner of the Greenville franchise of Stunning & Brilliant Events, for a conversation about wedding planning, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and what luxury really means.

Dallas shares her journey from culinary school and private chef work to building a career in event planning, discussing the realities of weddings, corporate events, client expectations, and creating memorable experiences. The conversation explores luxury versus expense, guest experience, vendor relationships, and why service often matters more than aesthetics.

Along the way, Chris and Dallas discuss competition, business ownership, relationships, hospitality, and the challenges of building something meaningful in a crowded marketplace.

Whether you're planning a wedding, running a business, or simply interested in the art of serving people well, this is a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, and creating experiences that last.

Guest: Dallas Vickers

Stunning & Brilliant Events – Greenville

https://www.stunningandbrilliantevents.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dallasnorvickers/

https://www.instagram.com/stunningandbrilliantevents/

Follow the Show:

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Ryland Rainsford, co-founder of Scout's Doughnuts, for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, faith, family, endurance, and building a business with intentionality.

Before opening one of Greenville’s most beloved doughnut shops, Ryland worked as a mechanical engineer at Michelin while his wife JP taught elementary school. Together, they spent years wrestling with deeper questions about purpose, work, community, and the kind of people they wanted to become before eventually launching Scout’s Doughnuts from their own kitchen countertop in 2022.

Chris and Ryland discuss:

* Leaving the security of corporate life

* Starting a business from scratch

* The story behind Scout’s Doughnuts

* Croissant-style doughnuts and the creative process

* Family, fatherhood, and intentional living

* Burnout, stress, and protecting your health

* Running, discipline, and mental clarity

* Building community through food and hospitality

* Faith, purpose, and playing the long game

* Why meaningful work matters more than titles

The conversation also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure of balancing work and family, and how small businesses can positively shape a community far beyond the products they sell.

If you enjoy conversations about business, creativity, faith, family, and building something meaningful, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Scout's Doughnuts:

https://www.scoutsdoughnuts.com/

https://www.instagram.com/scoutsdoughnuts/

Follow the show:

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/

https://www.sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

In this episode of Sunday Afternoon Smokes, Chris sits down with Will Bestermann — recent Clemson graduate, future physical therapist, and creator of Saturday's Best Sports — for a conversation about ambition, entrepreneurship, sports media, discipline, and figuring life out in your twenties.

At just 22 years old, Will is balancing college, physical therapy school acceptance at UConn, content creation, podcasting, social media, and building his own sports media brand focused on college football and basketball.

Chris and Will discuss:

* Starting a sports media brand from scratch

* Consistency and social media growth

* Entrepreneurship at a young age

* College football and college basketball culture

* Learning through repetition and experience

* Taking chances on yourself

* The pressure of doing too much

* Why authenticity matters online

* Balancing ambition with quality

* Building something meaningful while still young

The conversation also dives into Will’s upbringing in a military family, living overseas in Italy and the UK, sports culture abroad, Clemson life, and preparing for the next chapter at UConn’s physical therapy doctorate program.

More than just a sports conversation, this episode explores ambition, momentum, self-awareness, and the tension between chasing opportunities and learning when to narrow your focus.

Saturday's Best Sports: https://www.instagram.com/saturdaysbestsports/

Saturday's Best Substack: https://saturdaysbest.substack.com/

Saturday's Best Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saturdaysbestsports

Sunday Afternoon Smokes: https://sundayafternoonsmokes.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sundayafternoonsmokes/