The Professional Noticer

Buckle up—because this episode is not just about a restaurant chain.

Join Andy Andrews as he delivers a cautionary tale for every leader, every business owner, and really, for all of us: you can't fix a culture problem with white paint and a new logo. And when you try… well, Cracker Barrel just showed the world what happens." Not many companies can afford to pour almost a billion dollars down the drain with nothing to show for it but embarrassment. Can Cracker Barrel? We'll see...

In this week's encore episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy hosts Chris Thomas – Entrepreneur, Podcaster, and Professional Southern Gentleman.

Tune in to hear Andy and Chris share a lively conversation about all things southern! Listen as Chris shares the fun details about his company, Made South – how it got started, how it's going today, the blessings and challenges of entrepreneurship, and much, much more!

✨ And don't miss your chance to experience Made South in person at the 2025 MADE SOUTH Holiday Market – happening Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22, inside Liberty Hall at The Factory in historic Franklin, Tennessee. Do your Christmas shopping with 60+ makers and artisans from around the South, and enjoy what Food & Wine Magazine calls "the best holiday market in the state of Tennessee!"

🎁 Even better – Andy and Austin will be there as vendors! Andy will be selling and signing books, and Austin will be showcasing his Austin Legacy Knives and Mama's Secret Weapon spoons. It's the perfect opportunity to shop small, and support small business. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

👉 Grab your tickets now: https://www.madesouthmarket.com/made-south-holiday-market

Connect with Chris Online:

• Website: https://www.madesouth.com/
• Stickers: https://goodsoutherner.com/
• Cocktail Mixers: https://elimason.com/
• Podcast: https://www.madesouth.com/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madesouth
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/christhomas
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherhthomas/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christhomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@madesouth
• AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/450614261

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Bryan Chandler – owner of Silverhill Mill in Silverhill, Alabama.

Tune in to hear Bryan share the story of how he and his wife, Rhee, built Silverhill Mill from the ground up and how the business has grown since he last appeared on the podcast. Listen as he and Andy swap stories about the types of trees and wood Bryan works with, the beautiful products he creates, and what inspired him to step into this unique line of work.

Connect with Bryan Online:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverhillmill
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverhill_mill/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Ben Ragsdale – pastor of Worship on the Water at the Flora-Bama in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Tune in to hear Andy and his pastor share the story behind Worship on the Water, how Ben and his family became part of it, and what makes attending church in a bar on the beach such a beautifully unique experience.

Connect with Ben online:

• Website: https://www.worshiponthewater.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florabamachurch

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy shares a powerful moment from his personal archives—one he's never presented anywhere else.

Tune in to hear a compelling story that feels even more relevant today than when it was first recorded. Have you felt the tension in conversations lately? The weight of cultural conflict? The weariness of a world full of division? If so, you're not alone.

Listen as Andy revisits a day that changed his life—a powerful example of how a single choice can shift everything. In a time when many are questioning whether we've passed the point of no return, this episode offers hope, clarity, and one overlooked truth that could still make a lasting difference for families, communities, and entire generations.

This week on The Professional Noticer, Andy holds a discussion with YOU.

Tune in to hear Andy's take on an article from one of his favorite writers, "The Honest Broker," Ted Gioia. The article dissects a dangerous aspect to Artificial Intelligence and Andy seems to agree. When you hear what NPR, The Atlantic, and The Wall Street Journal have reported, will you decide "no big deal?" Or will you be as disturbed as Andy? See if you can discern the truth in this shocking episode.

Follow Ted's "The Honest Broker" on Substack: https://www.honest-broker.com/

This week on The Professional Noticer, we're revisiting one of the most surprising and inspiring episodes in our archive: Songs of the Seven Decisions with Armon J. Newton and Albert Burgos Jr. Armon and Albert—longtime friends who met in South San Francisco—share the story behind their extraordinary collaboration. From childhood passions and winding career paths to the moment they secretly produced an entire album based on The Seven Decisions (before Andy—or anyone—knew it existed!), this conversation is packed with creativity, vision, and heart. You'll hear how their musical journey began, what inspired the project, and why their work continues to resonate today. 🎵 Want to hear the Songs of the Seven Decisions? Watch the Music Videos Here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh0deUu0Iv2nw8cgs4wcRFccDEQ-EB9Ta You might recognize Armon as one of our favorite Contributors at WisdomHarbour.com Whether he's revealing how military research led to the internet, explaining the surprising history of the potato chip, or unpacking the power of imperfection—Armon delivers engaging, meaningful content that always teaches…and often makes us laugh. Join today, and get access to wisdom from Armon and our 27 other Contributors! Dive Deeper Into The Seven Decisions: https://andyandrews.com/product/the-seven-decisions/ More from Armon J. Newton:

• Website: https://www.armonjnewton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armonthehost/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armon.newton

More from Albert Burgos Jr. / Aburgz Production:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aburgzproduction/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABurgzMusic/

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Joe Pici — #1 Sales Trainer/Training System in the world and Host of the Sales Edge Podcast.

Tune in to hear Joe share practical, battle-tested wisdom on how to rebound after a setback and how he got back in the game by plugging into a proven process and rebuilding confidence through the basics. Listen as Andy and Joe also talk about the power of real human connection in an automated world, why sales is the skill every entrepreneur and employee must master, and how consistent, simple actions can turn any setback into a comeback.

Want to learn directly from Joe?

Text SALESEDGE to 59925 for exclusive offers, including $500 off his top-rated Sales Boot Camp and coaching programs — plus, you'll even get a complimentary "Cup of Joe!"

Connect with Joe Online:

• Websites: www.PiciandPici.com and SellMoreVirtually.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiciandPici/
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joepici
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PiciandpiciInc
• Twitter (X): https://x.com/piciandpici

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes the person he has called The Most Interesting Man in the World, Walt Merrell — District Attorney of Covington County, Alabama, and author of the Shepherding Outdoors series.

Tune in to hear Walt share a few unforgettable stories that prove hope can show up in the wildest places (sometimes thanks to a pack of feral cats), plus laughs about courtroom pantyhose rules, horseback DUIs, and the scabies incident you'll wish you could unhear. Listen as he and Andy discuss why restoring families is the real key to fighting crime, how laughter and storytelling help him handle the darkest parts of his job, and how Shepherding Outdoors keeps him grounded when life gets downright messy — socks or no socks.

Connect with Walt Online:

• Website: ShepherdingBook.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shepherdingoutdoors
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherding_outdoors/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShepherdingOutdoors

On this week's episode of The Professional Noticer, Andy welcomes Dr. Amanda Vanderheyden — school psychologist, education policy advisor, thought leader, and founder of Spring Math.

Tune in to hear Amanda share why better instruction — not just more money — is the real key to improving education outcomes, and why all kids can learn math when given the right tools. Listen as she and Andy talk about her journey from early mental health work to influencing federal law, the story behind Spring Math's success in classrooms across the U.S. and around the world, and what she's learned about leadership, culture, and putting resources to work wisely.

Connect with Amanda Online

• Website: https://www.springmath.org/
• Twitter: https://x.com/amandavande1