The Stafford Shurden Podcast

This was such a fun episode for me as a restaurant guy. Robert is a salt of the earth all around good man and I feel inspired just by being around him. Robert has written 13 books and owns several restaurants including, Crescent City Grill, Tabella, Ed's Burger Joint, Enzo, The Midtowner, Loblolly Bakery, and The Mahogany Bar. Robert also was instrumental in founding Extra Table, a non profit committed to ending hunger in Mississippi. Today's lunch was from Roberts restaurant, The Midtowner. 

Dr. Michael Manning is both a Doctor and serial entrepreneur. Dr. Manning co owns several clinics including the Men's  Clinic in Madison, MS. He is also a land developer and owns the property where the Half Shell Oyster House is located in Madison. He also co owns the Mississippi Vein Institute and Mississippi Medical Ascetics. Dr. Manning grew up in Drew, MS.  Lunch today came from The Half Shell in Madison. 

What happens when a serial entrepreneur with over 160 employees prefers a cheeseburger over renowned barbecue?  Our meal on this episode is from Abe's BBQ in Clarksdale and has been open since 1924! Join us as we share a meal with my dear friend Will Bradham. We chat about our favorite dishes and swap stories from the Delta, reminiscing about local favorites like Rest Haven and Ramon's. 

The episode takes flight, literally, as we dive into the thrills and challenges of piloting a small aircraft. But that's not all—Will and I explore the future of employment with AI and automation, the frustrations with self-checkout machines, and the lessons learned from the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. We round off with the joy of podcasting, reflecting on how it has connected us with listeners near and far. From Southern nostalgia to business insights, this episode offers a rich mix of humor, wisdom, and heartfelt stories.