UNRESERVED with TJ Callaway

In this episode of Unreserved, TJ Callaway sits down in Charleston with Mark Phillips for a conversation about the Oakland Club, Southern sporting traditions, and a city that has managed to evolve without losing its connection to the past. Recorded from the new store on King Street after the Fall 2026 catalog shoot at Oakland, Mark draws on decades of experience at the club to take TJ inside a place that has become one of South Carolina’s distinctive quail hunting destinations. UNRESERVED_Mark_Phillips_v1

Mark shares the history behind Oakland Club, from its connection to Francis Marion and its roughly 30,000 acres along the Santee River swamp to the Northern families who came South and helped establish sporting retreats across the region. He and TJ explore how Oakland evolved into the club it is today, along with the traditions that define the experience: horses and bird dogs, coat and tie dinners, shared meals, carefully chosen guests, fireside conversations, and a culture built around preserving rituals that have been passed from one generation to the next.

The conversation goes beyond the hunt itself to the people and stewardship required to sustain a place like Oakland. Mark and TJ discuss the guides who work the property year round, prescribed burning and quail habitat, the decline of wild bobwhite populations, and the role large tracts of protected land have played in conservation across the Southeast. They also dig into the lighter side of club life, including enormous breakfasts, open fire lunches, afternoon naps under the oaks, and the memorable advice that anyone with a problem with “alcohol, cholesterol, or protocol” may have come to the wrong place.

From there, the conversation turns to Charleston itself. A lifelong Charlestonian, Mark reflects on the city he grew up in, the transformation of King Street, the growth of downtown, and the importance of historic preservation as Charleston continues to attract new residents, businesses, and visitors. Filled with history, humor, and an appreciation for the traditions that give a place its identity, this episode is ultimately about stewardship: preserving land, architecture, community, and sporting culture while still allowing them to live, grow, and be enjoyed by the next generation.

[00:00:16] Meet Mark Phillips and the Oakland Club

[00:03:23] The History of Oakland Club and Its Connection to Francis Marion

[00:05:26] How Northern Families Built Southern Sporting Retreats

[00:07:27] Hootie Johnson and Oakland’s Return to Southern Membership

[00:08:12] Dinner, Drinks, and the Traditions of Club Life

[00:10:15] How an Oakland Club Hunting Season Works

[00:12:24] Fireside Conversations and Choosing the Right Guests

[00:13:32] The Oakland Club Table Where Banking History Was Made

[00:14:47] How Oakland’s Membership Changed with the Southern Economy

[00:17:09] Why Tradition and Formality Still Matter

[00:18:51] Open Fire Lunches, Afternoon Naps, and a Day in the Field

[00:20:37] The Stump House and the History of Oakland’s Dogs and Guides

[00:22:25] The Year Round Work Behind a Great Quail Property

[00:25:20] Quail Hunting, Habitat, and the Decline of Wild Birds

[00:27:21] Conservation and Protecting the Sporting Landscape

[00:28:16] Bacon, Quail, and the Oakland Club Lunch Tradition

[00:31:26] Alcohol, Cholesterol, and Protocol

[00:32:24] Charleston’s History Through Mark’s Eyes

[00:35:01] How Charleston Reinvented Itself Without Losing Its Character

[00:38:12] The Evolution of King Street

[00:40:37] The Citadel, Family History, and Charleston Tradition

[00:43:13] Charleston as a Destination City

[00:44:14] Why Historic Preservation Still Matters

In this episode of Unreserved, TJ Callaway sits down in Charleston with Trey McMillan, founder of Lowcountry Oysters, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, the working waterfront, and what it takes to build a business from the ground up. Trey shares how growing up in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village and spending his childhood in the creeks and marshes eventually led to nearly 15 years as a professional fisherman—and, ultimately, an entirely new career farming oysters. 

Trey recounts walking away from professional fishing at 30, leveraging his house to fund a new venture, and entering the oyster business with little formal knowledge of aquaculture. What began as an idea sparked by seeing an oyster farm on the Chesapeake Bay became Lowcountry Oysters, a business built around premium raw-bar oysters, demanding production schedules, and an appreciation for the unique coastal environment that makes the product possible. Along the way, Trey and TJ dig into the realities of oyster farming—from permitting and harvesting to refrigeration, traceability, sustainability, and the surprising amount of manual labor behind getting food from the water to the table. 

The conversation also gets candid about the side of entrepreneurship that rarely makes it onto social media. Trey recalls sleeping on a cot at the farm because he couldn't afford the gas to drive home, worrying whether his credit card would clear at an early trade show, and learning that success doesn't eliminate problems—it simply changes their scale. Trey and TJ reflect on risk, persistence, family sacrifice, failure, and why the polished version of entrepreneurship often leaves out the most important part of the story: the years of uncertainty and hard work required to build something that lasts. 

Filled with humor, hard-earned perspective, and a deep connection to the Lowcountry, this episode is a conversation about betting on yourself, staying transparent about the journey, and building a business without losing sight of the people, communities, and natural resources that make it possible.

-Growing Up in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village (00:00:50)

-From Professional Fishing to Starting Over at 30 (00:02:52)

-Betting the House and Becoming an Entrepreneur (00:05:16)

-How an Oyster Farm on the Chesapeake Sparked an Idea (00:07:23)

-Family, Sacrifice, and Life with an Entrepreneur (00:09:26)

-Raising Kids Around the Oyster Farm (00:10:46)

-What Makes a Great Oyster (00:13:16)

-Permits, Regulations, and the Business of Oyster Farming (00:15:31)

-Finding the Raw Bar Market and Scaling Production (00:17:53)

-How Oysters Are Grown, Harvested, and Shipped (00:19:19)

-Farm-to-Table Traceability and Knowing Where Your Food Comes From (00:22:00)

-Why You Have to Learn Entrepreneurship by Doing It (00:25:39)

-The Truth About Eating Oysters in Months Without an “R” (00:26:26)

-Conservation, Regulation, and Protecting Coastal Ecosystems (00:29:00)

-The Struggles Behind Building a Successful Business (00:33:39)

-Sleeping at the Farm and Surviving the Early Years (00:37:11)

-Social Media, Influencers, and the Value of Showing the Struggle (00:41:11)

-Why Strangers Sometimes Become Your Biggest Supporters (00:44:48)

-ShrimpGate, Local Seafood, and the Importance of Transparency (00:47:16)

-The Future of Oyster Farming in Georgia and the Southeast (00:49:35)

In this episode of Unreserved, TJ Callaway shares a conversation with Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton about football, leadership, and life between the lines. Joined by Hammy Culpepper from Bulldog Illustrated and the Hammy Show, the discussion explores Gunner’s journey from Tiger, Georgia, to Athens, the lessons learned from his father and Coach Kirby Smart, and the mindset that keeps him grounded amid the spotlight of SEC football.

Gunner reflects on his roots in small-town Georgia, the transition from high school standout to leading one of college football’s most storied programs, and the importance of staying humble, faithful, and focused through it all. He talks about learning from mentors like Stetson Bennett, building chemistry with teammates, and handling pressure moments from the SEC Championship to the roar of Neyland Stadium.

Filled with insight, humor, and authenticity, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what drives one of Georgia’s rising stars on and off the field.

Follow Gunner on Instagram

TJ Callaway⁠ is the Founder and CEO of ⁠Onward Reserve⁠, a lifestyle brand created with a deep appreciation for life's authentic moments, high regard for quality products and the spirit of sporting traditions.  

In this episode of Unreserved, TJ Callaway chats with rising country star Dylan Marlowe at the iconic Georgia Theatre in Athens. Dylan shares his journey from small-town Georgia to Nashville, opening up about his early love for baseball, discovering songwriting through Eric Church, and chasing his music dreams with his dad’s support. He reflects on the impact of going number one with “Boys Back Home,” collaborating with artists like Hardy and Connor Smith, and navigating the music industry with authenticity. The two also dive into stories about deer hunting and balancing fame with faith and marriage.

Early Tour Memories (00:01:01) 

Growing Up in Georgia and Discovering Music (00:01:29) 

First Steps into Songwriting and Open Mic Nights (00:03:08) 

Going Number One with “Boys Back Home” (00:04:35)

Writing Trips, Collaboration Culture and Connor Smith (00:06:49) 

Navigating Nashville and Mentorship from Other Artists (00:10:55) 

Touring with Hardy and Signing a Publishing Deal (00:12:08) 

Returning to Georgia Venues and Career Milestones (00:17:44) 

Balancing Faith, Marriage, and the Demands of Touring (00:21:11) 

Advice for Young Musicians and Staying Authentic (00:24:55) 

Deer Stories, Burned Tractor, and Taxidermy Tales (00:30:23) 

Reddit Thread Rumors (00:33:43)  

TJ Callaway is the Founder and CEO of Onward Reserve, a lifestyle brand created with a deep appreciation for life's authentic moments, high regard for quality products and the spirit of sporting traditions.  

Dylan Marlowe's Website

Dylan Marlowe on Instagram

In this episode of Unreserved, TJ is joined by former NFL player and Georgia Bulldogs star Mohamed Massaquoi to discuss his journey through football, life-changing challenges, and personal growth. Mohamed shares stories from his college and NFL career, reflecting on pivotal moments, rivalries, and lessons learned on and off the field. He opens up about his 2017 ATV accident, which resulted in the loss of his hand, and how it transformed his perspective, leading him to a new path of coaching and motivational speaking. Through resilience and adaptability, Mohamed reveals how sports and business share parallels in teamwork, strategy, and seizing opportunities. 

Mohamed’s Early Life and Football Beginnings (00:01:18)

Transitioning to College Football at Georgia (00:02:32)

Coach Mark Richt and Program Evolution (00:06:13)

NFL Draft and Playing for the Cleveland Browns (00:08:16)

The Intensity of SEC vs. NFL Rivalries (00:11:17)

Mohamed’s 2017 ATV Accident and Recovery (00:35:13)

Life After Football: Coaching and Motivational Speaking (00:37:17)

Lessons for Athletes: Hard Work and Long-Term Vision (00:37:58)

Seizing Opportunities and Overcoming Setbacks (00:41:11)

Closing Reflections and Advice for the Future (00:42:48) 

TJ Callaway is the Founder and CEO of Onward Reserve, a lifestyle brand created with a deep appreciation for life's authentic moments, high regard for quality products and the spirit of sporting traditions.  

Unreserved kicks off 2025 with comedian Heather McMahan and her husband, Jeff Daniels, about Heather's journey from performing in basements to selling out Radio City Music Hall. Heather reflects on her comedic roots, the challenges of breaking into the entertainment industry, and how her authenticity on social media helped skyrocket her career. The couple shares stories about their relationship, the dynamics of living with Heather’s mother, and the joys and chaos of touring. 

Heather McMahan on Instagram

Heather's website

TJ Callaway is the Founder and CEO of Onward Reserve, a lifestyle brand created with a deep appreciation for life's authentic moments, high regard for quality products and the spirit of sporting traditions.  

Jamie Shepherd joins Unreserved to discuss the inspiring story behind the Shepherd Center, one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation hospitals. Jamie shares how his father’s life-changing spinal cord injury sparked the creation of this transformative facility and reflects on the center’s mission to provide world-class care for patients with brain and spinal cord injuries. From community-driven programs like recreational therapy to groundbreaking research and support for military veterans, the Shepherd Center’s impact is truly life-changing. Jamie also offers insights into the family’s dedication to fostering hope and empowering patients to rebuild their lives. This conversation is a heartfelt testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community.  

More information on the Shepherd Center and their incredible work can be found here.

TJ Callaway is the Founder and CEO of Onward Reserve, a lifestyle brand created with a deep appreciation for life's authentic moments, high regard for quality products and the spirit of sporting traditions.  

In this episode of Unreserved, TJ interviews legendary sports broadcaster Verne Lundquist. Verne reflects on his storied 50-year career covering iconic moments in college football, golf, and the Olympics, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of historic calls like Jack Nicklaus at the Masters and the 2013 Iron Bowl. They also explore Verne’s deep connection to the Masters, his love for classical music, and life in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Filled with humor, wisdom, and candid insights, this conversation captures the essence of a broadcasting icon. 

In this episode of Unreserved, host TJ chats with Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King, tight end Brett Seither, and tight end Jackson Hawes. The trio shares stories from their unique journeys transferring to Georgia Tech, insights into adapting to the program, and the camaraderie that fuels their team. They discuss the highs and lows of college football, reflect on their high school experiences, and touch on the differences between football cultures across regions. With light-hearted banter on topics like their favorite Waffle House orders and hypothetical battles with sharks and alligators, this episode offers an entertaining and authentic glimpse into the lives of these student-athletes.  

Chapters

Introduction (00:00:00)

Meet the Players (00:01:43)

Transitioning from SEC to Georgia Tech (00:08:22)

First King-to-Seither Touchdown (00:10:34)

The Ireland Game Experience (00:16:51)

Growing Up and College Football Favorites (00:23:58)

Georgia Tech Culture vs. Previous Teams (00:26:51)

Breaking Georgia Tech’s Touchdown Record (00:30:00)

Reflections on the First Half of the Season (00:37:43)

Coach Weinke’s Impact on the Team (00:40:49)

Life as a Graduate Transfer (00:42:12)

Life Goals Post-Football (00:57:11)

Learning to Golf (00:54:49)

In this episode of Unreserved, TJ leads a conversation with Doug Ivester, the former Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola, to discuss his incredible career journey from a bag boy at Kroger to leading one of the world’s most iconic brands. Ivester shares insights into his work ethic, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and his experience with the global expansion of Coca-Cola. They also explore his passion project, Deer Run Plantation, and its unique blend of agriculture and recreation. The episode concludes with Ivester’s reflections on legacy, long-term vision, and the importance of community involvement.  

Chapters