In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Andy Lang — Army veteran, former Green Beret, and founder of Leatherwood Distillery in Clarksville, TN.We talk about:Making Skittles wine during deployment in IraqBuilding a distillery from scratch with just $100KWhiskey, bourbon, and the secrets behind Snake Eater BourbonNavigating insane alcohol tax lawsHis journey through PTSD and finding healing at Warriors HeartHow his military experience shaped his business mindsetLaunching a barbecue restaurant and staying resilient through a fireAndy’s story is equal parts wild, inspiring, and brutally honest. If you're into whiskey, entrepreneurship, or just great stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.📍 Visit Leatherwood: https://www.leatherwooddistillery.com💬 Drop a comment below with your go-to drink order or barbecue plate.

Go behind the scenes with Anas, the creator of Nashville Hidden Gems, as he shares the real story of how he built one of Nashville’s most unique food and culture accounts. In this episode, we talk about:

• How Nashville Hidden Gems started with local food tours and grew during a massive wave of new Nashvillians.

• The importance of community, authenticity, and telling YOUR story as a business or creator.

• What it’s like running a page focused on Nashville’s immigrant-owned restaurants and multicultural neighborhoods.

• Why having a real strategy matters (it’s not just about the views and likes!).

• Life lessons from traveling to Yemen, Mexico, and New York—and how those experiences shaped Anas’ content and worldview.

• Burnout, screen time, and how to actually enjoy being a content creator long-term.

• The future of social media, why local events matter, and how to build real relationships with your audience.

Whether you’re a Nashville local, a food lover, or an aspiring creator, this episode is packed with honest stories, actionable insights, and a deep dive into what makes a community-driven brand stand out.

Join us on the XPLR.NASH podcast for an inspiring conversation with Kalani, the creator behind “Kalani Ghost Hunter,” as he shares his incredible journey from a Tennessee state job to building a viral platform with millions of followers. Discover how Kalani went from living out of his car and filming in haunted locations across the U.S. and UK, to reviewing food, exploring local culture, and telling powerful stories about history and travel.

In this episode, Kalani opens up about his roots in Middle Tennessee, the challenges of content creation, and the importance of staying authentic both on and off camera. We dive deep into topics like:

• Ghost hunting in Tennessee and around the world

• The power of supportive relationships in chasing your dreams

• Going viral on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram• Balancing food reviews, paranormal investigations, and ethical storytelling

• The impact of honest reviews on local Nashville restaurants

• Travel, history, and exploring dark tourism• Advice for aspiring content creators

Hear about Kalani’s most intense paranormal experiences—like ghost hunts at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, the Bell Witch Cave, and chilling moments in haunted Kentucky farmhouses. Plus, Kalani reveals how growing up in Tennessee and his love for diverse food cultures shaped his channel and life.

Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, food adventures, or you want tips for starting your own channel, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk. Don’t miss it!

Follow Kalani Ghost Hunter:

Website & All Socials

Subscribe for more XPLR.NASH adventures, Tennessee stories, and behind-the-scenes interviews with the creators who make Nashville unique

Welcome to the XPLR.NASH Podcast! In this special episode, we sit down with Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to reveal the real secrets behind Tennessee’s ongoing success.

Discover what truly sets Tennessee apart—from the Volunteer spirit and thriving communities to booming business, authentic local stories, and one-of-a-kind travel experiences. We dive deep into the people, places, and policies shaping Tennessee’s future, and why more Americans are calling the Volunteer State home.

Topics include:

Why Tennessee is considered the friendliest state in America

How Nashville and small towns work together to fuel growth

The impact of business, infrastructure, and smart leadership

Hidden food and travel gems you won’t find anywhere else

Real talk on storytelling, branding, and what makes Tennessee “feel like America”

Personal lessons on leadership, resilience, and serving the community

If you love Tennessee, Nashville, or discovering inspiring stories from passionate leaders, this episode is for you. Subscribe and join us as we explore the heart and soul of the Volunteer State!

👉 Like, comment, and share your favorite Tennessee hidden gem below!

Subscribe for more: XPLR.NASH YouTubeFollow us everywhere: @XPLR.NASH

Welcome to the XPLR.NASH Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Rey Bello—a Venezuelan immigrant whose journey from starting over in Nashville to hosting some of the city’s most exclusive culinary events is nothing short of incredible.Rey’s story goes way beyond food and live events. He opens up about the tough lessons he’s learned in business, why emotional resilience is everything, and how building genuine relationships—not just making money—changed his life. From the car business to sold-out Michelin pop-ups, Rey shares what it takes to build real respect and a true sense of community in Music City.Inside this episode:Why being good emotionally is the foundation for success in businessHow Rey built a name for himself in a new country, without a PR company or big marketing budgetWhat goes into hosting legendary events with Michelin-star chefs and 150-pound tunasThe evolution of Nashville’s food scene and predictions for its first Michelin starsLessons on helping others, earning respect, and building a community that looks out for each otherRey’s story is about grit, respect, and always showing up for others. If you’re into entrepreneurship, hospitality, or just love a good Nashville success story, you’ll love this one.Featured Guest:Rey Bello – Event Producer, Culinary Connector, and StorytellerTopics Covered:• Emotional health in business• Building a career from scratch in Nashville• How to stand out (and stay humble) in a crowded city• The art of live events and pop-up dinners• Where Nashville’s restaurant scene is headed👉 Subscribe for more real conversations with the people moving Nashville forward.Connect with Rey on Instagram: @reybell0 Want to be part of a future event? Keep following XPLR.NASH for the latest collaborations and live experiences!events.xplrnash.com

In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Chris Blair, the founder of The Listening Room — one of Nashville’s most beloved venues and songwriter stages. Chris opens up about why prioritizing artists and guests over profits helped him survive 19 years and four relocations in an ever-changing city. We talk through the challenges of operating a fast-paced restaurant + music venue, Nashville’s explosive growth, and what it means to create a space where Grammy winners and up-and-comers share the same stage. Plus, what does the future of The Listening Room look like as downtown Nashville continues to evolve?Website: https://listeningroomcafe.com/Chris’s Podcast: Stories Behind the Songs – available wherever you stream podcasts

In this episode, we sit down with Akki Grover — the owner and operating partner behind Sindoore and Jashan in Nashville, Tennessee. Both restaurants have earned coveted spots on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., with Jashan ranked #49 and Sindoore at #55 Akki walks us through his journey from India to Music City, detailing how he combined tradition with creativity to build two standout concepts. We discuss the unique challenges of modern Indian cuisine, upscale (Jashan) versus classic (Sindoore) dining, and what it takes to climb into Yelp’s elite list — twice.Whether you’re a foodie, restaurateur, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at how passion, consistency, and authenticity can elevate your dreams — and your restaurants — to national recognition.Sindoore (Indian by nature, Donelson Pike) — official site: sindoore.com Jashan (Indian Brasserie, Hillsboro Village) — official site: jashannashville.com

Jam-Packed Success: The Story of Farmstead Nashville w/ Gary BaronJoin us on the XPLR.NASH Podcast as we sit down with Gary Baron, the mastermind behind Farmstead Nashville and the former Nashville Jam Company. Discover how a humble jar of strawberry jalapeño jam sparked a journey from farmer's markets to co-packing for some of Nashville's top restaurants. Gary shares his entrepreneurial insights, from navigating food science and manufacturing challenges to building lasting business relationships.We also dive into the evolution of Nashville's food scene, the ups and downs of running a restaurant, and how a simple passion for quality turned into a thriving business. Whether you're a food lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the story behind your favorite local jams, this episode is a must-listen!🔗 XPLR.NASH Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@xplrnashpod🔗 Connect with Farmstead Nashville: https://farmsteadnashville.com/🔗 Follow The Farmstead Nashville: https://www.instagram.com/thefarmsteadnash

Twenty-five musicians. One stairwell. One chaotic take. That’s where the journey began for Chris Ruediger and the now-viral 615 House. In this episode, Chris sits down to unpack the wild story behind their most iconic shoot, the strategy behind standing out in a saturated digital world, and the founding of Fort Nash—a growing media empire rooted in country culture and collaboration.

We talk about:

• The importance of defining your brand before you post

• How 615 House helped launch country artists like Ashley Cooke and Spencer Crandall

• Why Nashville still might be a 10-year town

• What success really means (hint: it’s not just views)

• Behind-the-scenes stories from viral shoots, artist development, and travel mishaps (including a lemon in Florence that almost ruined everything)

Plus: We reveal the dream projects that could shape the future of local storytelling and music media—including a hot air balloon festival over the Natchez Trace and an epic town revival mission.

Whether you're a creator, an artist, or a fan of country music—this episode will leave you inspired and ready to build something real.

https://www.fort-nash.com/

Tech, Beards, and Laughs: Joel Beasley’s Journey from CTO to Comedy

Join us on this fascinating journey with Joel Beasley, the mind behind Modern CTO, a podcast that dives deep into the tech world, leadership, and innovation. In this episode, we get to know Joel beyond the microphone—from his unexpected leap into comedy to his passion for growing the perfect beard. We explore how AI is shaping the future of cities, his personal journey from software engineering to stand-up comedy, and the joys (and challenges) of fatherhood.

Joel shares his personal experiences, including how he started a podcast without ever meeting his co-founder in person, and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace the comedy stage. We also dive into his unique perspective on Nashville's tech scene and how small-town data-driven decisions are changing the business landscape.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, aspiring comedian, or just a fan of great stories, this episode will inspire you to take that unexpected leap into something new. Tune in for a mix of tech insights, personal stories, and a few good laughs!

Follow Joel on Instagram at MrJoelBeasley to stay up to date on all things tech and comedy!

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoelbeasley?igsh=bTA1cXpxcGJ1dDdj