Biscuits & Jam

Evan LeRoy and his partners at LeRoy and Lewis are making what they call “New School Barbecue,” blending traditional smoking techniques with inventive dishes and locally sourced ingredients. The good news is that Evan isn’t keeping all his barbecue secrets to himself—he’s sharing them in a new book called New School Barbecue: Recipes for Next-Level Smoking and Grilling. Not only is it full of great recipes, it’s also full of characters and stories from Evan’s incredible barbecue journey. Sid talks to Evans about how LeRoy and Lewis went from an Austin food truck to one of the most talked-about barbecue spots in the country.

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Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Jessica Attie
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Ben Rector grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a place he says has its own brand of Southern. He first picked up guitar after watching counselors play at summer camp, but it was a praise and worship class in high school, led by a teacher who encouraged students to really run with their talent, that set him on his path. After studying at the University of Arkansas, Ben built a career on his own terms, going from playing college shows to selling out amphitheaters and releasing chart-topping albums like Brand New, Magic and The Joy of Music. His songs often celebrate what he calls “the other 99,” finding beauty in everyday life. On today’s episode, Sid talks to Ben about his hometown of Tulsa, life in Nashville, his family, and what it’s been like to play with a symphony.

For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam

Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Katie Kauss

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Fred Minnick is one of the most knowledgeable people in America when it comes to whiskey. Born and raised in the small town of Jones, Oklahoma, he developed an early interest in shooting, fishing, and messing around in the great outdoors. Inspired by his grandfather’s military service, he enlisted in the National Guard while attending Oklahoma State University, eventually serving as an Army photojournalist in Iraq in 2004. The constant danger and random violence of being in a war zone, as well as the experience of losing friends and comrades, caused him to struggle with PTSD and depression after returning home. Now, in his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man's Life, Fred tells the very personal story about how he clawed his way back from the brink of self-destruction. He chronicles his discovery of a hidden talent for tasting the complex flavors of wine and whiskey, and he shares how his obsession with the story of Old Crow bourbon—and its mysterious founder—gave him a new sense of purpose. Sid also talks to Fred about the crucial role his wife played in his recovery, the best bourbon he’s ever tasted, and his top recommendations for a Kentucky bourbon tour.

For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam
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Amy Grant first joined Biscuits & Jam back in 2021, shortly after undergoing open-heart surgery. Not long after that conversation, she was in a serious bike accident that led to a long and challenging recovery. Through it all, she’s maintained a remarkably positive outlook, saying she doesn’t “take a day for granted.” Her recovery brought her back to songwriting, which she describes as a kind of therapy, and now, she’s released her first album of original songs in 13 years, The Me That Remains. Amy talks to Sid about getting through tough times, simplifying her life, and how this new music helped her find her way back to herself. She also reminds us to stay present, seek connection, and embrace the messiness of life.

For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam

Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Ed Rode
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Heather McMahan was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, in a close-knit family that loved to laugh and had a real sense of adventure. Her dad came from a long line of Delta employees and was also a pilot who loved to fly, often taking the family on spontaneous weekend trips to places like Hilton Head. That same spirit led Heather to Ole Miss without ever visiting the campus, where she majored in theater and pursued her dream of becoming a performer. It was there she made lifelong friends, and you can still find her at the Grove on game days—at least when she’s not on tour. These days, you can hear her on the podcast Absolutely Not or catch her Bamboozled comedy tour, where she takes on the expectations and challenges women, especially Southern women, face every day.

For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam

Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Megan Clark

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