In the South, food and music go hand in hand. They define much of what we think of as Southern culture, and they say a lot about our past, our present, and our ...
Landon Bryant stopped by the Southern Living offices recently, and it was for the staff to meet him in person after a couple of years watching his hilarious videos on our accents, traditions, quirks, and why we have endless recipes for potato salad. Landon was born and raised in the small town of Laurel, Mississippi, a close-knit community that was made famous in recent years by past guests Erin and Ben Napier—whom Landon happens to know. His great-grandmother was a major influence on him, but it was his wife, Kate, who encouraged him to start sharing his opinions about Southern identity on Instagram. Now, he’s come out with a new book, Bless Your Heart: A Field Guide to All Things Southern, that distills his unique perspective into a clever, smart, and deeply entertaining guide to the culture. Landon talks to Sid about the time he went to high school in a Walmart, his experience as an art teacher, his openness about struggles with ADHD, and just what exactly got him in hot water when talking about deviled eggs and grits.
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45:58
Wright Thompson’s New Book About Emmett Till Is a Must-Read
Wright Thompson grew up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, before going on to write for ESPN, The Atlantic, and the New York Times, among other publications. In 2018, he created the travel documentary show, TrueSouth, which is now in its 8th season on the SEC Network; and in 2020, he came out with a terrific book called Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last. Wright’s latest book, The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi, examines the lasting impact and legacy of the Emmett Till murder, as well as the extraordinary efforts by some to obscure or distort the facts. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, incredibly well researched and reported, and told with the insights that only a Mississippian could bring to the story. Sid talks to Wright about the remarkable journey of Emmett Till’s cousin, Wheeler Parker, who was there the night of the abduction; the strong connection between the Mississippi Delta and Chicago; and why it took so many decades for the secrets of this horrendous crime to come to light.
For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam
Biscuits & Jam is produced by:
Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living
Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living
Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer
Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer
Jeremiah McVay - Producer
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45:56
Riley Green Wishes Grandpas Never Died
Riley Green got his start playing in bars and restaurants around his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama—and lately he’s been performing in stadiums for tens of thousands. He grew up with a close relationship with his two grandfathers, who were influential in his early musical development and who fueled his passion for the outdoors. His song "I Wish Grandpas Never Died," a tribute to both of them, was a major hit back in 2019, and more recently he’s recorded a couple of duets with Ella Langley – one of which, “you look like you love me,” won a CMA Award last year. In some ways, Riley has gone back to his roots by opening a bar called the Duck Blind in Nashville, which has become a favorite hangout for some of the biggest names in country music. Sid talks to the rising star about the influence of his Southern upbringing, his love of Jacksonville State football, and his new song, “Jesus Saves.”
For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam
Biscuits & Jam is produced by:
Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living
Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living
Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer
Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer
Jeremiah McVay - Producer
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39:38
Roy Wood Jr. Wants to Connect
You may know Roy Wood Jr. from his long stint on The Daily Show, his new CNN comedy show Have I Got News For You, or from his new standup special Lonely Flowers, which you can watch on Hulu. He also got a lot of attention hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2023, and I got to know him a bit this past December when he was honored by the Alabama Humanities Alliance. Roy lives in New York now, where he often appears on late night talk shows, but he built his career in the South. He studied broadcast journalism at Florida A&M in Tallahassee and worked as morning news reporter in Birmingham, but his true passion was going out on the road for weekend gigs at comedy clubs around the region. Sid talks to Roy about why his mom is the funniest person in his family, his brief obsession with the Popeyes chicken sandwich, and how his Southernness informs his comedy.
For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam
Biscuits & Jam is produced by:
Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living
Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living
Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer
Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer
Jeremiah McVay - Producer
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36:26
The War and Treaty Are Getting Carried Away
The War and Treaty’s Michael and Tanya Trotter grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington, DC, respectively, but both have family roots in the South. They also grew up in the musical traditions of their churches – Tanya in the Black Baptist Church and Michael in the Seventh Day Adventist Church – where they learned the power of song to move people. After becoming a father at a very young age, Michael eventually joined the armed forces and served in Iraq and Germany, where he took up songwriting as a way of dealing with his experiences there. Meanwhile Tanya embarked on a singing and acting career after a breakthrough appearance in Sister Act 2 alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. Now, after a long and sometimes traumatic journey, Michael and Tanya are married, touring, winning all sorts of awards, and set to release their fifth album together, and their fourth as The War and Treaty. Sid talks to Michael and Tanya about the new record, Plus One, as well as their collaboration with Miranda Lambert, what it was like to record at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, and how they’re blending country, soul, gospel, and R&B.
For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam
Biscuits & Jam is produced by:
Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living
Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living
Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer
Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer
Jeremiah McVay - Producer
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the South, food and music go hand in hand. They define much of what we think of as Southern culture, and they say a lot about our past, our present, and our future. Each week, Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living, sits down with musicians, chefs, and other Southern icons to hear the stories of how they grew up, what inspires them, and why they feel connected to the region. Through honest conversations, Sid explores childhood memories, the family meals they still think about, and the intersection of food and music in their lives. Always surprising, always engaging, Biscuits & Jam is a celebration of the South—and the people who are moving it forward every day. New episodes every Tuesday.
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