Podcast
Bottled Up
Hosted by Andrew Allen · EN
Bottled Up focuses on where the beverage business meets local business by sharing the stories, talents, and business savvy of some of the owners, staff, regulars, and musicians of the best bars, nightclubs, restaurants, music venues, and attractions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Host, Andrew Allen, will sink his teeth into some of his favorite places while he uncovers the secret formulas that make these incredible places so popular and some legendary.
25episodes
Episodes
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With David Lewis
Sep 2200:44:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Bottled Up, David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, shares his journey from growing up in Jackson to revitalizing the city's cultural spaces and leading statewide arts initiatives. David talks about his early love for architecture and community, working on projects like the Welcome to Jackson mural and the renovation of the Mississippi Planetarium. He explains how public art can change city narratives, what it takes to fund creative projects in Mississippi, and how the coast has become a hub for vibrant arts. David also highlights opportunities for artists to get involved, apply for grants, and attend events like the Governor's Arts Awards and National Folk Festival. It's a conversation about intentional design, community impact, and celebrating Mississippi's creative spirit. 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Public Art as a Catalyst for Community Change David Lewis discusses how public art projects, like the Welcome to Jackson mural, can reshape a city's narrative and inspire civic pride. He shares how intentional, community-focused design and art can help change perceptions and energize cities that might otherwise seem stagnant, while also attracting and retaining creative talent. 2. The Mississippi Arts Commission's Role and Impact As executive director, David Lewis explains that the Mississippi Arts Commission provides essential state and federal grant funding to support artists, arts organizations, and public art projects throughout Mississippi. Their work covers a wide range—visual arts, theater, music, cultural festivals—and aims to uplift creative communities from the coast to rural towns, enriching quality of life and boosting the state's economic and tourism profile. 3. Celebrating Mississippi's Artistic Uniqueness on a National and International Stage David highlights how Mississippi's unique cultural identity is being shared not just statewide, but internationally—such as the MSU School of Architecture's exhibit at the Venice Biennale. He also mentions upcoming events like the Governor's Arts Awards and the National Folk Festival coming to Jackson, emphasizing how Mississippi's stories, spaces, and creativity have distinctive value and resonance both locally and abroad. Show Overview 0:00 Exploring Art's Impact with David Lewis 3:10 Inspirational Art Teacher Influence 9:04 Architectural Education: Creativity and Advocacy 11:23 Returning Architectural Inspiration to Mississippi 15:52 Public Art Inspiring Civic Pride 18:49 Planetarium Renovation Vision and Strategy 21:56 Innovative Renovation and Revitalization 24:36 Mississippi Arts Funding and Support 29:52 Connecting with Mississippi's Creative Community 33:27 Southern American Novelty in Europe 35:07 Accessible Warmth of Southern Culture 39:02 Commendable Community Dedication 42:25 Supporting Mississippi's Creative Community
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From Marketing to Philanthropy: Emily Sham's Community Journey With The Red Cross
Aug 1300:36:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Buttoned Up, Andrew Allen talks with Emily Sham, the regional philanthropy officer for the American Red Cross in Alabama and Mississippi, and shares her journey from Madison, Mississippi, to the Gulf Coast. She discusses her background in marketing and event planning, her impactful work at Two Men and a Truck, and her passion for community engagement. Emily details the Red Cross's diverse efforts, disaster relief, home fire response, blood drives, and military family support, emphasizing the need for local involvement and volunteerism. The conversation highlights the unique spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ways listeners can give back. Here's What You'll Learn In This Episode: The surprising statistics behind local disasters: Did you know home fires are the #1 disaster the Red Cross responds to here? Emily explains why—and how you can help. Why the Gulf Coast is America's most disaster-prone region, and what that means for support and preparedness. The Red Cross goes beyond disaster relief in many ways, including free smoke alarm installation in at-risk neighborhoods, blood drives, and special support for military families. How you can make a difference: Volunteer, donate blood, or contribute financially—Emily gives you real, actionable ways to get involved locally. The story behind Two Men and a Truck's international journey and their Movers for Moms campaign helping women in need each spring. 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. The Power of Community Involvement: Whether it's coordinating disaster relief, supporting military families, or running blood drives, engaging with your local community can make a huge difference. Emily is proof that one person's network can amplify support for entire regions. 2. Disaster Relief Goes Beyond Headlines: While the Red Cross is known for responding to hurricanes and fires, they're also working behind the scenes – most disaster calls in their region are actually home fires, not the natural disasters we typically think of. 3. Anyone Can Get Involved: From donating blood or volunteering, to simply staying informed, there are so many ways to support vital organizations like the Red Cross. 90% of their workforce is made up of volunteers, and local contributions stay local! Show Overview 00:00 Emily Sham: Local Philanthropy Insights 05:35 Franchise's First Marketing Efforts 06:17 Community-Centric Marketing Approach 11:35 Horn Island's Unique Coastal Experience 15:01 Joining Chamber, Focusing on Marketing 17:22 Red Cross: Beyond Disaster Relief 19:46 Mission-Focused Financial Efficiency 24:05 Red Cross: Certification and Military Support 28:34 Mississippi Red Cross Deficit Solution 30:45 Blood Donation App Simplifies Process 33:47 Coastal Life and Community Bonds
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Finding Your Voice and Special Olympics Mississippi with Monica Daniels
Jul 15, 202500:40:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Monica Daniels, Executive Director of Special Olympics Mississippi. Monica shares her personal journey into the nonprofit world, inspired by her daughter's experience with Magnolia Speech School. She explains how the Special Olympics empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through competitive sports. She discusses the history of the Special Olympics, its focus on inclusion and unified teams, and highlights how athletes now compete at high levels with dedicated training and support. Monica also talks about the organization's year-round events, the importance of community support, and ways people can get involved or volunteer. The conversation sheds light on how Special Olympics is changing lives both on and off the field, building confidence, independence, and community. 3 Episode Key Takeaways Empowering Athletes Through Competition and Voice Monica Daniels emphasizes that Special Olympics Mississippi focuses on being a truly competitive sports organization rather than just a recreational one. The goal is not only to train and prepare athletes for high-level competition but also to empower them to advocate for themselves, both on and off the field. Monica emphasizes the importance of allowing athletes to discover and utilize their own voices, developing not only physical skills but also confidence and self-advocacy. Unified Sports and Community Inclusion The organization has made significant strides in growing unified sports programs, primarily through partnerships with schools and Boys & Girls Clubs. These unified teams, made up of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, help break down social barriers, promote inclusion, and foster friendships. Monica discusses successful unified teams in Mississippi and the broader effort to integrate these programs into schools and communities, helping to change mindsets and encourage greater acceptance. Comprehensive Support and Opportunities for Athletes Special Olympics Mississippi doesn't just focus on competition; it also provides extensive health screenings (vision, hearing, dental, podiatry, and overall health management) at state-level events, all free to athletes. The organization ensures no athlete pays to participate in competitions, including national-level events, thanks to donor support and community partnerships. They also make it easy for athletes, parents, and potential volunteers to get involved, highlighting a robust, community-driven support network.
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Inside the Culture of Allen Beverages With Jeff Weatherford and Mike Hinton
Jun 18, 202500:43:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Hinton and Jeff Weatherford, two longtime leaders at Allen Beverages. With over 50 years of combined experience, they share how they worked their way up from trainees to management, recall how technology and the soft drink business have evolved, and highlight what makes their workplace culture feel like family. From hilarious stories of soda mishaps to practical advice for new hires, Mike and Jeff stress the importance of building relationships, adapting to new challenges, and supporting each other. Whether you're curious about the real work behind your favorite drinks or just want to hear what it's like working at a local business, this episode is packed with honest insights and memorable moments. 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. The Power of Customer and Team Relationships Both Mike and Jeff emphasized that building and maintaining strong relationships—with customers, colleagues, and team members—is at the heart of their work at Allen Beverages. They highlighted how personal connections and mutual trust are essential for successful operations and overall satisfaction, whether it's working directly with store owners, managing employees, or collaborating with long-time colleagues. 2. Adapting to Change and Embracing Technology The soft drink distribution industry has evolved significantly over the years, especially in terms of technology. Mike and Jeff discussed how the move from handwritten orders and pricing guns to sophisticated scanning and inventory systems has changed daily operations. Despite the sometimes overwhelming pace of technological change and the constant addition of new products (SKUs), adaptability has been a crucial skill for thriving in the business. 3. Perseverance and Culture Matter Decades-long careers like those of Mike and Jeff are a testament to the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a supportive company culture. They both attributed their longevity and enjoyment at Allen Beverages to the company's commitment to promoting from within, its familial work environment, and the sense of pride they feel from their work. The stories and inside jokes shared throughout the episode also underscored the importance of camaraderie and a positive, resilient workplace culture. These lessons reflect not just their individual experiences, but key values that contribute to the company's ongoing success.
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Family, Community, and Nostalgia: Inside the Frosty Mug with the Gollotts
May 14, 202500:42:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Chris and Payton Gollott, owners of The Frosty Mug in Wiggins, Mississippi. Chris shares his background growing up in D'Iberville, MS., his lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, and the journey to acquiring The Frosty Mug in December 2023. He discusses balancing tradition with new ideas, improving menu quality, and the importance of maintaining the community's beloved gathering spot. Payton, Chris's son, talks about joining the family business while studying business in college and how the hands-on experience is shaping his future goals. The Gollott family emphasizes community involvement, small changes for big improvements, and their vision to expand The Frosty Mug while staying true to its roots. If you're in Wiggins, check out their classic burgers and milkshakes, and experience a true local treasure. 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Preserving Community Heritage: Chris and Payton emphasized how important the Frosty Mug is to the Wiggins community. The restaurant has a long legacy and deep ties—people have worked there across generations, gotten engaged there, and even requested the Frosty Mug to cater their weddings. When Chris and his family took ownership, their main goal was not to drastically change things but to build on its nostalgic and historic value while making careful, thoughtful improvements. 2. Thoughtful Modernization: Rather than overhauling everything after purchasing the Frosty Mug, Chris took time to observe and gradually implement improvements, especially focused on quality and process in the kitchen. They enhanced recipes (like making sauces in-house and improving their grilled chicken), modernized operations with digital platforms, and sought to blend a classic 1960s feel with present-day conveniences, highlighting a respect for tradition while aiming for efficiency and better guest experiences. 3. Community Engagement and Growth Vision: Payton and Chris described a community-first approach, with deep involvement in local schools, events, and outreach spearheaded by Chris's wife. They have started catering, sponsored local teams, and introduced new services like breakfast. Their vision includes both physically expanding the restaurant (adding indoor seating, maybe enclosing patios) and potentially growing The Frosty Mug brand to other communities while preserving its unique, nostalgic character. Show Overview 00:00 Journey to Owning Community Landmark 06:07 Culinary Journey and Career Growth 07:45 Quality Over Speed in Dining 11:08 Buying Historic Community Restaurant 16:19 Revamping The Frosty Mug 21:29 Improving Seating for Year-Round Use 23:43 Nuanced Kitchen Transformation 28:47 Custom Po Boy Conversation 32:40 Rising Food Costs Frustrate Customers 36:15 Balancing Business Decisions and Community 38:05 Community Champion: Outreach Impact 40:51 Discussing Business Leadership
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Exploring Walter Anderson's Legacy: Art, Nature, and Community with Julian Rankin
Jan 15, 202500:35:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Andrew Allen speaks with Julian Rankin, Executive Director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA), about the impact of coastal artist Walter Anderson. They explore Anderson's role in promoting creativity and his misunderstood vision, discuss the museum's growth over the past 30 years, and highlight recent expansions like a new restaurant and green space. Rankin also discusses the museum's educational goals, community engagement, and exciting events like the "Silent Light" festival. They reflect on the resilience shown during Hurricane Katrina and the museum's ongoing efforts to support the creative economy in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Listen to learn about Walter Anderson's legacy and the vibrant cultural experiences at WAMA! 3 Key Listener Takeaways Expansion and Integration of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art: Over the past 30 years, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art has significantly expanded, moving beyond just showcasing art to incorporating modern amenities like a restaurant, coffee shop, and public green space. This expansion also includes thematic explorations such as foodways and marine education and engaging events like the "Silent Light" festival and Flowerfest, which resonate with The Mississippi Coasts' cultural and artistic heritage. Walter Anderson's Enduring Legacy and Community Engagement: Walter Anderson's impact as an artist goes beyond his watercolors and block prints; his vision of integrating creativity into the community remains central to the museum's mission. The museum emphasizes educational engagement and the creation of meaningful experiences, aligning with Anderson's ethos. Agnes Grinstead Anderson's dedication to education further underscores the museum's focus, while initiatives like the audio guide and the support for local events reinforce this engagement. Historical Challenges and Resilience of WAMA: The museum faced significant hurdles during Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected both its physical premises and visitor numbers. Despite these challenges, the museum demonstrated resilience, leveraging its slight hill location for protection and adopting creative solutions to navigate the pandemic. Additionally, the museum collaborates closely with the community and local businesses, such as the food and beverage sector, to ensure sustainability and continued cultural contribution. Episode Highlights: - Walter Anderson's life, work, and lasting impact on the art community. - The significant role of Agnes Grinstead Anderson in fostering educational engagement through museums. - The museum's evolution and recent expansions including new dining establishments and public spaces. - Exciting events like "Silent Light" and "Flowerfest," capturing the spirit of community fusion and celebration. - Stories of resilience and creativity from Hurricane Katrina to COVID-19 challenges. - Insights into the symbiotic relationship between art, culture, and local businesses.
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Building Christmas Magic: Behind the Scenes of Gulfport's Harbor Lights Event
Dec 9, 202400:30:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew interviews Billy Lehman and Alicia Chambless about their roles in organizing events for the city of Gulfport. Billy, the Assistant Director of Leisure Services, and Alicia, the Special Events Coordinator, share their experiences and backgrounds. They discuss the history and growth of the Harbor Lights Festival, a massive Christmas light display in Gulfport's Jones Park. The event has grown significantly since it started in 2015, featuring over 2 million lights, Santa's Village, and various food vendors. They talk about the planning process, which begins more than a year in advance, and how they manage the logistics. They also mention new additions and highlights for the upcoming season. Both Billy and Alicia express their passion and commitment to making Harbor Lights a beloved holiday tradition despite the challenges. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the possible future additions, like an ice skating rink and a dedicated train track, to make the event even better. What You'll Learn: 1. The rich history and evolution of Gulfport's Harbor Lights. 2. Behind-the-scenes insights into the planning and execution of this massive event. 3. The challenges and triumphs of creating a spectacular light display with over 2 million lights. 4. Sneak peeks into new attractions and what to expect in the upcoming 2024 season. 5. How the community comes together to make Harbor Lights a magical experience for visitors from all over the country. 3 Key Episode Takeaways Continuous Improvement and Planning: The team begins planning for the next year's Harbor Lights Festival almost as soon as the current one begins, ensuring constant innovation and improvement. Community and Family Involvement: Both Billy and Alicia emphasize the importance of community and family in their work, showcasing how they balance event responsibilities with personal time. Future Aspirations: Exciting plans are on the horizon for Harbor Lights, including potential additions like an ice skating rink and dedicated train tracks, highlighting the team's forward-thinking mindset.
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Transforming Main Street: Kristen Garriga's Vision for Gulfport
Nov 19, 202400:43:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Kristen Garriga, executive director of the Gulfport Main Street Association. Kristen shares her journey from volunteering to help businesses with social media during COVID to establishing her own LLC and taking a vital role in revitalizing downtown Gulfport. We learn about her work with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and her efforts in real estate marketing. Kristen discusses organizing events like ViewThe Coast, Gunbo Fest, and the upcoming concert series. She also highlights challenges like vacant properties and high insurance costs and outlines plans for more retail, residential spaces, and essential services downtown. Andrew praises Kristen's passion and her vision to transform Gulfport. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page. 3 Key Episode Takeaways 1. Revitalization Efforts and Collaboration: Kristen Garriga has been actively revitalizing downtown Gulfport by working closely with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and city officials. Through events like the "Commercial Possibilities Tour" and community engagement, world-class entertainment to transform downtown Gulfport into a vibrant, attractive area for both locals and tourists. A crucial aspect of this effort involves addressing perceived disconnects among businesses and fostering a collaborative environment. 2. Prominent Events and Community Engagement: Gulfport Main Street Association, under KrisKristen'sdership, hosts several major annual events designed to attract visitors and bolster the community spirit. Events like View The Coast, Gumbo Fest and Gulfport Harbor Lights draw significant crowds and offer opportunities for local vendors and entertainers. These events are not only about entertainment but are also strategic moves to promote and support downtown businesses. 3. Planning and Development Initiatives: Kristen has taken tangible steps to attract investment and development in downtown Gulfport, such as organizing tours for potential investors and consulting with real estate experts. These initiatives have already led to several new properties going under contract. Additionally, she is keen on adding essential services like grocery stores and residential options to make downtown a more complete living area. Plans for future activities, like a spring and summer concert series, are in the works to sustain momentum and community involvement, regardless of grant outcomes. Episode Highlights Kristen's journey: From assistant to real estate marketing expert. The birth of Kristen's LLC during COVID-19 and her social media initiatives. Involvement with Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. Insights into the real estate market and virtual tours boom. Key projects: Market analysis and the commercial possibilities tour. The role of Gulfport Main Street Association in community events and downtown renewal. Future plans: Boutique hotels, new retail spaces, and essential services. Engaging community support and fostering a vibrant downtown atmosphere. Exciting upcoming events: "Arts and Antiques in the Alley," "View the Cruise," "Gumbo Fest," and "Mistletoe and Main Street."
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Halloween Magic and Green Thumbs with Kiowa Walley
Oct 1, 202400:28:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Andrew Allen chats with Kiowa Walley, a seasoned hair colorist, landscaper, and Halloween enthusiast. Kiowa shares his love for gardening, growing tomatoes, peppers, peas, and watermelons, and discusses the changing nature of outdoor activities across generations. He talks about running a landscaping business, stressing planning and relationships. Kiowa, who started in the landscaping field about ten years ago, also recounts organizing "WalleyWeen," a neighborhood Halloween tradition supporting local charities. He explains how the event evolved, involving themed rooms and volunteers. Finally, they touch on Kiowa's reputable career in hairdressing and his inspiration from lifelong gardening experiences. Enjoy the show! Episode Highlights 1. Gardening and Outdoor Life: Kiowa shares his love for gardening, discussing the basic crops he grows, such as tomatoes, peppers, peas, and watermelons. He reflects on his childhood, mainly spent outdoors, and how these experiences fostered his enduring connection to nature. Host Andrew Allen contrasts past generations who spent more time outside and today's tech-savvy kids. 2. Insights into Landscaping: With over ten years of experience in landscaping, Kiowa provides invaluable insights into the constant planning and adjustments necessary for running a successful landscaping business. Kiowa's expertise shines through, from precise grading and leveling to building strong local supplier relationships. 3. The Magic of WalleyWeen: Learn about the origins and evolution of "Wally Ween," an immersive Halloween event that started in Kiowa's backyard twelve years ago. The event has grown thanks to the community's support and collaborators like Alina Goldin and the Enrichment Center. Discover the intricate setups and themes like funeral parlors, morgues, and circuses that make Wally Ween a must-visit event every October. 4. Community and Charity: "Wally Ween" isn't just about thrills and chills—it's also a charitable event. Kiowa discusses how proceeds benefit organizations like the Anna Maria G. Sookman Foundation and "The Den," which support children with various activities. 5. Balancing Passions: Kiowa talks about balancing his dual careers in hairdressing and landscaping, revealing how he manages his time and maintains his creative edge in both fields. From his acclaimed work as a colorist to the meticulous details in his landscaping projects, Kiowa's dedication is truly inspiring.
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Exploring Music, Real Estate and Charity with John Carter
Sep 23, 202400:37:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Andrew Allen talks to John Carter about his journey from casino worker to real estate expert and charity founder. John shares heartfelt memories of his late aunt, who battled triple-negative breast cancer, inspiring him to start Carter’s Champions. The charity hosts events like the "Pink Dress Run" to support cancer patients. John also discusses his family's Blackjack Ranch, known for Wagyu beef, and his passion for music, which led him to form a band. Learn about his ventures in real estate with Century 21 and his new interest in sneaker conventions. Tune in for an impactful episode filled with community spirit, dedication, and inspiration. 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Inspiration Behind Carter's Champions: John Carter's late aunt, who battled triple-negative breast cancer, inspired him to start Carter's Champions. After witnessing her decline and spending her final days with her, John was motivated to help others in similar situations, leading to the creation of this charity. 2. Community and Event-Driven Fundraising: Carter's Champions organizes multiple community-driven events to raise funds, including the "Pink Dress Run," "Boating for Boobies," and "Buoy Fish Tournament." These events not only generate financial support but also raise awareness and foster community involvement. 3. Diversified Career and Interests: John Carter has a multifaceted career and diverse interests. Apart from his charitable work, he co-owns Century 21, a real estate company, and operates Blackjack Ranch, which specializes in Wagyu beef. He also has a passion for music, performs occasionally, and has started sneaker conventions with a friend, highlighting his varied pursuits and commitment to community engagement. Show Overview 06:12 John got into real estate for better work-life balance. 09:00 Sharing personal story to inspire positive outcomes. 13:18 Four staple charity events discovered through various attempts. 17:10 When did music become your lifelong passion? 20:23 Started performing music due to consistent encouragement from friends. 22:38 Music at home is essential for many. 30:12 Everyone knows everyone in this small community. 30:55 Mississippi Gulf Coast: hidden gem, genuine southern hospitality. 37:49 Event info and donations at carterschampions.com
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