From the Front Porch: Episode 521 – Live from Reader Retreat

Release Date: March 20, 2025

Welcome to Episode 521 of From the Front Porch, a conversational podcast by The Bookshelf Thomasville, an independent bookstore nestled in the heart of Thomasville, Georgia. In this live episode recorded during the March Reader Retreat, host Annie Jones is joined by her co-hosts Ashley Sherlock and Hunter McLendon, along with special guest Jeff Zentner, author of Colton Gentry's Third Act. The episode delves deep into Southern culture, literature, and personal anecdotes, offering listeners an engaging exploration of what it truly means to live in the South.

Defining the South

The conversation kicks off with a discussion on the essence of Southern identity. Annie Jones invites Jeff Zentner to share his perspective as a Southern writer.

Annie Jones [00:22]:
"Do you consider yourself a Southern writer?"

Jeff Zentner [03:20]:
"Yeah, absolutely."

The group explores whether the South is defined by geography, culture, or personality. Hunter McLendon humorously describes himself as "trailer trash Southern," highlighting the diverse spectrum within Southern identity.

Hunter McLendon [04:29]:
"Steel magnolias, definitely. It's just like a feeling mostly like Southern women being really passive-aggressive in a really fun way."

Jeff adds a nuanced view, suggesting that the South is more of a cultural region than strictly a geographic one.

Jeff Zentner [05:56]:
"I think about the South as being more of a cultural region than a geographic region. There are parts of the country that we don't normally think of as the South that are culturally more Southern."

Key Elements of Southern Culture

The hosts pinpoint several key aspects that define Southern culture, ranging from storytelling and dark humor to spirituality and manners.

Jeff Zentner [10:06]:
"Storytelling. I mean, Southerners are big storytellers. We love dark humor... Southern Gothic literature, dark grim stories that have this vein of humor running through them."

Annie emphasizes the universal nature of storytelling within the South, noting its role in preserving cultural narratives.

Annie Jones [11:01]:
"Storytelling is definitely a word that would come to mind, because I think it transcends maybe those geographical definitions we're talking about."

Hunter adds depth by linking spirituality to the Southern aesthetic, likening it to a "vibe."

Hunter McLendon [12:06]:
"I think that like there's something... it's a spiritual and a magical realisms type feel. Like, it's just truly, I think the South is a vibe."

Personal Histories and Experiences

Each participant shares personal stories that highlight their connection to Southern culture.

Annie Jones [13:00]:
"I was like, what are we doing? I did not know that this is what we did here. Pearls at a football game. That felt different to me."

Hunter McLendon [15:20]:
"I think there's something about making sweet tea... I've been getting sweet tea. I've been like, that's just the drink I'm getting."

Ashley Sherlock [16:12]:
"Born and raised in Tallahassee, lived in Alabama for four years. Now I'm living in North Carolina... if you are out at night, especially in the mountains, and you hear whistling, don't acknowledge it. You just leave immediately."

These anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the diverse and sometimes contrasting experiences within the Southern region.

Celebrating Southern Literature

The episode features a rich discussion on Southern writers, both classic and contemporary.

Hunter McLendon [20:25]:
"I love Jasmine Moore and Karen Russell because they capture really specific feelings."

Annie Jones [21:37]:
"Jesmyn Ward would be at the top of mine as well. Flannery O'Connor... I do think we owe a lot to Southern writers and Southern culture."

Jeff Zentner echoes these sentiments, praising authors like Silas House and Cormac McCarthy for their contributions to Southern Gothic literature.

Jeff Zentner [22:35]:
"Silas House... he really embodies that mordant wit that you get in really great Southern Gothic."

Ashley acknowledges the lasting influence of Flannery O'Connor on her storytelling.

Ashley Sherlock [22:36]:
"Flannery O'Connor introduced to me by you... Her writing reminded me of stories that our grandma would tell."

Fantasy Draft: Prioritizing Southern Cultural Elements

In a playful segment, the hosts engage in a fantasy draft game to choose the most significant elements of Southern culture from a predefined list.

Round 1: Comfort Food
Jeff selects comfort food, emphasizing the universal appeal of dishes like fried chicken and mac and cheese.

Hunter McLendon [26:07]:
"Without Southern Gothic literature, we wouldn't have these portals that like, we need to continue to exist."

Annie Jones [29:03]:
"Southern hospitality epitomizes Southern culture... the spirit of the front porch."

Final Selections:

• Jeff Zentner: Comfort Food, Country Music, Southern Television
• Hunter McLendon: Southern Gothic Literature, Southern Accents, Sweet Tea
• Annie Jones: College Football, Southern Hospitality, Manners

Annie ultimately wins the draft with her selection of college football, Southern hospitality, and manners.

Annie Jones [51:57]:
"I feel like I need a crown... a Snake draft crown."

Lightning Round: Book Titles or Country Songs

In the lightning round, Ashley presents titles that could either be book names or country song titles, and the hosts guess their nature.

Example:

• Ashley Sherlock [53:03]:
  "This side of paradise. Book title or country song?"

• All Hosts:
  "Book title."

Another engaging segment where quick thinking and Southern knowledge come into play.

Audience Q&A: Insights and Personal Favorites

The latter part of the episode features audience questions, allowing deeper insights into the hosts' creative processes and personal preferences.

Question for Jeff Zentner:
Where did the inspiration for a country singer protagonist come from?

Jeff Zentner [56:47]:
"I wanted to write a book about a very public and messy fall from grace... in country music, you can have a situation like Natalie Maines."

Question for Annie Jones:
Are you entertaining literary names for Baby Boy Jones?

Annie Jones [58:24]:
"We are not naming our child Aristotle... we're going the family route rather than the literary route."

Audiobook Preferences:

Hunter McLendon [60:31]:
"I listen to memoir and books that help me fall into it... I like speed up to 1.7x, sometimes 2x when I'm hating a book."

Jeff Zentner [62:20]:
"I listen almost all through audiobooks now, 2.2x speed... I read like a hundred books last year."

Favorite Dolly Parton Songs:

• Annie Jones [66:37]:
  "I will always love you... memorable childhood moments."

• Jeff Zentner [69:23]:
  "Jolene... it's a perfect country song, sounds like an ancient ballad."

• Hunter McLendon [70:06]:
  "Here I Am... it moved me deeply when I felt lonely."

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Annie expresses gratitude to Jeff Zentner, her co-hosts, and the listeners for a memorable live podcast event.

Annie Jones [71:56]:
"Thank you to Ashley and to Hunter for always being along for the ride. Thank you all for being here tonight."

Listeners are encouraged to follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram @bookshelftville and to purchase featured books through their website.

Notable Quotes:

• Annie Jones [05:59]:
  "Texas is its own thing."

• Hunter McLendon [07:21]:
  "Hunter was not used to losing because he does frequently get the audience in the palm of his hand."

• Jeff Zentner [08:52]:
  "Southern culture has pervaded the United States to the point that the Southern accent has become the de facto rural American accent."

• Annie Jones [11:01]:
  "Storytelling is definitely a word that would come to mind."

• Hunter McLendon [16:42]:
  "If you hear whistling in the Appalachian Mountains... it's an evil spirit."

• Jeff Zentner [12:44]:
  "It's a culture where the veil is thin."

Episode Highlights:

• Defining the South: A cultural vs. geographic debate with insightful perspectives.
• Southern Culture Keys: Emphasis on storytelling, dark humor, and spirituality.
• Personal Anecdotes: Heartwarming and humorous stories from each host's Southern experiences.
• Literature Favorites: Celebrating iconic Southern writers like Flannery O'Connor and Jesmyn Ward.
• Fantasy Draft Game: A fun competition highlighting passion points about Southern culture.
• Lightning Round: Fast-paced trivia distinguishing book titles from country songs.
• Audience Interaction: Q&A segments revealing the hosts' creative inspirations and personal tastes.
• Dolly Parton Tribute: Sharing favorite songs and personal connections to the legendary artist.

Episode 521 of From the Front Porch offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of Southern life, blending literary appreciation with personal storytelling. Whether you're a Southern native or simply intrigued by its rich culture, this episode provides valuable insights and entertaining discussions.

For more detailed information and to listen to the full episode, visit The Bookshelf's website or follow them on Instagram @bookshelftville.