
Hosted by Cox Media Group Atlanta · EN

This episode fires up the grill with the new season of BBQ Brawl, where team captains Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan and Brooke Williamson lead elite pitmasters in a battle for the title of Master of ‘Cue. My guest is Atlanta’s own Dakari Akorede — Chicago-born, Atlanta-based, and the pitmaster behind Chicageaux BBQ Company, blending South Side tradition, live-fire discipline and bold flavor. By day he runs multimillion-dollar operations as a senior executive, and off the clock he’s an award-winning barbecue competitor bringing real smoke and no shortcuts to the ranch. Dakari joins me to talk about representing Atlanta on BBQ Brawl.

This week I welcome Marc Provissiero, a longtime entertainment manager and producer, and one of the founding partners of Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment, where they represent a wide range of film and TV talent. He’s been behind projects like No Hard Feelings, Nobody, and the Hulu series Pen15.Normal is a 2025 action movie directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Derek Kolstad, who came up with the story along with Bob Odenkirk. Odenkirk also stars in it, alongside Henry Winkler and Lena Headey.The movie first showed up at the Midnight Madness section of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025, and then hit theaters in the U.S. on April 17, 2026 through Magnolia Pictures.Later on, Greg Russ joins me from NYC to talk sound design, off-Broadway & more. https://www.normalthemovie.com/

I had a great chat with Kevn Kinney of Drivin n Cryin & artist Anna Jensen about Let’s Go Dancing, a 4 LP project turning Kevn’s songs into paintings, tribute albums, and the single “Mirror Mirror,” from the upcoming Drivin n Cryin album: Crushing Flowers.Tasty Goody Recordshttps://www.tastygoodyrecords.com/Anna Jensen https://annajensenart.com/home.htmlDrivin n Cryinhttps://www.drivinncryin.com/

A few years ago one of the coolest performance theaters shut its doors. Relapse Theater closing was a huge loss, but guess what? It's back! Manager & entrepreneur Bob Wood joins me, along with actor & friend, Josh Warren, to talk about the return of Relapse!

This week I spoke with Paige Steadman; Producer, Writer & PerformerThe Solidarity Project: A Celebration of Historical Nonviolent Resistance—a festival of short plays that explores pivotal moments in history, from the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam protests to women’s rights and the fight against voter suppression.Academy Theatre: March 28–29, April 4–5Saturdays at 8 PM | Sundays at 3 PMTown Square Playhouse:April 17 at 7:30 PMApril 18 at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PMFree parking at both locationsTickets: https://linktr.ee/thesolidarityprojectFacebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dp9h9rLTj/

Tod Elmore is the General Manager and Principal Talent Buyer for RCS Productions, where he oversees talent acquisition and production management for concerts, festivals, and major municipal and corporate events throughout the Southeast.He is currently the driving force behind the 2026 concert season at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater (“The Fred”) in Peachtree City, Georgia, curating a lineup of 16 acts that includes Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy winners, classic rock favorites, comedy, country, and family entertainment.2026 Fred Amphitheater Concert SeriesThe 2026 summer concert season begins Saturday, April 4 and features 16 total events running through September.Fans can purchase individual show tickets or buy a Series Ticket Package.Series Ticket BenefitsEarly ticket accessPriority seatingFirst opportunity to renew for the 2027 season2025 series ticket holders receive first renewal opportunitySix concerts are available as part of the Series Ticket Package, though all shows can also be purchased individually.The season blends classic rock, country, tribute acts, comedy, and family programming, continuing the venue’s reputation as one of the Southeast’s most popular intimate outdoor concert experiences.2026 Fred Amphitheater Concert LineupAprilSat, Apr 4 – Blackberry Smoke + The Band FeelSun, Apr 12 – Bill Engvall (An Evening With)Fri, Apr 17 – Bruce Hornsby (An Evening With)Sat, Apr 18 – Peppa Pig: My First Concert (No opener)MaySat, May 9 – One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel (An Evening With)Fri, May 29 – Josh Turner + Mary Kate FarmerSat, May 30 – John Waite + John CaffertyJuneSat, Jun 6 – Atlanta Rhythm Section + Pure Prairie League + Orleans + FirefallSat, Jun 13 – Everclear + FastballSat, Jun 20 – Gladys Knight + Support TBDSat, Jun 27 – Bret Michaels + The Metal Pedal Party BandJulySat, Jul 11 – Departure (Journey tribute) + GravityAugustFri, Aug 7 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo + Support TBDSeptemberFri, Sep 11 – Face 2 Face (An Evening With)Sat, Sep 12 – Little Feat (An Evening With)Sun, Sep 13 – Collective Soul + HeyDreamer

May Pang joins the show to discuss John Lennon’s “Lost Weekend” era (1973–1975), a wildly creative period that produced Walls and Bridges and Rock 'n' Roll. She shares personal stories about life with Lennon in New York, reuniting him with Julian and Cynthia, and even the night they spotted a UFO over Manhattan. We also talk about her photo exhibition, “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang,” happening February 24–25 at the Mimms Museum of Technology & Art in Roswell, GA (free admission, May in attendance).

Jittery Joe's has launched the brand‑new Fox Theatre Blue Sky Blend — a custom roast that gives back, with proceeds supporting theatre preservation across Georgia. This week I'm joined by co‑owner Michael Ripps and roastmaster Charlie Mustard to talk coffee, concerts, and how caffeine can help save historic stages.

Comedian Felipe Esparza cracks me up and promotes his upcoming show at Center Stage Atlanta. April 11!

Steven Penley is a Georgia-based contemporary artist best known for his bold, high-energy portraits that blend pop culture punch with classic Americana. Working primarily in acrylics, Penley’s signature style features thick, expressive brushstrokes, vivid color, and a “bigger than life” attitude—often turning iconic figures into instantly recognizable, gallery-ready statements.His work spans celebrity and historical portraits, sports legends, and patriotic themes, with subjects ranging from entertainers and musicians to presidents and cultural heroes. Penley’s paintings have become especially popular throughout the Southeast, where his art is collected by fans who love its mix of modern edge and traditional American spirit.Whether he’s capturing a famous face or reimagining an American symbol, Penley’s goal is the same: create art that feels loud, alive, and impossible to ignore.Website: https://www.penleyartco.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevepenley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenleyArt