XPLR.NASH Podcast

In this episode of the Explore Nash Podcast, Stuart Deming sits down with Nashville native and longtime collaborator Joe Penna for one of our most honest and personal conversations yet.

From growing up across Middle Tennessee to living in cities like Houston and New Orleans, Joe has seen the best and worst of what Nashville was—and what it’s becoming. Together, Stuart and Joe explore the controversial idea that southern hospitality might be a facade, especially in today's fast-paced, rapidly changing Nashville.

We break down:

• The tension between old Nashville and new Nashville

• How mom-and-pop restaurants are fighting to survive in a big city boom

• The harsh realities of mental health in the hospitality industry

• Joe’s personal journey through rock bottom and his passion for helping others avoid it

• The pros and cons of growth, gentrification, and southern charm in Music City

You’ll also hear about Joe’s favorite spots to eat in Nashville (spoiler: he went to one of them five times in one week 😅) and his dream itinerary for someone visiting the city for the first time.

This is a raw, unfiltered look into the heart of Nashville—from someone who’s lived it.

In this episode of the XPLR NASH Podcast, we sit down with Matt Burrill, co-owner of Raised Rowdy — one of Nashville’s rowdiest country music brands. From hosting Bailey Zimmerman’s first-ever performance to helping artists like Josh Ross and Ole 60 before they blew up, Matt shares how Raised Rowdy has built a powerful live music community in the heart of Music City.

🎤 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Raised Rowdy became the go-to stage for Nashville’s rising stars
• Why being in the scene is still essential for making it in country music
• The secret behind their wildest festival moments — including shotgun beers on stage
• How social media, AI, and VR are changing the future of live music events
• Insider tips for anyone moving to Nashville to chase the music dream
• The real story of Bailey Zimmerman’s first show ever
• What’s next for Raised Rowdy, from festivals to potential record deals

Whether you’re an artist trying to break into country music or a fan who wants to see the next big thing before they blow up — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

📍 Catch Raised Rowdy live every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Midtown Nashville.

Join us as we sit down with Charles Hatcher of Hatcher Family Dairy to discuss the deep-rooted history, challenges, and innovations of running a multi-generational dairy farm in Middle Tennessee. From the impact of real estate on farming to the rise of local food movements and cutting-edge technology like robotic milking, Charles shares insights on the evolving world of agriculture.

We also dive into:

• The importance of passion over profit in farming
• How Nashville’s booming coffee culture has helped sustain their dairy business
• The experience of being featured on a Disney+ TV show
• The role of AI and automation in modern dairy farming
• What the future holds for farm tourism and agribusiness

If you're interested in farm-to-table, sustainable agriculture, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of family legacy and innovation, this episode is for you!