Southern Character

About Southern Character

On the Retire Southern podcast, host James Lewis shares authentic experiences and meaningful connections from the heart of the American South. From chefs and athletes to business leaders and entertainers, get ready to meet the people who leave lasting impressions on those they encounter. Listen to new episodes every other Monday to discover and revel in the tales of these inspirational Southern Characters who live life with purpose and follow their compass. The message is simple—Don't Wait for Retirement to Start Living!

Publisher

James Lewis

Category

society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Jul 2024

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

54 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   HOW TO MAINE: Two Southerners' Guide to Vacationland

   Planning a Maine vacation? From Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park to lobster rolls, coastal towns and wild blueberries, two Southerners share their guide to making the most of Vacationland. In HOW TO MAINE: Two Southerners' Guide to Vacationland, Retire Southern host James Lewis sits down with Matt Lane, who grew up spending summers on Mount Desert Island, and Eddie Goepp, who recently explored Maine for the first time with his wife and two young sons. Together, they discuss planning a Boston-to-Bar Harbor road trip, stops in Kennebunkport, Rockland and Camden, and choosing between Boston, Portland and Bangor as arrival airports. Matt shares his family's traditions at the Parkman House and Parkman Cottage, while both guests explore the different experiences visitors can find in Bar Harbor, Bass Harbor and Northeast Harbor. For travelers visiting Acadia National Park with children, Eddie shares his experiences at Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and Bubble Rock. Matt adds his favorite hiking spots, kayaking and paddleboarding on quiet coves, and fishing at Long Pond. Then comes the food: Maine lobster rolls, soft-shell lobsters known as sheddahs, fresh mussels, oysters, clam chowder and a 41-pound roadside halibut. Hear Matt and Eddie's seafood picks, including Thurston's Lobster Pound, Graffam Bros. Seafood, The Clam Shack, Geddy's and Brasserie Le Brun, plus their takes on cold versus warm lobster rolls and butter versus mayonnaise. They also tackle Maine vacation myths, what Southerners should pack and why blueberry pie, welcoming people and a slower pace can become the best reasons to return. "I went for the lobster, but I'll come back for the blueberries." Read the companion Maine travel guide, "I Went for the Lobster, but I'll Come Back for the Blueberries," for more on exploring Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and Maine's coast. Discover more travel stories and podcast episodes at retiresouthern.com. Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living.

2. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Wes Moss: The Retire Sooner Method, a USA TODAY Bestseller

   Some people spend a lifetime accumulating wealth. Wes Moss has spent nearly three decades studying what that wealth is actually for. In this episode of Retire Southern, James Lewis sits down with his longtime friend, colleague, and occasional bandmate to trace Wes's journey from rural Pennsylvania and Amish farm country to the University of North Carolina, Atlanta radio, and a career helping people build happier retirements. Wes shares the research behind his newest book, The Retire Sooner Method (https://retiresoonermethod.com/), which debuted in the Top 20 on the USA TODAY bestseller list. Drawing from a national study of 1,200 Americans, he explains the financial and lifestyle habits most closely associated with retirement happiness, including financial security, core pursuits, meaningful relationships, planning your future, and getting enough sleep. He also reflects on his relationship with Clark Howard, the evolution of Money Matters, America's longest-running live call-in investment and personal finance radio show, and why the ultimate goal is not simply accumulating more money. Because retirement is not only about retiring sooner. It is about living sooner. Read the companion feature, "Maybe I Can Do That One Day," and discover more stories about the people, places, and experiences shaping the South at: https://www.retiresouthern.com/lifestyle/wes-moss-retire-sooner-method Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living. This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to and should not form a primary basis for any investment decision that you make. Always consult your own legal tax or investment advisor before making any investment, tax, estate, financial planning considerations or decisions. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors such as market or other conditions.

3. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Kevin Rathbun: Shaping Atlanta's Hospitality

   Every great Southern city has people who quietly shape its identity. In Atlanta, Kevin Rathbun helped shape the way the city eats, gathers, and celebrates. In this episode of Retire Southern, James Lewis sits down with the celebrated chef and restaurateur to trace his journey from cooking professionally as a teenager in Missouri to learning from Ella Brennan, Emeril Lagasse, and Pano Karatassos before taking the risk of building restaurants of his own. Kevin shares the stories behind Rathbun's, Kevin Rathbun Steak, KR SteakBar, and Krog Bar; defeating Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America; and the lessons he has learned about ownership, partnership, leadership, philanthropy, and hiring people smarter than yourself. He also reflects on the essential role his wife, Melissa, has played in building something designed to last. Because restaurants do more than feed a city. They become part of its memories. Read the companion feature, "What Kevin Rathbun Taught Me About Building Something That Lasts," and discover more stories about the people, places, and experiences shaping the South at: https://www.retiresouthern.com (https://www.retiresouthern.com) Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living.

Who has been a guest on Southern Character

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Kevin Joseph
• Todd Roseberry
• Cathy Roseberry
• Christie Gribble
• Dean Crowe

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

15 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

56

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Southern Character

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Southern Character