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Biscuits & Jam

Southern Living

In the South, food and music go hand in hand. They define much of what we think of as Southern culture, and they say a lot about our past, our present, and our future. Each week, Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living, sits down with musicians, chefs, and other Southern icons to hear the stories of how they grew up, what inspires them, and why they feel connected to the region. Through honest conversations, Sid explores childhood memories, the family meals they still think about, and the intersection of food and music in their lives. Always surprising, always engaging, Biscuits & Jam is a celebration of the South—and the people who are moving it forward every day. New episodes every Tuesday.

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Tuesday · 38 min
Hector Garate Is One of the Next Legends of Barbecue
Hector Garate is the owner and pitmaster behind the acclaimed Charleston, South Carolina, restaurant Palmira Barbecue. Born in Puerto Rico, he grew up with a deep love for his culture and his family’s cooking. During his teenage years, he moved with them to North Carolina and New York before settling in the Lowcountry. In 2024, after years of experimenting with different barbecue styles, he opened Palmira Barbecue, which Southern Living named the best new barbecue joint in the South. Now, Hector is bringing his style and personality to an even bigger audience as a contestant on Food Network’s Pitmasters, his first cooking competition show. Sid talks to Hector about the inspiration behind the name Palmira, his extensive collection of custom hats, and where he thinks barbecue is headed next. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living / Peter Frank Edwards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 8 · 41 min
Karen Fairchild on the Dying Art of Country Music
Karen Fairchild was born to Southern parents in Gary, Indiana, but whether she was living in the Midwest or the South, that Southern influence was always there. She eventually made her way to Birmingham, Alabama, where she attended Samford University and met her future bandmate, Kimberly Schlapman, through the school’s choir program. In the late ’90s, she was reunited with Schlapman in Nashville and went on to form Little Big Town with Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook, whom she later married. Their self-titled debut came out in 2002, but their real breakthrough came with The Road to Here in 2005. Now, Karen and Little Big Town have just released their 12th studio album, It’s a Dying Art, which features collaborations with Ashley Monroe, Jason Isbell, and Kelsea Ballerini. Sid talks to Karen about what’s kept the band going strong all these years, how she balances life on the road with raising school age kids, and how Little Big Town has been influenced by Fleetwood Mac. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living / Becky Fluke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 1 · 27 min
Encore: Dolly Parton Is a Rockstar
Dolly Parton was last on the show back in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, and we talked on the phone about her Christmas traditions, her childhood in East Tennessee, and her incredible work getting millions of kids to read through the Imagination Library. This time I got to sit down with her in person at her studio outside of Nashville, and she hasn’t slowed down one bit. She told me all about her latest album, Rockstar, which features 30 rock and roll classics, from covers like Prince’s “Purple Rain” and Bob Seger’s “Night Moves,” to some powerful new Dolly Parton originals. She’s also just released a new book called Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, which documents more than six decades of outfits, costumes, and iconic looks from a career in the spotlight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 25 · 44 min
Lauren Alaina Was Made for the Stage
Lauren Alaina was born in Rossville, Georgia, where she discovered her love of music at a very early age. In 2011, she was introduced to millions of viewers on American Idol, where she finished as the runner-up. Later that year, she released her debut album, Wildflower, which helped establish her as one of country music’s brightest young stars. Plenty more success has followed, along with high-profile collabs with artists like Trisha Yearwood, Lainey Wilson, and Chase Matthew. Now, she has a new album called Stages, where she’s diving deep into some of the most significant chapters of her life. Sid talks to Lauren about the emotional highs and lows of losing her dad and then finding out she was pregnant, what it’s been like having a hit duet with her childhood friend Kane Brown, and much more. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living / Katie Kauss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 18 · 48 min
Encore: Maggie Rose Should Not Be Underestimated
Maggie Rose was born and raised in Potomac, Maryland, where she grew up eating blue crabs, attending Catholic school, and singing solos in front of her church’s congregation. A self-described black sheep of the family, she headed to Clemson University in South Carolina before leaving school early to move to Nashville for a career in music. But it was her family’s support that gave her the courage to make it in a very tough business, and it eventually paid off in a career that’s earned her a Grammy nomination, a loyal fan base, and more than 100 appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. Her podcast, Salute the Songbird, started during the pandemic, and it’s become a powerful vehicle for candid conversations with other female musicians about their experiences and challenges in the music business. Sid talks to Maggie about what it’s like being a new mom, her Grammy-nominated album, No One Gets Out Alive, what it meant to perform recently in Asheville, North Carolina, and her longtime love for Old Bay Seasoning. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 11 · 38 min
Duane Betts Thinks “Hope” Is a Beautiful Word
Duane Betts is the son of legendary Allman Brothers Band cofounder Dickey Betts, and he's even named after another of the band's founding members, Duane Allman, whose life was cut tragically short. Rather than relying on his family name, Duane has earned his own reputation through years of touring, collaborating, and developing a sound that's distinctly his own. In addition to leading his own band, Duane also helped found the Allman Betts Band alongside Gregg Allman's son, Devon. Together, they've celebrated the musical traditions established by their famous fathers while creating original music that's finding its own loyal audiences. Now Duane is back with Isle of Hope, an album that explores grief, resilience, sobriety, family, and hope. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living / Bobbi Rich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 4 · 43 min
Ashley Cooke Is Ready to Tell the Truth
Ashley Cooke grew up in a family that moved around a lot, from Wisconsin to California to Florida. But wherever she lived, music was always a constant, and she developed a passion for songwriting at an early age. She eventually ended up in Nashville for college, where she got to know both the city and the music industry up close. After a string of successful singles and signing with Big Loud Records, she reached a new level with her 2023 hit, "Your Place." The song became a country radio favorite, was certified Gold, and earned her the Breakthrough Female Video of the Year award at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. On August 14th, she'll release her self-titled album, led by the single "Baby Blues," which she’s turned into a social media moment by singing to guys she picks out of the crowd. Sid talks to Ashley about why her songs draw directly from her own experiences—even her therapist’s office—and the exciting moment women in country music are having right now. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living/ Patrick Tracy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 28 · 36 min
Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson Are the Kings of Barbecue
Cedric the Entertainer first rose to national fame as one of The Original Kings of Comedy before starring in films like Barbershop and the hit sitcom The Neighborhood, which he also produced. Anthony Anderson is best known for his Emmy-nominated role on Black-ish, along with films including Hustle & Flow and The Departed. The two met through acting more than 30 years ago and have remained close friends ever since, partly through a shared love of cooking and entertaining. Together, they've built AC Barbecue, a brand dedicated to showing that barbecue is about more than just great food—it’s a centerpiece of African American culture and community. Now they have a new cookbook called AC Barbecue: The Husky and Handsome Guide to Grilling, and they're shining a light on the pitmasters, the history, and the storytelling that has helped define barbecue in America. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living/ Cedric the Entertainer by Jeff Kats / Anthony Anderson by Tommy Garcia Courtesy of FOX Entertainment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 21 · 44 min
Willow Avalon Is a Pistol-Packin’ Outlaw
Willow Avalon was born and raised in a part of rural Georgia that she says “felt like the Wild West.” She got her start performing in the Baptist church choir, where she played piano and got her first guitar. Later, she joined her father, the acclaimed musician Jim White, onstage in dive bars. After dropping out of high school, she moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles to New York. She even lived in her car for a while, but eventually her songwriting skills helped land her a record deal—and a shot at a better life. In 2024, Willow released her debut EP, Stranger, and followed it the next year with her first full-length album, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. Now she's back with her sophomore album, Pink Pocket Pistol. Sid talks to Willow about the story behind the mugshot on the cover of her debut album, her song about Dolly Parton, and how a blackberry honey cobbler made from her grandmother's recipe helped make a lasting first impression at Atlantic Records. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living/ Silken Weinberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 14 · 41 min
Clint Black Is Still Killin' Time
Clint Black spent years honing his craft in Texas clubs and honky-tonks before breaking through with his landmark 1989 album, Killin' Time, which became one of the biggest debut country albums ever. Over the course of a career spanning nearly four decades, Clint has sold more than 20 million records and earned countless awards and honors. These days, Clint is as active and creative as ever, writing, performing, touring, and even helping create a Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit celebrating his career. His latest project is his first memoir, Killin' Time: My Life and Music, which offers an intimate look at his journey from working-class Texas musician to country music superstar - with plenty of dramatic stories along the way. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living/ Clint Black Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 7 · 52 min
Steve Earle’s Fearless Heart
Steve Earle is a Grammy-winning songwriter, performer, author, actor, activist, and storyteller whose career has been defined by honesty, grit, and fearless songwriting. Born in Fort Monroe, Virginia, Steve spent most of his childhood in South Texas around San Antonio. After a move to Nashville and years of writing songs for other artists, he released his breakthrough album, Guitar Town, in 1986. With its blend of traditional roots influences and rock-and-roll energy, the record became an instant classic that helped redefine country music for a new era. From there, Steve went on to write and perform songs that have become part of the modern American songbook, celebrated for their vivid characters and masterful storytelling. Now, Steve is celebrating more than five decades as a songwriter with his Fifty-One Years of Songs and Stories tour. Sid talks to Steve about his childhood in South Texas; the tribute album he made for his late son Justin Townes Earle; how he’s shaped his life to better care for his younger son, John Henry, who is autistic; and what it meant to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Chinaza Ajuonuma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 30 · 39 min
Encore: Shuai Wang’s Journey from China to Charleston
Chef Shuai Wang was the runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo’s Top Chef and is the force behind two standout restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina—Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ—where he brings together the flavors of his childhood in Beijing and the spirit of the South in some pretty unforgettable ways. He grew up just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, in a tiny home with no electricity or running water, where his grandmother often cooked over charcoal. Later, in Queens, New York, his mom taught herself to cook—her first dishes were a little salty, but they were always made with love. And somewhere along the way, Shuai learned that cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about taking care of people. After years working in New York kitchens, he made his way to Charleston and started building something that feels entirely his own. Today, we’re talking about how all those experiences come together on the plate, the family stories behind his cooking, and what it’s been like to share that journey on national TV. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 23 · 46 min
Breland Has a Thing for Truck Songs
Daniel Gerard Breland, better known simply as BRELAND, grew up as the son of ordained ministers in a household deeply rooted in music and faith. As a student at the prestigious Peddie School and then at Georgetown University, he began exploring a wide range of musical genres including country, hip-hop, and R&B. He gained widespread attention in 2019 with the viral hit “My Truck,” and continued to push musical boundaries with his 2022 debut album, Cross Country. Sid talks to Breland about his recent reimagining of 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” his commitment to supporting at-risk youth, his high-profile collaborations with country stars like Thomas Rhett and Shania Twain, and how his music career has taken him from one adopted Southern hometown to another. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Marvin Joseph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 16 · 45 min
Carla Hall's Biggest Year Ever
Carla Hall is a chef, restaurateur, author, and television host you may recognize from Bravo’s Top Chef, ABC’s Emmy Award-winning daytime show The Chew, or her many appearances on Food Network. These days, Carla is channeling her creativity into all kinds of new projects, including Bumblebirds, a Southern-inspired fried chicken restaurant in Washington, D.C. Carla is also preparing for the debut of her one-woman show, Please Underestimate Me, at the Olney Theatre in Maryland. The production is a deeply personal look at her life and career, inspired by her beloved grandmother, Freddie Mae Glover, and her lifelong dream of becoming a comedic performer like her idol, Carol Burnett. Sid also talks to Carla about her upcoming cookbook, Carla Bakes: Sweet, Savory, and from the Heart; her YouTube series, Chewed Up; and why the universe told her it was time to open another restaurant. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Marvin Joseph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 9 · 38 min
Evan LeRoy Is Making Some of the Best Barbecue in the World
Evan LeRoy and his partners at LeRoy and Lewis are making what they call “New School Barbecue,” blending traditional smoking techniques with inventive dishes and locally sourced ingredients. The good news is that Evan isn’t keeping all his barbecue secrets to himself—he’s sharing them in a new book called New School Barbecue: Recipes for Next-Level Smoking and Grilling. Not only is it full of great recipes, it’s also full of characters and stories from Evan’s incredible barbecue journey. Sid talks to Evans about how LeRoy and Lewis went from an Austin food truck to one of the most talked-about barbecue spots in the country. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Jessica Attie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 2 · 35 min
Ben Rector Celebrates Life As It Is
Ben Rector grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a place he says has its own brand of Southern. He first picked up guitar after watching counselors play at summer camp, but it was a praise and worship class in high school, led by a teacher who encouraged students to really run with their talent, that set him on his path. After studying at the University of Arkansas, Ben built a career on his own terms, going from playing college shows to selling out amphitheaters and releasing chart-topping albums like Brand New, Magic and The Joy of Music. His songs often celebrate what he calls “the other 99,” finding beauty in everyday life. On today’s episode, Sid talks to Ben about his hometown of Tulsa, life in Nashville, his family, and what it’s been like to play with a symphony. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Katie Kauss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 26 · 52 min
Encore: How Fred Minnick Went from the Battlefield to the Bourbon Trail
Fred Minnick is one of the most knowledgeable people in America when it comes to whiskey. Born and raised in the small town of Jones, Oklahoma, he developed an early interest in shooting, fishing, and messing around in the great outdoors. Inspired by his grandfather’s military service, he enlisted in the National Guard while attending Oklahoma State University, eventually serving as an Army photojournalist in Iraq in 2004. The constant danger and random violence of being in a war zone, as well as the experience of losing friends and comrades, caused him to struggle with PTSD and depression after returning home. Now, in his new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man's Life, Fred tells the very personal story about how he clawed his way back from the brink of self-destruction. He chronicles his discovery of a hidden talent for tasting the complex flavors of wine and whiskey, and he shares how his obsession with the story of Old Crow bourbon—and its mysterious founder—gave him a new sense of purpose. Sid also talks to Fred about the crucial role his wife played in his recovery, the best bourbon he’s ever tasted, and his top recommendations for a Kentucky bourbon tour. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19 · 40 min
Amy Grant Doesn't Take a Single Day for Granted
Amy Grant first joined Biscuits & Jam back in 2021, shortly after undergoing open-heart surgery. Not long after that conversation, she was in a serious bike accident that led to a long and challenging recovery. Through it all, she’s maintained a remarkably positive outlook, saying she doesn’t “take a day for granted.” Her recovery brought her back to songwriting, which she describes as a kind of therapy, and now, she’s released her first album of original songs in 13 years, The Me That Remains. Amy talks to Sid about getting through tough times, simplifying her life, and how this new music helped her find her way back to herself. She also reminds us to stay present, seek connection, and embrace the messiness of life. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Ed Rode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12 · 41 min
Heather McMahan Is Ready to Let It Rip
Heather McMahan was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, in a close-knit family that loved to laugh and had a real sense of adventure. Her dad came from a long line of Delta employees and was also a pilot who loved to fly, often taking the family on spontaneous weekend trips to places like Hilton Head. That same spirit led Heather to Ole Miss without ever visiting the campus, where she majored in theater and pursued her dream of becoming a performer. It was there she made lifelong friends, and you can still find her at the Grove on game days—at least when she’s not on tour. These days, you can hear her on the podcast Absolutely Not or catch her Bamboozled comedy tour, where she takes on the expectations and challenges women, especially Southern women, face every day. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living /Megan Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 5 · 35 min
Kathryn Stockett Stirs the Pot with 'The Calamity Club'
Kathryn Stockett’s The Help captivated millions of readers and brought national attention to the complex relationships between Black housekeepers and their White employers during the Civil Rights era in Mississippi. It also became an Academy Award winning film just two years later, with Kathryn’s friend Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress. Now, 17 years later, she’s back with her long-awaited second novel, The Calamity Club. Set in 1933 in Oxford, Mississippi, it follows a group of resourceful women with a “terrible, awful but very profitable idea” to make enough money to survive during the Great Depression. In true Stockett form, it’s full of memorable characters, hilarious scenes, and plenty of heartbreak. Sid talks to Kathryn about how her mother’s struggles as a divorced woman in the 1970s inspired her new book, why some characters came more easily than others, and how she sees her job as a Southern woman. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living/ Ken Kochey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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