In this episode, we sit down with Akki Grover — the owner and operating partner behind Sindoore and Jashan in Nashville, Tennessee. Both restaurants have earned coveted spots on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., with Jashan ranked #49 and Sindoore at #55 Akki walks us through his journey from India to Music City, detailing how he combined tradition with creativity to build two standout concepts. We discuss the unique challenges of modern Indian cuisine, upscale (Jashan) versus classic (Sindoore) dining, and what it takes to climb into Yelp’s elite list — twice.Whether you’re a foodie, restaurateur, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at how passion, consistency, and authenticity can elevate your dreams — and your restaurants — to national recognition.Sindoore (Indian by nature, Donelson Pike) — official site: sindoore.com Jashan (Indian Brasserie, Hillsboro Village) — official site: jashannashville.com

Jam-Packed Success: The Story of Farmstead Nashville w/ Gary BaronJoin us on the XPLR.NASH Podcast as we sit down with Gary Baron, the mastermind behind Farmstead Nashville and the former Nashville Jam Company. Discover how a humble jar of strawberry jalapeño jam sparked a journey from farmer's markets to co-packing for some of Nashville's top restaurants. Gary shares his entrepreneurial insights, from navigating food science and manufacturing challenges to building lasting business relationships.We also dive into the evolution of Nashville's food scene, the ups and downs of running a restaurant, and how a simple passion for quality turned into a thriving business. Whether you're a food lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the story behind your favorite local jams, this episode is a must-listen!🔗 XPLR.NASH Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@xplrnashpod🔗 Connect with Farmstead Nashville: https://farmsteadnashville.com/🔗 Follow The Farmstead Nashville: https://www.instagram.com/thefarmsteadnash

Twenty-five musicians. One stairwell. One chaotic take. That’s where the journey began for Chris Ruediger and the now-viral 615 House. In this episode, Chris sits down to unpack the wild story behind their most iconic shoot, the strategy behind standing out in a saturated digital world, and the founding of Fort Nash—a growing media empire rooted in country culture and collaboration.

We talk about:

• The importance of defining your brand before you post

• How 615 House helped launch country artists like Ashley Cooke and Spencer Crandall

• Why Nashville still might be a 10-year town

• What success really means (hint: it’s not just views)

• Behind-the-scenes stories from viral shoots, artist development, and travel mishaps (including a lemon in Florence that almost ruined everything)

Plus: We reveal the dream projects that could shape the future of local storytelling and music media—including a hot air balloon festival over the Natchez Trace and an epic town revival mission.

Whether you're a creator, an artist, or a fan of country music—this episode will leave you inspired and ready to build something real.

https://www.fort-nash.com/

Tech, Beards, and Laughs: Joel Beasley’s Journey from CTO to Comedy

Join us on this fascinating journey with Joel Beasley, the mind behind Modern CTO, a podcast that dives deep into the tech world, leadership, and innovation. In this episode, we get to know Joel beyond the microphone—from his unexpected leap into comedy to his passion for growing the perfect beard. We explore how AI is shaping the future of cities, his personal journey from software engineering to stand-up comedy, and the joys (and challenges) of fatherhood.

Joel shares his personal experiences, including how he started a podcast without ever meeting his co-founder in person, and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace the comedy stage. We also dive into his unique perspective on Nashville's tech scene and how small-town data-driven decisions are changing the business landscape.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, aspiring comedian, or just a fan of great stories, this episode will inspire you to take that unexpected leap into something new. Tune in for a mix of tech insights, personal stories, and a few good laughs!

Follow Joel on Instagram at MrJoelBeasley to stay up to date on all things tech and comedy!

https://www.instagram.com/mrjoelbeasley?igsh=bTA1cXpxcGJ1dDdj

In this episode of the XPLR.NASH10 podcast, we sit down with filmmaker and creative mastermind Jordan. From his first time shooting out of a helicopter to working on WWE documentaries and navigating the wild world of Hollywood, Jordan shares his unique journey through filmmaking, creativity, and storytelling.

We also dive into his thoughts on Nashville's growth, the evolution of content creation, the future of wrestling in Las Vegas, and some mind-blowing insights into ancient civilizations and modern myths. Plus, a few unforgettable food recommendations in Nashville! Buckle up – this one’s a ride!

https://www.instagram.com/iamjordanheid?igsh=ZTl4OWY2cHhxcjVz

https://www.fpsfilms.tv/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaXC8wTPQudtDTCaEwGtORH6gbxOfo2739nxzLww-83Q2Utp3Of8UyEDTg_aem_zNOK9lAuHfeQRfqoLmOFlw

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.

📍 Follow Joe on Instagram: @thatjoeyouknow
📍 Follow us: @xplr.nash

Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 Do you think southern hospitality is still real? Let’s talk.

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.

💥 Follow Raised Rowdy & Matt Burrill:
Instagram: @raisedrowdy
Shop Merch: shop.raisedrowdy.com
Podcast: Outside the Round (available on all platforms)

Tennessee is losing 60,000 acres of farmland and natural spaces every year — that's like losing a state park annually. In this episode of the XPLR.NASH Podcast, we sit down with Jon D. B. from TennGreen Land Conservancy to uncover why this is happening and what’s being done to protect Tennessee’s incredible natural landscapes. 🌲🌄From the Cumberland Trail, a 300-mile trail in the making, to the hidden caves beneath Nashville and wildlife making a comeback (like black bears, elk, and bobcats), we explore it all. We also tackle how conservation crosses political and worldview lines — and why everyone should care about the future of Tennessee's land, water, and wildlife.Topics We Cover:✅ Why Tennessee is losing 60,000 acres of agricultural land per year✅ The massive Cumberland Trail project — Tennessee’s first linear state park✅ How land conservancies save land for future generations✅ Tennessee's wildlife resurgence — black bears, elk, bobcats & wild boars✅ Nashville's secret underground caves and saber-tooth cat history✅ The Duck River — one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world✅ How Tennesseans from all backgrounds can work together for conservation✅ What is Hike-a-Thon and how to get involved!Get Involved:➡️ Learn more & join Hike-a-Thon: https://hikeathon.com➡️ Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnbdalvy➡️ Check out TennGreen Land Conservancy: https://tenngreen.org👉 Subscribe for more stories about Tennessee's people, parks, history, and wildlife. Let's explore together!