South of Scruffy with Ben Fields Podcast

Tori Olsson is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in American History at the University of Tennessee. Tore takes Ben on a thorough tour of many regionally and nationally relevant topics. The TVA during Jim Crow; how Tore garnered national attention by using a video game to teach a college course; getting "The Guy" to voice your audiobook. All of these topics are covered here...in SOS's first episode of 2024. Tore's new book, "Red Dead's History A Video Game, an Obsession, and America's Violent Past" is available for preorder now at the link below. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250287700/red-deads-history

Austin Glover is a professional photographer and standup comedy afficionado. Austin and Ben weave through Austin's photography career and how he strives to live up to the creative expectations his brother Curtis has inextricably linked to their last name.

Cory Smith is the Marketing Director for Bonnaroo and other music festivals promoted by festival giant C3 presents. Cory and Ben share their love of Bonnaroo, the music festival Rolling Stone called one of the "Top 50 Moments that Changed Rock & Roll". Cory is also the rythm guitarist and vocalist for the 90's country band "Neon Rainbow".

Matt Morelock is a banjo player, multiinstrumentalist, radio host and event promoter. Matt's banjo has taken him to 5 continents where he studied the origin of the intrument. Matt has been spreading the origin story of the banjo through Appalachia and the world via his book and his banjo exhibitions for nearly 20 years. Using anecdotes of playing with the worlds best banjo players and folk musicians, Matt weaves Ben through his musical escapades in a poignantly hilarious way.

Christopher Mitchell is a writer and director whose debut film “An Awful Thing Has Gone and Happened” was just released on streaming services. After his 2 decades of working in television, Christopher, with his wife Deborah Mitchell, collaborated to create this dark comedy. Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU4jayoUKgY

Brian Peery has hustled hard over the last decade to secure the chops to direct film. Now a director of true crime television series and short films, Brian spills the story of his rise on on SOS.

Charles Ellis is the General Manager and operator of Yee Haw Brewing's brew and pub campus in Knoxville. Charles' 2 decades in the beverage industry has culminated in him opening of one of the most experience-forward brew pubs in the southeast.

Wayne Bledsoe, Steve Wildsmith, and Rusty Odom are all decorated music journalists. Steve Wildsmith just became the newest inductee into the East Tenenssee Writer's Hall-of-Fame, joining Wayne Bledsoe and many others. Rusty Odom just announced and launched "The Knoxville Mix" a quick hitting guide to Knoxville's Music calendar as a partnership with Compass Knox, and his own publication Blank Newspaper. Wayne, Steve, and Rusty, along with many others, have worked tirelessly to promote the 2023 edition of "Waynestock". In it's first installment since the pandemic, Waynestock returns to Relix Variety Theatre from Thursday, February 2nd, 3rd and 4th for it's 11th installment. Tickets are cash only at the door. Doors open at 6pm on February 2nd. Visit https://www.facebook.com/WayneStockFestival/ for more info Relix Variety Theatre 1208 N Central St Knoxville, TN 37917

Courtney Bergmeier is the Executive Director of the Bijou Theatre and former talent buyer for AC Entertainment. Throughout her career Courtney has programmed concert venues like the Orange Peel, Marathon Music Works, The Ryman Auditorium, The Tennessee Theatre, and many more. This episode is sponsored by the Bijou Theatre in Downtown Knoxville. Upcoming events at the Bijou Theatre: March 13th, 14th, and 15th - Banff Mountain Film Festival April 8th - Pinky Patel April 13th - David Cross …And more Visit www.KnoxBijou.org for tickets and more!

Doug Griffey is the Vice President of Production at Loch & Key Productions. Doug has directed and lensed many award winning short form commercials, t.v. shows like "Snapped", and was the Chief Engineer for the production juggernaut Jupiter Entertainment.

Since Beau Patton's last visit to the SOS shop in late 2020, much has changed. After a few uncertain years in the industry, Beau and Ben share a figurative sigh-of-relief as they catch up on the state of the film and television production in Knoxville. Beau's triumphs have been many since we last heard from him, but he's admittedly had to learn alot of hard lessons recently; both personally and professionally. Beau and Ben reflect on their recent commercial work together and the changes that they see happening in the world of film and video production.

After spending over a decade as the lighting director for the Marshall Tucker Band, Randy Read set off on a path that would make him a pivotal player in building the foundation of the production marketplace in Knoxville, TN. After meeting television mogul Ross Bagwell at the 1982 World's Fair, Randy would go on to have an outsized impact on the trajectory of the film and television business at Cinetel and Scripps Networks. While he admitedly ruffled some feathers over the years, Randy's commitment to craft and cinematic aesthetic cemented him as one of the most important forebearers of the television industry as we know it in Knoxville.

With the 10th Annual Mike McGill Christmas Spectacular upon us, Mike stops by the shop one more time to chat through the upcoming "Spectacular" - and his journey to becoming one of the most well known singer songwriters in East Tennessee. Mike McGill is hosting his 10th annual Mike McGill Christmas Spectacular at the Bijou Theatre on Sunday 12/18/2022 - you can purchase tickets at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/mike-mcgills-10th-annual-christmas-spectacular-knoxville-tennessee-12-18-2022/event/1B005D6EFF638644?irgwc=1&clickid=ymXwpAyCHxyNTBtzQhw-3zc1UkAxtKxhIXANUU0&camefrom=CFCBUYAT253520&impradid=253520&REFERRALID=tmfeedbuyat253520&wt.mcid=affBUYAT253520&utmsource=253520-Youtube&impradname=Youtube&utmmedium=affiliate&ircid=4272

For Six Pack with Zack #4, Zack Roskop brings Aaron McClain on his first visit to the SOS shop. Aaron's Crafty Bastard brewery is widely regarded as on of the top craft breweries in Knoxville. Aaron's experimental brewing practices have helped Crafty Bastard happen upon stalwart beers that have challenged conventional craft beer trends and standards. Zack and Aaron indulge Ben's curiosity on the long term viability of craft breweries, and help answer the "are we too saturated with craft beer options" question.

At 20 years old Casey Cheatham's virtuousity behind a jazz drum set has already been well rewarded. The youngest member of the band Kingfisher, Casey's contributions can be found on their debut studio album "Grip Your Fist, I'm Heaven Bound". Casey and Ben amble through Casey's musical journey that allowed her to effectiively have her pick of which prestigous music school she wanted to attend for University. Now a Jazz and Improvisation student at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Casey wonders aloud whether her professional music career is going to upend her studies.

Anthony Palmer is the host of Wake. Dad. Drink. Repeat., and the principal at Palm Tree Pod Co. Anthony and Ben talk through the circuituos route that led Anthonoy to being a content creator, podcaster and a thought leader in the world of defining today's modern dad. https://open.spotify.com/show/47vdO6wRLxrUkx0xnQYzZT?si=a948747a233043f0

Talking to singer-songwriter Mac Comer is impossible to do without a smile on your face. Mac and Ben talk through Mac's first album release in 10 years and what his career has looked like since the release of his 2012 album "Hyperbolic Length". Seeing his music career as a passion, Mac then spent 14 years teaching elementary school students as the "Dean of Fun" A.K.A. the coolest elementary school educator in Knox County. Mac's new album "Sunny Day" is available on Spotify, and his album release party is being held at Knoxville Visitor Center on Friday, December 2nd, from 6-7pm.

In a rare triple-header episode, the final 3 Second Bell Festival interviews are packed into this episode of SOS. Along with a "Liberal Redneck" hootenanny with WellRED Comedy Tour comics Corey Ryan Forrester and Drew Morgan, this episode moves to chats with Las Vegas based comedy magician Matt "The Mind Noodler" Donnely, and child-prodigy concert promoter Tyler Larrabee.

Curtis Glover is arguably the most prolific public artist in Knoxville, TN. Curtis' work in Knoxville is ubiquitous, but his murals continue to up in cities across the world year after year. Curtis and Ben touch on the threats that Artificial Intelliigence is posing to artists communities across the world; and they arrive at a verdict on whether or not Curtis is subject to being replaced by a robot.

Tyler Hays is the owner of Vessul Creative. While uncovering Tyler's life journey from South Korea to Knoxville, Tyler and Ben dig into the new ways companies are leveraging video content to reach broader audiences.

In another episode of SOS recorded at Second Bell Music Festival, Ben finally caught up with Andre Block, Jonathan Williams, and Justin Hazelet from the Unity Ride. Hours after completing their 4th cross country cycling trip, Andre, Jonathan, and Justin explain how their different ideals and belief systems continue to be the reason they ride together. After traversing the US on bicycles for the 4th time together, their differences are as clear as ever...But so is their willingness to put those differences aside in the name of spreading a message of unity - from coast to coast.

Recorded in an Airstream camper at Second Bell music festival, Ben talks with J. Roddy Walston and Charlie Glenn about the genesis of their new-ish band, "Palm Palm", and how they handle the waves that the band can't stop making. / Eric Fortaleza has created a monster with his band/music collective "Pitch Meeting". After creating a not-for-profit band 6 months after migrating to the United States from Australia, Eric and Pitch Meeting have held host to some of Nashville's most talented emerging musicians.

Chad Cunningham is a director who has directed hundreds of hours of television show for networks like Discovery, Lifetime and Oxygen networks. You can find Chad's recent work on "Fatal Attraction", and "In Pursuit with John Walsh". Chad and Ben dig deep into their respective directorial styles, and how Chad's narative fiilm work is starting to take center stage; both in his career, and at film festivals across the country.

You can't write a story about prolific music journalist without including Steve Wildsmith's name. Steve devoted his life to covering music acts for 2 reasons: 1. He's a totally curious music nerd; and 2. He wants to help unknown artists tell their stories. Steve and Ben dig into Steve's recovery journey, and how it led to him being one of the most important music journalists in recent history.

Listen to this announcement from Ben to hear about SOS' 1 month plan.

Editor-in-chief of Blank Newspaper, Rusty Odom, had a hankering to interview Ben for an episode of South of Scruffy. Over his 15 years at Blank Newspaper, Rusty has interviewed countless artists, entertainers, and ne'er-do-wells. Rusty gives Ben the night off and turns the microphone on him for "The Blankover" of S.O.S. Digging into Ben's path through his film and television career, Rusty gets some answers to appease his curiosity on why the industry has formed an unlikely hotspot in Knoxville, TN.

When it comes to getting into the mind of American consumers, Jonathan Kerr is the best there is. Mr. Kerr is an account director at the Tombras Group where he leverages his intuition to ideate media strategies for fortune 500 companies across the globe. Jonathan and Ben roll through their shared experiences in the media space while bringing to light some untold stories from their personal globetrotting experiences. The Los Angeles talk is strong in this chat as Jonathan just returned from a 3 year stint in Ben's former home of L.A.

Ross Bustin started his Photography and Cinematography wiazardry when a college football career came face to face with a creative yearning. A decade later, Ross finds himself lensing films and leading the visual voice for bands like Moon Taxi.

James Clawson is the Head of Marketing at Spyre Sports Group, a management company that manages college athletes. Thanks to a unanimous ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, it is now admissable and legal for NCAA athletes to gain monetarty compensation for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). James' company, Spyre, works with those athletes to make sure they are capitalizing on their earning potential while staying in compliance with the NCAA. This is a major paradigm shift in college athletics in which the lasting effects of have yet to be seen. James and Ben prognosticate on what those changes might be, and whether or not it will be net-good for college athletics.

Virginia Moon is a Managing Editor at Warner Bros. Discovery. Virginia and Ben chat through their takes on working for one of the largest media conglomorates in the world, and how the changing multimedia landscape is heavily favoring quality content that is made efficiently.

Creative Director of Festivals at Loch and Key, Andy Vinson, stops by the shop to chat music festivals and filmmaking on a blazing hot night in the shop. Andy and Ben romp through Andy's career as a filmmaker and taste maker of 21st century music festival video production.

Grace Steele brings the same wisdom and wit to this interview that is on display weekly on her podcast, "The Beacon House". While her biggest passions lie with her animal friends, Grace's passion for clean living is inspiring and infectious.

Matt Honkonen has spent his life touring with great touring bands like Llama Train, Peak Physique, Tenderhooks, and Lil' Iffy. When the pandemic hit, Matt was able to focus on another one of his passions: composing and producing. Matt is one of the most prolific producers making music for television today. These days Matt's compositions are used in television shows on the Oprah Network, Magnolia Network, Discovery+, HGTV, Food Network and many others. As he returns to SOS podcast for the first time since being the first guest on the show in 2019, Matt and Ben catch up on how Bonnaroo taught them both how to appreciate the craft of making music.

Ashley Capps was more than 20 years into his career when he conceived of an idea that would change live music forever: Bonnaroo. After the first Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Rolling Stone Magazine called the festival one of the "50 Moments that Changed Rock & Roll". Ashley and Ben geek out on the cultural importance of live music, how it can shape culture, and how it can make lasting impacts on communities. Ashley started AC Entertainment in 1991, but now he's more than content to focus on his passion project turned cultural phenomenon "Big Ears". When Ashley started Big Ears, he did it for himself and his community. Ashley says the fact that the 2022 itteration of Big Ears had economic impact of over 36 million dollars on the City of Knoxville was just icing on the cake.

While trying to unravel their intertwining past, Charles and Ben unlock some untold stories about the worldwide craft beer renaissance, and why Knoxville is a sleeper craft beer mecca.

They don't make singer songwriter duos like Jeff Barbra and Sarah Pirkle anymore. Ben met Jeff & Sarah when the three of them were in a touring theatre production in 2004. From there they forged a friendship that has lasted nearly 2 decades. Jeff and Sarah have been through alot since they began gigging and courting simulteneously in the late 1990's. 25 years later, their music and their marriage is just now getting broken in.

Didi Benami has had an exceptional singing voice her entire life. The word got about Didi's voice in 2010 when she placed 10th on the 9th season of American Idol. Since then Didi's solo music career has taken over and her work as a private vocal coach has gained her more national attention. Didi and Ben recount their intertwining paths from Knoxville to Los Angeles, and what the past 20 years in the music and television industries have taught them both.

Birthday Boy Dave Curry is one of the funniest people you'll ever meet. Dave has lived about 10 lives in his 50 years on this planet. Dave and Ben relive at least 7 of them during their chat. From Dave's sustainable practices in commercial food farming, to working the green room at Bonnaroo's main stage; Dave opens up about all of it. Dave's stories about catering to some of the world's most famous rock stars at Bonnaroo with make your stomach hurt with laughter - and Dave's passion for reclaiming lumber and turning it into functional furninture, will make you wish you had a Dave Curry kitchen table.

Josh Loebner has devoted his life and career to ensuring that people with disabilities are equitably represented in advertising. Josh has lived with a disability his entire life, but instead of letting his blindness define him negatively, he has spent his career in advertising advocating for marginalized groups, incuding those living with disabilities. Josh and Ben dig into the ways that the advertising industry is moving toward a model that focuses more on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Cody Walters is an outdoor filmmaker and avid bow hunter. Cody combined his passions for narrative filmmaking and outdoor cinematography into a genre of outdoor filmmaking that takes him to all corners of the globe.

When Rob Trent relocated to Los Angeles, he didn't think he would find footing as a Director of Photography so quickly. While on a recent trip to Knoxville, Rob stopped by the SOS shop where he and Ben discussed the rigor of the Hollywood film industry, while comparing it to Knoxville's disproportionately dense filmmaking market.

Knox County District Attorney candidate Jackson Fenner stops by the shop to give a snapshot of the current state of the court, and how he plans to change it.

While in Knoxville for Big Ears Music Festival, Atlantic Record's double-platinum recording artist Wes Walker darkened the door of the SOS shop. Wes and Ben talk about Wes' meteoric rise to fame after his single "Jordan Belfort" dropped while he was still in college

After 2 years of pestering Ben and Producer Sam, Taylor Swift was finally able to work her way on to SOS. Taylor and Ben talk about how their breakup in 2010 was the catalyst for many of Taylor's hits.

The rapid advancement of filmmaking tools does not scare Edy Recendez one bit. As a film director, Edy has devoted his purpose to challenging the craft of filmmaking by leveraging all of the tools available to him. With Edy's film work, emotion from his actors is critical; but Edy and Ben chat about how LED video walls and advances in augmented reality tools have enabled filmmakers to tell impactful visual stories that seemed impossible a few years ago.

Ryan Levenson is a real estate guru that has made some very smart decisions in the housing market. Ryan fills Ben in on the anomalies of the current housing market and what we can expect to see with residential real estate as this manic housing market barrels toward the moon.

Scott West spent 4 years in federal prison after being convicted of money laundering via a marijuana trafficking conspiracy. As part of his conviction, Scott also had 8 million dollars worth of assets seized by the federal government. When Scott got out of prison, not many people gave him a chance of bouncing back; but according to Scott, the doubt of the public and his peers is what drove him to build back his restaurant and real estate empire bigger than ever.

You can't tell the story of the film and television industry in Knoxville without getting Beth MacDonald's name involved at some point. A 40 year veteran in the film business, Beth fills Ben in on the framework that was laid by Ross Bagwell - which planted the seed allowing Knoxville to become the 5th largest T.V. production market in the United States.

City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon stops by the shop to talk through the changes she's implementing to make her city a better place. From pay raises for police officers and fire fighters, to helping fund a sports stadium in the city center, Indya and Ben talk through the highlights and challenges of Mayor Kincannon's first term as the Mayor of Knoxville.

Chris Marshall did what so many wish they had the courage to do. After spending a couple of decades working unfulfilling jobs, Chris took a chance and pursued a full time career making music...and it worked. Now Chris hosts open mic nights throughout Tennessee, enabling other musicians to find joy, pride, and purpose in making their music; exactly as he has.

Dr. Sarah Fields is a Physical Therapist, Yoga Therapist, Certified Health Coach, and Naturopathic healer. Sarah has devoted her career to healing the human body from the inside out. Sarah and Ben discuss the phenomenon that: When treated as one holistic unit, the mind and the body are uncannily capable of repairing one another.