Spirits In The Material World

Dive into the heart of the Mid-South Delta with our podcast, where we explore the rich tapestry of local culture through in-depth guest interviews. From the soulful rhythms of Delta music to the ethereal world of spirits and the vibrant stories of community life, each episode promises a journey through the unique and often untold narratives of this historic region.

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Latest episodes

15 August 2025

Memphis Mojo: Ted Townsend on Big Wins, Economic Development, and xAI

captures the vibrant spirit of Memphis, highlights Ted Townsend's leadership, and teases intriguing elements like his personal quirks and the groundbreaking xAI project

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01:49:08

26 June 2025

Buffalo Beginnings to Memphis Memories: The Geoff Calkins Story

In this episode, Geoff Calkins, a prominent journalist from Memphis, shares his intriguing journey from Buffalo, New York, to Harvard and into the world of sports journalism. Despite sharing a name with a successful entrepreneur and having a Twitter handle stolen by his nephew, he carved his own path. Calkins humorously recounts a time he challenged himself to play Christmas carols on a tuba if the Memphis Grizzlies lost ten consecutive games, only to see it come true. Growing up with eight siblings and surviving childhood leukemia, his story is one of resilience and finding humor amidst challenges.

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01:52:30

22 May 2025

Yankee Closer Hits a Home Run in Memphis - Andy O'Fee

The latest episode of 'Spirits in the Material World' features an engaging conversation between host Sean Blankenship and guest Andy O'Fee, known as the Yankee Closer. They delve into Andy's intriguing transition from Wall Street to Memphis, his rich childhood experiences in New Jersey, and a shared love for baseball. Reflecting on their generational differences in childhood play, the discussion touches on modern sports culture and community lifestyles. With the recent Delta storms setting the scene, the dialogue navigates through topics of family dynamics, sports history, and how past adventures influence current life choices and professional pursuits.

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01:42:52

03 May 2025

Cantrell's World: Where Music Meets Whiskey

In this lively podcast episode, the hosts dive into the intersection of music and spirits with guest Kevin Cantrell, an artist and whiskey enthusiast. They explore the nuances of whiskey and tequila, the art of sipping, and the unexpected surprises that good spirits and music can offer. Kevin shares personal anecdotes, including his introduction to Pappy Van Winkle, and discusses the value of savoring flavors that linger in memory. The conversation casually navigates through various topics, weaving together tales of unique distillations, memorable musical performances, and the role of surprise in creativity.

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01:01:12

25 April 2025

Memphis Magic and Hotel Majesty: Meet Doug Browne

In this engaging episode of 'Spirits in the Material World,' host Sean Blankenship introduces Doug Browne, President and General Manager of the iconic Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Browne shares his journey from growing up in the Caribbean with a military background to becoming a luminary in the hospitality industry. Listeners are treated to anecdotes about his passion for ballroom dancing, his aspirations of playing the piano to impress guests, and his deep roots within the Memphis community. Browne's experiences highlight the cultural richness of Memphis and his dedication to preserving its legacy while pushing forward with innovation.

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01:55:17

08 April 2025

Behind the Trident: The Journey of a Navy SEAL Pioneer

In this episode of 'Spirits in the Material World', longtime SEAL veteran Ronnie Hodges shares his incredible journey from being drafted into the Marine Corps to joining the elite Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. He recounts the intense BUD/S training and harrowing missions, revealing the mental and physical endurance required to survive and accomplish their covert operations. Hodges offers a glimpse into a secretive world where only 50% of SEALs could be deployed overseas, highlighting missions in Cambodia and Vietnam that often involved collaboration with the CIA and reflected a time of intense conflict and bravery.

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01:11:28