Making the Little Things the Big Things - Todd Lanham

In this heartfelt episode of The Story of Us, host Jeff Ellison sits down with longtime friend Todd Lanham—a father, husband, creative, and the mind behind the beloved Instagram account Lou Guru. But behind the food photos and Louisville adventures lies a story woven with resilience, loss, and redemption.Todd opens up about growing up on a family farm in small-town Kentucky during the 1980s—where hardship, hope, and even the echoes of the Cornbread Mafia shaped his early years. He shares his unlikely journey from the tobacco fields of Springfield to the streets of London, from family tragedy to fatherhood, and how each twist in his story taught him to make the small things the big things.Together, Jeff and Todd explore what it means to live under pressure and emerge stronger, how grief can become fuel for purpose, and how authenticity—both online and off—creates connection in a world desperate for it.This conversation is equal parts memoir, therapy, and Kentucky soul. Whether you’re facing midlife transitions, chasing creative passions, or simply trying to savor your next meal with more gratitude, Todd’s story will remind you that the little things are never little at all.🎧 Highlights include:Growing up in Springfield, Kentucky and lessons from the family farmLife-changing mentorship, love, and lossThe creation of Lou Guru and Louisville’s local food magicGrieving, healing, and finding meaning after tragedyTurning health challenges and self-discipline into transformation (over 100 lbs lost)Fatherhood, music, and the art of living intentionally💡 “Pressure doesn’t crush you. It can also redefine you.”🎵 Featuring original music by Anthony Melange (Todd’s son) – listen to Red Wine on Spotify or Apple Music.🔗 Learn more and read Jeff’s companion essay “Under Pressure: Coping with the Weight of 50” at thestoryofusproject.comTo order a copy of the book, The Cornbread Mafia: A Homegrown Syndicate's Code Of Silence And The Biggest Marijuana Bust In American History https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493038494?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_ud_dp_0P0YYD1WHC22KGSTK3KK_1&bestFormat=true&language=en-US