Between the Hedges of the South

For our grand finale of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire is joined by Dr. Joe Dennis, chairman of Piedmont University’s Mass Communications department, for a conversation on the future of southern fandom. We both unpack how college football podcasts are redefining the fan experience, transforming storytelling, and strengthening the communities that make Southern football culture so enduring.

On this episode of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire sits down with freshman Sports Communications major and Piedmont University swimmer Brady Bowman to break down how instant news culture is reshaping Southern fandom. We dive into “From Porch Talk to Push Notifications,” exploring how real‑time updates, rapid reactions, and digital communities are changing the way fans experience the sport.

On this episode of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire sits down with Grant Prather, a junior Mass and Sports Communications major at Piedmont University. We both dive into The Business of Fandom, exploring how podcasts influence consumer behavior, how NIL is reshaping athlete branding, and why merchandise has become a powerful driver of loyalty in today’s sports culture.

In episode nine of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire sits down with Tristan Dyer, Assistant Professor of Mass Communications, to unpack one big question: Media Bias or Regional Pride? We explore how Southern voices and especially SEC‑country podcasts shape, defend, and challenge the national narrative around college football.”

On this episode of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire sits down with senior sports communications major and former Piedmont University baseball player Nate Courtwright to explore how nostalgia and memory fuel our love for college football.

In this episode of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire breaks down the rise of the “digital tailgate” and how online spaces help college football fans connect and feel seen. He also sits down with Habersham Central Head Coach Benji Harrison, who draws on 11 seasons of leadership with the Raiders.

In this episode of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire is joined by Angelica Lux to explore how faith, family, and football come together in Southern culture. Angelica shares personal stories and traditions that show why the game is more than a sport and why it serves as a connection point for communities, values, and generations.

In episode five of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire sits down with Dr. Perry Rettig to explore how rivalries are being reimagined in today’s media landscape and what that means for fan loyalty across the South.

In episode four of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire sits down with former Duke University cornerback Joshua Pickett to explore how Southern storytelling continues to impact and influence modern media. 

In episode three of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire is joined by a very special guest, former UGA and NFL wide receiver Tavarres King. Together, we dive into the role of podcast hosts as trusted narrators and explore how credibility, accent, and storytelling shape fan identity across the South.

 On this episode of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire is joined by Piedmont University Softball Coach Terry Martin for a deep dive into what many fans call The SEC Effect. Together, they explore how the Southeastern Conference has built a culture so powerful that it shapes the identity, expectations, and emotions of college football fans across the South. 

In this episode of Between the Hedges of the South, host Zane Brookshire sits down with Dr. Octavius Mulligan, Dean of the College of Education at Piedmont University, to explore why Saturdays in the South feel like sacred space. Together, they unpack the rituals, routines, and regional identity that shape the Southern football experience from early‑morning traditions to the emotional weight carried into every game day.