The Southern Blueprint Podcast

For more exclusive content, bonus episodes, book club discussions, access to our Discord community, The Aviary Bird Club, and behind-the-scenes Southern Blueprint content, join The Hidden Pine Lodge on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHiddenPineLodgeAnne Bonny is one of the most famous pirates in history, but she may also be one of the most mysterious.Born in Ireland and raised in colonial South Carolina, Anne Bonny defied nearly every expectation placed upon women in the early 1700s. Drawn into the dangerous world of Caribbean piracy, she left her husband, joined forces with the infamous Calico Jack Rackham, sailed alongside fellow female pirate Mary Read, and became one of the most feared women of the Golden Age of Piracy.In this episode of the Southern Blueprint Podcast, we separate documented history from pirate legend as we explore Anne Bonny's remarkable life. From her childhood in Charleston and the bustling ports of the Atlantic world to Nassau's pirate stronghold, daring raids in the Caribbean, her capture by pirate hunters, and the dramatic trial that sentenced her to death, we follow Anne's story from beginning to end.We also examine the enduring mysteries surrounding her life, including her relationship with Mary Read, the theories surrounding her disappearance after receiving a stay of execution, and the recently discovered Jamaican death record that may finally reveal what happened to one of history's most legendary pirates.Was Anne Bonny truly the ruthless pirate described in eighteenth-century accounts? Did she escape the gallows and return to the Carolinas?Join us as we explore the history, legends, treasure theories, and unanswered questions surrounding Anne Bonny, the Pirate Queen Legend.

On September 14, 1987, Circuit Court Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife, Biloxi city councilwoman Margaret Sherry, were found murdered inside their home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.At first, the case seemed to point in several directions: local politics, city corruption, organized crime, revenge, or someone from Judge Sherry’s legal past. Margaret had been an outspoken critic of corruption in Biloxi and had told people she was working to expose what was happening inside the city. Vincent, meanwhile, had once practiced criminal defense law and had crossed paths with people connected to the Gulf Coast underworld.But as investigators dug deeper, the case moved away from the obvious and into something stranger: a lonely-hearts scam being run from inside Angola Prison, money moving through a Biloxi law office, and a loose network of criminals often associated with what became known as the Dixie Mafia.In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we look at the murders of Vincent and Margaret Sherry, the rise of Kirksey McCord Nix’s prison-based scam operation, the role of Pete Halat, LaRa Sharpe, Mike Gillich, John Ransom, Thomas Leslie Holcomb, and the years-long fight by the Sherry family to uncover the truth.This episode also explores what the Dixie Mafia actually was — not a traditional Mafia family with a formal hierarchy, but a loose Southern criminal network built on favors, fear, corruption, money, silence, and violence.For background and reference, this episode draws in part from Mississippi Mud: Southern Justice and the Dixie Mafia by Edward Humes, along with court records, reporting, and public case summaries.To support the show and for additional episode material, photos, notes, and deeper dives, join The Hidden Pine Lodge, our Patreon community.

On November of 1999, a 24-year-old woman named Cherica Adams made a 911 call from a dark road in Charlotte, North Carolina. She had been shot four times. She was eight months pregnant. And before the call ended, she told police exactly who was responsible.That name was Rae Carruth — a first-round NFL draft pick for the Carolina Panthers.In this episode, we take a step back and look at the full picture — how it all came together, how it fell apart, and what happened in the years that followed.This is one of the most infamous true crime cases in North Carolina history — and one of the darkest moments connected to the NFL.The Hidden Pine LodgeIf you want to support the podcast and be part of something a little more hands-on, check out The Hidden Pine Lodge over on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHiddenPineLodgeIt’s a growing community built around the same things you hear on the show — hiking, fly fishing, gardening, books, and just getting out and doing something with a little more purpose behind it.You’ll also get access to our private Discord, where we’ve got a book club, bird club, and a place to actually connect with people who are into the same things.It’s $4 a month, and it helps keep the podcast going while building something bigger around it.

In October 2006, one of the most disturbing crimes in New Orleans history unfolded in the heart of the French Quarter.Zack Bowen, an Iraq War veteran, and Addie Hall were known throughout the Quarter’s late-night bar scene. Friends described them as inseparable, passionate, and chaotic—two people drawn together by the intensity of post-Katrina New Orleans. But behind the music, the drinking, and the romantic mythology that surrounded them, their relationship was spiraling toward violence.On the night of October 4, 2006, inside a small apartment above a Voodoo shop on North Rampart Street, Zack Bowen strangled Addie Hall to death. What followed shocked even seasoned investigators. In the days after the murder, Bowen dismembered her body, left a written confession inside the apartment, and spray-painted messages across the walls.Twelve days later, after a drug-fueled spiral through the French Quarter, Bowen walked to the roof of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel and jumped to his death.In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we examine the full story behind the Zack Bowen and Addie Hall case—from their first meeting in the Quarter’s bar scene, to the chaos of Hurricane Katrina, to the disturbing confession that revealed what happened inside that apartment.This episode explores the timeline, the investigation, the myths surrounding the case, and the lasting impact the tragedy had on the people who survived it.Topics covered include:The relationship between Zack Bowen and Addie HallLife in the French Quarter after Hurricane KatrinaThe events leading up to the October 2006 murderBowen’s confession and the crime scene investigationThe suicide at the Omni Royal Orleans HotelThe aftermath for their families and childrenIf you enjoy deep-dive Southern true crime stories, be sure to subscribe to The Southern Blueprint Podcast and join our Patreon: The Hidden Pine Lodge for more stories from the history, culture, and darker corners of the South. It's a great way to support the work and the show!

Somewhere in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, a fortune may still be waiting.The Beale Treasure is one of America’s most enduring unsolved mysteries — a story of buried gold, encrypted messages, and a man named Thomas J Beale who vanished without a trace. First made public in an 1885 pamphlet known as the Beale Papers, the story describes a massive cache of gold and silver hidden in Bedford County, protected by three complex ciphers. Only one of those ciphers has ever been decoded — and even that solution is hotly debated.In this episode of the Southern Blueprint Podcast, we dig into the full history of the Beale Treasure: what the original documents actually say, how the ciphers work, why elite cryptographers and intelligence analysts took them seriously, and the red flags that suggest the story may be a hoax. From frontier timelines and missing records to modern treasure hunts and competing theories, this episode explores why the Beale mystery refuses to fade.Hoax, hidden vault, or something in between — the Beale Treasure remains one of the great unanswered questions in American history.For more info, additional content, and access to our private community, head over to our Patreon called the Hidden Pine Lodge. It's only $4 a month and it helps fund the show and it's just a whole lotta fun!

For a brief, wild stretch in the 1970s, South Carolina became one of the most important drug smuggling corridors in the United States — and in Part 2 of this series, the federal government finally strikes back.This episode dives deep into Operation Jackpot, one of the largest and most consequential drug investigations in American history. As marijuana and hashish pour into the Lowcountry in staggering quantities, law enforcement stops chasing boats and starts following the money — triggering a multi-agency crackdown that reaches far beyond the Carolina coast.We pick up with the pivotal Georgia airstrip bust, trace the smugglers’ pivot into high-profit hashish trafficking (including a notorious run tied to Lebanon), and follow the unraveling of the Gentleman Smugglers network as indictments, arrests, and international manhunts unfold.From Hilton Head, McClellanville, and Edisto Island to Costa Rica, Australia, and extradition courts overseas, this episode details how figures like Barry Foy, Les Riley, Lee Harvey, Barry Toombs, and others were caught — who fled, who surrendered, who disappeared for years, and who ultimately faced justice.We also examine how a young U.S. Attorney named Henry McMaster helped turn Operation Jackpot into a blueprint for modern federal prosecutions, using financial investigations, civil forfeiture, and enterprise-level cases to dismantle an entire smuggling ecosystem rather than just individual traffickers.This is the end of an outlaw era — the collapse of a coastal drug empire and the moment South Carolina became ground zero for a landmark federal case that reshaped how drug conspiracies are prosecuted in the United States.Also, come join us on Patreon at the Hidden Pine Lodge.https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHiddenPineLodge You’ll get expanded background on this episode, additional historical context, and access to our private Community Discord. Membership is just $4 a month and directly supports the show.Get the book- Operation Jackpot: by Jason Ryan

When most people think of American drug smuggling, they picture Miami and South Florida. Few realize that for a brief, wild stretch in the 1970s, South Carolina became one of the most important gateways for marijuana and hashish in the country.In this first installment of a two-part series, we dive into the rise of the Gentleman Smugglers—a loose network of intelligent, well-connected Southern outlaws who shunned violence, favored sailboats over speedboats, and lived lavish lives fueled by offshore smuggling runs. These weren’t cartel enforcers or street-level dealers. They were college dropouts, sailors, and risk-takers who believed they were smarter than the law.From Columbia, South Carolina, to Jamaica, Colombia, Key West, McClellanville, and Hilton Head Island, we follow the early careers of Barry Foy, Les Riley, and their expanding circle as they build a sophisticated drug pipeline along the Southern coast. Luxury yachts, midnight offloads, close calls at sea, and staggering amounts of cash define an era when chaos, improvisation, and nerve ruled the business.But while the smugglers were scaling up, law enforcement was quietly reorganizing. A new generation of federal investigators—and a young U.S. Attorney named Henry McMaster—were laying the groundwork for what would become Operation Jackpot, one of the largest drug investigations in American history.This episode sets the stage: the characters, the methods, the money, and the mistakes that would eventually bring everything crashing down.Part 2 picks up with the crackdown—fugitives, indictments, international escapes, and the final takedown. So be sure to follow the show so you get notified when Part 2 is up!Also , come join us on Patreon at the Hidden Pine LodgeThere you will get more information about the episode and so much more content. You will also get access to our Community Discord. It's only $4 a month and it helps fund the show!

In this deep-dive episode of The Southern Blueprint, host Matt Swift returns to NASCAR after nearly two decades away… just as the sport enters one of the most chaotic and transformative moments in its modern history.This episode explores:• NASCAR’s moonshine roots and Southern identity• How the 1980s–90s became the sport’s golden era• The leadership missteps of the 2000s• Why many longtime fans drifted away• Jimmie Johnson’s dominance and fan fatigue. And Matt irrational dislike of Jimmie• The economic crash’s impact on attendance• Dale Jr.’s move to Hendrick and eventual retirement• Bubba Wallace, 2020, and NASCAR’s identity reckoning• The return of North Wilkesboro & Rockingham• The lawsuit shaking NASCAR’s leadership• Why — despite the chaos — the sport feels alive againWith honesty, nostalgia, critique, and hope, Matt breaks down why he left, why he’s back, and why now may be the most important moment in NASCAR’s history.

In the dark swamps of Louisiana, where the moss hangs heavy and the night hums with life, stories still whisper of a creature that walks between man and monster. Known as the Rougarou — or Cajun werewolf — this beast has haunted the bayous for centuries. Born from French loup-garou legend and baptized in Catholic superstition, the Rougarou is said to punish sinners, stalk the unfaithful, and prowl the marshes under a blood moon.In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we explore the true roots of the Rougarou legend — from its origins in French folklore and Cajun Catholicism, to its survival through centuries of Southern storytelling. We’ll trace how faith, fear, and the Louisiana landscape gave rise to one of the South’s most enduring monsters.Along the way, we uncover the folklore, festivals, and real-life encounters that keep the Rougarou alive today — from Houma’s Rougarou Fest to whispered sightings in Terrebonne Parish.If you love Southern folklore, haunted history, and Louisiana legends, this episode is for you.Join us over on Patreon at the Hidden Pine Lodge to discuss this episode and join a fun community of people like yourself.https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHiddenPineLodge

The Hatfield and McCoy feud, fought along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River in West Virginia and Kentucky, left a trail of violence, betrayal, and tragedy that captured the nation’s attention — and still fascinates us today.In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we uncover the real story behind the Hatfields and McCoys:⚔️ Civil War loyalties that fueled deep animosity.🐖 The infamous Hog Trial that sparked the first sparks of violence.💔 The doomed love affair between Roseanna McCoy and Johnse Hatfield.🔥 The brutal Election Day Fight and New Year’s Night Massacre.⚖️ The Battle of Grapevine Creek and the trials that followed.👨‍👩‍👧 What became of Devil Anse Hatfield, Randall McCoy, Johnse, and other key figures.We also look at how the feud shaped Appalachian history, what it meant for the communities caught in the crossfire, and how today the story lives on through festivals, historical sites, books, and the History Channel’s miniseries Hatfields & McCoys.If you’ve ever wondered how this feud began, why it escalated so violently, and how it finally ended, this is the episode for you.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and leave a review to support the show. And if you’d like even more history and exclusive bonus content, join us inside The Hidden Pine Lodge on Patreon.

In the 1970s, Cullen Davis was the wealthiest man ever tried for murder in the United States — a Texas oil heir whose fortune, family drama, and criminal trials gripped the nation. Accused of killing 12-year-old Andrea Wilborn, wounding his estranged wife Priscilla Davis, murdering her boyfriend Stan Farr, shooting Priscilla's friend Bubba Gavrel, and later plotting a judge’s death, Davis faced two explosive trials… and walked away acquitted both times.In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, host Matt Swift takes you deep into the Cullen Davis saga — from his oil-rich upbringing and scandalous affairs to the bloody night at Stonegate Mansion and the courtroom battles led by legendary defense attorney “Racehorse” Haynes. Along the way, you’ll hear how money, power, and influence collided with the Texas justice system in a case that still sparks debate decades later.Members of The Hidden Pine Lodge, our private $4/month community, get access to exclusive photos, additional details and behind-the-scenes research for this episode — plus articles, bourbon reviews, and our private Discord with channels for bourbon, folklore, history, hiking, fly fishing, and more. Join via Patreon and step inside the lodge.Join here:https://www.patreon.com/c/TheHiddenPineLodge

In this gripping true crime episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we unravel the chilling mystery of John and Elizabeth Calvert—a wealthy Hilton Head Island couple who vanished without a trace on March 3, 2008. The last man to see them alive, their accountant Dennis Ray Gerwing, was found dead days later in a luxury hotel, covered in stab wounds and surrounded by suspicion.Were the Calverts silenced after uncovering financial fraud? Was Gerwing’s violent death really a suicide—or something far more sinister? Join us as we dive deep into the timeline, theories, secrets, and Southern shadows behind one of the Lowcountry’s most haunting unsolved cases.

In this episode of The Southern Blueprint, we crack open one of the wildest true crime tales in bourbon history — the infamous case known as Pappygate. What started as a few missing bottles quickly unraveled into a sprawling investigation involving stolen barrels of rare whiskey, anabolic steroids, black-market dealings, and a close-knit Kentucky community blindsided by betrayal.At the center of it all? Gilbert “Toby” Curtsinger — a longtime warehouse worker at Buffalo Trace, a devoted family man, gym rat, and recreational softball player, who quietly masterminded one of the most audacious organized theft rings the spirits industry has ever seen. Using his position inside one of the most respected distilleries in the world, Toby slowly siphoned off bottles and barrels of some of the rarest and most valuable bourbon on the market — including the legendary Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year and 23-Year — and sold them to friends, neighbors, and even teammates.But this wasn’t just about missing bourbon. It was about legacy, trust, and the tightrope walk between small-town loyalty and personal greed. From the front lines of the investigation led by Sheriff Pat Melton, to the sensational headlines, media frenzy, and Toby’s 15-year prison sentence that was reduced to just 30 days thanks to Kentucky’s controversial “shock probation” law — this episode digs into every twist and turn.We also examine the cultural impact of the heist, how it led to heightened security in the bourbon world, and why bottles of Pappy now feel more myth than spirit. Plus, we unpack the Netflix docuseries Heist, and how it shaped public perception of the man behind the barrels.So pour a glass, settle in, and join us for a true story of stolen whiskey, Southern charm, and the fine line between a local legend and a criminal empire.If you love bourbon, true crime, Southern storytelling, or just a damn good tale soaked in secrets and scandal — this one’s for you.

Step into the world of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the true crime saga that captivated readers and filmgoers alike. In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we take a deep dive into the book, the 1997 Clint Eastwood film, and the real-life murder of Danny Hansford at the infamous Mercer-Williams House in Savannah, Georgia.We’ll explore Jim Williams’ four dramatic trials, the eerie presence of voodoo priestess Minerva, and the tragic deaths that have fueled Savannah’s haunted reputation. Plus, we unravel behind-the-scenes facts about the film, the unforgettable role of The Lady Chablis, and the mysterious legends surrounding the Mercer-Williams House.🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ The true story behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil✅ How Jim Williams’ historic trials made legal history✅ The secrets and ghost stories surrounding the Mercer-Williams House✅ How voodoo and the supernatural played a role in the case✅ Little-known facts about the book and movieIf you love true crime, Southern Gothic mysteries, and eerie real-life stories, this episode is for you! Tune in now and uncover the chilling tale that put Savannah on the map.

Step into the wild world of Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, the legendary pirate who ruled the Southern seas. In this episode, we explore Blackbeard’s daring exploits, from his infamous blockade of Charleston to his final battle at Ocracoke Island. Learn about the discovery of his flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, and the treasures it revealed. Along the way, we’ll uncover the stories, myths, and lasting legacy of the most feared pirate of the Carolinas. Set sail with us on this thrilling journey into the Golden Age of Piracy!

Step into the murky depths of Scape Ore Swamp as we unravel the tale of the Lizard Man, the legendary creature that gripped South Carolina in fear and fascination. From the first chilling encounter in 1988 to the countless sightings that followed, we dive deep into the history, the hype, and the lasting appeal of this mysterious cryptid. Why do people love stories like these, and what keeps the legend alive even today? Join us for a journey through folklore, fear, and the hunt for the unknown.

Deep in the Mississippi Delta lies Yazoo City, a place haunted by a chilling legend that has been passed down through generations. In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we unravel the dark tale of the Witch of Yazoo—a mysterious woman who was said to curse the town with her dying breath. Exactly 20 years later, her prophecy seemed to come true when a devastating fire consumed over 200 buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Was it mere coincidence, or did the witch’s curse return to claim Yazoo City? Join us as we explore the history, the eerie occurrences, and the haunting folklore that continue to keep the legend of the Witch of Yazoo alive. If you’re fascinated by Southern ghost stories, curses, and unexplained mysteries, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, host Matt Swift takes you on a captivating journey through the rebellious world of moonshiners and bootleggers during the Prohibition era. Learn how the 18th Amendment sparked a nationwide black market for alcohol, fueled by Southern ingenuity and the rise of illegal distilleries. We explore the fascinating stories of legendary figures like Amos Owens, Maggie Bailey, Junior Johnson, and Popcorn Sutton, and how their daring efforts not only kept the spirits flowing but also shaped the culture of the American South. Plus, we’ll be reviewing Old Forester 1920, a bourbon that pays tribute to Prohibition-era whiskey, Southern Distilling Company's Old Hunting Creek Rye, an abandoned label from the late 1800's and sharing fun facts and the legacy of Southern moonshiners. We end the show with the eventual repeal of Prohibition. Tune in for a spirited deep dive into one of the most infamous periods in U.S. history. Cheers!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Southern Blueprint Podcast! In this debut episode, we plunge into one of the most intriguing treasure hunts of all time—Byron Preiss' "The Secret: A Treasure Hunt." We first crack open a tasty Golden Ale from Lost Worlds Brewing called the Eucre and then take a closer look at the five treasure locations buried in the South: Charleston, Roanoke, Houston, New Orleans, and St. Augustine. Whether you're a treasure hunter or just love Southern lore, join us as we explore these potential burial sites and the madness behind the Secret!Be sure to visit our website:⁠https://thesouthernblueprint.com/⁠Follow us on Instagram:⁠@thesouthernblueprint⁠Lost Worlds Brewing: ⁠https://www.lostworldsbeer.com/⁠Resources: ⁠https://12treasures.com/⁠⁠https://thesecretatreasurehunt.com/⁠