Y'all Show

Hoppin' John is a tradition in sections of the South when a new year arrives.  We discuss the history of the Lowcountry delicacy; and SouthernLiving.com's Classic Hoppin' John recipe is relayed.  The article "12 Careers For The Chance To Get The Best Job In 2024" is posted on CareerFitter.com.  Also, on this date in history (1521) German theologian Martin Luther was excommunicated from the Catholic church.

First show of 2024.  Jon Rawl is primed for a new year of Southern conversation. Top books are highlighted.  Little Debbie will have a bevy of new Valentine's Day treats to enjoy.  Alabama and Texas both fall in their College Football Playoff semifinal contests.  Plus, a Spalding County (Georgia) sheriff's deputy is killed in the line of duty.

Christmas spectacular. Keifer Engles previews the College Football Playoff and offers his prediction for the national championship.  The Philbrook Museum of Art is hosting a festival the weekend before Christmas.  A new four-part series called "Willie Nelson & Family" debuts today on Paramount+. Also, sausage gravy gets some love.

Colorado's highest court has denied Donald Trump from being on the 2024 primary debate.  Jon Rawl has a lot to say about this, including opinions on the 14th Amendment.  Hare Financial Group's Paul Hare shares financial and investment advice on his last appearance of the year. Also, USAToday.com has a breakdown of the restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day.

Christmas and New Year's are almost here, and "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short has thoughts of holidays past and present.  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs legislation that makes it a state crime to cross into the Lone Star State as an illegal immigrant.  We have some great coffee brews for Christmas to tell you about.  Also, Panmacmillan.com has the helpful article "The 30 Best Books To Gift For Christmas 2023" posted.

iRev returns to discuss electronic gadgets perfect for Christmas 2023.  Arthur Sharpe talks Ray-Ban Meta next generation smart glasses, Apple AirTag, a neat app for identifying stars in the sky, and much more.  A tropical storm-like event in December brings historic flooding and damage to the Florida, Georgia and Carolina coasts.  Plus, Southern states took the lead starting in 1917 to ratify the 18th Amendment, which outlawed alcohol in America.

NASCAR turns 75. We honor the Daytona Beach-born enterprise with the playing of the late country music legend/NASCAR driver Marty Robbins' 1982 hit, "Some Memories Just Won't Die."  Paul Hare shares the basic battles of divorcing couples and their investments.  St. Petersburg, Florida, may consider forcing its name on the resident MLB team that plays there (Rays).  Plus, Staks! Kitchen is serving up Southernness in the Memphis suburbs.

Georgia Southern kicks-off the college football bowl madness Saturday morning in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.  Keifer Engles walks us through the early bowl lineup.  Advent is an important part of the Christian calendar.  Tellico Plains, Tennessee, hosts a horse-themed Christmas parade this weekend, while Fort Towson, Oklahoma, opens its doors for holiday visitors. Also, Hunter Biden taunts GOP members of the U.S. House, on the same day a Joe Biden impeachment inquiry passes.

Jamie Foxx, Taylor Swift and Dick Van Dyke are among the celebs celebrating birthdays.  Money.com has released the Top 10 list of best towns to live in the South. Congrats, Raleigh, North Carolina! Chubby's Restaurant in Sevierville, Tennessee, has the attention of one Southern vlogger.  Also, TheSeasonedMom.com shares an amazing Southern Red Velvet Cake recipe perfect for Christmas.

Mathieu Cailler, author of the new book of short stories "Forest For The Trees & Other Stories," calls to talk about his array of writing.  "The Toccopola Storyteller" returns to review the most-popular and the wise choices for Christmas trees in the South.  Patrick McHenry, the recent Speaker pro tempore of the U.S. House of Representatives, announces that he will not seek reelection to his North Carolina congressional seat. And, we have the Golden Globes nominees.

Tornadoes touch down in Tennessee on Saturday, killing at least six.  SouthernLiving.com shares a number of ways to make your Christmas tree a Southern Christmas tree.  Easy and simple Christmas cookies are in the mix today.  Plus, some good Jeff Foxworthy-inspired laughter two weeks away from St. Nick's arrival.

Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry," recorded in 1960, is played as the 4-foot-7-inch country music legend is celebrated during one of the biggest weeks in her life.  Four police officers in Decatur, Alabama, are in trouble after details from a September fatal shooting become available. And, Paul Hare, of The Hare Financial Group, reports on the just-released job numbers for November.

Chris Christie tears into primary hopefuls on the debate stage in Tuscaloosa, as the fourth GOP debate was held Wednesday night.  Hanukkah begins at sunset this evening, lasting until Dec. 15.  We remember the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.  Keifer Engles drops-in with a college football conversation.  Plus, South Carolina superfan "Gamecock Jesus:" dies at age 70.

Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is atop the Billboard chart, 65 years after it was first recorded.  We also fete fellow female singers Wanda Jackson and Helen Cornelius on today's show. We share 20 delicious neck bone recipes from GlouriousRecipes.com. CVS is changing its prescriptions policy. Also, the University of Alabama welcomes the fourth GOP debate.

Warfare in Yemen, Israel and the Gaza Strip, as well as Ukraine. "The Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short analyzes how this bloodshed is dampening spirits in the weeks before Christmas.  SouthernLiving.com has a great biscuit analysis feature.  Maryland native Nora Roberts has another romance read on the best-seller list, as "Inheritance" debuts at No. 3 in fiction.  Plus,  Pennsylvania's hoodie-wearing U.S. senator hires former congressman George Santos with a Cameo gig.

Florida State is left out of the College Football Playoff.  Keifer Engles returns to discuss the Seminoles' snub; but to also praise two teams that won their respective conferences to advance to the CFP: the Big 12's Texas Longhorns and the SEC's Alabama Crimson Tide.  A listener wants to know if the Lone Star State of Texas is a Southern state.  And, a tribute to 1970s national TV host Wink Martindale, a West Tennessee native that celebrates his 90th birthday today.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and California Gov. Gavin Newsom debate in Alpharetta, Georgia.  MarthaStewart.com has an insightful article about getting your house to smell like Christmas.  The Hare Financial Group's Paul Hare reviews the sales numbers from Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Plus, with the twelfth month of the year's arrival we play Merle Haggard's 1973 classic, "If We Make It Through December."

700th episode.  Jon Rawl is in a celebratory mood as guests like Keifer Engles drop by to share the fun.  Engles also discusses college football's championship weekend, as Georgia meets Alabama for SEC supremacy, and Texas and Oklahoma State collide for the Big 12 title.  Pecans in Arkansas, oysters in Virginia, and bluegrass music in Wetumpka, Alabama, will all be on the social calendars of the South this first weekend in December.  Plus, Darius Rucker receives a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Anna Faris turns 47 today.  The Baltimore-born actress reveals fun things from her 2008 film, "The House Bunny."  We share the history of the Christian hymn "Blessed Assurance." Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh spoke Tuesday to the victims of his financial fraud crime while being sentenced to 27 years in a Beaufort, South Carolina, courthouse. Also, tips on canning from YouTuber Adaline Zook. 

Yelp releases its top cheeseburger joint in each state, and Stamps Super Burgers is tops in Mississippi.  Jerry Short, "The Toccopola Storyteller," discusses the importance of men's and women's fashion in the South.  Plus, the NFL's Carolina Panthers fire coach Frank Reich 11 games into his first year with the team; while college football coach Rick Stockstill is terminated at Middle Tennessee after 18 years on the job.

Bad drivers are not paying attention to the rules of the road – specifically passing improperly on one-lane roads.  FoodNetwork.com has a helpful way for you reuse Thanksgiving leftovers.  Mississippi State University turns to a former University of Mississippi offensive assistant (Jeff Lebby) to lead the Bulldogs in 2024.  Plus, a healthy dose of information on lavender – a great floral choice this time of year.

Paul Hare talks money markets and more as Thanksgiving arrives.  Rivalry Week is here, and "Pigskin Prognosticator" Keifer Engles examines Texas Tech at Tech, Mississippi at Mississippi State, and Kentucky at Louisville. We discuss the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas.  Also, a deep dive into Baskin-Robbins' Turkey Cake ice cream treat.

Soaring costs are on "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short's mind, as he recalls the days a Coca-Cola would cost five cents.  Joe Biden turned 81 on Monday. After the candles were blown out the president discovered his latest poll numbers are shrinking among key demographics. FoodNetwork.com has the timely "83 Best Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes and Ideas" posted.  Plus, University of Florida alumnus Michael Connelly has authored another best-seller, "Resurrection Walk."

Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady and a longtime humanitarian alongside her husband of nearly 80 years, dies in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 96.  We have lots of early Black Friday deals to share, courtesy of ZDNET.com.  Dr. John, Duane Allman and Josh Turner are among the the musicians celebrating birthdays today.  Also, a tasty chicken pot pie recipe from Tasty.co.

Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley battle for the silver medal during Wednesday's third GOP presidential debate. Meanwhile, frontrunner Donald Trump had Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders introduce him at a counter-programming rally in nearby Hialeah, Florida.  The six-month actors strike appears to be over.  Keifer Engles previews the weekend's massive college football showdowns.  Also, we have plenty of festivals in Dixie this weekend – from celebrating sugarplums to singing the blues.

Abortion Revenge.  Voters in Virginia and Kentucky stick it to Republicans on Election Night, as Andy Beshear is reelected governor of Kentucky, and the Virginia General Assembly returns to Democrat-controlled.  Lauren Alaina celebrates 29, today; and 2008 Heisman Trophy-winner Sam Bradford also has a big day.  Plus, Veterans Day deals from Military.com.

Fashion is on "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short's mind this week.  Today is Election Day, as voters in Kentucky and Mississippi decide whether to keep their respective governors for a second term.  WalletHub.com has released the fun article, "Most Fun Cities In The U.S.," and Dixie is well-represented.  Plus, we share creative ways to take care of leftover Halloween candy.

Priscilla Presley sits down for a powerful interview with Piers Morgan. We hear a sample of that, including the generosity of Elvis Presley.  Pickles are available to order online in a variety of flavorings from pickle-makers across the region.  Also, on this date in history Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States – his 39 percent popular vote enough to emerge victorious after Kentuckian John Breckenridge and Tennesseean John Bell split the ballot.

Vanilla Ice, who was both Texas and Florida raised, became the first rapper to have a No. 1 on the Billboard 200 on this day in 1990.  Paul Hare throws the flag on Jerome Powell's decision this week to "hold" The Fed from changing interest rates.  We discover Edie Wadsworth, a Texas family practice physician that has shifted careers into the life coach business.  Plus, we have a yummy pot roast recipe to tell you about.

Texas Rangers to the top!  Dallas-Fort Worth's MLB team captures its first baseball crown with a 5-0 Game 5 rout of Arizona, with North Carolina native Corey Seager pickup up World Series MVP honors.  Keifer Engles shares the weekend's big battles in college football.  We learn about the "Booty Patrol" running afoul in Florida.  Also, the expectant Riley Keough, Elvis Presley's granddaughter, settles issues with her grandmother, Priscilla Presley.

Ed Helms is an Atlanta native that has surged to comedic popularity with roles on "The Office" and in the blockbuster film "The Hangover."  Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney goes off on a phone caller from Spartanburg.  Also, on this date in history an attempted assassination of President Harry Truman happened in 1950.

John Grisham has the sequel to "The Firm" atop the New York Times' best-sellers list: "The Exchange." We hear from the Southern writer that has sold more than 400 million books throughout his 30-plus year writing career. Halloween provides "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short a chance to reflect on scary, creepy true tales of yesteryear.  Also, what's going on with Gov. Ron DeSantis' slipping numbers as Iowa's Republican caucus is just over two months away?

Cold weather, including freezing temps, arrive for many Southern states this week. Vice President Kamala Harris confidently stated that she and President Biden will win 2024's race when appearing Sunday on "60 Minutes."  We tell you about the minor league hockey team Savannah Ghost Pirates and their sparkling new Enmarket Arena.  Plus, a tasty recipe for Southern-styled pickled pigs' feet.

Van Zant, consisting of Southern rock brother Johnny and Donnie Van Zant, have recorded the Gov. Ron DeSantis-inspired tune, "Sweet Florida."  On this date in history, The Pinckney Treaty was signed, which established Spanish Florida's border with a then-fledgling United States.  Paul Hare updates the latest from Wall Street.  And we have plenty of food items to talk about today: onion loaf, collard greens, and hog head cheese.

A mass shooting in Maine takes the lives of at least 18.  Louisiana's Mike Johnson gets unanimous support from Republicans in Congress, as he becomes House Speaker on Wednesday. Keifer Engles examines Saturday's Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville, and the region's big FCS contests. Also, info on the Arkansas Scottish Festival, the Maryland Crabcake Festival, and Brew Fest in Jackson, Tennessee.

Minnie Pearl was born on this date in 1912.  We hear a clip of the late comedienne at the Grand Ole Opry as part of our humor spotlight. Louisiana congressman Mike Johnson appears to be on track for being voted in as the 56th House Speaker.  And, the Arizona Diamondbacks prevail in the NLCS to advance to the World Series, where the Texas Rangers await. 

Jesus Christ is invoked as Donald Trump talked about the House Speaker chaos while filing campaign paperwork Monday in New Hampshire.  Patty Loveless and Tanya Tucker are among the new inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The Texas Rangers are headed to the World Series after capturing the American League pennant with a big win over Houston.  And, "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short drops by to educate us on walnuts.

Nine Republican members of Congress have put their names in the hat for possible House Speaker replacements.  The son of Nashville's police chief shoots two police officers in La Vergne, Tennessee – then escapes.  Football greats share birthdays today: John Heisman, Bruiser Kinard, Doug Flutie, and Nick Bosa. Also, SouthernHalloweenQueen.com is a great place to visit in the days leading up to October 31.

Sidney Powell pleads guilty to her 2020 election case in Georgia.  How will this affect President Trump's legal battle?  Chicken bogs, hot tamales and the Southern Festival of Books are among the things up for celebration this weekend across Dixie.  Also, Keifer Engles, "The Pigskin Prognosticator," returns to preview Alabama-Tennessee, Air Force-Navy, South Carolina-Missouri, and more.

Coleslaw is a common buddy with seafood.  We find out why – plus share a recipe for "South Carolina Slaw."  Flannery O'Connor and a Memphis-themed restaurant in Ohio are part of the social media madness. Plus, President Biden is in Israel visiting the war-torn country's leaders.

Todd Starnes, host of the nationally-syndicated "Todd Starnes Show" and a Fox News Channel veteran and current Newsmax contributor, discusses his radio and TV career, Southern roots, and his books "Our Daily Biscuit" and "Twilight's Last Gleaming." Jerry Short returns to give his "Toccopola Storyteller" perspective on the Israel-Hamas War, the fight for U.S. House speaker, and stupidity on the U.S.-Mexico border.  Plus, an early morning argument between employees inside a fast food restaurant gets Jon Rawl's day off on the wrong foot.

Trial lawyers have billboards and commercials saturating the South.  We hear more about attorneys John Morgan, Alexander Shunnarah, Glenda Mitchell, George Sink, Corey B. Trotz, and more.  SouthernLiving.com has released an article about the 43 most beautiful college campuses in the South.  Plus, voters in Louisiana have picked state attorney general Jeff Landry as its next governor, flipping a Democratic seat to Republican.

Cheese straws are a Southern treat.  Paula Deen gives us a taste of what her recipe is for cheese straws.  Texas and Oklahoma tangle in Dallas, and undefeateds Kentucky and Georgia gather in Athens.  Those are among the games "Pigskin Prognosticator" Keifer Engles is a keeping an eye on this early October weekend. Also, collards, barbecue, shrimp and plenty of music are being enjoyed at festivals across the region this weekend.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy becomes the first House speaker to be fired.  Which congressman will ascend to the Speaker position?  We review the list of Forbes 400 of billionaires in the South.  A recipe for Crispy Southern Fried Chicken is served up.  And, we hear a fun snippet from Augusta, Georgia-raised comedian Billy Anderson.

:Jill Dillard pens a best-selling book ("Counting The Cost") about her experience growing up in the Duggar household in Arkansas. "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short recounts his days going through Airborne training in the Army. NutritionStudies.org releases an article about leaves that are edible in the South. Plus, drama in D.C., as Florida congressman Matt Gaetz files paperwork to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy..

Steve Wariner is arguably the best singer-songwriter-guitar player in the music business.  Jon Rawl saw the talented virtuoso for the first time in concert Saturday in Powderly, Kentucky, and relays the experience inside the Merle Travis Music Center. Donald Trump enters a New York City courtroom today in a civil trial about his business finances.  Also, the best corn mazes in the South are highlighted, including Anderson, South Carolina's Denver Downs Farm. 

The U.S. government may shut down starting Oct. 1.  Financial analyst Paul Hare shares his thoughts on the likely scenario developing on Capitol Hill.  A Canadian is saying not so nice things about the South. There are several new films hitting the box office as October arrives Sunday.  Also, we salute Jerry Lee Lewis on what would have been his 88th birthday with the playing of his 1977 hit "Middle Age Crazy."

The best hushpuppies in the world are feted, thanks to a new article on TasteAtlas.com. The second Republican presidential debate was. a bit of a snoozer in Simi Valley, California on Wednesday night.  "The Boss" has cancelled his remaining tour stops for 2023, citing problems with peptic ulcer disease.  And, "Pigskin Prognosticator" Keifer Engles previews Notre Dame at Duke, Alabama at Mississippi State, and Kansas at Texas.

Jonnie W. is a Nashville-based "clean" comedian. We hear a little of his schtick in this week's comedy showcase.  With fall's official arrival, we share the tasty tips on how to make classic pumpkin bread. CSS Alabama captain Raphael Semmes (1809-1877) was born on this day, as well as rocker Meat Loaf (1947-2022).  Also, the latest on the potential U.S. government shutdown.

New York City is on "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short's mind, as he recounts his recent bad experience in Yankeeland.  U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) isn't ruling out that she'll run for president one day.  Lucy Score's newest best-seller "Things We Left Behind" is set in Virginia.  Also, TheLocalPalate.com pens an article about Southern coffee roasters.