20 episodes

The South … What is it? Movies, books, songs, myths and legends have tried to explain this part of the United States. SouthBound, a new podcast series from WFAE, talks to people who were born and raised in the South. Hosted by journalist Tommy Tomlinson, SouthBound features conversations with notable Southerners from all walks of life – from artists and athletes to preachers and politicians.Who would you like to hear on the SouthBound podcast? Click here or use the form below to submit your favorite Southerner and the question you would love for them to answer. Who knows... you might just hear them on a future episode.

SouthBound Tommy Tomlinson

    • Government
    • 4.8 • 279 Ratings

The South … What is it? Movies, books, songs, myths and legends have tried to explain this part of the United States. SouthBound, a new podcast series from WFAE, talks to people who were born and raised in the South. Hosted by journalist Tommy Tomlinson, SouthBound features conversations with notable Southerners from all walks of life – from artists and athletes to preachers and politicians.Who would you like to hear on the SouthBound podcast? Click here or use the form below to submit your favorite Southerner and the question you would love for them to answer. Who knows... you might just hear them on a future episode.

    Alice Randall shines a light on the Black trailblazers in country music (including herself)

    Alice Randall shines a light on the Black trailblazers in country music (including herself)

    This week on SouthBound, host Tommy Tomlinson talks to Alice Randall, who became the first Black woman with a writing credit on a #1 country song with Trisha Yearwood’s 1994 hit “XXXs and OOOs.” Randall has now written a memoir called “My Black Country” and it comes with a companion album of the same name.

    • 33 min
    Kindred Motes helps companies doing well make sure they're doing good

    Kindred Motes helps companies doing well make sure they're doing good

    This week on SouthBound, host Tommy Tomlinson talks to Kindred Motes, an Alabama native who works with nonprofits and small businesses to help them be more socially responsible. He also guides those companies to send money to places in the South that need it.

    • 35 min
    Jason Kirk grew up an evangelical kid. Now he's written a novel about it

    Jason Kirk grew up an evangelical kid. Now he's written a novel about it

    This week on SouthBound, host Tommy Tomlinson talks to Jason Kirk, whose novel “Hell Is a World Without You” draws from his experiences as a teenager in evangelical churches. We talk about how those churches shaped him, and what his beliefs are now.

    • 42 min
    SouthBound replay: Tressie McMillan Cottom explores deep American issues both public and personal

    SouthBound replay: Tressie McMillan Cottom explores deep American issues both public and personal

    Today's SouthBound podcast is a replay of host Tommy Tomlinson's conversation from summer 2023 with Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist, author, columnist for the New York Times and recipient of the MacArthur “genius grant.” Their conversation ranges from the concept of whiteness in American life to the tragedy that shaped her life.

    • 44 min
    Social media star Landon Bryant explains the South to the rest of the world

    Social media star Landon Bryant explains the South to the rest of the world

    This week on SouthBound, host Tommy Tomlinson talks to Landon Bryant, the social media star known for his videos discussing the ways and words of the South. He used to be a Mississippi schoolteacher; now, he gets recognized at Disney World.

    • 33 min
    Rebecca Renner takes us to 'Gator Country' with a tale of swampers and poachers

    Rebecca Renner takes us to 'Gator Country' with a tale of swampers and poachers

    This week on SouthBound, host Tommy Tomlinson talks to author Rebecca Renner, whose new book is called “Gator Country.” It’s the amazing story of a Florida wildlife agent who went undercover to bust a ring of alligator poachers.

    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
279 Ratings

279 Ratings

Nana/Lynne ,

Southbound

Listening to Tommy and his guests is like visiting with favorite friends- it’s entertaining, educational, and heartwarming. In a time when community is rare but so important, this is time well spent.

GrendelUlf ,

Always a pleasure

When I hear Tommy Tomlinson’s welcoming voice I get excited because I’m going to learn something interesting, likely of great value. I didn’t realize he had a podcast u til a couple of weeks ago. I am delighted as I knew I would be. Just finished his interview with Charles Frazier, it was as I knew it would fantastic. To be honest I for some reason Zi thought James Frazier was a bit of an elitist. Ho wrong I was! Looking forward to the next and the next!

Myneatnickname ,

A wonderful slice of southern goodness!

I love this podcast. Thank you, Tommy for putting your heart into all that you do. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our area, traditions, colloquialisms, and all the other goodness of the south.

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