The State and Main Podcast

Black Grass Media
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business

Welcome to State & Main Podcast, where the past, present, and future of downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky come to life. Hosted by local developer and downtown specialist Jonathan Bryant, this podcast goes beyond real estate deals and into the stories that truly shape a city. From the rich history of Bowling Green’s square to the evolving landscape of new development, Jonathan brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. But this isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. Each episode highlights the tenants, business owners, and dreamers who bring these spaces to life. You’ll hear the stories of who’s moving in, who’s moved on, and the real journeys behind the storefronts that define downtown. Along the way, Jonathan shares his own wins, setbacks, and lessons learned in real estate—pulling back the curtain in hopes that others can navigate their own path a little smoother. If you care about community, entrepreneurship, and the heartbeat of a growing city, this is your front-row seat to it all. This is State & Main.

Episodes

  1. Sep 18

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 10 W/ Josh Poling (Hickory & Oak)

    This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Josh Poling of Hickory & Oak to discuss his journey as a chef, the evolution of Bowling Green’s dining scene, and his latest chapter as the new owner of the historic Broadbent Hams. Josh takes us back to the beginning of his culinary career in Lexington and shares the experiences that shaped his approach to food and hospitality. We follow his journey to Bowling Green, where he opened Home Café and helped introduce the community to a fresh, locally focused style of dining. He also discusses the lessons he learned while building the restaurant and how those experiences ultimately led him to Hickory & Oak. We dive into the story behind Hickory & Oak, Josh’s vision for creating an elevated dining experience rooted in Southern flavors, and the work that goes into operating one of Bowling Green’s most recognized restaurants. He shares his perspective on sourcing quality ingredients, developing memorable dishes, building a strong team, and creating a restaurant that feels connected to the community it serves. Josh also talks about purchasing Broadbent Hams, a historic Kentucky company known for its country ham, bacon, and longstanding family tradition. We explore what drew him to the business, the responsibility that comes with preserving such an iconic Kentucky brand, and his plans for carrying its legacy into the future. If you’re interested in food, entrepreneurship, Kentucky traditions, or the story behind some of the region’s most celebrated culinary businesses, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Happy listening to Episode 10 of the State & Main Podcast!

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 10 W/ Josh Poling (Hickory & Oak)

  2. Sep 4

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 9 W/ Sean Stevens (White Squirrel Brewery)

    This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Sean Stevens of White Squirrel Brewery to discuss his journey into brewing, the story behind the brewery, and his vision for the future of downtown Bowling Green. Sean takes us back through his background and shares how his interest in craft beer eventually became a career. We explore the experiences that shaped him as a brewer, what goes into developing a great beer, and the challenges and rewards of building a brewery rooted in the local community. He also shares the history of White Squirrel Brewery and what makes it such a unique part of Bowling Green’s growing food, beverage, and entertainment scene. We also dive into the history of the building White Squirrel calls home and the importance of preserving the character of downtown while finding new ways to bring historic spaces back to life. Sean shares his perspective on the growth happening throughout the area, what downtown Bowling Green still needs, and why locally owned businesses will play such an important role in shaping its future. If you’re interested in craft beer, local history, entrepreneurship, or the continued transformation of downtown Bowling Green, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Happy listening to Episode 9 of the State & Main Podcast!

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 9 W/ Sean Stevens (White Squirrel Brewery)

  3. Aug 3

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 8 W/ Kyle Shirley (1010 State Street)

    This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Shirley, one of the owners of 1010 State Street, to discuss the future of one of downtown Bowling Green’s most exciting properties. Not long ago, Bowling Green believed a new brewery was coming to town. Soon after the announcement, however, plans unexpectedly fell through. Kyle walks us through what happened, what the owners learned from the experience, and where things stand today. We also explore the vision for this beautiful historic building, the search for the right tenant, and what could eventually become a destination that blows Bowling Green away. If you’ve been wondering what went wrong—and what might be coming next—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

  4. Jul 20

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 7 W/ Brent Childers (The City of Bowling Green, KY)

    This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Brent Childers, Director of Neighborhood & Community Services for the City of Bowling Green, to discuss one of the most exciting transformations our community has ever seen—the future of Bowling Green's riverfront. Brent takes us behind the scenes of the city's long-term vision to reconnect downtown with the Barren River through the new Riverfront Park and the broader wave of public and private investment reshaping the area. From outdoor recreation and event spaces to new opportunities for business, housing, and entertainment, we explore how this once-overlooked part of the city is becoming a destination for both residents and visitors. The multi-phase, 70-acre project is designed to serve as a catalyst for economic development while creating new ways for people to experience the river and downtown Bowling Green. We also talk about the planning process behind a project of this scale, the partnerships making it possible, and how the riverfront fits into Bowling Green's continued growth. Brent shares what residents can expect in the coming years, why this investment is so important to the city's future, and how thoughtful development can preserve the character of Bowling Green while creating new opportunities for generations to come. If you're curious about the future of Bowling Green, passionate about community development, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city's most ambitious projects, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Happy listening to Episode 7 of the State & Main Podcast!

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 7 W/ Brent Childers (The City of Bowling Green, KY)

  5. Jul 10

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 6 W/ Steve Sheldon (Murder Mansion)

    This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Steve Sheldon to talk about one of Bowling Green’s most fascinating and talked-about properties—the historic Murder Mansion. Steve shares the story behind purchasing the iconic antebellum-style home, what drew him to the property, and the vision he has for restoring and preserving a piece of Bowling Green history. From the challenges of renovating a landmark estate to uncovering details hidden within its walls, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a project that has captured the attention of the community. We also dive into the legends, lore, and stories that have followed the mansion for decades. From local rumors and historic tales to the events that earned the property its infamous nickname, Steve discusses what he’s learned throughout the process and separates fact from fiction along the way. If you’re a fan of local history, historic preservation, architecture, or simply love hearing the stories behind Bowling Green’s most unique properties, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Happy listening to Episode 6 of the State & Main Podcast!

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 6 W/ Steve Sheldon (Murder Mansion)

  6. Apr 24

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 5 W/ Tom Holmes (440 MAIN)

    This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Tom Holmes—the man behind 440 Main, one of downtown Bowling Green’s most iconic restaurant and bar destinations. Tom takes us through his journey as a restaurateur, from the early days to building one of the most well-known spots on the square. But this episode goes deeper than just the business—we get into the rich history of the building itself and the stories that have shaped its place in downtown over the years. We also talk about the recent news surrounding the building heading to auction, what that means, and—most importantly—what’s next. Tom shares his perspective, his plans moving forward, and how he’s thinking about the future of both 440 Main and downtown Bowling Green as a whole. If you love hearing the real stories behind the places that define a city, this is one you don’t want to miss. Happy listening to Episode 5 of the State & Main Podcast!

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 5 W/ Tom Holmes (440 MAIN)

  7. Apr 16

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 4 W/ Heather Heck (ALORA Aesthetics)

    This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Heather Heck—Acute Care Nurse and Founder of Alora Aesthetics. Heather has been serving clients on the square at 941 College Street for years, but now there’s a big next chapter… and you might just be hearing it here first. Alora Aesthetics is making a move into the former Dublin’s building. In this episode, you’ll get to know Heather beyond the business—her story, her family, and how she built Alora into what it is today. We also dive into the services she offers and what she’s excited to expand in this new space. If you care about the growth of downtown Bowling Green or just love hearing how great businesses are built, this one’s for you. Happy listening to Episode 4 of the State & Main Podcast!

  8. Apr 9

    The State and Main Podcast | Episode 3 W/ Susan Hoechner (Barbara Stewart Interiors)

    This episode we’ve got more from Susan Hoechner! Some of you caught her on our “Full Circle” segment—today we sit down with her and really dive into the details of her space and her thriving business in downtown Bowling Green. Susan has seen downtown through so many different phases, and we’re incredibly grateful we got to document her perspective. Have fun listening, and while you’re at it… go stop by and see her!

  9. Apr 3

    "The Full Circle" Ep. 2 W/ Susan Hoechner

    We’re excited to introduce a brand-new segment of the podcast: The Full Circle. In our very first episode, Jonathan Bryant sits down with Susan Hoechner, owner and lead interior designer of Barbara Stewart Interiors. As the daughter of founder Barbara Stewart and the longest-running tenant on the square, Susan offers an incredible perspective on the history of downtown Bowling Green. She shares stories of what’s come and gone, what has made downtown so special through the years, and what she hopes to see in the future. You’re going to love this one. Enjoy The Full Circle with Jonathan Bryant.

  10. Mar 27

    State and Main Podcast | Episode 1

    On the very first episode of State & Main, Jonathan Bryant sits down with a familiar face—Spence—for a candid and energetic conversation. Spence flips the script and puts Jonathan in the hot seat, digging into the vision behind the podcast and what pushed him to jump in headfirst. They cover the “why” behind State & Main, what listeners can expect moving forward, and set the tone for the stories that are still to come. This is just the beginning—and it’s a fun one. We hope you enjoy it. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s ahead. Happy listening!

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to State & Main Podcast, where the past, present, and future of downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky come to life. Hosted by local developer and downtown specialist Jonathan Bryant, this podcast goes beyond real estate deals and into the stories that truly shape a city. From the rich history of Bowling Green’s square to the evolving landscape of new development, Jonathan brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. But this isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. Each episode highlights the tenants, business owners, and dreamers who bring these spaces to life. You’ll hear the stories of who’s moving in, who’s moved on, and the real journeys behind the storefronts that define downtown. Along the way, Jonathan shares his own wins, setbacks, and lessons learned in real estate—pulling back the curtain in hopes that others can navigate their own path a little smoother. If you care about community, entrepreneurship, and the heartbeat of a growing city, this is your front-row seat to it all. This is State & Main.

Information

  • Creator
    Black Grass Media
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The State and Main Podcast
  • Show Website
    The State and Main Podcast