The Southern Shmooze

Grant Wallace
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

The Southern Shmooze is your inside look at Atlanta’s local businesses, neighborhoods, and the people who keep the city running. Hosted by Grant Wallace, founder of The Southern Shmooze, this podcast features real conversations with local business owners, creatives, and neighbors—covering everything from home services and entrepreneurship to community stories and everyday life in Atlanta. Grant also owns local businesses including Grantlanta Lawn (landscaping) and Peace of Mind Recycling, giving him a deep passion for supporting small businesses across the city. Whether you’re a business owner looking to talk inside baseball or a homeowner trying to find your next trusted service provider, this podcast is for you. Join the community: Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze Directory: thesouthernshmooze.com New episodes weekly. Art by local ATL artist BlackCatTips and theme song provided by The Winter Sounds

Episodes

  1. Jul 10

    Ep. 11 | Savannah Ezema - Hailo

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Savannah, founder of Halo House. They talk about creating beautiful, intentional spaces that truly feel like home, the power of thoughtful interior design, and how great design can improve the way we live every day. Savannah shares how she got started, her design philosophy, and what it’s like building a business centered around helping clients love where they live. They also discuss entrepreneurship, balancing creativity with running a business, and why investing in a well-designed home is about more than just aesthetics, it’s about creating spaces that reflect the people who live in them. 👉 Check out Savannah and Halo House on The Southern Shmooze Directory https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/67d08208fdb7475da30de308 👉 Visit Halo House https://www.hailohouse.com/ 👉 Join the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSouthernShmooze 👉 Subscribe to The Southern Shmooze Newsletter https://thesouthernshmooze.substack.com/ If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 11 | Savannah Ezema - Hailo

  2. Jul 2

    Ep. 10 | Charlie Mancini - C. Grain Furniture

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Charlie Mancini, founder of C. Grain Furniture. They talk about the art of handcrafted furniture, what goes into building heirloom-quality pieces, and why solid wood craftsmanship still matters in today’s world. Charlie shares how he got started, his approach to custom design, and what it’s like turning a passion for woodworking into a thriving business. They also discuss entrepreneurship, balancing creativity with business, and the value of investing in furniture that’s built to last for generations. 👉 Check out Charlie and C. Grain Furniture online at The Southern Shmooze Directory⁠ 👉 Visit Charlie’s website at C. Grain Furniture⁠ 👉 Join the Facebook Group: The Southern Shmooze Facebook Group⁠ 👉 Subscribe to The Southern Shmooze Newsletter: The Southern Shmooze Newsletter⁠ If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 10 | Charlie Mancini - C. Grain Furniture

  3. Jun 24

    Ep. 09 | Ben Morris – Rescue Restoration

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Ben Morris, owner of Rescue Restoration of Atlanta. They talk about what it takes to restore homes and businesses after water damage, fire damage, mold issues, and other unexpected disasters. Ben shares stories from the field, explains how homeowners can prepare for emergencies, and offers practical advice for navigating the restoration process when the unexpected happens. They also discuss entrepreneurship, building trust in the community, and why serving Atlanta families with honesty and urgency is at the heart of everything Rescue Restoration does. 👉 Check out Ben and Rescue Restoration of Atlanta online at https://shmoozeatl.com/directory#!biz/id/695e79b77bc8306f910f80e0 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze 👉 Subscribe to The Southern Shmooze Newsletter: https://thesouthernshmooze.substack.com/ If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 09 | Ben Morris – Rescue Restoration

  4. Jun 10

    Ep. 08 | Bentley Hudgins – Democratic nominee for Georgia's House District 90

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Bentley Hudgins. They talk about grass-roots community organizing, human rights, the power of standing up for our neighbors, and how everyday people can make a lasting positive impact right here in Atlanta. Bentley shares their journey as a community builder and advocate, discussing how we can work together to support local working families, protect local voices, and build a stronger, more equitable future for Atlanta neighborhoods. 👉 Check out Bently online at https://bentleyforus.com/ 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze 👉 Subscribe to The Southern Shmooze Newsletter: https://thesouthernshmooze.substack.com/ If you're enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 08 | Bentley Hudgins – Democratic nominee for Georgia's House District 90

  5. Jun 3

    Ep. 07 | Taylor Schultz – Native Scapes

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Taylor Schultz of Native Scapes. They talk about sustainable landscaping, native plants, creating beautiful outdoor spaces that support local ecosystems, and how homeowners can make a positive impact right in their own backyards. Taylor shares how Native Scapes helps people transform traditional lawns into thriving, environmentally friendly landscapes that require less water, support pollinators, and bring more biodiversity to Atlanta neighborhoods. (nativescapesga.com) 👉 View Taylor on The Southern Shmooze Directory: https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/6898919150d006c131047bf4 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze 👉 Subscribe to The Southern Shmooze Newsletter: https://thesouthernshmooze.substack.com/ If you're enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 07 | Taylor Schultz – Native Scapes

  6. May 15

    Ep. 06 | Brendon Ford – Your Handyman Atlanta

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Brendon Ford of YourHandymanAtlanta.com. They talk about the world of handyman work, home repairs, what goes into delivering reliable service, how Brendon got started with Your Handyman Atlanta, and what it takes to build a trusted business through strong customer relationships and quality work. It’s a great conversation about entrepreneurship, homeownership, and growing a business through community connections. 👉 View Brendon on The Southern Shmooze Directory: https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/67bcdf9926d004275106b271 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze 👉 Subscribe to The Southern Shmooze Newsletter: https://thesouthernshmooze.substack.com/ If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 06 | Brendon Ford – Your Handyman Atlanta

  7. May 5

    Ep. 05 | Colton Parks – Old Pine Decks

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Colton of Old Pine Decks. They talk about the world of deck building, screen-in porches, what goes into creating beautiful outdoor spaces, how Colton got started with Old Pine Decks, and how to run 6 crews as a side job! It’s a great conversation about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and building a business through quality work and strong community relationships. 👉 View Colton on The Southern Shmooze Directory: https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/697fed2100ccfada5100d3a2 👉 Learn more about Old Pine Decks: https://www.oldpinedecks.com/ 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 05 | Colton Parks – Old Pine Decks

  8. Apr 23

    Ep. 04 | Ashton Walker – Loaves and Fishes

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Ashton Walker of FOCUS Atlanta—who also leads Loaves & Fishes, a local soup kitchen serving the Atlanta community by feeding, clothing, and supporting the unhoused. They talk about the day-to-day reality of running a soup kitchen, the impact of showing up consistently for people in need, and how Ashton got involved with FOCUS Atlanta. It’s an honest conversation about service, community, and the real ways strong support systems can change lives. 👉 View Ashton on The Southern Shmooze Directory: https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/68de9eb271ae647cec032c89 👉 Learn more about FOCUS Atlanta: https://focusatlanta.org/ 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 04 | Ashton Walker – Loaves and Fishes

  9. Apr 15

    Ep. 03 | Michelle Parravani – Designing with Less

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Michelle Parravani of Designing with Less, an Atlanta-based professional organizer helping homeowners simplify their spaces and create more functional, stress-free homes. They talk about what it really looks like to declutter, how Michelle got started, and practical ways to make your home feel more manageable without getting overwhelmed. If you’ve ever looked around your house and thought “where do I even start?”—this one’s for you. 👉 View Michelle on The Southern Shmooze Directory: https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/67bfc8141adfbbcb0a0ccb8f 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 03 | Michelle Parravani – Designing with Less

  10. Apr 8

    Ep. 02 | Lane Thurman – eso.projects

    In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Lane Thurman of ESO Projects, an Atlanta-based builder focused on thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and custom residential work. They talk about what goes into a successful build, how Lane approaches projects differently, and what homeowners should know before starting renovations or construction. From planning and budgeting to finding the right team, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how great projects actually come together. If you’re thinking about a renovation—or just want to understand how high-quality construction projects are done—this is a great listen. 👉 View Lane and ESO Projects on The Southern Shmooze Directory: https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/67c1fa6b10f95127e706a9ca 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 02 | Lane Thurman – eso.projects

  11. Apr 3

    Ep. 01 | Forrest Smith – Smith Home Services LLC

    In this first episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Forrest Smith of Smith Home Services, a local Atlanta handyman helping homeowners tackle everything from small repairs to bigger home projects. They talk about what it’s really like running a local service business, how Forrest got started, and what homeowners should look for when hiring someone they can trust. If you’ve ever needed a reliable handyman (or just want a better understanding of how these businesses operate), this is a great place to start. 👉 View Forrest on The Southern Shmooze Directory: https://www.thesouthernshmooze.com/directory#!biz/id/67bfc09437818d7c8609f63d 👉 Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze If you’re enjoying The Southern Shmooze, it would mean a lot if you took a second to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more Atlanta neighbors discover the show and support local businesses.

    Ep. 01 | Forrest Smith – Smith Home Services LLC
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Southern Shmooze is your inside look at Atlanta’s local businesses, neighborhoods, and the people who keep the city running. Hosted by Grant Wallace, founder of The Southern Shmooze, this podcast features real conversations with local business owners, creatives, and neighbors—covering everything from home services and entrepreneurship to community stories and everyday life in Atlanta. Grant also owns local businesses including Grantlanta Lawn (landscaping) and Peace of Mind Recycling, giving him a deep passion for supporting small businesses across the city. Whether you’re a business owner looking to talk inside baseball or a homeowner trying to find your next trusted service provider, this podcast is for you. Join the community: Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze Directory: thesouthernshmooze.com New episodes weekly. Art by local ATL artist BlackCatTips and theme song provided by The Winter Sounds

Information

  • Creator
    Grant Wallace
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grant Wallace
  • Show Website
    The Southern Shmooze