Spirits In The Material World | A MidSouth Culture and Southern Stories Podcast

Sean Blankenship, a Pairaces Studio production

Spirits In The Material World is a Memphis-based MidSouth podcast exploring Southern culture, local voices, music, business, and the stories that shape our communities. Hosted by Sean Blankenship, each episode features in-depth conversations with musicians, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, creatives, veterans, and culture-makers from Memphis and across the South. If you enjoy Southern storytelling, MidSouth history, deep-dive interviews, music culture, business insight, and authentic conversations about local life, this podcast is for you. New episodes feature Memphis icons, rising voices, and th

  1. May 24

    Keeping It Country — Richard Lynch on Traditional Country Music, Farm Life & Honoring Veterans

    What does it mean to truly live the music you make? Richard Lynch has the answer — and it looks like hay fields, a hand-built barn, Grand Ole Opry legends, and 30+ years of staying true to traditional country music no matter what Nashville said.In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean sits down with Richard Lynch — Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, independent country artist, farmer, barn builder, and co-founder of the Love Tattoo Foundation for veterans. Richard's story is the real deal: three chords, the truth, and a work ethic his dad instilled on a farmhouse back porch.We talk about:✅ Growing up in a country music household & learning guitar from his father "Woody"✅ What traditional country music really means — and what's missing today✅ Building a 30+ year independent career outside the Nashville machine✅ "A Better Place" — 33 weeks at #1 on the indie country charts✅ Recording duets with Rhonda Vincent, Ronnie McDowell, David Frizzell & more✅ Building Keepin' It Country Farm in Waynesville, Ohio — by hand✅ Hosting Grand Ole Opry stars in an intimate 300-seat barn venue✅ The Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame — and inducting Connie Smith at the Grand Ole Opry✅ The Love Tattoo Foundation — a nonprofit born from a poem, a veteran, and a song✅ What he tells young artists: "Don't ever take no for an answer"✅ Why AI-generated music is the "ruination of music in general"🎶 Find Richard Lynch:🌐 Website: https://www.richardlynchband.com🎟️ Farm Events & Tickets: https://lovetattoofoundation.org📻 Keeping It Country with Richard & Donna — Every Saturday 9AM-1PM on Real Roots Radio—————————————————————————🎙️ SPIRITS IN THE MATERIAL WORLD — A MidSouth PodcastStories, souls, and sounds from the MidSouth and beyond.🎧 Listen & Subscribe:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oOvZO6tiuPA68r5m2ZfGJApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirits-in-the-material-world-a-midsouth/id1803956926iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-spirits-in-the-material-wo-302669565YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritsinthematerialworldcastProduced by Pairaces Studio | Memphis, TN—————————————————————————#RichardLynch #TraditionalCountry #CountryMusic #KeepinItCountryFarm #LoveTattooFoundation #SpiritsPodcast #MidSouthPodcast #IndependentCountry #VeteransSupport #RealCountryMusic #ThreeChordsTruth #OhioCountryMusicHallOfFame #CountryMusicPodcast #FarmLife #PairacessStudio

    56 min

  2. Apr 29

    Grammy-Nominated Singer, Author & Global Badass Goddess Glenda Benevides on Soul on Fire| S: 2 Ep. 4

    What happens when a four-octave powerhouse vocalist, Grammy-nominated recording artist, author of four books, and founder of the Global Badass Goddess platform walks into your podcast? You clear your calendar — because one hour is never enough.In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean Blankenship sits down with Glenda Benevides — singer-songwriter, transformational guide, and force of nature — for a wide-open conversation about growing up between Oakland and Oregon, singing professionally at 16, the real story behind a Grammy nomination, what the music industry doesn't tell you about streaming, and why she built a whole movement around helping people find their fire.🎤 In this episode we cover:00:00 - Introduction: Grammy-nominated, Global Badass Goddess02:48 - Little Glenda: Oakland, Oregon & a life of music06:04 - Four octaves, hard rock & the Robert Plant connection07:32 - New album Cypress Moon — dedicated to the South08:42 - I Ride: Paul Revere, the American Revolution & songwriting as history14:50 - Born a revolutionary: why history shapes her music19:25 - Lulu White: honoring the richest woman in 1800s New Orleans21:40 - Vocal coach Fred O'Neill — the man who trained Susan Boyle27:49 - The "Badass Goddess" moment that started it all30:07 - Writing four books: clarity, courage, confidence, commitment & community34:58 - The Grammy nomination: The Fury & the Recording Academy39:44 - Four Shades of Blue & winning Best Blues at the International Music Awards46:20 - Soul on Fire: the show, the experience, the corporate retreat50:42 - How to find Glenda & connect with her work51:41 - Her collaborators: Gene Williams, Josh (Nora Jones), Scarlett (Bob Dylan)52:44 - The hard truth about streaming & how to actually support artists1:00:05 - USB sticks, vinyl & the smart way to sell music1:01:16 - Soul on Fire corporate retreats & what's next(Update episode number and verify timestamps before publishing)🎙️ About Spirits in the Material World:A Memphis-based MidSouth podcast exploring Southern culture, music, business, and the stories that shape our communities. Hosted by Sean Blankenship, produced by Pairaces Studio.🔗 Listen everywhere:🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oOvZO6tiuPA68r5m2ZfGJ🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirits-in-the-material-world-a-midsouth/id1803956926💜 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-spirits-in-the-material-wo-302669565📲 Follow the show:▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritsinthematerialworldcast#GlendaBenevides #Grammy #GlobalBadasssGoddess #SoulOnFire #BluesMusic #SingerSongwriter #SpiritsInTheMaterialWorld #MidSouth #MusicPodcast #WomenInMusic #IndependentArtist #SupportArtists #CypressMoon #Empowerment #TransformationalGuide #SouthernCulture #MusicIndustry

    1h 4m

  3. Apr 29

    Memphis Musician, Doctor & Storyteller Rice Drewry on Army Life, Tom Petty Sucks & the Memphis Sound S2 | E3

    What do you get when a Memphis-born family physician moonlights as a singer-songwriter with a Tommy Award-winning band, a catalog of Americana records, and a song called "Tom Petty Sucks"? You get Rice Drewry — and this conversation is exactly as fun as it sounds.In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean Blankenship sits down with Rice Drewry — guitarist, songwriter, physician, and proud son of Memphis — for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up on AM radio in Whitehaven, serving as an Army flight surgeon in Hawaii, writing songs that honor WWII veterans, recording at Royal Studios, and the true story behind one of the most misunderstood song titles in Memphis music.🎸 In this episode, we cover:00:00 - Introduction & Rice's world: music meets medicine01:08 - Army flight surgeon — what that actually means12:24 - Growing up in Whitehaven & Memphis musical roots21:45 - How the Army paid for medical school28:10 - Writing "When They Were Young" — born at the WWII Memorial35:05 - The Tumbling Sneakers & finding his crew35:44 - Opening for Jerry Lee Lewis on Beale Street36:13 - Mentor Jack Holder & learning to record for real41:04 - First solo CD When You Smile (2006)48:19 - Lafayette's Music Room & the Rice Drewry Collective54:22 - Recording at Royal Studios with Boo Mitchell57:03 - Memphis Songwriters Association contest — and winning it1:00:44 - Making the sound his own1:02:11 - Harmonica talk: blues harp, cross harp & Muddy Waters1:08:04 - The true story behind "Tom Petty Sucks"1:06:23 - Upcoming shows: Lafayette's, Italian Fest & Neil's Music Room🎙️ About Spirits in the Material World:A Memphis-based MidSouth podcast exploring Southern culture, music, business, and the stories that shape our communities. Hosted by Sean Blankenship, produced by Pairaces Studio.🔗 Listen everywhere:🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oOvZO6tiuPA68r5m2ZfGJ🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirits-in-the-material-world-a-midsouth/id1803956926💜 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-spirits-in-the-material-wo-302669565📲 Follow the show:▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritsinthematerialworldcast#MemphisMusic #MidSouth #SpiritsInTheMaterialWorld #RiceDrewry #SingerSongwriter #MemphisMusicScene #Americana #ClassicRock #MusicPodcast #SouthernCulture #OriginalMusic #TommyAward #RoyalStudios #BooMitchell #MusicAndMedicine #MemphisSongwriters

    1h 13m
  4. Southern Gothic Novelist & Festival Founder Mark Mustian on the Armenian Genocide, Freak Shows & Word of South | Ep. S2E2

    Apr 18

    Southern Gothic Novelist & Festival Founder Mark Mustian on the Armenian Genocide, Freak Shows & Word of South | Ep. S2E2

    What happens when a municipal attorney runs for city commissioner, writes internationally bestselling novels, and then builds one of the most unique literary festivals in America — all at the same time? You get Mark Mustian. In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean Blankenship sits down with Tallahassee-based author, attorney, and festival founder Mark Mustian for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, Southern culture, the courage to be different, and what it really takes to finish a book — or build something nobody else has ever tried. 📖 In this episode we cover:00:00 - Introduction & Mark's multifaceted life08:00 - Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones & the Delta Blues connection11:00 - Mark's first novel: a Black woman who claims to be Christ returned15:00 - Growing up Southern Baptist, becoming Lutheran & writing about faith20:00 - The Gendarme: the Armenian Genocide told from a Turkish soldier's perspective28:00 - Traveling to Turkey & Syria to research the book31:00 - Boy With Wings: freak shows, the Depression-era South & what it means to be different40:00 - Meeting "Short E Dangerously" — a real-life sideshow performer44:00 - The publishing world: big five vs. indie publishers & the marketing reality52:00 - Word of South Festival: how a rainy first weekend launched a 12-year tradition53:00 - Muscle Shoals tribute, Violent Femmes, Flaming Lips & Earth Wind & Fire57:00 - Sponsors, budgets & the future of the festival01:00:00 - The common thread through it all: it's okay to be different (Update timestamps to match your actual episode) 🎙️ About Spirits in the Material World:A Memphis-based MidSouth podcast exploring Southern culture, music, business, and the stories that shape our communities. Hosted by Sean Blankenship, produced by Pairaces Studio. 🔗 Listen everywhere:🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oOvZO6tiuPA68r5m2ZfGJ🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirits-in-the-material-world-a-midsouth/id1803956926💜 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-spirits-in-the-material-wo-302669565 📲 Follow the show:▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritsinthematerialworldcast #SouthernGothic #ArmenianGenocide #MemphisMusic #MidSouth #WordOfSouth #LiteraryFestival #SouthernCulture #HistoricalFiction #FreakShow #IndiePublishing #TallahasseeFL #SpiritsInTheMaterialWorld #SouthernStorytelling #BookPodcast #MusicAndLiterature

    1h 4m
  5. Memphis Music Legend Kirk Smothers on BB King, Soul & 40 Years of Playing the South | Ep. 9

    Feb 18

    Memphis Music Legend Kirk Smothers on BB King, Soul & 40 Years of Playing the South | Ep. 9

    Some of the most important musicians in American music history don't chase attention. They chase the work.Kirk Smothers has spent over 40 years playing, recording, and touring the world — shaping records you've heard while building a life in Memphis music without a highlight reel or brand strategy. He's played alongside BB King, toured internationally, and remained one of the most respected working musicians in the South.In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Sean Blankenship sits down with Kirk for a master class in musicianship, humility, and longevity.🎷 In this episode, we cover:00:00 - Introduction05:00 - Growing up in Memphis and finding music early15:00 - What it really takes to make a living as a working musician28:00 - Playing with BB King and other world-class artists42:00 - Tone, discipline, relationships, and longevity in music55:00 - Why some Memphis legends stay hidden in plain sight1:05:00 - Final thoughts and reflections(Update timestamps to match your actual episode)🎙️ About Spirits in the Material World:A Memphis-based MidSouth podcast exploring Southern culture, music, business, and the stories that shape our communities. Hosted by Sean Blankenship, produced by Pairaces Studio.🔗 Listen everywhere:🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oOvZO6tiuPA68r5m2ZfGJ🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirits-in-the-material-world-a-midsouth/id1803956926💜 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-spirits-in-the-material-wo-302669565📲 Follow the show:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritsinthematerialworldcast#MemphisMusic #BBKing #JazzSaxophone #SouthernMusic #MidSouth #WorkingMusician #MemphisBlues #SoulMusic #PodcastInterview #SpiritsInTheMaterialWorld #TennesseeMusic #SouthernCulture #MemphisPodcast

    1h 12m
  6. Kirk Smothers - Saxophone, BB King & Memphis

    Jan 24

    Kirk Smothers - Saxophone, BB King & Memphis

    Some of the most important musicians in American music history don’t chase attention.They chase the work. Kirk Smothers has spent over 40 years doing just that—playing, recording, touring the world, shaping records you’ve heard, and building a life in music without a digital footprint, a brand strategy, or a highlight reel. In this episode of Spirits in the Material World, Kirk and I talk about: Growing up in Memphis and finding music early What it really takes to make a living as a working musician Playing with world-class artists without chasing fame Tone, discipline, relationships, and longevity Why some legends stay hidden in plain sight This isn’t a hype interview.It’s a master class in musicianship, humility, and letting the phone keep ringing because you’ve earned it. 🎷 Featuring Kirk Smothers🎙️ Full episode available now

    1h 12m
  7. Memphis Soul & Legacy: Boo Mitchell on Royal Studios, Hi Records & the Sound of the South

    10/18/2025

    Memphis Soul & Legacy: Boo Mitchell on Royal Studios, Hi Records & the Sound of the South

    Episode Description: In the Room Where Soul Lives — Boo Mitchell and the Magic of Royal StudiosStep inside the heartbeat of Memphis with Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, the man carrying forward the legendary legacy of Royal Studios — where timeless soul meets modern sound. In this intimate, one-hour conversation, host Sean Blankenship dives deep with Boo into the spirit that lives within the walls of one of the world’s most iconic recording studios — the birthplace of the Hi Records sound and home to classics from Al Green, Ann Peebles, and the Hi Rhythm Section. Boo opens up about growing up under the mentorship of his father, the late Willie Mitchell, and how he continues that lineage by guiding a new generation of artists — from Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars (“Uptown Funk”) to John Mayer, Melissa Etheridge, and William Bell. Together, they explore what makes Memphis music eternal: authenticity, groove, and that unexplainable magic that can’t be programmed. You’ll hear stories about Grammy nights, ghostly moments in the studio, and what Boo calls “the spirit in the sound.” It’s part history lesson, part creative masterclass, and all heart — a reminder that while technology evolves, soul never goes out of style. Keywords: Boo Mitchell, Royal Studios, Memphis Music, Willie Mitchell, Al Green, Hi Records, Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Grammy Producer, Memphis Soul, Recording Studio, Music Production, Creativity, Leadership, Legacy, Delta Blues, Spirits in the Material World Podcast. follow - https://www.youtube.com/@spiritsinthematerialworldcast

    1h 18m
  8. Memphis Growth & Culture: Ted Townsend on Economic Wins, xAI & MidSouth Opportunity

    08/15/2025

    Memphis Growth & Culture: Ted Townsend on Economic Wins, xAI & MidSouth Opportunity

    Ted Townsend serves as the President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, a role he assumed in December 2022 following a unanimous vote by the organization's Board of Directors. Prior to this, he held the position of Chief Economic Development Officer for both the Greater Memphis Chamber and the University of Memphis from 2020 to 2022, where he contributed to regional growth initiatives. With over a decade of experience in economic development and government relations, Townsend has been instrumental in attracting significant investments to Memphis, including the multi-billion-dollar xAI supercomputer project, which represents the city's largest capital investment by a new company in its history. He previously served as Chairman of the Board for Life Science Tennessee, focusing on expanding life sciences industry jobs in the region. Townsend earned his degree from the University of Memphis and transitioned to the Chamber after being recruited in the wake of a leadership vacancy in 2018.

    1h 49m
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About

Spirits In The Material World is a Memphis-based MidSouth podcast exploring Southern culture, local voices, music, business, and the stories that shape our communities. Hosted by Sean Blankenship, each episode features in-depth conversations with musicians, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, creatives, veterans, and culture-makers from Memphis and across the South. If you enjoy Southern storytelling, MidSouth history, deep-dive interviews, music culture, business insight, and authentic conversations about local life, this podcast is for you. New episodes feature Memphis icons, rising voices, and th

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