The County Line Lee C. Smith

Step behind the curtain with Arden Barnett of Ardenland as he orchestrates the rich symphony of theater management and the vibrant Mississippi music scene. From the historic Ellis Theater to the legendary Duling Hall, Arden unveils the multifaceted role of a music impresario, with a deep dive into the nuances of booking acts, embracing the community's cultural heartbeat, and tailoring experiences that resonate with the soul of Jackson.

The soul of a city can be heard in its music, and in Jackson, it's an anthem that rings out in every chord. Our conversation with Arden explores the city's soulful reputation, where R&B and comfort food meld with the spirit of its people. Trust and quality resonate as keynotes in the art of booking talent, reflecting the community's appetite for authenticity.

With Marty Stuart's influence in the mix, the commitment to preserving musical heritage becomes a tangible part of Philadelphia's Ellis Theater's event strategy, striking a chord with both locals and visitors.

Rounding out this melodic journey, Arden shares the behind-the-scenes tempo of raising the roof for the Congress of Country Music with star-studded fundraising concerts. As cultural celebrations with a cause, these events harmonize the need for financial support with the community's love for live entertainment. Meanwhile, navigating the complexities of Mississippi's music festivals showcases the local talent and logistical finesse that keeps the state's festival scene on beat. Tune in for a masterclass in the art of music management, where every note is played with passion for the community and an ear for excellence.

Ardenland
Website: https://www.ardenland.net/
------------------------------------------------------
Marty Stuart's Congress of Country Music
Website: https://www.congressofcountrymusic.org/
------------------------------------------------------
Where's The County Line:
Website: https://www.countylinepodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countylinepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countylinepodcastms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecountylinepodcast/about
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/countylinepodcast

Submit content, questions, and topics you would like to hear on The County Line to: countylinepodcast@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------
(0:06) Introduction to Ardenland
(15:57) Jackson's Music and Soul Reputation
(21:43) Fundraising Concerts for Country Music Congress
(26:10) Fundraising and Planning for Ellis Theater
(30:56) Managing Music Festivals in Mississippi
Support the show

Are you aware of the grassroots organization making waves in the political landscape, Americans for Prosperity (AFP)? We've got the inside scoop as we chat with AFP's Stone Clanton and Cade Yates about the influential work they're doing. Advocating for limited government, lower taxes, and free markets, this powerhouse team is taking citizen engagement to new heights. They're shaping the discourse on key policy areas like education and healthcare and using a bottom-up approach to drive change.

Stepping away from the traditional talk on policy, we take an unexpected culinary detour, celebrating Southern cuisine in all its glory. You'll be surprised to find out where Clanton and Yates recommend getting the best fried chicken in Mississippi! Then, we steer the ship back to crucial topics like government spending, education, and Medicaid expansion. We question the balance between government safety nets and community charity, the need for a long-term solution for affordable healthcare, and how education can become more flexible to cater to individual needs.

Finally, we jump into the hot topic of tax policy and AFP's vision of reducing taxes wherever possible. We dream about the possibility of eliminating income tax in Mississippi, the challenges that pose, and the need to cut government spending. Whether it's healthcare, taxes or education, the crux of our conversation always comes back to this - every citizen deserves quality, affordable services, and the freedom to choose what's best for them. Come join us on this enlightening journey with Stone Clanton and Cade Yates as we navigate these pressing issues and envision a future of prosperity.

Americans for Prosperity
Website: https://americansforprosperity.org/ and  https://standtogether.org/about-us/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afpmississippi/
X: @afp_ms
Facebook: @afpms
E-mail: sclanton@afphq.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Where's The County Line:
Website: https://www.countylinepodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countylinepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countylinepodcastms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecountylinepodcast/about
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/countylinepodcast

Submit content, questions, and topics you would like to hear on The County Line to: countylinepodcast@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(00:04) Americans for Prosperity
(13:19) Government's Role and Love for Southern Cuisine
(21:27) Controlling Government Spending and Education
(32:56) The Progress of Human Progress
(36:25) Medicaid Expansion
(41:47) Medicaid Expansion Concerns and Challenges
(56:44) Repealing COIN and Medicaid Expansion
(1:02:30) Healthcare Options and Technology Advancements
(1:15:15) Healthcare System and Nurse Practitioners
(1:23:35) Tax Policy and State Budget Conversations
(1:28:27) Eliminating Taxes and Creative Revenue Solutions
(1:41:26) Educational Choice and Flexibility
Support the show

Mary Ryan Brown is a comedian from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. https://www.maryryanbrown.com/ This is Mary Ryan's second time joining us at The County Line (she's now a regular) and the conversation does not disappoint! Go follow her. She's hilarious and we want everybody to know she is hilarious!

See below for episode description, timestamps, and socials. As always, thank you all for your love and support!

Do you ever feel like you're trying to tread water in the ever-changing whirlpool of life? Come on board for a voyage of comedy, vulnerability, and heart-to-heart chats as we navigate through life's complexities! From the perplexing universe of dating apps and the alarming world of massage parlors to the endless struggle of imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with laughter, insights, and more. It's a rollercoaster ride that swings between light-hearted fun and serious discussions.

Picture this: you're sifting through dating apps, struggling to distinguish real people from bots, only to end up with a mobile masseuse with a questionable background! Add to that the shady side of massage parlors and an intense discussion about human trafficking. Yet, in true comedian style, we lighten the mood by sharing our secret dreams of becoming strippers, complete with a preferred playlist and a fan moment for Niykee Heaton. We also bare our souls about the less glamorous sides of our careers - the crippling doubt, the arduous balancing act with parenting, and the ever-present comparison game.

The fun doesn't stop there! We delve deep into the world of relationships - from discussing the intricacies of introducing a significant other to your family, to exploring the nuances of family group chats. We even find time to throw shade on green messages and declare our undying love for all things Apple! So buckle up for an episode filled with laughter, personal revelations, and some useful tips for journeying through the hustle and bustle of life's challenges.

MARY RYAN BROWN
Website: https://www.maryryanbrown.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryryanbrown/
E-mail: mrbrowncomedy@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Where's The County Line:
Website: https://www.countylinepodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countylinepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countylinepodcastms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecountylinepodcast/about
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/countylinepodcast

Submit content, questions, and topics you would like to hear on The County Line to: countylinepodcast@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(0:22) Dating Apps and Massage Services Discussion
(17:02) Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Achieving Success
(25:29) The Importance of Consistency and Confidence
(32:15) Navigating Family Dynamics and Dating
(41:01) Worst First Date, Social Media Comedians
(57:15) Dogs, Birth Rate, and Gender Divide
(1:08:00) Navigating Relationships, Self-Improvement, and Fragrance
(1:24:51) Starting a Podcast and Comedy Career
(1:33:20) Entertaining Conversation With Mary Ryan
Support the show

Imagine getting the chance to negotiate with your all-time favorite rapper for an appearance on your podcast. Well, that's exactly what happened when I spotted Boosie Bad Azz, my musical idol, on Instagram and took the leap to invite him onto the County Line. An unexpected phone call later, we were discussing arrangements for the show. But this episode is not just about my first encounter with Boosie.

I provide a recap of Bobby Rush's 90th birthday concert at the Ellis Theater in Philadelphia, Mississippi. It was an incredible evening, brimming with nostalgia and community spirit. Bobby Rush is phenomenal, even-still at the ripe age of 90!

We delve into how our furry friends are more than just pets for many Millennials and Gen Zs. This raises some interesting questions about emotional reliance and future relationships. Moreover, we contemplate the trend of pet anthropomorphism and the implications it might indicate about setting boundaries and emotional maturity.

The holiday season means something different to everyone. For me, the holiday season has traditionally been the beginning of an annual depressive episode. You may be asking yourself, "What the hell is wrong with Lee?" I'll tell you if you just listen.

So get ready to shake hands with a rap legend, gain a novel perspective on pet anthropomorphism, and view the holidays in a depressing light! 

Let's take a ride!

---------------------------------------------------
Where is The County Line:
https://www.countylinepodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/countylinepodcast/
-----------------------------------------------------

(0:30) Personal encounter with Boosie
(4:30) Boosie e-mail and phone conversation
(11:20) Bobby Rush 90th Birthday
(20:00) Dating app stigmas
(24:00) Pet Anthropomorphism
(33:00) I'm not picking up dog shit
(44:00) Holiday season is depressing to me
(47:00) Is New Years Eve overrated?
Support the show

The tables are turned on this episode of The County Line! Ben Hardy, Philadelphia, MS native and longtime friend of mine comes through to interview me, Lee Carl. The episode portrays me in a different light as this is the first time I have been interviewed on The County Line.

The conversation is driven by specific questions Ben poses. I do my very best to be as introspective as possible for The County Line Congregation! If you know Ben, you will not be surprised by the vast array of topics we cover throughout the interview. If you are not familiar with Ben, myself, or The County Line nothing could serve as a better introduction than this episode!

We explore the immense value of sound systems in bands, crucial need for more entrepreneurial efforts in small towns, power of parks and recreation, abandoned railroad beds, rap music, mental health and many, many more captivating topics.

"Thank you to Ben Hardy and the entire County Line Congregation for your continued support! Much love and many thanks!" -Lee Carl

---------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Ben: https://www.instagram.com/bigbenhardy/

Where is The County Line:
https://www.countylinepodcast.com/
-----------------------------------------------------

(0:06) Earpieces for Sound Monitoring Benefits
(3:44) Discussion on Entrepreneurship, Restaurants, and Growth
(19:44) Improving the Park and Community Amenities
(25:41) Voicing Opinions in the Digital Age
(38:15) Face-to-Face Communication
(42:33) Music Preferences and Personal Memories
(47:15) Hip Hop and Soul Music
(1:00:22) Southern Hip Hop Artists and Patreon
(1:06:34) The Vassals and Ethan Carter's Role
(1:22:59) Tom Tom's Death and Community Impact
(1:33:40) Mental Health and Podcast Recommendations
(1:55:05) Single Parent Homes' Impact on Success
(2:09:52) Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Antisemitism
(2:23:02) Influence on Young Minds
(2:31:48) AI's Impact on Politics
Support the show

Are the bigger hospitals always the best providers of healthcare? Quentin Whitwell, CEO of Progressive Health, turns this idea on its head as we delve deeply into the world of rural healthcare. Quentin's insightful conversation reveals a landscape rich with potential, highlighting the unique advantages small hospitals bring to the table - from a better staff-to-patient ratio to a more personalized level of patient care.

We take an enlightening journey through the complex maze of federal funding, discussing how the government's matching program can be a game-changer for rural healthcare. Quentin supplies a fresh perspective on the concept of Medicaid expansion, debunking common misconceptions and laying bare the true potential it holds for improving patient care. He also sheds light on the challenges of scaling an organization across multiple states and reveals how Progressive Health has employed a unique hybrid model to manage and purchase hospitals.

Finally, we wrap up our conversation by immersing ourselves in the unique stories and character of small towns. Quentin shares his thoughts on promoting health equity, underscoring the importance of fostering healthy lifestyles and creating a movement towards better health. You won't want to miss this intriguing and insightful conversation with Quentin Whitwell, where we unearth the hidden potential of rural healthcare.

QUENTIN WHITWELL: https://www.quentinwhitwell.one/about
QUENTIN WHITWELL INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/qwhitwell/
PROGRESSIVE HEALTH: https://www.phghealth.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Where's The County Line:
Website: https://www.countylinepodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countylinepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countylinepodcastms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecountylinepodcast/about
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/countylinepodcast

Submit content, questions, and topics you would like to hear on The County Line to: countylinepodcast@gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(0:18) Progressive Health in Rural Hospital
(15:47) Issues and Solutions for Rural Hospitals
(29:43) Medicaid Expansion and Rural Hospitals
(38:14) Hospital Expansion and COVID Funding
(50:50) Rural Healthcare and Public Conversations
(56:21) Explore Towns, Promote Health Equity


Support the show