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SouthBound
00000174-9e19-ddc3-a1fc-bedbd7820001The 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.New episodes will come out every other week on Wednesday. Subscribe:iTunes Stitcher NPR One

Top Voices From The South In 2019

The "SouthBound" podcast is more than two years old, and Tommy Tomlinson has given us insight into the lives of Southerners from all walks of life with his conversations. From artists to athletes to preachers and politicians, here are his picks for his favorite voices from the South in 2019.

Tony Jack

Tommy's comment: I learned so much from Tony on what it’s like to climb all the way from the streets of Miami to the halls of Harvard – and how he’s trying to help young students navigate that same difficult climb.

Listen to the May 1 "SouthBound" episode with Tony Jack here.

Rhiannon Giddens

Tommy's comment: Rhiannon is not just a fantastic singer and banjo player, she understands the deep connections of global music better than just about anyone. I enjoy hearing her talk as much as I love hearing her sing.

Listen to the Oct. 2 "SouthBound" episode with Rhiannon Giddens here.

Mitch Landrieu 

Tommy's comment: He’s a Louisiana politician, so you know he can tell a story … and the story he has chosen to tell is about how to understand – and maybe heal – the racial divide in the South.

Listen to the Oct. 30 "SouthBound" episode with Mitch Landrieu here.

Kyes Stevens

Tommy's comment: Kyes has done amazing work educating prisoners in Alabama – and just as much work educating the rest of the country that being a rural lesbian Southerner is not a contradiction, but a celebration.

Listen to the July 24 "SouthBound" episode with Kyes Stevens here.

Chuck Culpepper 

Tommy's comment: This one’s personal, because Chuck is a friend. But his “Up in the Air” way of living, and his career as one of the first openly gay sportswriters, would be compelling even if Chuck weren’t a brilliant storyteller. (He is.)

Listen to the March 20 "SouthBound" episode with Chuck Culpepper here.

Tommy Tomlinson has hosted the podcast SouthBound for WFAE since 2017. He also does a commentary, On My Mind, which airs every Monday.