Say Grace

Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy- and four-time James Beard Award–winning chef, creator, producer, and storyteller who has built a career on the belief that food tells the world’s most important stories. Through his acclaimed shows including Bizarre Foods, The Zimmern List, and Family Dinner, he’s explored how food can bridge divides and inspire change. Beyond television, he founded Intuitive Content and Passport Hospitality, authored five books, and co-created the Emmy-nominated series Hope in the Water. As a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UN World Food Programme and The Nature Conservancy, he continues to champion sustainability, fight hunger, and advocate for cultural understanding. In this episode, Andrew joins Steve to discuss his journey to sobriety and what sparked his decision to support the recovery community, how he landed in food media and how it has changed throughout the years, and how people can display hospitality in their everyday lives. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Brooks Reitz is a Charleston-based entrepreneur, investor, and writer. He is the owner of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's Tavern, and Melfi's, in Charleston, and The Bell, in New Orleans. He is also the founder of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., a manufacturer of mixers and bar tools distributed internationally, and along with his wife, Erin, he is the co-founder of E.M. Reitz, making high-end shirts for women and men in NYC's Garment District. Via investments in brands like Blackbird and MUBI, he is focused on championing food, art, media, and culture; he writes his weekly newsletter, A Small & Simple Thing, available on Substack, through the lens of these experiences.In this episode, Brooks joins Steve to discuss how he discovered his love of hospitality, the ever-evolving Charleston culinary scene, and where he finds inspiration—both personally and professionally.Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

In this special kick-off to 2026, host Steve Palmer and his previous and upcoming guests, including Frank Stitt, Kat Kinsman, Andrew Zimmern, and more, share thoughts on what trends we will see more (and less of) in the new year. Thank you to our studio partners for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.

In this special holiday episode, host Steve Palmer takes a moment to reflect on the past year and highlight the important work his partners, community, and friends are doing within the hospitality community and beyond. Thank you to Sloss Real Estate for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.

Hunter Lewis is the Editor-in-Chief of Food & Wine, a role he has held since 2017, overseeing the brand’s print, digital, and experiential platforms. He began his career in food journalism after leaving a newspaper job in Durham, North Carolina, for a spot in Jonathan Waxman’s kitchen at Barbuto. This experience shaped his editorial approach and deepened his connection to restaurant culture. His path through the food media industry includes leadership roles at Saveur, Bon Appétit, Southern Living, and Cooking Light, ultimately leading to his current position at Food & Wine. In this episode, Hunter joins Steve Palmer to talk through the early days of their careers, the evolution of traditional media, and how competition can benefit everyone.Thank you to Smithey Ironware and to Sloss Real Estate for allowing us to use their space to film this episode. 

John T. Edge is the writer and host of the Emmy Award-winning television show TrueSouth on the SEC Network, ESPN, Disney, and Hulu. He also pens a beloved restaurant column for Garden & Gun and is the author of The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South, which was named one of the best books of the year by NPR and Publishers Weekly.  His most recent work is a memoir, House of Smoke: A Southerner Goes Searching for Home, which was published in September 2025 and has been met with great acclaim. In addition to his writing and storytelling, John serves the University of Mississippi as a teacher, writer-in-residence, and director of the Mississippi Lab, and mentors students in the University of Georgia’s MFA program in narrative nonfiction. In this episode, John T. sits down with Steve Palmer to explore Southern food culture and storytelling, reflect on his journey through roles in academia and food media, and unpack the important, layered themes that connect them.Thank you to Smithey Ironware and Sloss Real Estate for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.

Frank Stitt is the chef and owner of Highlands Bar & Grill, Bottega, and Chez Fonfon in Birmingham, AL, and one of the most influential voices in modern Southern cuisine. A multi–James Beard Award winner and accomplished author, he has played a pivotal role in redefining Southern dining on a national stage while helping put Birmingham’s culinary scene on the map. As a founding member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, he has also been instrumental in documenting and preserving the region’s rich food culture, championing local farmers, artisans, and traditions.In this episode, Frank joins Steve for a conversation that ranges from his early career as a young American chef working in Europe’s top kitchens, to exploring different cuisines in his restaurants, and the power of truly knowing an ingredient.Thank you to Smithey Ironware and Sloss Real Estate for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.

In this special solo episode, host Steve Palmer shares his perspective on navigating the holiday season—a time that can be especially challenging for many—as a recovering addict working in the hospitality industry. If you or someone you know in hospitality needs support this season (or any time of year), Ben’s Friends offers professional resources and a strong, compassionate community.Thank you to Pepper Place for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.

Jon Murray is the founder of Noko and Kase, two acclaimed East Nashville restaurants that blend Southern roots with a global point of view. With nearly two decades of hospitality experience, Jon is reshaping modern dining through purpose-driven concepts, people-first workplaces, and a commitment to thoughtful, intentional guest experiences. His work challenges industry norms while setting a new standard for creativity and care in contemporary hospitality.In this episode, Jon sits down with his long-time friend, Steve Palmer, to discuss the challenges of leadership, learning to balance multiple restaurant concepts, and their journey to sobriety through the “gift of desperation.”Thank you to Lagos Creative for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.

Max Goldberg is the co-owner of Strategic Hospitality, the group behind some of Nashville’s most celebrated restaurants and bars, including The Patterson House, The Catbird Seat, Bastion, Henrietta Red, Locust, and Kisser. Since founding the company with his brother Benjamin in 2006, he has helped shape Nashville’s dining culture and grown the group to more than 500 employees. He serves on several local boards, is a member of the Tennessee State Workforce Development Board, and has been recognized by Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Robb Report’s Rising Power Players in American Fine Dining, and as a multi-year James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Restaurateur.In this episode, Max joins Steve for a conversation about the changing landscape of Nashville, how COVID shifted his perspective, what it’s like to work closely with his brother, and more.Thank you to Lagos Creative for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.