The Community Bank Podcast

Hosted by SouthState Correspondent Division

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Episodes

150

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The podcast dedicated to helping community bankers grow themselves, their team, and their profits. Brought to you by the Correspondent Division of SouthState Bank.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202635 min

What Banks Can Learn from Trader Joes with DJ Seeterlin

In this episode, Chris Nichols and DJ Seeterlin explore what banks can learn from Trader Joe's approach to strategy, focusing on clear customer segments, intentional trade-offs, and delivering value over price. They discuss how aligning products, people, and experiences around a defined audience can help banks stand out, and how these same principles apply to areas like AI, where technology should enhance the human connection. Download our newest eBook: The Community Bank Performance Engine! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

June 8, 202635 min

How to Shift from a "Debt Mindset" to "Equity Mindset" with Samer Saab

In this episode, Chris Nichols is joined by Samer Saab of Alloy Labs to explore the growing tension between a traditional "debt mindset" and a more forward-looking "equity mindset" in banking. While banks are built to minimize risk and protect principal, that same instinct can limit innovation, partnerships, and long-term growth. Samer shares practical ways banks can rebalance risk and reward by moving faster, experimenting more, and treating new initiatives as scalable capabilities rather than one-off projects. Download our newest eBook: The Community Bank Performance Engine! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

June 1, 202642 min

Rethinking Banking Strategy in an Era of AI and Tokenization with Lee Wetherington

In this episode, Chris Nichols sits down with Jack Henry's Lee Wetherington to unpack the biggest strategic shifts facing community banks today. From deposit pressures and the rise of small business banking to the growing importance of data strategy and payments, the conversation highlights how banks must rethink their approach to growth. The discussion makes one thing clear: success in the next phase of banking will depend on how well institutions leverage data, adapt their payment strategies, and evolve alongside rapidly changing customer behaviors, especially among Gen Z and small business owners. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

May 25, 202643 min

The Art of Public Speaking with Eva Daniel

In this episode, Caleb Stevens talks with Eva Daniel, founder of The Speak Shop, about why effective communication is a critical leadership skill. Eva shares why every professional should have a signature message, common mistakes leaders make when presenting, and how thoughtful storytelling and structure can dramatically increase clarity and credibility. Tune in to learn the hidden career advantage of strong public speaking and how you as a leader can elevate your own. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

May 18, 202637 min

AI Basics for Bankers with Ben Udell

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Udell, a former community banker turned AI advisor, to break down what AI actually means for banks today and how to start using it in practical ways. Ben shares how bankers can use AI to save time, sharpen decision-making, and enhance relationships. From turning voice notes into board reports to accelerating commercial loan analysis and preparing for tougher loan committee conversations, the conversation is packed with actionable use cases. They also tackle common concerns around regulation, risk, and job security, offering a clear message: bankers who learn to work with AI will be better positioned to compete, grow, and lead in the years ahead. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

May 11, 202637 min

De Novo Founder Erik Weiner on Raising $42 Million to Launch Portrait Bank

Today we speak with Erik Weiner, CEO of de novo Portrait Bank. We discuss his banking background, why he started Portrait bank, the capital raise process, attracting talent, and building out a tech stack. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

May 4, 202625 min

Live from the Financial Brand Forum: Marketing that Moves the Balance Sheet with Dan Marks

Recorded live from the Financial Brand Fourm on April 14th, Caleb Stevens sits down with Dan Marks, President of OptimaFI, to talk about what bank marketers should actually be focused on today. They dig into using data to prove ROI, aligning marketing with lending and finance, avoiding "shiny object" syndrome, and where AI can genuinely help community banks grow. A practical, real‑world conversation for marketers who want to move the balance sheet—not just launch campaigns. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

April 27, 202646 min

What it Takes to Build a Championship Team with Pat and Robert McLaughlin

Today we sit down with brothers Pat and Robert McLaughlin. Though they come from different, diverse fields, Pat and Robert share a passion in leadership development. They talk to us about presence, the traits of championship teams, and what they've learned from their work with Jon Gordon. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

April 20, 202640 min

Ben Sasse on the Digital Revolution, the Loneliness Epidemic, and Why Community Banking Still Matters

In this episode, former U.S. Senator and SouthState Bank board member Ben Sasse joins Caleb Stevens and Chris Kamienski for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of community banking, the loneliness epidemic, and the digital revolution reshaping the economy. Learn more about SouthState's Correspondent Banking Division at https://southstatecorrespondent.com/ The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC

April 13, 202629 min

Building an Incredible Culture and Virtue-Driven Bank with Chris Carneal

Today we speak with Chris Carneal, Founder and CEO of Booster, the largest elementary school fundraising company in the country. He tells us about how he's created a remarkable company through his leadership and a vision. Chris drives his company through virtue, and he shares how community bank leaders can build culture by acting on what your organization believes in. Click Here to Register for the 3rd Annual Elevate Banking Forum! The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. - Member FDIC