Whiskey & Wisdom

Hosted by Whiskey & Wisdom

Entrepreneurship Society Culture EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

211

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Discussing life's most fascinating topics over a good glass of whiskey.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 20261 hr 3 min

Wedding Photographer Exposes the Biggest Wedding Industry Lies | Leigh Roberts

Chris Kellum and Tyler Yaw welcome back wedding photographer Leigh Roberts for a candid conversation covering sobriety, wedding industry trends, photography hot takes, and what happens when a wedding professional plans her own wedding. Leigh shares her journey of being sober for one year and seven months after a major health scare, discussing the lifestyle changes, nutrition adjustments, supplements, and daily habits that helped her regain her health. She also reflects on her decision to elope after spending nearly 14 years photographing weddings, explaining why she and her husband chose a small, intimate celebration that cost roughly $6,000.The conversation dives deep into the realities of modern weddings, including rising costs, vendor pricing, wedding-industry politics, and the trends Leigh believes should disappear. She discusses everything from polka-dot wedding aesthetics and intentionally crooked photos to preferred-vendor cliques, DJ choices, and the pressure couples face when planning their big day. Leigh also shares practical advice for couples navigating family dynamics, vendor relationships, and wedding-day expectations.On the photography side, Leigh offers strong opinions on delivering RAW images, the importance of editing, flash photography, second shooters, drone coverage, venue lighting, and the ongoing Canon versus Sony debate. The episode wraps with memorable wedding horror stories, discussions on AI's impact on photography, and valuable insights for anyone planning a wedding or working in the wedding industry.Timestamps00:00 Meet the Guest Leigh 00:53 Sober and Holistic Reset 02:04 Vaccine Injury Recovery 04:37 Lifestyle Changes and Food 05:45 Backyard Gym and Cooking 07:15 Eloping After 14 Years 09:33 Wedding Trends Pet Peeves 12:26 Wedding Costs and Pricing 15:19 Gen Z Vendors and Identity 20:45 Music Choices and DJs 25:03 Preferred Vendor Cliques 28:46 Shot List Hot Takes 28:58 Dress Shot Debate 29:55 Venue Lighting Matters 32:46 Second Shooters Strategy 35:00 Wedding Horror Stories 41:14 Trends, Flowers, and Cake 43:42 Flash, Film, and Gear 47:25 Canon vs Sony Switch 53:58 Pricing RAWs and AI 01:00:53 Family Dynamics Checklist 01:02:27 Wrap Up and GoodbyeKey TakeawaysWhy Leigh chose to elope after nearly 14 years of photographing weddings.The wedding trends she believes are overrated and ready to disappear.How sobriety and lifestyle changes transformed her health and daily life.The truth about wedding photography pricing and vendor costs.Why professional editing is a critical part of photography.Her thoughts on second shooters, drones, flash photography, and venue selection.Canon vs Sony: which system she prefers and why.Real wedding-day horror stories and lessons learned from years in the industry.How AI may change the future of photography and creative work.Practical advice for couples planning a wedding without unnecessary stress.

June 3, 202640 min

How a Coffee Truck Turned Canned Lattes Into a Local Phenomenon

What does it take to build one of Wilmington's most talked-about coffee brands?On this episode of Whiskey & Wisdom, Tyler Yaw and Chris Kellum sit down with Caitlyn Goff, owner of Grounds of Grace Coffee Truck. From canned lattes and coffee flights to seasonal flavors and faith-driven branding, Caitlyn shares how she built a growing business that has become a community favorite.We discuss sourcing local coffee beans, learning the craft of espresso, creating unique menu items, leveraging social media, building strategic partnerships, and staying true to your values while growing a business.Whether you're a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or someone pursuing a dream of your own, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.🥤 In this episode: • How Grounds of Grace got started • The rise of canned lattes and coffee flights • Creating seasonal coffee flavors • Building a faith-based brand • Social media growth strategies • Lessons from entrepreneurship • Future plans for expansionSubscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders.00:00 Why Everyone Loves Grounds of Grace 01:12 The Canned Latte Craze 02:42 Why Start a Coffee Truck? 03:57 Learning Espresso From Scratch 05:50 Seasonal Flavors That Keep Customers Coming Back 07:32 Why Coffee Flights Work 08:54 Funding the Dream 09:57 How Their Canned Lattes Are Made 12:22 Clean Ingredients and Better Syrups 14:04 The Faith Behind Grounds of Grace 18:40 Building Community Through Partnerships 22:21 Branding the Truck 23:30 Coffee Preferences and Favorites 24:52 What Europe Gets Right About Coffee 28:30 New Summer Flavor Launches 29:38 Where to Find Grounds of Grace 31:07 Defining Success and Future Growth 35:47 Advice to Her Younger Self 37:03 What's Next for Grounds of Grace 39:09 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

May 27, 202647 min

Why Moms Are Flocking to This Wilmington Fitness Community

What started as a few moms getting together for movement and connection has grown into one of Wilmington’s fastest-growing postpartum fitness communities.On this episode of Whiskey & Wisdom, Chris Kellum and Tyler Yaw sit down with Brooke Pereira, founder of The Mamalates Group, to talk about motherhood, postpartum fitness, community building, and helping moms feel less alone after having kids.Brooke shares how mommy-and-me Pilates classes, stroller workouts, and weekly walks turned into a movement bringing together dozens of moms across Wilmington — including a recent event with nearly 90 attendees.The conversation dives into:Postpartum fitness strugglesBuilding community after motherhoodMaking gyms less intimidating for moms“Babes and Barbells” at LakesideStarting imperfectlyBalancing motherhood and entrepreneurshipBrooke’s vision for coaching and online programsWhether you’re a parent, fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, or someone trying to build meaningful community, this episode delivers practical insight and honest conversation.

May 13, 202644 min

The Best Deli In Wilmington? Gnome Nom Nom

Nom Nom Nom’s Rob Stang on Gnomes, New York-Style Deli Life, and Building Community in Wilmington On the Whiskey and Wisdom podcast, Chris Kellum and Tyler Yaw welcome guest Rob Stang of Nom Nom Nom, tasting Penelope Havana whiskey and discussing drink preferences. Rob shares his background from upstate New York, years in retail management, and his shift to entrepreneurship with his wife, leading to three gnome-inspired Wilmington businesses: Nom Nom Nom deli in the Cotton Exchange, Gnome Garden ILM (gnomes, mushrooms, houseplants), and Cape Fear Gnomies Dispensary focused on education and quality. He explains the origin of the gnome/“nom nom” concept, the deli’s New York-style emphasis on fresh-sliced ingredients, Apple Annie’s bread, Jess Bagels from the Bronx, breakfast all day, and empanadas tied to his Puerto Rican heritage. They cover community support, seasonal traffic, new desserts, social handles, and Rob’s views on success and advice to his younger self. 00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro 00:44 Penelope Havana Tasting 02:40 Mixers And Whiskey Habits 03:25 Rob Origin Story Retail To Owner 04:38 Gnome Obsession Explained 08:48 Nom Nom Nom Brand Origin 10:01 Three Gnome Businesses Tour 11:21 Dispensary Education And Market 13:47 What Makes A Real Deli 18:32 Cotton Exchange Community Buzz 20:21 Growth Plans Empanadas Hours 21:55 All Day Breakfast NY Bagels 23:50 Bagels Bread Debates 24:24 Travel Food Mixups 25:19 Too Tired To Cook 25:56 Chicken Coop Chronicles 28:15 Egg Brand And Side Hustle 29:00 Finding Nom Nom Nom 29:50 Empanada Flavor Lab 30:34 Hotdog Cart Upgrade 32:38 Store Collabs And Merch 34:40 Dessert Drops And Specials 37:08 Schmear Vs Cream Cheese 39:12 Defining Success And Advice 42:16 Wrap Up And Where To Go

May 6, 202643 min

What Wrestling Teaches About Faith, Discipline, and Manhood

Most people see wrestling as just a sport.They’re missing the point.In this episode of Whiskey & Wisdom, we sit down with John Mills, Southeast NC Wrestling Rep for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), to break down what’s really happening on the mats—and why it matters far beyond competition.From the rapid rise of girls wrestling to the deeper impact of mentorship, discipline, and faith, this conversation goes beyond sports and into formation.We cover:Why wrestling is one of the toughest—and most transformative—sportsThe explosive growth of girls wrestling across North CarolinaHow FCA is reaching students through its “E3” model (Engage, Equip, Empower)The challenge of leading, mentoring, and building real relationships with young athletesWhat today’s kids actually need—and why most systems are missing itIf you care about faith, discipline, leadership, or the next generation, this episode hits.No whiskey this time—just real conversation.Subscribe for more conversations that blend life, leadership, and perspective.

April 22, 202651 min

The Starling Is Changing Names?! What Happened… (Abbye McGee)

Abbye is back—and this episode doesn’t hold back.After just a year, Abbye made the decision to sell Ibis. But that was only part of the story. Between running two businesses, navigating a major life transition, and facing a cease-and-desist that’s forcing The Starling to change its name, this might be her most pivotal season yet.We break down:Why she sold Ibis (and what most people don’t understand about bar ownership)The reality of running a 7-day-a-week hospitality businessHow Salt and Charm is scaling into its biggest wedding season everThe cease-and-desist that’s forcing a full rebrand of The StarlingFeast Weekend events, food experiences from Napa to Spain, and what great hospitality actually looks likeThe shift from chef to CEO mindsetThis is a raw look at entrepreneurship, pressure, and making hard decisions when everything is on the line.Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Back Abbye 01:04 Winter Wins and Feast Plans 02:36 Project X Whiskey Tasting 03:48 Napa Wine Birthday Trip 05:36 Spain Michelin and Food Travel 06:59 Carry On Travel Hacks 08:52 Chicken Tenders Debate 11:23 Building Catering Menus 13:21 Wedding Showcase and Tastings 17:21 Selling Ibis Explained 21:04 Backyard Gym and 75 Hard 24:41 Cornbread Debate 26:23 Cease and Desist Shock 27:42 Picking a New Name 30:04 Too Many Bars Now 33:07 Hospitality That Matters 37:03 Business From Scratch Podcast 42:08 Life as a Business 48:06 Where to Find ThemFollow Abby:The Starling (Queen & Co)Salt and Charm CateringBusiness From Scratch Podcast

April 9, 20261 hr 9 min

Plea Deals, Murder Cases, and the Reality of Criminal Defense

Plea Deals, Murder Cases, and the Reality of Criminal DefenseCape Fear Criminal Defense joins Whiskey and Wisdom to break down how criminal cases really work. Drawing from his experience as a public defender, prosecutor, and defense attorney, he explains plea deals, burden of proof, jury selection, murder cases, North Carolina’s death penalty, and the real-world pressures of defending clients when everything is on the line.Chapter List00:00 Welcome and guest intro 01:40 Allegedly and burden of proof 03:18 Penelope Project X tasting 06:05 Following a high-profile trial 08:36 Plea deals and sentencing reality 10:59 Death penalty in North Carolina 14:43 From prosecutor to defense attorney 18:53 Starting a private practice 21:37 Affording justice and public defenders 23:22 Law school background and trial training 25:09 Where he practices and conflict cases 26:59 Dismissed murder case and negotiations 30:54 Federal vs. state court differences 31:52 Federal jury duty and voir dire 33:12 Picking the right jurors 33:54 Courtroom characters 35:50 How to dress for court 40:05 Murder and violent caseload 44:01 Poverty, education, and crime 47:19 DA politics and turnover 49:14 Drug trends and fentanyl 53:32 Why defend the guilty 56:49 What success looks like 1:00:01 Testifying at trial 1:02:56 Career advice and burnout 1:04:44 Finding the firm 1:06:41 Socks and jury attention 1:08:20 Bourbon wrap-up

April 1, 20261 hr 2 min

Insurance. Faith. Legacy. w/ Jacob Carroll

High-Risk Auto, Underinsured Homes & Legacy: Insurance Wisdom with Jacob Carroll | Whiskey Wisdom Podcast On the Whiskey Wisdom Podcast, co-hosts Tyler and Chris welcome Jacob Carroll, owner and agent of Superior Insurance, while they sip a 115-proof Yellowstone barrel pick and discuss flavor, seasons, and living near the coast. Jacob shares his move from Florida to North Carolina after a seven-day water fast that brought clarity and led to a youth pastor role, then into sales and ultimately insurance, where a mentor encouraged him to start his own agency. He explains helping “harder to insure” drivers (DUIs, points, suspended licenses, credit impacts), rising underwriting scrutiny like unlisted household drivers, and why insurance is required with plates or mortgages. The conversation also covers widespread home underinsurance amid rising values and premiums, replacement cost estimating, ethics, claim realities, and Jacob’s view of success as family legacy, mentorship, and being present for his kids. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:52 Yellowstone Barrel Pick Tasting 02:40 Beach Life and Moving North 06:34 Fasting for Direction 09:11 From Car Sales to Insurance 14:28 Helping High Risk Drivers 20:22 Broker vs Underwriter Explained 23:33 Licensing Rules and New Drivers 26:11 Wilmington Traffic and Driving Culture 30:01 Road Rage Reality Check 31:41 Panic Buying Madness 33:08 Hurricane MRE Memories 35:37 Home Insurance Underinsured 43:16 Claims Limits Ethics 48:00 Advisor Mindset Shift 51:14 Defining Success Legacy 56:41 Mentors Modern Family 58:59 Whiskey Wrap Contact 01:01:27 Advice To Younger Self

March 25, 20266 min

The Bourbon Boom is Over

The Quiet Shift Ending the Bourbon Boom The script explains how bourbon’s decade-long boom—marked by soaring prices, scarcity, secondary-market flipping, and “hunting” culture fueled by online communities—has begun to shift quietly rather than crash. Once overlooked in the 1980s and 1990s, bourbon surged in the early 2010s as consumers sought authenticity and tradition, turning hard-to-find bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and Weller into status symbols. Distilleries expanded and laid down record barrels assuming demand would keep rising, but aging delays mean today’s market is now facing millions of ready barrels while demand softens. Signs include bottles sitting longer, slower price increases, and declining secondary prices. Changing drinking habits—less collecting, more experiences, and more competition from tequila and ready-to-drink options—point to a reset: improved availability, stabilized prices, and renewed focus on enjoying the whiskey itself. 00:00 Bourbon Boom Peaks 00:49 How Hype Took Over 02:17 Scarcity and Secondary Market 03:20 Early Signs of a Shift 03:58 Barrel Glut Reality Check 04:44 New Drinkers New Trends 05:24 Reset and Enjoy Again 05:56 From Hype to Reality

March 18, 20261 hr 2 min

UNFLTR: Podcasting, Business & Growth

From Marine Aviator to Podcast Studio Owner: Rich Cardona on Unfilter, Podcasting for Business, and Client Acquisition Tyler and Chris Kellum host the Whiskey Wisdom Podcast at Unfilter in Wilmington with owner Rich Cardona, a retired Marine helicopter pilot who left Amazon, explored entrepreneurship, and built a podcasting and video business that evolved from remote work into a physical studio designed to make guests “just show up.” Chris shares tasting notes on E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof. Rich discusses enlisting then becoming an officer, early retirement after being grounded from flying due to a seizure, and the challenges of transitioning from military SOPs to civilian leadership. He credits Gary Vaynerchuk as a catalyst for starting interviews and highlights podcasting’s value for relationship-building and content output, but emphasizes realistic expectations and avoiding “podcasting by proxy.” Rich explains positioning podcasts for revenue by interviewing target decision-makers, cites a logistics client closing three deals after six interviews, shares quitting alcohol after a hangover before an interview, and describes Unfilter’s modular set design, rentals, and ideal client fit. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:24 Rich Cardona Backstory 01:28 Unfilter Studio Vibe 02:17 Whiskey Bottle Breakdown 03:25 Early Marine Retirement 05:16 Enlisted to Officer Mindset 07:10 Amazon Exit and Civilian Shift 10:52 Gary V Sparked Podcasting 14:47 Podcasting for Business Growth 18:01 Client Acquisition Podcast Strategy 23:28 Guest Experience and Prep Work 27:07 Co Host Dynamic and Olympics Tangent 30:29 Skating Like Gymnastics 30:50 Hangover Podcast Wakeup 34:40 Quitting Alcohol After 36:09 Drunk Podcast Lessons 37:37 Mocktails And Hop Water 39:06 Building A Modular Studio 43:16 Peerspace Documentary Booking 44:33 Should You Start Podcasting 48:18 Podcast Value For Business 52:26 Teleprompter As A Tool 53:56 Fixing A Stale Show 57:26 Success Family And Freedom 59:17 Advice Focus And Deep Work 01:01:18 Studio Rentals And Clients 01:02:44 Wrap Up And Photos