Recent Episodes
-
Jeremy Markovich dives down the North Carolina Rabbit Hole in search of quirky stories
Jun 11, 2025 – 34:31 -
SouthBound Replay: Dale Earnhardt Jr. grapples with his family's legacy
May 28, 2025 – 35:37 -
Carl Hiaasen visits 'Fever Beach' and enjoys making bad guys get what they deserve
May 14, 2025 – 45:17 -
SouthBound Replay: Robert Earl Keen trades life on the road for Western chill
Apr 30, 2025 – 43:11 -
Beer expert Tom Acitelli has a brew in mind for every week of the year
Apr 16, 2025 – 38:04 -
How the DOGE cuts hit home for a UNC Charlotte professor and her team
Apr 2, 2025 – 35:40 -
Jim Barger Jr. writes about Jimmy Carter's life as a fisherman
Mar 19, 2025 – 35:32 -
With her new album, Sierra Hull keeps exploring her roots beyond bluegrass
Feb 26, 2025 – 40:59 -
Elizabeth Bradford paints the fabric of nature — and her inner self
Feb 12, 2025 – 32:38 -
In Andy Corren's family stories, the 'Dirtbag Queen' is his mom
Jan 29, 2025 – 36:43 -
SouthBound replay: Drew Lanham's life and work in words, and birds
Jan 15, 2025 – 40:37 -
SouthBound Replay: David Hale tries to explain the chaos of college football
Jan 1, 2025 – 41:07 -
SouthBound's Best of 2024, featuring our favorite episodes of the year
Dec 18, 2024 – 32:10 -
SouthBound replay: Kate Medley visits gas stations for the food (and the photos)
Dec 4, 2024 – 33:00 -
Michael Kruse wants to tell stories that bridge our great divide
Nov 20, 2024 – 44:05 -
'Shutdown Fullcast' co-host Ryan Nanni explores the weirdness of college football and many other things
Nov 6, 2024 – 41:25 -
SouthBound Replay: Social media star Landon Bryant explains the South to the rest of the world
Oct 23, 2024 – 33:46 -
Patrick Davis celebrates songwriting and South Carolina in his new show
Oct 9, 2024 – 38:00 -
David Hale untangles college football's changes -- and revels in its weirdness
Sep 25, 2024 – 40:09 -
Alice Driver digs deep into the brutal work lives of immigrants at chicken plants
Sep 11, 2024 – 36:31
Recent Reviews
-
Gr2323Great listen!A fantastic show – well produced – always interesting and entertaining!
-
VPJ33DOGE Cuts UNC Charlotte ProfessorThis episode made DOGE real for me as former faculty at UNCC. Tommy is a great interviewer!
-
zeta crossI love Tommy Tomlinson’s companyI appreciate TT’s perspective and the things he is interested in. I’m so glad to find this podcast.
-
Doo-wop popSouthBound is realI just love Tommy Tomlinson and his thoughtful questions, approach to a story, and his honest humility. SouthBound helps me understand the south in a more intimate way and I always listen to the end. That about says it all.
-
knn 2634Great PodcastEnjoyable podcast with an interesting mix of topics and guests related to the South and beyond.
-
john McC-Great, Fascinating PodcastAs a native Southerner with roots in the Carolinas, Love this podcast! But you don’t have to be a southerner to enjoy it. Tommy is a considerate host, well prepared for every interview, respectful to his guests, and importantly, a host who listens to guests. So happy to have discovered in the last year. My wife & I just listened to the replay of the Stephanie Stuckey interview- terrific!!
-
Neel StallingsExcellent podcasts!I love listening to Tommy’s interviews. They are always well-prepared, insightful and thorough. I often listen to them when I am working out, and the time flies by. I am also a child of the South and learn so much about my native land through his interviews. Thank you, Tommy. Keep up the great work.
-
Tim (Watkinsville)I have yet to hear an episode that didn’t fascinate meOf all the podcasts I subscribe to this is by far and away my favorite. Just excellent interviews presented in a top quality format.
-
pattipeeroonieTommy TomlinsonI have been enjoying Tommy for a long time, first in the Charlotte Observer and now the podcast since it’s inception. As soon as I see a new episode, I jump on it with pleasure. Thank you so much Tommy!
-
Nana/LynneSouthboundListening to Tommy and his guests is like visiting with favorite friends- it’s entertaining, educational, and heartwarming. In a time when community is rare but so important, this is time well spent.
-
GrendelUlfAlways a pleasureWhen I hear Tommy Tomlinson’s welcoming voice I get excited because I’m going to learn something interesting, likely of great value. I didn’t realize he had a podcast u til a couple of weeks ago. I am delighted as I knew I would be. Just finished his interview with Charles Frazier, it was as I knew it would fantastic. To be honest I for some reason Zi thought James Frazier was a bit of an elitist. Ho wrong I was! Looking forward to the next and the next!
-
MyneatnicknameA wonderful slice of southern goodness!I love this podcast. Thank you, Tommy for putting your heart into all that you do. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our area, traditions, colloquialisms, and all the other goodness of the south.
-
mai babeeTommy listens so we can hearI love SOUTH BOUND. Tommy Tomlinson asks his guests brilliant questions which call for expansive replies, and then - he listens. So we get to hear great narratives from super interesting people. We also get a glimpse of Tommy’s keen intellect and warm heart, which he reveals through his raspy, breathy slow cadence. SOUTH BOUND is a podcast that satiates our soul, mind and spirit - our humanity. -Mumbi Carter
-
BertkeeaGreat podcast, thanks Tommy!I first heard about this show on WFAE, our local NPR station. I’m a midwestern transplant to the south and I love the stories Tommy covers. They paint a picture of the culture of the region I now live in and how it was formed. Highly recommend!
-
PGAsbyExcellent stories about the southSouthbound presents highly interesting stories with a southern bent - Tommy Tomlinson is a perfect host - well researched with great questions and knows how to let the guests riff.
-
zenpoppylollyLeaves me wanting more!This excellent podcast is by a great storyteller who talks to other great storytellers. Always interesting and usually full of great information about the south.
-
BamatydeExcellent podcastThis is one of the best podcasts I have listened to in a long time. Stories are interesting and keep me listening.
-
BooknurseExquisiteTommy is a born storyteller. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good story, southerner or not.
-
hummingbirdsruleYou don’t have to (still) live in the South to live SouthboundFor this native Southerner who left 20 years ago, Tommy Tomlinson’s thoughtful interviews and insights are like going home, in only the best ways. And his voice! Whispery but smooth, with the lovely languid accent I remember from my NC childhood. Current and ex-Southerners: Southbound is worth your time — especially the recent episode with journalist Casey Parks.
-
hbeauSouthbound but universally meaningfulTommy Tomlinson is a fabulous writer but his insightful curiosity really shines in his interviews with the incredible lineup of guests on this podcast. Meaningful conversation and well-researched interviews that never lose the soul of not just what makes the South the South, but what makes us human in all our strengths and flaws. I love that the guests are often people I don’t hear on other podcasts, but when he does have someone on making book publicity rounds, he has a special knack for really diving in beyond the talking points and standard anecdotes. A must-listen for anyone who cares about the South, which should be anyone who cares about the direction — both where we’ve come from and where we’re headed — of the U.S. overall.
-
Deannalynn14A lesson in historyI love the historiography that comes out of this podcast! Always a good listen!
-
starbypipInventive thoughtful questionsTommy asks unexpected probing questions of his guests who often seem to relish the chance to self-explore. Wonderful chance to learn about some Southerners who demolish Some Northern expectations. Great job.
-
wddWhat is The South?Host Tommy Tomlinson finds way to ask great questions of his guests. I learn something new about life in The South from every episode. The variety of guests - and the range of topics discussed - keeps me coming back! Great podcast.
-
BB in the VilleGreat podcastSouthbound offers a variety of topics and guests to keep the cast fresh and informative. Singers, writers, food, and a little history now and then make this podcast one of my favorites. It’s all here about the south: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Do yourself a favor and subscribe. Keep up the good work Tommy!
-
Synoptic StitchExcellent programHost Tommy Tomlinson has that perfect blend of being informed, objective and affable, and he brings on a range of fascinating guests for thoughtful conversations. Thanks to WFAE for this excellent podcast.
-
Mojo8537Tommy is soothing.I need some calm conversation and Tommy provides it.
-
jon trueloveENGAGING podcast!Why I love listening SouthBound: The show has intriguing people (and interesting subjects) and host Tomlinson has a very friendly cool demeanor and asks really great, thoughtful questions. The content and how it is presented is simply top-notch. I could go on and on! Highly, highly recommended.
-
eat mo bettahHug more necksI am a transplanted Charlotte North Carolinian by way of a rural western NY upbringing, Houston, Raleigh, and Hillsborough NC. I’ve logged more time in the South than my place of origin and am a Southerner by choice. My rural farm upbringing identifies with so many things Southern that this podcast brings home. But your accent is better. It is music. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 5 stars, BS ers. Only complaint is that you don’t crank them out more often. Keep up the good work.
-
Clara TraviesoCan’t help but share this with everyone I know and loveAmazing stories. I love The Bitter Southerner because it makes me proud to be from the glorious, confounding, infuriating, and miraculous South. Thank you.
-
Radio MavenGreat referralThe fine folks The Bitter Southerner sent me. Great storytelling with an incredible line up of guests.
-
LeighAnn85WonderfulI listen to you weekly. I really loved this latest episode with Micah Cash about Waffle House! I worked there for a few years outside of Richmond Va. there’s a lot of truth to his story and he described it perfectly! A lot of people are nasty about Waffle House and it’s so unnecessary. It’s mostly just good ol people who work and eat there
-
LauratarheelI love this podcastTommy chooses terrific guests who provide a varied portrait of southern culture. Love the guests, topics and the conversations!
-
man of taken nicknamesWhat I’ve been looking forI love the diverse group of topics and people Tommy Tomlinson covers here that discuss the history, culture, people, and future of the south. I thought I would find this in a few other podcasts that are along a similar vein but this one delivers! A beautiful reflection of the true, complex character of this wonderful place we call the south.
-
Hg88dawgExcellent!Tommy Tomlinson’s interviews never fail to fascinate me. Even when I think that I have no interest in his subject, he draws out splendid stories and the hidden sides of a person’s life.
-
wdiskinSouthBoundTommy Tomlinson’s SouthBound podcast brings to life all the interesting, fascinating, and quirky things that make the south the South. As a Pennsylvania transplant living for the first time south of the Mason-Dixon Line, I turn to Tommy and SouthBound regularly to learn about the people and places that make up our new home.
-
Entr2lrnBroadening the View of SouthI enjoyed Tommy Tomlinson’s newspaper column and that enjoyment continues with SouthBound. His guests are broad and diverse in there background which can only expand the view of the South & Southerners. Tommy’s ability to intimately go deep in his interviews is like listening to a conversation taking place on a sofa verses at a conference room table.
-
ALSDEkwpWhat You Think You KnowThere’s not one podcast that hasn’t challenged my thinking, but I was particularly moved by this week’s episode of the #SouthBound podcast. Thank you, Tommy Tomlinson, for bringing us Tony Jack. Living in a “university town,” he pushed my thinking & challenged me to see beyond our “loveliest village” persona & look for those standing right in my face.
-
bgrayscott photographyLucky you! (and me, and all of us)If you're thinking about listening to Southbound then you've struck cultural gold.
-
Jackflash81222Love SouthboundI have enjoyed Tom’s work for years. Southbound is great.
-
Helenphone6sSouthbound is like a care package from homeI love this podcast. It is so enriching. After reading Tommy's outstanding book, Elephant in the Room, I started listening in great gulps of happy discovery, but after a couple of episodes, I've had to begin pacing myself. The diversity of voices is just completely fascinating. From Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to Janie Mines, Tayari Jones and James Scott. My audible wish list is expanding like crazy. And Tommy himself is a great interviewer with that super cool whisper voice that literally forces me to lean in to each episode to ensure I pick up his insight and guaranteed valuable life lesson in the summary. I live in Los Angeles and miss the south dearly. Listening to Southbound is like opening up a care package from home.
-
Jason CLTTerrific Podcast!Each week I look forward to hearing Tommy’s guests provide insights into their lives and history of the Southeastern US. The guests are diverse and interesting and Tommy brings out the best in their conversations. He’s also a great writer and storyteller himself. I learn something new about our culture or history most every time.
-
MotownnordAn insightful look at the SouthThe South is a mystifying place for folks who weren’t raised there, full of contradictions. Tommy Tomlinson explores those contradictions in this engaging show, which talks so intelligently about the South, warts and all.
-
jjoyncInspiring, engaging, educationalHow I make the most of a dreadful mroning and afternoon commute. Smart, thoughtful, kind interviews always teach me something new about my native South. I eagerly await each new episode drop!
-
Tj2240The South as it really is, or at least how it feels to meI’ve just discovered Tommy Tomlinson and this podcast, but it’s the perfect antidote to the moment in American life that we’re all living through. While the world seems to be burning hot with rage, he’s a cool, yet incredibly warm, and life-affirming voice that reminds us what the art of conversation is all about, and what life in America can really be like when we just listen to one another. I’d give this 15 stars if I could. It’s that good.
-
zoemthompson13Love it!Southbound is smart, often funny and always thought provoking. But the best part is having my preconceived notions of a famous athlete or model shattered in the first 10 minutes of Tommy’s interview. His interview style allows his guests to shine and his variety of his subject makes this podcast a constant favorite!
-
SweetIcedTeaFantastic podcastI’ve been a big fan of Tommy Tomlinson since his Clt Observer days and was delighted to learn of this podcast. No other voice (in every sense) like his. Whether you’re from the South or not, Southbound is an informative and entertaining look at the complicated Southern Experience.
-
PhilipTaterSouthern insights from a native son.Already listened to the first episode and teasers while flying from San Francisco to Charlotte earlier this week. Highly recommend this podcast to anyone looking for honest Southern insights from a native son. Tommy Tomlinson delivers!
Similar Podcasts

The New Yorker Radio Hour

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio

The Daily

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Radio Atlantic

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

Kelly Corrigan Wonders

The Ezra Klein Show

The Interview

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Wild Card with Rachel Martin

Fresh Air

The Moth

The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters

Gravy
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.