Our first issue is out on stand right now! Head over to stateabdbeale.com to subscribe.

In that issue, you'll find my great conversation with Tennessee musician, Drew Holcomb. We talk about his new record, "Strangers No More Vol. 2" and the success of "Strangers No More Vol.1." We also talk about Tennessee state pride and his anthem (and love letter) to the state, a song called "Tennessee."

A visit to the Music City Hot Chicken Festival last week proved one thing true: you will be hot on the inside and the outside!

I talked with fest fan Travis Jenkins, East Nashvillians Zach Layne and Andy Moss, both of them members of the Orange Grease Society, and with Austin Smith, founder and owner of Party Fowl, a hot chicken restaurant with several Nashville-area locations.

Nashville's Music City Hot Chicken Festival returns Thursday, July 4 for its 18th year. Gates open at East Park at noon.

It is one of the hottest parties on the annual Tennessee To-Do List — hot chicken on one of the hottest days of the year.

There'll be music, lots of kids activities, Yazoo beer, plenty of hot chicken (from some of the best in the business), and there'll be plenty to eat that's not hot chicken.

This week I spoke to Neil McCormick, a festival organizer, for an overview of the event, a brief history of hot chicken, and even his innovative way of eating Nashville's civic dish.

Ride along as I take you through my experience at Percy Warner Park for the 83rd running of the Iroquois Steeplechase, complete with some sounds and interviews.

From the excitement of donning our hats to the exquisite cuisine at the Hunt Club, every moment at Steeplechase was unforgettable. The Southern hospitality and elegance at the event truly made it a day to remember.

As the races began, the thrill of watching the horses in action, the bugle calls, and the cheers of the crowd poured on the excitement. Snap Decision's historic win and the truly vibrant atmosphere at the event showcased the essence of Steeplechase.

Steeplechase is not just a horse race but a celebration of friendship, elegance, and Southern culture. It's an event that captures the spirit of Tennessee.

This is a very special episode of the show, which means it'll never happen again. That's because this one is about me, Toby Sells and my Tennessee story.

They'll never care how much you know if they don't know much you care. So, I just wanted to let y'all know about myself and how I came to create and host a podcast about this great state.

Also, I'll tell you about Grand Divisions United. This sounds-like-a-soccer-team concept really gets down to Tennessee pride. No, I ain't talking about the sausage. (But it is dang good sausage.)

Iroquois Steeplechase is a Nashville tradition and rite of spring. Nearly 25,000 gather at Percy Warner Park to dress up, enjoy good food and drink, and watch world-class horse racing.

This year's event is coming up in about two weeks on May 11. There are tickets available to suit any kind of Steeplechase you could want.

Steeplechase is a premier event among the slate of races on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. It has one of the largest purses in the circuit and attracts the world's top riders, trainers, and horses.

But it's also a huge party. There are contests for fashion and the best tailgate. There's a stick horse race for kids and a huge kids area with inflatables, balloons, and more.

Steeplechase is also a fundraiser. Since 1981, the event has raised more than $11 million for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

If you can't make Steeplechase this year, get dressed up, grab a cocktail, and join in on the fun with the official livestream on YouTube.

Music this week is "Prairie Land," by Jack Settle. He won the Tennessee Songwriters Association showcase at Portland earlier this year. Check him out on all his online channels here. Good luck, Jack!

Something big has happened on the east of the Mississippi River.

Tom Lee Park has long been an important place for Memphis. It has undergone a spectacular, $61 million renovation and is now a world-class location, completely transforming the city's riverfront.

Get there next month for two big festivals: Riverbeat music festival and Smokeslam, a huge barbecue contest.

We spoke with Carol Coletta, president and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership, the group that led the renovation and oversees Tom Lee Park and many other Memphis river parks.

Music credit: Ned Abernathy, "Between Me and Tennessee"

IG: nedabernathy_music

A new exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum chronicles the history of music in this very musical state. And it ain't all Waylon and WIllie and the boys. Tennessee Playlist goes all the way back to musical traditions of the Cherokee and Choctaw and all the present with emerging sound of mariachi and Kurdish music here.

Miranda Fraley-Rhodes, PhD. was central to putting together the Tennessee PLaylist exhibit. She the Assistant Chief Curator of the Tennessee State Museum. She was kind enough to give me some time to talk Tennessee music.

The exhibit runs through 2028. But if you can't get to Nashville, there's a wonderful online exhibit called 95 Counties of Sound. Click on a county (your county, for example) and you'll find some Tennessee music history that happened in your own backyard.

Finally, there's a Spotify playlist for the exhibit. You can find that right here.

Special shoutout this week to Cleburn County Towing. If you wonder why, you gotta listen. Thanks, Jeff and all y'all!