Todd and Cathy Roseberry of Roseberry Residential know how stressful a move can be. In this episode of Southern Character, they prove that with the right real estate team, moving doesn't have to be chaotic. James and Amanda share their six-month journey of finding the perfect home, preparing their old one for sale, and navigating the mortgage process with clarity and confidence. Learn the Five F's of moving (plus one bonus "F"), how strategic staging and smart lending can transform your experience, and what "calm is the new curb appeal" really means.

Christie Gribble once said she'd never return to Blue Ridge, Georgia—but since moving back in 2015, she's become one of its greatest champions. As President & CEO of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and CVB, Christie supports over 1,000 local businesses and welcomes thousands of tourists each year to this scenic mountain town. In this episode, she shares her deep-rooted family story, her unexpected love story, and the unique role tourism plays in Blue Ridge's small-business economy. Get her take on local events, seasonal favorites, and what makes this town such a magnetic place to live and visit.

Chuck Swaney didn't touch bourbon for 30 years after a rough night in high school—until Eric Church reintroduced him with a proper pour and a lesson in sipping. That moment reignited a passion that would lead Chuck, a longtime country radio executive, to launch a Nashville-based whiskey tasting experience blending storytelling, education, and rare bourbon. From his career in country music promotion to his second act as the Nashville Whiskey Guy, Chuck shares how he built a business rooted in community, curiosity, and a really good glass.

In this episode of Southern Character, we dive into the beautifully chaotic world of family life, travel planning, and dog training. They share their secrets to booking the perfect family vacation, their love for St. George Island, and why planning months ahead is a must. Plus, meet Georgie Sand—the newest (and most mischievous) member of Team Chaos—who's about to embark on an intensive two-week training program. And with James' big birthday approaching, there's talk of a dream Bahamas getaway—if Amanda can get past the whole "who's driving the boat?" thing. Tune in for laughter, travel tips, and a whole lot of Southern grit and grace!

Join us as we converse with Dr. Lori Whatley in Bluffton, South Carolina. Dr. Whatley, a clinical psychologist and author, discusses her book "Connected and Engaged," which explores managing digital distractions and fostering personal connections. The episode covers complexities of therapy, the challenges of blended families, and practical strategies for balancing technology in our daily lives. Through this dialogue, gain insights into the significance of family dynamics, the importance of compromise, and the art of being present in a tech-driven world.

On today's episode of Southern Character, Eddie Goepp dives into golf etiquette—covering everything from the frustration of slow play to the importance of fixing divots. If you're a golfer, this episode is packed with tips to help you respect the game and your fellow players. The conversation also explores the fascinating evolution of golf from the early 1900s to the big-money sport it is today.

But it's not just history; James and Eddie also discuss the ultimate golf trip destinations like Kiawah Island, Sea Island, and Pinehurst. They share insider tips that will have you dreaming of your next getaway. Plus, don't miss their shout-out to legendary eats like Jack's milkshakes at Muirfield! From family traditions to epic golf tournaments, Eddie Goepp's journey through the sport is inspiring. This episode is a must-listen for any golf lover!

CPA Jason Toole joins Southern Character for a practical, story driven conversation about tax planning, retirement strategy, Roth conversions, multi state returns, kid income rules, and how to think about taxes at every stage of life.

Jason is a partner at Kelly Salmons Toole & Ellison with more than twenty seven years of experience helping families, entrepreneurs, and closely held businesses navigate complex tax issues. He breaks down the real differences between traditional and Roth 401k contributions, how backdoor Roth IRAs actually work, when to consider Roth conversions in low income years, and why so many retirees in the South pay little or no state income tax.

We also talk about Jason's roots in Albany, his path to becoming a CPA, raising three daughters, and why Mexico Beach and the Forgotten Coast became his family's happy place.

👉 Read the full feature on Retire Southern
https://www.retiresouthern.com/retiresouthernpodcast/jason-toole

Topics Covered:
• When kids need to file tax returns
• Self employment tax for teen income
• Roth IRAs for minors
• Traditional vs Roth 401k decisions
• Backdoor Roth rules
• Secure Act 2.0 changes
• Roth conversions during low income years
• State tax friendliness in the South
• Florida, Texas and Tennessee tax benefits
• Georgia retirement income exclusions
• Life on Florida's Forgotten Coast

Southern Character is produced by Retire Southern. Our mission is simple: do not wait for retirement to start living.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as specific recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the financial circumstances of any individual and might not be suitable for everyone. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any decision that you make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any financial planning considerations or decisions. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors.

Attorney Marc "Dearth Vader" Dearth joins Southern Character for a clear, practical breakdown of estate planning, tax strategy, probate, asset protection, and multistate planning for families across the South.

Marc is a highly respected tax and estate planning attorney licensed in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina. In this episode, he shares a grounded and jargon-free look at how families can organize their information, avoid common blind spots, and build a plan that truly protects their legacy.

We explore his journey from the restaurant industry to building Dearth Law, his musical family life, and why good planning always begins with organization, communication, and the right foundational documents. Marc also explains when trusts make sense, and how probate actually works in different states.

If you want a practical guide to estate planning delivered with clarity, heart, and Southern storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Read the full feature on Retire Southern:
https://www.retiresouthern.com/retiresouthernpodcast/marc-dearth

• How to start your estate plan with the right documents
• Why organization is the number-one blind spot for families
• When to use a revocable trust vs an irrevocable trust
• How probate differs in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina
• How trusts and LLCs help with asset protection
• Practical steps to protect your legacy, family, and property across state lines
• Why clear planning helps prevent issues with creditors and predators

Marc Dearth is the founder of Dearth Law, a boutique tax, estate, and probate firm known for delivering highly personalized guidance for families and business owners. His approach blends deep technical expertise with a service-first mindset rooted in his early career in the restaurant industry.

Learn more: www.dearthlaw.com

Southern Character is part of Retire Southern, a media and lifestyle brand sharing character-driven stories about the people, places, and experiences that inspire intentional living across the South. Our mission is simple: Don't wait for retirement to start living.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as specific recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the financial circumstances of any individual and might not be suitable for everyone. This information is not intended to, and should not, form a primary basis for any decision that you make. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any financial planning considerations or decisions. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors.