Southern culture lends itself naturally to radio with its subtle humor, straight-shooting wisdom, local knowledge, and deep musical roots. No wonder, then, that stations in the South send so many lively and unique shows over the airwaves. Here are seven that span the spectrum, covering food, history, music, local culture, and more. But fair warning—a listen may well become an addiction.
Sundays, 5:00 p.m. (EST)
Listen to musician Cedric Watson’s radio program La Nation Créole on Louisiana’s radio KRVS and you’ll hear a language that until recently was considered all but lost. Kouri-Vini, or French-based Louisiana Creole, was once spoken by much of the Creole population of the South but today is designated by UNESCO as endangered. Active in a rapidly growing revival movement, Watson celebrates regional Creole music and culture while connecting with international Creole groups from the Caribbean and beyond.
Mondays, 10:00 a.m. (EST)
A fun combination of food, history, and Southern humor presented on Mississippi public radio, Deep South Dining offers recipes along with colorful and often nostalgic backstories from the families they come from. Hosts Carol Puckett and Mathew White broadcast on-site from regional restaurants and welcome guests like noted chefs Enrika Williams, Marshall Bartlett, and Jud Patterson to talk about everything from catfish and Gulf Coast seafood to the uses of okra and green coffee beans.
Airs on numerous stations in different time slots
DJ Jammin J Javi balances new releases with longtime favorites while host Romeo probes behind the scenes with the latest news and celebrity gossip on this two-hour English-language show airing on stations across Texas and the Southwest. In interviews that span the spectrum from legendary figures like Emilio Navaira and Jimmy Gonzalez to genre-bending artists like trans singer Heather Jolene Alcantar, Tejano Nation doesn’t shy away from provocative topics like mental health issues and the barriers faced by female Tejano musicians.
The Buddy & Jim Show
Two of Nashville’s most respected music curators, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, spend two hours a week broadcasting from Miller’s home studio—basically his living room—surveying everything Americana on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel. Seeing as how the longtime friends know seemingly everyone in the roots country scene, you never know who will turn up for interviews, performances, record releases, and more—or in what interesting combination. Stay tuned for the real insider scoop.
Weekdays, 10:00 a.m. (EST)
Broadcast weekdays on WUNC, Due South covers news, politics, Southern culture, food, and history with perspectives from North Carolina and across the South. Hosted by Leoneda Inge and Jeff Tiberii, the show features guests from a panoply of backgrounds. A Juneteenth broadcast discussed efforts to turn a former plantation, historic Stagville, into public open space, while others delve into Duke sports, healthy Southern food, and controversial property tax hikes.
Most stations broadcast Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. (EST)
This daily news magazine hosted by longtime journalist David Brown highlights interviews with thinkers, researchers, and innovators of all stripes. Recent Texas Standard lineups have included a colorful feature on the culture of rodeo, an analysis of a recent Supreme Court decision on an Austin gun case, and an investigation into oil company operations leaking toxic gas.
Monday through Thursday, 2:00 p.m. (EST) and 7:00 p.m. (EST)
From the discovery of Indigenous mounds to the future of the citrus industry to the launch of a new children’s mobile health clinic, Gulf Coast Life celebrates life in the colorful communities of Southwest Florida. The locally produced talk show hosted by Mike Kiniry and contributing hosts John Davis, Cary Barbor, and Tara Calligan also covers broader issues affecting the Gulf Coast such as the crisis in senior caregiving, efforts to create a Florida wildlife corridor, and preparation tips for hurricane season.
