The Palmetto Porch Podcast

Welcome to the Porch

Join Devyn Whitmire for Season 3 of the Palmetto Porch Podcast as she gets off the beaten path and chats with locals in the know about unique experiences, signature dishes and hidden gems in some of the most charming cities and towns across the state.

Venture beyond the usual destinations and discover the charming towns, friendly people and delightful experiences that capture the essence of the Palmetto State. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 1: Cheraw, Birthplace Of A Jazz Legend

In small towns, historic preservation isn’t always at the forefront of the conversation. But in Cheraw, birthplace of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, there are old and iconic buildings singing its proud heritage for those who visit. Local historian Sarah Spruill opens her porch for us to sit a spell, and chat about what it means for a town like Cheraw to remember and revel in its unique identity.

Episode 2: Paris Mountain’s Poetic Stillness

Devyn Whitmire joins Greenville's poet laureate, Glenis Redmond, for a day at Paris Mountain State Park, where the acclaimed writer and performer reflects on her personal connections to nature.

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Episode 3: Lexington's Historic Old Mill

The legacy of textiles touches almost everything in Lexington and in the 1980s, the old textile mill in Lexington was converted into a mixed-use commercial area. Devyn sits down with owner Laban Chappell to discuss the most recent developments at the historic property.

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Episode 4: Critters And Conservation At Cypress Gardens

The unique natural scenery at Cypress Gardens has made it a popular backdrop for films and television shows. Gabe Shuler, the garden's resident naturalist, joins Devyn to talk shop, snakes and what he loves most about his job.

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Episode 5: Boggin’ Around Town In Loris

Every day, a restaurant in Loris serves steaming bowls of chicken bog, the town’s most famous dish. But what is chicken bog? Loris native and “Bog Ambassador” Cobi Williams joins Devyn on the Porch to share about life in his hometown, and how its community has come together over one humble culinary delight.

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Episode 6: An "Underground" Dining Experience In Abbeville

In 2008, busy middle school teacher Erica McCier received news that would change her life forever: her kidneys were failing. As she adjusted to this harsh reality, she found sanctuary in the cooking shows she watched while going through treatment. A transplant and a career change later, and the new Chef Erica—or Trudy, as folks would call—sets out to bring a unique dining experience to Abbeville.

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Episode 7: Adventure Ends, And Begins, In Little Pee Dee

Selling everything she owned, Michelle Cunningham set out on a trip across the country in a camper. In the Pacific Northwest, Michelle discovered her love for state park systems, and the community around them. Now the park manager for Little Pee Dee State Park, Michelle hopes to inspire those like her—people who may be looking for purpose, and a place to belong.

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Episode 8: A Riverside Renaissance In North Augusta

North Augusta is a cozy, family-friendly city nestled along the Savannah River, right at the state line. People often pop in to visit relatives—but local leaders want them to have more than a nice dinner with the folks. Devyn talks to Karl Waldhauer about how he became North Augusta’s first director of tourism, and what the area’s revitalization means to him.

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Episode 9: Mitchelville’s History Unearthed

Before going through her studies at Binghamton University, Dr. Katherine “Katie” Seeber didn’t know anything about Mitchelville, the first town built for free people on Hilton Head Island. As an archaeologist and historian, it’s her job to dig up the past to understand people, places, and cultures. Devyn catches up with Katie, and they discuss the importance of telling the stories of Mitchelville’s residents—both past and present.

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Episode 10: In North Charleston, Find Community Over Sounds And Spirits

Scott Newitt, co-founder of Firefly Distillery, started out with a job in the wine industry and a love of music. With that in mind, it makes sense for South Carolina’s largest distillery to also be a vibrant hub for live performances. Scott sits down with Devyn to share his journey, from the challenges of building a successful distillery, through the evolution of Firefly as both a business and a cultural space, to how he and his team balance their craft with a commitment to the surrounding area.

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