web02.fireside.fm Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:56:33 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) South of Scruffy with Ben Fields - Episodes Tagged with “Scruffy City” https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/tags/scruffy%20city Mon, 31 Jan 2022 23:45:00 -0500 Ben Fields brings in his favorite artists, entertainers, and friends for a to-the-point conversation about what makes them tick. Recorded in his wood-shop-turned-studio, Ben gets straight to business providing his listeners a window into his guests' lives and minds. en-us episodic Ben Fields Ben Fields brings in his favorite artists, entertainers, and friends for a to-the-point conversation about what makes them tick. Recorded in his wood-shop-turned-studio, Ben gets straight to business providing his listeners a window into his guests' lives and minds. yes Knoxville, Tn, Scruffy City, Podcast, Long form conversation, Interview, Arts, Entertainment, Filmmaking, Music, Sports, Broadcast Ben Fields southofscruffy@gmail.com #109-Sam Thomas https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/109-samthomas 41c94dea-cd45-49f8-ab5c-ffded68aeccd Mon, 31 Jan 2022 23:45:00 -0500 Ben Fields full 3 Ben Fields Sam Thomas is a music producer, audio engineer, and location sound mixer in Knoxville, TN. 1:12:56 yes 4 Time Grammy Award Winning record producer Sam Thomas pays another visit to the shop. Sam and Ben catch up on the Standard Knitting Mill Fire and Sam's recording career trajectory since relocating to Knoxville in 2018. https://samiamproductions.weebly.com/ https://open.spotify.com/track/4HWhqsHKli9ujBAFVabKuJ?si=09a1bdbc09ed4916 Sam Thomas, Knoxville, Tennessee, Ben Fields, South of Scruffy, Knoxville Music, Scruffy City 4 Time Grammy Award Winning record producer Sam Thomas pays another visit to the shop. Sam and Ben catch up on the Standard Knitting Mill Fire and Sam's recording career trajectory since relocating to Knoxville in 2018.

https://samiamproductions.weebly.com/

https://open.spotify.com/track/4HWhqsHKli9ujBAFVabKuJ?si=09a1bdbc09ed4916

]]> 4 Time Grammy Award Winning record producer Sam Thomas pays another visit to the shop. Sam and Ben catch up on the Standard Knitting Mill Fire and Sam's recording career trajectory since relocating to Knoxville in 2018.

https://samiamproductions.weebly.com/

https://open.spotify.com/track/4HWhqsHKli9ujBAFVabKuJ?si=09a1bdbc09ed4916

]]> #96-Tommy Smith https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/96-tommysmith 47f14479-afe1-48fe-8740-972c36f78cc6 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 01:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 2 Ben Fields Tommy Smith is the sitting City Councilman for the 1st District in Knoxville, TN. Tommy is on the ballot for reelection in 2021. 55:16 yes When the opportunity arose for Tommy Smith to serve the community in which he grew up, he answered the bell. Tommy shares with Ben his philosophies on public service, Air Jordan's, and tech startup incubators. With a deep passion for improving South Knoxville, and the city at large, Tommy is running to keep his seat as the city counselor serving the first district of the city of Knoxville. Tommy Smith, Ben Fields, Knoxville, Tennessee, South of Scruffy, Scruffy City When the opportunity arose for Tommy Smith to serve the community in which he grew up, he answered the bell. Tommy shares with Ben his philosophies on public service, Air Jordan's, and tech startup incubators. With a deep passion for improving South Knoxville, and the city at large, Tommy is running to keep his seat as the city counselor serving the first district of the city of Knoxville.

]]> When the opportunity arose for Tommy Smith to serve the community in which he grew up, he answered the bell. Tommy shares with Ben his philosophies on public service, Air Jordan's, and tech startup incubators. With a deep passion for improving South Knoxville, and the city at large, Tommy is running to keep his seat as the city counselor serving the first district of the city of Knoxville.

]]> #69-John Phillips https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/69-johnphillips 6d89bf13-41ad-47c1-b7c0-d098f30f8069 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 2 Ben Fields John Phillips is a bladesmith based in Knoxville, TN. 1:24:12 yes Bladesmith to the stars John Phillips brought a load of his handcrafted knives to the shop. John talks Ben through how he turned a passion for working with metals, into a career of hand crafting knives and edge tools for some of the best chefs in the world. After becoming a champion on History Channel's show "Forged in Fire", and having his knives featured in a NYT best selling cook book, John's knives have come to be coveted by collectors and celebrity chefs worldwide. John also drops an anecdote on how he manifested making knife sets for actor Martin Starr (Silicon Valley) and Sturgill Simpson. Check out this episode on Youtube if you want to see the knives https://youtu.be/bRfD1b7r5nY John Phillips, Ben Fields, Knoxville, TN, Tennessee, Bladesmith, Edge Tools, Forged in Fire, Phillips Forged, South of Scruffy, Scruffy City Bladesmith to the stars John Phillips brought a load of his handcrafted knives to the shop. John talks Ben through how he turned a passion for working with metals, into a career of hand crafting knives and edge tools for some of the best chefs in the world. After becoming a champion on History Channel's show "Forged in Fire", and having his knives featured in a NYT best selling cook book, John's knives have come to be coveted by collectors and celebrity chefs worldwide. John also drops an anecdote on how he manifested making knife sets for actor Martin Starr (Silicon Valley) and Sturgill Simpson. Check out this episode on Youtube if you want to see the knives https://youtu.be/bRfD1b7r5nY

]]> Bladesmith to the stars John Phillips brought a load of his handcrafted knives to the shop. John talks Ben through how he turned a passion for working with metals, into a career of hand crafting knives and edge tools for some of the best chefs in the world. After becoming a champion on History Channel's show "Forged in Fire", and having his knives featured in a NYT best selling cook book, John's knives have come to be coveted by collectors and celebrity chefs worldwide. John also drops an anecdote on how he manifested making knife sets for actor Martin Starr (Silicon Valley) and Sturgill Simpson. Check out this episode on Youtube if you want to see the knives https://youtu.be/bRfD1b7r5nY

]]> #66-Mitchell Connell https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/66-mitchellconnell 32545495-0b16-4186-9f0e-082e640ff311 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 2 Ben Fields Mitchell Connell is the Executive Director of the non-profit "Two Bikes" in Knoxville, TN 1:13:04 yes While spending his life as a serial outdoor adventurer (both by foot and by wheel), Mitchell Connell has devoted his life to getting more people on bicycles. Mitchell's new non-profit "Two Bikes", does that twice every time they sell a bicycle. For every bicycle they sell, they donate one to a non-profit or person in need. But there's lots more to it...Check out www.twobikes.org to get the scoop. Knoxville, Tennessee, Two Bikes, Bicycles, Cycling Community, Get Outside, Mitchell Connell, Ben Fields, Scruffy City, South of Scruffy While spending his life as a serial outdoor adventurer (both by foot and by wheel), Mitchell Connell has devoted his life to getting more people on bicycles. Mitchell's new non-profit "Two Bikes", does that twice every time they sell a bicycle. For every bicycle they sell, they donate one to a non-profit or person in need. But there's lots more to it...Check out www.twobikes.org to get the scoop.

]]> While spending his life as a serial outdoor adventurer (both by foot and by wheel), Mitchell Connell has devoted his life to getting more people on bicycles. Mitchell's new non-profit "Two Bikes", does that twice every time they sell a bicycle. For every bicycle they sell, they donate one to a non-profit or person in need. But there's lots more to it...Check out www.twobikes.org to get the scoop.

]]> #65-Kent Takano https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/65-kenttakano 394caec5-8e78-473d-8701-470995d94240 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 2 Ben Fields Kent Takano is a television writer and producer hailing from Alameda, CA 1:18:10 yes Kent Takano recounts the ups and downs of his trip up the ladder of cable of television, while contextualizing for Ben the swell in racism that Asian-Americans have been feeling since the start of the pandemic. Television, Entertainment Industry, Knoxville, TN, Tennessee, Atlanta Spa Shooting, Kent Takano, Ben Fields, South of Scruffy Podcast, Scruffy City Kent Takano recounts the ups and downs of his trip up the ladder of cable of television, while contextualizing for Ben the swell in racism that Asian-Americans have been feeling since the start of the pandemic.

]]> Kent Takano recounts the ups and downs of his trip up the ladder of cable of television, while contextualizing for Ben the swell in racism that Asian-Americans have been feeling since the start of the pandemic.

]]> #60-Jandy https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/60-jandy 87ad4919-087d-488f-a378-db5ba9fd2482 Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0500 Ben Fields full 2 Ben Fields Jandy is a musician and filmmaker based in Knoxville, TN. 1:23:44 yes Jandy is a filmmaker and musician who can't help but make viral content. Jandy and Ben recount their pasts together working with their shared mentor, Michael Underwood. The boys share a few stories from their travels together while Jandy drops some wisdom nuggets on how to make content that people can't take their eyes off of. Jandy, Andrew Joseph Spencer, Ben Fields, Knoxville, Tennessee, Scruffy City Jandy is a filmmaker and musician who can't help but make viral content. Jandy and Ben recount their pasts together working with their shared mentor, Michael Underwood. The boys share a few stories from their travels together while Jandy drops some wisdom nuggets on how to make content that people can't take their eyes off of.

]]> Jandy is a filmmaker and musician who can't help but make viral content. Jandy and Ben recount their pasts together working with their shared mentor, Michael Underwood. The boys share a few stories from their travels together while Jandy drops some wisdom nuggets on how to make content that people can't take their eyes off of.

]]> #53-Jon "Cornbred" Worley https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/53-joncornbredworley 8528360b-74f6-4bfd-9f4b-a044cbb186c6 Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500 Ben Fields full 2 Ben Fields Jon "Cornbred" Worley is a musician and music promoter based in East Tennessee 1:09:19 yes For the second time, Cornbred comes by the shop to narrow the gap between what we think we know, and the truth. Jon and Ben also chat about Jon's newfound sobriety and it's benefits. Jon Cornbred Worley, Ben Fields, South of Scruffy, Knoxville, Tennessee, Scruffy City, Sobriety For the second time, Cornbred comes by the shop to narrow the gap between what we think we know, and the truth. Jon and Ben also chat about Jon's newfound sobriety and it's benefits.

]]> For the second time, Cornbred comes by the shop to narrow the gap between what we think we know, and the truth. Jon and Ben also chat about Jon's newfound sobriety and it's benefits.

]]> #27-Born & Raised https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/27-bornraised 5b704e39-af30-4ccb-b03e-2fb56f5587b0 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 21:30:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Born & Raised Productions is a Live Music Production company that buys talent, promotes, and produces concerts. 1:29:06 yes Kent Oglesby and Garrett Thomson stop by the shop to chat about the state of live music, the demise of Rythm & Blooms music festival, and the birth of the Born & Raised Podcast. At it's best, this chat touches on the nuts and bolts of booking and promoting a sold out concert; at it's worst, it waxes poetic on the moral compass of the music and film industries. Either way you take it, it's an enlightening listen. Born & Raised Podcast, South of Scruffy, Garret Thompson, Kent Oglesby, Ben Fields, Knoxville, Tn, Tennessee, KnoxvilleTN, Scruffy City Kent Oglesby and Garrett Thomson stop by the shop to chat about the state of live music, the demise of Rythm & Blooms music festival, and the birth of the Born & Raised Podcast. At it's best, this chat touches on the nuts and bolts of booking and promoting a sold out concert; at it's worst, it waxes poetic on the moral compass of the music and film industries. Either way you take it, it's an enlightening listen.

]]> Kent Oglesby and Garrett Thomson stop by the shop to chat about the state of live music, the demise of Rythm & Blooms music festival, and the birth of the Born & Raised Podcast. At it's best, this chat touches on the nuts and bolts of booking and promoting a sold out concert; at it's worst, it waxes poetic on the moral compass of the music and film industries. Either way you take it, it's an enlightening listen.

]]> #25-Wes Bailey https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/25-wesbailey cd6fee9f-0e98-438e-988d-f09dc0224df8 Sun, 21 Jun 2020 22:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Wes Bailey is the keyboardist for the indie alternative rock band Moon Taxi. 1:13:47 yes Wes stops by the shop to fill Ben in on the current trajectory of his band Moon Taxi. After playing in a high school rock band together, Wes and Ben come together on South of Scruffy to catch up on what they've each been up to since they played their last gig together 18 years ago. Wes pulls back the curtain a bit to give a peek into the undulating trip that is Moon Taxi. Wes Bailey, Moon Taxi, Ben Fields, Knoxville, TN, Nashville, TN, Belmont University, Bearden High School, Scruffy City Wes stops by the shop to fill Ben in on the current trajectory of his band Moon Taxi. After playing in a high school rock band together, Wes and Ben come together on South of Scruffy to catch up on what they've each been up to since they played their last gig together 18 years ago. Wes pulls back the curtain a bit to give a peek into the undulating trip that is Moon Taxi.

]]> Wes stops by the shop to fill Ben in on the current trajectory of his band Moon Taxi. After playing in a high school rock band together, Wes and Ben come together on South of Scruffy to catch up on what they've each been up to since they played their last gig together 18 years ago. Wes pulls back the curtain a bit to give a peek into the undulating trip that is Moon Taxi.

]]> #23-Cruz & Cash Contreras https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/23-cruzandcashcontreras 26e8a982-2407-4f0b-964d-1ff26b3737c4 Sun, 07 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Cruz Contreras is a journeyman multi-instrumentalist turned singer/songwriter who is releasing his debut studio album. His son Cash stops by join his dad on the podcast. 1:31:54 yes Everything started off great when Cruz and Ben started their chat. When Cruz's son Cash stopped by and joined them, things got even better. Cruz recounts his time with Robinella and the CC String Band and The Black Lillies. Cruz then talked Ben through what it's like to sign a record deal with a major label; to then take a leap of faith as a solo artist. That only scratches the surface. Cruz's son Cash then drops in on the conversation to give a window into what that whole trip looks like from the vantage point of Cruz's son. Catch Cruz's upcoming album "Cosmico" being released later this year. Cruz Contreras, Cash Contreras, Robinella, Black Lillies, Ben Fields, South of Scruffy, Knoxville, Tennessee, Scruffy City, Cosmico Everything started off great when Cruz and Ben started their chat. When Cruz's son Cash stopped by and joined them, things got even better. Cruz recounts his time with Robinella and the CC String Band and The Black Lillies. Cruz then talked Ben through what it's like to sign a record deal with a major label; to then take a leap of faith as a solo artist. That only scratches the surface. Cruz's son Cash then drops in on the conversation to give a window into what that whole trip looks like from the vantage point of Cruz's son. Catch Cruz's upcoming album "Cosmico" being released later this year.

]]> Everything started off great when Cruz and Ben started their chat. When Cruz's son Cash stopped by and joined them, things got even better. Cruz recounts his time with Robinella and the CC String Band and The Black Lillies. Cruz then talked Ben through what it's like to sign a record deal with a major label; to then take a leap of faith as a solo artist. That only scratches the surface. Cruz's son Cash then drops in on the conversation to give a window into what that whole trip looks like from the vantage point of Cruz's son. Catch Cruz's upcoming album "Cosmico" being released later this year.

]]> #19-Elizabeth Wiseman https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/19-elizabethwiseman 2ac1a35d-8536-4e61-af22-195d7f5cd4b4 Sun, 10 May 2020 21:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Elizabeth Wiseman is a still photographer who splits her time between her studios in St. Louis, MO and Knoxville, TN. 1:16:16 yes Elizabeth and Ben sit down and discuss their mutual love for working with on-camera talent. Elizabeth recounts her path to becoming a fashion and commercial photographer; and how that led to her building and teaching a photography curriculum alongside some of today's most well known industry photographers. Elizabeth Wiseman, Knoxville, TN, Tennessee, St. Louis, MO, Missouri, Model Testing, Still Photography, Ben Fields, South of Scruffy, Scruffy City Elizabeth and Ben sit down and discuss their mutual love for working with on-camera talent. Elizabeth recounts her path to becoming a fashion and commercial photographer; and how that led to her building and teaching a photography curriculum alongside some of today's most well known industry photographers.

]]> Elizabeth and Ben sit down and discuss their mutual love for working with on-camera talent. Elizabeth recounts her path to becoming a fashion and commercial photographer; and how that led to her building and teaching a photography curriculum alongside some of today's most well known industry photographers.

]]> #16-Edy Recendez https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/16-edyrecendez 8d56695d-9eda-41f7-be97-04a5c96a816f Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Edy Recendez is a Director, Cinematographer, and former Soundcloud rapper. 1:11:04 yes Edy enlightens Ben on his recent leap from Cinematographer to Director. After immigrating to the United States as a High Schooler, Edy learned a new language and swiftly began a career in the film and television industy. With high-level chops and a solid work ethic, Edy swears his success could happen to anybody who tries as hard as he has. Edy Recendez, Ben Fields, Knoxville, TN, Tennessee, Director, Cinematographer, Cinema, Scruffy City, South of Scruffy Edy enlightens Ben on his recent leap from Cinematographer to Director. After immigrating to the United States as a High Schooler, Edy learned a new language and swiftly began a career in the film and television industy. With high-level chops and a solid work ethic, Edy swears his success could happen to anybody who tries as hard as he has.

]]> Edy enlightens Ben on his recent leap from Cinematographer to Director. After immigrating to the United States as a High Schooler, Edy learned a new language and swiftly began a career in the film and television industy. With high-level chops and a solid work ethic, Edy swears his success could happen to anybody who tries as hard as he has.

]]> #13-Derek Trimble https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/13-derektrimble da543048-9216-4674-a66d-a7635c54be41 Sun, 29 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Derek Trimble is an accomplished photographer and graphic designer. 1:42:14 yes As the Social Distancing Era lingers on, Derek outlines his comprehensive guide to staying creative during quarantine. Derek lends some positive unique perspective to these times of uncertainty - while helping us all feel like somehow we're going to get through this. Derek Trimble, Ben Fields, South of Scruffy Podcasts, Knoxville, Tennessee, TN,Scruffy City As the Social Distancing Era lingers on, Derek outlines his comprehensive guide to staying creative during quarantine. Derek lends some positive unique perspective to these times of uncertainty - while helping us all feel like somehow we're going to get through this.

]]> As the Social Distancing Era lingers on, Derek outlines his comprehensive guide to staying creative during quarantine. Derek lends some positive unique perspective to these times of uncertainty - while helping us all feel like somehow we're going to get through this.

]]> #10-Zack Roskop https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/10-zackroskop 842772c3-df00-475c-947a-37cc5362ad36 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0400 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Zack Roskop is the owner of the brewery tour guide service Knox Brew Tours. 1:07:25 yes Utility entertainer and brewery tour guide Zack Roskop fills Ben in on how he leveraged his unique combination of skill sets to build the most well known brewery guide service in East Tennessee. After growing up with restaurant industry parents, then living on the road with a fringe Christian Rock band, Zack ultimately created Knox Brew Tours-capitilizing on his unique mosaic of seemingly unrelated competencies. Make no mistake about it; this episode is very much about beer. Zack Roskop, Knoxville, Tennessee, Beer, Brewery, Ben Fields, Scruffy City, Tour Guide, Craft Beer Utility entertainer and brewery tour guide Zack Roskop fills Ben in on how he leveraged his unique combination of skill sets to build the most well known brewery guide service in East Tennessee. After growing up with restaurant industry parents, then living on the road with a fringe Christian Rock band, Zack ultimately created Knox Brew Tours-capitilizing on his unique mosaic of seemingly unrelated competencies. Make no mistake about it; this episode is very much about beer.

]]> Utility entertainer and brewery tour guide Zack Roskop fills Ben in on how he leveraged his unique combination of skill sets to build the most well known brewery guide service in East Tennessee. After growing up with restaurant industry parents, then living on the road with a fringe Christian Rock band, Zack ultimately created Knox Brew Tours-capitilizing on his unique mosaic of seemingly unrelated competencies. Make no mistake about it; this episode is very much about beer.

]]> #6-William Wright https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/6-williamwright 4eb20c27-cf95-49b6-b54d-92d0596aa508 Sun, 09 Feb 2020 10:00:00 -0500 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields William Wright has not shared any info publicly about his new orchestral endeavor, until now. 1:29:23 yes William Wright stops by the shop to talk life, art, despair, and some first-look details about his upcoming orchestral premier, "Childhood is the Kingdom Where Nobody Dies". William opens up about up a a lot: The real story behind the rocket ship trajectory of LiL iFFy; the emotional release he still gets from his rock and roll outfit Senryu; and the new breath that his electronic pop duo Peak Physique has breathed into this nearly perfect season of his life. Peak Physique, William Wright, Ben Fields, South of Scruffy, Knoxville, Tennessee, TN, Scruffy City, Lil Iffy, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Senryu William Wright stops by the shop to talk life, art, despair, and some first-look details about his upcoming orchestral premier, "Childhood is the Kingdom Where Nobody Dies". William opens up about up a a lot: The real story behind the rocket ship trajectory of LiL iFFy; the emotional release he still gets from his rock and roll outfit Senryu; and the new breath that his electronic pop duo Peak Physique has breathed into this nearly perfect season of his life.

]]> William Wright stops by the shop to talk life, art, despair, and some first-look details about his upcoming orchestral premier, "Childhood is the Kingdom Where Nobody Dies". William opens up about up a a lot: The real story behind the rocket ship trajectory of LiL iFFy; the emotional release he still gets from his rock and roll outfit Senryu; and the new breath that his electronic pop duo Peak Physique has breathed into this nearly perfect season of his life.

]]> #5-Mike McGill https://southofscruffy.fireside.fm/5-mikemcgill 812b3e9b-35b4-4520-b29d-e2f32a801a4d Sun, 02 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0500 Ben Fields full 1 Ben Fields Honky Tonk journeyman Mike Mcgill catches up with Ben about the last 2 decades of his undulating career as a country and bluegrass musician in Appalachia. 1:05:51 yes Mike and Ben's chat starts off hot as they recount their interwoven paths through their music and film careers. Mike's career as a bluegrass/country musician, and a variety show host is a true story of grit and tenacity. Whatever he's doing...it's workin'! McGill, Knoxville, Dollywood, Drunk Uncles, Barstool Romeos, Appalachia, Scruffy City, Tennessee Mike and Ben's chat starts off hot as they recount their interwoven paths through their music and film careers. Mike's career as a bluegrass/country musician, and a variety show host is a true story of grit and tenacity. Whatever he's doing...it's workin'!

]]> Mike and Ben's chat starts off hot as they recount their interwoven paths through their music and film careers. Mike's career as a bluegrass/country musician, and a variety show host is a true story of grit and tenacity. Whatever he's doing...it's workin'!

]]>