Let’s discuss: ‘Landon talks’

If you have spent more than five minutes around me in the past two weeks you’ve heard me go on and on about my latest Southern obsession – artist and social media influencer Landon Bryant.

More specifically, his Instagram account “Landon Talks” has been my internet rabbit hole of choice.

Shout out to Brian and Carra for the referral. They thought I would like it, and they were absolutely correct. Landon speaks with such regional color and dialectical flair in a quiet and sincere way that my blood pressure lowers, a smile softens my furrowed brow and scowl and “Hey, you’ve got to see this!” replaces “How are you doing?” as my greeting to anyone I come in contact with.

It’s not just his accent and Southernisms. His topics are on point. I’ve particularly enjoyed his recent discussions of caring for cast iron skillets, ways we think we’re being sneaky about getting dessert and humidity. These may be well-worn Southern tropes, but I like Landon’s take.

So, pause this post, allow yourself to experience the “sugary goodness” that is Landon on YouTube or TikTok and then come back and finish reading… It’s OK, I’ll wait.

There? See what I mean?

I’m not the first to discover the joy of Landon. Southern Living did an interview with him back in June, and by the dates of his posts, he’s been at this awhile. You can learn more about his real life by following his wife, Kate, on Instagram or checking out her website.

If Landon isn’t your Mason jar of sweet tea, then I can’t help you. He’s one of those phenomena that you either get or you don’t. And let’s just set aside for a minute the obviously calculated social media strategy he is employing. I am well aware that he is trying to “go viral.” I don’t care. I welcome the manipulation of my algorithm. If the internet wants to serve me up more Landon, I’ll take it.

If anything, as a communications professional, I admire it. He’s defined his brand, and he’s consistently developing and posting quality content in the niche he’s carved out for himself. My admiration does not stem from jealousy at the growth of his following. On my best day, New South Essays isn’t as hilarious or on point as “Landon Talks,” and my Southern bona fides aren’t as strong.

For one, Landon hails from Laurel, Mississippi, which is rapidly becoming a new Southern cultural center thanks to the work of HGTV’s “Hometown” and its stars, Erin and Ben Napier. It’s required viewing for my wife and oldest son, and I confess that I have seen more than a few episodes.

Between Landon and the Napiers, it’s enough for me to plan a pilgrimage. Carla and Barron would be excellent tour guides because they could recite the episode number of each building or house project we stroll past.

Lately, Landon has been discussing the weather… a lot. But in his defense, so has everybody.. It’s been hot, and Landon has reminded us of all the great ways people in the South have exaggeratedly or euphemistically talked about the heat and humidity.

My fascination with “Landon Talks” goes beyond nostalgia. I did not grow up in a small town in the South. I’m from a bigger city though I did move to central Florida as a teen and matriculated at a small college in Alabama before taking up residence in Georgia, lo these last 31 years. I didn’t grow up hearing all of these phrases that Landon reminds us of, but I do appreciate them.

I am attracted to colorful speech. I still laugh at Foghorn Leghorn cartoons. When I hear a new turn of phrase, Southern, or otherwise, it catches my attention. It’s the use of language I admire.

Before I ruin Landon’s work for you by overanalyzing and waxing philosophical, let’s just leave it at Landon brings me joy. I appreciate what he’s doing and support it. And thank you to all who have tolerated my going on and on about it.

If nothing else, it’s a nice diversion from all that’s dreary in the world.