We at New South Essays have made it our mission to keep you informed of events that both reflect and impact contemporary Southern culture. Such a moment occurred last night (July 24, 2026) when Nashville stand-up comedian Brian Bates dropped his long-awaited, highly-anticipated 30-minute special “Worried” on the Nateland YouTube channel. (Oh, and did I … Continue reading Don’t ‘worry,’ Brian Bates’ new comedy special delivers
There aren't enough hours in the day to consume all of the world's content, and it's a problem. It's especially acute if you are like me and believe that entertainment is not meant to be enjoyed but completed. "Honey, if we work hard, we can finish the latest season of 'Virgin River' by knocking out … Continue reading My podcast cup runneth over
Maybe it’s just me, but I cannot avoid “clean” these days. Everyone is wanting to go “clean” these days. I’m not always the most “with it” middle aged dude, according to my teenager, so I’m not sure what “clean” means. Do you? No matter how you define "clean" in the New South, I'm into it. … Continue reading Living clean or clean living
Widely known as the “Mark Twain of Lilburn,” I have an appreciation of stand-up comedy as an art form and humor more generally as a quality that enhances life. I am aware of my readership, so from time to time I enjoy performing a public service and letting you in on a comedian whose work … Continue reading Aaron Weber serves up quality comedy with ‘Signature Dish’
They say what happens in Nashvegas stays in Nashvegas. Well, I’m not sure that’s exactly how it goes, but either way, I’m about to spill most of the beans about a recent trip Carla and I took to the home of country music and rival to Atlanta for the title of capital of the South. … Continue reading 68 hours in Nashville
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