Podcast
Snackin' and Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy
Catalog
Episodes
- Letting Halloween Candy Take Us Back w/Rossi Brown | Ep 75 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Oct 26, 2026 · 1 hr 19 minHalloween candy, Care Bears nostalgia, school lunch pizza, and one very heartfelt conversation. Rossi Brown joins BIG Ben Kennedy in a Tenderheart Bear costume for a snack-filled Halloween hangout on Snackin' & Yakkin'.
The candy haul brings back classics like Sixlets, Smarties, Mary Janes, peanut butter kisses, Tootsie Rolls, candy corn, and Dad's root beer barrels. Ben and Rossi compare childhood trick-or-treating memories, debate which treats deserve a spot in the bag, and remember the school snacks that made pizza day feel like a holiday.
Between candy trades and stories, they talk Care Bears, Halloween costumes, scary movies, and the legendary cafeteria pizza they're ready to order by the case. Rossi also shares an update after the Middleton Cove apartment fire, and Ben reminds viewers that the community is still raising support for Rossi and his sister as they recover.
If you can help, Rossi's GoFundMe is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-rossi-sister-after-fire Every contribution helps.
What was your favorite Halloween candy as a kid? Tell us in the comments, and let us know which treat you'd trade away first.
Happy Halloween, and thanks for watching!
- Potato Chip Jenga and One Very Weird Math Test w/Bobby Baker | Ep 74 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Oct 19, 2026 · 1 hr 11 minCharleston comic Bobby Baker joins Big Ben Kennedy for Pizza Flavor Potato Chips, Root Beer, and a conversation that takes plenty of unexpected turns.
Bobby talks about hosting the weekly Monday open mic at Mon, producing his own variety comedy shows, and building a lineup that mixes stand-up, sketch, improv, and live music. He also shares how he got started in comedy, his plans for upcoming shows at City Lights Eastside, and why Charleston has more funny comics than many people realize.
Along the way, the snack talk wanders into cream soda, blue raspberry flavor, gas station road-trip favorites, and the fine art of Potato Chip Jenga. Then the conversation gets delightfully off track with old-school comedy, horror movies, new math, and the question every EMT exam writer should answer carefully: what do you do first when you arrive at a birth scene?
Catch Bobby Baker at a live show, find him on Instagram at: @bobbybakershow and get to know one of Charleston's comics on this episode of Snackin' & Yakkin'.
- Delightin' in Maple Cinnamon Rolls w/The Bake Lab | Ep 73 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Oct 12, 2026 · 1 hr 3 minFresh-baked cinnamon rolls, Dr Pepper, and a whole lot of good conversation. Big Ben sits down with Kiersten and Adrian of The Bake Lab to taste their soft, maple-glazed rolls and hear how a fun idea for extra travel money turned into a fast-growing Charleston bakery business.Kiersten and Adrian share the story behind The Bake Lab, their early markets and community events, and the flavors they're testing for fall, including sweet potato, butter pecan, and apple pie cinnamon rolls. Adrian also explains the milk bread technique that keeps their rolls soft for days, plus how customer feedback helps him fine-tune each recipe.Then the tasting begins. Big Ben and Kerri dig into the maple cinnamon roll, talk flavor and texture, and debate what might pair with it next. There's also a look at The Bake Lab's mini rolls and ready-to-bake holiday packs, plus a chat about local coffee shop partnerships, wedding plans, and a possible mobile bakery.Watch for the cinnamon roll talk, stay for the laughs, and meet two local bakers with plenty of ideas on the rise.Find The Bake Lab on Instagram: @bakelabchs
- Snackin', Yakkin' & Pack Crackin' w/Zenergy Gamers | Ep 72 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Oct 5, 2026 · 1 hr 38 minCrack packs, eat smoked wings, and talk shop with the people building Charleston's local gaming community. Big Ben Kennedy welcomes Zenergy Gamers owner Andrew Braun and Magic: The Gathering judge Mark Williams for a long hangout full of game-store stories, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles nostalgia, and plenty of cardboard.
Andrew shares how Zenergy Gamers grew through the challenges of opening just before COVID, why local game stores give players a place to meet and play, and how his shops make newcomers feel welcome. Then the crew opens Magic's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collector packs, checks out the cards, and gets sidetracked by classic Turtle movies, arcade games, and the eternal question of who the best turtle is.
There are smoked wings from **Home Team BBQ, a probiotic soda taste test, and a whole lot of friendly banter along the way. Stick around for the pack openings, the stories behind Zenergy's shops, and a look at what makes a local game store feel like home.
Find Zenergy Gamers on Facebook and Instagram at: @zenergygaming
Their locations include 1230 Red Bank Road in Goose Creek, 908 Bacons Bridge Road in Summerville, and Holy City Gamers Guild off Yeamans Hall Road.
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**Not a sponsor, but can be! Email producer@snackyakkstudios.com to find out how!
- Choosing Whether to Get Sad or Get Weird w/ Laura Dixon | Ep 71 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Sep 28, 2026 · 1 hr 17 minCharleston comedian Laura Dixon joins BIG Ben Kennedy for gluten-free banana bread, comedy stories, and a conversation that takes a sharp turn toward dolphin beef.
Laura looks back on the night she tried stand-up for the first time at The Sparrow, wearing a hot pink blazer and telling a five-minute story about getting her cat from a Domino's delivery driver. Since then, she's performed around the country, including at the North Carolina Comedy Festival and in Los Angeles, where she learned that the same joke can land very differently in a new room.
She and Ben talk about the Charleston comedy scene, finding fresh material on the road, and Laura's dream of writing sketch comedy for Saturday Night Live. Plus, Laura brings her homemade gluten-free, mostly sugar-free chocolate chip banana bread, and Ben is immediately sold.
The conversation also wanders through pumpkin spice, comedy and therapy, backstage stories, and a plan to get Charleston comics voicing a crew of gangster dolphins. The dolphins may or may not have beef with Ben.
Follow Laura Dixon on Instagram at @lauramdixon
- We Found Charleston's Most Decadent Homemade Cookies w/Urban Crumbs CHS | Ep 70 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Sep 21, 2026 · 1 hr 19 minBanana pudding, Cookie Monster, S'mores, and enough giant cookies to make Big Ben question his life choices. Episode 70 brings Urban Crumbs Charleston to the couch for a seriously delicious snack attack.Tiffany and Alyssa share the story behind their home-based cookie business, their Southern baking roots, and the family memories that helped shape their recipes. They also talk about starting with a folding table, selling out at a car dealership in 45 minutes, and turning late-night inspiration into a growing cookie business.Then the tasting begins.Big Ben samples a full cookie lineup, including: * Strawberry * Banana pudding * Cookie Monster, loaded with Oreo and chocolate chip cookies * Kitchen sink with caramel and pretzels * S'mores * Strawberry lemonade...and more!The cookies are soft-baked, thick, packed with flavor, and made in small batches under South Carolina cottage food rules. Urban Crumbs Charleston also offers special colors and seasonal designs, plus sugar-free options by request and shipping across the United States.There are family stories, Big Mama memories, coconut water, Sesame Street confusion, a little friendly cookie theft, and one very important discovery: the crunchy pieces in these cookies actually stay crunchy.
- Comedians, Bars, Actors and 90s Movies w/ Cassie Burns | Ep 69 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Sep 14, 2026 · 1 hr 23 minCassie Burns stops by for big laughs, kettle corn, Michelob Ultra, and a serious love of movies on Episode 69 of Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy.Cassie hosts Comedians In Bars Getting Sloppy, a podcast that features Charleston-area comedians, local bars, and the wonderfully unpredictable conversations that happen when everyone gets "comfortable". She and Big Ben talk about building a podcast, supporting local venues, traveling for new guests, and why bar noise, motorcycles, and accidental tequila baths are all part of the production process.Then the conversation takes a sharp turn into movie territory. Cassie and Ben debate Die Hard as a Christmas movie, celebrate The Birdcage, revisit Back to the Future, The Matrix, Dumb and Dumber, There's Something About Mary, Tropic Thunder, Only You, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and more. They also discuss Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Jim Carrey, Robert Downey Jr., James Marsden, Alan Rickman, and the magic of actors who can make a movie impossible to recast.The snack is kettle corn, because buttered popcorn gets everywhere and Cassie already knows her limits. During the Fast Five, she weighs in on sweet versus savory breakfast, hot sauce, burgers, fried green tomatoes, and other essential food questions.Expect movie theories, Charleston stories, podcast talk, childhood theater dreams, heckler anxiety, Savannah Bananas memories, Wonder Twin confusion, and enough tangents to fill a whole video store shelf.
- Michael Clayton: Finding the Funny When Life Gets Heavy | Ep 68 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Sep 7, 2026 · 1 hr 21 minMichael Clayton is back in the new-and-improved Snackin' & Yakkin' studio, and he's got a new album, a whole lot of movie opinions, and enough emotional reflection to fill several more episodes.
Michael and Big Ben Kennedy crack open Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters and Yoo-hoo while talking about Michael's comedy album Garbage Chic, the fake Men's Health magazine cover that somehow became the perfect artwork, and why movie theater snacks are basically a pouch inside a box inside another bad decision.
Then things get real.
Michael talks about losing his father, organ donation, grief, comedy, WrestleMania, and the strange ways a person keeps moving when life decides to throw a chair at them. There are some heavy moments, but there are also plenty of jokes, because sometimes the only way to survive a funeral is to remember the ridiculous parts too.
Also included:
* Breakfast for dinner, because Pancake Tuesday is a state of mind
* Unlimited tacos versus unlimited pizza
* Chocolate versus cheese, a question that nearly ends the friendship
* The proper way to eat movie theater snacks during a quiet horror movie
* Irish goodbyes and why they stop being rude if you do them every time
* Michael's father battling toll booths, white water rafting w/Jerry Springer, and a pet mountain lion
* A heartfelt discussion about comedy, audience comfort, and knowing how to land the plane
* The Rossi Brown benefit show and the Charleston comedy community coming together to help a friend
Michael Clayton is funny, thoughtful, a serious movie nerd, and Big Ben is somehow still willing to trust him with snack choices.
That should tell you everything.
- 27 Years of Drag, Giving Back & Finding Your Lane w/Patti O'Furniture | Ep 67 | Snackin’ & Yakkin’Aug 31, 2026 · 1 hr 13 minPatti O'Furniture brings the wigs, the wisdom, and a serious love of orange slices to the Snackin' & Yakkin' sofa. In this lively conversation, Patti and Big Ben Kennedy talk drag, community, charity, South Carolina, and the snacks that keep a busy performer going.Patti shares how her unforgettable drag name came from a back-porch brainstorm, why she became a drag queen after a dare from her students, and how a college drag show helped launch a 27-year career. She also talks about hosting drag bingo at Pounce Cat Cafe, raising money for HIV support and local families, and creating welcoming spaces through performances across the Carolinas.The conversation gets personal as Patti discusses her family's history in South Carolina public service, her commitment to positivity, and the lesson she learned from a young artist named Sam: you never know who is watching, or how one kind moment can change someone's day.Naturally, the snacks get plenty of attention too. Patti introduces Ben to her signature Goldfish crackers and peanuts, shares memories of her mother's "nabs," and explains the very practical reason every bite needs to be small enough to protect the lipstick.There's also talk of wedding officiating, Patti's future book, celebrity encounters, Bill Murray, Brackish bow ties, old Pizza Hut buildings, and why finding your lane matters more than chasing somebody else's version of success.
- Ain't Got Time For a Bad Time w/Traci Doutaz | Ep 66 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Aug 24, 2026 · 1 hr 47 minTraci Doutaz returns to Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy for a heartfelt, funny, and unforgettable conversation about friendship, roller derby, cancer treatment, bucket-list adventures, and making the most of the time we have.
Traci, also known as Doutaz Mania, first appeared on the show in Episode 5. Now, 61 episodes later, she shares an honest update on living with stage 4 metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, weekly treatment, chemo brain, changing side effects, and her decision to keep skating with the Lowcountry High Rollers for as long as she can.
The conversation also includes plenty of Traci's signature humor, her Twilight tattoos, the story behind her "Baja Blessed" tattoo, stick-on eyebrows, memorable roller derby moments, and the origin of the famous "Mosquito" stickers. Over a bowl of Nacho Cheese Doritos, Traci introduces Ben to Kentucky's Ale-8-One ginger ale, including blackberry and pawpaw flavors.
Traci also talks about her "Goals Before I Ghost You" list, upcoming trips to Seattle, Forks, Salem, and a heavy metal cruise, plus seeing the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Las Vegas and visiting the Bacchanal Buffet.Ben and Traci share a candid conversation about medical anxiety, colonoscopy screenings, friendship, grief, hope, and why nobody should waste time on a bad time. The episode also includes an important reminder to schedule recommended cancer screenings and take your health seriously.
Support Traci's "Less Tragic, More Magic" GoFundMe at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/make-magic-for-Doutaz and help her check off some of the experiences on her list. Leave a message with your donation about what you'd like to help make possible, whether that's travel, a tattoo, a hotel stay, or gas for a special day with her dogs.
- Baseball Feuds, Political Chaos & Pretzel Problems w/ Bill Davis | Ep 65 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Aug 17, 2026 · 1 hr 12 minBill Davis brings political reporting war stories, baseball feuds, family chaos, and a dangerous amount of snack confidence to Episode 65 of Snackin' & Yakkin'.Charleston writer, comedian, performer, and award-winning political reporter Bill Davis joins Big Ben Kennedy for a wide-ranging conversation that covers nearly everything, including:- The time Bill almost got into a fight with Reggie Jackson- Tanya Harding, miniature bats, and one unforgettable newspaper caption- Covering Carl Pavano for The New York Times- Growing up around addiction, recovery, and family drama- Parenting, teenagers, embarrassing minivan moments, and the hazards of shared bathrooms- And much more!There are political stories, sports stories, deeply questionable jokes, and enough pretzel pieces to qualify as a medical emergency. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let Bill Davis do what Bill Davis does best.Follow Bill Davis on Instagram at @billdavisissocool and find him on Facebook by searching for Bill Davis.
- Somehow, We Ended Up at Cannibalism w/ Sara Meagan | Ep 64 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Aug 10, 2026 · 1 hr 11 minPizza, blue Gatorade, comedy, true crime, dating disasters, and a conversation that somehow ends with cannibalism. Sara Meagan brings the chaos in S&Y Episode 64.
Sara joins BIG Ben Kennedy for a relaxed snack break and a wide-ranging conversation about their recent show at Social 19 in West Ashley, South Carolina comedy, her Hot Mess showcase, and the writing group she hosts at local bars. She also shares why she stepped away from comedy for six months, how she turned painful experiences into material, and why taking a break from something you love can help you find your way back to it.
Along the way, they debate pretzels versus popcorn, chocolate versus vanilla, Pizza Hut versus Domino's, sweet snacks versus salty snacks, and Gatorade's many shades of blue. They also talk about dating, long-term relationships, TJ's expert character assessments, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Amelia Earhart, movie theater food, family, childhood moves, and the strange comfort of being okay with life's permanent rough spots.
Find Sara Meagan on Instagram at @sara.meagan.has.legs and check out her comedy when she performs in the Charleston area. Remember to leave a comment, share the episode, and tell us what snack should make an appearance next time.
- Faith, Filmmaking & Friendship w/ Alexis & Bradley Shuffler | Ep 63 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Aug 3, 2026 · 1 hrAlexis and Bradley Shuffler join Big Ben Kennedy to talk about filmmaking, family, faith, mental health, friendship breakups, and the daily work behind building a creative career. Bradley shares the story behind BA Shuffler Productions, his short film projects, and Half of Me, a personal rom-com about friendship, change, and learning how to move forward when someone important takes a different path.
Bradley and Alexis also talk about Shuffler & Co. Weddings, their plans for serving couples across the Lowcountry and beyond, and the teamwork it takes to build a business while raising a family. Along the way, the conversation covers fake fight scenes, wedding videography, airport motivation, parenting fears, colonoscopy prep, Poppy soda, Target trail mix, and Bradley's long-running dream of owning a Lamborghini.
Most importantly, this episode is about pursuing meaningful work before everything feels perfect. Bradley explains how filmmaking became an outlet, how motivational TikToks helped people through difficult moments, and why creating something honest matters more than chasing success for its own sake.
Watch for the full conversation, then share your own creative goal in the comments. What would you keep working toward if money, doubt, and other people's opinions weren't calling the shots?
Follow BA Shuffler Productions on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube at: @bashufflerproductions
- Spicy Chips, Comedy & Cinnamon Rolls w/ Josh Milz | Ep 62 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jul 27, 2026 · 1 hr 18 minJosh Milz is back for a no-promotional, no-pressure hangout packed with spicy chips, questionable soda choices, comedy stories, and enough emotional whiplash to fill several episodes.
On this episode of Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy, Josh and Ben tear into Flamin' Hot Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles while debating root beer, Cheerwine, coconut cream, Oreos, Pop-Tarts, and the proper way to survive a post-snack stomach emergency.
The conversation takes a few wild turns, including Josh's serious car wreck, Ben's hurricane streaking story, the teacher who pushed him to finish high school, and the strange comfort of friends who know when to stop treating you like a fragile egg. They also talk Charleston comedy, Next Stop Comedy, local restaurants, Pete Holmes, Leslie Jones, SNL, social media clips, and the future of SnackYakk Studios.
Plus, Ben faces his first ever round of Fast Five questions, Josh shares his best cinnamon-roll advice, and Ben explains why a double-decker taco deserves a place in the Taco Bell Hall of Fame.
Grab a snack, pour yourself something cold, and settle in for a long, loose conversation between two friends who clearly forgot the cameras were running.
Follow Josh on insta: @milzellaneous
- Sweet Happiness Full Stop w/Serena & Lux of Bebop Donut Shop | Ep 61 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jul 20, 2026 · 1 hr 9 minBebop Donut Shop brings hot, fresh donuts, dirty sodas, and a whole lot of joyful chaos to Snackin' & Yakkin'! Serena and Lux join BIG Ben Kennedy for an hour of snacks, stories, anime talk, cartoon memories, and the kind of conversation that can wander from Cowboy Bebop to boiled peanuts without missing a beat.
Bebop Donut Shop won Best Sweets Truck at the Best of Charleston party, and one bite makes it easy to understand why. The crew digs into Oreo Crumble, S'mores, and Fruity Pebbles donuts, all served warm and loaded with toppings. There's also a taste of the Bebop drink menu, including the popular Dr Pepper-based Bebop, Pink Pony Swirl, and the tropical Sprite Club.
Serena and Lux share how a soda closet, a donut truck, and a big leap of faith turned into a business built around fresh treats, community connections, and making people smile. They also talk about their dream of opening a welcoming brick-and-mortar space where people can hang out, play games, watch cartoons, and enjoy a donut without feeling rushed out the door. Stay through the donut tasting for genuine reactions, cereal milk nostalgia, marshmallow-covered Fruity Pebbles, and several happy food dances.
Find Bebop Donut Shop on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @bebopdonutshop
- Crunch Wraps, Chaos & Baba Ganoush w/ Braised & Glazed | Ep 60 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jul 13, 2026 · 1 hr 11 minCharleston's food truck scene gets a seriously tasty visit as Big Ben Kennedy sits down with Adrian Ion, Taylor Ion, and Dan Xeller from Braised & Glazed.
The crew talks food, family, food truck life, rotating menus, and the beautiful chaos of working inside a 12-foot concession trailer. Then comes the important part: eating. Big Ben digs into the famous Crunch Wrap, complete with beef, cheese, a crispy tostada layer, and vinegar-based slaw, before trying Braised & Glazed's smoked eggplant dip, a Romanian-inspired take on baba ganoush.
Braised & Glazed brings eclectic, messy, handheld food to locations around Charleston, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @braisedandglazed to find their current menu and truck schedule.
- Marines, Mental Health & Meats in Cans w/Brandon Johnston of OFP Comedy | Ep 59 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jul 6, 2026 · 1 hr 6 minBig Ben Kennedy and Brandon kick things off by revisiting the wild, haunted chaos of Brandon's first appearance on Episode 13, then jump into Brandon's upcoming tour with Combat Zone 360, a veteran-focused comedy run hitting American Legions, VFWs, comedy clubs, and more. The mission is simple, get laughs in the rooms where veterans and their families already know how to tell the truth and take a joke, and it's all to raise money and awareness for the mental health of our veterans.The conversation also gets personal fast. Brandon shares stories about military life, boot camp at Parris Island, his MOS, his time in Iraq, and how comedy, family, and service have all shaped the way he shows up on stage. If you like veteran comedy, Marine Corps stories, South Carolina local flavor, and two guys turning canned meats into a full-blown philosophy session, this one's got your name on it.And yes, the snacks are doing their part too. Vienna sausages, potted meat, spice, salt, regret, and a whole lot of laughs make this episode exactly the kind of mess this show was built for.Check out Brandon Johnston and @ofpcomedy, and keep an eye out for the Combat Zone 360 tour dates. This one is for the vets, the laughers, and everybody who knows a good story usually starts with, "You're not gonna believe this."
- Thai Tea, Snacks and Slide Decks w/ Jessica Veal of Pitch A Friend | Ep 58 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jun 29, 2026 · 59 minJessica Veal of Pitch a Friend Charleston stops by Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy for a funny, honest, and wildly relatable chat about modern dating, real-life connections, and why a slide deck might be the new wingman.
Pitch a Friend started in Philadelphia in 2022 and has grown fast, with chapters opening in new places and people getting back to face-to-face introductions instead of endless app swiping. Jessica breaks down how it works, who can get pitched, why consent matters, and how the Charleston chapter brings single friends, new-to-town folks, and good humans together for a night of laughs and maybe a little matchmaking chaos.
Ben and Jessica also get into the age-gap divide between the younger crowd and the more guarded older crowd, the kind of pitches that actually land, and the wild humor people bring to the stage. You'll hear about red-flag and green-flag games, funny slide deck details, dating app stories, and why Wednesday nights are a sweet spot for these events.
And because this is Snackin' & Yakkin', there's okra chips, the Fast Five, and a few detours into old-school dating, AOL Instant Messenger, free nights and weekends, and the glory days of Nokia brick phones.
If you like local Charleston stories, dating talk with real personality, and a show that doesn't mind getting a little weird in the best way, this one's for you.
Follow Pitch a Friend Charleston on Instagram: @pitchafriend.charleston
- Way More Than Just Weather w/ Bill Walsh of Live 5 News | Ep 57 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jun 22, 2026 · 1 hr 2 minBill Walsh from Live 5 News stops by Snackin' & Yakkin' for a fast, funny, and very Charleston chat with BIG Ben Kennedy. This one has Weather talk, News stories, wild local memories, and a few side roads that somehow end up in traffic, socks, crab dip, and old-school TV lore.
Bill shares how he got started in broadcasting, how he landed in Charleston, SC, and why he's stuck around for 40 years. He and Ben swap stories about Live 5, storm coverage, classic Charleston chaos, and what it's like to live and work in a city where everybody knows the roads, the restaurants, and the weather personality on TV.
They also get into:
-Wheat Thins and ginger ale
-Crazy socks and viewer gifts
-Stand-up comedy on the side
-Old TV shows, game show bits, and air show fun
-Why Charleston traffic feels like a full-contact sport
If you love Charleston and local Weather talk, and a guest who can keep up with Ben's pace, this episode is a great one!
Follow Bill Walsh on insta and X: @billwalshtv and on fb: @BillWalshLive5NewsFollow us on all social media: @snackinyakkin
About our presenting sponsor, Kay Real Estate Group: Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or managing property, their team helps clients across Charleston's tri-county area and beyond. Visit kayreg.com to see what they can do for your next move.
- One Year Down, Many More To Go | Ep 56 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jun 15, 2026 · 1 hr 5 minOne year in, episode 56, and I'm still here, still snackin', still yakkin', and still somehow talking my way into a brand-new season of this weird little show I love.
This episode is my one-year anniversary, and I'm not gonna lie, I got a little sentimental about it. I'm talking about the new intro, the new hat, the new look, the new season, the whole deal. I also got to hear voicemails from some of the best people around, and they had me laughing, choking up, and regretting every squid chip decision I've ever made.
If you've been here since two iterations ago in the garage days, you know exactly how far this thing has come. If you're new, welcome. I'm Big Ben Kennedy, and this show is still exactly what I wanted it to be, a place to meet good people, hear real stories, eat some snacks, and give Charleston a little more room to show off the supremely talented folks hiding in plain sight.
In this episode, I talk about why I started Snackin' & Yakkin', why I keep doing it every week, why the guests matter so much, and why I still think the best part of this whole thing is the community around it. We also crack into the old mystery box, revisit a few cursed snacks, unveil the snack labels behind the old logo, and celebrate with an unreal cake from Daddy's Girls Bakery in North Charleston. That cake was no joke.
Thanks for being here for year one. I'm not going anywhere. See you every Monday!
- Diggin' On Some Mini Donuts w/Dave Magdeburger of Donut Daddy | Ep 55 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jun 8, 2026 · 1 hr 14 minMini donuts, black coffee, food truck stories, and a whole lot of nonsense with Dave Magdeburger of Donut Daddy SC. This one has it all.
Big Ben sits down with Dave from Donut Daddy, Charleston's mobile catering doughnut service, and the conversation goes exactly where you'd hope it would go, food truck life, the jump from tacos to donuts, the South Carolina Food Truck Coalition, weddings, festivals, and why mini donuts just work better for everybody. There's also a very serious amount of talk about crispy bits, French toast donuts, Cadbury mini eggs, and why a hot mini donut less than 10 seconds out of the fryer is basically a small miracle.
And yes, coffee gets involved. Ben takes on a decaf latte like a man making bad decisions before 9 a.m., while Dave keeps it classic with black coffee and the sugar coming straight from the donuts. That alone should tell you everything you need to know.
If you like food trucks, Charleston eats, behind-the-scenes catering stories, Baltimore roots, and two guys completely losing track of time while eating donuts on camera, this episode is for you.
Follow @donutdaddysc on Instagram and Facebook to see where the truck is headed next, then come back and tell us which flavor you'd grab first, cinnamon sugar, French toast, chocolate sprinkle, or the Cadbury Bird Nest special.
- Sharin' a Tale of a Whale w/Vickie Griffin | Ep 54 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jun 1, 2026 · 1 hr 3 minA cross-country van adventure, whale facts, Alaska stories, and oatmeal cream pies. Yeah, this one goes everywhere.
On this episode of Snackin' & Yakkin', BIG Ben Kennedy sits down with Vickie Griffin, a fellow medic with a whole lot of stories and one serious road trip behind her. Vickie spent 2025 chasing a new life on the road, building out her tiny van, heading west, and ending up in Alaska with a front-row seat to whales, glaciers, bald eagles, sea lions, prairie dogs, the Badlands, Yellowstone, Route 66, and the kind of sights that make you stop talking for a minute and just stare.
She tells the story the way it should be told, with the funny stuff, the wild stuff, the practical stuff, and the parts that make you say, "Wait, you did what?" If you've ever thought about living tiny, traveling solo, or just wanted to hear what Alaska really looks like through somebody's eyes, this episode is packed with it.
About this episode's presenting sponsor: MDM Travel specializes in turning dream vacations into unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning a relaxing cruise, an all-inclusive resort getaway, a family adventure, or a custom vacation package, MDM Travel provides personalized service and expert guidance every step of the way. With a focus on making travel simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs, MDM Travel helps clients explore the world with confidence while creating memories that last a lifetime. Visit mdmtravel.com to plan your dream trip today!
- Grillin' Dogs The Dirt Road Way w/Coach Chef Frank of Dirt Road Grub | Ep 53 | Snackin' & Yakkin'May 25, 2026 · 1 hr 17 minBig Ben Kennedy is snackin' & yakkin' with Coach Chef Frank of Dirt Road Grub, and this one gets wild fast. We're talking beef brisket hot dogs from Charlotte, NC based company Gleezy, with a twist, and a whole lot of talk about coaching, teaching, cooking, bourbon, and building something real from the ground up.
Coach Chef Frank came through ready to work. He brought the history, the hustle, and the flavor. We talk about his journey from juvenile justice to the classroom to coaching, why middle school kids are at that fork in the road, and how food became another lane for him to build in. Then we get into those Gleezy dogs, the Carolina-style sauce, the toasted bun, and the Dirt Road way of doing things. And yes, there's a French toast sausage roll situation in here too, because apparently normal was not invited.
If you like food talk with real stories, low-country energy, and a host who will absolutely lose his mind over a good hot dog, this episode is for you.
Follow Coach Chef Frank on fb: @dirt.roadgame
insta: @dirtroadjerk
tiktok: @coachcheffrank
- Chattin' Charleston & Crab Dip w/Devin & DJ Dukes of Shrimp City Report | Ep 52 | Snackin' & Yakkin'May 18, 2026 · 1 hr 2 minDevin Dukes and DJ Dukes of the Shrimp City Report stopped by Snackin' & Yakkin' for a long one, and this one goes everywhere in the best way. Charleston podcasting, Best of Charleston 2026, Wikipedia rabbit holes, old encyclopedias, brisket, wrestling, ghosts, the Battery, the RiverDogs, and yes, a whole lot of snackin' and yakkin'.The Shrimp City Report is a Charleston podcast built around local people, local stories, and the kind of conversations that actually sound like Charleston. Devin and DJ break down how they got started, why the name fits, and how they've turned their show into a catalog of the city's food, music, art, sports, business, and all the weird little corners that make this place what it is.We also get into what it takes to keep a local show moving, how they find guests, why long-form conversations still matter, and what they want Shrimp City Report to become next. There's talk about MLW, Danny McBride, Bobby Hartin, the Charleston Battery supporters group The Regiment, and why Lewis Barbecue keeps ending up at the top of the list. If you know, you know.And of course, there are dips. Crab dip, shrimp dip, PBR, Old Bay, and enough side talk to keep the whole thing moving. It's one of those episodes that starts with food and ends up being about Charleston, community, and trying to build something people actually care about.
- Lovin' Some Chewies w/Chasity & Nate Brown of Daddy's Girls Bakery | Ep 51 | Snackin' & Yakkin'May 11, 2026 · 1 hr 9 minSweet treats, big laughs, and a Charleston bakery that knows how to show up. This week on Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy, Chasity and Nate Brown of Daddy's Girls Bakery drop in with the goods, the stories, and a whole lot of family pride.
We talk about how Daddy's Girls Bakery started at home in 2016, how the shop opened during the pandemic, and why a bakery named after their daughters makes perfect sense once Nate explains it. We also get into the hustle, the neighborhood, the airport kiosk days, the barber shop and beauty salon route, and what it means to build a black-owned bakery in Charleston with real roots in the community.
And yes, the snacks are the star of the show.
Ben tries Charleston Chewies, cheesecake, cake, and more, and let's just say the Chewies are doing serious work. Soft, rich, buttery, brown-sugar goodness with a little Southern attitude. There's also talk of their custom cakes, bento box designs, cake decorating classes, ice cream, and the future plans they've got cooking, including an ice cream bike and an ice cream truck.
If you love baked goods, local business stories, and a conversation that moves from food to family to pure Charleston energy, this one is for you. Support local. Support black-owned. And if you're near Reynolds Avenue, you already know where to go next.
Follow Daddy's Girls Bakery:
Instagram: @daddys_girls_bakery
Facebook: @daddygirlsdesserts
TikTok: @daddysgirlsbakery
Visit them at: 2021 Reynolds Avenue, Suite B102, Charleston, SC
- Drinkin' Up The Laughs w/Sam Pagano | Ep 50 | Snackin' & Yakkin'May 4, 2026 · 1 hrSam Pagano from Low Tide Brewing joins BIG Ben Kennedy for a wild, funny, beer-filled hang on episode 50(!) of Snackin' & Yakkin'. This one has everything, a brewing deep-dive, Charleston heat, food truck talk, ocean paranoia, and a very serious debate about Bruce the shark from Jaws.Sam shares how he got to Low Tide Brewing, what it took to grow into a bigger operation, and why the new Johns Island expansion is such a big deal. He also breaks down the brewery setup, the draft-first focus, and the food truck lineup that keeps the taproom fed and happy.Of course, no episode of Snackin' & Yakkin' stays on the rails for long. The snack stack gets weird in the best way, with Bigs dill pickle sunflower seeds, summer sausage, boiled peanut chaos, and way too many bathroom-adjacent thoughts for one studio. The beer lineup brings the good stuff too, including Aloha Beaches, Divot Maker, and the fan-favorite Blue Quencher.If you like craft beer, Charleston stories, ridiculous side quests, and two guys who can turn a sunflower seed bag into a full conversation, this one is for you.Check out Sam, Low Tide Brewing and keep up with the new buildout! Follow @gabagool65 & @lowtidebrewing
- Sharin' Slices & Music Talk w/John Kenney of Johnny's Garage | Ep 49 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Apr 27, 2026 · 1 hrPizza, dirty sodas, local music stories, and one seriously good hang. This episode of Snackin' & Yakkin' brings in John Kenney of Johnny's Garage for a conversation that covers way more than lunch.
BIG Ben Kennedy sits down with John to talk about the rise of Johnny's Garage in Hanahan, the long run of The Royal American in Charleston, and the kind of neighborhood spots people actually want to come back to. Along the way, they get into thin-crust Northeast-style pizza, hot honey, pepperoni cups, General Tso's wings, crispy Brussels sprouts, and those wild dirty sodas that sound suspiciously like dessert in a cup.
There is also a great backstory here. John shares how The Royal American got started, how chef and business partner Ben Ellsworth helped shape the food, and how authentic hospitality has carried their places through the ups and downs of Charleston's restaurant scene. It's food talk with actual substance, plus a lot of laughs.
Then the episode takes a sharp and very welcome turn into band life. John talks about playing guitar in the DC rock band Rotoglow, opening for major acts, booking shows, and building spaces where music and community still matter. If you love local music, old venues, and stories from the road, this one has plenty to chew on.
Also, yes, they talk about the Halloween connection. Johnny's Garage sits at the old gas station location seen in Halloween (2018), and that bit of movie trivia is too good to ignore.If you like restaurant stories, Charleston food culture, local music, pizza reviews, and hosts who can turn lunch into a full-blown adventure, this episode is for you.
Follow the featured spots on social media:
@theroyalamerican
@thebountybar
@johnnysgaragechs
- Doin' Some Chip Chompin' w/Alicia Red | Ep 48 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Apr 20, 2026 · 1 hr 4 minConstruction noise in the background, snacks on the table, and absolute chaos in the best way.
In this episode of Snackin' & Yakkin', BIG Ben Kennedy hangs with Red for a long, funny, very real conversation about karaoke nights, Charleston comedy, local fame, bad relationships, good storytelling, and the strange honor of being called someone's "ginger." It starts with chips and spirals into TikTok, stand-up, Bangkok Lounge, Wits End, Taylor Swift, blind comedians, sleeping audience members, and the kind of life story that makes the jokes hit even harder.
Red talks about being nominated for Best Local Female Vocalist, building a name around Charleston, working at Epic Game Show Experience, hosting karaoke, and finding her way back to comedy. Ben, naturally, adds snack diplomacy, weird side quests, and at least one sentence that probably got this episode demonetized.
If you like candid interviews, local Charleston talent, comedy stories, karaoke culture, and guests who can be hilarious and honest in the same breath, this one's for you.
Find Red on Instagram and TikTok: @hey_itsred
- Amped Up & Flyin' Blind w/Noah Brockett | Ep 47 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Apr 14, 2026 · 1 hr 2 minRed Bull, gummy bears, Airheads, ice cream sandwiches, and one gloriously derailed conversation. Episode 47 of Snackin' & Yakkin' brings in Charleston comedian Noah Brockett for a funny, weird, and surprisingly honest sit-down with BIG Ben Kennedy.
This one starts chaotic and stays that way in the best possible sense. Noah talks about doing comedy as a blind comedian without making blindness the whole act, how his vision changed over time, and why he wants to be known for sharp jokes first. Then the conversation swerves, because of course it does, into Robin Williams, karaoke, Rubik's cubes, Japan, metal vocals, St. Patrick's Day, and the long route to Noah's very first real stand-up set.
There are a lot of laughs here, but there's also real insight. Noah shares the story of losing his vision, getting training at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, and finding his way into comedy through a mix of stubbornness, timing, and a vocal coach who gave him the push he needed. Later, he explains how Japan became a huge part of his comedy journey, all because the stars lined up at exactly the right moment.
Also, yes, the ice cream sandwiches actually show up.
Follow Noah on Instagram: @noah_brockett
- Talkin' About A Bloomin' Comedy Career w/ David Furr | Ep 46 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Apr 6, 2026 · 1 hr 10 minA comedy talk that actually goes somewhere, and two comics swapping stories about stage life, day jobs, Disney, coaching, and why making people laugh still matters. Episode 46 with David Furr is funny, loose, and packed with the kind of conversation that feels like hanging out after a great set.
David Furr joins BIG Ben Kennedy for one of the wildest snack choices the show has seen so far, an Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion and Cokes. From there, things take off fast. They talk about Charleston comedy, open mics, building jokes, rough crowds, good crowds, being a newer comic in your 30s, and the weird little moments that make performing worth it.
Along the way, this episode gets into:
* David's start in stand-up comedy
* Why local artists and comedians need more shine
* The difference between writing quick jokes and building longer bits
* Coaching, mentorship, and showing up for people
* Working at Disney, and why that did not mean dressing up as Mickey
* Taylor Swift, yes, really
* EMS stories, audience connection, and the art of reading a room
* One very committed defense of the Bloomin' Onion as a top-tier snack
If you like comedy podcasts, comedian interviews, behind-the-scenes talk about stand-up, and snack-based chaos, this one's for you.
- Heartfelt Talk & Having a Balls w/Josh Bates of Wit's End Comedy Club | Ep 45 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Mar 30, 2026 · 1 hr 9 minJosh Bates came to Snackin' & Yakkin' and this one goes gloriously off the rails. Comedy clubs, Mountain Dew, oatmeal cream pies, giant laughs, and a real talk moment about mental health in comedy, all in one episode.
Josh, comedian and owner of Wit's End Comedy Club and Lounge in North Charleston, hangs with BIG Ben Kennedy for a wild, funny, and weirdly heartfelt conversation about building a comedy scene, running an intimate club, booking comics, and why comedy has to come first. Then things take a hard left into testicle jokes, soda lore, vasectomy stories, and the kind of chaos this show does best.
If you love stand-up comedy, comedy club stories, behind-the-scenes talk from working comics, or podcasts that can go from thoughtful to completely unhinged in ten seconds, this episode is for you.Along the way, Josh & Ben talk about:
* Building Wit's End Comedy Club into a must-visit room in the South
* Why small comedy rooms beat giant theater shows
* The reality of running an independent comedy club
* Comics, creativity, and the mental health side nobody talks about enough
* Project Green Room, a program focused on helping creatives access mental health care
* Why Mountain Dew feels suspicious in a job interview
* Why Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies still hit like a truck
This episode is funny, messy, honest, and packed with comedy talk from people who actually live it.
- Making Moves & Not Havin' To Chef As Much w/ Ben Ellsworth | Ep 44 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Mar 23, 2026 · 1 hr 20 minA Charleston chef, a startup founder, a recovery story, and a whole lot of truth. Ben Ellsworth pulls up a chair and gets real about food, addiction, work, and what it costs to build a city people love.This episode of Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy goes way past small talk. Ben Ellsworth shares how he went from working the line and living hard to getting sober, rethinking his life, and helping reshape the hospitality industry through GigPro. Along the way, he talks about Charleston restaurant culture, burnout, recovery, fatherhood, and why the people who make a city run often get pushed furthest out of it.Also, yes, there are snacks. M&M's get color-sorted. San Pellegrino Aranciata gets the respect it deserves. Two Bens sit down, and the conversation goes everywhere it should.If you're into chef stories, Charleston food culture, sobriety journeys, restaurant life, or honest long-form conversations, this one's got a lot to chew on.Ben talks about: * 22 years in the culinary world * Moving to Charleston to attend Johnson & Wales * Getting sober after years in hospitality * Building GigPro from one dish pit problem into a real app * Why restaurant work can break people, and why it still gets in your blood * The cost of living crisis hitting hospitality workers * His writing on Substack * A documentary project focused on the industry * Family, purpose, and figuring out who you are after survival mode endsThere's funny stuff, heavy stuff, and a lot of moments that hit harder than expected. In short, this is one of those episodes that starts with candy and ends with something bigger.----------Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- Orange You Sad That We Couldn't Find Moxie? w/ MK Kern | Ep 43 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Mar 16, 2026 · 1 hr 9 minMatching orange shirts, career-ending jokes on standby, and a bag of Zapp's Voodoo that never stood a chance. In Episode 43 of Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy, Charleston comedian MK Kern pulls up for chips, Baja Blast, roast battle talk, and the kind of comedy shop talk that only happens when the mic's hot and the snacks are loud.
Along the way, MK and Ben get into:
* Winning a roast battle without going for the low-hanging fruit
* Finding your voice after time off (baby giraffe legs included)
* Why "posting clips" is its own weird side quest now
* Hosting open mics, pacing sets, and treating every mic like it's Radio City
* The great Moxie soda hunt (spoiler, only Cracker Barrel for miles was out)
* A biker gang walk-in that changed an entire show vibe in seconds
* And yes, the official flavor note: "sassafras... as a sound"
If you like comedy podcasts, Charleston standup, behind-the-scenes mic life, and snack reviews that accidentally turn into life stories, this one's for you.
Follow MK Kern: * Instagram: @mkkern83 * TikTok and YouTube: @mkkerncomedy
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- Lunchables & The Do-It-Yourself Hustle w/ DI-Why? | Ep 42 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Mar 9, 2026 · 1 hr 8 minDI-Why? pulls up with two Lunchables, pink coconut water, and a whole philosophy on making art without waiting for permission.
Episode 42 gets weird in the best way. Big Ben Kennedy and DI-Why? talk Charleston music, Julian Smith's one-take magic, why "DI-Why?" is more than a name, and how building something yourself feels equal parts thrilling and terrifying (especially when you signed the lease before your family saw the space).
Also, there's a serious Lunchables technique discussion, because of course there is.If you're into local podcasts, Charleston creatives, indie music, and comedy that swerves into life talks, this one's for you.
Follow DI-Why? on Instagram: @di_yyyyyy (d, i, and five y)
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- Flavors Galore, Art & More w/ CIty Lights Eastside | Ep 41 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Mar 2, 2026 · 1 hr 11 minCoffee, laughs, and a pink toilet quest for a Barbie bathroom. Candace Patterson from City Lights Eastside pulls up with house drinks, flavorful sandwiches, and South African flavors that hit the spot.
This episode gets into the real story behind City Lights Eastside, the 1889 building, the two-year permit marathon, and the DIY buildout that somehow ended with all fingers intact. Then the snacks start talking: hibiscus Arnold Palmer lemonade, rose cardamom hot chocolate, peri peri chicken, a South African hand pie, and dessert that disappears fast.
Visit City Lights Eastside12 Line Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Open daily, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Plus popups and South African food and wine nights (third Friday and Saturday, dinner 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- The Coconutty Return of Apples | Ep 40 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Feb 23, 2026 · 1 hr 4 minApples, the first return guest, is back for a chaotic hang with BIG Ben Kennedy. Pants get mentioned, demons of demonetization get summoned, and the snack table turns into a science lab. Combos meet Yoo-hoo, coconut cocorolls get promoted to straw status, and somehow the conversation swerves into comedy life, friendship separation, movie theater snack smuggling, and the eternal battle of salty plus sweet. It's loud, weird, and weirdly wholesome.
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- A Wild Hobnobbin' Ride w/Keeli & DJ Wild Bill | Ep 39 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Feb 16, 2026 · 1 hr 12 minKeeli and DJ Wild Bill (aka the adorable chaos duo behind Outlaw Entertainment) pull up to Snackin' & Yakkin' with BIG Ben Kennedy for Hobnobs, energy drinks, apple soda, and a nonstop stream of pop culture callbacks. Along the way, Wild Bill breaks down the real story behind his DJ name, Keeli talks influencer life and product reviews, and Ben tries to keep the episode on the rails (spoiler, it doesn't happen).
Follow Keeli on TikTok at: @wildbill_wifieFollow DJ Wild Bill on all socials at: @djwildbillsc
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- Crushin' Craft Beers w/ Courtney Lee Ann of Frothy Beard OFF WORLD | Ep 38 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Feb 9, 2026 · 1 hr 14 minCourtney Lee Ann from Frothy Beard Off World pulls up with craft beer, big energy, and the kind of honesty that pairs well with salty snacks. We crack open a lineup that includes Sip Sip Pass, Critical Hit, Out at Third, and the fan-favorite seasonal Sour Cran (cranberry sour that drinks way too easy). Add Chex Mix, a surprisingly good sparkling apple mango drink, some real talk about trivia nights, nerd decor, and why soft pretzels deserve respect and you've got an another really fun hang. If you’re anywhere near Summerville, SC, this one’s basically a tasting flight with commentary.
Follow Courtney at: @courtneyleeann95 and Frothy Beard Off World at: @frothybeardoffworld
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- Gettin' Lost In The Broth w/ Frankie Ferreira of Frankie Ramen | Ep 37 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Feb 2, 2026 · 1 hr 2 minFrankie Ferreira of Frankie Ramen pulled up with a spicy miso bowl that had us fully lost in the broth: a 12-hour pork tonkotsu base, a three-miso blend, braised pork shoulder, and a soy-soaked soft-boiled egg that might ruin regular eggs forever. This one’s a laid-back hang with real food talk (Tokyo ramen training, pop-up life in Charleston, late-night service stories), plus the kind of meal that makes you slow down, slurp up, and forget the day for a bit.
Follow Frankie and his delicious ramen at: @frankieramen
- Comedy Old School & Red Bull w/ Jimmy Kimrey | Ep 36 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jan 26, 2026 · 1 hr 10 minOld-school comedy talk, road stories, and a snack table that’s doing the most. Jimmy Kimrey joins Big Ben Kennedy for Smartfood white cheddar popcorn, Red Bull debates, and real talk about working clubs before social media ran the booking calendar.
Jimmy breaks down life on tour with Shelley Belly, why he keeps his material for the stage, how recovery and comedy can share the same lane, and the eternal struggle of having a last name nobody can spell.
Subscribe, follow, comment and share!
- Happily Sharing Charcuterie w/ Keith Lovas of Graze Craze | Ep 35 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jan 19, 2026 · 1 hr 24 minA charcuterie board so packed it needs to loosen it's belt. Keith Lovas from Graze Craze Mount Pleasant pulls up with a full-on grazing board, fresh dips, and the kind of “perfect bite” combos that make you forget you ever ate sad crackers alone.
Big Ben Kennedy and Keith snack and yak about how a former high-rise builder ended up building charcuterie boards instead, why everything’s made fresh, the great cracker debate, and how food can actually get people talking at a gathering. Plus, there’s a roasted beet hummus moment that deserves its own highlight reel.
If you’re in Charleston or Mount Pleasant and need a board for date night, a party, a wedding, or a sales drop that people won’t forget, this episode’s a tasty place to start. Also, Valentine’s Day is coming, and yes, you can take credit (just remove the label).
Graze Craze Mount Pleasant (pickup and delivery): 3373 South Morgan’s Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC, and find out where to find them at: linktr.ee/grazecrazemtp
- Choppin' It Up While Remixin' Rap Snacks w/ Craig Brown | Ep 34 | Snackin' & YakkinJan 12, 2026 · 1 hr 5 minSnacks, stand-up, sports... this one goes everywhere fast. Comedian Craig Brown hangs with Big Ben Kennedy for a full-on Snackin' and Yakkin' session, featuring Rap Snacks taste tests (Rick Ross lemon pepper, Migos sour cream and a dab of ranch, Snoop OG BBQ cheddar, and Lil' Baby All In) and some strong opinions about football.
They break down how that Edisto Island comedy show came together at Dockside Bar, why treating comics right matters, and how one great gig can live in your head for months. Then it turns into chip science (combo bites included), sauce talk, and sidetracks about the Niners, Ravens, and the kind of hits that used to send helmets into orbit.
Find Comedian Craig Brown on social: @saucenation843
- Handmade Lumpia & Tagala Lessons w/ Jen M. Crowe of Lowcountry Lumpia | Ep 33 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Jan 5, 2026 · 1 hr 4 minHand-rolled Lumpia, cold beer, and a whole lot of laughing. Jen M. Crowe from Lowcountry Lumpia pulls up for Snackin' and Yakkin', and the taste is real.
Jen breaks down what makes her Lumpia different, why air fryer-ready matters, and how she went from “chronically online” to selling trays on trays out of a commercial kitchen on Daniel Island. There’s food history, family recipe pride, and just enough language talk to get everyone saying “pogi ako” with confidence, or at least enthusiasm. You’ll also hear about the Philippines, Filipino food traditions, and a few Tagala words that might end up in your daily vocab.
Featured flavors:Traditional porkKorean BBQ beefBuffalo Dynamite chicken (spicy enough to make you respect it)
Find Lowcountry Lumpia:TikTok: @lowcountrylumpiaInstagram: @lowcountrylumpiaFacebook: @lowcountry_lumpiaWebsite: www.lowcountrylumpia.com
Mahal ko kayo!
- Local Gym Charm & 2 Kinds of Okra w/ Tiffany Dennis of Forge CHS | Ep 32 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Dec 29, 2025 · 1 hr 16 minWe’re snackin' and yakkin' with Tiffany Dennis from Forge Charleston (Forge CHS, if you’re classy). She’s a longtime trainer who got tired of big gym takeovers, so she built a 10,000-square-foot gym in West Ashley that’s made for locals by locals!
We talk gym life without the usual nonsense, why scales can ruin your peace, and how fitness should leave you ready for your day, not crawling around in defeat. We also get into Tiffany’s vibe rules, including fewer mirrors, no TVs, and yes, a strict no-nipples policy.
Then we do what we do best, we snack. Dried okra, pickled okra, and Oreos show up, plus a cameo from the kids that turns this into a family snack summit.
If you like funny, low-pressure chats with local business owners, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more Snackin' & Yakkin', we keep it casual, we keep it weird, and we keep the phones in our pockets.
Find Forge CHS on social media at: @forgechs
- Gabbin’ Over Goldfish & Tea w/ Brian T Shirley | Ep 31 | Snackin’ & Yakkin’Dec 22, 2025 · 1 hr 16 minActor and comedian Brian T. Shirley stops by Snackin’ & Yakkin’, and things get weird in the best way. Ben and Brian swap Charleston comedy stories, talk acting gigs that don’t fit in a neat little box, and bond over how their lives have been weirdly side-by-side for years.
It’s part comedy hang, part behind-the-scenes career talk, and part “wait, you did what in that short film?” There’s radio show nostalgia, improv shop talk, road stories, and a reminder that sometimes the best gigs come from saying “yes” and showing up.
Also, Brian's snack pick? Goldfish and Arizona tea. Budget-friendly, studio-approved, and way funnier than it has any right to be.
Visit briantshirleyactor.com!
Like, subscribe, and follow for more!
- Goin' Back in the Day & Old Bay w/ Violet Gray | Ep 30 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Dec 15, 2025 · 1 hrBaltimore's beautiful nerd of all trades, comedian Violet Gray (aka @ChaoticViolet), hangs out on Snackin' & Yakkin' with Big Ben Kennedy for a chaotic catch‑up 15 years in the making.They talk about:
• Growing up trans and becoming Violet, onstage and off
• Running a 6‑person comedian RPG podcast online
• Publishing monsters in Pathfinder and dreaming up her own game system
• Cosplay, Ren faire life, fairy balls, anime cons, and the Eye Fairy costume
• Building accepting community in Baltimore libraries and game nights
• Why the right GM can make Dungeons & Dragons finally click
• Sea‑shanty subculture, Shrek raves, and the curse of shiny reboots
• Old Bay dusted caramel popcorn from Fisher’s as elite gamer fuel
If you are a transgender creative, a queer nerd, or a comedy‑loving dice goblin, this one is pure comfort food. You get standup stories, DIY career talk, and a reminder that tenacity beats talent when talent quits.
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New episodes here every Monday 9am EST!
Please help support the show by joining the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin for just $5 a month!
Follow Snackin’ & Yakkin’ and BIG Ben Kennedy on all social media at: @snackinyakkin and @bbkcomedy
- Crackin' Up Over Rice Crackers w/ Graham Codespoti | Ep 29 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Dec 8, 2025 · 1 hr 2 minOn this episode, I'm hanging with chef-comedian Graham Codespoti (Co-dess-poh-tee) for rice crackers, Vietnamese coffee, and a whole lot of chuckles. We talk Charleston’s food scene, life on the line at The Archer, and why rice crackers beat greasy chips when we are surviving double shifts. Graham breaks down kitchen fryers, Blooming Onions, and his favorite food tattoos, then we drift into early drinking, quitting booze, and replacing it with extreme caffeine and even more stand-up.
We also get into open-mic war stories from Wit’s End Comedy Club, growing up bald but not actually having alopecia, cruise-ship drinking dreams, Slipknot and Corey Taylor, and how hard it is to chase comedy while working full-time as a chef. If you are funny chefs, food nerds, or comics who love snacks, this one hits home.
If we enjoy this episode, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your go-to shift snack, and share it with a fellow kitchen goblin.
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- Bondin' Over Baja Blast & Jerky w/ Jayson Lee Rose | Ep 28 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Dec 1, 2025 · 1 hr 11 minWe hang with standup comic Jayson Lee Rose on Snacking & Yakkin and it gets real fast. We talk Myrtle Beach and Charleston comedy, brain injuries, bipolar chaos, quitting jobs on lunch break, open mics that feel like group therapy, and why chasing laughs is the most insane life plan that still somehow makes sense.
We snack on Jack Link’s and Mountain Dew Baja Blast, swap road stories from Dockside Bar and bowling-alley comedy clubs, drag our mental health into the light, and rant about meds, nerves, and that “I might puke but I still love this” feeling right before a set. There is talk of Shriners, army recruiters, gay bars, roller derby, and girlfriends who still look this many years old.
If we made you laugh or feel slightly called out in a good way, hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share this with your favorite unmedicated (or overmedicated) funny friend. And if you want to keep us stocked in zero-sugar soda and gas-station jerky, the Patreon is only $5 a month.Follow Jayson in insta: @jaysonjaysonrose
Want more show and behind-the-scenes perks? Join the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ Patreon at patreon.com/snackinyakkin. Your support helps keep the snacks flowing and the mics on!
- Doin' The Voodoo That We Do w/ Julian Smith | Ep 27 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Nov 24, 2025 · 1 hr 3 minWild geese, voodoo chips, flirting, improv, and peanut butter theology, all in one snack-fueled hangout. Julian Smith (aka @GlamourToads) joins BIG Ben Kennedy on Snacking & Yakkin for an hour of wild riffs, art talk, music talk, and a whole lot of cackling.
They break down Zapp’s Voodoo potato chips, Blenheim ginger ale, open mics, improv at Theatre 99, Liquid Improv, weird hair disasters, the 27 Club, John Waters, Dolly Parton lore, and why passion matters more than perfection. If you like offbeat comics, artsy weirdos, and conversations that keep veering into bits, this one is for you.
👉 Follow Julian: @GlamourToads
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- Sharin' Shrimp Chips and Stories w/ Imee Cuison | Ep 26 | Snackin' & Yakkin'Nov 17, 2025 · 1 hr 5 minShrimp chips, LaCroix, and a whole lot of heart. In this episode of “Snackin’ & Yakkin’ with BIG Ben Kennedy”, stand up comic, actor, engineer, and single mom Imee Cuison sits down to talk about chasing big dreams while raising an even bigger scene‑stealing kid.
We get into her wild jump from ICU nurse to engineer, building “executive presence” through public speaking, finding comedy in trauma, raising a young working actor, sobriety, faith, and why she refuses to pick just one path. There is talk of Filipino identity, awkward bar dudes, parent guilt, kid actors, EMDR therapy, and how the universe sometimes lines things up when you finally move.
If you are a comic, parent, creative, or late bloomer who feels “behind,” this one will light a fire under you. Grab a snack, hit play, and hang out with us.
Follow Imee on Insta: @imeecuison
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