The Southern Shmooze is your inside look at Atlanta’s local businesses, neighborhoods, and the people who keep the city running. Hosted by Grant Wallace, founder of The Southern Shmooze, this podcast features real conversations with local business owners, creatives, and neighbors—covering everything from home services and entrepreneurship to community stories and everyday life in Atlanta. Grant also owns local businesses including Grantlanta Lawn (landscaping) and Peace of Mind Recycling, giving him a deep passion for supporting small businesses across the city. Whether you’re a business owner looking to talk inside baseball or a homeowner trying to find your next trusted service provider, this podcast is for you. Join the community: Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/thesouthernshmooze Directory: thesouthernshmooze.com New episodes weekly. Art by local ATL artist BlackCatTips and theme song provided by The Winter Sounds
Tell us what the job is and we will match you with a Shmooze Certified business in your area. It is free, and a real person reads every request.
Find a proPastry chef Jean Carlos shares his journey from a Brazilian circus to Food Network and his dream of opening a bakery in Atlanta.
Laura Witte is a mortgage lender who explains first-time buyer discounts, bridge loans, and why right now favors buyers in Atlanta.
Gratitwood · Carpentry · Shmooze member
Carpenter Ester Shamba explains how to turn a creative woodworking idea into a real business and balance family with growth.
Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari explains what local government can and cannot do, and how to get things done at City Hall.
MollyBerg.co · Shmooze member
AI advisor Molly Berg explains how small businesses can use artificial intelligence responsibly and what Atlanta homeowners should know.
Junk hauler Mark Sayers explains how to recycle metal, glass, and cardboard instead of sending it to landfill.
Farmer Grant Wallace explains growing herbs for Atlanta chefs, running a modern country store, and connecting people to local food.
Fraser roofing · Roofing · Shmooze member
Roofer Jacob Fuchs explains how to spot vandalism on your roof, why Georgia has no roofing license, and what homeowners should watch for.
Safety 1st Electrical Services Inc · Electrical · Shmooze member
Raul McCoy owns Safety 1st Electrical Services and explains how homeowners can prevent electrical fires and why safety inspections matter.
Hailo · Home Organizing · Shmooze member
Savannah Ezema of Hailo helps Atlanta homeowners delegate household tasks and find the right people for childcare, errands, and home help.
C. Grain Furniture · Carpentry · Shmooze member
Charlie Mancini makes custom hardwood furniture and built-ins in Decatur, explaining why solid wood outlasts composite and how he designs pieces to fit your hom.
Rescue Restoration · Restoration · Shmooze member
Restoration contractor Ben Morris explains how to spot mold and water damage, when to call insurance, and why you need a public adjuster.
Bentley Hudgins, running for Georgia's House District 90, explains how to prepare for elections and how state government affects small businesses.
Taylor Schultz (Native Scapes GA) · Landscaping · Shmooze member
Landscaper Taylor Schultz explains native plants, lawn alternatives, and how Atlanta homeowners can create low-maintenance yards that support pollinators.
YourHandymanAtlanta.Com · Handyman · Shmooze member
Handyman Brendon Ford explains monthly home maintenance plans, when to replace air filters, and why bathroom exhaust fans cause fires.
Old Pine Decks · Carpentry · Shmooze member
Deck builder Colton Parks explains how to choose materials, design outdoor spaces, and why 3% of every project supports global healthcare.
Loaves and Fishes · Nonprofit · Shmooze member
Ashton Walker runs a Grant Park soup kitchen serving Atlanta's unhoused with hot meals, foot care, medical help, and social work every weekday.
Designing with Less · Interior Design · Shmooze member
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of The Southern Shmooze, Grant sits down with Michelle Parravani of Designing with Less, an Atlanta-based professional organizer helping…
eso.projects · Handyman · Shmooze member
Lane Thurman of eso.projects shares how to vet contractors, avoid burnout as a small business owner, and set realistic project timelines.
Smith Home Services LLC · Plumbing · Shmooze member
Handyman Forrest Smith talks minor plumbing and electrical work, tight service areas, and how he built his business entirely on word of mouth.
