Some people spend a lifetime accumulating wealth. Wes Moss has spent nearly three decades studying what that wealth is actually for.

In this episode of Retire Southern, James Lewis sits down with his longtime friend, colleague, and occasional bandmate to trace Wes's journey from rural Pennsylvania and Amish farm country to the University of North Carolina, Atlanta radio, and a career helping people build happier retirements.

Wes shares the research behind his newest book, The Retire Sooner Method, which debuted in the Top 20 on the USA TODAY bestseller list. Drawing from a national study of 1,200 Americans, he explains the financial and lifestyle habits most closely associated with retirement happiness, including financial security, core pursuits, meaningful relationships, planning your future, and getting enough sleep.

He also reflects on his relationship with Clark Howard, the evolution of Money Matters, America's longest-running live call-in investment and personal finance radio show, and why the ultimate goal is not simply accumulating more money.

Because retirement is not only about retiring sooner. It is about living sooner.

Read the companion feature, "Maybe I Can Do That One Day," and discover more stories about the people, places, and experiences shaping the South at:

https://www.retiresouthern.com/lifestyle/wes-moss-retire-sooner-method

Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to and should not form a primary basis for any investment decision that you make. Always consult your own legal tax or investment advisor before making any investment, tax, estate, financial planning considerations or decisions. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors such as market or other conditions.

Every great Southern city has people who quietly shape its identity. In Atlanta, Kevin Rathbun helped shape the way the city eats, gathers, and celebrates.

In this episode of Retire Southern, James Lewis sits down with the celebrated chef and restaurateur to trace his journey from cooking professionally as a teenager in Missouri to learning from Ella Brennan, Emeril Lagasse, and Pano Karatassos before taking the risk of building restaurants of his own.

Kevin shares the stories behind Rathbun's, Kevin Rathbun Steak, KR SteakBar, and Krog Bar; defeating Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America; and the lessons he has learned about ownership, partnership, leadership, philanthropy, and hiring people smarter than yourself. He also reflects on the essential role his wife, Melissa, has played in building something designed to last.

Because restaurants do more than feed a city. They become part of its memories.

Read the companion feature, "What Kevin Rathbun Taught Me About Building Something That Lasts," and discover more stories about the people, places, and experiences shaping the South at:

https://www.retiresouthern.com

Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living.

Broadway may be where Nashville turns the volume up, but The Gulch is where the city sharpens its edges.

In this episode of Retire Southern, James Lewis sits down with the team behind one of Nashville's most compelling hospitality experiences: Executive Chef Brack May, Beverage Director Todd Johnston, and Executive Pastry Chef Natalie Moorer of The Thompson Nashville.

From oysters sliding across the raw bar at Marsh House to espresso martinis climbing toward the rooftop at L.A. Jackson, this conversation explores what actually makes a hotel feel alive. Not just the food. Not just the cocktails. The feeling.

Together, the group dives into:

• The ecosystem philosophy behind modern hospitality
• Seafood sourcing, raw bar culture, and caviar service at Marsh House
• Soft-shell crab yaka mein and elevated Southern seafood
• The rise of espresso martinis and rooftop culture at L.A. Jackson
• Building a pastry program that feels refined yet approachable
• Why locals genuinely spend time at The Thompson
• The team's version of the perfect Nashville weekend
• What Southern hospitality looks like when it is done correctly

Chef Brack brings decades of experience from San Francisco to New Orleans, shaping Marsh House into one of Nashville's defining seafood destinations with an approach rooted in authenticity over performance.

Todd has helped build both Marsh House and L.A. Jackson since opening day in 2016, creating spaces that feel elevated without ever becoming pretentious.

And Chef Natalie quietly ties the entire experience together through desserts, pastries, brunch, and small details that guests remember long after checkout.

What emerges is a conversation about hospitality, energy, rhythm, and the kind of places people return to because of how they feel when they are there.

The Thompson Nashville is not trying to compete with Broadway.

It is offering a different frequency altogether.

A little calmer. A little sharper. A little more intentional.

Read. Watch. Listen.

Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living.