Ivey Childers sits down at The Kids Table this week for a conversation that moves from building a custom cake business in Nashville to launching her own tequila brand. Ivey shares how her journey started with curiosity in the kitchen, teaching herself how to bake through trial and error, and how that same instinct led her into a completely new industry years later. From early days testing recipes at work to scaling a business she eventually sold, her path is anything but traditional.

Along the way the crew talks about creativity, risk, and what it looks like to trust your instincts when there’s no clear blueprint. From balancing artistry with business operations to chasing that feeling of building something from scratch, this episode captures the mindset behind starting over and staying connected to what you actually enjoy doing. It’s thoughtful, honest, and full of the kind of perspective that comes from figuring things out as you go.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

Ivey Childers:

Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/iveychilders/)

Website - (https://drinksouthbound.com/)

About Ivey Childers:

Ivey Childers is both a spirited Entrepreneur and esteemed Recipe Developer. Creator of the viral IveyCake, a Nashville-based bakery founded in 2007, Ivey quickly gained impressive media attention and rallying support from the biggest names in Music with over 40 made-from-scratch cake flavor combinations. In addition to features on GAC and Today in Nashville, Ivey has made multiple appearances on The Food Network, and has been featured in several global publications including People Magazine due to her impressive celebrity cake designs. From Carrie Underwood’s Wedding Cake to Katy Perry’s Birthday Cake on American Idol, Ivey quickly became a trusted name for industry legends and for Music Industry celebrations like CMT Awards, CMA Fest and the Grand Ole Opry. Acquired in 2019, the IveyCake legacy continues on as one of Nashville’s favorite sweet spots.

Ivey’s journey from cupcakes to cocktails was a natural progression. Bringing her recipe development skills home after long days at the bakery, Ivey created tequila-based cocktails to unwind and entertain. After 15 years of searching for the “perfect sipper and mixer”, Ivey took the journey Southbound to Jalisco, Mexico, where she worked extensively with a Master Distiller to find that unique, premium tequila to mix, sip, and savor. Thus, Southbound was born, beginning a new chapter in the Entrepreneur’s career. As Co-founder & CEO of Southbound, Ivey’s mission is to make the consumer tequila choice smoother in an overwhelming market; inviting beginners & tequila enthusiasts alike to Take the Journey Southbound and Rediscover Tequila with a premium, all-occasion spirit anyone can enjoy.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Robbie Kroger pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week and quickly turns a conversation about a controversial hunting photo into something much bigger. He shares how he found his way into wildlife conservation, why he’s focused on changing the narrative around hunting, and what people often miss when they react to what they see online. From crocodiles and conservation funding to the role hunters actually play in protecting wildlife, Robbie brings context to a topic that usually gets reduced to headlines.

Along the way the crew leans into the gray area, talking through emotional reactions, conflicting beliefs, and how hard it can be to hold two ideas at once. There are stories from the field, moments of real perspective shifts, and a deeper look at what it takes to build something with purpose in a space that invites constant pushback. It’s honest, layered, and exactly the kind of conversation that makes you think a little differently walking away.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back.

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

Robbie Kroger:

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/robbie.kroger/)

Dr. Robbie Kroger, is the executive director and founder of The Origins Foundation, an organization that is conveying the truth around sustainable use of wildlife all over the world. In today's age it's difficult to understand what is right and what is wrong when it comes to wildlife conservation. Who are the good people, who are the bad people? Robbie, is originally from South Africa, has a deep knowledge of conservation systems and wants the best for wildlife at the end of the day. Some may think controversially he promotes hunting as a mechanism for that conservation work - but you will hear directly from him that hunting is not the be all and end all of wildlife conservation - it works very well in certain places, doesn’t work at all in others. Robbie specifically talks to us today about their historic Cheetah Relocation work. Cheetahs are one of the most endangered carnivores in Southern Africa and as such are constantly looking for habitats to expand into. Robbie and his team in Mozambique found an area and they moved 17 cheetahs into that area, the single largest relocation in history. If you listen to this podcast and want to help feel free to reach out to Robbie at info@theoriginsfoundation.org - they are also always looking for funds to continue their amazing cheetah work and you can donate through this link:

(https://give.theoriginsfoundation.org/campaign/707182/donate)

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Comedian Hugh Howser pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week for a conversation that moves from Nashville comedy clubs to the psychology of making people laugh. Hugh shares how he stumbled into stand-up after years in the event world with the help from Leanne Morgan, why open-mic nights can make or break a comic, and how learning to connect with an audience matters just as much as the jokes themselves.

Along the way the crew talks about the craft behind comedy, the strange path most comedians take to find their voice, and why humor can be one of the most powerful ways to deal with life’s harder moments. From stories about early shows and surprise guest comics to conversations about fitness, discipline, and creativity, this episode captures the unpredictable, hilarious energy that happens when a great storyteller joins The Kids Table.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. https://www.yeti.com/

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to https://www.trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

About Hugh Howser:

As one of America’s premiere event planners, Hugh Howser knows how to give the crowd a good time. He’s been keeping his luxury wedding clients in stitches for years, and now he is graciously taking the comedy club stage so you can buy a ticket to share a “Hughlarious” evening with this larger-than-life comedic force. He doesn’t need the money. He’s already rich! You’re welcome for the opportunity to be in his presence.

Growing up among the old money scions of Nashville, Tennessee, Hugh offers a wholly original take on what it takes to be a fabulous southern belle in a modern world. He’s going to call it like he sees it in his signature, southern way. Hugh sports a fabulous mane of big red hair outsized only by the big laughs he gets from his audiences.

Hugh’s one-of-a-kind perspective has made him a favorite of comedy legend Leanne Morgan, who is a frequent collaborator. Hugh has become a regular onstage at Zanies in Nashville.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Welcome to Season 2 of The Kids Table! We’ve settled into our new space over at Gunnar’s Nashville HQ, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring you our first guest, Craig Susser! Craig pulls up a chair and proves that the restaurant business isn’t about food. It’s about people. From his early days getting humbled behind the bar at his first serving job to building Craig’s into one of the most talked-about rooms in LA and Nashville, Craig shares how relationships, loyalty, and emotional intelligence are what actually fill tables.

He walks through the deal that almost happened, the pivot that forced him to start over, and the risky bet that turned into a packed dining room. Along the way, the crew dives into presence, reinvention, reading a room, and why you can’t take a night off when it’s someone else’s big night out. This one is about passion, perspective, and building something that lasts longer than a trend.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back.

LETS GET SOCIAL:

Gunnar:

Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/gunnarfitness)

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/GunnarFitness)

Website - www.gunnarpeterson.com

Jen:

Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/jenwiderstrom)

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/JenWiderstrom)

Website - www.jenwiderstrom.com

Youtube - @ironjenn

The Kids Table:

Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/kidstablepod)

TikTok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@kidstablepod)

Craig Susser:

Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/craigsrestaurants)

Tiktok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@craigsla)

Website - (https://craigsnash.com/)

About Craig Susser:

Craig Susser is the founder and owner of Craig’s, the iconic West Hollywood restaurant that has become one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable dining destinations. Known for its classic American menu, warm hospitality, and loyal celebrity following, Craig’s has established itself as a staple of the LA dining scene since opening in 2011.

Before launching Craig’s, Susser built decades of experience in the restaurant industry, working in management and operations at some of Los Angeles’ most prominent establishments. His deep understanding of service, consistency, and guest experience shaped Craig’s into more than just a restaurant—it became a cultural hotspot where Hollywood, business leaders, and longtime locals gather.

Under Susser’s leadership, Craig’s is known for its elevated comfort food, vibrant atmosphere, and meticulous attention to detail, as well as its strong vegan offerings that have attracted a wide range of high-profile guests. His commitment to hospitality and relationship-building remains central to the restaurant’s enduring success.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Part two with Brett Bartholomew leans into the messy middle of communication, the part that shows up in relationships, leadership, and the everyday moments where things either connect or quietly fall apart. The crew talks about why the idea of being “self-made” doesn’t really hold up, how vulnerability can be a strength for A-type personalities, and why so many conflicts aren’t about what’s being said at all, but about power, control, and the fear of accountability.

The conversation moves between practical tools and personal stories, from Brett’s “keys to me” exercise to the marble jar metaphor that reframes how we think about time, priorities, and the people we keep close. There’s also a wider look at optimization culture and heroic standards, and why chasing perfection can pull you further away from being adaptable, grounded, and real. It’s thoughtful, funny, and quietly emotional in moments, the kind of episode that stays with you after the headphones come off and invites you to show up a little differently in the conversations that matter most.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

About Brett Bartholomew:

Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach, author, consultant, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies.

Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports world-wide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC.

As an advisor/entrepreneur, Brett has proudly served as a teammate and supporting partner in the strategic growth of two separate performance companies. He is a highly sought-after consultant and mentor for many world-wide. His work and expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ESPN, FOX Sports, Inc. Magazine and Outside Magazine.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Welcome back to The Kids Table, where the conversation starts with fitness and quickly turns into something much bigger. In part one of this conversation, Brett Bartholomew pulls up a chair to talk about the part of coaching nobody puts on a whiteboard: communication. From locker rooms to living rooms, the crew digs into what it actually means to connect with people, build trust, and show up as a steady presence in a world that feels louder, faster, and more distracted by the day.

They explore why great programs fall flat without great relationships, how first-principles thinking can change the way you lead, and why being “right” matters less than being received. Along the way, there are stories about misread body language, awkward feedback, love languages, and the fine line between passion and aggression. It’s part coaching clinic, part human behavior deep dive, and part group chat energy. Expect thoughtful insights, honest self-reflection, and the kind of conversation that sets the table for what’s coming in part two.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.

About Brett Bartholomew:

Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach, author, consultant, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies.

Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports world-wide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC.

As an advisor/entrepreneur, Brett has proudly served as a teammate and supporting partner in the strategic growth of two separate performance companies. He is a highly sought-after consultant and mentor for many world-wide. His work and expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ESPN, FOX Sports, Inc. Magazine and Outside Magazine.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

To kick off 2026 at The Kids Table, we’ve pulled the moments from 2025 that still make us laugh, pause, and learn along side of. This compilation episode is a highlight reel of The Kids Table at its most unfiltered, pulling together the stories, side tangents, and conversations that stuck with us long after the mics were off.

You’ll hear late-night honesty, ridiculous inside jokes, deep reflections on friendship, fatherhood, balance, and why success is usually closer than people think. There are reminders about community, doing the work, and not taking yourself too seriously, mixed with the chaos and chemistry that built this show in the first place. It’s not about one lesson or one takeaway. It’s about the moments that shaped the year and set the tone for what’s next. Welcome to 2026.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back.

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to https://www.trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

To send 2025 out right, we grabbed our favorite listener questions of the year and stitched them into one big Kids Table hang. You will hear trainers asking how to turn a side hustle into a real career, new moms wondering how to juggle strength and cardio, and coaches trying to play nicely with high school programs while still doing their job.

In between, the three of them unpack sleep, longevity, heavy lifting for women, body composition after forty, and what to do when imposter syndrome starts whispering in your ear. It is equal parts tough love, practical strategy, and the kind of honest perspective you rarely get in a perfectly filtered fitness world.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)