The State and Main Podcast
Welcome to State & Main Podcast, where the past, present, and future of downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky come to life.
Hosted by local developer and downtown specialist Jonathan Bryant, this podcast goes beyond real estate deals and into the stories that truly shape a city. From the rich history of Bowling Green’s square to the evolving landscape of new development, Jonathan brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.
But this isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people.
Each episode highlights the tenants, business owners, and dreamers who bring these spaces to life. You’ll hear the stories of who’s moving in, who’s moved on, and the real journeys behind the storefronts that define downtown.
Along the way, Jonathan shares his own wins, setbacks, and lessons learned in real estate—pulling back the curtain in hopes that others can navigate their own path a little smoother.
If you care about community, entrepreneurship, and the heartbeat of a growing city, this is your front-row seat to it all.
This is State & Main.
Episodes
11 episodes
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 11 W/ Eric Leach (Atomic Kitchen)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, Jonathan Bryant sits down with Eric Leach, owner of Atomic Kitchen. From the front office of professional sports to the kitchen, Eric shares the story behind his career shift, how Atomic Kitchen came t...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 10 W/ Josh Poling (Hickory & Oak)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Josh Poling of Hickory & Oak to discuss his journey as a chef, the evolution of Bowling Green’s dining scene, and his latest chapter as the new owner of the historic Broadbent Hams...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 9 W/ Sean Stevens (White Squirrel Brewery)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Sean Stevens of White Squirrel Brewery to discuss his journey into brewing, the story behind the brewery, and his vision for the future of downtown Bowling Green.Sean takes us b...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 8 W/ Kyle Shirley (1010 State Street)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Shirley, one of the owners of 1010 State Street, to discuss the future of one of downtown Bowling Green’s most exciting properties.Not long ago, Bowling Green believed a new b...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 7 W/ Brent Childers (The City of Bowling Green, KY)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Brent Childers, Director of Neighborhood & Community Services for the City of Bowling Green, to discuss one of the most exciting transformations our community has ever seen—the fut...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 6 W/ Steve Sheldon (Murder Mansion)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Steve Sheldon to talk about one of Bowling Green’s most fascinating and talked-about properties—the historic Murder Mansion.Steve shares the story behind purchasing the iconic a...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 5 W/ Tom Holmes (440 MAIN)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Tom Holmes—the man behind 440 Main, one of downtown Bowling Green’s most iconic restaurant and bar destinations.Tom takes us through his journey as a restaurateur, from the earl...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 4 W/ Heather Heck (ALORA Aesthetics)
This week on the State & Main Podcast, we sit down with Heather Heck—Acute Care Nurse and Founder of Alora Aesthetics.Heather has been serving clients on the square at 941 College Street for years, but now there’s a big next...
The State and Main Podcast | Episode 3 W/ Susan Hoechner (Barbara Stewart Interiors)
This episode we’ve got more from Susan Hoechner! Some of you caught her on our “Full Circle” segment—today we sit down with her and really dive into the details of her space and her thriving business in downtown Bowling Green.Susan has seen...
"The Full Circle" Ep. 2 W/ Susan Hoechner
We’re excited to introduce a brand-new segment of the podcast: The Full Circle.In our very first episode, Jonathan Bryant sits down with Susan Hoechner, owner and lead interior designer of Barbara Stewart Interiors. ...
State and Main Podcast | Episode 1
On the very first episode of State & Main, Jonathan Bryant sits down with a familiar face—Spence—for a candid and energetic conversation. Spence flips the script and puts Jonathan in the hot seat, digging into the vision behind the...