New local podcast shares a bite with the people behind the city’s creative scene
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
Before the microphones even warm up, local comedian “Big” Ben Kennedy is already cracking jokes and passing around snacks. It’s the formula—part icebreaker, part psychology—behind Snackin’ & Yakkin’, a new Charleston-based podcast that offers relaxed, funny, and genuinely human interactions with people shaping the Lowcountry’s creative and culinary communities.
Recorded in West Ashley, Snackin’ & Yakkin’ is a new Charleston-based podcast hosted by Kennedy, a quick-witted, warm, and larger-than-life host who shares snacks with guests as an easy icebreaker into conversations about creativity, career paths, personal stories, and building something meaningful in Charleston. With a great voice, infectious energy, and an unmistakable smile and laugh, he sets a relaxed, genuine tone that shows he’s having just as much fun (if not more) than his guests.
“I believe the shared snacks just make conversation easier,” says Kennedy. “The real focus is the people, the ones doing cool things in the Lowcountry that deserve to be talked about.”
The show is also a true family operation. Kennedy’s support system and “great loves of his life” don’t just cheer from the sidelines — they work behind the scenes. His wife and son swap as producers, while his young daughter proudly serves as the show’s enthusiastic, super-huggy, one-person greeting committee, making guests feel welcome the moment they walk in.
According to Kennedy, Snackin’ & Yakkin’ was initially conceived as a counterbalance to his day job as a paramedic.
“It was meant to provide a comedic contrast to the tragic nature of my work,” he says, adding that the first iteration of the show was a podcast featuring Kennedy and another comedian. “We would try different snacks and engage in conversations. However, after his commitments made it difficult for him to maintain the show, it transitioned into a snack experiment and taste test show for me to do solo.”
After becoming bored, uninspired, and tired of being in his garage talking to no one, Kennedy decided to let the show go.
About six months later, he faced a dilemma: either sell the equipment or give the show one last chance. Having been a stand-up comedian since 2000, Kennedy had taken an extended break to focus on family and a career in EMS. However, during those six months after ending the show, he decided to try out some open mic nights in town.
It was then that Kennedy met some young, talented aspiring comedians in the area that reminded him of his 22-year-old self, when he first started comedy.
“Back then, our primary goal was to gain recognition from local news or FM radio shows. But in today’s world, the news cycles are too vast to pay much attention to local news outside of political and crime stories,” says Kennedy. “Additionally, FM radio shows are largely syndicated from other cities, so many comedians are forced to focus and try to make a name using their own social media platforms.”
But these days, with the advent of YouTube and podcasting, Kennedy believed he could create a local television and radio show that would showcase the talents of these local individuals.
“So, I got out of the garage, rented an office space in West Ashley to serve as my studio, and started this version of the show,” he says. “What began as featuring local comedians has now expanded to include local small business owners, culinary creatives, sports figures, musicians, and more.”
As for the snackin’ part of Snakkin’ & Yakkin’, Kennedy says he always ask the guests their favorite snacks and drinks, and makes sure to provide them.
“When I’m in the company of local culinary creatives, I even offer to buy their food for us to enjoy together, although none of them have ever allowed me to pay for it,” he says. “Some of the snacks I’ve shared include vegan cookies, boneless chicken wings, Vegemite and Triscuits, and even boiled peanuts.”
Popcorn has been the most popular snack, appearing in five out of the 40 episodes so far.
While still a relative newcomer to the podcast game, Kennedy’s experience as a comic makes for quick-witted and playful banter, putting his guest at ease on the mic. Additionally, his desire to make people laugh, not only on stage but in every aspect of his life, shines through as a host.
“Personally, I find that if I can stand up in a room full of strangers and discuss just about anything and everything, then sitting down in a one-on-one conversation becomes less intimidating,” he says.
While the show is quite funny, it’s Kennedy’s humor that disarms the guests, allowing them to put their guard down and often talk about their creative process in a way that is honest and refreshing.
“When someone is willing to delve a bit deeper into topics beyond their products or talents, it truly reveals their passion,” says Kennedy. “By sharing more personal stories and insights, they create a more engaging and captivating experience for listeners, viewers, and potential customers.”
While he’s moved the studio out of his garage and into a proper recording space, Kennedy is hopefully that this isn’t as far as the podcast will go. He says his ultimate goal is for the show to be his full-time job. However, even if that never materializes, he says he would still be delighted to continue serving as a platform for the people who shape the culture of the Lowcountry.
“I love witnessing people achieve their dreams,” says Kennedy. “I am a huge fan of others and wholeheartedly support their success. If my show manages to become a one-hour segment of someone’s journey to success and the realization of their dreams, then it would truly be an honor.”
Snackin’ & Yakkin’ is always open to hearing from locals who want to be part of the conversation. Charleston-area creatives, business owners, and community members interested in appearing as a guest—as well as those who may be camera-shy but would like to support the show by sponsoring an episode—are encouraged to reach out.
