Charleston pops with stories, flavor, and colorful characters. When you put local legend Jon “Bad Jon” Stout and podcast host Big Ben Kennedy in the same room, you get tales of roller derby, music, wild pizza debates, and the kind of snack-related wisdom only Charleston brings. Buckle up for a wild ride across neighborhoods, stages, barbecue joints, and tattoo chairs. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving cinnamon sugar pretzels by the end.

Meet Jon Stout: Charleston’s Camera Slinger & Erode The Dream Rhythm Guitarist

Jon “Bad Jon” Stout is a name you’ll hear in Charleston’s arts and music circles. Equal parts photographer, musician, and humorist, Jon has carved out a beloved spot in the city’s creative core.

His story with Big Ben Kennedy goes back to the Lowcountry High Rollers, Charleston’s women’s roller derby team, where Big Ben wore dual hats as announcer and quirky mascot. “I was the Jason Bateman character from Dodgeball,” Big Ben laughs. “Just riffing, making up commentary.”

Jon’s creative hats:

  • Portrait photographer and chronicler of shows and Charleston events
  • Rhythm guitar player (he admits, “I’m not very good” with a wink)
  • Band member with Erode The Dream and past bands like Serpent Church
  • Long-time supporter of all local happenings

These days Jon mostly posts his latest work on Instagram (badjonphoto), keeping his website as more of a digital time capsule. If you want to see Charleston through an authentic, fun lens, Jon’s feed is the place to start.

Charleston Neighborhood Life & Dog Day Drama

Charleston isn’t just a place for artistic ambition — it’s a city built on neighborly shenanigans and the kind of block-by-block legends that only come from walking your dog.

Both Jon and Ben discovered they lived around the corner from each other. The result? Accidental dog meetups, spontaneous chats, and a running joke about canine personalities.

Dog tales from the block:

  • Big Ben’s dog Jake, named after Adventure Time (Finn and Jake), became a neighborhood icon.
  • Jon’s dog always wanted to hang out — or at least out-bark Jake.
  • Ben’s daughter revealed Jake’s real name, setting off a comical round of “How do you know our dog’s name?!”
  • Riffs like, “There’s Tony –– Hey, f*** you Tony!” became staples of their daily strolls.

It’s these small moments that show Charleston’s charm isn’t just historical buildings, but the daily laughter that happens right outside your door.

Snack Time: Dot’s Pretzels and Yoo-Hoos on Deck

No episode of Snackin’ & Yakkin’ is complete without snacks—and Jon is a connoisseur. On this episode, nostalgia and taste buds crash together thanks to Dot’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels and classic Yoo-hoo drinks.

Dot’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Jon’s go-to for energy on long road trips: sweet, salty, and completely addictive. He insists the cinnamon version is “even worse for you than the original,” but that’s why they’re road-trip perfect.

Yoo-hoos
For Jon, Yoo-hoos aren’t just a treat; they’re tradition. He knocks one back before every show, saying it gives him “energy and sugar” without any alcohol. The bottle gets bonus nostalgia points for that satisfying pop from the cap — and the stern warnings from teachers for making noise in class.

Snack breakdown:

  • Dot’s Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: soft, buttery vibe reminiscent of mall classics, salty & sweet
  • Yoo-hoo: requires a solid shaking, best served in the bottle, brings memories of childhood mischief
  • Garlic parmesan pretzels: a taste so strong Jon’s wife bans him from eating them pre-bedtime

Ben sent Jon snack pics mid-grocery run, provoking not just cravings, but a full-on snack run before taping. That’s real snack encouragement.

Erode The Dream: Building a Band, One Loud Practice at a Time

Charleston loves music, and Jon “Bad Jon” Stout lives that beat. Erode The Dream, his newest project, is seriously committed to doing things the local way — loud, messy, and with the whole neighborhood on notice.

The Band’s Backstory

Erode The Dream band roles:

  • Jon: Rhythm guitar
  • Steven Wilson: Drums
  • Ryan Martin: Lead guitar
  • Robbie Weise: Bass
  • Mauricio Sanchez also known by his artistic moniker Masãre: Vocals (gritty, Soundgarden-meets-Guns N’ Roses pipes)

Finding a singer was the toughest challenge. The band wanted someone who could sing, not just scream. In walks Mauricio, with roots in Colombia and a raspy, powerful voice. He even writes songs in Spanish—like “Vagabundo,” which closes out their debut EP.

Recording and Vinyl Dreams

The band dropped their first EP, “Neon Nightmares,” featuring six tracks pressed on stunning neon pink vinyl. The artwork, courtesy of Charleston’s Fletcher Williams III, and videos for singles like “Salt” and “Pink Rope” show just how much Erode The Dream cares about visuals.

“Salt” features an underwater shoot, while “Becoming Ghosts” puts the band in a cramped Honda Civic, jamming while driving. “Pink Rope” brings in aerial dancer Raven and Shibari-inspired visuals, shot in a clear acrylic box for true oddball flare.

All production keeps things close to home. Recording happens at Eric Bass of Shinedown’s Big Animal Studios, with support from Eric Rickert. Music videos feature Charleston’s artistic talent in front of and behind the camera.

If you want more on Charleston’s music scene, check out this Guide to Music in Charleston.

Photo Life, Art, and Charleston’s Creative DNA

Beyond band life, Jon’s camera tells half the story. He’s obsessed with portraits, show photography, and capturing what makes Charleston tick visually.

Key passions:

  • Shooting local shows and festivals using infrared and classic Polaroid cameras
  • Documenting street art and murals, including works by legends like Shepard Fairey (the High Water mural at College Lodge, among others)
  • Showcasing Charleston’s neighborhoods and oddball moments

Love seeing Charleston’s murals? Peek at this street art and murals guide for inspiration, or browse Street Art of Charleston on Instagram.

Ben, and his wife Kerri, also collect gig posters, especially from shows like Jump Little Children’s recent reunion. These prints are both art and history, decorating his walls.

Shops & collaboration shout-outs:

  • Merch and stickers: Red Falcon and the Cotton Exchange
  • Printing and designs often stay within Charleston’s creative network

Food Glories: Barbecue, Pizza, and The Lost Art of Garlic Bread

No Charleston tale is complete without eating — and this episode takes the topic seriously.

Local BBQ Royalty: Palmira

Jon raves about Palmira, the “best barbecue spot in town.” It’s not just the meats, but Puerto Rican beans, mac and cheese, and beef cheek that keep Ben and Jon coming back. “Always a line out the door,” he laughs, and he’s right — the whole city seems to agree on Palmira’s greatness.

Pizza Rivalries & Nostalgia

Charleston’s pizza scene sparks debate:

Favorite pizza spots:

  • Benny Palmetto’s: Home of a monster 28-inch pizza
  • Famulari’s: Great cheese bread (plus connections to the band)
  • Pizza a Modo Mio: Lunch special favorites
  • Park Pizza: Amazing food that sustained Big Ben through paramedic school

Old-school memories surface—like Jon waiting in line at Guam’s Kmart for Little Caesars’ Crazy Bread, or reminiscing about how pizza used to be served as a “side dish” at Fazoli’s. Even garlic parmesan Combos spark divisive opinions on snacking limits.

Steak Secrets: Jon’s Reverse Sear Method

For home-cooked steaks, Jon swears by reverse searing:

  1. Cook steak at 250°F (in the oven or with the reflection plate in the Big Green Egg) until it hits 120°F internal.
  2. Remove from heat, then ramp up a cast iron or grill to 500-600°F.
  3. Sear both sides for about one minute each.
  4. Let the steak rest before slicing.

Jon wisely avoids blade-tenderized steak from bulk stores—he’s all about food that’s both safe and tender, not just cheap.

Local food faves recap:

  • Paulmyra’s BBQ (mac and cheese, beef cheek, whole hog)
  • Benny’s pizza slices and cheese bread from Famulari’s
  • Home-grilled steaks, cooked medium rare

Tattoos, Stories, and the Straight Edge Life

Big Ben’s got a tattoo from Charleston’s Holy City Tattoo, done by Christian Elias. The art took several hours and “felt like a sunburn and a comb rake at the end.” Afterward, Big Ben’s realized “suffer for art” is more than just a motto—it’s practically a requirement.

The Straight Edge Path

Jon’s a lifelong straight edge: no drugs, no alcohol, not even a rebellious teenage phase. His wife, who recently celebrated two years sober, is lovingly teased on-air about the “vape life.” Tattoos, snacks, art, and music? Absolutely. Drinking? Not so much.

Show Behind The Scenes & Patreon Perks

Snackin’ & Yakkin’ has graduated from garage recordings plagued by barking dogs and noisy birds to a dedicated studio space. The show’s true fans — the “snack attackers” on Patreon — get exclusive peeks:

  • Behind-the-scenes photos and video angles during taping
  • Early access to guest and show news
  • Photo visibility right in the show’s studio frame

Want in? Perks start at $5, jump up for more access, and every tier helps keep snacks (and snack stories) flowing. Check out Snackin’ & Yakkin’s Patreon for all the details.

Stay connected with the crew on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

Final Bites: Comedy, Collectibles, and Good Vibes

This episode isn’t just about food and music. It’s packed with oddball stories, from rare PopMart toys to Charleston’s ongoing pizza wars. Jon and Big Ben even touch on the changing world of comedy, looking back at Dane Cook and marvelling at the rise of Matt Rife.

Sprinkled throughout are neighborhood laughs and political sign pranks.

Did You Know?

  • The original Benny’s pizzas come in at 28 inches across—one slice practically counts as a full meal.
  • Palmira takes traditional BBQ and gives it a Puerto Rican twist, making it a citywide favorite.
  • Charleston’s street art scene is one of the most vibrant in the South.

Conclusion

Charleston’s flavor isn’t just found on a plate; it’s living in the stories, the laughter over pretzels, the music cranked in a garage, the art on its walls, and the friendships built on block corners. Jon Stout proves you can create, collaborate, and celebrate local life.

For the full episode (and plenty more snack wisdom), dive into the video above or subscribe for more stories from the Snackin’ & Yakkin’ crew. Hungry for more Charleston flavor? Let the snacks and stories roll.

And don’t forget: when in Charleston, always ask where the biggest pizza slice is—then enjoy every bite.

Find more episodes over on the blog!