In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Monica Daniels, Executive Director of Special Olympics Mississippi. Monica shares her personal journey into the nonprofit world, inspired by her daughter's experience with Magnolia Speech School. She explains how the Special Olympics empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities through competitive sports. She discusses the history of the Special Olympics, its focus on inclusion and unified teams, and highlights how athletes now compete at high levels with dedicated training and support. Monica also talks about the organization's year-round events, the importance of community support, and ways people can get involved or volunteer. The conversation sheds light on how Special Olympics is changing lives both on and off the field, building confidence, independence, and community.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


Empowering Athletes Through Competition and Voice

Monica Daniels emphasizes that Special Olympics Mississippi focuses on being a truly competitive sports organization rather than just a recreational one. The goal is not only to train and prepare athletes for high-level competition but also to empower them to advocate for themselves, both on and off the field. Monica emphasizes the importance of allowing athletes to discover and utilize their own voices, developing not only physical skills but also confidence and self-advocacy.

Unified Sports and Community Inclusion

The organization has made significant strides in growing unified sports programs, primarily through partnerships with schools and Boys & Girls Clubs. These unified teams, made up of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, help break down social barriers, promote inclusion, and foster friendships. Monica discusses successful unified teams in Mississippi and the broader effort to integrate these programs into schools and communities, helping to change mindsets and encourage greater acceptance.

Comprehensive Support and Opportunities for Athletes

Special Olympics Mississippi doesn't just focus on competition; it also provides extensive health screenings (vision, hearing, dental, podiatry, and overall health management) at state-level events, all free to athletes. The organization ensures no athlete pays to participate in competitions, including national-level events, thanks to donor support and community partnerships. They also make it easy for athletes, parents, and potential volunteers to get involved, highlighting a robust, community-driven support network.

In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Mike Hinton and Jeff Weatherford, two longtime leaders at Allen Beverages. With over 50 years of combined experience, they share how they worked their way up from trainees to management, recall how technology and the soft drink business have evolved, and highlight what makes their workplace culture feel like family. From hilarious stories of soda mishaps to practical advice for new hires, Mike and Jeff stress the importance of building relationships, adapting to new challenges, and supporting each other. Whether you’re curious about the real work behind your favorite drinks or just want to hear what it’s like working at a local business, this episode is packed with honest insights and memorable moments.

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Power of Customer and Team Relationships

Both Mike and Jeff emphasized that building and maintaining strong relationships—with customers, colleagues, and team members—is at the heart of their work at Allen Beverages. They highlighted how personal connections and mutual trust are essential for successful operations and overall satisfaction, whether it’s working directly with store owners, managing employees, or collaborating with long-time colleagues.

2. Adapting to Change and Embracing Technology

The soft drink distribution industry has evolved significantly over the years, especially in terms of technology. Mike and Jeff discussed how the move from handwritten orders and pricing guns to sophisticated scanning and inventory systems has changed daily operations. Despite the sometimes overwhelming pace of technological change and the constant addition of new products (SKUs), adaptability has been a crucial skill for thriving in the business.

3. Perseverance and Culture Matter

Decades-long careers like those of Mike and Jeff are a testament to the value of perseverance, adaptability, and a supportive company culture. They both attributed their longevity and enjoyment at Allen Beverages to the company’s commitment to promoting from within, its familial work environment, and the sense of pride they feel from their work. The stories and inside jokes shared throughout the episode also underscored the importance of camaraderie and a positive, resilient workplace culture.

These lessons reflect not just their individual experiences, but key values that contribute to the company’s ongoing success.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen talks with Chris and Payton Gollott, owners of The Frosty Mug in Wiggins, Mississippi. Chris shares his background growing up in D'Iberville, MS., his lifelong experience in the restaurant industry, and the journey to acquiring The Frosty Mug in December 2023. He discusses balancing tradition with new ideas, improving menu quality, and the importance of maintaining the community's beloved gathering spot. Payton, Chris's son, talks about joining the family business while studying business in college and how the hands-on experience is shaping his future goals. The Gollott family emphasizes community involvement, small changes for big improvements, and their vision to expand The Frosty Mug while staying true to its roots. If you're in Wiggins, check out their classic burgers and milkshakes, and experience a true local treasure.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Preserving Community Heritage:

Chris and Payton emphasized how important the Frosty Mug is to the Wiggins community. The restaurant has a long legacy and deep ties—people have worked there across generations, gotten engaged there, and even requested the Frosty Mug to cater their weddings. When Chris and his family took ownership, their main goal was not to drastically change things but to build on its nostalgic and historic value while making careful, thoughtful improvements.

2. Thoughtful Modernization:

Rather than overhauling everything after purchasing the Frosty Mug, Chris took time to observe and gradually implement improvements, especially focused on quality and process in the kitchen. They enhanced recipes (like making sauces in-house and improving their grilled chicken), modernized operations with digital platforms, and sought to blend a classic 1960s feel with present-day conveniences, highlighting a respect for tradition while aiming for efficiency and better guest experiences.

3. Community Engagement and Growth Vision:

Payton and Chris described a community-first approach, with deep involvement in local schools, events, and outreach spearheaded by Chris's wife. They have started catering, sponsored local teams, and introduced new services like breakfast. Their vision includes both physically expanding the restaurant (adding indoor seating, maybe enclosing patios) and potentially growing The Frosty Mug brand to other communities while preserving its unique, nostalgic character.

Show Overview


00:00 Journey to Owning Community Landmark

06:07 Culinary Journey and Career Growth

07:45 Quality Over Speed in Dining

11:08 Buying Historic Community Restaurant

16:19 Revamping The Frosty Mug

21:29 Improving Seating for Year-Round Use

23:43 Nuanced Kitchen Transformation

28:47 Custom Po Boy Conversation

32:40 Rising Food Costs Frustrate Customers

36:15 Balancing Business Decisions and Community

38:05 Community Champion: Outreach Impact

40:51 Discussing Business Leadership