Authenticity and craftsmanship shine through every moment of our conversation with Daniel "Stubbs" Lucus, whose remarkable journey from rural poverty to HGTV recognition captivates from start to finish.

Stubbs (only his mamma calls him Daniel) takes us back to his childhood, where, at just 10 years old, he started his first business—growing and selling peas with help from his grandfather's mule.

His entrepreneurial spirit defined his unconventional path through life. When traditional education wasn't working, he convinced school officials to let him attend vocational training as an eighth-grader by threatening to quit.

Despite being told that "left-handed men aren't good at nothing [sic]," he discovered his talent for woodworking and began mastering the skills that would define his career.

The storytelling here is masterful as Stubbs recounts his evolution into one of the region's most respected cabinet makers, eventually landing him regular appearances on HGTV's "Hometown" show based in Laurel, Mississippi. Between tales of hunting adventures that led to hosting "Real South Hunting" for a decade and the hilarious accidental marriage proposal to his wife of 28 years ("The only thing I'd change about you would be your address"), we witness the authentic character of a man who built success through determination and skilled hands.

What resonates most is how Stubbs frames each challenge as an opportunity—whether paying for his children's births with watermelon farming proceeds or working 16-hour days to support five kids in his blended family. His story showcases the power of practical wisdom, an unwavering work ethic, and staying true to your roots.

Want to hear more? We do too; we've invited Stubbs back for part two in September. In the meantime, share and rate Stories from Cold Springs to help us delight even more folks with Mississippi's most authentic storytelling podcast.

*Check out Stubbs's craftsmanship on HGTV's Hometown or find his Real South Hunting channel on YouTube.