Robbie Kroger pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week and quickly turns a conversation about a controversial hunting photo into something much bigger. He shares how he found his way into wildlife conservation, why he’s focused on changing the narrative around hunting, and what people often miss when they react to what they see online. From crocodiles and conservation funding to the role hunters actually play in protecting wildlife, Robbie brings context to a topic that usually gets reduced to headlines.

Along the way the crew leans into the gray area, talking through emotional reactions, conflicting beliefs, and how hard it can be to hold two ideas at once. There are stories from the field, moments of real perspective shifts, and a deeper look at what it takes to build something with purpose in a space that invites constant pushback. It’s honest, layered, and exactly the kind of conversation that makes you think a little differently walking away.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back.

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

Robbie Kroger:

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/robbie.kroger/)

Dr. Robbie Kroger, is the executive director and founder of The Origins Foundation, an organization that is conveying the truth around sustainable use of wildlife all over the world. In today's age it's difficult to understand what is right and what is wrong when it comes to wildlife conservation. Who are the good people, who are the bad people? Robbie, is originally from South Africa, has a deep knowledge of conservation systems and wants the best for wildlife at the end of the day. Some may think controversially he promotes hunting as a mechanism for that conservation work - but you will hear directly from him that hunting is not the be all and end all of wildlife conservation - it works very well in certain places, doesn’t work at all in others. Robbie specifically talks to us today about their historic Cheetah Relocation work. Cheetahs are one of the most endangered carnivores in Southern Africa and as such are constantly looking for habitats to expand into. Robbie and his team in Mozambique found an area and they moved 17 cheetahs into that area, the single largest relocation in history. If you listen to this podcast and want to help feel free to reach out to Robbie at info@theoriginsfoundation.org - they are also always looking for funds to continue their amazing cheetah work and you can donate through this link:

(https://give.theoriginsfoundation.org/campaign/707182/donate)

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Comedian Hugh Howser pulls up a chair at The Kids Table this week for a conversation that moves from Nashville comedy clubs to the psychology of making people laugh. Hugh shares how he stumbled into stand-up after years in the event world with the help from Leanne Morgan, why open-mic nights can make or break a comic, and how learning to connect with an audience matters just as much as the jokes themselves.

Along the way the crew talks about the craft behind comedy, the strange path most comedians take to find their voice, and why humor can be one of the most powerful ways to deal with life’s harder moments. From stories about early shows and surprise guest comics to conversations about fitness, discipline, and creativity, this episode captures the unpredictable, hilarious energy that happens when a great storyteller joins The Kids Table.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. https://www.yeti.com/

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to https://www.trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

About Hugh Howser:

As one of America’s premiere event planners, Hugh Howser knows how to give the crowd a good time. He’s been keeping his luxury wedding clients in stitches for years, and now he is graciously taking the comedy club stage so you can buy a ticket to share a “Hughlarious” evening with this larger-than-life comedic force. He doesn’t need the money. He’s already rich! You’re welcome for the opportunity to be in his presence.

Growing up among the old money scions of Nashville, Tennessee, Hugh offers a wholly original take on what it takes to be a fabulous southern belle in a modern world. He’s going to call it like he sees it in his signature, southern way. Hugh sports a fabulous mane of big red hair outsized only by the big laughs he gets from his audiences.

Hugh’s one-of-a-kind perspective has made him a favorite of comedy legend Leanne Morgan, who is a frequent collaborator. Hugh has become a regular onstage at Zanies in Nashville.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Welcome to Season 2 of The Kids Table! We’ve settled into our new space over at Gunnar’s Nashville HQ, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring you our first guest, Craig Susser! Craig pulls up a chair and proves that the restaurant business isn’t about food. It’s about people. From his early days getting humbled behind the bar at his first serving job to building Craig’s into one of the most talked-about rooms in LA and Nashville, Craig shares how relationships, loyalty, and emotional intelligence are what actually fill tables.

He walks through the deal that almost happened, the pivot that forced him to start over, and the risky bet that turned into a packed dining room. Along the way, the crew dives into presence, reinvention, reading a room, and why you can’t take a night off when it’s someone else’s big night out. This one is about passion, perspective, and building something that lasts longer than a trend.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!

TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now.

YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back.

LETS GET SOCIAL:

Gunnar:

Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/gunnarfitness)

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/GunnarFitness)

Website - www.gunnarpeterson.com

Jen:

Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/jenwiderstrom)

Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/JenWiderstrom)

Website - www.jenwiderstrom.com

Youtube - @ironjenn

The Kids Table:

Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/kidstablepod)

TikTok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@kidstablepod)

Craig Susser:

Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/craigsrestaurants)

Tiktok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@craigsla)

Website - (https://craigsnash.com/)

About Craig Susser:

Craig Susser is the founder and owner of Craig’s, the iconic West Hollywood restaurant that has become one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable dining destinations. Known for its classic American menu, warm hospitality, and loyal celebrity following, Craig’s has established itself as a staple of the LA dining scene since opening in 2011.

Before launching Craig’s, Susser built decades of experience in the restaurant industry, working in management and operations at some of Los Angeles’ most prominent establishments. His deep understanding of service, consistency, and guest experience shaped Craig’s into more than just a restaurant—it became a cultural hotspot where Hollywood, business leaders, and longtime locals gather.

Under Susser’s leadership, Craig’s is known for its elevated comfort food, vibrant atmosphere, and meticulous attention to detail, as well as its strong vegan offerings that have attracted a wide range of high-profile guests. His commitment to hospitality and relationship-building remains central to the restaurant’s enduring success.

Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)

YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)

Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)

TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)