In this gripping true crime episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we unravel the chilling mystery of John and Elizabeth Calvert—a wealthy Hilton Head Island couple who vanished without a trace on March 3, 2008. The last man to see them alive, their accountant Dennis Ray Gerwing, was found dead days later in a luxury hotel, covered in stab wounds and surrounded by suspicion.

Were the Calverts silenced after uncovering financial fraud? Was Gerwing’s violent death really a suicide—or something far more sinister? Join us as we dive deep into the timeline, theories, secrets, and Southern shadows behind one of the Lowcountry’s most haunting unsolved cases.

In this episode of The Southern Blueprint, we crack open one of the wildest true crime tales in bourbon history — the infamous case known as Pappygate. What started as a few missing bottles quickly unraveled into a sprawling investigation involving stolen barrels of rare whiskey, anabolic steroids, black-market dealings, and a close-knit Kentucky community blindsided by betrayal.

At the center of it all? Gilbert “Toby” Curtsinger — a longtime warehouse worker at Buffalo Trace, a devoted family man, gym rat, and recreational softball player, who quietly masterminded one of the most audacious organized theft rings the spirits industry has ever seen. Using his position inside one of the most respected distilleries in the world, Toby slowly siphoned off bottles and barrels of some of the rarest and most valuable bourbon on the market — including the legendary Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year and 23-Year — and sold them to friends, neighbors, and even teammates.

But this wasn’t just about missing bourbon. It was about legacy, trust, and the tightrope walk between small-town loyalty and personal greed. From the front lines of the investigation led by Sheriff Pat Melton, to the sensational headlines, media frenzy, and Toby’s 15-year prison sentence that was reduced to just 30 days thanks to Kentucky’s controversial “shock probation” law — this episode digs into every twist and turn.

We also examine the cultural impact of the heist, how it led to heightened security in the bourbon world, and why bottles of Pappy now feel more myth than spirit. Plus, we unpack the Netflix docuseries Heist, and how it shaped public perception of the man behind the barrels.

So pour a glass, settle in, and join us for a true story of stolen whiskey, Southern charm, and the fine line between a local legend and a criminal empire.

If you love bourbon, true crime, Southern storytelling, or just a damn good tale soaked in secrets and scandal — this one’s for you.

Step into the world of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the true crime saga that captivated readers and filmgoers alike. In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we take a deep dive into the book, the 1997 Clint Eastwood film, and the real-life murder of Danny Hansford at the infamous Mercer-Williams House in Savannah, Georgia.

We’ll explore Jim Williams’ four dramatic trials, the eerie presence of voodoo priestess Minerva, and the tragic deaths that have fueled Savannah’s haunted reputation. Plus, we unravel behind-the-scenes facts about the film, the unforgettable role of The Lady Chablis, and the mysterious legends surrounding the Mercer-Williams House.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The true story behind Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
✅ How Jim Williams’ historic trials made legal history
✅ The secrets and ghost stories surrounding the Mercer-Williams House
✅ How voodoo and the supernatural played a role in the case
✅ Little-known facts about the book and movie

If you love true crime, Southern Gothic mysteries, and eerie real-life stories, this episode is for you! Tune in now and uncover the chilling tale that put Savannah on the map.

Step into the wild world of Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, the legendary pirate who ruled the Southern seas. In this episode, we explore Blackbeard’s daring exploits, from his infamous blockade of Charleston to his final battle at Ocracoke Island. Learn about the discovery of his flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, and the treasures it revealed. Along the way, we’ll uncover the stories, myths, and lasting legacy of the most feared pirate of the Carolinas. Set sail with us on this thrilling journey into the Golden Age of Piracy!

Step into the murky depths of Scape Ore Swamp as we unravel the tale of the Lizard Man, the legendary creature that gripped South Carolina in fear and fascination. From the first chilling encounter in 1988 to the countless sightings that followed, we dive deep into the history, the hype, and the lasting appeal of this mysterious cryptid. Why do people love stories like these, and what keeps the legend alive even today? Join us for a journey through folklore, fear, and the hunt for the unknown.

Deep in the Mississippi Delta lies Yazoo City, a place haunted by a chilling legend that has been passed down through generations. In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, we unravel the dark tale of the Witch of Yazoo—a mysterious woman who was said to curse the town with her dying breath. Exactly 20 years later, her prophecy seemed to come true when a devastating fire consumed over 200 buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Was it mere coincidence, or did the witch’s curse return to claim Yazoo City?

Join us as we explore the history, the eerie occurrences, and the haunting folklore that continue to keep the legend of the Witch of Yazoo alive. If you’re fascinated by Southern ghost stories, curses, and unexplained mysteries, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Southern Blueprint Podcast, host Matt Swift takes you on a captivating journey through the rebellious world of moonshiners and bootleggers during the Prohibition era. Learn how the 18th Amendment sparked a nationwide black market for alcohol, fueled by Southern ingenuity and the rise of illegal distilleries. We explore the fascinating stories of legendary figures like Amos Owens, Maggie Bailey, Junior Johnson, and Popcorn Sutton, and how their daring efforts not only kept the spirits flowing but also shaped the culture of the American South.

Plus, we’ll be reviewing Old Forester 1920, a bourbon that pays tribute to Prohibition-era whiskey, Southern Distilling Company's Old Hunting Creek Rye, an abandoned label from the late 1800's and sharing fun facts and the legacy of Southern moonshiners. We end the show with the eventual repeal of Prohibition. Tune in for a spirited deep dive into one of the most infamous periods in U.S. history. Cheers!

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Southern Blueprint Podcast!

In this debut episode, we plunge into one of the most intriguing treasure hunts of all time—Byron Preiss' "The Secret: A Treasure Hunt."

We first crack open a tasty Golden Ale from Lost Worlds Brewing called the Eucre and then take a closer look at the five treasure locations buried in the South: Charleston, Roanoke, Houston, New Orleans, and St. Augustine.

Whether you're a treasure hunter or just love Southern lore, join us as we explore these potential burial sites and the madness behind the Secret!

Be sure to visit our website:

⁠https://thesouthernblueprint.com/⁠

Follow us on Instagram:

⁠@thesouthernblueprint⁠

Lost Worlds Brewing:

⁠https://www.lostworldsbeer.com/⁠

Resources:

⁠https://12treasures.com/⁠

⁠https://thesecretatreasurehunt.com/⁠