Mississippi Native: Landon Bryant

"Living in Mississippi has defined my entire life. I can’t imagine who I’d be if I wasn’t born and raised here."

What does it mean to call Mississippi home? Why do people choose to leave or live in this weird, wonderful, and sometimes infuriating place? You likely know Landon Bryant from his often hilarious, sometimes controversial (when it comes to sugar or salt on grits), and always insightful “let’s discuss…” monologues on Southern culture. Landon grew up and still lives in Laurel, Mississippi. As his online presence has grown, so, too, have the opportunities outside of the state. But Mississippi, he says, will always be his “home base.”

Landon Bryant lives in Laurel, Mississippi.

Where are you from?

Laurel, Mississippi

How long have you lived in Mississippi?

My entire life.

What does “home” mean to you? How does Mississippi fit into that definition?

Home means my people. A house can be a home but a house is just a shell without love or memories of love. Mississippi is my home and it is full of people I love. 

How have you cultivated community in Mississippi? Who are the people who have made you feel rooted here?

I share the best parts of our culture with the world and invite them to discuss life and the intricacies of living in the South on my social media platforms. I get to show off our state to the world and revel in the good things about Mississippi with people who may not know how wonderful this place can be. 

Landon and his wife Katelyn.

What’s the weirdest question or assumption you’ve encountered about Mississippi (or about you as a Mississippian) by someone who’s never been here?

I hear the stereotype about not wearing shoes all the time. My response is always the same: “We aren’t barefoot—there’s ants and stickers in the yard.” 

It’s very easy to focus on the things that aren’t great about our state but I think it’s more powerful to focus on the things that bring us together.