During the Friends of the Smokies media event in Knoxville, TN, Travel Channel managing producer Rani Robinson had the pleasure of sitting down with Jack Maxwell to ask him a few questions about his journeys on Booze Traveler, what’s next for him now that filming has wrapped, and, of course, the beloved Volunteer State.

Out of all the locations you’ve visited, do you have a favorite?

I don’t, because every place was unique and special for its own reasons. I could start naming countries and talk about why I love them, but it was never really about the historical significance of the landmarks or the architecture, although I did see some beautiful architecture around the world. It’s really about the people. That’s the great thing about Booze Traveler: It teaches us that we have more in common than we do differences. Anywhere in the whole world, you can find wonderful people who are willing to share both their stories and their cocktails with you. That’s what makes the show for me. It’s about the people and the culture.

What happens next, after Booze Traveler, now that you’re done filming?

I’m going to take a bit of a break and just wait to hear about Season 2. This is not only the best job I’ve ever had, but it’s the best job in the world. I don’t want to do anything else. As an actor, I have a couple of possible projects, but my heart and soul is with Booze Traveler.

You recently filmed in Tennessee. Where exactly did you film?

We shot all around the state, from Nashville to Knoxville to Memphis, up in the Smoky Mountains, East Tennessee, Gatlinburg, Franklin. We had wonderful Whisper Creek Sipping Cream. We had real, raw, down-to-the-guts, “burn-your-stomach-out” moonshine. We had beers with the locals. Cocktails in bars. We were invited into homes. Tennessee is honestly one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever been on Earth. And that surprised me, especially being a Yankee from Boston — or a Red Sock, in this case. You’ll learn something about Tennessee that you probably never knew, which is great about Booze Traveler. We teach you things you never knew.

How do you compare Tennessee’s barbecue to Carolina or Kentucky barbecue?

The barbecue was so good. I’ve had barbecue all over. Right now, if you can picture this (points to either side of his throat), I have this thing that you get when you’re thinking about food that’s so good.