The stark reality of women's declining presence on country radio sparks a passionate debate among Nashville veterans in this candid conversation about the state of modern country music. When confronted with the statistic that female artists now make up only 8.39% of country radio play—down from 29% in 2000—the hosts don't hold back their theories on why this dramatic shift has occurred. Amid criticisms that today's female artists "all sound the same," the group highlights an emerging artist name...
Jun 30, 2025•57 min
What happens when raw talent meets unwavering authenticity in a music industry that often values trends over substance? Ben Gallaher's story provides a refreshing answer. From his early days beating on soup cans with pencils in Pennsylvania to becoming a guitar virtuoso whose viral riff captured 35 million views across social media, Ben's journey embodies the true spirit of musical craftsmanship. The conversation takes us through the reality behind the glamour of "getting a record deal" – the re...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 19 min
A mustache, a North Carolina accent, and an impossibly high vocal range walk into a podcast studio – or more specifically, John Morgan walks in, bringing all three plus two recent #1 country hits to the conversation. Morgan's journey reads like a Nashville fairy tale with an unexpected beginning. A chance meeting with songwriter John Edwards during an Uber ride led to a reconnection at Lucky Brand Jeans where Morgan was working. From there, a string of serendipitous events connected him with Jas...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Violence erupts on the streets of Los Angeles as protests devolve into riots, leaving the guys feeling both infuriated and heartbroken. This special episode offers a raw, unfiltered conversation about the disturbing scenes unfolding in California. We dive deep into what's really happening on the ground versus how it's being portrayed by some media outlets and political figures. The footage reveals protesters deliberately antagonizing police officers, throwing rocks, and setting fires – yet someh...
Jun 10, 2025•12 min
What happens when aging rock stars decide to bash America from overseas stages? In this spirited episode, the crew dives into Bruce Springsteen's controversial comments and why celebrities who once championed middle America now seem determined to alienate those very fans. "Trump hit a button in some of these people that just blew the lid off," they observe, questioning why stars risk relationships with loyal audiences for political statements. The conversation shifts to a candid examination of t...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Step into the creative minds of Nashville's legendary songwriting troublemakers, the Warren Brothers. Brett and Brad Warren's unfiltered conversation reveals how two boys from Tampa, Florida—raised in a household so strict they couldn't walk down the beer aisle at Publix—transformed into the hitmaking duo behind some of country music's most iconic songs. Their journey unfolds like a country song itself—packed with unexpected twists, poignant revelations, and belly laughs. The brothers recount ho...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Ever wonder what it takes to write a hit song? Try writing 84 of them. Ashley Gorley has accomplished what many thought impossible – becoming the most successful commercial songwriter of all time, surpassing even Paul McCartney's legendary catalog. This record-breaking achievement didn't happen overnight; it was built on years of dedication, countless hours in writing rooms, and an unmatched work ethic. From his humble beginnings making DJ remixes and blending acapellas with different musical ba...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Twenty years ago, a small-town Georgia man with a dream released "Hicktown" and changed country music forever. Now, Jason Aldean sits down with us to unpack the remarkable journey from those uncertain early days to stadium-headlining superstardom. In this revealing conversation, Aldean takes us behind the velvet rope of the music industry, sharing how he nearly passed on songs that became career-defining hits and watched others he declined become massive successes for fellow artists. "I think so...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 28 min
What happens when one of media's most outspoken voices sits down with the writers behind "Try That in a Small Town"? A raw, unfiltered conversation that cuts through the noise of today's cultural battles. Jason Whitlock brings his signature fearlessness to the podcast, sharing personal stories about growing up in Indianapolis where his father owned several bars in working-class Black neighborhoods. These formative experiences shaped his perspective on community, faith, and the shared values that...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Remember when Nashville's Music Row was lined with old houses turned publishing companies and studios? When writers walked songs across the street to publishers and artists mingled at the 16th Avenue Café? Those days are fading into memory, replaced by high-rises and corporate offices that barely resemble the creative community that built country music. In this nostalgic yet forward-looking conversation, the guys reflect on Music Row's transformation and what it means for the future of songwriti...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 15 min
From competing in the World Championships of Hairdressing to contemplating suicide on a bridge in Florida, Cledus T Judd's journey to Nashville stardom defies all expectations. In this deeply vulnerable conversation, the country music parody artist takes us behind the laughter to reveal the demons he battled along the way. Standing in his mother's double-wide trailer, watching Vince Gill win at the CMAs, Cledus made an impossible promise that would change his life forever. With nothing but deter...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Michael Knox, the visionary producer behind Jason Aldean's groundbreaking sound, pulls back the curtain on one of country music's most remarkable success stories. Knox's candid revelations about their journey expose the harsh realities of Nashville's music business—an incredible 40 showcase rejections, multiple lost record deals, and years of struggle before breakthrough success. What makes this conversation extraordinary is hearing how Knox deliberately architected Aldean's revolutionary sound ...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 45 min
From sending audition tapes to Metallica and The Rolling Stones to becoming one of wrestling's most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan's journey through entertainment spans nearly five decades of unexpected twists and reinventions. In this deeply personal conversation, the 71-year-old WWE Hall of Famer pulls back the curtain on his early years, revealing how he transitioned from playing bass guitar six nights a week in southeastern clubs to wrestling as "The Super Destroyer" for just $25 a match. Hogan ...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Country music maverick John Rich pulls no punches in this raw, unfiltered conversation about his remarkable journey through the Nashville music scene. Describing himself as an "anomaly chaser," Rich reveals how his greatest successes came from championing the unexpected talents and sounds that traditional Nashville often rejected. The multi-platinum artist and three-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year takes us behind the curtain of the legendary "Music Mafia" movement – 72 consecutive Tuesday nigh...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Senator Marsha Blackburn steps into our world of irreverent music talk and delivers something unexpected – a candid glimpse into her political future and passionate defense of songwriters' rights that left us all captivated. The conversation begins with her powerful statement on creators' constitutional rights. "Songwriters, our creators, our musicians have a constitutional right to benefit from their creations," she explains, grounding her advocacy in Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the Const...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 49
When DC Draino (A.K.A. Rogan O'Handley) walked away from a prestigious Hollywood entertainment law career and a $500,000 salary offer, he wasn't just changing jobs – he was answering what he describes as a divine calling to join a battle for America's soul. This captivating conversation reveals the extraordinary personal costs of standing up for conservative principles in hostile territory. As a successful attorney representing major entertainment clients, Rogan created an anonymous Instagram ac...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 12 min
What happens when the mission ends? For Josh Burch, a 20-year veteran Green Beret, the transition from elite warrior to civilian brought unexpected challenges that mirror those faced by countless veterans. From humble beginnings as a high school dropout working construction jobs in Tennessee, Josh's life changed course when his grandfather shared a simple but profound piece of wisdom: "As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another." That moment set Josh on a path that would lead through the gr...
Mar 17, 2025•52 min
Ever wondered which artists actually *play* their instruments on award shows? There are ways you can spot who's faking it by their impractical outfits - "long leather coats and scarves and things that you could never play live in." This episode pulls back the curtain on the music industry with hilarious candor and insider perspectives you won't hear anywhere else. The podcast kicks off with a story that defies belief - a seemingly innocent trip to a vitamin store turns into an awkward invitation...
Mar 10, 2025•51 min
In this electrifying episode of Try That in a Small Town, four-time Emmy Award-winning sportscaster Michelle Tafoya joins the podcast to discuss her incredible broadcasting career, political views, and potential future in Minnesota politics. Highlights: [0:01:15] - Introduction of Michelle Tafoya and her impressive sports broadcasting resume [0:03:26] - Behind-the-scenes story of Super Bowl XLIX and the Malcolm Butler interception [0:07:41] - Challenges of sideline reporting and interviewing coa...
Mar 03, 2025•57 min
When these guys get together, you never know what may come up in these episodes! Such as.... Do Amish people think Menonites are poseurs? Yes, it's another lively discussion that pairs cultural curiosities with a humorous twist: -Laughter ensues surrounding a confusion about the confirmation of RFK -Nostalgia reigns supreme when they get onto the topic of food. From the changing ingredients of Smuckers Uncrustables and Doritos. -Sheryl Crow’s unexpected decisions and the media’s fascination with...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In this episode, hosts of God's Country podcast and songwriters Dan and Reid Isbell join us for a riotous ride through the wilds of Nashville and beyond, sharing tales of their sibling antics and life on the road. From the unexpected wildlife adventures in Australia to the quirks of performing live, these brothers bring their unique brand of humor and insight into the often unpredictable music industry. Prepare for laugh-out-loud moments as they reveal all—including stress-induced beard pulling!...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 35 min
Could Grammy voters from Nashville and beyond really have swayed the vote for Beyoncé? We kick off with this intriguing question and take you on a ride through the often amusing realities of household chores. From the joy of making the bed to the universal dread of the dishwasher, we share personal tales of solitude and the quirks of daily life that emerge when our wives are away. Household chores never sounded so entertaining! Next, we dive into the unexpected twists and turns of the music indu...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Get ready for some amazing stories in this episode... These days, it's getting easier for conservative voices in the entertainment and other industries to be heard. But when Scott Coburn and Glenn Story started Patriot Mobile, they decided to loudly stake their conservative and Christian values in what seemingly was a predominantly progressive world. Their success was fueld by a camaraderie among their customers fostered through shared beliefs. Their reflections include memorable experiences lik...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Football fans and curious minds alike won't want to miss our latest episode featuring the legendary Brett Favre. The former NFL quarterback opens up about his storied career, including playing alongside greats like Deion Sanders, and his unexpected journey from the Green Bay Packers to the Minnesota Vikings. Brett shares how he has found tranquility post-retirement, embracing a life filled with hunting and exploring the great outdoors of Mississippi and Alabama. His captivating tales reveal a si...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 9 min
What if your wildest wardrobe choice could make the night unforgettable? As we gear up for the Inauguration Day celebrations in Washington, D.C., we're caught in a hilarious debate over donning our "Dumb and Dumber" suits for a "grand ball" performance. Amidst the laughter, the episode also explores the intricacies of our creative processes, from songwriting to pitching ideas to Taylor Sheridan's hit shows. With a nod to NFL enthusiasts, we share our admiration for Dan Campbell and the camarader...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr
What happens when personal convictions clash with professional commitments? Former Offspring drummer Pete Parata joins us to share his profound journey through the music industry, marked by unexpected twists and turns. From his modest beginnings in upstate New York to becoming a pivotal figure in the punk rock scene, Pete's experiences are a testament to the power of passion and opportunity. His story took a dramatic turn during the COVID-19 pandemic when, despite 14 years with The Offspring, he...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Imagine taking a late-night drive to cool off after a fight with your significant other....and then suddenly becoming a hero. That's exactly what happened to our incredible guest, Nick Bostic, who joins us with a firsthand account of his courageous act that night in July 2022. Neil came across this post from Eric Daugherty reporting about Donald Trump Jr. calling for Nick to "receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom instead of clowns like George Soros." As Nick was out for a drive, he stumbled ...
Jan 11, 2025•13 min
What inspires a successful country artist to leave the music industry and embark on a journey of faith and ministry? Join our captivating conversation with Granger Smith, where he shares a deeply personal transformation that changed his life's trajectory. Granger discusses his evolution from a serious musician to embracing his viral YouTube persona, Earl Dibbles Jr., and how this unique blend has captivated audiences far and wide. Through laughter and tears, we explore the creative parallels bet...
Jan 06, 2025•51 min
Ever found yourself awkwardly wishing someone "Happy New Year" in mid-January and wondered if there's an expiration date on such greetings? We did too, and we settled on a three to five-day grace period, but not without a lively debate! Join us as we reminisce about the past year, including Kurt's nearly tattooed escapade and our elusive RV dreams. As we navigate the quirks of holiday decor still lingering in the studio, we ponder whether to vent about last year's frustrations or dive headfirst ...
Dec 30, 2024•46 min
The latest episode captures the joy of the Christmas season with laughter, personal memories, and festive movie discussions. We explore our favorite holiday films, highlight the darkly entertaining Krampus, share memorable childhood gifts, and engage in a fun trivia game about Christmas traditions. • Reflecting on favorite Christmas movies and their impact • Discussing why Krampus deserves attention during the holidays • Sharing nostalgic childhood gift memories • Debating holiday dinner traditi...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min
