Try That in a Small Town Podcast

In this episode-with-a-twist, Neil, Kurt, Tully and KLo sit down with 20-year-old podcaster Christian Hodges for a raw, unfiltered conversation that goes far beyond the headlines.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore how country music has captured the hearts of younger generations, with 50% of young people now gravitating toward the genre. "With a country artist, they buy into the person, the person...

When authenticity meets raw talent, something magical happens. RaeLynn's journey through the country music landscape reads like a novel of perseverance, faith, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

From her early days as a contestant on The Voice to navigating the challenging waters of Nashville as a female artist, RaeLynn has carved out her own path with a refreshing honesty that's become her signature. She do...

What happens when passion for country music collides with unwavering values? Alexis Wilkins, singer-songwriter and political commentator, takes us on her extraordinary journey from writing songs at age six to navigating the complex landscape of today's music industry.

Alexis shares the fascinating story of how reading a Smithsonian article about coal fires as a child sparked her songwriting career, recording her first...

In this captivating episode of Try That in a Small Town, the guys settle into their new studio space powered by e-Spaces to deliver raw, unfiltered conversations that swing between hilarious and profound.

The conversation kicks off with a spirited debate about entitlement in the WNBA, questioning players wearing "Pay Us What You Owe Us" shirts despite the league never turning a profit in 30 years. This launches t...

The battle for AI's soul is happening now, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Larry Ward, a digital marketing pioneer with three decades of experience, pulls back the curtain on Silicon Valley's longstanding bias against conservative voices and the existential threat posed by unregulated artificial intelligence.

Ward's journey began in the mid-90s with email marketing before he stumbled into political d...

Kirk Herbstreet takes us from the broadcast booth into the heart of what makes sports truly meaningful in this candid, compelling conversation. The voice of college football doesn't just break down X's and O's – he reveals the human stories behind the games we love.

With remarkable vulnerability, Herbstreet shares how going through "hell" as a struggling quarterback at Ohio State transformed him in...

Ever wondered what happens when Hollywood meets Nashville? Actor Alexander Ludwig joins us for a fascinating conversation about navigating two of entertainment's most challenging industries with genuine passion and remarkable humility.

The star of blockbuster franchises like Hunger Games and Bad Boys, whose films have collectively grossed over $2 billion worldwide, opens up about his unexpected journey into country mu...

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...

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...

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 w...

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 deli...

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 audience...

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—...

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 ...

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...

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. Thes...

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 refl...

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 m...

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 convers...