Try That in a Small Town Podcast

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...

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 s...

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 behi...

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 creati...

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 ...

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 sharp...

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...

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 interc...

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.

-Sh...