Stories Behind the Songs

What does it take to go from waiting tables to writing chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars? In this compelling conversation, songwriter Blake Pendergrass opens up about his remarkable year since his last appearance on the podcast – a year that's seen him secure 15 cuts on Morgan Wallen's latest album (including his first #1 hit), pen songs for Jelly Roll, Tucker Wetmore, and Post Malone, and have eig...

From the rolling hills of Scotland to the hallowed circle of the Grand Ole Opry, Callum Kerr's musical journey defies conventional paths. Our conversation reveals the beautiful synchronicity of events that led this actor-turned-country artist to find his true calling.

Callum shares how his musical awakening happened at 17 when a Texas sports camp job unexpectedly introduced him to country music. "I was just blown...

Cole Taylor's journey from small-town Georgia to Nashville success story perfectly captures the dreams that bring so many songwriters to Music City. Within just nine months of arriving in Nashville, Taylor landed a publishing deal that would launch a career filled with chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars.

Growing up immersed in a rich musical tapestry—from Alan Jackson's storytelling to Lyny...

Braden Jamison's voice hits you immediately – authentic, rooted in tradition, yet distinctly his own. The Oklahoma native's path to Nashville wasn't straight, having grown up playing four sports simultaneously before making the pivotal decision to quit basketball his junior year to pursue music. That choice led to an unforgettable opportunity: opening for Toby Keith after just one band rehearsal.

After movin...

What does it take to go from a small Louisiana town to writing chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars in just a few years? Beau Bailey's songwriting journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

In this captivating conversation, Beau reveals how a dislocated shoulder from an impromptu boxing match at age 15 led him to pick up guitar and accidentally discover his songwriting gift. His path to Nashvill...

This week I sit down with @ashlandcraft !

From growing up in small-town South Carolina to sharing stages with country icons, Ashland Craft’s journey is as raw and real as her voice. We talk about her time on The Voice, what it taught her about trusting her gut, and how it led her to pack up everything and take a leap of faith in Nashville.

Ashland opens up about the early grind—bar gigs, long nights, and finding her sound i...

In this episode, I sit down with @TheSwonBrothers!

From their Oklahoma roots to writing songs with @BlakeShelton and touring with @CarrieUnderwood, Zach and Colton share the highs, lows, and full-circle moments of their journey in country music.

We dive into the story behind their latest cut with Blake, the emotional writing of “Mamas,” and the crowd reaction that made them believe in their new song “Diamond Rio.” They talk...