Country Not Country

Nick Russo talks to the King of the Texas Ren Fest as they celebrate their 52nd anniversary! Together, they discuss the excitement that has drawn in so many people over the years to the fully immersive experience that is Texas Renaissance Festival!

Nick Russo talks to Leo33 Recording Artist, Trey Pendley, during his radio promo tour stop at the Bull Studios at Audacy Houston! The two talk about Trey's life in Arkansas, meeting his wife in Louisiana, his single "15 Minutes" getting recorded by Luke Combs and featured on his album, "The Way I Am" and more.

Nick Russo talks to Lakelin Lemmings in the Bull Studio at Audacy Houston as part of her Radio Promo Tour! The two talk about Lakelin's songwriting skills, her early trips to Nashville at age 12 to write and record music, her families history in Country Music and how she's embracing the radio tour, fans online and more!

Curb Recording Artist, Harper Grace, stopped by The Bull studio at Audacy Houston on her Radio Promo Tour and spoke with Nick Russo about her life growing up in McKinney, Texas, her single, "if daddy says no", her grandmother's influence, Texas sounds and more!

Taylor Austin Dye stopped by The Bull studio at Audacy Houston to chat with Nick Russo while on her Radio Promo Tour with Red Street Records. She talked about growing up as a professional entertainer since age 5, how she creates her music, her touring schedule, her first single to Country Radio and how to avoid sinus infections.

Nick Russo interviews actor, Gabriel Basso, best known for his roles in Juror #2 and The Night Agent. Gabriel talks about The Night Agent, traveling the world for the different shots, the script, different parts of his real life that are reflected in his character, Peter Sutherland Jr. Social media usage, society shifts, his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, being a celebrity and more!

NSFW (Language) Nick Russo talks to Paul Cauthen about his music, his upcoming album "Book of Paul" and the gift he receives while performing and how God has shaped his life over the last 20 years.

Season 6 of Country Not Country kicks off with singer/songwriter, actor, Jet Jurgensmeyer comes into the Bull Studio to talk to Nick Russo about his lifetime of acting; from Disney, to Nickelodeon, to a feature role on Last Man Standing starring Tim Allen; a young Marty Byrd in Ozark and more! The two talk about life in the spotlight and Jet's emergence into the Country Music landscape and how he's found his footing over the last few years.

That Mexican OT joins Nick Russo to talk about his upcoming Rodeo in Rosenberg, Texas on February 7th, 2026 with special guests, Braxton Keith & Paul Wall. OT talks about his upcoming album named after his late-Mother, Sophie's Son, his love for Rodeos, his Path & Purpose and how he wants to bring joy to people.

Ashley Cooke made her 2nd appearance at (KILT) 100.3 The Bull's Ten Man Jam on November 9th at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas. She stopped by backstage to talk to Nick Russo about the evolution of "Baby Blues." her latest chapter of music and what's to come on the horizon!

Mitchell Tenpenny stopped backstage to talk to Nick Russo before 100.3 The Bull's 25th Ten Man Jam (KILT) in Houston, Texas at the House of Blues. they talked about new music, the restoring of Shrimp Sound Studio and what's to come for 2026!

The Band Perry joined Nick Russo in Houston at 100.3 The Bull's 25th Ten Man Jam (KILT) for one of their first interviews since evolving the group! Kimberly talks about the changes, the whys and the hows and how excited she is for the future of music from The Band Perry and getting back in front of Country Music Fans.

Nick Russo sat down with Brothers Osborne before they performed (KILT) 100.3 The Bull's Ten Man Jam to talk about music, 2026, supporting the military and more.

Old Dominion stopped by backstage with Nick Russo before performing at 100.3 The Bull (KILT) Ten Man Jam on November 9th at the House of Blues.

Tyler Hubbard stopped by backstage before 100.3 The Bull (KILT) Ten Man Jam! He talked about his impact on society with his music over his career and how much loves using his gifts for a greater purpose.

100.3 The Bull (KILT) celebrated it's 25th Ten Man Jam on November 9th at the House of Blues to benefit the Folds of Honor. Among the artists attending, Chris Young, made his 5th appearance and stopped backstage to talk to Nick Russo before the show!

Jessie Watt joins Nick Russo for this episode of Country Not Country! The two chat bout life, music, memories, dating, marriage and so much more across 45 minutes!

Stone Country Records Artist Spencer Hatcher stops by The Bull Studio at Audacy Houston to talk to Nick Russo about his passion for music, the crossroads of Bluegrass and Country Music; his humble beginnings, songwriting, and his excitement about having a single being released to country radio!

Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry stopped by The Bull studio at Audacy Houston to chat with Nick Russo. The two talked about different books and authors they enjoy reading; as well as the foundations of Flatland Cavalry's success, music and motivation. Cleto talks about an upcoming project they're releasing in the near future.

Atlus stopped by the Bull Studio at Audacy Houston on his radio tour and sat down to talk with Nick Russo about his life, his music, his purpose and his upcoming album "Secondhand Smoke." The two talk about how the experiences in Atlus's childhood shaped the way he makes music and how his life has changed over the last 10 years.

Gavin Adcock, Country Singer, stops by the The Bull Studio at Audacy Houston to chat with Nick Russo about his new single to country radio, "Never Call Again" and the recent success of his latest album "Own Worst Enemy" They chat about Gavin's hearty night before with Jack Daniels, drinking before / during a performance and how he deals with the onslaught of online attention during controversial times.

Dillon Carmichael stops by The Bull studio at Audacy Houston to chat with Nick Russo about his latest album release and new single to Country Radio. Dillon & Nick catch up on the latest headlines about Ozzy Osborne & Hulk Hogan and their history of being wrestling fans.

Bradley Gaskin stops by The Bull studios at Audacy Houston to talk to Nick Russo about his latest single, "Accidentally Drunk" and his history in Country Music. He tells stories about how his music career began, where he grew up and how meeting Keith Stegall has spearheaded his recent album release.

Cory Morrow stops by the 100.3 The Bull (KILT-FM) Studios to talk about his new record, new singles and all things life. Cory opens up about his own personal struggles and shares incredible stories about getting his first taste of the music business in Lubbock. Hear him talk about Pat Green, Willie Nelson and countless other country artists and songwriters he's worked with over the last 30 years.

Nick Russo talks with Riley Green via Phone about his latest #1 single "Worst Way" and his upcoming single with Ella Langley, "Don't Mind If I Do." We talk about his passion for songwriting and how he leans into the traditional energy of Country Music and he gives us some insight to his health and fitness routine!

Founder of BBs Tex-Orleans, Brooks Bassler, sits down with Nick Russo to talk about the creation of BBs, the creative process for the menu, preparing crawfish from Louisiana to Texas and more!

People Magazine's Iconic Good Feelin' Country Duo joined Nick Russo last week to talk about their upcoming album, "Bet The Farm" as well as their latest #1 Single, "Hometown Home." They chat about their favorite things to do on the road, their partnership with 44 Farms and how fans can win free steaks and a show of their choice, anywhere they want.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter, Mackenzie Carpenter stopped by The Bull Studio at Audacy Houston to chat about her new single featuring the group, Midland, called "I Wish You Would." We talk about the idea behind the song, her incredible contributions in songwriting for Megan Moroney, Lily Rose and more. Plus, she recounts the experience of performing with Megan Moroney near her hometown of Hull, Georgia.

Tucker Wetmore was in Houston and stopped by The Bull Studios! Nick Russo talks to him about his first appearance at cookoff, his rise to stardom, how he's crafted his music and what lays ahead for his new album and tour plans.

Josh Ross stopped by the Bull studios when he was in Houston for a show at 713 Music Hall with Bailey Zimmerman! He performed 3 songs from his recent EP "Complicated" and he talked about touring with Nickelback, his friendship with Chad Kroger, his experience in Motocross as a kid and how the songs "Trouble" , "Tell Me A Lie" & "Single Again" with accompanied performances. 

Nick Russo takes time to dive in to his view of "Cowboy Carter" from Beyonce and all the complex and complicated details of the release. Nick talks about the album breaking records and it's position in society and how it qualifies as "Country Music." Also, Nick talks to Dalton Dover about his latest successes, his new music, headlining tour and most important qualities of a hotel room. 

Nick Russo starts Season 3 Episode 9 with a recap of the 66th Annual Grammy Awards that happened last night in Los Angeles, California. Nick talks about the Luke Combs & Tracy Chapman performance, his relationship with Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus taking home multiple awards, Taylor Swift's acceptance speeches and Jay Z's Dr. Dre Global Impact Award speech; Also, Nick talks to independent country artist, Grace Tyler about her music, her time at Belmont University, growing up in Frisco, Texas and Grace performs 5 songs for us!

In Season 3, Episode 8, Nick Russo talks about Chris Young getting arrested for assault and the charges eventually being dropped. He also tells you which other country artist was in the surveillance video released by the bar. Nick talks about Cody Johnson's tour kicking off and the senior citizen winners who scored a trip to see him in San Diego. Nick also tells the story of how he became a club DJ from Wild West to Rowdys Spring and Bandits.  At the 15 Minute Mark - Nick hosts a live interview / performance with Curb Recording artist, Kelsey Hart. He performs, Highway to Heaven, 4x4 & his current radio single, "Life With You."

In Episode 7, Nick Russo talks about The Bull's tent at cookoff, 100.3 The Bull's Honky Tonk, and who's performing, how to get wristbands and what to expect at cookoff, overall. Nick goes over details on how to get, where to get food, etc. Plus, Nick talks to 2 of the Top 35 Bull Riders in the world, Boudreaux Campbell from Crockett, Texas by way of The Woodlands / Magnolia and Daylon Swearingen from Upstate New York talk about their upbringing as young Rodeo cowboys and how they prepare for a big weekend of Bull Riding. 

Nick Russo talks about the RodeoHouston 2024 Entertainment Lineup, the RodeoHouston Announcement Party and how to get tickets for RodeoHouston 2024. Also, Nick talks to Jelly Roll about his name, his first #1 single, his upcoming music and the impact he has on fans in a personal way. Jelly & Nick also manifest the 2024 RodeoHouston appearance, hear it for yourself at the 15:00 mark of the podcast. 

In Season 3 Episode 5, Nick Russo reacts to the RodeoHouston 2024 Genre Lineup Reveal and takes guesses at who he thinks will fill the blanks and why he says there are 11 1/2 country acts this year! Also, Zach Top stops by the Audacy Houston Live Lounge for an interview & performance of some of his music; including, unreleased music set to come hit Country Radio in January! (Rodeo lineup guessing begins at 3:00 and Zach Top Interview begins at 15:00)

In this episode of Country Not Country, Nick Russo talks about Love is Blind Season 5 and gives his break down of the characters, their relationships and the red flags that were show. He also talks about his closeness to the different characters on the show. The first 30 minutes are about Love is Blind, dating in Houston and why Nick has sworn off dating apps. The second half is an interview with Drew Baldridge about his life, his song "She's Somebody's Daughter" and how he got to where he is in his life. The interview was performed in front of a live studio audience and includes acoustic songs from Drew Baldridge

Annie Bosko is a life long singer/songwriter who has worked with incredible names throughout her career! After packing up and moving to Nashville at an early age she found many successes in the workplace with her voice but has now fully launched her own solo career as a Country Artist! Her new music, "Boots On" and "Neon Baby" are out now and she has a wonderful catalogue of music also available.  This interview is performed in front of a live studio audience in our Audacy Houston studios. There are two song performances included in this episode. Please, like, share and subscribe to this podcast!

In this episode, Nick talks about interviewing Sam Hunt before his show, the experience of going to his show and how the backstage hangs happen at Country shows for people in Radio. It's Houston's 187th birthday so Nick tells his story about coming to Houston as a kid, moving to Houston and how he got his job in Houston at The Bull and how it coincided with his daughter's birth!  The Sam Hunt interview is at the end where Sam opens up about his early days of recording and releasing music, the ending to the song "Drinkin' Too Much" and how he loves music but could do without the fame. 

In Episode 1 of Season 3, Nick Russo gives an update on the co-hosting situation and re-launches the podcast to talk about Sam Hunt coming to Houston, a recap of the Thomas Rhett show the Friday before and an interview with Nate Smith. Nate shares his musical journey to where he is now; Nate & Nick talk about making friends in Key West, bird poop and a diaper being needed after too much Tex-Mex.

Nick Russo & Tori Espurvoa talk about the recent occurrences of fans throwing objects at stars on stage, Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg Cage Match, Tori's trip to Port Aransas for the holiday and Nick's trip to Denver & Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker. 

Nick & Tori talk about Tori's bad day, a Britney Spears update, Nick's telepathy, Tori asks about reincarnation and bones found in Memorial Park. Is there a serial killer in Houston? Texas? Also, Tori & Nick discuss Zach Bryan's country appeal.