Let’s Talk Country

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Everyone and their mother has a podcast these days. Join me and MY mother as we discuss the country music that makes us stomp our feet and shake our heads in equal measure.

Sarah Ray


    • Dec 19, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 21 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Let’s Talk Country

    It's Not Just Fishin' - Father's Day in December

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 83:51


    Not the LTC ladies' normal MO, this episode is a very personal one for the fathers in our lives. It's almost Christmas and at Christmas you tell the truth: We love these men and all they've taught us! For some classic LTC country music industry commentary and to hear what we have to say about Beyoncé and The Chicks performing Daddy Lessons at the 2016 CMAs, skip to 1:02:20.

    (Maybe Don't) Wait in the Truck

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 17:16


    Hosts Mary Lynne and Sarah, and their guest LuVerne (aka, Lulie) discuss HARDY and Lainey Wilson's duet, "Wait in the Truck." To listen to our episode called "Country Music on Domestic Violence": https://www.letstalkcountry.com/episodes/country-music-on-domestic-violence If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text START to 88788. For tips on how to help those experiencing abuse, follow the links in our companion blog post for "Country Music on Domestic Violence":  https://www.letstalkcountry.com/blog/country-music-on-domestic-violence

    Might As Well Get Stoned

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 40:35


    Mary Lynne couldn't join us, but Mary Jane came to play. Join Sarah and stand-in co-host, Chris Ray (Sarah's dad) as they take a literal CBD chill pill and rock out to some of their favorite tunes that speak favorably about weed. Hear our thoughts on songs from the likes of Levon Helm, Jimi Hendrix, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandy Clark. Get some good Dad-vice from Chris (by way of Tom Petty) and hear some cool stories. Check out our far-from-exhaustive playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OianUIp8oPNMvsYQKJabW Buy Marissa R Moss's awesome book "Her Country" here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250793591/hercountry Visit our website https://www.letstalkcountry.com/ And if you really love us, subscribe to our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/letstalkcountry

    LTC News Roundup

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 4:39


    Hey y'all! Signing in for a very short mini-sode. Hope you enjoy our little news roundup from the beginning of April! Thanks for listening! Back soon with more real sized episodes!

    Merry Christmas, Go To Hell!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2022 67:55


    The LTC ladies do a watch-along of Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas! Come along for the wild, genre-defying experience. We've got reactions! We've got podcast resolutions! We've got music recommendations! We've got nonsensical metaphors! We've got warm fuzzies! And, in an unlikely turn of events, hear both Dolly Parton AND Mary Lynne say, "Go to Hell"! Merry Christmas, listeners. xoxo https://www.letstalkcountry.com/ Purchase Adeem the Artist's latest album White Trash Revelry here: https://www.fourquartersrecords.com/collections/all Get the extended version of the episode (more giggling and silliness) by becoming a Patreon patron: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkcountry

    ML&SR's 5 Faves

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 96:47


    Y'all! Chapel Hart got a Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent! Mary Lynne and Sarah find some joy in the midst of some tough times by talking about 5 songs they've got on repeat this month. You'll hear tunes from Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Balsam Range, Willie Jones, and of COURSE Chapel Hart! Plus cameos from Aretha Franklin, TLC, and HARDY! It's our most music-packed episode yet. Here's a link to our Companion Playlist for this episode! And this one will take you to my "Pre-Tour Playlist". Website: www.letstalkcountry.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/letstalkcountry Social media links: Instagram Facebook Twitter Or email us! letstalkcountrypodcast@gmail.com

    Building Tables with David Michael Hawkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 72:41


    Y'all, we're playing clips of the latest from Hailey Whitters, Miranda Lambert, and Trixie Mattel, BUT, more importantly: We sat down with David Michael Hawkins. Whether he's lending his dulcet tones to country tunes new and old, or organizing the first-ever "CMgAys", David is one of the busiest, boot-scootin'-est guys in the country music biz! In addition to bringing his incredible talent, he also offers a healthy dose of optimism about LGBTQ+ folks taking their turn in the country music spotlight. His strategy for inclusion in the country world? "If you don't have a seat at the table, build your own damn table." Hear David's music, his current favorite artists, and his incredible story as the first openly gay, openly HIV+ country artist.  Can't get enough David Michael? Check out his website, https://davidmichaelhawkins.com! You'll find links to his social media and ways to stream his tunes. Here's more info on the Ryan White Foundation https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/ For assistance getting/paying for HIV care https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/hiv-care Links to learn more about: WNCAP - https://wncap.org/ AID Upstate - https://www.aidupstate.org/ Music City PrEP - https://www.musiccityprep.org/ Need more details about safe sex with an HIV+ partner? https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/can-you-have-sex-with-hiv

    Country Music on Public Health Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2022 65:01


    The LTC Ladies and the ANA continue our conversation. From PMS to tattoos, we can count on country music AND public health nurses to have something to say. *As promised in the intro, we don't go into detail on any of the following but if you're not up to hearing mentions of child abuse/child sexual abuse, you can skip from minute 3:00 to 10:42. *We also have mentions of postpartum depression and ppd songs from 28:20 until 32:37. *And mentions of abortion and abortion songs from 32:37 until 42:13. ALSO at the very end, enjoy the musical stylings of Lucile Ray, Lisa Ray, Vicki Carter and Robert Carter as they sing our family's version of "Bill Grogan's Goat". (Spoiler Alert: we renamed him Joseph Cagle for rhyme scheme reasons.) Here is the official Let's Talk Country "Country Music on Public Health" Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0YFk8Qsmt6kPoxnnbRyIRE email: letstalkcountrypodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @letstalkcountrypodcast Twitter: @LetCountryPod

    Country Music on Public Health part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 82:47


    Haven't you always wondered how country music has addressed public health issues? WONDER NO MORE! Mary Lynne and Sarah talk to 3 retired public health nurses about tuberculosis, the 1919 flu, COVID-19, AND SO MUCH MORE! Hear Jimmie Rodgers, Essie Jenkins, Luke Combs, Big & Rich, and yes...Dolly herself sing about the hardships of these (and other) plague times. Here is our official "Country Music on Public Health" Playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0YFk8Qsmt6kPoxnnbRyIRE Here is our Companion Playlist for this episode - it includes the full version of the songs we mention and play in part 1. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7orRTRvBi5NUbtLzk4FAzw

    Country Music on Domestic Violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 75:37


    Sarah talks with Marika, Katherine, and Shauna from Safe Harbors, a non-profit dedicated to helping survivors of domestic abuse. Together they examine a playlist of country songs that discuss abusive relationships. From The Chicks' campy murder ballad "Goodbye, Earl" to more earnest offerings from Faith Hill and Reba McEntire, this playlist is a representative sample of the way that country music talks about domestic violence. Listen to the songs discussed (and more!) here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7oMbLRU3DWFSMcS463lDzU If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text START to 88788. To read our companion blog post for this episode, go to: https://www.letstalkcountry.com/blog/country-music-on-domestic-violence

    Elliott's Infinite Playlist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 77:30


    Join us as we talk to our friend, Elliott, who tells us about growing up queer in conservative, small-town NC and the music that got him through it. He shares his music knowledge and a healthy dose of optimism to go with the difficult realities of being queer in The South and in country music. Here's his playlist. Listen along. Walk a mile in someone else's music. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7FzUqQrfeja6jjjDRRIJPs?si=5ef85648e95541f5 Hear our favorites from Orville Peck, Johnny Cash, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Kristin Andreassen (Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes), The Indigo Girls, Bikini Kill, The Linda Lindas, and more!

    Merry Christmas from the LTC Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 62:59


    Mary Lynne and Sarah are looking back at 2021, counting their blessings, and reminiscing on Christmases Past. Hear their favorite and least favorite holiday stories set to tunes they genuinely love. Featuring Brenda Lee, Robert Earl Keen, Mary Lambert, and more! Hope you've got your dancin' shoes handy!

    Memaw wasn't a Cherokee Princess?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2021 64:35


    Mary Lynne and Sarah serve up a plate of hot takes on white people's claims of Native American ancestry and the cultural appropriation found in songs like Tim McGraw's “Indian Outlaw.” Hear the cautionary tales of Elizabeth Warren and Johnny Cash. PLUS, the LTC gals chew on some food songs from Lyle Lovett, Dale Watson, and The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Voices in the intro mashup were: Donald Trump, Elizabeth Warren, Elizabeth Cook, Tyler Mahan Coe, Drew Morgan, and  Trae Crowder. This is our companion playlist! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0j8Nje4gGuKnHdeieVVDWy This is Mary Lynne's Food Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1uMWwDhMOqhnpC4OAc5mzv To visit the Buncombe County Register of Deeds website created in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e9913eb717dc4e68aebe7a7c7d3f42c3 Articles discussing why white people often claim to have Cherokee ancestors, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/10/cherokee-blood-why-do-so-many-americans-believe-they-have-cherokee-ancestry.html https://timeline.com/part-cherokee-elizabeth-warren-cf6be035967e https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-warren-cherokee-dna_n_5bc63a69e4b0a8f17ee6ba9a For a quick Twitter-torial on DNA tests and their specific role in determining tribal citizenship, https://wakelet.com/wake/57e215e9-3566-4d4e-9fc7-a9d844bb504c This is a more extended interview with Kim Tallbear, https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22129554-400-there-is-no-dna-test-to-prove-youre-native-american/?utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2116208:Skimlinks.com&utm_content=10&ranMID=47192&ranEAID=TnL5HPStwNw&ranSiteID=TnL5HPStwNw-N_FzHSETg33._cx0N7Yg4A Plus she also wrote a book, https://bookshop.org/books/native-american-dna-tribal-belonging-and-the-false-promise-of-genetic-science/9780816665860 To read Richard Lei's 1994 Washington Post article, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1994/04/08/catchy-tune-catches-controversy/2ca0a30e-bd4b-4f6f-8122-5fbb57db7698/ Another article from 1994 about Indian Outlaw, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-24-ca-38102-story.html Antigravity's Erin Hall interviewing Rhiannon Giddens, https://antigravitymagazine.com/feature/country-girl-an-interview-with-the-carolina-chocolate-drops-rhiannon-giddens/ The Vice.com article on “100 Ways to Support - Not Appropriate From - Native People” https://www.vice.com/en/article/pa5a3m/how-to-be-an-ally-to-native-americans-indigenous-people

    Love Don't Spend

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2021 51:30


    Mary Lynne and Sarah discuss Patty Loveless, Maren Morris, Clay Walker, and Sammy Kershaw. PLUS, the Let's Talk Country ladies take Blake Shelton to school on why "Minimum Wage" was NOT the song we needed to round off 2020.

    Redneckisode Part 2: The Ladies Have Their Say

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021 70:56


    Mary Lynne and Sarah listen to Redneck songs by and about women. We hear from Nadine Hubbs, Lady Redneck, RaeLynn, Lyle Lovett, Sammy Kershaw, The Bellamy Brothers, and of course, the quintessential Redneck Woman herself, Gretchen Wilson.

    Announcement - Miley Cyrus Watch Party TEASER

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 6:14


    Teaser for our Patron-exclusive episode about the Miley Cyrus Pride Special on peacocktv.com Become a supporter and listen to the full episode on patreon.com/letstalkcountry

    The Redneck-isode Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 54:47


    Sarah and Mary Lynne explore the usage of the term "redneck", its historical context, and what it means to country music. Come with us into the hills and hollers, the backwoods and the sticks. We'll shout our opinions on everything from Larry the Cable Guy to miners' unions. Plus, learn how to play Redneck Celebrity Bingo!

    Teaser - Redneck-isode Part 1 (Patreon Early Release)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 1:53


    Subscribe today for access to all premium and early release episodes - patreon.com/letstalkcountry  Sarah and Mary Lynne explore the usage of the term "redneck", its historical context, and what it means to country music. Come with us into the hills and hollers, the backwoods and the sticks. We'll shout our opinions on everything from Larry the Cable Guy to miners' unions. Plus, learn how to play Redneck Celebrity Bingo! Free access to full episode coming on July 5.

    Wait, Am I the Girl in a Country Song?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2021 58:15


    Sarah and Mary Lynne take a deep dive on Maddie and Tae's epic clap-back song "Girl in a Country Song." Join the Let's Talk Country team for a brief history of bro country, plus a thoughtful discussion of Maddie and Tae's other hits. You'll hear songs by Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Chris Young, Blake Shelton, Tyler Farr, and Florida Georgia Line, BUT ALSO Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Lee Ann Womack, and Kitty Wells. It's a wild ride down a dark dirt road, but we'll get home safe if we stick together.

    Cole Swindell, She's Probably Just Not That Into You.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2021 36:05


    Sarah and Mary Lynne take a deep dive on Cole Swindell's Middle of a Memory — a song that's a little bit sweet, a little bit creepy, and a whole lot entitled. We also talk about pie in honor of Pi Day, and Sarah connects the dots between Bob Dylan's Country Pie and Lou Bega's Mambo No. 5. Sorry.

    Here we go!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 47:50


    Sarah and Mary Lynne introduce themselves and give their Country Music critic credentials. Their takes on Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty, The Highwaymen, Reba McEntire, Tyler Childers, Rhiannon Giddens, RaeLynn and more! Go to https://youtu.be/n7RuIga3vdk for the full video of teens reacting to American Bandstand tunes. *Any factual errors we're aware of will be addressed in the next episode*

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