Podcast appearances and mentions of Eric Church

Welcome back to The Bourbon Road, recorded live at the Bourbon Road Bar in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Hosts Jim Shannon and Todd settle in for a double-barrel recording day — two episodes back to back — and they've dedicated this session entirely to finished whiskeys. Four bottles make it to the mat tonight, each one showcasing a different finishing technique: rum barrels, French and Appalachian oak staves, honey-coated barrels, and maple syrup casks. It is a sweet, sessionable lineup that ranges from 101 to 110 proof, proving that finished whiskeys can be approachable without sacrificing character. On the Tasting Mat: - Wheel Horse Double Mash Whiskey, Finished in Caribbean Rum Barrels (101 proof): A limited-edition blend of Green River Straight Bourbon (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley) and Straight Rye (95.5% rye), each aged a minimum of five years and then finished for up to two years in three styles of Caribbean rum barrels. Distilled at Latitude Spirits (Green River), MSRP $45. The nose opens with molasses, leather, and cooked brown sugar — rich but not heavy. On the palate it delivers a sweet, easy-drinking profile with a noticeable rye bite and a finish that runs a little shy. An excellent candidate for cocktails, highballs, or a few cubes. *(00:03:20)* - Gypsy Explorer Straight Bourbon, Finished with French and Appalachian Oak Staves (103 proof): The inaugural release in the Explorer series from Eric Church's Gypsy brand. A blend of two six-year-old bourbons — a low-rye Kentucky distillate (sweetness-forward) and a high-rye Indiana distillate (spice-forward) — yielding a combined mash bill of 66% corn, 30% rye, and 4% malted barley, reduced to 103 proof and then finished with staves sourced from the forests of Tronçais, France, and the Appalachian Mountains. MSRP $69.99. The nose is standout: rich, layered, and inviting. The palate softens dramatically into buttery Danish butter cookie territory, with dried apricots, honey, pistachios, and a baklava-like sweetness. Vanilla from the French oak weaves throughout. Approachable enough for any drinker, complex enough to contemplate neat. *(00:10:03)* - Pursuit x Meat Church Honey Hog Barrel Bourbon (105 proof): A limited-edition collaboration between Pursuit Spirits and Matt Pittman's Meat Church BBQ, designed as a tabletop companion to smoked meats. The blend combines Kentucky (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) and Tennessee (80% corn, 10% rye, 10% malted barley) straight bourbons. Finishing involved coating barrels with over 55 gallons of Texas wildflower honey sourced from Burleson's Honey in Waxahachie, Texas. 105 proof, MSRP $79.99 for a 700 ml bottle, primarily available through the Pursuit P Club and the Pursuit Louisville location. The nose is sweet, floral, and unmistakably wildflower honey. The palate follows suit with a large honey presence alongside classic bourbon caramel — forward and sweet. A natural companion for the grill or as a warm-weather sipper. *(00:23:50)* - Short Barrel Sapsquatch Straight Bourbon, Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels (110 proof): Short Barrel's maple-forward annual release begins with a blend of Kentucky (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley, aged 6–8 years) and Indiana (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, aged 6–8 years) bourbons. Unusually, the whiskey first conditions in stainless steel with sugar maple fusion spirals for six to eight weeks, building a foundation of maple depth and caramelized sugar before ever entering a finishing barrel. It then moves into Kelvin Cooperage toasted barrels that previously held maple syrup sourced from Vermont and Ohio. 110 proof, MSRP $89.99. The nose is dark and maple-rich but measured — not syrup-bomb territory. On the palate: whole-grain pancakes, warm butter, caramelized sugar, and toasted marshmallow, with the maple remaining present but disciplined. Notably, the finish pivots away from sweetness toward toasted oak, giving the whiskey structure and length. *(00:36:01)* Whether you're a fan of rum-influenced blends, buttery French oak, honey-laced barbecue whiskeys, or maple-driven dessert drams, this episode has something to satisfy every sweet tooth on the tasting mat. Jim and Todd also remind listeners about the upcoming Sample Soirée on August 22nd at the Corner Rick House in Frankfort, Kentucky — home of the Frankfort Bourbon Society — where all those accumulated sample bottles finally get cracked open for the roadies. Sign up at thebourbonroad.com to reserve your spot and grab your official Roadie membership card for the door.

Send us Fan MailWe put Eric Church's Jypsi Explorer under a serious tasting lens and end up surprised by how intentional it feels for a sourced celebrity whiskey. Along the way, the pour opens up into root beer, cream soda, wet forest wood notes, an English pipe tobacco pairing, and a debate about what good taste looks like in public spaces too.• what Jypsi Explorer is and how Outsider Spirits frames the Explorer Series around wood finishes• Eric Church's involvement story and why this bottle feels less like a money grab• French oak and Appalachian oak staves, plus how finishing shows up on the palate• tasting notes that land on cream soda, root beer, sassafras, and a lingering coating finish• pairing the whiskey with an aged English pipe blend and why Syrian Latakia matters• how a specific flavor can trigger a vivid personal memory and why that's the point• pricing, other Jypsi releases, and what we want to try next• our listener request for celebrity endorsed bottles that are actually good• a hard turn into dog owner responsibility and why picking up poop is non-negotiableIf you want more great content and other perks, be sure to support the show by clicking the link in the show notes.We can be reached on our website, whiskeychaserspa.com, with any ideas for the show.Support the showWebsite:www.whiskeychaserspod.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/whiskeychaserspodcastInsta:https://www.instagram.com/whiskeychaserspodcast/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@whiskeychaserspodcastThanks For Listening! Tell a Friend!

Alan Jackson's farewell concert raised lots of money for research, plus Eric Church has a patriotic whiskey! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this follow-up conversation, Kara welcomes Tim Hooper back for a tactical discussion on AI, business, and the human connection that matters more than ever. Tim shares why AI should not replace presence, empathy, intuition, or relationship-building, especially for solopreneurs, small business owners, and real estate professionals. Together, they explore how AI can save time, reduce friction, support better preparation, and help business owners focus on the work that creates the most impact.Episode Topics:• AI as a tool for productivity, not a replacement for connection• Why “soft skills” are becoming the real hard skills• How business owners can use AI without getting overwhelmed• The importance of consistent action in growing a business• Using AI to prepare for client meetings and improve research• How presence, empathy, and thoughtful questions build stronger client relationships• Choosing the right AI tools instead of chasing every new trend• The value of focusing on your biggest friction points firstInsights:• The more advanced AI becomes, the more valuable genuine human connection becomes. Clients still want to feel heard, understood, and cared for.• AI can produce a lot of information quickly, but business owners still need discernment, intuition, and emotional intelligence to use that information well.• Instead of trying to learn every AI tool at once, start with one friction point in your business and spend a little time each day improving it.• Great business growth often comes from consistent action, relationship-building, and focusing on the small percentage of activities that create the biggest results.• Technology should help business owners become more present with clients, not more distracted.Highlights:00:00 Welcome and Intro05:20 Cultural Context and Emotional Landscape07:46 Human Connection as Differentiator11:55 AI as Productivity Tool 16:43 Tool Selection and Practical Tips18:23 Implementation Approach and Learning37:25 Podcast episode endedTim Hooper works with business leaders who want to increase the number of top performers on their team and with sales professionals who want to convert more of the best clients faster. As founder of Energy4Sales, his company's training programs like the Professional Selling Accelerator help sales professionals build predictable pipelines through disciplined proactive connection, consistent valuable communication, extreme ownership of their database, and a technology-leveraged focus.Tim enjoys speaking for sales teams and associations across the country on topics like Energizing Your Sales, Marketing That Matters, The Attitude of Leadership & The AI-Leveraged Professional. He's a John Maxwell-certified coach, cohost of the TrustFactorX podcast, and author of the GotEnergy? Abundant Life Series. He currently serves as VP of Sales Strategy & Marketing Implementation for FNF's Agency Division partners working closely with title agency, real estate and mortgage company leaders.When he's not consulting, he's making memories with his four kids and wife of 19 years while pursuing his quest to run a marathon for charity in every state. He resides in beautiful Central Virginia and would love to connect with you here on LinkedIn.Resources:• Previous episode with Tim Hooper: Episode 137 on AI for business owners• Email: team@energy4sales.com• Website: www.energy4sales.com• Connect with Tim Hooper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timehooper• Book - Got Energy?: 3 Musts to Igniting Your Passionhttps://www.amazon.com/Got-Energy-Musts-Igniting-Passion/dp/1642554278• Claude AI• Claude for desktop / co-work features• Eric Church's UNC commencement speech• Tim Hooper's AI implementation cohort for serious agentsCheck out Tim Hooper's work, his book Got Energy, and his AI cohort to learn how to use AI in a practical, human-centered way. And if you have not listened to Episode 137 yet, go back and hear the first part of this conversation on AI and business.Connect with Kara to share your thoughts on the series:Website - http://www.kcdrealestate.com/Email - kara@kdcrealestate.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/karachaffindonofrio/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/karachaffin1?_rdc=1&_rdrYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/KaraChaffinLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karachaffin/Don't forget to visit freegiftfromkara.com for our special giveaway, the Dynamic Life Journal to help you maintain your authentic voice and intuitive wisdom while navigating the balance between technology and human connection in your business and personal life.Special Listener Offer: Unlock Your Soul-Aligned Brand with Jen CudmoreAs a gift to our Soul Inspiring Business community, I've convinced my incredible mentor and business coach, Jen Cudmore, to create an exclusive package just for you—our loyal listeners. This special offer includes a powerful private session to dive into your branding archetypes and a 3-month coaching package at a deeply discounted rate.Ready to clarify your message, magnetize your dream clients, and grow your business from the inside out?Click here to claim your exclusive Soul Inspiring Business listener package

Eric Church is doing something that involves George Washington's whiskey, more Taylor and Travis wedding news and MORE!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America 250 week kicked off with Joey and Nancy talking about the country's 250th birthday and reflecting on some surprising moments from early American history. Nancy also confessed to accidentally running over a squirrel while driving the WIVK truck to a Community Crew event at Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding. The crew recapped volunteering at Shangri-La, where they helped with chores around the property. Joey and Marvin ended up cleaning horse pens with pitchforks while others opted for less messy jobs like pulling weeds. Joey shared an update on his son's garden after they harvested their first homegrown cucumbers. The conversation turned into a preview of the upcoming Southern Life Expo, including Kid Boss booths, local vendors, food, and Christmas in July activities. Scrolling Through TikTok featured a grandmother who went viral for removing towels from pool chairs that vacationers were using to reserve spots hours before actually showing up. Joey and Nancy both agreed that if you're not at the pool, you shouldn't be saving chairs. Hot Tea included Alan Jackson's farewell concert in Nashville featuring appearances from George Strait, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and video tributes from Reba, Ella Langley, and Taylor Swift. They also discussed rumors surrounding a possible Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding and Bunny XO joking that being married to Jelly Roll was like serving a ten-year prison sentence. Nancy shared a dream-inspired invention: smart glasses that would recognize people and remind you how you know them before they walk up and start talking to you. A discussion about the upcoming America 250 celebration led Joey into sharing some fascinating Revolutionary War history he learned from a documentary, including why he unexpectedly found himself feeling a little sympathy for the British perspective. Lucky 7 for $50 to Farmacy Producer Karly gave a full recap of her speed dating experience from the weekend. While she didn't find a romantic connection, she met some interesting people, made a few new friends, and concluded that confidence goes a long way in that environment. Let the Beat Drop took a patriotic turn as Joey, Nancy, and Karly attempted to sing the National Anthem while staying on beat after the music dropped out. Joey shared an emotional father-son milestone after helping his 12-year-old shave his mustache for the first time. The shaving session came after Joey and his wife unintentionally made their son feel self-conscious about it. Patriot Games gave away VIP tickets to Patriot Fest in Pigeon Forge. After several listeners struggled, one caller successfully sang the first verse of "Yankee Doodle" to win front-row seats for Carly Pearce and Parmalee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America 250 week kicked off with Joey and Nancy talking about the country's 250th birthday and reflecting on some surprising moments from early American history. Nancy also confessed to accidentally running over a squirrel while driving the WIVK truck to a Community Crew event at Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding. The crew recapped volunteering at Shangri-La, where they helped with chores around the property. Joey and Marvin ended up cleaning horse pens with pitchforks while others opted for less messy jobs like pulling weeds. Joey shared an update on his son's garden after they harvested their first homegrown cucumbers. The conversation turned into a preview of the upcoming Southern Life Expo, including Kid Boss booths, local vendors, food, and Christmas in July activities. Scrolling Through TikTok featured a grandmother who went viral for removing towels from pool chairs that vacationers were using to reserve spots hours before actually showing up. Joey and Nancy both agreed that if you're not at the pool, you shouldn't be saving chairs. Hot Tea included Alan Jackson's farewell concert in Nashville featuring appearances from George Strait, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and video tributes from Reba, Ella Langley, and Taylor Swift. They also discussed rumors surrounding a possible Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding and Bunny XO joking that being married to Jelly Roll was like serving a ten-year prison sentence. Nancy shared a dream-inspired invention: smart glasses that would recognize people and remind you how you know them before they walk up and start talking to you. A discussion about the upcoming America 250 celebration led Joey into sharing some fascinating Revolutionary War history he learned from a documentary, including why he unexpectedly found himself feeling a little sympathy for the British perspective. Lucky 7 for $50 to Farmacy Producer Karly gave a full recap of her speed dating experience from the weekend. While she didn't find a romantic connection, she met some interesting people, made a few new friends, and concluded that confidence goes a long way in that environment. Let the Beat Drop took a patriotic turn as Joey, Nancy, and Karly attempted to sing the National Anthem while staying on beat after the music dropped out. Joey shared an emotional father-son milestone after helping his 12-year-old shave his mustache for the first time. The shaving session came after Joey and his wife unintentionally made their son feel self-conscious about it. Patriot Games gave away VIP tickets to Patriot Fest in Pigeon Forge. After several listeners struggled, one caller successfully sang the first verse of "Yankee Doodle" to win front-row seats for Carly Pearce and Parmalee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who caused John and Eric Church to Fangirl out?

It's good to see even the pros mess up once in a while.

Forget everything you've heard about graduation speeches. Eric Church just changed the game. No politics. No soapbox. Just a guitar, six strings, and a message so powerful it united the left and the right in a country that can barely agree on anything. Church's commencement address at UNC Chapel Hill is being called one of the greatest speeches ever delivered — not just at a graduation, but anywhere. Today we break down exactly why — string by string — and what every single one of us can take from it, degree or not.This episode is made possible with the support of our sponsors. Sponsored by HighLevel: If you own a small business, don't skip this. Reclaim your life. Automate your business. Transform your overwhelmed business into an automated powerhouse in just minutes. Summer of AI Is Here! Get 5 FREE AI Tools All Summer Long. Visit: https://DrPhil.com/Business and get your life back on track.RELAXIUM® Sleep is backed by a 90-day guarantee, so you've got nothing to lose. Enjoy restful and refreshing sleep with drug-free, non-habit forming RELAXIUM® Sleep. Get your risk-free bottle now. Go to https://TryRelaxium.com or call 800-952-7770.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most commencement speeches are forgotten within days. But when country music star Eric Church compared life to a guitar with six strings that must stay in tune—faith, family, relationships, ambition, community, and identity—the message struck a chord with millions. In this Shop Talk, Bill and Alex unpack the viral speech and explore what it means to keep your own life in tune when the world keeps pulling you out of it. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/#joinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Support the show: http://www.newcountry963.com/hawkeyeinthemorningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Church joins the boys on the bus for one of the most incredible interviews we've ever had. The Chief opens up about the label almost dropping him before Smoke A Little Smoke saved his career, the origin story behind the sunglasses and nickname, secretly pressing the Mr Misunderstood album in Germany without telling his label, getting fired from the Rascal Flatts tour and finding out from Taylor Swift, launching the Me And Myself Tour as the ultimate troll move, Bob Seger calling and changing everything, headlining Stagecoach with just a guitar and a choir, the commencement speech that broke the internet, and announcing The Six Strings Of Your Life book. Plus the boys break down Myles Garrett to the Rams, Aaron Donald coming out of retirement, UFC 250 on the White House lawn, bachelor party tier talks, and the Knicks taking over New York. Subscribe. Big hugs, tiny kisses. Timestamp Chapters: 0:00 Open 0:43 Eric Church Is The GOAT 2:09 UFC 250 On The White House Lawn Predictions 5:46 Michael Chandler Will Never Retire 6:10 Alex Pereira Over Jon Jones? 8:16 Travis Pastrana Recap 11:03 Taylor Almost Cried Last Episode 14:16 Delanie Crushed Racin’ With The Boys 15:23 Fans LOVE Intern Chris 17:07 Bussin’ Bash 2026 20:14 Power Ranking The Boys Night Out 23:24 Will's Beach Vacation 27:01 Will Ran Into Brian Kelly On The Beach 32:59 Brendan Sorsby Is Back 39:57 Myles Garrett To The Rams 40:24 Aaron Donald Is Coming Out Of Retirement 45:01 Jared Verse Got Traded To Cleveland 51:31 AJ Brown To The Patriots 54:03 Ro Spicy Tier Talk 59:00 Tight End University & The Dad Combine 1:01:05 The New York Knicks 1:03:39 Stanley Cup Finals 1:05:00 Best Warm Up Songs 1:07:12 Did BWTB Get Florida Georgia Line Back Together 1:08:21 Peeing Yourself During A Football Game 1:14:22 Eric Church Interview Begins 1:16:04 Eric Church Has Never Used Social Media 1:18:11 The Label Almost Dropped Him 1:21:10 The Sunglasses And Chief Nickname Origin Story 1:24:04 Secret Album Drop With Zero Promo 1:28:08 Chris Stapleton And Justin Timberlake Stole The Moment 1:37:58 Eric Church Got Fired From The Rascal Flatts Tour 1:41:02 Taylor Swift Told Him He Was Fired 1:42:11 The Ultimate Troll Move 1:44:06 Bob Seger Called And Changed Everything 1:47:34 Headlining Stagecoach 1:50:00 Lightning Was Inspired By The Green Mile 1:51:18 The Record Label Meeting That Went Horribly Wrong 1:55:08 Getting Drunk At Tin Roof + Getting Signed 1:58:03 The Commencement Speech That Broke The Internet 2:04:35 The Six Strings Of Your Life 2:05:52 Bud Light Question 2:09:37 Eric Church Beefs 2:13:14 Staying True To Your Creative Compass 2:20:48 Eric Church Mentors Ella Langley 2:24:27 Fan Questions + Connor Smith Question 2:28:20 How Bussin’ With The Boys Started 2:34:52 Does Eric Church Recognize Fans In The Crowd 2:38:17 App State Or UNC Wilmington 2:39:13 Does Eric Church Sleep In His Sunglasses 2:41:03 The Outsiders Was The 2016 Titans O Line Walkout Song See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just three chords and the truth. Or a double-minded genre, unstable in all its ways. One song praises God; the next glorifies drunkenness. One minute it's faith; the next it's fornication. And millions of Christians are singing along to both without blinking an eye. From Ella Langley to Morgan Wallen to Riley Green to Tucker Wetmore, the message is incredibly consistent: get drunk, sleep around, break hearts, ignore conviction—but talk about the big man upstairs. Just sprinkle a little Jesus on top to pull in the nominals and voila… you've got yourself some country music. What we want to get in today is what Eric Church calls, quote, "Country Music Jesus." And does he match the One we find in Scripture? Follow Good Fight Ministries on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodfightministries  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodfightministries  Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/goodfightmin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodfightministries  Rumble: https://rumble.com/GoodFightMinistries  Support Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/goodfight  The Submerging Church https://www.goodfight.org/product/the-submerging-church/ 

From AI-written songs and a controversial commencement speech to trans athletes in girls' sports, Cody Johnson's bear hunt backlash, THC drinks, and a powerful small-town funeral story – the guys cover it all in this episode of the Try That In A Small Town Podcast. They compare Scott Borchetta's AI-heavy, “deal with it” address to Eric Church's inspiring guitar analogy, talk about what AI and streaming are really doing to songwriters, roast a school district for a rained-out graduation, tell wild Bahamas golf and gambling stories, and debate THC drinks, hunting, and new “poly” reality TV. They close with DipShidiot of the Week and a heartfelt look at how small towns still show up for their own. 00:52 Will Levis sex tape rumor and buying stories back from tabloids 02:53 Summer is here, kids out, and notable commencement speeches 03:16 Eric Church's guitar-and-life commencement speech and why it worked 05:09 Scott Borchetta's AI commencement: streaming, socials, and production 05:41 Booed by grads, “I know it, deal with it” and delivery vs message 07:12 Is brutal realism better than inspiration for graduates? 08:02 AI as tool vs replacement and why it hits different when you're already rich 09:18 Comparing AI to Pro Tools, samples, and why fully AI songs lose listeners 11:09 Streaming's impact on publishing, who actually makes money now 12:25 Big label buildings, tiny publishing floors, and small pub company struggles 13:54 Local high school graduations drenched in rain, no backup venue 14:45 Rain-or-shine policies, lightning concerns, and rushing the ceremony 15:43 What the soaked kids and grandparents went through that night 16:48 Superintendent named Dipshit of the Week for no backup plan 17:34 Road managers, “bad calls,” and transition to Bahamas trip 18:01 Bahamas: golf, fishing, tequila-fueled NHL-on-PS5 money games 19:57 High-dollar putter on the line: live call to Jake for Scotty Cameron details 20:58 Aldean wins the putter in overtime and pulls it from Jake's bag at the airport 22:10 Telly's golf swing, overconfidence, and getting mocked online 23:06 Baker's Bay, Morgan Wallen, and stories that stay behind the paywall 24:36 Charles Barkley's swing yips and getting a little better over time 25:03 Tax deadlines pushed back again in Tennessee and IRS jokes 25:38 Teasing next guest and Kayla's upcoming shoulder surgery 26:16 Pain meds, “no days off,” and the idea of a post-op podcast 26:54 The blue bottle “herbal” drink heading toward felony status in Tennessee 27:35 How it became a pre-show hype drink and what it actually looks like 28:26 Why the state is banning it and links to opioid recovery concerns 29:10 If that's illegal, what about THC drinks and Delta beverages? 29:54 THC drinks as golf “swing juice” and health vs alcohol debate 30:32 Listeners' THC drink stories and whether it really helps putting 31:20 Prebiotic Pepsi “health” marketing and chemical overload 31:56 Predicting THC drinks at sporting events and stadiums 32:07 Super Bowl 2030 coming to Nashville and halftime show speculation 32:30 Taylor Swift, “real” country, and who should play the big stage 33:40 Titans rebuild, new coach, and does Will Levis really have it? 38:18 Pocket passers vs mobile QBs and what the guys want under center 39:40 Topic wheel spin: California track meet and trans athlete controversy 40:21 “Can't believe this is still a thing” and fairness for girls in sports 40:58 Parents, boycotts, and refusing to line up against male competitors 41:51 Riley Gaines' regret about competing and the mental toll 43:08 Zero tolerance stance vs waiting for laws and elections to catch up 44:02 New show “This Is Poly” and modern polyamorous families on TV 45:25 Jealousy, fights, and why some refuse to watch these reality shows 47:34 Kayla's comedy, being “yourself” on mic, and overthinking funny 49:04 Musicianship, performance anxiety, and freedom when you stop monitoring 50:34 Recording vocals without headphones and trusting feel 51:12 Delta THC drinks: 20 mg misfire and why 5 mg is smarter 52:02 Gummy war stories, Doritos, and not being natural stoners 53:04 On-stage looks vs reality: who seems like the “stoner” in the band 54:03 Dip Shitty of the Week: Cody Johnson's Alaskan bear hunt haters 54:31 Hunting culture vs online outrage and meat-eating hypocrisy 55:27 “Harvested” vs “killed” and calling hunting what it is 56:02 Liberal sensitivities, offense at everything, and language games 57:07 Public etiquette dipshit: people who just stop in the middle of walkways 58:30 Airport moving walkways: “it's not a ride, keep walking” 59:20 Backpack chaos on airplanes and basic travel courtesy 1:00:33 Listener callout: submit your Dip Shitty of the Week in the comments 1:01:02 Small-town funeral: honoring a firefighter, veteran, and community pillar 1:01:45 Fire trucks, sirens, last ride, American Legion, and folded flag moment 1:02:20 Food, casseroles, and how small towns show up for grieving families 1:03:22 Why small towns may be what keeps the country united 1:04:36 Going home to a 400-person town and Legion dinners after funerals 1:05:09 How that support gives the family peace and helps them move on 1:05:27 Peacemaker Coffee promo: TTIAST blends, sucker punch dark roast, travel mugs 1:05:58 CTAs: download, comment, send small-town stories and dipshidiots of the week ______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don't get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don't and they can't!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please do yourself a favor. Listen to the commencement address that country star Eric Church recently gave at the University of North Carolina. It's 18 minutes—and very much worth our time.Church offers that there are what he calls "six strings" to a life well lived. If all six strings are properly tuned, our life can be a beautiful song. If any one of those strings is not properly tuned, the song of our life is off.  We can hear it. The people in our life can hear it, too. Take a good look at the list. What strings of ours need tuning? Church observes that the need to tune our strings is never-ending. At every age and stage some string or strings needs our attention. Which makes sense. Faith is an important string, but events like illness, death, and loss rock our faith. Family is an important string, but families are ever-changing. Loved ones die, loved ones are born, people grow up and out. Marriage is an important string, but every marriage has its different chapters. And so on for all the strings.On Shabbat morning we are going to look at three Jewish values—listening (shema), focusing (kavanah), and returning (teshuvah)—that can bring our strings into attunement.Church's commencement address has gone viral because it is artful and true. Matching his six strings with our three Jewish values will add beauty and meaning to our song and our life.

It's been a long hiatus but my series called The Unskippables is back. I speak with a musician about an album they think is perfect from start to finish. An album with no skips. This week I caught up with my old friend Payton Smith. I say "old" because I met him 7 years ago, but he's still 26. I've been following his career since he was a teenager. Payton is such an impressive songwriter and guitar player.In this episode we discuss Eric Church's album "The Outsiders." Despite being one of his least commercially accessible albums, "The Outsiders" has been a standout to the Church Choir and all of his fans. Payton and I discuss how he found himself in Nashville at such a young age, how the pandemic derailed all of his momentum and how Eric Church has always been an inspiration to him.

In this episode, we conclude season 18 by reflecting on the grace-filled moments this past season and the quiet ways the Lord continues to invite us into deeper communion with Him. We share who our favorite guests were, which episodes deeply ministered to us, and what we are hoping for in this next season.  Thank you for spending this season with us, friends. It has been such a gift to walk alongside you in every conversation, prayer, and story shared. We'll be holding you close in prayer over the summer and look forward to gathering with you again on July 6th, 2026 for our summer book study. Heather's One Thing - Our Abiding Together Team: Kristina, Camille, and Kate! Heather's Other One Thing - The team for a Healing the Whole Person Retreat in England Sister Miriam's One Thing - Seeing Abiding Together listeners in the wild! Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - The Dignity of Dependence by Lea Libresco Sargeant Michelle's One Thing - Timothy Shriver's Laetare Address and Eric Church's Commencement Address   Other Resources Mentioned: Diane Keaton Because I Said So Clip The Ladies' Favorite S18 Episode: Prophetic Motherhood Sister's Other Favorite S18 Episode: Episode on Forgiveness    Announcement: Our summer book study on "Friendship in the Lord" by Fr. Hinnebusch begins July 6th! You can buy your copy from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: How is God teaching me to love those around me differently? What risks have I been asked to take lately? What expectations is God inviting me to release? What is the pace of beauty in my life? What fears am I carrying below the surface today?   Discussion Questions: What struck you throughout this season? How has your life changed during this season? When have you been tempted to possess rather than receive? What gifts has God given you this year? Where is the Holy Spirit already moving in your life?   Quote to Ponder: "Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are, quite naturally, impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability—and that may take a very long time." (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin)   Scripture for Lectio: "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)   Sponsor - BeeStill Design: BeeStill Design is a handcrafted Catholic jewelry and art brand founded by Louisiana artist and entrepreneur Holly Klock. A wife and mom of three, Holly has built BeeStill from a small creative outlet into a growing brand known for pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful. Her collections feature heirloom-quality jewelry, pressed flowers, and custom intaglios, along with enamel work and ornaments. From the very beginning, she has sought to bring the joy and beauty of our faith into each creation—always with the same vision: to design timeless pieces that tell stories of faith, love, and family. Whether you are looking for a piece of jewelry to be a daily reminder of God, or would like to find a meaningful gift for someone in your life, we encourage you to head over to beestilldesign.com. Use the code "AbideinHim" for 25% off.   Timestamps:  00:00 BeeStill Design 01:00 Introduction 01:46 Welcome 02:40 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 03:38 Our Favorite Guests this Season 06:58 Our Favorite Episodes this Season 12:28 Receiving Good Gifts 16:58 Fruit Being Born in Our Lives 19:42 Hopes and Desires for the Next Season 26:28 Summer Book Study Announcement 28:26 One Things

Special Memorial Day Edition Featuring Governor Kay Ivey's  2026 video tribute& Eric Church's Commencement Speech at UNC Chapel Hill 

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREIn this solo episode of Maximum Lawyer Live, Tyson Mutrux unpacks a powerful idea: most of what you think is “just who I am” is actually a series of choices you've made, and can change. Inspired by Sydney Sweeney's physical and mental transformation to play boxer Christy Martin, Tyson explores how our looks, leadership style, and even our “bad habits” are usually the result of repeated decisions, not permanent traits.He weaves in a moving Eric Church commencement clip about a guitar that's slightly out of tune, reminding you that there is a core “chord” running through you that should stay constant while you intentionally upgrade everything around it.From visualizing the future version of yourself to stepping into different roles (parent, firm leader, spouse, business owner) on purpose, Tyson gives you a practical mindset shift: stop saying “I'm not organized” or “I'm bad at hiring” and start saying “I haven't chosen to get good at this yet.”Most lawyers hide behind fixed labels like “I'm not a numbers person” or “I'm just bad at sales.” Tyson explains why those identities are choices, and how to change them without losing who you really are.In this episode, you'll learn:How watching Sydney Sweeney play boxer Christy Martin sparked a deep question: how much of how we look, act, and lead is actually a choice?Why your “look” isn't just clothes and hair, but training, eating, body language, and how you carry yourself as a leader.The difference between your unchangeable inner “chord” (your core values) and the roles you can intentionally step into.How to use visualization to become the future version of yourself, including the way Tyson borrows characters like the lawyer from “The Judge” to snap into a different mode.Why saying “I'm disorganized,” “I'm bad at hiring,” or “I'm not a numbers person” is just dodging responsibility—and how to reframe those as underdeveloped skills you're actively improving.How intentional decisions around health, fitness, and training now pay off for your 50-, 60-, and 80-year-old self.Highlights01:00 - The Christy Martin movie that sparked Tyson's identity rabbit hole03:12 - How Hollywood proves “the look follows the decision” (training, eating, moving differently)05:09 - The unchanging “chord” inside you and why you shouldn't try to rewrite it06:45 - Visualization 101 – stepping into the future version of you on purpose (Billy Terrasio shoutout)08:18 - Using characters like “The Judge” to snap into parent, leader, and owner roles09:52 - Why Tyson wore a three‑piece suit at MaxLawCon and Disrupt while everyone else went casual11:24 - Health as a long game – building muscle in your 40s for your 50‑ and 80‑year‑old self13:03 - “I'm just not organized” and other identity lies law firm owners tell themselves14:37 - Reframing your labels: “I haven't chosen to get good at this… yet”16:02 - Teaching kids (and teams) to replace “I'm bad at this” with “I'm working on getting better”17:25 - Turning decisions into reality – training, support, and telling your leadership team who you're becoming19:10 - Final challenge: audit your labels, choose new ones, and keep that core chord intact

Ordained minister, Dr. Dennis Hall, examines commencement speeches given at colleges and universities during this year's graduation ceremonies. He looks at speeches that were roundly booed by the audiences to a speech so anti-Semitic that it can be considered the worst speech in 2026. On the other end of the spectrum Dr. Hall focuses on the commencement address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that is considered the best commencement address delivered in 2026, and one of the best of all time. This speech was given by Eric Church, a country music artist and songwriter who grew up in North Carolina and has received many awards for his music. In this speech Eric Church uses his guitar as a metaphor to talk about six strings of life. Dr. Hall takes the liberty to expand on Eric Church's metaphor through a scriptural perspective. Can be heard on all podcast search engines and viewed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/sT7s2qjs26s.

Send us Fan MailWe bounce from the Thunder vs Spurs playoff chess match to the long wait for Texas football, where summer work and staying clean matter as much as any depth chart. Then we get real about transfer portal academics, break down Texas postseason baseball and softball, and end with nostalgia and a reminder to choose community over online performance. • Spurs physicality and coaching plan against OKC • Why summer workouts shape Texas football success • Sark's point on transfer credits and earning a real degree • Rasheem Biles on nearly missing Texas after a number change • How Texas' strength of schedule changes CFP expectations • Longhorn baseball postseason outlook, roster strengths, pitching concerns • Mike Hard's take on young arms, bullpen roles, and top seeds • Texas softball's path back to Oklahoma City and what could stop them • Field day ribbons, cafeteria square pizza, and a summer lunch program memory • Gratitude, family time, and the Eric Church commencement message about community Go to YouTube and subscribe for free. Please share and like on each of our social media platforms. Support the showPlease like and follow each of Stories Inside the Man Cave Podcast social media links on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

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Michael and TC revisit some of the most memorable commencement speeches from both this year and years past — from Roger Federer, Steve Jobs, Shonda Rhimes, Steve Carell, Eric Church, Arthur Brooks, and more. From lessons on resilience and rejection to purpose, kindness, ambition, and community, they break down the advice that resonated most with graduates — and why these messages matter far beyond campus. Plus: AI gets booed at graduations, universities navigate speech controversies, and Michael reflects on the power of rejection in his own commencement addresses. A thoughtful, funny, and surprisingly emotional conversation about success, failure, and what actually makes a meaningful life. Original air date 19 May 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

KCP Crew Reacts to Eric Church's “Six Strings of Life” UNC 2026 Commencement The KC Crew discuss graduation season and family updates, including a daughter graduating from the University of Minnesota, then do a “reaction video” to Eric Church's 2026 University of North Carolina commencement speech. Church frames life like a six-string guitar, urging graduates to keep key “strings” in tune: faith, family, spouse/partner, ambition and resilience, community and belonging, and staying true to yourself amid social pressure, stressing that “the world does not need another cover song.” The hosts reflect on how the message applies beyond graduates, share tangents about music and community ties like reunions, and emphasize being honest about setbacks and failures as part of real life.

On the Guy Benson Show today, Guy took a listen to Eric Church's recent commencement address at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Guy called Church's commencement address a "masterclass" and played a large chunk of the address for the audience to hear, and you can listen to the full segment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hour Two of A&G features... A trio of "reporters" share their thoughts on the Mangione Triial/murder of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson... The Amazing Wemby... The amazing Eric Church commencement speech.... Social Program = Slush Funds! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Briefing's Nick Pitts helps us look at the Rededicate 250 event and the different types of Christians.  He also talks about a commencement address given by musical artist Eric Church where he uses the six strings on the guitar, how they are facets of your life and how get them to work together beautifully.  Luke Moon of 2 Hammers and Generation Zion addresses the allegations leveled by a New York Times opinion piece of sexual violence by IDF soldiers against Palestinians.  The piece was released before another report regarding the violence, including sexual, by Hamas fighters against Israelis on Oct. 7th.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Hour Two of A&G features... A trio of "reporters" share their thoughts on the Mangione Triial/murder of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson... The Amazing Wemby... The amazing Eric Church commencement speech.... Social Program = Slush Funds! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Vardon from The Athletic joins Bobby to talk about NBA storylines, including LeBron’s future, what could happen with Giannis, and how the Cavs have turned things around. He also shares the hilarious behind-the-scenes story of accidentally walking in on Eric Church mid-massage. Plus, Bobby gets into what Matthew McConaughey is really like after meeting him and whether he feels more like a character or just a regular guy. The guys also break down the 9x9x9 challenge, debate if it is actually doable, and Kickoff Kevin explains why he misses the old Tom Brady before the fashion shows and post-retirement spotlight. Follow the Show: @25WhistlesSports Follow the Crew: @MrBobbyBones @ProducerEddie @KickoffKevin @MikeDeestro @BrandonRayMusic See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chumps Line starts the hour, and Howie discusses Eric Church's commencement speech at UNC. Then, Howie takes a trip to the past when a climate change promoter told everyone there'd be no humans left in 2026.  Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.

In part one of Red Eye Radio with Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, headlines over the weekend were a bit unsorted as we start the week. College basketball overshadowed the World Cup, for example, but one important story was the Louisiana Senate shake-up with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy being un-seated by Trump endorsed Congresswoman Julia Letlow. We feature audio from Cassidy skirting a question about impeaching President Trump during his first term, as well as audio from Louisiana Senator John Kennedy with his usual humorous take on the matter. Also Country music superstar Eric Church uses guitar strings to explain life lessons at UNC graduation, the addiction to sports, the hero complex of TikTok and Texas tops the list of most favorable places to move to. For more talk on the issues that matter to you, listen on radio stations across America Monday-Friday 12am-5am CT (1am-6am ET and 10pm-3am PT), download the RED EYE RADIO SHOW app, asking your smart speaker, or listening at RedEyeRadioShow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My wife's favorite country singer is Eric Church, and his commencement address at UNC is proof of why he's so great. Sit back and enjoy his description of the 6 strings of a guitar and the 6 pillars of life.

Chris Williams and Chris Hassel debate why a 24-team College Football Playoff might actually be a lifeline for Iowa State and the Big 12, react to the national fallout from the Fran McCaffery/Gary Dolphin story, and break down Iowa's new basketball court plans.

My wife's favorite country singer is Eric Church, and his commencement address at UNC is proof of why he's so great. Sit back and enjoy his description of the 6 strings of a guitar and the 6 pillars of life.

This season finale is classic rambling in the very best way!  We're rambling about: ✨ American Idol (and how refreshing it is to see bold faith in mainstream culture) ✨ Fran's 24-hour NYC adventure ✨ Eden Salon therapeutic head spa reviews because self-care matters ✨ Nashville food adventures (Fryce Cream & Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar) ✨ podcasts we're loving (2819 Church & With the Perry's) ✨ Eric Church's commencement speech ✨ what we're actually excited about this summer ✨ AND celebrating our anniversary

Can a celebrity-backed whiskey brand actually change the way American spirits are made? In this episode of Bourbon Lens (383), Jake Lewellen sits down with the ultimate industry outsider turned mad scientist: Ari Sussman, the whiskey maker behind country star Eric Church's Whiskey Jypsi.We take a deep dive into their most ambitious and historically significant release yet: Legacy Batch 003: "The Declaration." Conceived as a liquid tribute to America's upcoming 250th anniversary, this bottle completely reimagines Colonial-era Maryland-style rye. Ari breaks down the insane logistics behind this 60/30/10 cross-category blend, which features 8-to-12-year-old Indiana rye finished in apple brandy casks sourced directly from George Washington's Mount Vernon Distillery, 25-year-old Canadian corn whiskey, and a touch of Virginia single malt. From the pioneering use of agricultural gene editing (like the "Lavender Haze" grain) to the hidden Easter egg behind its 115.74 proof statement, this episode proves why Whiskey Jypsi is leaving standard sourced bourbon behind to stage an American whiskey revolution.In this episode, we explore:The Outsider Ethos: How Ari's background in French wine harvests shapes his approach to "noble grains."Deconstructing "The Declaration": Breaking down the components of an ultra-complex $200 blend.The Mount Vernon Connection: Finishing MGP 95/5 rye in actual historic apple brandy barrels.Punk-Rock Rye: Why Ari believes rye—not bourbon—is the true whiskey of revolutionaries.Agricultural Innovation: Looking at the future of heirloom grains and gene-edited varietals.Hidden in the Proof: The incredible historical meaning behind the 115.74 bottling strength.Timestamps:00:00 | Introduction: Catching Up with Whiskey Maker Ari Sussman02:15 | The Jypsi Lineup: Legacy, Explorer, and Tribute Series07:45 | Celebrity Brands Done Right: Eric Church and Authentic Leadership10:30 | Noble Grains: Heirloom Varietals and Agricultural Philosophy15:00 | The Cutting Edge: Can Gene Editing Revolutionize Whiskey Grains?20:45 | Wood & Stave Innovation: Designing Cross-Category Complexity25:30 | Reclaiming the Past: The Rise and Fall of Maryland-Style Rye30:20 | Tasting The Declaration: Blending Indiana, Canada, and Virginia34:20 | Bottle Storytelling: The Hidden History in the 115.74 Proof Statement38:00 | Scarcity & Allocation: Where to Find Legacy Batch 00342:00 | Final Thoughts: Shaking Up the American Blended Whiskey Category

It's graduation season, and Brian From mines the best commencement wisdom making the rounds — Eric Church's six guitar strings as six pillars of life (and why faith is the low E that everything else depends on), Rick Warren's sobering reminder that nobody on their deathbed has ever asked for their trophies, and Admiral McRaven's legendary case for why making your bed every morning is actually about the trajectory of your entire day. Then: a genuinely important piece on why parents need to play too — not just schedule their kids' activities, but carve out hobbies, downtime, and unstructured joy for themselves. Research says peak wellbeing hits around $111,000 a year, relationships matter more than wealth, and time may be our greatest currency — but do we actually live like we believe any of that? A 72-year-old grandmother just graduated medical school and is starting her residency, which is either inspiring or convicting depending on where you are with your own dreams. Plus: a company that gave employees a goodie bag instead of a raise, Pizza Hut bringing back the red checkered tablecloths, and a beautiful meditation on why God loves to hear his children cry "help please, Dad."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Vardon from The Athletic joins Bobby to talk about NBA storylines, including LeBron’s future, what could happen with Giannis, and how the Cavs have turned things around. He also shares the hilarious behind-the-scenes story of accidentally walking in on Eric Church mid-massage. Plus, Bobby gets into what Matthew McConaughey is really like after meeting him and whether he feels more like a character or just a regular guy. The guys also break down the 9x9x9 challenge, debate if it is actually doable, and Kickoff Kevin explains why he misses the old Tom Brady before the fashion shows and post-retirement spotlight. Follow the Show: @25WhistlesSports Follow the Crew: @MrBobbyBones @ProducerEddie @KickoffKevin @MikeDeestro @BrandonRayMusic See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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On Episode 299 of Outside The Round, Matt Burrill sits down with rising South Carolina artist Cooper Ledford. Fresh off his first tour opening for Kameron Marlowe, Cooper shares how posting a cappella covers on TikTok helped launch his career and led to sold out shows across the Midwest. The conversation dives into growing up with a preacher father in South Carolina, football injuries that pushed him toward music, and falling in love with songwriting through artists like Eric Church, George Jones, and Keith Whitley. Cooper also talks about moving to Nashville at 19, building his band with fellow South Carolina musicians, and creating a sound that blends traditional country, rock, and bluegrass influences. Plus, stories from the road, hearing fans sing his songs back to him for the first time, and what's next as he prepares for a breakout year. Follow on Social Media: Cooper Ledford: @coopertledford Matt Burrill: @raisedrowdymatt Outside The Round: @outsidetheround Raised Rowdy: @raisedrowdy Chapters (00:00:00) - Cooper Ledford On The Rage Rowdy Podcast(00:02:51) - How JD Stopped The Car on the Road(00:04:03) - Songwriter and musician from South Carolina talks about growing up in the(00:06:36) - Blair Gibbon on Growing Up in a Preacher's Home(00:10:11) - Ori Lee Cornbread on the Carolina Gamecocks(00:13:08) - Cornbread Connects for TD(00:13:14) - Cameron on His Acappella Tour(00:14:27) - Carolina Songwriter Meets Eric Church(00:15:45) - Colton Dawson on How He Met Kelsey(00:20:08) - The Local Nashville Song(00:23:59) - How to Get a Handgun in Antioch(00:25:28) - Living With My Bandmates(00:26:47) - Thrift Shop(00:29:28) - Cameron Marlowe on His Carolina Country Music Fest(00:31:18) - Getting to Be Around Ella and Tucker(00:31:50) - Colton On Playing The Tuesday Writers' Round(00:32:53) - Writing With Legendary Songwriters(00:35:00) - Cooper Ladford on His Faith(00:38:52) - "I Started Singing Acapella Before I(00:39:11) - Favorite Places to Eat in Nashville(00:42:15) - Cooper Ledford on His New Music(00:45:11) - Cooper Ledford on His Live Show(00:47:52) - Maroon 5 at a Concert(00:49:42) - Willie Nelson At His First Concert(00:51:22) - Cooper Ledford on His New Music(00:53:54) - Cooper Ledford

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! FTTK- Gay Tim looked the other way while the Treasury was being raided. Will a 5’1” woman as the best warrior of all time sells? Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Eric Church with the Graduation speech of the year

Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram. You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for May 13, 2026. We open with the China story that keeps getting bigger — the day after we covered the Arcadia, California mayor who pleaded guilty to acting as a Chinese Communist Party agent, a man named Lou John Wang was convicted in New York City for operating a secret Chinese police station — kidnapping dissidents, pressuring critics of the CCP, and running what amounts to a foreign government's law enforcement operation on American soil. We connect it to Trump and Rubio's diplomatic trip to Beijing, explain what China's secret police stations actually do, and make the case that China's infiltration of American life — through supply chains, universities, real estate near military bases, and now city halls and police stations — is unlike anything any hostile nation has ever accomplished inside our borders. We ask the question every American should be asking — how much access has the Chinese Communist Party already built while we were telling ourselves economics and national security were separate conversations? In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, President Trump landed in Beijing with a delegation that included Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Wang — arriving to a red carpet welcome and plans to push for Chinese market access for U.S. businesses. Then the U.S. Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve on a 54-45 vote — with Democrat John Fetterman the only crossover — signaling future interest rate cuts that sent equity markets surging. And Salem Communications — home to Hugh Hewitt, Joe Piscopo, Charlie Kirk, Mike Gallagher, and American Ground Radio partnerships in New York, D.C., and the Salem Podcast Network — has been acquired by Waterstone in a deal CEO David Santrella says will accelerate the company's faith-forward mission for years to come. Our American Mama Teri Netterville joins us to talk about country singer Eric Church's commencement speech at North Carolina — which she calls the single greatest commencement speech she has ever heard. Using the six strings of a guitar as his framework, Church walked graduates through faith as the foundational low E string, family as the A string, their life partner as the D string at the heart of the instrument, ambition and resilience on the G string, community on the B string — where he urged graduates to put down roots, volunteer, and build the thing their community needs even if the internet never sees it — and individual greatness on the high E string, the thinnest string most easily bent by outside pressure. We walk through every string and explain why this speech deserves to be heard by every graduating class in America. We dig deep into a new Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth report called From Learning Recession to Learning Recovery — which identifies a nationwide decline in student achievement in math and reading that began in 2013 and was just as severe before the pandemic as during it. The researchers blame social media. We disagree. We connect the timeline directly to Common Core — the untested, nationally imposed educational standards pushed by the Gates Foundation and adopted by 46 states by 2013 — that confused children, baffled parents who could no longer help with math homework, and produced exactly the results you'd expect from conducting a nationwide experiment on children with no prior testing. And we note that Louisiana — which abandoned Common Core's methodology and adopted the Science of Reading — now leads the nation in educational improvement. We also cover the DOJ's settlement with PayPal over their $530 million Economic Opportunity Fund — a 2020 program that tied eligibility explicitly to race and national origin in violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. We make the case that you cannot achieve fairness by creating an unfair system, and that civil rights laws were designed to stop discrimination — not rebrand it. We also dig into Senator Tommy Tuberville's proposal to establish English as the official language of American schools — and make the case that a shared language is not about race, it's about unity, assimilation, and the Tower of Babel. For our Bright Spot, a Marine veteran with a concealed carry permit in Massachusetts was already going car to car helping people escape and exchanging fire with an active shooter on Memorial Drive in Cambridge before police arrived. The shooter — who had previously been given half the recommended prison sentence for shooting at cops in 2020 — was stopped before anyone was killed. Nobody's covering this story. We are. We also note that Rudy Giuliani has recovered from pneumonia, left the hospital after being on a ventilator and in the ICU, and remind listeners that God is not finished with us until He says so. And we close with Logan, Cody, and Brody — three high schoolers in Cooper City, Florida who pulled over to help a man they thought had a flat tire and discovered he was having a heart attack. They called 911. Emergency crews arrived. Diego survived. His son said, God didn't send angels with wings. He sent those boys. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SPONSOR: — BLAZE TV — If you’re not already a subscriber, you’re missing out on everything we’re building here at BlazeTV. This is where you get the full, unfiltered version of the show—no cuts, no algorithms deciding what you can and can’t see, and a whole lot more content you won’t find anywhere else. When you subscribe, you’re not just getting extended episodes—you’re getting exclusive shows, original documentaries, and early access to the conversations that actually matter. It’s the kind of content that doesn’t get buried or watered down. The best part? You can support this show directly while getting access to all of it. Just head over to https://www.BlazeTV.com/RICK and use promo code RICK to get 20 dollars off your subscription. Unlock everything we’re doing—and keep us going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:30 - CPS 12:35 - Electronic Monitoring 32:33 - Eric Church commencement address at UNC 50:20 - Remembering Rich from Indian Head Park 51:39 - Gordon Chang, author of Plan Red: China’s Project to Destroy America & The Great U.S.-China Tech War, previews Trump’s trip to China. Follow Gordon on X @GordonGChang 01:10:37 - Ted Snider, contributing editor for The American Conservative: Between Iran and a Hard Place. Ted is also a frequent contributor to Responsible Statecraft & Antiwar.com 01:35:41 - Noted economist Stephen Moore: When you’re dealing with an enemy like China you have to use every tool in your chest. Get more Steve @StephenMoore 01:48:18 - Theodore Dalrymple, retired physician and psychiatrist who worked in a general hospital and prison in England, shares details from his two newest books Agatha Christie and the Metaphysics of Murder – available 6/9 & Life at the Bottom: The Worldview that Makes the Underclass 25th Anniversary Edition – available now 02:05:58 - Josh Blackman, Centennial Chair of Constitutional Law at the South Texas College of Law Houston, weighs in on election maps and The Stunning Plan To Reverse The Supreme Court of VirginiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baxter & Johnny D welcome Kentucky-born-and-bred hit songwriter, Jeremy Spillman, to the Challenge. Jeremy has had songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Keith Urban, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Trace Adkins, Brandy Clark, Midland, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Brantley Gilbert, Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan, Emily Ann Roberts, and many more. Spillman is also an author who released his first book, The Divine Devils, last September, to incredible reviews from John Osborne of the Brothers Osborne, Ted Danson, Academy Award Winner, Mary Steenburgen, and many more! Connect with Jeremy Spillman Here: Facebook: @JeremySpillman Instagram: @JeremySpillman Website: https://jeremyspillman.com The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Rogers has built a career most music fans never see, but it’s one that’s taken her around the world. As a touring background vocalist, she’s worked with artists like Post Malone, Hozier, Eric Church, and The Killers. In this episode, she shares what life is really like behind the scenes of the music industry: from jumping into major tours with days of notice to navigating tour bus life, massive stadium shows, and the freedom (and risk) of building a career in the background. It’s her viewpoint from the chaos, creativity, and unexpected paths that power the biggest stages in the world.