Podcast appearances and mentions of jim mccarthy

Jim McCarthy talks to cancer survivor Evan Gear, associate pastor at Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA. Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.

In this episode of the Try That In A Small Town podcast, the guys sit down with hitmaker George Birge to unpack his long road to “overnight success” in Nashville. George talks about grinding for a decade before his first number one, the moment Luke Bryan said “Play that motherfucker” about his song, and how TikTok flipped his career with Beer Beer Truck Truck.He shares how Clay Walker pushed him back into being an artist, how a Bobby Bones performance turned Mind On You into a life-changing hit, and why Jason Aldean giving that song back was a defining act of class. Along the way you'll hear wild road stories with SEAL Team Six and Post Malone, getting wrecked by Gary Allan's weed, the art of building a live set, and how country music's community creates careers that last decades. They close it out with golf at Augusta, Idiots of the Week, HVAC disasters, fan etiquette and plenty of laughs.Timed Highlights: 0:03:12 – Four number ones in a row, why Nashville is a “10-year town” and how hard it really is to break 0:04:35 – Building relationships with radio and listeners, and the pressure of chasing every hit 0:05:04 – Luke Bryan mentor story, Chesney's jet and the “Play that motherfucker” cowboy song moment 0:07:40 – Why country music is a “big happy family” and how fan relationships create 20–40 year careers 0:08:53 – Shouting out Kurt and Tully on a surprise Jason Aldean number one and how labels plan chart runs 0:10:00 – Original Glory beer spot and investing in America's small towns 0:11:14 – The magic and misery of the grind: why it's good that success doesn't come easy 0:12:20 – First number one, confidence, and how belief changes the way you write and perform 0:13:20 – Mike Eli's tough-love advice: “You just need to go get your ass kicked” 0:15:30 – Sprinter van nightmare in Kentucky, the meth'd-out “mechanic” and character-building on the road 0:17:49 – Moving from one recognizable song to multiple hits and the freedom of building a real setlist 0:18:38 – Covers as a “cheat code,” winning crowds in clubs and finding the sweet spot with 90s country medleys 0:20:19 – Club days: Dwight Yoakam medleys, Sweet Child O' Mine into Paradise City, and stretching 90 minutes 0:22:40 – Teaching an audience how to listen to your ballad and earning the right to play the slow songs 0:25:26 – Lessons from touring with Toby Keith: zero ego, human jukebox and knowing when to turn it into a honky-tonk cover set 0:28:19 – Tailgating with Toby Keith, SEAL Team Six and Post Malone on the bus in Virginia Beach 0:29:48 – Post Malone's country roots, respect for the genre and doing it the right way 0:30:09 – Pivoting to “just” being a songwriter, asking out of the duo deal and heading to Clay Walker's beach house 0:33:33 – Writing Clay Walker's We All Need A Bar Sometimes and Catching Up With An Old Memory and hearing the band's take from the studio side 0:36:35 – Refusing to quit, irrational optimism and how things fall into place when you keep showing up 0:37:38 – Clay Walker says “Get on TikTok” and the birth of Beer Beer Truck Truck from a country-music hater's video 0:39:41 – Going viral overnight, crediting the original TikTok creator and landing on The Bobby Bones Show 0:39:47 – Playing Mind On You live on Bobby Bones, getting a record deal and watching it go number one 0:41:03 – Jason Aldean had Mind On You on hold – and gave it back so George could release it as his debut single 0:45:08 – George's Mount Rushmore: Aldean, Gary Allan, George Strait and Tracy Lawrence, and how that shaped his sound 0:46:47 – First-hand weed disasters: Gary Allan's tackle box, the volcano, numb legs and the best pineapple ever 0:52:23 – Willie's Remedy, tequila pairings and trying to “just sleep” through a THC drink gone wrong 0:54:08 – Tequila on the road, giving up whiskey in the summer and survival strategies under 100-degree stage lights 0:55:16 – Golf talk: college golf background, shooting 75 at Augusta and winning the BMW Celebrity Pro-Am 0:57:31 – John Daly, a 27-minute Knocking on Heaven's Door and golf-country crossovers 0:58:08 – Weekly segment: Idiots of the Week – ducks on dashboards and Jeep duck culture 0:59:35 – People touching injured shoulders, hugging the sling side and unintentional pain 1:01:16 – HVAC conspiracy: the AC “just happens” to die right after the service check and buying a new unit 1:06:42 – Language rant: the word “literally,” dictionaries caving and when words stop meaning what they mean 1:08:37 – Fan behavior: phones in faces, reading the screen mid-song and completely losing the lyrics 1:10:19 – Fist bumps, picks, Sharpies mid-solo and why some fans think they're on stage with you 1:12:00 – World Cup tangent, flops, drama and sports rants 1:13:40 – Peacemaker Coffee plug and sending George beans for the bus 1:14:23 – The hosts on why George is great for country music, closing thanks and merch reminders______________________________________________________________________________________________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.www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.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.

Ben Wood sits down with Rich Redmond and producer Jim McCarthy for a fast-moving conversation about music, business, and building a life in Music City. Ben shares how a Green Day concert lit the spark, why he drove 7 hours to study with Rich in LA, and how that conversation pushed him to choose Nashville over Los Angeles.They break down the origin story of Music Lab Nashville, including buying an existing school, taking on serious debt during the pandemic, and growing it to 15 teachers and 200+ students. Ben talks teaching philosophy, Ableton and tracks, being an asset to artists, and what it really takes to move from “local guy” to touring drummer.Along the way they riff on Calypso Café, MySpace days, cruises, hockey, Legos, horror movies, Annika Niles with Rush, Aaron Spears, Stuart Copeland's one‑man show, and why more female drummers should move to Nashville right now.Drop a comment if you've ever thought about moving to Nashville for music or if you've taken lessons at Music Lab Nashville.Timed highlights:00:00 Produced by ItsYourShow.co and why Ben brings more than just drumming01:20 Organic food, Calypso Café, and Nashville musician culture05:30 Meeting Jim at Calypso to talk voiceover and MySpace throwbacks06:40 Introducing Ben Wood: Sacramento roots, LA lesson, and move to Nashville08:15 Screamo band tours, record deal at 18, and falling in love with teaching17:20 Mike Johnston's Drum Lab, Serge Lysack, and the Sacramento drum scene22:20 Pandemic wipeout and the “I'm going all‑in” moment for Music Lab Nashville25:55 Absorbing Jan Williams School clients and staff; rebuilding the business model29:40 Year‑3 turning point, signing a 10‑year lease, and reaching profitability32:30 Culture at Music Lab: all ages, all styles, all abilities39:10 Just Jane, CMA Fest, and getting gigs through hockey and community43:40 Female drummers, Annika with Rush, and the open lane in Nashville48:30 Hockey clips, Lego addiction, and algorithm‑stopping content52:00 Streaming services, sex scenes, and full‑frontal overload55:10 Gateway music, Green Day, and MTV‑era discovery59:40 Paradiddles, 3s and 5s, and Ben's warm‑up philosophy1:02:30 Doubling to 400 students and the vision for Music Lab Nashville1:15:00 Owning “best drummer in Nashville,” handling trolls, and betting on yourselfPodcast Studio and Prodcuders: https://itsyourshow.coDrumtensive: https://drumtensive.comMore Rich Redmond Show Episodes: https://richredmond.com/podcastsMusic Lab Nashville: https://nashville.musiclab.coBen Wood Instagram: @benwooddrums 

Brad Lea joins the Try That in a Small Town podcast and absolutely unloads. From building Lightspeed and the Dropping Bombs brand to calling out weak mindsets, traditional gender roles, AI-written songs, government lies, moon landings, flat earth rabbit holes, COVID vaccines, and “dipshitty of the week” — nothing is off limits.Hear how a high school dropout built a training empire, why mindset, skill set, and habits are the real cheat codes, why most people quietly choose to stay broke, and how social media, politics, and conspiracies all tie back to belief and personal responsibility. This one is part masterclass, part bar fight.3:34 “I'm not an influencer” – building real businesses vs being a personality4:12 Inventing Lightspeed: from broke sales trainer to training software pioneer7:00 Eight years to “overnight success” and almost missing payroll9:01 Mission: getting knowledge from people who have it to people who need it10:01 Aladoxophobia – fear of other people's opinions13:40 From high school dropout to employing PhDs and MBAs15:10 Commission, mindset, skills, habits: Brad's simple formula for getting rich18:24 Content machine: cameras, social media, and “you are the content”21:10 Helping broke people vs rich people and why most never change23:33 Tough love: self-worth, appearance, and being judged in real life28:16 Choices, free will, and why most people pick misery without realizing it31:06 College, AI, and why relationships matter more than degrees37:19 “The right woman wants a king” – Brad's take on marriage and money41:17 Would he let his wife work for another man? Lines, loyalty, and control44:32 Ambition, freeloaders, and “who raised your ass?”52:01 Perseverance in music: staying in line until the song finally gets cut57:27 Transgender sports, common sense, and cultural insanity1:04:08 AI music, Suno, fake artists, and how writers are really using AI1:10:03 Borders, wasteful spending, and why “we the people” have no eject button1:18:04 Aliens, disclosure, and weird Florida mall footage1:21:18 Did we land on the moon? Brad's problems with the footage and story1:29:03 Scripture, luminaries, and why some people flirt with flat earth1:34:34 God, intelligent design, and what we actually know1:35:34 Dipshitty of the Week: waiters, nose pickers, left‑lane campers, and mashed potatoes guys1:43:48 Willie's weed drink, alcohol, and getting older1:47:01 COVID, vaccines, pressure in entertainment, and not trusting the government1:53:36 Wrap‑up: bombs dropped, minds blown, and thanks to Brad LeaFollow Brad:www.bradlea.comwww.droppingbombs.com______________________________________________________________________________________________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.www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.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.

Chris Vogel of Boston Magazine joins with Justin Power of the Red Fox and Michael Foley of JJ Foley's to discuss their Best of Boston list of best bars and restaurants in the city.Pumawari Tusuy joins for Live Music Friday, ahead of their performance at the Vessel Arrival Ceremony of the Peruvian Tall Ship. Sue O'Connell, BPR's unofficial Karen Read correspondent, discusses the latest disclosures in Michael Proctor's texts. Plus, the death of Club Cafe's founder, Frank A. Ribaudo.Kathleen Kelley and Jim McCarthy joins us to talk about the Brigham nurses strike

Nurse Erica welcomes back past podcast guest, Matthew @themassholemcguido, and two Massachusetts Nurses Association representatives, Jim McCarthy and Jennifer DeVincent. This episode dives into the upcoming nurses' strike at Massachusetts General Brigham and Women's Hospital and MGB Home Care, scheduled for July 8th, 2026, making it the largest nursing strike in state history. The discussion explores the issues of staffing, overuse of travel nurses, wages, workplace safety, violence against healthcare workers and reporting culture. The guests share insights on negotiation dynamics, systemic disrespect and the future of nursing in Boston. The episode touches on union busting, patient safety concerns surrounding scab nurses of questionable qualifications, and the impact on hospital operations. They also explore past strike actions, political support, and the importance of transparency in healthcare. And perhaps most disturbing of all, the guest reveals nurses now having to take over chaplain services at night.    Thank you to Nurses Uncorked Sponsor, Dr. Lorre Laws PhD, RN. Please visit drlorrelaws.com/assessment  for free nurse specific trauma assessment.   Advertise on the show! Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to: nursesuncorked@gmail.com   Become a Patron! Gain early access to episodes, ad-free episodes, exclusive bonus content, giveaways, Zoom parties, shout-outs, and much more. https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast ETSY Shop:  Stop Healthcare Worker Violence! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNurseErica   Guests: Matthew/TheMassHoleMcGuido: www.instagram.com/themassholemcguido/ www.tiktok.com/@themcguidonurse  Jim McCarthy, RN, Vice Chair, Massachusetts Nurses Association Jennifer DeVincent, RN, Massachusetts Nurses Association Representative Chapters: 00:00 Patron Shoutouts and Introductions 04:33 Reasons Behind the Largest Strike in Massachusetts History 09:45 The Impact of Nurse Wages and Working Conditions 11:02 Pink Collar Professions in Crisis 16:30 Negotiation Breakdown and Union Solidarity 19:20 The State of Healthcare in Massachusetts 24:10 Safety Concerns and Reporting Culture 25:30 Escalating Violence in Healthcare Settings 28:30 Security Failures and Patient Safety 31:47 The Impending Strike: Strategies and Lockouts 34:35 The Role of Media in Healthcare Advocacy 40:52 Concerns Over Scab Nurses and Patient Safety 51:31 Hospital Management Preparation for Strikes 59:30 Chaplain Services Cuts on Night Shift 1:00:54 Ethical Concerns in Patient Care 1:09:45 Historical Context of Nursing Strikes 1:14:00 Community Support and Political Action   Resources: Massachusetts Nurses Association - https://www.massnurses.org/ Help the podcast grow by giving episodes a like, download, follow and a 5 ️ star rating! Please follow Nurses Uncorked at: tiktok.com/nurses-uncorked https://youtube.com/@NursesUncorkedL   You can listen to the podcast at: podcasts.apple/nursesuncorked spotify.com/nursesuncorked podbean.com/nursesuncorked iheart.com/nurses-uncorked   Follow Nurse Erica:  @TheNurseErica on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@thenurseerica9094 https://www.instagram.com/the.nurse.erica/   DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content published or distributed by or on behalf of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked Podcast is for informational, educational and entertainment purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as legal advice, or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult your health care professional regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. The views and opinions expressed on Nurses Uncorked do not reflect the views of our employers, professional organizations or affiliates. Any information or opinions provided by guests, experts or hosts featured within website or on Nurses Uncorked Podcast are their own; not those of Nurse Erica or Nurses Uncorked LLC. Accordingly, Nurse Erica and Nurses Uncorked cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. All content is the sole property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC. All copyrights are reserved and the exclusive property of Nurses Uncorked, LLC.

Sage Steele joins the Try That In A Small Town podcast for an honest, uncensored look at sports media, politics, faith, and standing up when it could cost you everything. She shares the real story behind her controversial Obama comments, the COVID vaccine moment that changed her career at ESPN, suing Disney while still on air, and why she refuses to back down from her convictions.The crew also dives into the “Try That In A Small Town” backlash, country music, Jason Aldean's TV bans, social media burnout, raising kids with values, and how Sage found love and a second chance at marriage in Nashville.If you care about free speech, faith, sports, country music, and common sense, this one's for you.TIMED HIGHLIGHTS / CHAPTERS: 00:17:08 – Is “Sage Steele” a real name? Childhood, identity and keeping her name after marriage 00:19:02 – Growing up a military kid: Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, James Taylor and first concerts 00:22:34 – First reaction to “Try That In A Small Town” and why Sage never saw it as racist 00:24:22 – Sponsor break: Original Glory beer and Patriot Mobile 00:25:40 – Sage vs The View: Barbara Walters, race, Obama and getting elbowed backstage 00:33:00 – “No going back”: politics, division since 2016 and losing common sense 00:36:33 – COVID, mandates, Fauci, Tulsi Gabbard and accountability in leadership 00:48:10 – The Jay Cutler podcast: Disney's vaccine deadline and Sage's fateful comments 00:50:36 – Suspended, forced apology and living in fear inside ESPN 00:54:24 – Double standard: political rants allowed on ESPN air… unless they're from Sage 00:56:20 – Suing Disney/ESPN while still on the air and the moment her son told her to stand up 01:00:09 – Her relationship with Stephen A. Smith and why he still stands next to her 01:03:50 – How ESPN lost its way with politics, personalities and cord‑cutting 01:07:05 – Missing the old SportsCenter era: Stuart Scott, Berman, Linda Cohn and big TV moments 01:17:01 – Launching The Sage Steele Show and learning to be an independent creator 01:20:45 – Being labeled “conservative” and how that shuts doors in media and entertainment 01:21:34 – Jason Aldean, banned TV appearances and corporate fear around “Try That In A Small Town” 01:23:27 – When controversy makes a song bigger: backlash, business and blessing in disguise 01:30:15 – Meeting Dave: military‑brat connection, charity event, and a whirlwind Nashville love story 01:37:36 – Daily devotionals on camera: praying out loud, public faith and the fear of “send” 01:39:24 – First ever public prayer: doing the invocation at a NASCAR race on live TV 01:42:30 – Why praying out loud feels scarier than live TV and why we're never “worthy” 01:49:41 – Pet peeves, movie etiquette and “read the room” moments in public 01:55:36 – Airplane chaos: overhead bin wars, service animals and entitlement culture 01:59:31 – Sage's patriotic merch and the line “raised right, seasoned well” 02:01:02 – Why Sage came on the show and what standing up has really cost—and given—her______________________________________________________________________________________________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.

On this episode of the Try That in a Small Town Podcast, the guys start with listener Q&A and end up deep in the realities of life as working Nashville pros. They break down why most artists use session bands instead of their road bands in the studio, what makes a truly great studio player, and how songs like “Try That in a Small Town,” “All-American Girl,” and other hits actually came together. You'll hear stories about mentoring young musicians in Nashville, navigating confidence and doubt in the early Aldean days, and how a raw, slightly “on the edge” sound helped define a new lane in country. The crew also vents about crosswalk etiquette, insane roundabouts on Demonbreun, messy public bathrooms, and a wild “dipshit of the week” segment that includes a pharmacist trading meds for sex and Neil's unapologetically spicy take on women joining Augusta National. Along the way, they celebrate “Try That in a Small Town” going platinum, shout out John Edwards finally getting some long-overdue recognition, and brag on Neil's wife and her company for co-designing the new “Welcome to Tennessee” signs across the state. Top moments: 05:24 Q&A: Favorite venues and why arenas win14:44 Why artists use session players over road bands21:15 Hicktown, early Aldean years, and betting on their sound34:30 Writing “Try That in a Small Town” and how the track changed the melody39:27 Worst writes ever: salad guy and Rich Robinson falls asleep43:29 Neil's wife helps design the new “Welcome to Tennessee” signs45:27 “Try That in a Small Town” goes platinum and missing No. 1 parties59:44 World Cup, offsides confusion, and “soccer in the South” rant1:02:29 Dipshidiot of the Week: bathrooms, crosswalk zombies, roundabouts, Augusta & more_____________________________________________________________________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.

Episode 246 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!  This week we are joined by Award-winning Content Producer, Voiceover Artist, Podcast Strategist, Entrepreneur & Host of the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, Jim McCarthy!Episode in a Glance:In this episode of The Hitstreak, I get to sit down with Jim McCarthy, and explore themes of authenticity, personal growth, and the evolution of podcasting. We discuss the importance of being genuine, especially in a world where the next generation can easily spot inauthenticity. Jim shares insights on navigating life in your fifties, the challenges and opportunities in the podcasting landscape, and the impact of AI on human connection. This episode also touches on the significance of building relationships through podcasting and the experiences of fangirling over celebrities. Jim and I also go into the technical aspects of voice-over work, sharing insights on the art and nuances of the craft. Then we shift to the evolution of satellite radio, exploring its impact on the industry and the challenges it faces. Finally, they reflect on the importance of legacy and transparency in podcasting, emphasizing the value of sharing personal experiences and challenges with future generations.Key Points:- Engaging introductions are key to retaining listeners.- AI is changing how we perceive human connection.- Building relationships through podcasting can lead to unexpected opportunities.- The importance of listening back to improve podcast quality.- Navigating the media landscape requires adaptability and creativity- The art of voice-over requires technical skill and practice.- Building relationships is crucial in the voice-over industry.- Transparency in podcasting can create a lasting legacy.- Understanding the business side of podcasting is essential for success.- Personal stories in podcasts resonate with audiences.- Intimidation can be a barrier in interviewing high-profile guests.- Reinvention is essential for staying relevant in the industry.- The podcasting landscape is evolving and offers new opportunities.- Maintaining a sense of humor can ease tense interview situations.About our guest: Jim McCarthy is an award-winning content producer, voiceover artist, podcast strategist, and entrepreneur with nearly three decades of experience helping businesses and thought leaders tell their stories. Since 1997, he's produced content across radio, television, digital media, podcasts, and social platforms, lending his voice to thousands of projects and helping brands connect with audiences in authentic ways. As the founder of It's Your Show dot Co, Jim helps business owners, executives, thought leaders, opiners and industry experts launch, grow, and monetize podcasts while transforming long-form conversations into impactful short-form content. He also hosts and produces the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, where he spotlights the entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders shaping the Middle Tennessee region. Beyond podcasting, Jim works with organizations ranging from local businesses to automotive groups, helping them leverage video, audio, storytelling, and personal branding to build trust and create lasting relationships. His passion lies in uncovering the stories, lessons, and experiences that make people worth listening to. When he's not behind a microphone or camera, you'll find him shaking off the rust on a drumkit, connecting people, talking music with his brother, watching football and soccer with his wife Courtney, championing local businesses, and helping others leave a legacy that speaks for generations.Follow and contact:Instagram: @jimmccarthyvosItsYourShow.co/Subscribe to Nick's top-rated podcast The Hitstreak on Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/NickHite⁠rFollow and Rate us on Spotify: ⁠https://spotify.com/NickHiter⁠Follow and Rate us on Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/NickHiter⁠Follow and Rate us on iHeartRadio: ⁠https://www.iheart.com/NickHiter

From bar-hopping at CMA Fest with Jason Aldean's band to scheduled high school fights at 3 pm sharp, this episode of Try That in a Small Town is all about chaos, consequences, and the crazy ways we somehow survive it all. The guys kick things off with surgery scars, locked-up backs, and near misses in the garage, then pivot into behind-the-scenes CMA Fest stories, in-ear monitor nightmares, and why late-night stadium sets grind down even veteran players. They talk Morgan Wallen flipping pianos and throwing phones, Taylor Swift's historic new country single tied to Toy Story 5, and how modern country production has become so “perfect” it's almost personality-free. Things get heavier when they unpack the Carmelo Anthony/Austin Metcalf stabbing at a track meet, race narratives in the media, and what real self-defense is—and isn't—when someone pulls a knife. They contrast that with a powerful small-town hero story: a Gwinnett County officer who saves a 7-year-old launched through a windshield. In classic TTIAST fashion, the crew rounds it out with songwriting pet peeves, delusional DMs from strangers wanting co-writes and video calls, bullying stories that still haunt them, and how golf, TV binges, and pizza reviews are getting them through recovery. 01:30 Surgeries, brutal bruises, allergic reactions to bandages and upcoming product bans in Tennessee 04:40 Locked-up back on the toilet, crawling across the house and day-three recovery status 06:30 Surviving CMA Fest: bar crawl sets, in-ear monitor disasters and playing blind on stage 09:45 Bar energy vs stadium distance and podcast fans popping up at shows 11:15 Late-night stadium headlining slot, fried fans, and what TV does to show times 14:00 Original Glory and Patriot Mobile sponsor segments 15:10 Learning piano one-handed after surgery, Jingle Bells, and mining TV shows for song ideas 17:50 TV recs: Life After Lockup, The Invisible Pilot, and Cape Fear reboot 20:20 NBA and Stanley Cup talk: Knicks' huge comeback, Wembanyama, and why some tuned out the NBA 22:45 Trump at the Garden, celebrity courtside culture, and politics vs respect for the office 24:40 Taylor Swift's Toy Story 5 country single and the business behind her return to the format 29:00 Why modern country records all sound the same and the few acts still using their own bands 31:40 Morgan Wallen: “I Ain't Coming Back” lyric love, phone toss, piano flip and Billy Joel's defense 36:30 Wild private plane trip with Morgan Wallen, crass “rich buddies” and what stuck with Kalo 38:20 Post-surgery meds, apologizing to Neil, and the nurse/dong/stripper one-liner 41:10 Group shave before a heart cath and hospital humor 42:00 CMA Fest nights with Luke Bryan at his bar, tequila overload and four-day hangovers 44:10 Dipshits of the week: insane video chat requests, song pitches, and social media entitlement 47:00 Fans demanding co-writes and “brain picking” vs actually earning a seat at the table 50:40 The worst song “idea” ever: Cats in the Cradle… but backwards 55:00 Young writers sliding into DMs, asking for writes and coffees, and basic industry etiquette 58:40 Nearly gassing yourself in a closed garage while checking mixes: calling dipshit on yourself 1:01:40 Drone-rescue story: Apache down, surviving in the water and next-level military tech 1:05:30 Golf injuries, steroids on the road, and fighting to stay in playing shape 1:07:10 The Carmelo Anthony–Austin Metcalf stabbing: facts, sentencing and race narratives 1:12:10 Media framing, self-defense vs murder, and how race gets injected into every case 1:16:00 Scheduled school fights at the park, bus brawls and why nobody brought knives back then 1:19:40 Getting drilled in the face for knocking a kid's basketball away: lesson learned 1:20:30 One cold jab to the nose and understanding when you've gone too far 1:22:10 The bully who made you fast: getting wrecked in pickup football and later asking for tickets 1:24:20 Small Town Big Story: Officer Ariana James saves a 7-year-old thrown from a truck in Gwinnett County 1:26:10 Closing: Peacemaker Coffee, shoutout to listener Ed, scheduled fights and listener call-to-action ______________________________________________________________________________________________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.

Chairman Jason Smith of the House Ways and Means Committee joins the Try That In A Small Town podcast from CMA Fest in Nashville. He breaks down what the powerful Ways and Means Committee actually does and how it touches every American's life through taxes, trade, Social Security, Medicare, and more. Jason opens up about his small-town Missouri roots, being a fourth-generation farmer, raising white buffalo, and why he still lives in the same rural community he represents. He explains how he took the Ways and Means Committee on the road to 32 states to listen to working families, small businesses, and farmers before writing what he calls the “Big Beautiful Bill” – the largest tax cut in U.S. history, including no tax on tips and overtime. The conversation gets candid on Social Security's future, election integrity and slow vote counts in places like California, and what happens when people lose trust in the system. Jason also shares behind-the-scenes stories of working closely with President Trump – from grilling him for three hours on every line of a 103-title tax bill in the Oval Office to the now-famous “red button” that just orders Diet Coke. Along the way, they talk CMA Fest, Jason's obsession with Reba, the Chiefs, Mahomes vs. Brady, cleaning up Washington, D.C., and why he believes the founding fathers' values are really small-town values. Jason closes with a powerful story of a single mom whose $10,000 tax refund changed her life – and why that's why he still fights for small towns and working families. Timed highlights 2:00 Who is Chairman Jason Smith and what is the Ways and Means Committee? 5:13 CMA Fest, first concerts, and Jason's country music roots 7:11 The Ozarks, one of America's poorest districts, and small-town values 8:14 Reba superfan stories and being starstruck in DC 10:02 How the guys first met Jason at the South Dakota Governor's Hunt 11:49 Nashville's Bluebird Café, songwriting, and music in DC 13:06 Jason's priorities: working families, small businesses, and farmers 14:19 White buffalo, donkeys named Bill, Hillary, Chelsea, and Hunter 15:29 Growing up poor in a trailer, farm life, and why that shapes his politics 19:15 Taking Ways and Means to 32 states and writing the “Big Beautiful Bill” 20:20 No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and tax ideas from real Americans 22:06 Social Security history, FDR, and why both parties will keep it 23:35 Will Social Security ever go away? Jason's answer and insolvency warning 26:49 How Jason became the youngest Ways and Means chair since before the Civil War 29:01 Inside the steering committee and what it takes to win the gavel 32:31 Life on call with President Trump and 5:30 a.m. texts 33:00 Three-hour Oval Office grilling on the “Big Beautiful Bill” 35:07 The Diet Coke button story and a handwritten note after Jason's dad passed 37:34 Elections, slow vote counts in California, and voter trust 40:31 Why “every vote counts”: Jason's one-vote victory story 43:03 Chiefs fandom, Mahomes vs. Brady, and elite QB mindset 48:19 How Trump cleaned up Washington, D.C. and made it feel safe again 51:39 What do you buy a president for Christmas and Trump's generosity with guests 52:14 Jason presents a Congressional Record honoring “Try That In A Small Town” 54:57 Why the song struck a nerve in small-town America 56:24 The waitress, a $10,000 refund, and how tax policy changes real lives 59:19 Jason's schedule, gym routine, and juggling DC with life back on the farm 1:01:21 Final thoughts on serving small towns and inviting listeners to DC ______________________________________________________________________________________________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.

World Cup 2026 will span the United States, Canada and Mexico, with demand for tickets at record levels. Fifa stands to earn nearly $9 billion from the tournament, more than the entire Paris 2024 Olympics. So who pays, and where does the money actually go? Sam Fenwick follows the cash through the business of the World Cup: the rising price of tickets, Fifa's own resale platform, the billions generated by broadcast rights and sponsors, and the host cities covering security and transport costs while receiving little direct revenue in return.Featuring Mark DiDonato (Florida State University), ticketing consultant Jim McCarthy, Amir Somoggi (Sports Value), and Alan Rothenberg, who led the 1994 US World Cup and now sits on the Los Angeles host committee.On Tuesdays, we Follow the Money with Sam Fenwick. Discover where the cash you're spending goes.Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Matt LinesYou can contact the team on businessdaily@bbc.co.uk(Photo: A Germany fan during training at the Fifa World Cup 2026 in North Carolina, USA. Credit: Chuck Burton/Reuters)

Country artist and entertainer Chuck Wicks stops by the Try That In A Small Town podcast for a wild, honest, and surprisingly emotional ride.Chuck opens up about his journey from small-town farm kid and college baseball player to Nashville recording artist, radio host, entrepreneur, and autism dad. He shares the real story behind Stealing Cinderella, what it was like to be turned down by RCA the first time, and how he fought his way back to a record deal.Chuck also talks candidly about raising his nonverbal autistic son Tucker, early intervention, therapies, and the emotional roller coaster of getting an autism diagnosis at Vanderbilt. He explains how that journey has changed his priorities and why he and his wife Cassie (Jason Aldean's sister) feel called to help other parents find resources.From there, the guys dive into:- Chuck's relationship with Jason Aldean and what Jason is really like offstage - How Melorosa Wine was born from Cassie's Cuban family story - Building Shiners, a wild Cirque-style, adults-only residency show in downtown Nashville - The stress of chasing country radio, the power of authenticity, and artists taking shots at radio - The infamous “DipShidiot” segment: road rage, gas station etiquette, youth sports parents, and more Chuck also teases his upcoming movie on Great American Family Network and Amazon Prime, where he sings multiple songs and steps deeper into acting.If you love real Nashville stories, songwriting, small-town values, and unfiltered conversations about parenting, business, and faith, this episode delivers.Subscribe and share if you enjoy the show, and check out the member-only bonus segment for extra songs and stories.3:06 Early mornings, syndicated radio, and sleep routines 5:05 Family trip out West: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, elk and bison 7:48 Buffalo vs bison and bear talk 10:00 Hunting, backlash on social media, and eating what you kill 13:44 Health, wild game, and clean eating 14:17 Chuck on being 47, staying in shape, and raising his autistic son 15:12 Tucker's autism journey: early signs, testing at Vanderbilt, and therapies 18:49 Nonverbal progress, speech breakthroughs, and hope 19:37 Faith, calling, and why parenting Tucker matters more than career 20:00 Connecting with other autism parents (Joe Don Rooney story) 22:19 Treatments, Lucavorin, red light therapy, and access to resources 24:50 “We wouldn't trade him for anything” – embracing Tucker's journey 26:17 Belt obsessions, airplane routines, and sensory quirks 26:28 Chuck's early life: small-town farm kid and college baseball player 28:46 Discovering his voice in college, almost joining a pop group 31:45 First trip to Nashville, meeting RCA's Jim Catino and singing a cappella 33:56 Development deal, not getting picked up, and starting over 36:18 Four years of grinding, learning to write, and finding his sound 42:40 Second chance: Clint Higham, Chesney camp, and full RCA deal 45:47 Writing Stealing Cinderella from a personal love story 50:00 Singing Stealing Cinderella at Coach Fulmer's daughter's wedding 51:37 Realizing the power of a song to move strangers 52:57 The stress of chasing radio hits and perspective with time 53:18 Other cuts and hits, including Jason Aldean's Don't You Wanna Stay (context: Aldean cut with Thrash) 56:03 How Chuck met Cassie, realized she was Jason Aldean's sister, and dating into the Aldean family 1:00:13 The day after: Jason Aldean's “blessing” phone call 1:02:30 Why Cassie's three kids changed how Chuck approached relationships 1:03:58 Blended family life: ages of the kids and how fast time moves 1:05:25 What Jason Aldean is really like offstage: loyalty, mystery, and staying the same guy 1:06:29 Jason's laugh, tight inner circle, and “it could all go away” mindset 1:08:01 Melorosa Wine: starting a wine company with Jason Aldean 1:09:00 Where to find Mellorosa (online, Kroger, ABC, Princess Cruises, Dubai) 1:09:33 The Cuban family story behind the name and “toast to freedom” 1:10:59 Shiners: Cirque-level, adults-only, comedy show in the historic Woolworth building 1:13:35 Writing Shiners during Covid and building a Nashville residency 1:16:10 The history and civil rights importance of the Woolworth building 1:20:20 What to expect at Shiners: moonshiners, aerial acts, crowd work, and “if you're easily offended…” 1:22:02 DipShidiot segment: explaining the bit 1:22:33 Gas station chaos: Bucky's pump hogs and parking-lot etiquette 1:25:29 Red velvet “Whitey” vs “Witty's” custard mix-up 1:27:31 Red Clay Strays controversy: “radio is dead” comment and why radio still matters 1:30:39 Burning bridges you haven't crossed yet and respecting country radio 1:35:05 Youth sports parents losing their minds vs just being a dad 1:38:01 CMT Awards “edit the chorus” story and learning to be grateful 1:41:03 Road rage story: 75 in a 70 and killing them with kindness 1:43:45 Locker room etiquette: naked close talkers and lifetime fitness stories 1:45:44 Manscaping, gym talk, and ridiculous visual bits 1:46:00 Chuck's upcoming movie: Great American Family Network & Amazon Prime 1:47:04 Coloring hair, beard guard settings, and aging on camera 1:50:02 Closing: Melorosa Wine, Shiners, Chuck's music, coffee collab, and podcast wrap ______________________________________________________________________________________________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.

Ruling elder Mel Duncan is the church administrator at Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. He has served his church, presbytery, and the Presbyterian Church in America for decades and comes from a notable family of "intense presbyterian" churchmen. Be sure to register for Greenville Seminary's GA lunch on Wednesday June 24th here. Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.

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.

The Try That In A Small Town crew dives into the 2024 ACM Awards – the politics, the snubs, and the few moments that actually delivered. From Morgan Wallen being shut out, to Ella Langley's historic run, to Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Zach Top, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, and more, the guys break down who deserved what and where country music is really headed. They also talk about TikTok-ready story songs like “Choosing Texas,” the future of traditional-leaning artists, how award shows are losing legitimacy with fans, and why the industry keeps cloning the same “country boy” image. Plus: a small-town hero who saved a family from a fire, drive-thru rim damage, broken-English call centers, and a McDonald's “fresh” muffin story. Perfect for country fans, songwriters, and anyone who's over the BS of modern award shows. Timed Highlights: 2:16 – Studio chaos, heat, and golf talk in the eSpaces room 3:18 – Peacemaker Coffee plug and the truth about roast caffeine levels 4:32 – Shoulder MRI results: torn bicep, torn rotator cuff, and surgery date 16:05 – Instagram subscriptions and bonus content tease 16:44 – Confession: who actually watched the ACM Awards (and who didn't) 18:20 – Lainey Wilson's opener: high energy vs memorable songs debate 22:36 – Laney's lack of a clear “signature” song and expectations for her writing 23:22 – Miranda Lambert's “Crisco” performance reaction 24:44 – Riley Green and Ella Langley: onstage “pajamas” tension 33:31 – Why fans are losing faith in award shows and ratings 36:29 – Megan Moroney's many nominations and zero wins 42:48 – Group of the Year: Red Clay Strays and the new darlings of country 45:18 – “Best they/them duo?” Pushing back on where categories might go 47:05 – Why Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, and Rascal Flatts are selling more tickets now 48:01 – Disposable songs vs timeless 90s/2000s country 48:20 – Red Clay Strays sell out Bridgestone: how fans find music now 48:54 – Encouraging signs: more traditional-leaning performances at the ACMs 49:44 – Parker McCollum wins Album of the Year over Morgan Wallen 50:37 – “Choosing Texas” wins Song/Single of the Year and just how massive it is 52:51 – Somewhere Over Laredo vs Somewhere Over The Rainbow and copyright splits 55:09 – Tucker Wetmore: Morgan/Riley clone, performance debate, and industry blame 59:12 – Zach Top's 90s throwback lane: can it really last? 1:02:27 – Why traditional acts must have truly great songs to survive 1:03:21 – Kane Brown's “Woman” and trying to stay country 1:08:20 – Why Ella Langley feels so believable and why her stool performance worked 1:09:34 – Dancers in country: necessary or cheesy? 1:11:09 – Grading the ACMs: starting at a 5 because of the Morgan snubs 1:12:34 – What the ACMs are signaling to fans by ignoring Morgan Wallen 1:13:58 – How the snubs actually pour jet fuel on Morgan's career 1:14:55 – The legitimacy problem when the biggest artists don't show up 1:16:46 – Speculating on why the industry still hasn't moved on from Morgan's incident 1:16:54 – New Male Artist: Tucker Wetmore; New Female Artist: Avery Anna 1:21:01 – “No cause for alarm” text actually is cause for alarm: contract story teaser 1:21:39 – Contract options and income surprises: more to come 1:22:29 – Small town hero: Officer Eli Rogers saves a family from an apartment fire 1:23:18 – Why stories like Eli's embody “Try That In A Small Town” 1:23:59 – Dipshit of the Week: broken-English call centers and customer service 1:31:32 – Why the ACMs feel like BS but we still care about songs, fans, and country music __________________________________________________________________________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.

From Toradol shots and “rock docs” on the road, to AI tools like Suno reshaping Nashville, to cruise-ship horror stories and fans yelling requests at charity shows… this episode of Drive That in a Small Town goes all over the map in the best way. The guys swap stories about playing hurt on tour, getting hooked up by “rock docs,” demolishing Luke Bryan's band in flag football, near-disastrous 100-yard dashes, and getting smoked by a college women's softball team. They also take a hard look at AI in songwriting, the death of old-school demo sessions, and how quality songs still rise above the noise. You'll also hear heartfelt praise for John Morgan's heart for kids, a hilarious breakdown of Zach Bryan's infamous fast-break clip, cruise stories including the notorious “Poop Cruise,” a peek into publishing contracts and quotas, and a “Dip Shit” segment calling out bad audience etiquette, shady neighbors, and 5-minute voice texts. If you love small-town stories, country music, road-life chaos, and real talk about where the music business is headed, this one's for you. 02:00 Shoulder sling, cortisone shots and playing hurt on the road 05:03 High-ankle sprain, Toradol, and “rock doc roulette” on tour 09:12 Behind the scenes: how rock docs keep shows from getting canceled 11:19 Golf postponed, one-armed putting, and Def Leppard drummer jokes 13:02 John Morgan at Bethel Bible Village: connecting with kids and staying late 14:25 John Morgan's small-town roots and Chattanooga ties 14:42 Zach Bryan's legendary fast break: live reaction to the clip 18:05 Is he a team player or just a chaotic fast break? Hoops talk and last-shot mentality 20:16 Who played what sport? Shortstop, field goal specialist, soccer and skateboarding handstands 22:15 Sponsor: Original Glory beer and Patriot Mobile 23:00 Neil's college field goal career and the illness that changed his path to music 25:00 Spotting athletes on stage by how they move with their instruments 25:48 Flag football vs Luke Bryan's band and a very lopsided score 27:00 Hungover 100-yard dash: who's really the fastest? 29:24 Thomas Rhett vs Jay: 50-yard dash, gravel, and a brutal face-plant 30:30 Road games: Wiffle ball, basketball, softball and unhealthy competitiveness 32:41 Getting humbled by a college women's softball team 33:04 Tennis, pickleball and even getting hurt playing video hockey 34:34 Women's hockey, drunk women's hockey and a TV-league tangent 34:55 Publishing meeting anxiety: “no cause for alarm” text and overthinking contracts 37:44 Song quotas vs quality: why the biggest years came from fewer songs 39:21 Suno AI demos, ChatGPT lyrics and “shining up a turd” 42:20 Why AI is scary for real creatives and how it masks bad songwriting 43:42 Who owns AI-generated masters and what happens when tools get better? 46:02 The death of Nashville demo sessions and what's been lost for musicians and engineers 49:21 Why a real band in a room can't be replaced, and how ears have changed 50:54 Hearing untuned vocals again and why imperfection feels so good 52:04 Cruise people vs non-cruise people and the infamous “Poop Cruise” 53:20 Disney Cruise and Castaway Cay: the one cruise they actually loved 55:16 The Venice/Disney Magic gig almost everyone in the band was offered 56:10 Hantavirus on cruise ships and mysterious “wives overboard” stories 58:09 Dip Shit segment: drunk fans yelling at benefits and show etiquette 01:01:09 Neighbor overcharging on landscaping: calling out the rip-off 01:02:55 Voice-text etiquette: why anything over 30 seconds is a problem ______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Van Doodewaard has served as the Pastor of Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Taylors, South Carolina for 18 years. Check out his excellent sermons here.  Also, be sure to register for Greenville Seminary's GA lunch on Wednesday June 24th here. Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.

The Try That In A Small Town Podcast crew is back with a wild mix of gear talk, surgery updates, politics, and one unforgettable trip to the White House.Kurt and Tully break down their VIP visit to Washington, DC for Jason Aldean's birthday, including standing in the Oval Office with President Trump, checking out the “Lewinsky room,” seeing historic artifacts up close, and reacting to Trump's Presidential Walk of Fame in the colonnade.The guys also dive into Trump's impact on safety, the economy, the border, and Iran, and whether hardcore haters will ever admit anything positive by the end of his term.On the lighter side, there's shoulder surgery pain, a new Try That In A Small Town coffee line, a full-on rant about grown men wearing sandals on the golf course, and a sketchy doctor's office still asking for Social Security numbers right after being hacked.00:14 Swing-arm mic envy and Rascal Flatts headset jokes02:53 The real “elephant in the room”: Kurt's arm sling and shoulder pain04:39 MRI coming up and why rehab isn't enough this time07:40 Setting up Jason Aldean's DC birthday trip and sightseeing plans08:46 Smithsonian, National Archives, and seeing Lincoln's hat10:36 How the VIP White House tour and Oval Office visit came together11:27 First steps into the Oval Office and the weight of history13:03 The “Lewinsky room” and Trump's private swag shop15:12 Trump-signed Bibles and presidential challenge coins everywhere17:16 Trump's Presidential Walk of Fame in the colonnade and the Biden plaque19:12 Would anyone ever admit “maybe Trump wasn't that bad”?23:37 Safety, border, DC being clean again, and media spin28:29 Economy, gas prices, inflation, and how people will judge this presidency32:37 “Do you feel safer?” and what hardcore Trump haters will never say out loud37:51 Democratic process, midterms, and Trump's strategic timing38:30 Ad read: Original Glory beer and Patriot Mobile38:59 Social media backlash to the White House photos40:13 New “Try That In A Small Town” coffee line and flavor names41:39 Coffee review from Mom: bold but not bitter39:40 (segment flows) Introducing “dip sh*tty” targets of the week40:39 Sandals on the golf course and a full anti-man-feet rant43:28 The yacht story: when nasty feet ruin a radio event46:22 Doctor's office gets hacked… then still asks for Social Security numbers48:01 Replacing debit cards, data everywhere, and security frustration48:40 Augusta story, golf etiquette, and strict dress-code culture______________________________________________________________________________________________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.

The boys are back in the Patriot Mobile Studios powered by E|Spaces, recapping a wild run on the road with Jason Aldean, late-night casino losses, Neil's killer benefit performance, and plans for an epic golf grudge match. Then they pivot into government/alien conspiracies, the death of “free” sports TV, and a fresh round of Dip Shitty of the Week.From bus hockey and blackjack in Oklahoma to Area 51 stories, New York tax drama, and honoring small-town hero principal Kirk Moore, this one is wall-to-wall road stories, rants, and laughs.Timestamps01:39 Road run recap: Neil joins Aldean's tour02:36 Bus life, twin buses, and late-night NHL video game wars04:36 Aldean troubleshooting the Wi-Fi like the band's IT guy05:24 Oklahoma golf, old-school course, and Kurt left off the tee sheet07:16 First casino show, Neil as “guitar tech” and getting footage07:32 Blackjack in Oklahoma: ante every hand and the endless shoe08:45 Everyone's losing, ATM trips, and the slide into craps10:09 Security vs. gamblers: “It's four hours to the next gig, we're fine”11:07 Reality check: it's actually an eight-hour bus ride12:16 Neil's allergy battle, steroids, and dragging into the next show13:05 Private benefit show setup and crowd size13:48 Neil's solo opener and “Night Train” setlist drama14:35 Side-stage support: Aldean and the guys watch Neil crush it15:32 “There Goes My Life” and why it always slays16:22 Doing it for the kids and Elvis-ing out after the benefit16:36 Bus hockey, Neil completely hitting the wall17:31 Road DNA vs. home life – why no one goes straight to bed18:12 Aldean's schedule, sleep discipline, and protecting the voice19:15 High-end sports card obsession on the bus20:09 Getting home, sleeping it off, and turkey hunting at 3 a.m.20:38 Could Kayla hang on the bus? Road stamina debate21:22 Work trips, mobile studio rig, and writing/recording on the road22:41 Whiskey on the guitar: the dressing room spill story24:02 Original Glory ad read and small-town investment plug24:36 Patriot Mobile ad and values (1st/2nd Amendment, life, military)25:22 Dreaming again about an RV / work bus and early pod expectations26:23 Looking back: tattoos, million followers, and the Winnebago dream27:07 All Access motor coach sponsorship idea27:34 Neil's road trip recap buttoned up27:58 Conspiracy hour: dead scientists and weird “suicides”28:37 Are other countries targeting our brightest minds?29:44 Alien/UFO thread and government secrecy questions31:46 Area 51 stories from the late 90s and getting turned around by Jeeps33:08 Do they believe in aliens? Biblical angle and demonic deception theory34:22 What's really at Area 51 – missile base or decoy?35:09 Jim jumps in: living in Vegas, deep-diving Area 51, and the S4 doc36:00 Streaming sports rant: too many apps to watch one team37:01 NFL on YouTube, Peacock, Netflix, and subscription fatigue37:55 DirecTV vs YouTube TV and paying twice for the same games38:31 “Package” upgrades that still don't have all the sports40:02 More casino anger: losing thousands and drinks still not free41:00 Aldean's wrapped “drug money” stacks on the bus41:45 Why they still kind of love casino nights anyway42:08 Oklahoma hero principal Kirk Moore update – shot protecting students41:59 Prom king moment and why they want him on the podcast42:41 Mission: get Kirk Moore to a show and on the pod43:25 How GPS and smartphones changed navigation and memory44:07 Losing laminates, AirTags on tour passes, and tracking them in casinos45:06 Golf range finders, AirTags, and expensive gear that always gets lost46:01 Phone GPS vs range finder lasers and why golfers don't trust tech46:30 Range finder magnets on carts – brilliant way to sell more units47:03 Masters meltdowns and 10s on par 5s – pros are human too48:12 Why golf can be miserable if you're not a player49:10 No etiquette in this crew: non-stop ribbing on the course49:44 You need tough skin to be in this friend group50:24 Planning “The Match”: format, handicaps, and who gets Tully51:27 Shamble vs scramble and how to make it fair with Neil52:16 Handicaps, past form, and how the mental game wrecks Kayla53:01 Golf as life-ruiner: the little white ball in your brain53:23 Committing to make the golf match happen in May53:55 Dip Shitty of the Week: public phone audio with no headphones55:02 Rudeness in modern life and lack of basic courtesy57:14 Crosswalk behavior: assuming cars see you while you're on your phone58:37 Do you scurry in crosswalks or drag your feet?59:12 Taxing the rich: New York politics, commercial real estate and exits1:01:07 Capitalism, church tithes, and who actually funds things1:02:26 Islamic movement, spiritual concerns, and NYC post-9/111:03:16 Queens street takeover and Palestinian flags1:04:09 Social media as a double-edged sword: awareness vs outrage1:05:29 Kurt's “Kurt, what's up?” ticket-text pet peeve1:06:22 The pressure trap of vague texts from people who want favors1:08:01 Pauls Valley, OK, July 24 show and finding Kirk Moore1:08:39 Two-year anniversary of the podcast1:09:17 Listener support, comments, and platforms ramping up1:10:05 Wrap-up and call to follow, subscribe, share, rate, and grab merch______________________________________________________________________________________________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.

American Idol Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks joins Try That In A Small Town to unpack how Hurricane Katrina accidentally sent him to the Vegas auditions, what Simon Cowell really thought at first, and the strategy he used to “play the game” and win Idol at its peak.Taylor breaks down crazy behind-the-scenes Idol stories, the early days of 360 deals, going from a 60-cap bar to Southeast Asia arenas in six months, writing and singing the Paul Finebaum Show theme, and grinding through 576 Broadway shows in a 40-foot ice cream cone as Teen Angel in Grease. He also teases his new single “The Mirror,” cut at Sun Records with Memphis horns and a southern rock vibe.Plus: a hilarious “DipShidiots” segment on airport bathrooms, oversized carry-ons, public sneezers and more.Key Timestamps:00:00 Taylor's wild Hurricane Katrina-to-Idol audition story11:45 Simon Cowell's early rejection and later apology23:00 Inside Idol strategy, 360-style deals and media “game play”27:30 From small bar gigs to arenas and Southeast Asia41:28 Broadway in Grease and life inside a 40-foot ice cream cone55:30 New single “The Mirror” and current touring life59:00 “DipShidiots” segment: pet peeves and airport stories______________________________________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced 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.

From the Patriot Mobile studio powered by E|Spaces, the guys dive into a packed episode of Try That In A Small Town. They kick things off by reacting to the latest ACM Award nominations: who belongs, who doesn't, and why politics still run the game. Entertainer, Group, Duo, New Artist, Album, Song, Single, and Musical Event of the Year all get the TTIAST treatment, with plenty of opinions on names like Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Alabama, Zac Brown Band, Parmalee, and more. Kelly shares a huge personal milestone: after interning for Reba's company back in the 90s, he finally lands his first Reba cut on a song written in 2005. That opens up a conversation about prayer, persistence, and whether Christians should pray about career and business. The guys revisit the backstory of “If I Didn't Love You” (Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood), from losing a duet slot to writing something ultra-specific on a deadline and watching it connect. In the fan-favorite Dip Shitty-its segment, they unload on Masters “pond jumpers,” public bathroom pee etiquette, clapping when servers drop dishes, trash in urinals, rental car abuse, and more everyday behaviors that drive them crazy. They close with a powerful Small Town Hero story from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, where a principal charged an armed student, took a bullet, and likely saved lives. It's exactly the kind of “try that in a small town” courage the show was built to highlight. If you like country music, songwriting war stories, small town grit, and unfiltered opinions, this one delivers from front to back. Timed Highlights (Audio): 0:00 E|Spaces and Patriot Mobile studio intro 1:30 New mic arm, setup chatter, and moon-landing clip going viral 4:00 Moon rocks, Soviets, and joking about “disinformation” 5:10 The Brad Paisley song that “wouldn't get cut” in 2026 6:00 Masculinity, political correctness, and “I'm still a guy” lyrics 7:30 Origin story: pink cupcakes at school, church culture, and irritation-fueled writing 10:00 Writing the song with Lee Miller and pitching it to Brad Paisley 11:30 Paisley's issue with singing the word “guy” and nearly losing the cut 13:00 Corporate shows, offended “fancy guys,” and how Kelly softens the bit 14:00 Why fans love their award show breakdowns 14:30 Songwriter of the Year nominees and how political awards can be 15:50 Entertainer of the Year: Luke, Jelly Roll, Cody, Megan, Stapleton, Morgan, Lainey 16:40 Is Megan Moroney really ready for Entertainer of the Year? 17:20 Group of the Year confusion: 49 Winchester, Flatland Cavalry, Red Clay Strays, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts 18:10 Where are Alabama, Zac Brown Band, and Parmalee? 19:10 Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Thelma and James, Muscadine Bloodline 20:20 Admitting they haven't even heard some nominees, despite being in the business 21:00 New Female Artist: quick thoughts on Avery Anna, Mackenzie Carpenter, Dasha, Caroline Jones, Emily Ann Roberts 21:40 New Male Artist: Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason, Shaboozey, Hudson Westbrook, Tucker Webb 22:30 Album of the Year: Zach Top, Carter Faith, Riley Green, Morgan Wallen, Parker McCollum 22:55 “If Morgan doesn't win, call BS on the ACMs” 23:50 Song of the Year: Miranda/Stapleton, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Lainey Wilson 24:20 Consensus that “Choosing Texas” is massive 25:00 Musical Event of the Year: predicting a big night for Riley Green and Ella Langley 25:40 Single of the Year: Lainey, Cody, Zach Top, Ella, Megan 26:40 Neil missing a Riley Green writers round and golf event 27:30 Neil heading out on the road with Jason Aldean (and staying up late on the bus) 28:40 Original Glory beer and Patriot Mobile spots 30:20 Kelly's answered prayer: Reba cuts his song from 2005 31:10 From Reba intern in the 90s to Reba cut in 2026 32:00 Co-writers Connie Harrington and Brett Beavers and the power of persistence 33:00 How one cut boosts morale and the next few writing days 33:40 Should Christians pray for career and business? 34:30 Praying for ideas, strength, and perseverance vs specific trophies 35:20 The “If I Didn't Love You” story: losing a duet, writing on a mission 36:30 Late-night demo, quick mix, and Aldean's instant reaction 38:00 Lessons in frustration, prayer, and not giving up 39:10 Neil's Reba hit that nudged him from artist lane to full-time writer 40:10 Kelly/Lovelace/Loveless name confusion and growing up with a “girl's name” 41:20 Army nameplate abuse and teasing a future long-form story 42:10 Launching into Dip Shitty-its 42:40 Masters Par 3 “pond jumpers” at Augusta and tradition vs spectacle 44:20 Public bathroom pee etiquette: clean your own mess 46:30 Band life and cleaning up after other people's bad aim 47:40 Clapping when a server drops dishes and why it's mean, not funny 49:30 Gum and trash in urinals and the “not my problem” mentality 50:30 Rental car abuse vs taking care of what isn't yours 51:20 The slow driver with the “Caution: Mowers Ahead” truck and the perfect podcast job 52:30 Small Town Hero: Oklahoma principal tackles armed student, takes a bullet 53:40 “Just do something” instead of filming or running 54:30 Why that kind of courage fits the show's theme 55:30 Bethel Bible Village benefit with John Morgan in Chattanooga 56:30 Final thoughts on ACM noms and Megan Moroney as Entertainer 57:30 Listener call-to-action: subscribe, rate, and leave comments (love or hate) 58:30 Sign-off from TK, Kurt, and K-Low, Patriot Mobile studio powered by E|Spaces ______________________________________________________________________________________________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.

The guys are back in the Patriot Mobile studio and this one goes deep fast. They kick things off with allergies, football withdrawal, and post-season sports, then dive into a raw and candid discussion about Pride Nights in sports, the “Cow Gays” controversy at a Predators game, and what it means to live and let live without having beliefs forced on you.From there, the crew shifts gears into whether we really landed on the moon, how they personally handle bad days, why everyone seems to live in sweatpants now, and their ongoing list of “dipshitty” behavior in everyday life.Along the way they talk songwriting recognition, plaques, neighborhood pet etiquette, Siri refusing to answer questions while driving, and a powerful moment of gratitude for U.S. special forces rescuing a downed pilot overseas.It is funny, tense, honest, and very human.Patriot Mobile, Original Glory, E-Spaces, and Peacemaker Coffee all get some love, plus a tease of the new Try That In A Small Town coffee line.1:56 Daylight vs early darkness, fall vibes, and intros2:39 Neil's brutal allergies and Sudafed pharmacy hack4:47 Old tour days: Cracker Barrel laminate hustle story7:44 Correction segment: Aldean 30 number ones plaque drama8:31 Do writers get the same plaques as label staff9:21 Should plaques highlight the actual songwriters10:14 Where to hang the new plaque and Peyton Manning tangent10:41 Post-season blues: Masters, WNBA jokes, and NHL playoffs12:18 Waiting for football, holidays, and May slump12:56 Pride tape in the NHL and league pressure13:42 The Cow Gays sing the anthem at Preds Pride Night14:30 Why highlight sexuality at a hockey game15:05 Are fans cheering for America, the team, or just “being gay”16:09 Neil's frustration: feeling beliefs are being pushed17:19 Are team owners really in charge or owned by the league17:54 Do leagues force Pride Nights on teams18:43 Song topics and the Cow Gays' first single19:26 Are some artists getting chances only because of identity20:11 Why the Cow Gays will struggle in mainstream country21:01 Indie label reveal and punny “HoZac” moment21:26 Talented but niche: why some good artists still may not last22:02 Why make sexuality the brand instead of just being a great trio23:24 Coming out at award shows and when it gets “too much”24:30 Live and let live vs having beliefs pushed on kids25:34 Everybody wants to live their life without constant culture wars26:32 No one wants to explain every hot topic at a hockey game27:02 Honest wrap up: you believe what you believe, we will too27:54 Ad break: Original Glory beer spot31:22 Back from break: Peacemaker Coffee and new TTIAST blends tease33:49 Naming the coffee: Raised Up Right, Down The Road, Sucker Punch34:41 Where the coffee will be available and pre order tease35:18 Door holding for women and modern social etiquette recap35:49 Pajamas in public: flights, stores, and church dress codes36:33 High school kids wearing sweats and Uggs everywhere37:01 Curt's daughter trying to wear sweats to a nice NYC dinner37:32 Wearing sweats on planes and the comfort debate38:02 Slides, sweatpants, tank tops, and belly buttons on flights38:24 “You look tired” might be the rudest backhanded compliment38:46 Dress codes for restaurants and men showing up like beach bums39:43 Wearing sweats to dinner and where to draw the line40:09 Church attire: jeans, hats, and old school respect41:36 Is dressing up for church tradition or biblical43:08 Curt feeling suckered into hobo clothes in public43:27 Artemis, looping the moon, and mission timing44:17 Do you believe we landed on the moon the first time45:27 Neil's questions: Nixon's landline to the moon in 196946:31 Who filmed the capsule taking off from the lunar surface47:03 Comparing belief in the moon landing versus faith in Scripture47:57 Flat Earthers, gravity, and standing upside down in New Zealand49:21 Clarifying: asking questions vs outright disbelief50:11 Curt and Neil land on: we probably did land, but some stuff is weird51:01 The guys want listener feedback on moon landing beliefs51:13 Why has it taken so long to go back and build anything on the moon51:45 Future moon bases and using lunar resources51:50 Transition: Kalo's bad business day and emotional hole52:08 Comfort eating, breaking the seal, and moo bar confessions53:21 Food as coping, self awareness, and getting back on track54:16 How each guy handles a truly bad day56:05 Neil's approach: prayer, perspective, and not internalizing it56:43 Curt's story of a truly awful March day and going nuclear58:04 Channeling anger into phone calls, hard work, and doubling down59:05 Music is subjective: one person's opinion is not your career1:00:01 Pizza deep dive: Jets toppings, olives, and cravings1:00:40 Writing harder to prove the song and bouncing back1:01:19 Using food and alcohol as past and present coping mechanisms1:02:02 Honest tension, heavy topics, and feeling “stopped up”1:02:27 Dipshitty segment: people who say “you look tired”1:03:25 Neighborhood rant: off leash dogs in subdivisions1:04:05 Safety, kids, and why leashes matter even for trained dogs1:05:13 Kalo vs Siri: she refuses to answer non driving questions1:06:44 Arguing with Siri and worrying about AI holding grudges1:07:20 Siri's driving logic vs human frustration1:08:15 Neil's highway rant: on-ramp texters doing 40 into 80 mph traffic1:09:28 Dangerous driving and phones: an entire episode worth of material1:10:23 Current events: downed U.S. pilot and rescue in Iran1:12:29 Massive operation, special forces, and national pride1:13:41 Thankful to be an American and awe at what our military does1:14:03 Closing sponsor love: Peacemaker, Original Glory, Patriot Mobile, E-Spaces1:14:49 Wrap up, thank yous, and website merch reminder______________________________________________________________________________________________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/try-that-in-a-small-town-coffee ________________________________________________________________________________________________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.

We hit stop on what felt like a “can't miss” recording… and then realized it was gone. No dramatic metaphor, no grand lesson at first, just a missing file and that sinking feeling every creator knows. So we start over, and the redo turns into a rawer, funnier, more revealing conversation about what life looks like behind the curtain of the Nashville music scene and the touring grind. We talk songwriter rights and why NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) matters right now, especially as streaming royalties keep shrinking and AI music raises new questions about ownership and fair pay. We also unpack how quickly the industry's celebration rituals are fading, including the slow disappearance of real number one parties, even for writers who've waited decades for a breakthrough. If you care about the country music industry, music publishing, and how songwriters actually make a living, this one gets specific. Then we do what we do best: stories. Garth Brooks being shockingly present with fans and using third-person “Garth” logic to plan a moment, Brian Adams and Bob Seger doing their homework like pros, and the unforgettable Chris Cornell soundcheck where he looks over and says only one word: “Pick.” Add in Nashville etiquette debates, social media birthday cringe, an airport Starbucks wait that turns into self-inflicted misery, and our “dipshittiots” segment that bounces from Tiger Woods to the NBA to space launches and why movies don't hit like they used to. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, leave a review, and come argue with us in the comments about which part was the most ridiculous.______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

Thirty number ones sounds like a headline. It feels a lot stranger when you're sitting in a room full of your friends and heroes, watching them sing your songs while your own band plays behind them and you didn't even know a party was happening.We're hanging with Jason Aldean and reliving the night they surprised him with a 30 No. 1 celebration, from the writers who've been on every album to the surreal moment of hearing another voice in his in-ears. We talk about what changes as a career stretches into decades, why some “hits” don't age well, and how we try to keep the music believable as life changes. There's plenty of real Nashville craft talk here too: finding songs that fit an artist brand, avoiding safe cookie-cutter radio, and chasing records you actually want to play for years.Then it gets sideways in the best way with a tour story from New Zealand, where a Maori welcome ceremony turns into the most awkward “sing something right now” request imaginable. We also get into band chemistry after 27 years together, vocal stamina on the road, sleep routines, and a few rapid-fire pet peeves from our “people are idiots” segment.If you love country music, Jason Aldean stories, Nashville songwriting, touring life, and the behind-the-scenes truth of how long careers really work, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend, leave a review, and tell us in the comments: which Aldean song never gets old for you?______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

Josh Hinson is the Senior Pastor of Ortega Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, FL. Check out his excellent sermons here. Also, be sure to register of GPTS's PCA GA luncheon here. And check out Banner of Truth's excellent Covenanter video miniseries here.   Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.    

A great country song doesn't start as a “record” it starts as a messy idea, a half-formed hook, and a room full of people willing to grind. We're fresh off a write and still riding that song high, so we get real about why we keep our circle tight, how we know when something is truly an Aldean pitch, and why we'd rather walk away than finish a song that doesn't feel like it has a life.Then we go full Nashville inside baseball: demo production, track building, mix tweaks, and the pressure of sending a finished demo to an artist who can say yes or kill it in three and a half minutes. We also talk about why production can absolutely change outcomes in publisher meetings, why some modern country ends up sounding like wallpaper, and what it looks like when an artist has a signature sound that cuts through.From CRS and radio suites to a new wave of young country guitar slingers bringing shuffles and real playing back, we hit the state of country music today. Plus: a near-miss on the interstate that shook us up, our “idiots” list for airport drop-offs, and the most awkward cold-call guest invite ever when Philip Rivers actually answers the phone. Big news too: we're teaming up with Crossover Media Group, and we tease a return from the man himself, Jason Aldean.If you laughed, learned something, or just like the chaos, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find us.______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

Only a small slice of podcasts ever makes it to 100 episodes, so we wanted this one to feel like a real toast, not a victory lap. We talk honestly about how Try That in a Small Town started, why it mattered to us, and what it still means when the world tries to turn a simple message into something else. The heart of it is still the same: look out for your neighbor, stand up for people who can't defend themselves, and don't forget where you came from.We also rewind through the messy behind-the-scenes stuff that comes with building a weekly show while living in the music business, from our early “phone on the table” pilot to the deals that almost happened and the grind that never really turns off. If you've ever felt like your job follows you home, you'll understand this conversation about sacrifice, pressure, and why a great song can still light you back up.Then we have some fun with a question that instantly exposes every country fan's bias: the Mount Rushmore of male country singers. Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, Randy Travis, Waylon, Hank Jr., Garth, Morgan Wallen and more get name-checked, argued over, and defended like it's a barroom court case. We wrap by sharing what we've learned about each other over 100 episodes, shouting out a listener story of the week, and thanking the people who've kept the lights on, including Patriot Mobile, eSpaces, Peacemaker Coffee, and Original Glory. If you enjoy this kind of country music podcast and small town values talk, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review.______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

A tour can change your clock, your appetite, and your sense of scale. Ours did all three. We flew across the Pacific in those elusive lie-flat pods, learned how to live inside a tiny sky room, then stepped into cities that start the party early and shut it down by midnight. Auckland turned into a nightly blackjack table with our road crew. Sydney strapped us to the top of the Harbour Bridge where the wind reminds you that steel has a heartbeat. We almost did the shark “dive” until we realized it was an aquarium nurse-shark swim—so we're saving the real cage for Perth.Onstage, Australia sang back. That's the magic of streaming meeting sweat and lights—songs born in Nashville echoing across arenas a hemisphere away. We discovered a cultural twist: seated sections stay seated out of courtesy, even while GA goes wild, so we're already scheming ways to design spaces that invite everyone to stand without guilt. The food? Fresh. The coffee? Espresso or nothing. Without omnipresent iPad tip prompts, generosity felt like choice, not pressure, and that small shift changed the tone of a day. Yes, we ate kangaroo on a kebab. Yes, it was good.Between shows, the news cut through: war with Iran. We wrestled with the same mix of dread, resolve, and hope you probably felt. We watched our pilots outfly missiles and felt awe and sorrow at once. It's messy to hold certainty and doubt in the same breath, but that's where we lived—on a bridge above Sydney, in a quiet hotel bar in Auckland, and backstage listening to a crowd finish a chorus we started years ago. Also, a 22-hour flight turned into a stand-off over a pod seat, and it became a lesson in boundaries: sometimes keeping your spot is the kindest thing you can do for your sanity.If you're here for tour stories, coffee talk, crowd psychology, or a grounded take on a loud headline, you'll feel at home. Hit play, then tell us: would you have given up your pod seat? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps this small-town show go big.______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

The sky doesn't just turn; it transforms. We bring on pro storm chaser and tour leader Jason Weingart to take us into the heart of severe weather—where precision, patience, and a healthy fear keep you alive while a rotating monster chews across the Plains. Jason traces his path from third‑grade awe to 40,000‑mile spring seasons, explaining how he scouts targets days out, refines them 24–48 hours before go time, and then uses roads, radar, and drones to put guests right under the structure without losing the exit plan.We dig into the El Reno wake‑up call, the reality of EF5s that look like moving walls, and why “calm before the storm” is both cliché and absolutely true. Jason breaks down terrain friction, river myths, and why population spread and smartphones make tornadoes feel more common than the long record suggests. He's clear about safety: most events are EF1–EF2, and anchored shelters, interior rooms, and taking warnings seriously beat wishful thinking. Stranded on the road? He shares a last‑resort move that could save your life.Beyond the chase, we talk tour life—Dallas to OKC to Denver as climatology shifts north—plus late nights, batteries on charge, and teaching guests to forecast, shoot, and edit. Jason's drone work captures structure you can feel, including rare night silhouettes of a modern EF5. When insulation lifts and debris blooms, he shuts filming down and pivots to search and rescue. It's not about the shot anymore; it's about people.If you're curious about the science, the tactics, and the gut‑check moments that define storm chasing—from multi‑vortex stovepipes to why amateurs shouldn't tail a chase van—this conversation delivers. Follow Jason on Instagram and Facebook for footage that looks impossible and is painfully real. If you enjoyed the show, tap follow, share it with a weather‑nerd friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find us.______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

Stephen Spinnenweber is the Senior Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, FL. In addition to serving on the executive council of the Gospel Reformation Network, he is a prolific author. Check out his fantastic book Loving the Law, his helpful articles, and excellent sermons!    Be sure to register for the upcoming Greenville Conference here. And check out this fantastic new docuseries by our friends over at the Banner of Truth on The Scottish Covenanters! Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.

A housewife, a shovel, and a chorus you can't stop chanting—meet the story engine behind Mary Kutter's breakout. We sit down with the Broken Bow recording artist to trace the wild path from a bootlegger's legacy in “Devil's Money” to the hard truth of “Lab Coat,” and the darkly funny new single “Bed of Roses.” What emerges is a masterclass in doing the work that most people only talk about: 5 a.m. runs, 452 writing sessions in a year, and an album‑a‑day habit that sharpened her ear for iconic intros and crowd‑binding post‑chorus chants.Mary opens up about the moment a simple church‑front video sent “Devil's Money” into millions of feeds, the flood of industry DMs that followed, and how trusted mentors helped her separate real partners from fast talkers. We dig into the writing room lightning that produced “Lab Coat” in 45 minutes, why fearless lyrics about the opioid crisis resonated nationwide, and how honest storytelling can outpace any ad spend. In the studio, Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy break down the production moves—live band, tone over volume, and the “30 percent less” vocal note—that let Mary's character lead the record instead of the track.Then comes “Bed of Roses,” a country thriller with a wink, built on drums, a chant hook, and verses that talk straight. Born from criticism and refined with intent, it's the kind of song that makes you lean in and then sing along. Along the way we tackle label politics, the art of staying unwatered, building a set that breathes live, and why authenticity still slices through the algorithmic fog. If you care about country music that takes risks and pays them off, this one's for you.Hit play, then tell us the line that stuck with you. If you enjoy these deep dives into songwriting, production, and the grind behind the hits, follow the show, share with a friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us.Follow Mary: www.marykutter.com______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

A 19-year-old drove three hours to sit at our table and lit the room on fire—in the best way. Meet Caroline Joyous: musician, TPUSA ambassador, and relentless voice who found her calling when churches closed and her mom's salon went dark. She walks us through how a quiet teenager became a public advocate, why she ties pro-life conviction to civic duty, and how she handles daily hate without losing heart.We dig into what Turning Point USA actually does—voter registration, local races, church mobilization, and outreach that targets Gen Z where they live. Caroline shares personal memories of Charlie Kirk's encouragement and the one word he gave her that stuck: relentless. From there, we tackle the flashpoint everyone's still arguing about: Super Bowl halftime. We compare the NFL spectacle with TPUSA's alternative featuring Kid Rock and Gabby Barrett, unpack the family standards debate, and ask why institutions keep ignoring their core audience. It's a wider conversation about culture, unity, and building alternatives when the mainstream won't budge.For a change of pace, we vent about small-but-real etiquette fails—movie theater whisperers and biohazard bathrooms—before flipping the mic. Caroline asks for songwriting advice, and we get practical: write from truth, not for approval; let lived moments anchor your lyric; move people before you try to move charts. The through line is courage with kindness—show up, speak clearly, and keep going when it gets loud.If you're ready for faith, free speech, and a Gen Z perspective with backbone, press play. Then tell us your take on the halftime controversy, the best way to reach young voters, and the songwriting rule you live by. Subscribe, leave a rating, share with a friend, and drop your comments—we'll read them and keep the conversation going.______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

What happens when a night meant for music turns into a tug-of-war for the mic? We unpack the Grammys with a clear eye for craft and a low tolerance for noise. From Hardy's layered storytelling on “MacArthur” to Bruno's masterclass in musicianship, we weigh what actually moved us—and what was engineered only to trend. Then the room shifts: Jelly Roll's acceptance speech lands like a testimony, bold and unapologetic. We ask the hard question—can that kind of moment be a “bit”?—and find the answer in the conviction that carried the words.We dig into country's slate too. Tyler Childers' win, Zach Top's nod to tradition, and Chris Stapleton's steady excellence show how roots can still surprise. Along the way we peel back the industry habit of turning every podium into a soapbox. There's a place for politics and a place for songs; when new artists finally get a sliver of airtime, let them own it. That theme echoes in a fan-story from the road: one loud voice yelling “Play The Truth” between every song can sink an entire section's night. Respect the setlist, respect the room, and the music gets bigger for everyone.We add a few laugh breaks—on mustaches and throwback looks, drive‑thru indecision, texting etiquette, and even an Australia shark‑cage maybe‑yes from the crew—before closing with Super Bowl predictions and halftime curiosity. Through it all, we stay anchored to what lasts: honest writing, tight performances, and the kind of moments that don't need a headline to matter. If you're here for real talk on country music, pop spectacle, and the thin line between art and agenda, you're in the right place. Subscribe, share with a friend, and drop your take on the most powerful—and most head‑scratching—moment of the night.______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

A late-night ride near home. A driver fleeing police. A life cut short. We sit down with Haley Kilman to trace the night her partner, competitive cyclist Blaise Schaeffer, was killed in a hit-and-run—and the relentless search for driver Allen Samir Bautista Milla, who ran on foot and hasn't been seen since. Haley walks us through the frantic morning calls from another state, the agonizing wait for a warrant and a usable photo, and the grind of canvassing Nashville with updated flyers and a $5,000 reward for a lead that results in arrest.We dig into what's known: the attempted traffic stop for erratic driving, the crash damage that disabled the car, the companion who helped identify the suspect, and the jurisdictional complexity at the county line. Beyond the case details, we confront a hard truth about public reaction: how quickly outrage fades and how easily blame shifts to cyclists. The evidence at the scene tells a different story—one about speed, disregard, and a danger zone that would have endangered anyone on that stretch of road. This isn't a bike debate; it's a call for accountability and safety on streets we all share.We also honor Blaise beyond the headlines. He hit a 12,000-mile goal the night before he died. He was top of his class, on homecoming court, a college soccer player, and the kind of person who made rooms feel welcoming. His family is setting up a scholarship at Luther College to keep his legacy alive. Haley's focus is both love and public service: get a face and a name in front of the right eyes, move the investigation forward, and keep another family from living this story. Listen, share the BOLO image, and spread the tip line. If you know anything, call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help this reach the people who can make a difference.BOLO: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEBQRobCPy0hFnfkEnp2wrNLh2KfbK5D/view?usp=drive_link______________________________________________________________________________________________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.co

Jesse Pickett is the founding pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Hilliard, FL. You can hear his excellent sermons here. Be sure to register for Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary's Spring Conference here. Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.  

Emily Van Dixhoorn (MAR Westminster Theological Seminary) loves Bible study and prayer, especially when shared with others. She regularly speaks at women's retreats and marriage conferences. She is the author of Confessing the Faith Study Guide, a companion to her husband Chad Van Dixhoorn's commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. She and her husband co-authored Gospel Shaped Marriage: Grace for Sinners to Love like Saints. They regularly welcome people into their home of happy chaos. Emily and Chad have five children from ages 14-25. For fun, Emily plays tennis, teaches math, and walks their dog. Friends, we invite you to the 2026 Confessional Conference with Greenville Seminary. This year, our topic is on The Church: The Bride of Christ. Our speakers this year include Scott Aniol, Rhett Dodson, David Irving, Ian Hamilton, Hensworth Jonas, Jonathan Master, Jim McCarthy, Michael Morales, and Mike Riccardi. This is a family conference, with a focus on prayer, fellowship, and the preaching of the Word — complete with a children's program for children 3-11. Please join us in Greenville, SC, on March 10-12.  Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.  

The first week back on the road always feels like a high-wire act: new production, cold weather, and the pressure to sound bulletproof while your voice fights the season. We open with the messy truth of touring in winter, a car accident that derailed a day, and how those surprises ripple through rehearsals, buses, and call times. From there, we shift gears into the craft we love—why chorus-first songs win in a short-attention economy, and how a bass line or four-note guitar tag can brand an entire era before the first lyric lands.We pull back the curtain on setlist design and the tricky balance between fan service and show flow. Those DMs asking us to play a deep-cut B-side or announce a birthday? Here's why that breaks more than it fixes. We nerd out on hooks, pacing, and the math of modern arrangements, with nods to Jelly Roll's “strongest-line-first” approach and the relentless catchiness of mega-streamers. If you write, produce, or just love dissecting songs, this is a masterclass in how structure, motif, and musical space keep a crowd locked in.Then we zoom out to the business. What happens when artists notch a few hits and seem to vanish? We talk radio vs. hard tickets, corporates, fairs, and the quiet middle class of country performers who build long, profitable careers off recognizable catalogs. Culture doesn't stay quiet either: we react to protests entering churches, the risks families face when lines blur, and the basic etiquette that keeps public spaces safe—on highways, in arenas, and yes, on airplanes. We lighten the mood with listener stories, a small-town rescue that restores some faith, and a confession about late-night social buys, including a jaw gadget we can't wait to roast on camera.If you're here for songwriting insight, touring realities, and the unvarnished truth about fan-artist boundaries, you'll feel right at home. Hit play, drop your small-town story, and tell us: what's the most memorable hook you've ever heard—and why did it stick? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more folks can find the show.The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

Jim McCarthy of Water Watch and Jake Crawford of The Steamboaters return this week to talk to us about the continuing events on the North Umpqua around the Winchester Dam. We discuss the support of the ODFW,  the cost of owning a 135 year old dam versus the cost of removal, the dam owner's continued fight against laws and regulations, the ecological benefits of dam removal, and more.

Ever tried to pack show pants while guessing the silverware order for dinner at a governor's mansion? That's where we start—tour jitters, wild boar rumors, and a very real battle with food poisoning that couldn't keep us off the mic. From there, we swing hard into culture: the ICE headlines everyone rushes to frame, the pins and podiums at awards shows, and why Hollywood feels allergic to stories that stick. We're not doom-scrolling; we're searching for the good—Mayor of Kingstown, The Chosen, and anything with grit, heart, and a pulse.Music gets the microscope next. Remember when albums were seasons of your life? Now it's leaks, singles, and a content treadmill that ages a record the day it drops. We break down a smarter release strategy, celebrate new Aldean cuts, and talk about writing for the way listeners actually listen without caving on craft. The point isn't nostalgia—it's durability. Great songs should outlast the scroll.Sports fans, we didn't forget you. The NFL hope is alive, but college football's NIL era is chaos. We lay out fixes that would stabilize the game—spending caps, meaningful transfer limits, and trusts that pay players at graduation or upon injury. Keep the incentives, cut the bidding wars, and rebuild the bond between fans and programs. It's a simple promise: structure can save a beautiful game from itself.We wrap with our “dipshidiots” segment—yes, a jingle is coming—aimed at speakerphone talkers, coffee-shop “CEOs,” and plane-aisle sprinters. The through line is respect. Whether it's a governor's table, a studio, or a stadium, community works when we choose patience and better stories. If that mix of tour life, hot takes, and real fixes is your thing, tap follow, share this with a friend, and drop a review with your own etiquette pet peeve—what everyday behavior would you ban first?The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

A coffee in hand, a reformer by the couch, and a Zoom link away from the old studio—this one starts cozy and gets loud. We kick off with the simple routines that actually work: a new Pilates-style reformer easing back pain, why “eat real food” outlasts diet fads, and how flipping the old food pyramid toward protein and fiber brings real energy and steadier appetite. Frozen veg in a blender, unexpected beet devotion, and small-town practicality set the tone: less hype, more habits.Then we open the guitar case. Neil pulls back the curtain on a hit that almost went elsewhere, a write that took 45 minutes, and a session kept on the second take. It's a masterclass in trusting feel over perfection—how a studio band's personality gets baked into a track and how not overthinking can make a record breathe. A live performance seals it, reminding us why songs stick: groove, grit, and choices you can hear.The mood turns as we take on the Minnesota ICE shooting, the protests, and the politics that stoke them. We talk respect for law enforcement, leadership signals from city halls, and why “comply now, contest later” keeps people alive. You'll hear frustration with outrage loops, headlines that miss context, and policy talk about “safe spaces” from federal law that can backfire on the street. Whether you agree or push back, the challenge is clear: build trust with consistent standards, not slogans.We wrap with lighter but telling social media gripes—announced “breaks,” birthday-bait posts, and why authenticity beats copy-paste sentiment. From beets to back care, from a tour-naming hit to a city on edge, the throughline is the same: common sense over clout, craft over noise, respect over spectacle.If this resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your notes help us shape sharper conversations and bring more honest voices to the mic.The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

Frozen fingers, live riffs, and zero safety nets. We kick off the year with a behind-the-scenes look at playing a New Year's Eve set in brutal cold, why we refuse to mime to tracks, and how TV “post-fix” can make a one‑song club cut feel more polished than the real thing. From numb hands at soundcheck to signature licks under pressure, we pull back the curtain on what audiences hear—and what they never see.That honesty sets up two new series we're launching this year. History Behind the Hits goes inside the songwriting and the moments that turned into staples, while Small Town Stories invites you to send the heroic, un-Googleable tales from your community so we can spotlight one each week. Along the way we argue about language levels, trimming the F‑bombs that don't serve, and keeping the ones that punch with purpose. We also trade lake house fantasies for the maintenance reality and share a candid family health scare that reminded us how fast life can change.Then we hit the hot button: Dry January and the weight-loss “journey” myth. We're happy for anyone getting healthier, including those using semaglutide, but we call for clear language when shortcuts do the heavy lifting. The same truth-to-power energy fuels our college football breakdown: Alabama's 38–3 gut punch, Georgia's risk-reward calls, and why long layoffs, NIL, and the transfer portal are tilting the sport toward parity and yearly turnover at the top. It's part therapy, part strategy session, and a promise to keep the conversation grounded in what's real.If you care about live music, small-town grit, and smarter sports talk, you're in the right place. Hit follow, share this with a friend who loves a good myth-bust, and drop your Small Town Story for a chance to be featured this season. Your listens and reviews help keep the mics on—thank you for starting the year with us.The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

Kerry Anderson talks to Jordan McCarthy, who is the wife of Jim, senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Statesboro, GA. She is a homemaking mama of four. This episode was recorded as we were developing the concept for the podcast in July 2025. Friends, we invite you to the 2026 Confessional Conference with Greenville Seminary. This year, our topic is on The Church: The Bride of Christ. Our speakers this year include Scott Aniol, Rhett Dodson, David Irving, Ian Hamilton, Hensworth Jonas, Jonathan Master, Jim McCarthy, Michael Morales, and Mike Riccardi. This is a family conference, with a focus on prayer, fellowship, and the preaching of the Word — complete with a children's program for children 3-11. Please join us in Greenville, SC, on March 10-12.  Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.

A fresh calendar won't change your life—your habits will. We kick things off with a light jab at New Year superstitions and quickly get into the real drivers of progress: discipline, honest self-audits, and the courage to adapt when your industry shifts under your feet. If you've felt the pull of comfort or the lure of blaming “the system,” you'll hear why we're doubling down on ownership this year and stacking more “lottery tickets” by writing, showing up, and doing the work even when it isn't glamorous.We also share what it takes to perform live when the weather fights back, why we refuse to lean on tracks, and how authenticity reads from the stage—especially on a freezing New Year's Eve. From there, we rewind our most-watched conversations of the year and unpack why those episodes hit so hard. Names like John Rich, Jason Aldean, Kirk Herbstreit, Hulk Hogan, and Rob O'Neill brought stories that stuck with us, and we lay out a bold wish list for the next run—think Peyton Manning, Jeff Foxworthy, Dennis Quaid, and Dale Jr. If you've got a guest in mind, we want to hear it.The heart of this one is about people and priorities. We talk circles of trust, boundaries, and how to spot relationships that drain more than they give. When is it worth trying to reconcile, and when is a “hard cut” the healthiest move? The answers aren't soft, but they are simple: loyalty matters, reciprocity matters, and your time is precious. Traditions can be fun—black-eyed peas, cornbread, cabbage—but they're not engines for change. Systems are. If you're stepping into a new year, consider this your nudge to set goals you act on today, not after midnight.If this hit home, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a reset, and drop a comment with the guest you want to hear next. And if you're feeling generous, leave a quick review—it helps more folks find the show.The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

A Christmas special should feel like a living room after dark—lights on, jokes flying, and just enough chaos to keep it honest. We kick things off with the great inflatable debate, the price of holiday lights, and who still climbs the roof when the weather drops. From there it gets spicier: does Santa “lean” one way or another, and did Coca‑Cola really give him that red suit? We share a small New York moment where a stranger buys our pizza, and it launches a bigger conversation about generosity that carries through the hour.The tipping talk hits home. Some of us tip almost everyone—servers, delivery crews, furniture movers—because we've worked those jobs or just feel grateful. Others draw the line at the counter iPad for a plain coffee. We trade stories from butchers to juice bars, and wrestle with how far tipping culture should stretch without losing the point of service. It's lively, respectful, and real—exactly the conversation people are having at drive‑thrus and kitchen islands right now.We reset with music and movies: Sinatra over synths, Crosby over remixes, and a strong case that Polar Express is beautifully shot and also kind of creepy. Gifts get practical—do you give a gift card or hunt for the perfect thing?—and caroling makes a nostalgic return. The episode closes with stories from childhood Christmases: waiting behind “burglar bars” for parents to wake, the magic of a few gifts that meant everything, and how that feeling still guides us. Through all the banter and hot takes, we come back to the heart of it: faith, family, kindness, and the small-town spirit that makes December feel like home.If this one made you laugh, nod, or argue in the car, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more folks find the show and keeps our holiday lights on a little longer.The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

Geoff Gleason is the husband of Lisa, father of 11, grandpa of 6, and pastor of Cliffwood Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA. He is the author of "A Family Worship Guide to Luke." Check out his library of over 1,000 sermons here and his articles on Theology in Short(s). Also, be sure to register for Greenville Seminary's Spring Conference, The Church: The Bride of Christ. Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.

A joke about turning our show into a musical opens the door to a night of sharp turns: Broadway memories, Nashville headlines, and a candid look at what AI is doing to songwriting. We talk about that viral “AI artist” with a digital sales hit, why serviceable lyrics still miss the magic of a great hook, and whether writers should be paid when models train on decades of human work. The debate isn't doom and gloom—it's a working songwriter's blueprint for keeping creativity human and credit fair.From there, we zoom out to culture: phones in every pocket, social feeds that reward outrage, and how parents can steer the algorithm instead of being steered by it. Then we address the feedback that we're anti-women. We draw some hard lines—what's fair in elite sports, when representation feels forced, where expertise and safety matter—and ask our female listeners to weigh in so we can feature your takes on the next show. Respect and candor can live in the same room, and we're keeping the door open.We also announce a new project we're excited about: a weekly spotlight on small-town hero stories from across the country. Send us the real stuff—rescue, generosity, quiet acts of grit—and we'll share them, then honor the most impactful story at year's end. We wrap with college football chaos, conference title games that feel like injury traps, and a challenge we'll put on camera this spring: who can still drill a field goal when it counts.If you're into country music, live shows, fair play, and straight talk about AI, social media, and sports, you'll feel at home here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves honest conversations, and drop your hero stories and your take on fairness in sports in the comments. Your voice shapes where we go next.The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

Politics gets human fast when the conversation starts with family, music, and the weight of raising kids. We sit with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to trace a candid arc from campaign backrooms to the White House podium and into the governor's office, where every signature has a name attached. She unpacks how motherhood clarifies priorities, why listening hard before deciding matters, and what it felt like to step into the press secretary role during the loudest news cycles of 2017.We dig into leadership by friction—making the case, inviting disagreement, then owning the call. Sanders shares how she sometimes reframed language for Trump and sometimes watched him trust his gut, arguing that instincts, not scripts, often move voters. Then we shift to Saturdays and stadiums. As a lifelong Arkansas Razorbacks fan, she welcomes a new coach and calls out the unintended chaos of NIL and the transfer portal. She's wary of heavy-handed fixes yet believes the current setup rewards the richest programs and strips away loyalty, a tension any college football fan will recognize.The heart of the episode is education. Sanders walks us through the Arkansas Learns Act: raising starting teacher pay from $36,000 to $50,000, delivering raises statewide, and adding merit-based bonuses that reward exceptional educators. She details investments in literacy coaches and a hard focus on third-grade reading benchmarks, along with universal school choice that lets families find the right fit. We also hit Chiefs football, Royals loyalty, and the family pact that swapped SEC Saturdays for Kansas City Sundays, plus a frank detour into AI's creative creep and what it could mean for Nashville's session players and songwriters.If you care about how policy translates into classrooms, how college sports drifted off course, or how leaders think under pressure, this conversation delivers clarity without spin. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves SEC football or education policy, and leave a review with the one change you'd make to fix NIL—we'll feature the best takes next week.The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessAt e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect. Ready to elevate your business? Book 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 BrandsOriginal brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comFollow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comThe Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

Kerry Anderson talks to Sarah Cathcart, a PCA pastor's wife in rural South Carolina. Friends, we invite you to the 2026 Confessional Conference with Greenville Seminary. This year, our topic is on The Church: The Bride of Christ. Our speakers this year include Scott Aniol, Rhett Dodson, David Irving, Ian Hamilton, Hensworth Jonas, Jonathan Master, Jim McCarthy, Michael Morales, and Mike Riccardi. This is a family conference, with a focus on prayer, fellowship, and the preaching of the Word — complete with a children's program for children 3-11. Please join us in Greenville, SC, on March 10-12.  Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.

Jason Helopoulos has been a minister of the gospel for nearly 20 years and is the Senior Pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan. He also serves on the Executive Council of the Gospel Reformation Network.  You can listen to his sermons here. Jason is also a prolific author. Check out his books here and his contributions to Tabletalk Magazine, and his posts on The Gospel Coalition. While you're at it, stop by his wife Leah's Etsy Shop.  Also be sure to register for Greenville Seminary's Spring Conference, The Church: The Bride of Christ. Special thanks to Nathan Clark George for our opening and closing instrumental. Nathan serves as the Pastor of Worship alongside Kevin DeYoung at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC. You can access Nathan's fantastic catalog here.