Podcast appearances and mentions of Travis Meadows

Get a Backstage Pass by visiting our Patreon page EPISODE #209 TRAVIS MEADOWS This episode with Travis Meadows just might be my favorite interview we've ever captured here on The Troubadour.  Travis has lead one hell of a life as you'll hear in the episode.    SWEETWATER  - Buy your gear using our affiliate link!   He spent 17 years as a preacher and Christian songwriter.  He was well into middle-age before he become known as a hit songwriter with folks like Eric Church, Dierks Bentely, Jake Owen and Wynonna recording his songs.    TRAVIS MEADOWS-SONGS CUT BY OTHER ARTISTS   Over his life he also battled addiction and in the midst of dealing with that and multiple stints in rehab, he started writing the best songs of his life.   He's a true inspiration to all humans, not to mention, aspiring writers who think they have what it takes to write alongside the best songwriters in the world in Nashville.   TRAVIS MEADOWS PATREON PAGE     GET HEALTHY WITH PETE !     Enjoy the episode!

Matt and Drew discuss "Underdogs" by Travis Meadows . To listen to the full show, visit ForgottenCountryRadioShow.com.

To kick off Season 2 of our podcast, we have Nashville music veteran Jody Williams! Jody is one of the most well respected publishers in music and has had quite an amazing journey from running BMI, to missing the opportunity to sign Taylor Swift beyond! Don't miss this episode and possibly one of the most "grammy worthy" Uncut Gems we've heard yet!

In this episode, we have the honor of interviewing one of the great troubadours of our generation. You may not know him, but you might know the songs that he's written for Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, Kenny Chesney, Hank Williams Jr., and countless others. Travis shares with us his incredible story about his recent health emergency, his battle with addiction, and the musical journey that led him to be one of Nashville, most respected singer/songwriters.

The air's crisp this morning, and this week's music selections lean heavily into the Americana/folk-y space to complement the fall weather (with a healthy dose of "f*** 'em" tunes, don't worry)! Listen to the Episode Playlist Featured artists: Coleman Heil, Grizfolk, Kacey Musgraves, The Civil Wars, Audioslave, grandson, Kid Kapichi, Spoon, Nova Twins, carolesdaughter, Travis Meadows, Alter Bridge, Cold War Kids, and more.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Shelly Fairchild. We talk about how her career began, how leaving her label for another was the best thing for her career, how being true to yourself is the only way to be... and of course, Dolly Parton. More on Shelly Shelly Fairchild isn't new to the industry – but she's far from old news. A staple in the Nashville music community, Fairchild hit the scene to much acclaim with her Columbia Records debut album Ride. The project introduced the young artist's soulful, gospel-tinged brand of alternative country and spawned a Top 40 hit with “You Don't Lie Here Anymore.” She toured with some of the biggest names in the format, including Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, and began to dig her roots in the industry. She again found success in her second release, Ruby's Money, which came steeped in a thick groove with elements of funk – but it was Buffalo, her crowd-funded 2017 release, that marks a milestone in her life and career.  “I'm sincerely grateful for both the good and bad things that have happened in my life. Everyone that I've met and worked with over the 20 years that I've lived in Nashville has made me who I am, and I will always carry that in my soul,” says Fairchild.  The Jackson, Miss. native started the project in May 2014, launching a PledgeMusic campaign in the hopes that she would find support of her endeavor – and after reaching her goal in just two days, she realized she had. Fairchild's 3rd full length studio record was fully funded and buoyed by the faith of her friends, family and fans.   The next two years saw Fairchild working with some of her most inspirational industry co-writers. “House on Fire,” an aching ballad reflecting on the weight of one's past, was the first song that she remembers finishing and feeling confident that it deserved a spot on her record. Co-written by Fairchild along with Lisa Carver and Travis Meadows, the track features subtle but classic country instrumentation and the soft harmonies of one of her favorite bands, the Fairground Saints.  From there the singer/songwriter continued to pen songs that she felt carried an important message to either herself or the world around her.  Guided by Jeremy Lister and Carey Ott, Fairchild recorded eight of her co-written tracks for the record that would become known to her fans as 'Buffalo'.  Though she tackled some serious topics in her writing, Fairchild felt extremely uplifted by her own work and that of others.  “I love singers and songwriters,” she smiles.  I love to have camaraderie and deep friendships with great singers and musicians. I feel like our community in Nashville is so rich and some of my favorite voices are my friends. I am so fortunate to have worked with so many great artists on Buffalo like Wendy Moten, Lucie Silvas, K.S. Rhoads, Fairground Saints, and of course Carey & Jeremy. My heart felt like it was going to explode by the end of the recording process." Not only does Buffalo emphasize its diversity by featuring guest vocalists, but it also highlights a wide array of musical styles and influences.  “There are a lot of different elements to the music that I make,” says Fairchild. “How do you describe some of the best bands that you know? They ended up on pop radio or on country radio, but are they really that kind of act? I have so many influences and I love having them show up in my songs. It feels like that kind of music lasts longer, because it feels real.”  As for the name of her last full length album to date, Fairchild says, "In many Native American cultures, the buffalo is a symbol of gratitude and abundance. I am from Choctaw ancestry and I completely connect with the idea that though buffalo carry a lot on their shoulders, their horns are always pointing up to the sky. There's always this hope that the weight will be lifted." A longtime hidden gem in the trove of Nashville musicians, Fairchild continues to keep her head and her heart pointing up to the sky. Between singing background vocals for the likes of Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Martina McBride, Crystal Gayle (to name a few), appearing as a regular on The Grand Ole Opry, writing songs for film and television, touring across the country and continuously working on future projects, it is clear she is just getting started.  “At times I've gotten down about my own path, but when I really take a good look at it – it's not just full of detours and dead ends,” she said. “It's a wide path, and it's full of so many spontaneous and amazing things.” Website: https://shellyfairchild.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/shellyfairchild   Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shellyfairchild   Twitter: https://twitter.com/shellyfairchild   Spotify: https://t.co/jL6dASNf9Q   Apple Music: https://t.co/xcXLf9bWbH   Amazon Music: https://t.co/KJvcqg6WCY

How things and our lives can run hot & cold. Inspired by a Crabapple tree found here in Nashville with pale pink & hot pink blossom on the same branch. A discussion of songwriting, art & photos. But also about inspiration people like Grayson Rogers & his wife, Kayla & Tyler Farr & his new daughter arising from the songwriting section. And prayers for Travis Meadows for his recovery & how "Better Boat" has helped through recent hot and cold times in my life. And Nashville it's hot, it's cold and general overall great warmth of the people I've met here. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Rated OZ Radio with Mary Lou Munroe Rey is back with a lively interview with Kimberly Bowden! Kimberley Bowden – a talented ‘Contemporary Country' powerhouse Singer-Songwriter, Acoustic Guitarist, predominantly based in Brisbane, is recording new music, enjoying playing ‘live' gigs circling the Brisbane music scene and eager to release her new upcoming single ‘Sunrise' early next year in 2021!   She was featured on Delta Goodrem's Team on The Voice Australia in 2019   Released her fantastic single ‘Can't Stop Livin' It' - in April last year, recorded with sensational producer - Matt Fell at ‘Love Hz Studio' in 2019!   ‘Do I' earned her a finalist place in the Rising Star female category at the 2009 Southern Stars – Australian Independent Country Music Awards (You will hear her new version – Live first time here!) Featured here on RatedOZRadio - was recorded ‘live' at The BuG! 1. Can't Stop Livin' It 2. Almost You 3. Do I   Nashville, TN, 2012 – while Stateside co-wrote with Preston Brust (Truck Yeah - Tim Mcgraw), Travis Meadows, Dianna Corcoran, Matt Scullion and Kim Richey!!   Check out Kimberley's EP Tracks: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Apple Music, iTunes here: https://linktr.ee/kimberleybowden   Artist Spotlight: Kimberley Bowden | The Voice Australia 2019 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNsFSsB__gXU1ZJnDxhcx2w

Rated OZ Radio with Mary Lou Munroe Rey is back with a lively interview with Kimberly Bowden! Kimberley Bowden – a talented ‘Contemporary Country’ powerhouse Singer-Songwriter, Acoustic Guitarist, predominantly based in Brisbane, is recording new music, enjoying playing ‘live’ gigs circling the Brisbane music scene and eager to release her new upcoming single ‘Sunrise’ early next year in 2021!   She was featured on Delta Goodrem’s Team on The Voice Australia in 2019   Released her fantastic single ‘Can’t Stop Livin’ It’ - in April last year, recorded with sensational producer - Matt Fell at ‘Love Hz Studio’ in 2019!   ‘Do I’ earned her a finalist place in the Rising Star female category at the 2009 Southern Stars – Australian Independent Country Music Awards (You will hear her new version – Live first time here!) Featured here on RatedOZRadio - was recorded ‘live’ at The BuG! 1. Can’t Stop Livin’ It 2. Almost You 3. Do I   Nashville, TN, 2012 – while Stateside co-wrote with Preston Brust (Truck Yeah - Tim Mcgraw), Travis Meadows, Dianna Corcoran, Matt Scullion and Kim Richey!!   Check out Kimberley’s EP Tracks: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Apple Music, iTunes here: https://linktr.ee/kimberleybowden   Artist Spotlight: Kimberley Bowden | The Voice Australia 2019 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNsFSsB__gXU1ZJnDxhcx2w

On this episode I talk about yet again one of my favorite artists Travis Meadows his song grown-up clothes and I also talk about barbecue and a few other random thoughts --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Took me two tries to get this one in the can LOL. Recorded yesterday and lost the audio so here’s round two hope you enjoy it if you get time listen to a better boat by Travis Meadows and it goes along with the episode --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Listen to the first ever live Pro Hoe Podcast ft. Dr Travis Meadows, a psychiatrist with training from NYU's Human Sexuality Department. This episode was recorded at MNDFL Meditation on September 22nd. In honor of the first episode of the Pro Hoe Podcast, three people of color shared first time memorable sexual experiences. Listen to Nneka speak on her first time hearing the word "slut" and later deconstructing and decolonizing her faith and world views to allow herself sexual pleasure. Theresa takes us on a steamy recollection of her work as a dominatrix and first time pegging a man, and exposes the nuances of power play. Cory recalls his first threesome with a man and a woman, and speaks on imposter syndrome. Penda N'diaye and Dr. Meadows guide this powerful conversation! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Nashville Singer-Songwriter Travis Meadows to talk about life and music. Travis has written songs for Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Eric Church, Lindsey Ell, Brother's Osborne, Hank Williams Jr., Wynonna Judd, and many others.He openly and honestly shared a few blind spots he uncovered throughout his life journey.It was an incredible conversation with an incredible guy, who could not have been more generous with his time.Thank you Travis!

This episode was a solo podcast since Shaver was in Houston visiting family and eating colaches without Sal.  Sal covers "Sideways" by Travis Meadows, shout out to Jimmy Stanley for the introduction Reminder folks Sal's album "Heroes" drops May 22nd, make sure to pick it up on iTunes, Google or wherever you get your music!   Follow the show and guys on social media: @CoverSongSunday @andrew_shaver_guitarist @SalGMusic   Email the show with questions/request at: CoverSongSunday03@gmail.com   Subscribe to our YouTube page https://bit.ly/2uf1klC  

The Radio Trois is back together! The Doc, Virgin Bat and Burls, exciting all the 10 listeners around the globe. Since they’ve had a month hiatus, they’re going back and looking at some of their best moments over the last 2 years. They’ll look back on talking to music greats like Phil Collen, Travis Meadows and Andy Frasco. But more importantly they’ll take a look at how the Virgin Bat was immaculately created. Listen now!!

This week, we recap the Windy City Smokeout, talk about Kenny Chesney covering a Travis Meadows song, and Kevin counts down Koe Wetzel's best songs while Steve struggles to live. Find us online: countryhodgepodge.com Instagram.com/countryhodgepodge Facebook.com/countryhodgepodge Twitter.com/cntryhodgepodge

The bio on Travis Meadows' website reads, "An orphan who turned into a preacher A preacher who turned into a songwriter A songwriter that turned into a drunk A drunk that is learning to be a human being" Travis is a songwriter and singer originally from Mississippi who now makes his home in Nashville. He has written songs for Wynonna Judd, Dierks Bentley, and Blackberry Smoke among others. We talk about alcoholism, getting clean, co-writing versus writing solo, his creative process, and so much more. Travis is an amazing guy and was so gracious with his time. Cheers, y'all. travismeadows.com Photos by jennrossphotography.com Check out our Spotify playlist that accompanies this episode: https://open.spotify.com/user/marinadepodcast/playlist/5qOb5iqKRq5pZjYXTep6hU?si=xoJglCa_RWSt4uPqc-dJDg

Travis Meadows has a tale to tell and then some. Sure, he is lauded as a songwriter's songwriter, with the music industry embracing his vulnerable and fresh solo releases, as well as his numerous songwriter credits by Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Jake Owens, etc., but his path to success was anything but simple and direct. Hear this talented, authentic, and engaging singer/songwriter share his story and his take on creating a song. Enjoy! Facebook.com/MusicCitySongwriter Instagram: @MusicCitySongwriter Twitter: @NashCityPodcast musiccitysongwriter [at] gmail [dot] com

Steve Moakler represents the future of American songwriting.  He's known to capture the spirit of blue collar workers, underdogs, and the little wins of life. Whether it be love songs, party songs, or truth songs. Armed with philosophical ideals and a passion for relatable truth.  Other veterans like Luke Laird, Travis Meadows, and Barry Dean for example all hail him as a co-writer and an equal in the songwriting room. Besides his own music he's also penned songs for many artists like Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Eric Church, Kellie Pickler, Ben Rector and Matt Wertz.  We talk about Steve's newest record Born Ready, his journey from PA to Nashville, and our defense mechanisms we all have as creatives.  For Steve's music and tour dates, visit  and follow him @stevemoakler.

The Music Featured On This Weeks Episode Is From The Following Albums: Zach Schmidt – The Day We Lost The War (2016) Travis Meadows – First Cigarette (2017) Benjamin Tod – I Will Rise (2017) Zachschmidtmusic.com Travismeadows.com Benjamintod.bandcamp.com (Subscribe to show on Apple device) Itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/w.b.-walkers-old-soul-radio/id632683666?mt=2 (Subscribe to show on Android device) Stitcher.com/podcast/wb-walkers-old-soul-radio-show Glen-simpson.com All music […]

This week, the Doc and the rest of the trois come to the conclusion that having no money makes you a genius. In more important news, the Doc welcomes Travis Meadow. The two talk about life tales, making the album Killing Uncle Buzzy, his newest album First Cigarette and where to eat in Nashville. Listen now!

Three more weeks until the premiere of all new episodes.  Until then Travis Meadows, the hit making song-writer, and master of life poetism was our third most downloaded episode from 2017.  From where all his firsts in Mississippi to recovery in Nashville, listen how this underdog penned "Riser", "What We Ain't Got", plus more!

We all know the country music songwriter's recipe: start with a stretch of hardscrabble backstory, mix in some bad luck with the ladies, stir the bottom of the bottle around, maybe sprinkle in a stint in the pokey for good measure. Rinse. Repeat. Your typical country artist could sing the blues, but somehow this feels heavier. More wrought with shame. Still, scenarios can wax trite. Not so for Travis Meadows, who cut his teeth penning tracks for Dierks Bentley and Eric Church and wrote his first songs for himself after his fourth stint in rehab. And maybe that sounds predictable. But cancer at 14 was a wicked twist, on top of a the broken home that ushered Meadows into an evangelical stint bordered by deep dives into booze and drugs. He doesn't do much halfway. This is his first release produced by someone else, and at times it feels a little pristine. But chances are taken, and hard luck abounds. Join us with a couple of special guests as we see where the dusty roads lead. Pick up a copy of First Cigarette from Amazon. A Few Minutes With [**Caroline Rose** - Soul No. 5][2] A Current Affair [**Migos feat. Drake** - Walk It Talk It][3]

Join us this week as we welcome country music singer songwriter, Sandra Lynn. A California girl with a Nashville heart, Lynn has made it her mission to capture that transportive quality in her music, whether she’s in the recording studio or onstage. In exciting news for 2018, Sandra has just released her brand new EP "Fight" which is available now at all digital outlets. Her new EP follows a series of released singles including “Afterparty” which was picked up by SiriusXM’s The Highway, “Bar Hoppin’” and the playful, flirty “Hey California,” which she co-wrote with producer Dave Brainard (Brandy Clark). Sandra has been out on the live circuit, opening for Josh Thompson, Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell, Kenny Rogers, and Jana Kramer, performing during CMA Fest and on the KNE New Music Stage at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, and playing at local Nashville venues, including 3rd and Lindsey and The Listening Room. She has also been working with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters, including Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Tom Schuyler, Tia Sillers, Victoria Banks, Mike Mobley, and Travis Meadows and Jeremy Spillman, who co-wrote her debut track “You Belong” with Lori McKenna. We will talk to Sandra about her upcoming schedule, get a behind the scenes look at her music, feature her latest songs, and ask her to share her message for the troops. Please be sure to visit Sandra Lynn at http://www.sandralynnmusic.com/ and spread the word. Our message to the troops: WE do what we do, because YOU do what you do.

Travis Meadows stops by to talk about his album "First Cigarette" and writing Riser for Dierks Bentley as well as songs for Eric Church and Jake Owen. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

This week, we discuss Sober November (for Steve) and working out, Luke Bryan's odd choice for opening acts, and Travis Meadows' life, career, and best songs. Site: countryhodgepodge.com Instagram: countryhodgepodge Facebook: Facebook.com/countryhodgepodge Twitter: @cntryhodgepodge

This week on MCR, guys who get cuts. Songwriting cuts. You may not have heard of Travis Meadows but his songs have been all over the radio by the likes of Dierks Bentley and Eric Church. His own renderings are taught, emotional, edgy and intense. And the show closes out with a Nashville legend who's ridden the line between country and R&B over a long career, Gary Nicholson. Also on the bill exciting new roots rock from East Nashville with Jon Latham and an archival set of dreamy new folk by the divine Erin Rae and her band The Meanwhiles.

On Americana Music Show #373, you’ll finally get to hear the new sweet sounds of Whitney Rose’s new album called Rule 62. I’ve also got new music from Ryan Koenig and the debut country album from Travis Meadows. Also on this episode, you’ll hear some excellent crooning from Jim Lauderdale, some late night blues rock from Cory Branan, blues from Eilen Jewell, and honky-tonk from Two Tons Of Steel. "Ep373 Whitney Rose" originated from Americana Music Show.

Join us this week as we welcome country music singer songwriter, Sandra Lynn. A California girl with a Nashville heart, Sandra Lynn is one of country music’s sweetest rising voices. After releasing a pair of upbeat singles in 2015 — “Afterparty” which was picked up by SiriusXM’s The Highway and “Bar Hoppin’” which also features a video (filmed in downtown Nashville’s historic Printer’s Alley) directed by Fanjoy. — Lynn returns with the playful, flirty “Hey California,” which she co-wrote with producer Dave Brainard (Brandy Clark). “I feel like this song is such a strong identity piece for me,” Lynn says. “It represents some of my earliest influences, like the Beach Boys and Sheryl Crow, and captures my love for country music and my roots as a California girl.” She also just recently released the official music video for "Hey California". Sandra has been out on the live circuit, opening for Josh Thompson, Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell, Kenny Rogers, and Jana Kramer, performing during CMA Fest and on the KNE New Music Stage at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, and playing at local Nashville venues, including 3rd and Lindsley and The Listening Room. She has also been working with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters, including Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Tom Schuyler, Tia Sillers, Victoria Banks, Mike Mobley, and Travis Meadows and Jeremy Spillman. We will talk to Sandra about her upcoming schedule, get a behind the scenes look at her music, feature her latest songs, and ask her to share her message for the troops. Please be sure to visit Sandra Lynn at http://www.sandralynnmusic.com/ and spread the word. Fans are welcome to call in and speak live with Sandra during the show (718) 766-4193. Our message to the troops: WE do what we do, because YOU do what you do.

For years I’ve wondered, where are the Kris Kristofferson “Sunday Coming Down” songwriters? Who can make you feel their scars like the way Johnny Cash did? Look no further, we found him! Travis Meadows embodies those before him, and is looking ahead to the future. Travis is a poet, a thinker, and the most genuine songwriter I have ever met. If you’ve listened to country music in the past 10 years you’ve heard his songs. Artists like Eric Church, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, Blackberry Smoke, Hank Williams Jr., Randy Houser, and even Lynyrd Skynyrd have looked to Travis as a co write and the voice for the underdog. We get a tremendous amount of insight inside the mind of one of the best, tortured songwriters in Nashville. How does Travis even define success? Things get the most honest and vulnerable in this episode than any other episode we ever had. This is your chance to actually listen and learn from a survivor.

Welcome! My guest today is Ken McMeans, an entertainer with many great stories to tell. Ken isn’t afraid to open up his life and his heart with total transparency so you can learn from his experiences. He has been in the entertainment industry for his entire life. He now performs and owns an entertainment company. Ken is a living example of someone who never quits, no matter what curve balls life throws at him. Join us! What you’ll hear in Ken’s amazing life story: Ken grew up in a family of thoroughbred horse trainers in Washington, but spent his young adult years trying to get away from that to do something else. A creative writing teacher in high school awakened Ken’s interest in journalism and writing. He started playing guitar at age 17 and was enthralled by the country music scene. The bars and clubs he played, the record industry, and some harmful influences led to Ken’s drug problem. Through the 80’s, Ken was wheeling and dealing in the music industry, but became discouraged and left Hollywood in ’91 to enter rehab for his cocaine addiction. Interestingly, Ken joined the Screen Actors Guild and became a stunt rider and actor, doing small parts in over 200 movies and numerous TV shows. Even though acting provided his living for six years, it was not his passion; he knew there was “something else out there” for him. Ken, his brother, and a few friends put together a traveling cowboy comedy act to perform at small fairs. The popularity of his act exploded and soon he had multiple performing units traveling the fair circuit across the western US. Laugh with us as Ken shares a few of his “nightmare” stories about bad hires over the years! As a performer, Ken’s intention is to provide a “surprise” for every fair-goer around every corner. He loves interacting with kids and families and touching lives on a daily basis. Ken started playing music again a few years ago, and started his entertainment business because he saw the need to bring country and western artists to fairs. “My life is surreal in the last few years.” With a huge roster of artists, Ken’s company is now the largest country music agency in the western US. Later this year, Ken and his wife (The Stereo Chickens) will release a new album, produced by fellow artist/songwriter Travis Meadows. Ken’s advice for young performers: No matter who you are, you’ll be playing fairs throughout your career. Fairs are a gold mine for entertainment ideas. You can reach Ken and learn more at www.kenmcmeanspresents.com.      

Travis Meadows is known by "Rolling Stone" magazine as "Nashville's most badass songwriter."  Whether or not you’re familiar with or even like country music, it is often about love, loss and and human resilience. “Riser,” a song co-written by Travis Meadows and performed by Dierks Bentley, is one of those songs that stays with you long after you listen to it, and you can’t help but wonder about the life behind those words. If you listen closely, you get the sense that Travis’s depth of insight has been forged because of struggle, and that taking the long way has given him something rare and irreplaceable. Dealing with cancer at fourteen, growing up with an absent father, and wrestling with addiction are only a few of the mile-markers on his life’s journey. Today you will hear how Travis discovered how to make peace with his past and how he learned that you can’t truly appreciate light without the darkness. Travis teaches us to aim for authenticity rather than accolades, and to accept what we cannot control. He has written songs for country artists such as Eric Church, Jake Owen, Leann Womack, and Wynonna Judd to name a few, making his unique artistry unmistakable. As Travis agrees and I believe...nothing meaningful ever comes easy. Travis has had to fight for his voice, and in the process of doing so, discovered the "Riser" inside of him.