Podcast appearances and mentions of Ty Herndon

Description:If you grew up on Christian music in the '90s, there's a good chance Testify to Love wasn't just a hit song—it was the soundtrack to a season of your life. Three decades after Avalon first released the iconic anthem, Jen sits down with original Avalon member Michael Passons, longtime Avalon vocalist Melissa Greene, and country music star Ty Herndon to talk about the remarkable re-release of a song that has found new meaning for a new generation. But this isn't simply a conversation about music. It's the untold story behind one of CCM's most beloved songs. Michael shares the painful reality of losing his place in Avalon after coming out as gay. Melissa reflects on the faith journey that transformed her understanding of inclusion and belonging. Ty opens up about his own path through addiction, recovery, faith, and finally living fully and truthfully as himself. Together, they revisit the song that connected millions of listeners and explore why its message of love, acceptance, and human dignity feels more relevant now than ever. Filled with laughter, tears, hard-earned wisdom, and more than a few moments that will leave you reaching for the tissues, this conversation is a beautiful testament to friendship, healing, and the courage it takes to live loud. Whether Testify to Love has been on your playlist for thirty years or you're hearing its story for the first time, this episode is a powerful reminder that love's truest testimony is not who it excludes—but who it embraces. Thought-provoking Quotes: “I lost my community, my family, my career, all within a couple of seconds. That's a lot to process.” - Michael Passons "The people I loved and the fullness of their humanity butted up against my theological positions. I had to ask myself: Do I keep creating fences and becoming more exclusive? Or could it be that my views of God, humanity, and the world need to change?" – Melissa Greene "What I've noticed in the lives of people who have allowed themselves to evolve and change their mind is that that process pulls us toward an expansiveness that is just magical." - Jen Hatmaker “You don't live in the church, the church lives in you. You have an opportunity right now to start your own church and decide who sits at your table. No one can kick you out of your own church.” - Ty Herndon Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Avalon - https://www.avalonthegroup.com/ Carman - https://carman.org/ Stephen Curtis Chapman - https://store.stevencurtischapman.com/ Kirk Franklin - https://kirkfranklin.com/ Michael's Instagram Reel - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DY6_JF6BDyO/ Dottie Rambo - https://www.dottierambo.net/ Testify to Love - https://music.apple.com/us/song/testify-to-love-feat-melissa-greene/1893435396 Testify to Love video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l7IPvr6b8s Melissa's Links: Website - https://www.melissagreene.net Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/melissagreene Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/melissagreeneofficial/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWQpP8gHH7vew99LcQJs3Og Substack - https://melissagreene.substack.com/p/testify-to-love Michael's Links: Website - https://michaelpassons.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaelpassons/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michaelpassonsmusic Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpassonsmusic TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelpassonsmusic Ty's Links: Website - https://www.tyherndon.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tyherndonofficial/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tyherndonofficial Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialTyHerndon TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tyherndonofficial Connect with Jen!Jen's Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmakerJen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmakerJen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CLIMBers, is your career firing on all pistons? Today, we welcome artist manager, Kris Rochester, who's got 40 years in the music industry, including 35-plus years at high-level radio broadcasting. He's currently managing Styles Haury, which is how we got to him. This guy is a veteran, and we get into so much great info that we had to invite him back for part II! There's a lot of really good information in this episode. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baxter & Johnny D welcome hit songwriter, Andy Sheridan, to the Challenge. Andy moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, but quickly found musical success past the four walls of a classroom. He turned in his college books for a life on the road, touring as a full-time musician and band leader. He's toured with Phil Vassar, Hunter Hayes, and Ben Rector, and has played with countless other artists. He saw his first number one on Sirius XM Radio with "Narcissist" by Avery Anna, and has landed other cuts by Cody Johnson, Warren Zeiders, Chris Janson, Zac Brown Band, Nate Smith, Parmalee, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Farr (featuring Jelly Roll), and others. He also produces projects for other artists and has cultivated a solid network of hit co-writers in Nashville, proving himself in the room with his creative tracks and skilled musicianship. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBer, AI in the music industry is not going away. So we'd better figure out our relationship to it and how it's going to affect our relationship to each other as creatives. That's what we're talking about today. Suno Community Guidelines We want you to win, and that's why we host The C.L.I.M.B. Show. And here's a chance for YOU to help US win! The C.L.I.M.B. Show has been nominated for an Arkansas Country Music Award in the "Best Publication/Blog/Podcast" category, and we would really appreciate your vote. The voting window is from March 1 to 14th - so that's RIGHT NOW - and you can vote for The CLIMB at https://ArkansasMusic.org If this podcast has helped you, this is a way you can help us back. Thanks, y'all - and keep on CLIMBing!  The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

National Brother and Sister day. Entertainment from 1968. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson shot by own men, Osama Bin Laden Killed, German soldiers begin to surrender in WW2. Todays birthdays - The Red Baron, Engelbert Humperdinck, Leslie Gore, Larry Gatlin, Lou Graham, Christine Baranski, Ty Herndon, Dwayne Johnson, Ellie Kemper. DaVinci died.Intro - God did good - Dianna Corcoran       https://diannacorcoran.com/Brothers & Sisters - Steve & Anne ChapmanHoney - Bobby GoldsboroThe legend of Bonnie & Clyde - Merle HaggardBirthdays - In da club - 50 Cent      http://50cent.com/Snoopy vs The Red Baron - The Royal GuardsmenRelease me - Engelbert HumperdinckIts's my party - Leslie GoreShe used to be somebodys baby - Larry GatlinJuke Box hero - ForeignerIt must be love - Ty HerndonYour Welcome - The RockExit - Gotta feelin - Suzy Kory     https://suzikory.com/History & Factoids about today Playlist on SpotifyHistory & Factoids about today webpagecooolmedia.comcountryundergroundradio.com

Weekly Podcast #558 - Bubba talks about his new favorite show, "Love on the Spectrum". Big D shares his YouTube history and provides cooking advice. Plus, Ty Herndon tells us about his new book, "What Mattered Most: A Memoir".

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBers, BMG VP and Head of Creative, Chris Oglesby, is a LEGEND in the publishing world. This is the cat that was in the building the day that Craig Wiseman and Tim Nichols wrote: "Live Like You Were Dying". He heard the song and then got it cut immediately with Tim McGraw turning it into the Song of the Decade! What can you learn from a giant like this? Tune in and find out! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny & Brent welcome a Nashville-based country singer-songwriter originally from Marion, Arkansas (Woo pig!), Barrett Baber. The son of a Southern Baptist minister, a soulful blend of country rock and R&B storytelling earned him national attention when he finished a third on season nine of The Voice on Team Blake. As a songwriter, he's had songs recorded by Cody Johnson, Pryor Baird, Austin Snell, Josh Weathers, Kelsey Hart, and more. Barrett actually has a project of his own out called Crittenden County, which, if you know, you know. Connect With Barrett Baber Here: Facebook: @BarrettBaber Instagram: @BarrettBaber TikTok: @BarrettBaberMusic YouTube: @BarrettBaber The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ty Herndon and Randy Miller reunite in this great segment, heralding the release of his memoir, “What Matters Most.”  Randy and Ty talk about their long careers in radio and country music, what it was like being the first openly gay artist in that genre, and what people can expect when they pick up a copy of his great book, “What Matters Most.”

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny D & Baxter welcome former pipe-fitter-turned hit songwriter and country artist, Styles Haury, to The Challenge, where they cook up 5-6 different conceptual angles to write a song titled "The Almost Door." Styles wrote the Luke Bryan #1 hit "Country On" and has songs cut by Craig Morgan, Craig Campbell, and more. As an artist, he's opened for Craig Campbell, Jake Owen, Brett Eldridge, Tyler Farr, and others. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Connect with Styles Haury Here: Facebook: @StylesHauryMusic Instagram: @StylesHauryMusic TikTok: @StylesHauryMusic YouTube: @StylesHauryMusic Spotify: @StylesHaury Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We wanna hear from you! Send us a message here :)  CRS 2026 kicked off in the best way, and this episode of Back Porch Sippin' is one you won't want to miss.We start things off with an incredible conversation with Ty Herndon, who opens up about his powerful new memoir What Mattered Most: A Memoir. From sharing personal stories to reflecting on his journey in country music and life beyond the spotlight, Ty brings honesty, heart, and a whole lot of perspective to the porch.Then, we're joined by country legends Shenandoah's own Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire. The guys take us back through their iconic career, talk about the stories behind some of their biggest hits, and share what it's like continuing to make music that stands the test of time.From heartfelt moments to plenty of laughs, this CRS recap episode is all about great conversations, legendary artists, and soaking in every second of a week we won't soon forget.Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and come sip with us. Support the show

Johnny & Brent welcome Erika Primdahl, who is a Nashville-based artist manager and founder of Primetime 615, a boutique management company focused on developing emerging country artists and helping them build sustainable careers from the ground up. Connect w/ Erika Primdahl Here: Facebook: @ErikaPrimdahl Instagram: @itsprimetime615 The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailblazing country music artist Ty Herndon is opening his heart like never before with the release of his memoir, What Mattered Most (On Sale: March 31, 2026; Dey Street Books). In this candid and inspiring book, Herndon pulls back the curtain on his unprecedented career-one marked by triumphs in the spotlight and battles behind the scenes. With unflinching honesty, he shares his struggles with addiction and mental health, the groundbreaking decision to become the first openly gay male country superstar, and the resilience it took to endure more than three decades in the music industry. Woven throughout are moments of his trademark humor, warmth, and hard-earned wisdom, offering readers a story not just about survival, but about choosing hope, authenticity, and love against all odds. "Writing What Mattered Most has been one of the most vulnerable and rewarding experiences of my life," said Herndon. "This book is my truth-the highs, the heartbreaks, the lessons, and the love that have shaped me as a man, an artist, and a survivor. My hope is that in telling my story, others will find the courage to embrace theirs, no matter how messy or beautiful it may be."Herndon's career began at the Opryland theme park as a member of The Tennessee River Boys, the group that would later evolve into hitmakers Diamond Rio. After signing with Epic Records, Herndon skyrocketed to solo fame in 1995 with the chart-topping single "What Mattered Most," the first of his seventeen Billboard charting hits. Yet behind the scenes, his life was no fairy tale. Confronting addiction, mental health struggles, and the weight of hiding his true self in a traditionally conservative industry, Herndon s journey was anything but easy. His path wound through an arrest, marriages, lawsuits, secret relationships, and a devastating relapse in 2020. The breaking point came on New Year s Day 2021, when he nearly ended his life-a moment that led to intensive rehab and, at last, the chance to confront and release the traumas that had haunted him for decades. Out of those darkest hours emerged a renewed sense of purpose, first expressed in his most personal song, God or the Gun," and now revealed with uncompromising honesty and depth in his memoir. In these pages, Herndon offers not only a window into his private battles, but also a story of resilience, redemption, and the hard-won healing that comes from choosing to live-and to live authentically."For thirty years, I've told pieces of my story through my music and my words - but this book has given me the chance to tell the whole truth," said Herndon. "This book isn't just about the music; it's about the journey, the struggles, the faith, and the people who shaped my life. I hope readers walk away knowing that no matter where you've been, you can still write a new chapter - and that's what matters most." More than a memoir, What Mattered Most is a testament to survival and transformation. Herndon lays bare the trials that shaped his life and the strength he discovered in moving through them. By sharing his path with openness, he offers readers a story meant to connect, encourage, and light the way for anyone seeking renewal in their own lives. "This book is my heart on the page. This book is about the boy I was, the man I became, and the grace that carried me through it all. I hope my story reminds someone out there that they're never alone - and that there's always a way forward. Life has a way of knocking you down, but it also gives you a million reasons to get back up," said Herndon. "What Mattered Most is my story of falling, rising, and finding purpose in the journey. If this book inspires even one person to keep going, then I've done my job."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Trailblazing country music artist Ty Herndon is opening his heart like never before with the release of his memoir, What Mattered Most (On Sale: March 31, 2026; Dey Street Books). In this candid and inspiring book, Herndon pulls back the curtain on his unprecedented career-one marked by triumphs in the spotlight and battles behind the scenes. With unflinching honesty, he shares his struggles with addiction and mental health, the groundbreaking decision to become the first openly gay male country superstar, and the resilience it took to endure more than three decades in the music industry. Woven throughout are moments of his trademark humor, warmth, and hard-earned wisdom, offering readers a story not just about survival, but about choosing hope, authenticity, and love against all odds. "Writing What Mattered Most has been one of the most vulnerable and rewarding experiences of my life," said Herndon. "This book is my truth-the highs, the heartbreaks, the lessons, and the love that have shaped me as a man, an artist, and a survivor. My hope is that in telling my story, others will find the courage to embrace theirs, no matter how messy or beautiful it may be."Herndon's career began at the Opryland theme park as a member of The Tennessee River Boys, the group that would later evolve into hitmakers Diamond Rio. After signing with Epic Records, Herndon skyrocketed to solo fame in 1995 with the chart-topping single "What Mattered Most," the first of his seventeen Billboard charting hits. Yet behind the scenes, his life was no fairy tale. Confronting addiction, mental health struggles, and the weight of hiding his true self in a traditionally conservative industry, Herndon s journey was anything but easy. His path wound through an arrest, marriages, lawsuits, secret relationships, and a devastating relapse in 2020. The breaking point came on New Year s Day 2021, when he nearly ended his life-a moment that led to intensive rehab and, at last, the chance to confront and release the traumas that had haunted him for decades. Out of those darkest hours emerged a renewed sense of purpose, first expressed in his most personal song, God or the Gun," and now revealed with uncompromising honesty and depth in his memoir. In these pages, Herndon offers not only a window into his private battles, but also a story of resilience, redemption, and the hard-won healing that comes from choosing to live-and to live authentically."For thirty years, I've told pieces of my story through my music and my words - but this book has given me the chance to tell the whole truth," said Herndon. "This book isn't just about the music; it's about the journey, the struggles, the faith, and the people who shaped my life. I hope readers walk away knowing that no matter where you've been, you can still write a new chapter - and that's what matters most." More than a memoir, What Mattered Most is a testament to survival and transformation. Herndon lays bare the trials that shaped his life and the strength he discovered in moving through them. By sharing his path with openness, he offers readers a story meant to connect, encourage, and light the way for anyone seeking renewal in their own lives. "This book is my heart on the page. This book is about the boy I was, the man I became, and the grace that carried me through it all. I hope my story reminds someone out there that they're never alone - and that there's always a way forward. Life has a way of knocking you down, but it also gives you a million reasons to get back up," said Herndon. "What Mattered Most is my story of falling, rising, and finding purpose in the journey. If this book inspires even one person to keep going, then I've done my job."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Brent & Johnny welcome legendary hit songwriter, Skip Ewing, to The Challenge. Skip has 11 #1 hits ("Love Me", "If I Didn't Have You", "Something That We Do"), and is a BMI Songwriter of the Year recipient, as well as a CMA Triple Play Award winner. Together, we kind of cook up 5-6 different conceptual angles to writing a song titled, "You Are Here"...but it turns into more of a songwriting masterclass! Connect with Skip Ewing Here: Facebook: ⁠@SkipEwing⁠ Instagram: ⁠@Skipewing⁠ YouTube: ⁠@SkipEwingOfficial⁠ Spotify: ⁠@Skip Ewing⁠ The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at ⁠SongwritingPro.com/Baxter⁠ and  ⁠SongwritingPro.com⁠. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at ⁠TheCLIMBshow.com⁠. Connect With Skip Ewing Here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Coffee, Country & Cody, we welcome Ty Herndon and NEEDTOBREATHE   0:00 - Welcome / What’s Coming Up 4:30 - Interview with Ty Herndon 19:17 - Entertainment with Kelly Sutton  29:47 - Interview with NEEDTOBREATHE 30:11 - Entertainment with Kelly Sutton      Connect with WSM Radio: Visit the WSM Radio WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/650AMWSM Follow WSM Radio on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@wsmradio Like WSM Radio on FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/WSMRadioFB Check out WSM Radio on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/WSMRadioInsta Follow WSM Radio on X: http://bit.ly/WSMRadioTweets Listen to WSM Radio LIVE: http://bit.ly/WSMListenLive Listen to WSM on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/live/wsm-radio...  

Johnny & Brent welcome Hit Songwriter, Skip Ewing, to the show. Skip is a CMT Triple Play winner (three #1's in the same year), BMI Songwriter Of The Year winner, and he penned ELEVEN #1 songs. We go philosophically deep on this one...it might just help you do life better as well as songwriting! Connect with Skip Ewing Here: Facebook: @SkipEwing Instagram: @Skipewing YouTube: @SkipEwingOfficial Spotify: @Skip Ewing The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Gunter is A&R for country superstar, Cody Johnson. This basically means he helps Cody find incredible songs for his albums. With the background spanning artist management, publishing, A&R, record labels, engineering, touring, and even selling merch on the road (working with artists including Randall King and Roger Creager), he brings a rare 360-degree perspective to artist development. He also handles the administrative management of copyrights and master recordings, working with SoundExchange, TuneCore, Harry Fox, PROs, and other royalty streams to ensure artists maximize income and protect their catalogs. At his core, he says his job is simple: listen to songs and help great music get heard. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny & Brent welcome recording artist and hit songwriter, Coley McCabe, to The Challenge. Coley is a platinum-selling songwriter who hails from West Virginia. She has performed numerous times on the Grand Ole Opry. While on RCA Records, her song "Grow Young With You" was featured on the feature film Where the Heart Is, starring Natalie Portman and Ashley Judd. Her writing credits include the top five SheDaisy hit "Lucky For You". She also starred in the feature film Alabama Love Story. Together with her husband and friend of the show, Thom Shepherd (who will be appearing at The C.L.I.M.B. Takeover on March 25th), they form the four-time Trop Rock Music Association duo of the year, Thom and Coley. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBer, it's 2026, and I'm dialing in how I do things as a pro songwriter. I'm going to share some of my strategies and processes with you to help you on your C.L.I.M.B. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBer, let's go into a real publisher meeting. Come on a little trip with me. We're going to get some invaluable insights from an active hit music publisher in this one. So, you do not want to miss out! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford, and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro, and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at ⁠SongwritingPro.com/Baxter⁠ and  ⁠SongwritingPro.com⁠. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV, and music industry professionals. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell, and others.  You can find Johnny at ⁠info@daredevilproduction.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brent & Johnny welcome hit songwriter, Thom Shepherd, to The Challenge. Thom has five #1's singles, including "Redneck Yacht Club", "Riding With Private Malone", and "My Texas", over 10 radio singles, two Grammy nominated songs, and has had over 100 songs recorded by Blake Shelton and George Jones, Pat Green, Kevin Fowler, Easton Corbin, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Colt Ford, and many more. He's currently a songwriter, video host, and content creator at 8-Track Entertainment in Nashville. About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens and more with #1 singles in Country, Southern Gospel & Bluegrass. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBers, I (Johnny) wish pain and suffering upon all of you...and I mean that in the very best way! Learn why I am such an a-hole in today's episode! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at ⁠SongwritingPro.com/Baxter⁠ and ⁠SongwritingPro.com⁠. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at ⁠TheCLIMBshow.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.)  If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's the thing: after multiple record deals, Dustin Lolli's band, Sanctus Real, had their greatest successes when they WEREN'T on a label! Brent & Johnny welcome the lead vocalist for the acclaimed Christian band, Sanctus Real. They are celebrated for their authentic lyrics, powerful performances, and they've earned eight number-one singles, including "Lead Me" and "My God Is Still the Same," multiple Grammy nominations, Dove Awards, and a gold-certified single. Their newest song, "The Difference," resonates deeply, offering hope and transformation through music. Connect With Dustin Lolli and Sanctus Real Here: Facebook: ⁠@SanctusRealMusic⁠ Instagram: ⁠@SanctusReal⁠ YouTube: ⁠@SanctusRealMusic⁠ Spotify: ⁠@SanctusReal⁠ Apple Music: ⁠@SanctusReal⁠ Website: ⁠SanctusReal.com⁠ The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at ⁠SongwritingPro.com/Baxter⁠ and  ⁠SongwritingPro.com⁠. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at ⁠TheCLIMBshow.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you haven't heard this Song Title Challenge yet, it's worth your time! Taylor Austin Dye is an indie artist who is currently blowing up! She has over 1 million followers across all social media platforms and over 25 million streams! Johnny and Brent welcome Taylor to the show and craft 5-6 conceptual angles for writing a song titled "Sinner's Heart," sent in by CLIMBer Randy Maynor. Connect With Taylor: ⁠https://tayloraustindye.com⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford, and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro, and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at ⁠SongwritingPro.com/Baxter⁠ and ⁠SongwritingPro.com⁠. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV, and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowel,l and others. You can find Johnny at ⁠TheCLIMBshow.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBer, "If you're in a band..." This episode is a must-listen! Mark Maxwell of the legendary Louisville band, The Crashers, reveals game-changing advice for anyone who wants to start a band or take their existing band to the next level. We're sharing Mark's wisdom because we want you to win. So listen up! Follow Maxwell's House of Music to see all these tips! Facebook - ⁠@MaxwellsHouseOfMusic⁠ Instagram - ⁠@MaxwellsHouseOfMusic⁠ TikTok - ⁠@MaxwellsHouseOfMusic⁠ The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists, and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford, and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro, and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at ⁠SongwritingPro.com/Baxter⁠ and ⁠SongwritingPro.com⁠. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV, and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell, and others. You can find Johnny at ⁠TheCLIMBshow.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textThanksgiving. Man. Again, pinchin' my dedgum self y'all. Thanksgiving for me is SO special because it revolves around being grateful. Being thankful. Knowing that we are blessed. Sometimes it may be hard to see the ground through the fog but with faith in your heart, there's no tellin' how many blessin's you can count. AND TY HERNDON is here to tell us all about it, folks. From his sensational song that ear wormed its way into my 44 year old self to this DAY.... to his brand new album with the likes of LeAnn Rimes, Michael Ray, Kristin Chenoweth, Brooke Eden, and Ashley McBryde. Like- FOR REAL. And doofus papa is here to talk about it all!!!!!Not to mention his BRAND NEW MEMOIR that isn't even released yet, y'all! 'What Mattered Most' An intimate, often hilarious but always sincere memoir from country legend Ty Herndon on his struggles with addiction, mental health, his career, relationships, and being the first openly gay male country superstar.This episode is from my heart to yours... and Ty's on this Thanksgiving eve. Remember to stay true to WHO YOU ARE. And then? Everything will fall into place. Love yall and God bless ya. papaThank you to our family of amazing sponsors! STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT Leigh Ann Arcuri https://ridewithla.com/ Ochsner Children's HospitalWww.ochsner.orgRouses MarkersWww.rousesmarkets.comSandpiper VacationsWww..sandpipervacations.comCafe Du Monde www.shop.cafedumonde.com The Law Firm of Forrest Cressy & James Www.forrestcressyjames.comComfort Cases Www.comfortcases.orgNew Orleans Ice Cream CompanyWww.neworleansicecream.comERA TOP REALTY: Pamela Breaux plbreaux@gmail.com

Brent & Johnny interview Season 21 American Idol finalist, Colin Stough. Colin literally went from loping a horse to a 3rd-place finish on American Idol to getting a record deal with 19 Recordings/BMG. Connect with Colin Stough Here: Facebook: @ColinStough Instagram: @ColinStough TikTok: @ColinStough YouTube: @ColinStoughMusic Spotify: @ColinStough The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBers, we've got more problems to get to the bottom of! This will be numbers 23 through 27 on the 39 Biggest Problems In Music right here on your favorite podcast, The CLIMB. The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brent & Johnny welcome The Heels, a Canadian country vocal trio of Bobbi Smith, Brittni Fiddler, and Kyla Rawlins, to The Challenge, where they craft 5-6 different conceptual angles for a song titled "Twisted," sent in by CLIMBer, Tracy Richardson. Managed by Grand Slam Productions, Conway Entertainment Group, and Thompson Artist Management—the powerhouse team behind the rising stars Red Clay Strays and legends Alabama and Randy Travis—The Heels are a country music vocal trio that were crowned Country Group of the Year at the prestigious Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Their unforgettable performance of the chart-topping single "Hush Money, " which hit #1 in France, cemented their status as country music royalty. The Heels also took home the awards for Group of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Emerging Artist of the Year at the BCCMA Awards in Canada. Their album “I Am” went viral on TikTok, racking up millions of views and earning top spots on iTunes Country charts in over ten countries, including #1 in France, #6 in Ireland, #10 in Belgium, and #13 in the UK. Their single “Take the Trailer” was added to the iHeart Radio network and is being played all over North America. Since setting up a secondary home in Nashville, The Heels have been an unstoppable new force, playing an average of 20 live shows per month. They continue to sell out iconic Nashville venues like The Bluebird Cafe and The Listening Room, showcasing their incredible live performances. Their latest single, “Love, Heals,” produced by legendary music icons Marti Frederiksen and Desmond Child, is making waves in the industry. Written by hitmakers Marcus and Levi Hummon (writers of Tim McGraw's "Cowboy in Me, "Dixie Chicks' "Cowboy Take Me Away") and Tom Douglas (co-writer of Miranda Lambert's "The House That Built Me"), this new track promises to be another standout in their growing discography. Connect with our guests, The Heels, here: Facebook: @TheHeelsMusic Instagram: @TheHeelsMusic TikTok: @TheHeelsMusic YouTube: @TheHeels Spotify: @TheHeels Website: https://www.theheelsmusic.com/ The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an excerpt from Songwriting Pro's "J.A.M. Session." (J.A.M. stands for "Just Ask Me," and it's our monthly members-only online Q&A Session.) If you'd like to watch the full J.A.M. Session, just log in to the Songwriting Pro Member Area. If you're not yet a Songwriting Pro member, NOW is a great time to start your 14-day FREE trial at SongwritingPro.com! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CLIMBer! There are common myths that trip up a lot of songwriters, and maybe you're one of them. Well, believing them keeps you stuck, frustrated, and spinning your wheels. But, the truth is, pros know better. In this episode, we're going to bust five of the biggest myths about songwriting and show you what really works in the music business. So hang on tight. You want to listen to this one! The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more. He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros. You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others. You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brent and Johnny welcome Katie Cook to The Challenge, where they craft 5-6 different conceptual ideas for writing a song titled "Add A Little Cowboy". Katie started as an on-air talent at MTV in 2001. Then she became an on-air host at CMT for 23 years, where she interviewed Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Gwen Stefani, Susan Sarandon, Dolly Parton, George Clooney, and many more. Katie and her husband, Adam Shoenfeld, have an incredible musical duo project called SunKat, where you can experience her songwriting, singing, and musicianship skills. Additionally, Katie is a children's book author and painter. Her latest project is co-hosting the syndicated overnight country radio show, Up All Night with Scott Gaines. Connect With Our Guest, Katie Cook, Here: Facebook: @TheKatieCook Instagram: @TheKatieCook TikTok: @TheKatieCook Spotify: SunKat The C.L.I.M.B. Show is dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, indie artists and industry pros "Create Leverage In The Music Business." We want you to win! About the hosts: Brent Baxter is an award-winning hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Randy Travis, Lady A, Joe Nichols, Ray Stevens, Gord Bamford and more.  He helps songwriters turn pro by helping them WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to the pros.  You can find Brent at SongwritingPro.com/Baxter and  SongwritingPro.com. Johnny Dwinell owns Daredevil Production and helps artists increase their streams, blow up their video views, sell more live show tickets, and get discovered by new fans, TV and music industry pros. Daredevil has worked with artists including Collin Raye, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Ronnie McDowell and others.  You can find Johnny at TheCLIMBshow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices