Podcast Summary:

The Andy Beshear Podcast
Episode: Aaron Parnas, Walker Montgomery and Being Real Online
Date: December 18, 2025
Host: Andy Beshear
Guests: Aaron Parnas (Political Commentator & Digital Strategist), Walker Montgomery (Country Music Star)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Andy Beshear Podcast offers a compelling two-part conversation exploring current American culture through the lens of politics and country music. In the first segment, Andy welcomes Aaron Parnas, dubbed "Walter Cronkite for Gen Z," for an in-depth discussion about misinformation, authenticity in politics, and the specific civic needs of younger generations. The second segment shifts gears to feature Walker Montgomery, rising country artist, who talks candidly about building his career, carrying his family's musical legacy, and the realities behind the scenes on the road. Though politics and country music may seem disparate, the episode’s through-line is about being real: online, on stage, and in life.

Part I: Combating Misinformation & Being Real in Politics (Aaron Parnas Interview)

Aaron’s Journey: From Trump Supporter to Gen Z Political Commentator

| Highlights | Timestamps | |----------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Growing up immersed in Republican ideology, then experiencing a personal political transformation upon leaving home and being exposed to new ideas in law school and D.C. | 03:32–04:36 | | Family’s firsthand experiences during the Russian invasion of Ukraine propelled Aaron into social media commentary, rapidly building a massive following on TikTok for his authentic, on-the-ground reporting during crisis. | 04:53–06:01 |

Notable Quote:
"I thought I was a Republican because my family were Republicans and quickly realized that, hey, maybe that’s not where I stood."
— Aaron Parnas (04:22)

Tackling Misinformation & Media Literacy

• Motivation comes from the lack of robust civics and media literacy in American education.

• Focus isn’t on disproving falsehoods, but flooding the zone with accurate, accessible information, especially for younger, digital audiences.

• Example: Coverage of anti-Semitic incidents and sharing the importance of embracing identity despite negative circumstances.

• Authenticity is key: politicians appear “stiff” and out-of-touch when they over-polish their social media messaging.

  • Notable Quote:
    "Y’all are so stiff. That’s really the problem. The biggest thing is authenticity. People need to be more authentic. Don’t go through 10 layers of review on a video or a tweet. Just be yourself."
    — Aaron Parnas (07:50)

• Advice for candidates:

  • Speak plainly.
  • Talk to people like real people, skip jargon and advocacy-speak.
  • Recruit candidates with real-life experience, not just impressive resumes.

Gen Z, Social Media, and Democratizing Dialogue

• Gen Z’s core motivator is having a voice: “social media has democratized journalism in a way we’ve never seen before.” (10:44–11:27)
• Viral moments have produced real change, e.g. Aaron’s video campaign against an exploitative insurance policy led to its reversal.
• Focus on amplifying survivor stories, not just the headline-makers, e.g., Jeffrey Epstein coverage. (11:46–13:56)

The Impact of Policy & Economic Honesty

• Critiques political spin: e.g., using misleading data about Thanksgiving grocery prices, tariffs, and affordability.
• Emphasizes voters feel economic pain viscerally, not just rhetorically, and connecting tariffs to everyday life (e.g., why housing and furniture have gotten more expensive). (16:48–18:12)
• Notable Quote:
  "An economy is not great if the stock market is great, but the average person can’t afford to live in that economy."
  — Aaron Parnas (18:46)

2026 Midterms, Governors’ Races, and Advice for Candidates

• Predicts a strong showing for Democrats, but cautions that swift economic changes could shift the political landscape.
• Entry points for Democratic candidates:
  • Focus on affordability, direct outreach, year-round engagement.
  • “Don’t run on an ‘I hate Trump’ message.” (22:02)
  • 8100 Rule: 80% on what matters to 100% of people (jobs, health care, education). (23:04–23:18)
  • Express the “why” behind candidacy, not just the “what.”

Notable Quote:
"I'd rather recruit candidates who are just your average everyday people…your Waffle House waitress knows more about her community than the member of Congress sometimes."
— Aaron Parnas (09:55)

Taking Care of Mental Health & Authentic Living

• Personal approach to self-care includes gym, sleep, supportive relationships, and fully embracing the work (“when you love what you do, it doesn’t really feel like work”). (25:09–25:35)
• Shares quirks of always being ‘on’ for news, even during personal moments (“only day I’ve truly turned it off is Yom Kippur”). (25:42)
• “Best memories I had growing up was playing in my yard…with kids I met for the first time on the streets. I didn’t know who they were…but that was fun.” (31:06)

The Future of Media & Leadership

• Predicts more social platforms and heavier regulation, especially with AI.
• Advocates for leaders who “appeal to the masses” and can heal divisions, calling for Democrats to compete everywhere by “talking to people like regular people.” (29:50–30:15)
• Encourages listeners to build real-world community: “Just go knock on your neighbor’s door. When’s the last time you’ve done that?” (30:32)

Segment Close & Where to Find Aaron Parnas

• Blog: “The Parnas Perspective” on Substack, plus presence on all major social platforms. (31:51–32:03)
• Twice-daily recaps of major news and analysis.
• Chose to appear because: “I like seeing a Democrat leading a Republican state. … We can, in all our divisions, come together and actually get shit done.” (32:33)

Part II: Building a Country Music Career & Life on the Road (Walker Montgomery Interview)

Family Legacy and Big Moments

| Highlights | Timestamps | |----------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Performing with his father John Michael Montgomery at the latter’s sold-out final concert at Rupp Arena—a “family holiday” reunion. | 34:57–36:06 | | Signed a new major album deal in Nashville, after years of groundwork in the music scene, from playing bars to networking and honing his craft. | 37:05–38:15 | | The realities of breaking into Nashville: “The kind of office space is the bars.” (38:24–39:41) |

Behind the Scenes: The Less Glamorous Reality

• Despite his famous father, Walker has had to work from the ground up.
• Networking, writing, and touring are relentless hustles with frequent “blessing and curse” unpredictability.
• First success: the song “Simpletown” was played on local radio after a fortuitous offer, prompting his move from college to a serious music career. (40:00–41:10)
• “To hear my song on the hometown radio station—yeah, it was awesome. That was a dream come true.” (40:57)

Musical Style, Inspirations, and Success

• Walker’s recommendation for new listeners:
  • “I Love the Way You Love Me” (cover of his father’s first #1 hit, reimagined in his own style). (41:31)
• Musical style blends influences from his father, George Strait, and Texas dancehall tradition.
• "If I could do only love songs in my set, I would, but that would be the most boring concert of all time." (46:22)

Life on the Road & What’s Behind the Curtain

• Texas has become his biggest market—citing its “cool culture” and appreciation for traditional country. (44:25–44:51)
• Touring with Cody Johnson included unique challenges: “He unfortunately blew his eardrum out…” (45:14–45:50)
• Reality check: driving his own (CDL-required) bus, setting up, and working long hours for short shows.
  • "Country music is like—we’re crazy because we’ll drive 18 hours to go sing for 30 minutes." (49:10)

Personal Life and Authenticity

• Recent engagement to Krista Slayball of Tiger Lily Gold, two artists supporting each other’s distinct styles and dreams. (46:37–47:19)
• Relationship benefits: understanding and navigating music industry challenges together.

On What’s Real and What’s Not

• Both politics and country music have an “unglamorous” side people don’t see.
• Reinforces the theme of authenticity running through both segments of the episode.
  • "You see the two hours or hour and a half on stage, that is the glorious part...but you don't see the 24-hour drive...and all the crew that…try to make it all happen." (49:10)

Musical Highlights

• Featured Songs:
  • I Love the Way You Love Me (41:31)
  • Watching Storms (new release) (49:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Andy’s introduction & episode summary | 00:38–02:58 | | Aaron Parnas: upbringing, political awakening | 03:32–04:36 | | Rise of social media influence | 04:53–06:01 | | Media literacy & authenticity in politics | 06:29–08:25 | | Gen Z’s voice & impact of viral moments | 10:44–11:46 | | Impactful posts: insurance policy & Epstein files | 11:46–13:56 | | Affordability, tariffs, real-life economic impact | 14:45–19:01 | | 2026 midterms, recruiting authentic candidates | 19:09–23:18 | | Aaron’s “why” and self-care | 23:58–25:35 | | Truth about always being “on” & personal quirks | 25:42–26:49 | | Social media’s future | 27:45–28:42 | | Building real world connections | 30:32–31:38 | | Where to follow Aaron | 31:51–32:03 | | Aaron’s reason for being on the podcast | 32:33–32:59 | | Walker Montgomery: family legacy & big concert | 34:57–36:06 | | Signing record deal | 37:05–38:15 | | Breaking into Nashville & early success | 38:24–41:10 | | Featured: "I Love the Way You Love Me" | 41:31–42:07 | | Inspiration, touring, Texas scene | 43:26–44:51 | | Touring with Cody Johnson | 45:14–45:50 | | Musical style & influences | 45:58–46:35 | | Personal news: engagement | 46:37–47:19 | | Life on the road: the real work | 48:43–49:54 | | Featured: "Watching Storms" (song) | 49:58–50:30 |

Memorable Quotes

• Aaron Parnas:

  • "The biggest problem in the United States of America is the lack— in my opinion— is the lack of civics, ethics and media literacy taught in every classroom." (06:29)
  • “Talk to people like they're people.” (08:50)
  • "An economy is not great if the stock market is great, but an average person can't afford to live in that economy." (18:46)
  • “Just go knock on your neighbor's door...Don't ask them what their politics are...just ask them how they are.” (30:32)

• Walker Montgomery:

  • “People see dad and they think, oh, he knows everything automatically. Which was definitely not the case...I was as green as anybody else.” (38:24)
  • “Country music is like—we're crazy because we'll drive 18 hours to go sing for 30 minutes and then we'll do it again the next weekend.” (49:10)
  • “We just want each other to…have our wildest dreams come true because we know how hard it is.” (47:28)

Tone & Format Notes

Throughout, Andy Beshear maintains a friendly, genuine tone, and both guests are refreshingly candid and free of pretense. The episode blurs boundaries—politics meets pop culture, honest critique meets humble advice, and state government mingles with country music—united by a theme of authenticity and making a difference in the world, whether that's through policy or a heartfelt country song.

For Listeners Who Skipped the Episode

You’ll get a front-row seat to how authenticity and connection create real impact, whether you’re fighting misinformation online or chasing musical dreams on the road. Both guests illustrate that public perception often misses the hard work and personal meaning behind the scenes—reminding all of us to stay genuine, stay connected, and never underestimate the power of showing up, both online and off.