Digital Social Hour – Ep. #1338

Guest: Justin Andrews
Host: Sean Kelly
Title: "Chasing Dreams & Changing Lives"
Release Date: April 18, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Sean Kelly sits down with Justin Andrews—an up-and-coming country music artist known for his authenticity and passion for people. Together, they delve into Justin’s small-town upbringing, his unconventional path to music, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the joys and challenges of pursuing a risky dream. The episode is packed with personal stories, candid insights on culture, career, and community, as well as memorable discussions on food, music, and basketball.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Small Town Roots and Family Influence

• [00:36 – 01:14] Justin recounts growing up in a tiny town, graduating with just 16 classmates, and being raised by grandparents with a traveling gospel band.
  • "Growing up middle of nowhere, you never thought you'd be where you're at right now." (Justin, 00:48)
  • Music and church were central—traveling to various churches, regardless of denomination, for the sake of music and meeting new people.
  • “It was more so just meeting people, I think, and enjoying people.” (Justin, 03:09)

2. The Power of Music and Food to Unite

• [03:24 – 04:11] Both Sean and Justin discuss how music and food transcend boundaries and bring people together.
  • Sean: “I guess that's why I love music. It kind of... and food, like, those two things, bring people together. It doesn’t matter what walk of life—it's powerful.” (03:24)
  • Justin admits to loving almost every type of food and being a “foodie” at heart.

3. Culinary Curiosities and Adventures

• [05:47 – 08:40] From trying Indian food for the first time in Nashville to ranking Southern cuisine, Justin shares food experiences—including funny stories about mild avocado allergies.
  • “If [avocado] touches the outside of my lips, my lips will swell up. But if it doesn't, I can eat it, and it's nothing.” (Justin, 08:14)
• Both share stories of discovering new favorites, with In-N-Out and Whataburger getting shoutouts.

4. Life on the Road and Working Hard

• [10:07 – 14:02] Justin’s immune system is allegedly “unbeatable,” which he attributes to eating unwashed fruits and veggies as a kid.
  • Discusses his early career in heavy manual labor (oil/gas field work), describing it as “everything’s heavy” and the impact of that lifestyle.
  • “Left a great job for 10 years to just chase a dream.” (Justin, 14:02)

5. Music Career, Connection with People, and Chasing Dreams

• [13:31 – 17:26] Passion for people drives Justin’s desire to perform and travel.

  • “But my purpose and my reason for why I do what I do… I invest in people. I love people. And... music makes me happy… just do what you love and damn everything else.” (Justin, 14:03/14:20/14:31)

• Touring plans include shows in Mexico, Las Vegas’ Fremont Street, and various festivals globally.

  • “We’re just trying our best to get out there in the world and, you know, just hoping people love it as much as I do.” (Justin, 17:26)

6. Reflections on Community, Values, and Upbringing

• [18:29 – 22:32] Justin reminisces about tight-knit small towns, not knowing his family was “broke,” and appreciating the life lessons from his grandparents.
  • “I never knew we were broke… we had everything that we needed… broke was good enough for us.” (Justin, 20:56)
  • Credits a strict-yet-loving upbringing for his sense of respect and character.
  • “I think more kids need more ass whippings these days… it made me who I am.” (Justin, 21:53)

7. The Role of Respect and Good Character

• [24:30 – 25:00] Recurring theme: treat people as you want to be treated.
  • “Life is beautiful, and people are beautiful, so treat it that way.” (Justin, 24:57)

8. Southern Culture, Race, and Perceptions

• [25:00 – 26:24] Justin addresses Southern stereotypes, emphasizing his inclusive, accepting worldview and Nashville’s diverse, positive culture.
  • “If you love somebody, you love them… love everybody… how can you not care for somebody for them just being a human being?” (Justin, 25:13/25:44)

9. The Nashville Music Scene

• [27:25 – 28:14] Justin highlights the sheer volume and hidden talent pool in Nashville, with many greats going unnoticed due to the city’s fast-paced nature.

  • “There’s so many great people that I hope it never happens, but they’ll never see the light of day just because there’s so many people there doing it.” (28:14)

• On persistence: “You gotta really want to do it… if you tell me that I can’t have it, watch me.” (Justin, 29:02)

10. Music, Food, and Full Circle Moments

• [29:23 – 31:28] Music’s transformative and memory-triggering power—a Moon Pie and Yoohoo story illustrates how life’s pleasures come full circle.

  • “There’s not a lot of things that will make me smile more than great food and good people and music.” (Justin, 31:04)

• Sean underscores the importance of reputation and integrity: “I never burn bridges, never scam, never do any bad business with people. Your reputation’s important…” (Sean, 31:16)

11. The Challenge of the Public Eye and Staying Human

• [32:05 – 33:41] Musicians and creators don't get to "have a bad day;" fans' impressions are shaped by brief interactions. Justin warns that meeting your idols isn’t always positive.
  • “I’ve met people that I wish I never had met.” (Justin, 33:02)

12. Music and Basketball: Shared Passions

• [34:51 – 41:49] The conversation shifts to basketball: Justin played shooting guard, even in international tournaments, and reminisces about Orlando Magic and Dream Team memorabilia.
  • Both bond over local leagues, NBA fandom (Oklahoma City Thunder shoutouts), and the relentless spirit of playing and performing no matter the odds.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Chasing Dreams:
  "Left a great job for 10 years to just chase a dream." – Justin [14:02]

• On Connections:
  "I invest in people. I love people." – Justin [14:03]
  "Music makes me happy, and then food or whatever that people vibe with... just do what you love and damn everything else." – Justin [14:20],[14:31]

• On Upbringing & Respect:
  "I think more kids need more ass whippings these days… it made me who I am." – Justin [21:53]
  "Your word is valuable. Absolutely. It’s gold." – Justin [24:13]

• On Reputation & Kindness:
  "It's way harder to be a dick than it is to be a good person." – Justin [31:38]

• On Music’s Power:
  "You can hear a song that you haven’t heard in forever or you’ve never heard it in your life, and it can change the mood that you’re in." – Justin [29:23]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Small Town Background: 00:00 – 03:13
• Gospel Band Family & Cultural Openness: 01:31 – 03:24
• Power of Music & Food: 03:24 – 04:11
• Food Adventures & Allergies: 05:47 – 08:40
• Manual Labor Life/Leaving Comfort for Dreams: 10:07 – 14:02
• Purpose-Driven Music Career: 13:31 – 17:26
• Reflections on Community Values: 18:29 – 22:32
• Principles of Respect & Character: 24:30 – 25:00
• Southern Culture & Misconceptions: 25:00 – 26:24
• Adapting to Nashville & the Music Scene: 26:32 – 28:14
• Persistence and Success in Music: 29:02 – 29:42
• Basketball & Shared Joys: 34:51 – 41:49

Final Takeaways

This episode is a heartfelt, meandering journey through Justin Andrews’ values, upbringing, and artistic ambitions. From stories about small-town Oklahoma to candid thoughts on the music industry’s grit, Justin’s authenticity shines. He and Sean bond over their shared love for food, music, basketball, and community—all the things that, by his account, make life worth living and chasing after. The conversation ultimately underscores the power of kindness, persistence, and real human connection in a world too often focused on image and outcome.