Podcast
Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations
Hosted by Hops & Spirits · EN
No matter how you like it, grab your favorite drink and join us for a fun conversation. Bar Conversations features interviews musicians, personalities and entertainers as they talk about their careers, new projects coming and so much more. A new podcast is released every week.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stephen Day | Rock Bottom Baby, Gold Mine & life on the road
2d ago00:56:29Tap to summarizeNashville-based singer-songwriter Stephen Day joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest single “Rock Bottom Baby,” his journey from Georgia to Nashville, and the experiences that have shaped his unique blend of music. Stephen reflects on growing up in a musical family, discovering his mother’s guitar, and finding inspiration in artists like John Mayer that sparked his passion for songwriting. He also shares stories from his early days at Belmont University, releasing music while still in college, and navigating the challenges of building a career through years of touring, sleeping on floors, and chasing opportunities wherever they appeared.Stephen also dives into the creative process behind his album Gold Mine, including writing dozens of songs before narrowing the project to its final tracklist. He discusses collaborating with artists and friends like Allen Stone and Stephen Sanchez, the inspiration behind “Rock Bottom Baby,” and what fans can expect from the next chapter of his music. Plus, Stephen talks about bringing a full-band energy to the stage, his favorite songs to perform live, upcoming festival appearances, and what the rest of 2026 has in store.Jonathan’s Drinking: Shortbarrel Rye 101
Transcribe →Dave Fenley on fatherhood, the Opry & Rest Of My Life
1w ago00:52:19Tap to summarizeCountry singer-songwriter Dave Fenley joins Bar Conversations to talk about his new album Rest Of My Life, the long road that led to the project, and the experiences that continue to shape both his music and personal life. Dave reflects on growing up between Texas and Canada, singing harmonies with his father after baseball games and in church, fronting a rock band during the grunge era, and eventually leaving college behind to chase music full-time. He also shares stories from his appearances on America’s Got Talent and The Voice, how a broken guitar string at Whiskey Jam unexpectedly led to touring with Miranda Lambert, and the impact those moments had on his career.Dave also dives into the making of Rest Of My Life, his first full-length album in 15 years, including the songwriting process behind tracks like “Waiting For,” “Pretty Face,” and the heartfelt title track inspired by fatherhood and family life. He talks about life as a husband and girl dad, his growing love for bourbon, upcoming projects tied to whiskey, and what it means to prepare for his Grand Ole Opry debut. Plus, Dave opens up about touring across Canada, connecting with fans beyond language barriers, what he loves most about performing live, and what fans can expect next.Jonathan’s Drinking: Rare Character Single Barrel Series
Transcribe →Landon Smith on “Lavender,” TikTok & his journey to Nashville
2w ago00:35:32Tap to summarizeCountry singer-songwriter and guitarist Landon Smith joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest single “Lavender,” his rise from Georgia college bars to Nashville, and the experiences shaping his next chapter as an artist. Landon reflects on growing up in McDonough, playing in bands throughout middle and high school, and cutting his teeth performing frat parties at Georgia Southern University. He also shares how a viral TikTok moment with “If You Want Me Tonight” changed everything and ultimately led him to pursue music full-time in Music City.Landon also dives into the evolution of his sound, from recording songs on an iPad with GarageBand to working with GRAMMY-winning producer Dave Cobb. He talks about the storytelling behind songs like “Pawn Shop Collectibles” and “Lavender,” including how an unexpected inspiration from Fergie helped shape one of the track’s emotional moments. Plus, Landon opens up about songwriting, touring with artists like Riley Green, Ella Langley, and Gavin Adcock, what he loves most about performing live, and what fans can expect next.Jonathan’s Drinking: Larrikin Bourbon Rosewater
Transcribe →Drake White on “Tradition,” his recovery & Ladder to the Sky documentary
3w ago00:53:20Tap to summarizeCountry singer-songwriter Drake White returns to Bar Conversations to talk about his latest music, including the single “Tradition,” and his powerful documentary Ladder to the Sky: A Hunt’s the Healing Story. Drake reflects on his Alabama roots, family life, faith and the journey that has shaped both his music and mindset—from surviving a life-altering stroke in 2019 to becoming an advocate for brain health and recovery. He opens up about choosing to live as “the victor,” the emotional inspiration behind his documentary, and how hunting, healing, and music all became deeply connected during his recovery process.Drake also dives into his recent music, including the soulful energy behind “Tradition,” the boundary-pushing sound of “Nights on Fire,” and the release of Scattered, Smothered, Covered. He discusses touring with Riley Green, the brotherhood they’ve built on the road, and the continued growth of his annual Benefit For The Brain fundraiser supporting stroke recovery, veterans with PTSD, and children’s brain health. Plus, Drake talks about partnering with Three Chord Bourbon on “The Spirit of the Storyteller” bourbon, life on stage these days, and what fans can expect next.Jonathan’s Drinking: Three Chord Strange Collab
Transcribe →CJ Solar on #1 Hits, The Old Souls & “Black Label Blues”
4w ago00:57:28Tap to summarizeCountry singer-songwriter CJ Solar talks about their new single “Black Label Blues,” the title track from the CJ Solar & The Old Souls forthcoming album. CJ reflects on his Louisiana roots, growing up in Baton Rouge, and the early influences that shaped his path—from starting a band with his brothers at age 10 to a life-changing trip to the Grand Ole Opry that sparked his love for songwriting. He also looks back on his rise in Nashville, including writing No. 1 hits for Morgan Wallen and Jameson Rodgers, and how those milestones helped define his career.CJ dives into this new chapter with the Old Souls, embracing a more organic, vintage-inspired sound alongside collaborators like Steve Gorman and Jeffrey Steele. He shares the story behind “Black Label Blues” and discusses his partnership with Sugarfield Spirits on a special bourbon release tied to the project. Plus, he talks about returning home for a Baton Rouge show and bottle signing, hitting the road this summer, and what fans can expect next.Jonathan’s Drinking: Sugarfield Black Label Blues Bourbon
Transcribe →Cigarettes @ Sunset on Possum Rock, Touring & Mountain Roots
Apr 2700:42:05Tap to summarizeCountry rock band Cigarettes @ Sunset joins Bar Conversations to talk about their new EP Possum Rock and the journey from the Blue Ridge Mountains to life on the road. Featuring Garrett Dellinger, Wells Whitman, Sarah Vann, Ryland Bagbey, and Ethan Moore, the band reflects on how friendships formed in the Boone and Banner Elk, North Carolina area helped shape their sound, along with the mountain culture and musical influences. From “loitering” and making music together to landing a debut with Lost Highway Records, Cigarettes @ Sunset shares how their chemistry became the foundation for their growing success.The band also dives into the making of Possum Rock, including tracks like Theresa, Old Bleached Hair, Leave You (If It’s the Right Thing To Do), and My Fix, exploring everything from rowdy heartbreak to deeply personal storytelling. They also talk about touring with Dexter and The Moonrocks, Ole 60, and heading overseas with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, plus what fans can expect from their high-energy live shows and what’s ahead in 2026.Jonathan's Drinking: Southern Star Paragon Cask Strength
Transcribe →Styles Haury on new 5 TO 9 EP, songwriting & journey to Nashville
Apr 2000:59:47Tap to summarizeCountry artist and songwriter Styles Haury joins Bar Conversations to talk about his upcoming 5 TO 9 EP, out May 15, and the journey that took him from blue-collar roots to Nashville success. Raised between Northeast Ohio and North Carolina, Styles shares how family, faith and a strong work ethic shaped his path—from working as a union pipefitter to chasing music full-time, backed by the unforgettable sacrifice of his dad selling his Corvette to help fund the dream. He also reflects on his rise as a songwriter, including landing a No. 1 hit with Luke Bryan’s “Country On,” and how those moments helped define his career.Styles also dives into the making of the 5 TO 9 EP, a project rooted in real life, fatherhood, and the grind between work and chasing purpose. He talks about collaborating with top producers Phil O’Donnell and Chris DeStefano, the meaning behind songs like Boxes and Broke Down In My Truck, and how becoming a dad reshaped his songwriting. Plus, he reflects on making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, sharing the stage with artists like Dwight Yoakam, Darius Rucker, and Brantley Gilbert, and what fans can expect next in 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: Middle West Michelone Reserve Cask Strength
Transcribe →Filmore on Atypical, fatherhood & his Nashville journey
Apr 600:51:28Tap to summarizeCountry singer-songwriter Filmore joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest album Atypical and the journey that’s defined his career in Nashville. Filmore reflects on growing up in Missouri, discovering music in an unexpected way, and eventually making the leap to Nashville in 2011—selling his Jeep to chase the dream. From his breakout hit Slower to building a fanbase one show at a time, he shares how saying “yes” to opportunities helped shape his path as an independent artist.Filmore also dives into the making of Atypical, a deeply personal project featuring 21 songs written across more than a decade. He talks about blending genres through collaborations like “Yeehaw” with Pitbull, making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, and becoming the first independent country artist featured on Spotify’s Hot Country cover. Plus, Filmore opens up about fatherhood, his creative process and what fans can expect next in 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: Stowloch Whiskey
Transcribe →Ashland Craft on dive bar beauty queen, new collabs & her journey
Mar 3001:01:23Tap to summarizeCountry singer-songwriter Ashland Craft joins Bar Conversations to talk about her latest album dive bar beauty queen, out now, along with newly released reimagined collaborations from the project. Ashland reflects on growing up in South Carolina, where a blue-collar upbringing and strong work ethic helped shape her authentic sound. From learning guitar by watching CMT to singing in church and playing local bars at just 17, she shares the early experiences that fueled her passion for music and ultimately led her to the national stage on The Voice, where she worked with Miley Cyrus.Ashland also dives into the making of dive bar beauty queen, including writing or co-writing nearly every track and taking a more hands-on role in shaping the record’s sound. She talks about standout songs like Kick Rocks Cowboy and the story behind the title track, plus her recent collaborations with Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, and Mae Estes. She also reflects on making her debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, touring internationally, and her mission to create music that feels like a friend to her fans—along with what’s ahead in 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: Rare Character 2026 Rye Batch 1
Transcribe →Leah Blevins on All Dressed Up & finding her true voice
Mar 2300:31:49Tap to summarizeCountry singer-songwriter Leah Blevins joins Bar Conversations to talk about her new album All Dressed Up, out March 20, 2026, and the path that led her from Sandy Hook to Nashville. Leah reflects on growing up in a musical, faith-driven family in Eastern Kentucky, the early influences that shaped her sound, and the journey of embracing her natural voice after being told she was “too country.”She also dives into the making of All Dressed Up, working with Dan Auerbach at Easy Eye Sound to create a more honest and fully realized record. Leah shares insight into the emotion behind songs like Lonely and Diggin’ in the Coal, her growth as a songwriter, and what’s next in 2026.Jonathan's Drinking: Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release 6
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