Podcast Summary: "Nashville Songwriters: Sarah Harralson and The Women Behind the Lyrics"

Podcast: Takin’ a Walk
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Date: November 20, 2025
Guests: Sarah Harralson (host/interviewer), Wendy Moten, Judy Pastor, Delaney Ann
Recorded at: Jeannie Silly Studio, SAG-AFTRA Office, Music Row, Nashville

Episode Overview

This special episode features songwriter and artist Sarah Harralson in conversation with three other Nashville-based musicians: Wendy Moten, Judy Pastor, and Delaney Ann. The discussion centers on their upcoming documentary, "Women Behind the Lyrics," which explores the experiences of women in the music industry — both the struggles and the triumphs. The episode is an in-depth, candid look at industry challenges, sources of inspiration, and essential advice for aspiring female artists.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction to the Documentary (02:43)

• Premise: The "Women Behind the Lyrics" documentary focuses on the real-life experiences of women creating and performing music, highlighting both the glamour and the grit.
• Guests Introduced:
  • Wendy Moten: Runner-up on The Voice, veteran touring artist with Vince Gill.
  • Delaney Ann: 8th generation Texas country singer-songwriter.
  • Judy Pastor: Americana artist from Pennsylvania, now based in Nashville.

Why Join "Women Behind the Lyrics"? (02:43–03:58)

• Wendy Moten (02:49):

  "It seemed like an amazing opportunity to share my story and my journey of my musical career… and learn from some of our other divas that’s a part of this show."

• Delaney Ann (03:14):

  "I really wanted to be a part of Women Behind the Lyrics because I just feel so inspired by women in music… I thought that this could be a great way to help inspire other young artists."

• Judy Pastor (03:44):

  "I wanted to… write with women together, sing, and just have that, like, female camaraderie."

Challenges Faced by Women in Music (03:58–06:05)

• Sarah Harralson sets the tone: The music industry for women isn't all "glitter" — there's traveling, safety, and even doing makeup in gas stations!

• Wendy Moten (04:26):

  "There’s struggles no different than in everyday life for any woman… The goal is to stay true to yourself, have some boundaries… I can still look in the mirror over choices I’ve made."

• Judy Pastor (05:03):

  "There have been times… it was like the guy was more favored… but I just kept on, like Wendy said… I’m actually very grateful. I think we all are, to be women."

• Delaney Ann (05:34):

  "Usually we are the only woman on stage… me and three other guys… there’s something beautiful about being the only woman up there and being able to represent women."

Female Influences and Inspirations (06:20–08:10)

• Wendy Moten (06:20):

  "The great Aretha Franklin… Linda Ronstadt, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick… beautiful singers who had amazing abilities… the message that I want to offer to the world always mattered."

• Delaney Ann (07:11):

  "I was very inspired early by Taylor Swift… she’s just such an amazing songwriter… honestly, when I was young, I think I was doing this just to try to meet Taylor Swift one day."

• Judy Pastor (07:33):

  "Extremely inspired… by like 70s singer-songwriters… Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Carole King… I remember how they made me feel, right? And that kind of started it."

Advice for Aspiring Young Women in Music (08:10–09:20)

• Delaney Ann (08:31):

  "Get a good lawyer."

• Wendy Moten (08:35):

  "Absolutely right… own all your music. You know it’s important to own you."

• Judy Pastor (08:44):

  "Stay true to your voice. Finding your voice is so important… You have to find out what’s inside of you and let that voice come out."

• Delaney Ann (09:09):

  "You have to love it. If you don’t love it, it’s just not gonna happen… this is my gift, this is my passion, and this is what I want to do forever."

Favorite Places to Take a Walk in Nashville (09:47–10:16)

• Judy Pastor (09:47): Prefers to walk in Hermitage, around her neighborhood circle.
• Delaney Ann (09:58): “Centennial Park. I would take my dog down there and she loved to walk up the steps…”
• Wendy Moten (10:06): “If I’m in town… Broadway. There’s tons of food and tons of great music.”
• Sarah Harralson (10:16): “Percy Warner Park near Bellevue is my favorite.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On sharing stories and finding community:
  • Wendy Moten (02:49): “Life is about experiences, and this is another one of those great experiences.”
• On the duality of the female experience in music:
  • Sarah Harralson (03:58): "Sometimes we're doing our makeup in gas stations, and there's a lot more to consider being a female in the music industry, like safety on the road."
• On perseverance and gratitude:
  • Judy Pastor (05:03): "I'm actually very grateful. I think we all are, to be women."
• On the loneliness and beauty of representation:
  • Delaney Ann (05:34): “Usually we are the only woman on stage… there’s something really beautiful about being the only woman up there and being able to represent women.”
• On vital industry advice:
  • Delaney Ann & Wendy Moten (08:31–08:36):
    • Delaney: “Get a good lawyer.”
    • Wendy: “Absolutely right… own all your music. And… it’s important to own you.”
• On passion and authenticity:
  • Judy Pastor (08:44): "Finding your voice is so important because you're in a sea of voices… find out what's inside of you and then let that voice come out."
  • Delaney Ann (09:09): “If you don't love it, it's just not gonna happen.”

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Why Join Women Behind the Lyrics? — (02:43–03:58)
• Women’s Struggles and Strength in the Music Industry — (03:58–06:05)
• Influence of Female Musical Icons — (06:20–08:10)
• Essential Career Advice for Women — (08:31–09:20)
• Favorite Walking Spots in Nashville — (09:47–10:16)

Final Notes

The guests emphasized the importance of community among women in music, the challenges unique to their gender, and the need for business acumen and personal authenticity. Listeners are also encouraged to check out the new single "Paved the Way" and the documentary "Women Behind the Lyrics" via streaming platforms and the official website.