Podcast Summary: takin' a walk – Romeo Vaughn on Nashville's Music Scene, Songwriting Journey, and Building a Career in Music City

Host: Sarah Harrelson (guest-hosting for Buzz Knight)
Guest: Romeo Vaughn
Release Date: November 27, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Overview

This episode spotlights Romeo Vaughn, a Mexican American country artist whose journey to Nashville is defined by perseverance, resilience, and authenticity. Romeo shares his story of growing up in Santa Rosa, Texas, performing in Grammy-winning bands, enduring homelessness, fighting addiction, and rebuilding his life and career in Music City. The conversation offers a deeply human look at what it takes to chase big dreams from a small town, as well as the music and personal values that shape his artistry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Musical Roots and Career Beginnings

• Romeo grew up immersed in music, encouraged by family connections to major Latin acts like Signal and the Kumbia Kings.
• By his teens, he was performing on international stages and TV:
  "I was 15 years old and I performed in Monterey, Mexico in front of 94,000 people... I've been to all 48 states before I was 18, and performing all over Mexico and South... But never in my own truth." (03:14–04:32)
• Emphasized that early opportunities were always as part of a group—never as a solo artist expressing his authentic self.

2. Moving to Nashville & Experiencing Homelessness

• Relocated to Nashville in pursuit of musical dreams and faced 16 weeks of homelessness.
• Sought support from Matthew 25, a nonprofit serving homeless veterans, after encouragement from his brother.
  "I would not be here talking to you if it wasn't for God working through Matthew 25." (05:11)
• Describes the humility and discipline required to rebuild, including adhering to program rules, working at Outback Steakhouse, and becoming self-reliant within six weeks.
• Recurring theme: finding faith and gratitude through adversity.
  "When I make it, Matthew 25 makes it. They will never need anything ever again." (10:33)

3. Giving Back & Using His Platform for Good

• Actively involved in donating food and clothes for Matthew 25; integrates this gratitude into his music and public messaging.
• "The more my platform allows me to do more, the more I will do in Matthew 25." (10:32)
• Music video for upcoming single, Big Dreams from a Small Town, features Matthew 25, showcasing its pivotal role in his journey.

4. Songwriting Transformation and Sobriety

• Discussed shift from party-themed songwriting when struggling with addiction, to more honest, meaningful storytelling.
• "The writing has changed because the man has changed." (12:45)
• Recent works balance past nostalgia (Wild Bills Nights) and universal hope (Big Dreams from a Small Town), designed to inspire listeners from any small town to pursue their own ambitions.

5. The Message of Big Dreams from a Small Town

• Song is intended not just for aspiring artists but for anyone with ambition, regardless of their field.
• "Not everybody wants to be a country music artist... But if they can hear a song like Big Dreams from a Small Town, and be like, you know what, I am from... a small town—that doesn't happen to people like me... but they hear Big Dreams from a Small Town, and they're like, you know what? I can do this." (15:28–16:12)

6. Faith and Perspective

• Openly discusses his Christian faith as an anchor during difficulties and as a shield against criticism.
• "When I think about Christ, I'm like, they killed him for being perfect. Who am I to think that they won't judge me?" (17:19)

7. Fashion, Identity & Working with Manuel

• Designs his own stagewear—developed skills inspired by his seamstress aunt and refined by working with legendary Nashville designer Manuel.
• "You gotta make your own path and make your own way. And so I took what he taught me, I took what my tia taught me and... here we are patching stuff up." (19:35–20:02)

8. Favorite Nashville Spot for ‘Taking a Walk’

• Reveals his daily tradition of walking (and running) at Two Rivers Parkway, describing it as a spiritual and routine anchor.
• "If I'm in Nashville, I'm there every morning... Two Rivers Parkway is my favorite place to take a walk in Nashville." (21:33–21:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the struggle and hope:

  "Whoever said it wasn't easy wasn't telling a lie..." – Romeo Vaughn (16:11)

• On giving back:

  "When I make it, Matthew 25 makes it. They will never need anything ever again." – Romeo Vaughn (10:33)

• On songwriting evolution:

  "The writing has changed because the man has changed." – Romeo Vaughn (12:45)

• On handling criticism and faith:

  "They killed [Jesus] for being perfect. Who am I to think that they won't judge me?" – Romeo Vaughn (17:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Romeo’s musical upbringing and early career: 02:32–04:44
• Homelessness and support from Matthew 25: 05:07–10:44
• Charity, gratitude, and giving back: 10:44–11:29
• Authenticity in music videos: 11:29–12:14
• Songwriting transition and impact of sobriety: 12:44–13:38
• About ‘Big Dreams from a Small Town’ / universal dreams: 15:28–16:25
• Faith and resilience in criticism: 16:51–17:36
• Fashion, stagewear, and Manuel connection: 17:36–20:08
• Favorite walking spot in Nashville: 20:28–21:46

Tone & Atmosphere

The tone of the episode is intimate, humble, and deeply personal—storytelling punctuated by a sense of hope, gratitude, and humor. Romeo is vulnerable and sincere, never shying away from life’s difficult chapters, while the host, Sarah Harrelson, is empathetic, supportive, and inquisitive.

Final Takeaway

This moving episode reminds listeners that the winding path to success in music—and life—often begins in hardship and is paved with moments of grace, perseverance, and service. Romeo Vaughn’s journey embodies the spirit of Nashville and gives hope to anyone chasing big dreams from humble beginnings.