Podcast Summary

takin' a walk – "Scotty Hasting: New Music, Service and Sacrifice"

Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Scotty Hasting

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode dives deep into the extraordinary life journey of country artist and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hasting. From his early love of country music with his dad to a life-altering injury in Afghanistan and his inspiring recovery through music, Scotty shares what it means to persevere, give back, and use music as a force for healing—for himself and other veterans. The conversation explores themes of resilience, purpose, mentorship, and the unifying power of song.

Key Discussion Points

1. Personal Loss and Perspective (02:31)

• Who Would You Take a Walk With?
  • Scotty would choose his father, who recently passed away. The emotional weight of this loss sets a deeply personal tone for the conversation.
  • "I just lost my dad June 1st, so my dad, I don't care where we're walking as long as I'm with you." — Scotty Hasting (02:51)

2. Musical Upbringing and Discovery (03:41)

• First Connection to Music
  • Childhood split between Cincinnati and Kentucky; discovered country music with his dad—a love sparked specifically by Garth Brooks.
  • "We listened to that cassette. We listened to one side… flipped it over… and did that over and over again. Garth Brooks music is the music that made me fall in love with country music."* — Scotty Hasting* (03:46)

3. Music as Therapy During Recovery (05:23)

• Country Music and Healing
  • 90s country left a huge impact, but after his injury and during recovery at Walter Reed, it became about songs that “force you to feel,” mentioning Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This,” Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” and Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer.”
  • "There's songs that just make you feel and just… force you to feel… the most beautiful songs that happen, and those are the ones that I truly connected with and still do." — Scotty Hasting (05:23)

4. Musical Mentorship and Industry Breakthrough (06:43 – 10:10)

• Serendipitous Encounter
  • Chance meeting with Michael Kerr (son of Black River Entertainment’s CEO), who appreciated Scotty’s story and music goals.
  • Within hours, Scotty is called by Doug Johnson (A&R, Black River), leading to an extensive meeting with the team and, eventually, a record and publishing deal.
  • "I had one song out called ‘Truck It’… I wanted to help veterans who are struggling… And that's all that matters to me. I just want to help people." — Scotty Hasting (06:43)
  • "Around Black River for about a year, I was just known as Doug's guy… and then about a year and a half after that conversation was when they presented me with a record deal and a publishing deal." (09:18)

5. Breakout Releases and Collaborations (10:11)

• Debut EP and Notable Performances
  • Released 1st EP, “I’m America,” in May 2024.
  • Turning point: “Till the Last Shots Fired” with Lee Brice and Dolly Parton.
  • Meeting Lee Brice:
    • "Lee is one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met… He just wanted to be a part of what this is. This song is incredible and your story is amazing." — Scotty Hasting (10:57-11:40)
    • Scotty describes witnessing Lee’s artistry in the studio as transformative for his own growth.
    • Their friendship developed beyond music.

6. Performing at Major Events (13:48)

• Normandy D-Day 80th Anniversary
  • Represented the US with performances in Normandy, connecting with WWII veterans.
  • "It was, if not the most incredible experience I’ve ever had… especially as a veteran, the World War II guys were like it. Those are my heroes." — Scotty Hasting (13:48)
  • Highlighted meeting Dennis Bolt, a veteran returning to Normandy for the first time since combat.

7. Grand Ole Opry Debut (15:31)

• A Lifelong Dream
  • Debuted at the Opry during the Forrest Gump 30th anniversary event.
  • Invited by Gary Sinise; describes feeling the ongoing “weight” and honor of stepping into the Opry circle.
  • "The Opry is the mountaintop… the top. That’s where everyone wants to be… Every time I’m there, I feel it every single time." — Scotty Hasting (15:31)

8. Advocacy and Giving Back (16:25)

• Veteran Nonprofits
  • Credits veteran nonprofits with saving his life and finds it natural to align with those committed to helping others.
  • Highlights: PenFed Foundation, Creative Vets, Guitars for Vets, Tunnel to Towers, Folds of Honor.
  • "Veteran nonprofits saved my life. They have." — Scotty Hasting (16:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I just want to help people. I don't care about anything else… I've used music as therapy and I want to continue to use it and help." — Scotty Hasting (07:51)
• "There's songs that just make you feel and… force you to feel… those are the ones that I truly connected with and still do." — Scotty Hasting (05:23)
• "I was able to get in rooms with these writers… I could have only imagined ever being able to be in with." — Scotty Hasting (09:18)
• "Lee [Brice]… just wanted to hang out and it was… amazing. He's since become a very dear friend of mine, which is something I never thought in a million years I would ever say." — Scotty Hasting (12:11)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 02:31 – Scotty’s wish to take a walk with his late father
• 03:41 – First musical memory with his dad and Garth Brooks
• 05:23 – Impact of 90s country music and songs as therapy
• 06:43 – Chance encounter at car dealership leading to music career breakthrough
• 09:18 – Signing with Black River Entertainment
• 10:11–12:44 – Collaborating with Lee Brice, creation of “Till the Last Shots Fired”
• 13:48 – Performing at Normandy D-Day Anniversary, connecting with WWII veterans
• 15:31 – Grand Ole Opry debut and its personal significance
• 16:25 – Veteran nonprofit partnerships and giving back to the community

Tone and Atmosphere

The conversation is deeply heartfelt, filled with gratitude, genuine admiration, and purpose. Scotty’s humility and sense of mission shine through, while Buzz offers empathy, warmth, and respect throughout.

Final Thoughts

This episode of “takin’ a walk” offers a moving portrait of how music and service can intersect, highlighting the healing power of both, and showcasing Scotty Hasting’s ongoing journey from wounded veteran to musical storyteller and advocate for others. Scotty’s conviction to use his talent and hard-won wisdom to make a difference leaves a resonant message of hope, service, and the enduring power of song.