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Taking a Walk I'm Buzz Knight and this is the Taking a Walk podcast and this is our top five of 2025 countdown. A great way to end an amazing year. Now coming in at number two, this one first played back in September of this year. An extraordinary talent, she's redefining bluegrass for a new generation. Bali Tuttle, the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association's Guitar Player of the Year award, she' won that multiple times. She joined me for an incredible conversation about her journey from playing in her family's band to becoming one of the most innovative acoustic guitarists in music today. She opened up about the challenges and triumphs of her career, her work with the golden highway, and how she's inspiring countless young musicians to pick up the guitar. This is a conversation filled with authenticity, music history, insight, and the kind of passion that reminds you why music matters. Coming up next, here's Taking a Walk with the incomparable Molly Tuttle. Number two on the top five of 2025, this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human this episode of Taking a Walk is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve Whether I'm booking my next vacation or going to a concert, Cancer Chase Sapphire Reserve is my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the Club at select airports nationwide. No matter where I'm walking, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more@chase.com SapphireReserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
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And Doug. What a horrible call. Hey, ref. Open your eyes, ref. You're really not gonna call that?
D
Come on.
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A
I don't think you get what we're doing.
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Sure I do. We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
D
Nope, that's not it.
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Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty, Liberty.
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Liberty, Liberty.
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This is Sophie Cunningham from Show Me Something. Do you know the symptoms of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, or osa, in adults with obesity? They may be happening to you without you knowing. If anyone has ever said you snored loudly, or if you spend your days fighting off excessive tiredness, irritability, and concentration issues, it may be due to osa. OSA is a serious condition where your airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, which may cause breathing interruptions and oxygen deprivation. Learn more at don't sleep on OSA.com this information is provided by Lilly A medicine company.
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Taking a Walk Holly Tuttle, We've been trying to get you on this fangled podcast for a while, and now it's happening. I'm so excited.
C
I know.
D
Thanks for having me. Yeah, I'm so excited to be here.
A
Thank you so much. We're going to get into a lot of stuff, certainly the new work and what's been going on with that. But I do want to ask you first, before we get into so Long, Little Miss Sunshine, since we call this podcast Taking a Walk, Molly, if you could take a walk with somebody, living or dead, who might you take a walk with, and where would you take that walk?
D
Oh, wait, that's such a good question. The first person who kind of popped into my head would be Joni Mitchell, taking a walk with her. And my favorite place to probably take a walk would be maybe somewhere like in Big Sur. That's, like the prettiest place to me. I love going on hikes there.
A
Not a bad spot, for sure. Yeah. So congrats on so Long, Little Miss Sunshine. Before I sort of dissect it from your point of view, I thought it might be interesting to give our listeners a glimpse into what's on your personal musical playlist these days, because I think that's often a window into the creative road people are taking.
D
Totally. Yeah. I think, like, I listen to all sorts of stuff. I love going back and listening to, you know, like, music from the 70s and 80s and 90s and kind of like people. Like, some of my favorite songwriters are like, Gordon Lightfoot, and I love the Eagles. I feel like some of the new songs on the record were inspired by them. Sheryl Crowe. And then my favorites from growing up were, like, Gillian Welch and Hagel Sil Dickens. And of course, traditional bluegrass music is what I grew up listening to with my dad, and I love listening to that, too. Like Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers are probably my favorite. As far as newer music coming out. I'm always kind of listening to different albums as they come out this summer. I've been loving listening to the new Lucas Nelson album and the new Tyler Childers album of. Listen to a lot of records in that sort of, you know, country, but a little more throwback country or sort of. I don't know. I guess they used to call it alt country, but I know there's so much discussion about, like, what do we call these people who aren't on, like, the mainstream commercial country track. But, yeah, I love that type of music. I love listening to Charlie Crockett and Sierra Farrell. But, yeah, I also like some of the music I listened to a lot leading up to making this record was, like, indie rock stuff. Like, I love the Boy Genius album that came out a couple years ago, and Phoebe Bridgers is one of my favorites. In high school, I listened to a ton of indie rock. Like, the national is one of my favorite bands, and I love Bon Iver. So those are the albums that sort of. I guess when you're, like, at that age, maybe 14 to 16, I feel like the music you listen to then leaves, like, a really big impression on you. And I was really into, like, indie rock stuff in high school, so I still listen to that a lot, too.
A
See, that sheds a light on someone who's a tremendous creator, like you, who is not afraid to take different twists and turns. So I want you to describe your creative evolution to those insanely territorial bluegrass fans who are so fixated on. I love them to death, but they're so fixated on certain things. So describe your creative evolution, certainly for this project.
D
Yeah, I mean, this project was kind of. It felt like a continuation of what I had been doing prior to making my last two bluegrass records, Crooked Tree and City of Gold. It was like I knew I wanted to make some traditional. Not traditional, but, like, make some real bluegrass records at some point. And then all of a sudden, I started writing all these bluegrass songs, and I put the band golden highway, and that was, like, so much fun. But at the same time, I had this other project I had been cooking up at the same time, which became my new record, so Long Little Miss Sunshine. And the music that I kind of made, like, I did a cover record during the Pandemic where I recorded all my parts at home. And it was called But I'd Rather Be with youh. And then my record, when youn're Ready, they're both kind of in the more like, you know, singer, songwriter, indie folk realm, I guess, a little more so. This one felt like I was kind of returning to making a solo record, whereas my last two records felt like I really wanted to make them have that kind of band feel like Crooked Tree. I didn't record with my live band, golden highway, but I still wanted to have that kind of, like, playful, like, energy of you're just at a bluegrass jam. And then we made the second record, City of Gold, with the live touring band. And then we had kind of even gelled more as a band, so we had more of that kind of back and forth. But this record, I. I kind of wanted to, you know, step out as, like, a solo artist a bit more. So one thing that I've struggled with the most is, like, figuring out how does my guitar playing fit into, like, maybe a different style. Because when I'm playing bluegrass, it's so in my wheelhouse to just, like, I know I know how to play a bluegrass guitar solo. Maybe I work at my solos really hard to make them good on the record and work out a complicated solo or complicated lick here and there, but I generally know how that goes. So it's kind of a fun challenge for me to write these songs that are more in the kind of singer songwriter realm and then still figure out how do I take a virtuosic guitar solo mid song. Because that's not something that you hear a lot on this type of music. So that was something I felt like I did better than ever before on my new record. And it was really fun working with Jay Joyce because he's a great guitar player, and he had all these ideas for me on how to kind of weave my guitar playing into these songs and into this production style that is a little more rock, country, pop, whatever you want to call it. Yeah, I feel like we came up with a sound that I have a hard time really saying what genre it is. But, yeah, it was. It was a fun experience.
A
But I think that's cool that it's not, you know, this particular genre, you know, definition. I love that about it. I love that. About this work that you've done. Can you talk about the themes or stories that you explored on this new album and how you sort of got to those stories?
D
Yeah, it's definitely an album about kind of becoming yourself, being, like, unafraid to be yourself. And some of the songs are like, sort of have a coming of age theme to them. Like the last song on the album, Story of my so Called Life, I was just kind of going through these little moments that I remember throughout my life that were moments when I learned something or I grew as a person or, like, became who I am now. And like, Golden State of Mind, that song is all about kind of, you know, accepting where you're at and. And still seeing, like, the positive side of life. So I think there's definitely. That's one of the themes. Definitely travel and like, road trips and explore. Exploration of both yourself, the world around you is a theme as well. That shows up on a couple songs. But I think, like, one song that I felt like sort of encapsulated it for me was when we wrote Old Me, New Wig. It's all about just kind of stepping into yourself and saying goodbye to, like, your insecurities or something. You need to let go of that you've been maybe holding onto for too long. So this album is just kind of about being unafraid to be yourself.
A
How much in your life did these jam sessions, these family jam sessions that I think there's so many people wish they were a fly on the wall for? At your family jam sessions, how much did those impact you then and when you think about your world now impact you now?
D
Yeah, they had a big impact on me. Even just stuff that I take for granted, like playing with my brothers and my dad growing up. It's like you just learn how to play with other people, listen and listen to other people, listen to the bass and make sure you're playing at the same tempo as them and, you know, trade around the solos and you learn to just kind of listen and react to what's happening. Maybe someone is playing their solo and they accidentally skip to a different part of the song and you learn to just kind of like, go with them and. And try to do what's best for the song. And also we started playing shows when I was 11 or 12 years old. And just even basic things like you need to make a set list, you need to rehearse the whole set before you play it on stage, stuff like that, that kind of like, I feel lucky that I learned it as a little Kid, I didn't have to learn it by trial and error later on when I was playing with my own band. But, yeah, I think anyone who's trying to get better at music, I just say, go find anyone else to play with, because playing with other people is such a good way to improve. Even if you're playing with people who maybe aren't as advanced as you, you're still learning something. You're learning how to play maybe slower than you normally would. You're learning how to listen and be supportive to someone who might not be at your level. But also, I think finding people who are more advanced than you is. Is really helpful, too. And that happened to me when I was a kid and I would play with my dad's other students who were maybe a couple years older than me, and they were more advanced, and that made me want to work really hard and practice more so that I could improvise like they could and take solos like they could. So, yeah. And I remember, too, as a kid, I ended up going to Nashville and doing a kids on bluegrass thing where I met people like Sierra hall, who is, like, now one of my close friends here in Nashville. But seeing her play when she was maybe 12 or so and being like, wait, I have never heard a kid who's around my same age just absolutely shredding like that. That kind of was the moment where I was either going to quit playing all together or double down and be like, you know, maybe I'll never play exactly like her, but, like, it inspired me to want to work harder so that I could play with her someday?
A
I think it's so amazing what's going on, this revolution with you and Ciara and of course, Billy and so many others that is bringing this music and this intersection of genres to a wider audience. Could you have ever imagined when you started out that this revolution would be taking place that I think we're in the middle of, which I think is just so tremendous?
D
Yeah, it's so exciting.
A
Yeah.
D
I mean, I guess when I was a kid, we had like, oh, brother, where art thou? Came out. And that felt like its own kind of revolution where. My dad is a bluegrass teacher. He teaches all the bluegrass instruments and does private lessons, so you can even go. I'm always giving him shout outs, even though he's trying to slow down on the teaching these days. You can go to his website and even sign up for an online lesson with him. Jack Tuttle. But I remember when that movie came out, suddenly my dad was busier than ever with students. Everyone wanted to learn bluegrass, so it's kind of like a similar thing happening now. The music has sort of popped into more of the mainstream awareness, and I think it's great because it's such a good way for people to connect like in real life. And, you know, I went to like Billy's Billy String's show here in Nashville at Bridgestone arena and hearing like this music like he's playing like a Bill Monroe song to like 10,000 people. And I just wished that, like, my grandfather who played the banjo and kind of started that love of bluegrass in my family could have been there because he wouldn't have believed it. He would have been absolutely dumbfounded by seeing that. But it's just cool to see the community and people just all getting together to share this love of music. And so many of the fans play bluegrass themselves. So that's another way for people to connect. I think we need that more than ever in our current world when we're also online and glued to our phones and people are writing comments online and getting into fights and then they meet up in real life and maybe they would actually get along. So, yeah, everyone should pick up a banjo and go to their local bluegrass jam.
A
We'll be right back with more of the Taking a Walk podcast.
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Did you know? Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop. Voted PCMag's Reader's Choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere. And Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit LGUSA.com iHeart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.
C
Ten athletes will face the toughest job interview in fitness that will push past physical and mental breaking points. You are the fittest of the fit.
D
Only one of you will leave here.
C
With an IFIT contract worth $250,000.
D
This is where mindset comes in. Someone will be eliminated.
C
Pressure is coming down.
E
Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th. Watch the trailer on trainergames.com Season 2.
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Of Unrivaled Basketball is here, and the talent is unreal. The best women's players on the planet are running it back with even bigger moments and bigger stakes. Don't miss as Paige Becker, Snafeeza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more. Take the court and redefine the game. This isn't your regular season. This is unrivaled. Where the pace is faster, the energy is higher and every athlete shines unrivaled. Basketball Season 2, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, tips off January 5 on TNT, TruTV and HBO.
E
Max support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member finra, SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosure available@public.com Disclosures A new year.
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A
Welcome back to the Taking a Walk podcast. So was there any unexpected challenges with this new project or breakthroughs while creating new material? Any, you know, particular with certain songs that were these aha moments?
D
Yeah, like I think certain songs just really, I can't think of any like massive challenges, but we definitely went back and forth a lot about like who is going to play on the record? Like what is the instrumentation? How far removed are we going to take it from the work I'd done before? We brought in my partner Catch Secor to play a bunch of fiddle and banjo and mandolin because we still wanted to have those stringed instruments on the album. And then certain songs like I Remember the Highway Knows. That one took a long time for me to write and I was just kind of writing it from this simple finger picked guitar part that I thought of, that I thought was cool. But it took forever for me to figure out like how do I put words to this? And then when we got it into the studio, that was one where it was a nice song and kind of just chugged along. But then Jay was. He came up with this whole other part that you hear midway through where suddenly I'm switching to flat picking and I'm taking this big solo on it. So there were songs like that that just took a couple months to kind of slowly develop and make it into their final form that ended up on the album. Another one was like, everything burns. I think we just. I was so on the fence about like the song itself. I'm like, do we record it? Do we not record it? And then when Jay came in one day he was like, I was up till 4am and I made this whole instrumental section midway through and I have ideas. We totally rewrote the chorus and this and that. So songs like that, they really transformed and became pretty different both lyrically and like just arrangement wise than they were before. So it was like. It was really fun to spend a couple months last fall just every day going into the studio and kind of developing these songs slowly.
A
Your guitar playing, it's. It's renowned for its precision, it's tremendous emotion. How do you balance the technical skill with this heartfelt expression?
D
Yeah, I think that's something that like I find to be a challenge because I don't want to like shoehorn fast guitar licks into every single song. But at the same time it's like such a big part of what I do is I'm a guitar player and I want to be able to express myself on the instrument as well as like through my lyrics and my singing. So yeah, I think this was a record where I felt like that was what we spent the most time on was we had the songs but then we would spend so much time on the guitar parts because we knew we wanted them to be. Even if I'm not taking like face melting solo with a million notes in each song, we at least wanted them to be interesting and kind of catch your ear in a way. So yeah, I think ultimately I always want to like serve the song first and like play what is going to make the song sound good and kind of fit the emotion of the song. But I do try to, you know, come up with parts that are a little more kind of sophisticated than just, you know, when I'm writing a song, usually I'm just kind of strumming chords and not really playing much on the guitar. And then that's kind of the last part that comes like, okay, well, what do I. What am I going to play on the guitar? So I'm not just kind of strumming, strumming along. But if you listen to, like, any of my first demos, it's just. I'm not even, like, holding a pick sometimes. I'm just kind of like, the guitar is such an afterthought when I first write the songs, except on the ones where I'm coming up with the guitar part first, there's like a few where I'll come up with a guitar part I really like and then write the song. But usually it's kind of the other way around. Yeah.
A
How do you maintain creativity and motivation when you face the pressures of touring and of an industry that is so incredibly, you know, competitive?
D
Yeah, it's. It's definitely like a. It's a lot to be touring so much, and then you want to be recording your best work when you're home. But it's hard to stay constant with the writing songs and going into the studio, and so rarely you have a very long chunk of time at home. At least for me, I play at least 100 dates most years, but that's not even including all the days that you're traveling in between shows. So, yeah, it can be really tough. But for me, I generally try to remember that the only real reason I'm doing. Doing this is to try to make people happy, you know, bring, like, joy to people's lives. Like, I go out there and I love seeing the audience having a good time. And I also try to kind of. With my music, I try to have a message, too, of, like, for me, it's like, really important to kind of bring this message of like, it's okay to be who you are, be yourself. Because that's like a journey that I've been on personally, and I write a lot about it in my songs. So that's basically what keeps me going, is, like, even if I'm tired, I'm at least trying to do my best to brighten someone's day, spread a little love throughout the world. And even if I'm really tired, even if I have a cold or this or that, I'm just going to get on stage and do my best and Yeah, I don't think a lot of people, especially when you're starting out in the roots music or the bluegrass or any world that's not like, you know, main a mainstream genre. Most of us aren't getting into this because we want to be famous or we want to make the most money or sell the most records. Like, we genuinely love music. And I would be playing music no matter what. Even if, like, I was teaching music or just working at a venue or playing in other people's bands, this or that. I just kind of, you know, I love playing music, and that's. I'm gonna do that as long as I can, so.
A
And you love finding interesting covers throughout your career. You really. You blow people away with your execution of some of these covers over time. There's a cover I want you to talk about on the new album.
D
Yes. Yeah. It's like, I can't even escape it now. Like, I didn't after I made a cover record during the pandemic. I think I can't. I think maybe recorded 10 tracks on that, so 10 covers. I was like, I'm done with covers. I'm not going to record any more covers. And then I'll on this record one day. Jay Joyce was like, I really want to cover that song. I love it. And I had just heard it, like, on. I forget where I'd heard it, but it had really caught my ear, and I was like, oh, I remember that song. I love that song. So it felt kind of fortuitous that he then, like, the next day, had mentioned he wanted to do, like, a slowed down, kind of trippy version of it. So I was like, yeah, let's do it. Like, I'll learn it tonight. So I learned it that night, and we came in and recorded it just in a couple hours, just me and him. And then Catch played some banjo. A couple weeks later, we actually tracked the record for real. And then when he sent me the whole thing, he had put that one in the middle. And I listened down. I was like, hey, I actually, like, it works like I'm down. Let's put it on the album. And it's been such a fun little surprise for people, like, who both listen to the record. And then when we do it, we've been doing it live, and I just like watching people's faces because they don't know what song it is at first. And then they're like, wait, what? And they try to sing along, but it's like, pretty different than the original version, so.
A
And that's Charlie, really fun. That's.
D
That's Iconopop and Charlie xcx. But I love it. Yes.
A
Yeah. Yeah. Wow. Yeah. I love how your expression of kind of wonderment comes out when you're thinking about people going, I know that song. Wait a minute. She's twisting it up a little bit differently and finding her way, which is so, so cool. Yeah. For someone who's been such a risk taker and continues to be. I want to close with this question. I know for you there's got to be some influential people who have been risk takers who clearly influenced you and your risk taking. Who are some of those people?
D
Oh, yeah. I mean, so many of my heroes kind of play all different genres and styles. Like, people like Bay Le Fleck here in Nashville. I've gotten to play with him, and he, like, I think I heard that he's one Grammys in the most different categories of anyone else. And so someone like that, especially as I'm releasing this new record, that is sort of a different stylistic jump for me. Like, I really admire people like that who just kind of follow their heart and experiment with different sounds whenever they want. I did watch the Bob Dylan movie this spring, and he is definitely, like, a risk taker as well that I admire. I've been a big Bob Dylan fan as long as I've been. He was kind of the first person who I listened to his music, and I was like, maybe I could write a song. And he kind of inspired me to start songwriting. I know I mentioned Joni Mitchell earlier, and she's one of my favorites as well. Another person who, like, wasn't afraid to mix up her sound and take risks, but, yeah, there's too many to count. I'm trying to think another hero of mine, and she doesn't really mix up her sound as much as others as Gillian Welch here in Nashville. I feel like she's kind of carved her own thing that's so different from what anyone else is doing, and that's kind of brave in its own way, is just sticking truly to who you are and crafting your own sound that's uniquely you. I got to see her play at the Ryman earlier this spring, and it was, like, one of the best shows I've ever seen. It was so cool. But yeah.
A
All right. There's one more person I want to ask you about who I know must have had some influence or does have an influence. It's Jerry Douglas.
D
Yes, I love Jerry. He produced both Crooked Tree and City of Gold with me. We co produced them together. It was so much fun working with such a musical hero like that. And he's just been such a great mentor to me as well if I ever have career questions or unsure about this or that. Like, he's done so many different things. He's led his own band, he's been a band member of like, Allison Krausen, Union Station, he's produced albums, he's played on so many different albums. So he's kind of, you know, worn all these different hats in the music industry and so that's someone I really look up to as well. And he always has the best advice and it's just always such a joy to get to play with.
A
Fair to say he's a bit of a savant, don't you think?
D
Yeah, yeah. He just knows exactly what to play at all the right times to make the song sound that much better.
A
I dare say, Molly Tuttle, I consider you a savant as well.
D
Thank you.
A
Thank you for being on Congrats on so thanks for having me, Little Miss Sunshine. And I'm so grateful that you took the time to be on Taking a Walk. Thank you.
D
Yeah, thanks for having me. I'll see you next time.
A
Thanks for listening to this episode of the Taking a Walk Podcast. Share this and other episodes with your friends and follow us so you never miss an episode. Taking a Walk is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. This episode of Taking a Walk is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether I'm booking my next vacation or going to a concert, Chase Sapphire Reserve is my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. No matter where I'm walking, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more@chase.com SapphireReserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
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Did you know Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop voted PCMag's Reader's Choice Top Laptop Brand for 2020 25. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere and Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit LGUSA.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11 PCMag Reader's Choice. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
C
Ten athletes will face the toughest job interview in fitness that will push past physical and mental breaking points. You are the fittest of the fit. Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract worth $250,000.
D
This is where mindset comes in.
C
Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down.
E
Trainer Games on Prime Video January 8th. Watch the trailer on trainergames.com Season 2.
C
Of Unrivaled Basketball is here and the talent is unreal. The best women's players on the planet are running it back with even bigger moments and bigger stakes. Don't miss as Paige Becker, Snafeeza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Briana Stewart and more. Take the court and redefine the game. This isn't your regular season. This is unrivaled, where the pace is faster, the energy is higher and every athlete shines. Unrivaled basketball season two, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, tips off January 5 on TNT, TruTV and HBO Max.
E
Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc, LLC SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures available@public.com Disclosures this is an iHeart podcast.
D
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Takin' A Walk – Music History with Buzz Knight
Episode: The Amazing Molly Tuttle: Roots, Roads and Reinvention and Making Music History
Date: December 25, 2025
Host: Buzz Knight
Guest: Molly Tuttle
This episode features celebrated guitarist, singer-songwriter, and genre-defying artist Molly Tuttle. Buzz Knight and Molly delve into her musical journey—from family bluegrass jams in her youth, through breaking barriers as the first woman to win IBMA’s Guitar Player of the Year, to her ever-evolving creative output including her new album So Long, Little Miss Sunshine. Through candid conversation, Molly unpacks the inspirations, challenges, and breakthroughs of her career, her philosophy on risk-taking and reinvention, and her hopes for the future of roots music.
Molly’s dream walk: Joni Mitchell, hiking in Big Sur.
“The first person who kind of popped into my head would be Joni Mitchell…My favorite place to probably take a walk would be maybe somewhere like in Big Sur.”
(Molly Tuttle, 05:02)
Playlist influences
Embracing change, moving between bluegrass, indie folk, and singer-songwriter sounds.
Crooked Tree and City of Gold: Bluegrass records—band-driven, live energy.
So Long, Little Miss Sunshine: Return to solo artistry; challenging herself to fit guitar virtuosity into different genres.
Guitar approach:
Central Idea: Embracing selfhood and growth.
Story of My So-Called Life: Coming of age reflection
Golden State of Mind: Optimistic acceptance of the present
Old Me, New Wig: Letting go of insecurities to step into your true self
Additional themes: travel, road trips, self-exploration, the passage of time.
Recounts formative family jam sessions:
Mentors & peer inspiration:
On the roots revival:
Cites the influence of O Brother, Where Art Thou? era and notes similar surges of interest today.
“Songs like that, they really transformed and became pretty different both lyrically and…arrangement-wise than they were before.”
(Molly, 21:33)
Constant tension between virtuoso guitar and serving the song.
The guitar parts often come last in the writing process—first, lyric and chords, then signature riffs and arrangements.
Rigorous touring schedule (100+ shows a year).
Roots music artists rarely enter the field for fame or money—driven by love for the music and the desire to bring joy and encouragement to others.
Music as sustenance:
“We’ve been doing it live, and I just like watching people’s faces because they don’t know what song it is at first. And then they’re like, wait, what? And they try to sing along, but it’s like, pretty different than the original version.”
(Molly, 27:53)
“He’s done so many different things…he’s kind of worn all these different hats in the music industry and so that’s someone I really look up to as well.”
(Molly, 30:51)
On genre:
“I have a hard time really saying what genre it is. But, yeah, it was…it was a fun experience.”
(Molly, 10:30)
On growth & self-acceptance:
“This album is just kind of about being unafraid to be yourself.”
(Molly, 12:07)
On bluegrass’s resurgence:
“I just wished that, like, my grandfather who played the banjo and kind of started that love of bluegrass in my family could have been there because he wouldn’t have believed it…But it’s just cool to see the community and people just all getting together to share this love of music.”
(Molly, 16:44)
On risk-taking mentors:
“So many of my heroes kind of play all different genres and styles…especially as I’m releasing this new record that is sort of a different stylistic jump for me, I really admire people like that who just kind of follow their heart and experiment with different sounds whenever they want.”
(Molly, 28:56)
Host closing tribute:
“I dare say, Molly Tuttle, I consider you a savant as well.”
(Buzz, 31:34)
Molly Tuttle’s episode on “Takin’ A Walk” captures a portrait of an artist eager to embrace tradition and buck its constraints, committed to self-realization, and motivated by the opportunity to spread connection through music. Her journey from family jams to Americana and indie explorations, her thoughtful philosophy, and the respect she gives to mentors and peers offer not just a history lesson, but inspiration for anyone navigating creativity, risk, and community in the music world.