Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show Featuring Brett Young Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Bobby Bones Show, host Mike D delves deep into various aspects of Brett Young's life and career. From personal struggles and triumphs to professional insights, Brett offers an intimate portrayal of his journey as a country music artist.

1. Quitting Drinking for Family and Health

Timestamp: [01:30]

Brett Young opens up about his decision to quit drinking, emphasizing the impact it had on his health and family life.

• Brett Young: "It wasn't good for me, and it made my wife nervous that I was getting older and still kind of getting after it. So it was an easy decision for family." ([01:30])

He discusses how the challenges of early mornings with children and the negative effects of alcohol on his well-being led him to make a significant lifestyle change.

2. Touring Experiences: Hawaii and Australia

Timestamp: [05:00]

Brett shares his recent experiences touring in Hawaii and Australia, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of performing internationally.

• Brett Young: "Australia was work and fun. First headlining tour over there and then to beat the jet lag, stopped in Hawaii and flew my family out to meet me in Hawaii for a week." ([05:07])

He recounts the enthusiasm of Australian fans and the logistical aspects of managing jet lag, revealing his strategic approach to maintaining energy levels during tours.

3. Collegiate Baseball and the Path to Music

Timestamp: [28:05]

Brett reflects on his time playing baseball at Ole Miss and Fresno State, detailing how an injury pivoted his career towards music.

• Brett Young: "I suffered a nerve impingement in my left arm, which led to Tommy John surgery. This setback made me sink into a bit of depression, ultimately pushing me to focus on music." ([31:35])

He explains that leading worship in his Christian school ignited his passion for music, setting the foundation for his future career.

4. Meeting His Wife and Overcoming a Long-Term Breakup

Timestamp: [12:00]

Brett narrates the story of how he met his wife, Taylor, through a series of Facebook interactions orchestrated by mutual friends.

• Brett Young: "We dated for almost six years, broke up for two, and then reconnected. We got married within a year and started our family shortly after." ([13:06])

He candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining a relationship amidst career demands and the eventual reconciliation that strengthened their bond.

5. Songwriting: Personal Experiences and Collaboration

Timestamp: [16:14]

Brett delves into his songwriting process, highlighting how personal experiences and collaborative efforts shape his music.

• Brett Young: "Songs like 'You Ain't Here to Kiss Me' and 'Dear Me' are direct reflections of my personal journey through breakups and reunions with Taylor." ([16:44])

He emphasizes the balance between authenticity and relatability, ensuring his songs resonate with a broad audience while staying true to his experiences.

6. Navigating Fame and Public Image

Timestamp: [48:44]

Brett discusses his complex relationship with fame, expressing a desire for a balanced level of recognition that doesn't intrude on his personal life.

• Brett Young: "I like being an artist and having a presence, but I prefer to fly under the radar for everyday activities. Fame isn't something I actively seek, but I recognize its benefits for supporting my family." ([49:42])

He reflects on the challenges of maintaining privacy and authenticity amidst growing popularity, advocating for a controlled approach to his public persona.

7. New Album 2.0: Challenges and Evolution

Timestamp: [40:55]

Brett provides insights into his latest album, 2.0, discussing the creative process and the effort to evolve without losing his core identity.

• Brett Young: "The hardest part is changing enough to gain new fans without alienating the ones who have been with me from the beginning." ([40:55])

He collaborates with producers like Jimmy Robbins to experiment with new sounds, ensuring the album reflects both his growth and the contemporary shifts in country music.

8. Experiences Singing the National Anthem

Timestamp: [54:35]

Brett recounts his experience performing the national anthem at the NHL All-Star Game, where he received mixed feedback.

• Brett Young: "My rendition was shorter than average, but the audience started singing before I could finish. It got a bit of backlash on social media." ([57:03])

Despite the criticism, he remains undeterred, continuing to sing at events like Dodger Stadium, finding personal fulfillment in these moments.

9. Influences and Musical Inspirations

Timestamp: [72:55]

Brett shares his musical influences, ranging from Boyz II Men and Gavin DeGraw to Sam Cooke, highlighting the diverse inspirations that shape his sound.

• Brett Young: "Sam Cooke is my favorite voice of all time. He just sings without hesitation, and there's something special in that authenticity." ([73:56])

He emphasizes the importance of varied influences in his music, allowing him to blend different genres and styles seamlessly.

10. Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Timestamp: [75:12]

As the conversation wraps up, Brett expresses his excitement and pride in his new album, 2.0, and reflects on the vulnerabilities of releasing new music.

• Brett Young: "This is the most meaningful record I've ever put out, touching on things from ten years ago to recent experiences. I'm proud of it and hopeful it resonates with the right ears." ([67:49])

He underscores the importance of staying true to his artistic vision while navigating the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Conclusion

Brett Young's candid discussions on The Bobby Bones Show offer listeners a comprehensive look into his personal life, career challenges, and artistic evolution. From overcoming personal struggles to navigating the complexities of fame, Brett's journey is both inspiring and relatable, making this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring artists alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Quitting Drinking:
  Brett Young: "It wasn't good for me, and it made my wife nervous that I was getting older and still kind of getting after it. So it was an easy decision for family." ([01:30])

• Fame and Public Image:
  Brett Young: "I like being an artist and having a presence, but I prefer to fly under the radar for everyday activities." ([49:42])

• New Album 2.0:
  Brett Young: "The hardest part is changing enough to gain new fans without alienating the ones who have been with me from the beginning." ([40:55])

This structured and detailed summary captures all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a rich and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.