Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show Episode: BOBBYCAST: Cody Jinks on Why People Think He’s Mean + The Reason He Quit Drinking + From Playing 200 Shows a Year to Spending More Time with Family + How an Identity Crisis Led To a Big Mistake
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Host: Bobby Bones
Guest: Cody Jinks
Provider: Premiere Networks

Introduction

In episode 528 of The Bobby Bones Show, host Bobby Bones engages in a candid and heartfelt conversation with acclaimed country artist Cody Jinks. The episode delves deep into Cody's personal struggles, career transformation, and the misconceptions surrounding his personality. Listeners are offered an intimate look into Cody's journey from intensive touring to prioritizing family and sobriety.

Breaking Down the Misconceptions

Cody Jinks opens up about the preconceived notions people have about him based on his rugged appearance. With tattoos, a beard, and a background in thrash metal bands, many assume he's a stern or unapproachable individual.

Cody Jinks [03:44]: "I went and did a show in Alabama for 7,000 people. The next night, nobody knew it was me. When I walked out on stage, it was the weirdest thing I can ever remember happening in my life because I was already messed up."

Bobby Bones shares his initial apprehensions about Cody but quickly dispels them through their interaction.

Bobby Bones [05:10]: "I found you to be really cerebral. I found you to be quite generous and kind with your time."

Cody acknowledges that his demeanor can be misunderstood, especially by his own daughter, who perceives him as constantly upset due to his appearance.

Cody Jinks [06:12]: "She goes, 'Dad, you look mad all the time.' I was like, 'Casey, Casey.' I was just talking to my sister Casey..."

Family and Personal Life

Cody emphasizes the importance of family in his recent life changes. The demanding nature of touring—playing over 200 shows a year—had strained his relationships, particularly with his children.

Cody Jinks [34:05]: "I was mad at the world. I don't know what the goal was—just how pissed I was."

The conversation touches on how Cody's strict upbringing influenced his personality. His father's unpredictability and struggles with bipolar disorder left a lasting impact, shaping Cody into a quiet and introspective individual at home.

Cody Jinks [30:09]: "We found out what bipolar was in 1994. So prior to that he was just unpredictable."

Hunting and Fishing: Shared Passions

Both Cody and Bobby share a love for hunting and fishing, reminiscing about their childhood experiences and the bonds these activities forged with their fathers. Cody recounts his fond memories of bass fishing with his dad, highlighting how these moments were some of the few times they communicated.

Cody Jinks [15:46]: "Fishing was our first and really one of our only conduits when I was a kid."

Bobby shares his own experiences, emphasizing the legacy of his stepfather's passion for striper fishing and the deep respect he has for such traditions.

Music Career and Songwriting

Cody reflects on his extensive touring history and the challenges that came with it. Playing shows night after night took a toll on his mental health and personal life, leading to increased alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism.

Cody Jinks [37:59]: "My goal was to sing about how pissed I was, sing about how effed up everything was."

He discusses the evolution of his songwriting, moving from venting frustration to crafting more personal and introspective songs. A notable mention is his song addressing his relationship with his father, inspired by the classic "Cat's in the Cradle."

Sobriety and Personal Transformation

A pivotal moment in Cody's life was his decision to quit drinking after years of heavy alcohol use. He candidly shares the challenges of sobriety, including severe withdrawals and the fear of losing functionality without alcohol.

Cody Jinks [47:24]: "I had nightmares and I really had really bad sweats for the first week. And then nightmares went on for a couple of weeks and then I started sleeping really well."

Cody credits the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for his transformation, forcing him to slow down and reassess his priorities.

Cody Jinks [63:49]: "Covid really started the process where I started to get to know myself and get to know my family better."

Identity Crisis and Career Reflection

Cody shares a transformative experience where he shaved off his iconic beard during an identity crisis, leading him to perform without recognition. This incident epitomizes his internal struggle with his public persona and personal identity.

Cody Jinks [44:06]: "I shaved my beard off because I hadn't seen what I looked like. So what's the best thing to do? Shave your beard off."

This moment of vulnerability highlighted the dissonance between how others perceived him and his true self, propelling him toward meaningful personal change.

Building a Genuine Connection with Bobby Bones

Initially, both Bobby and Cody had reservations about each other based on appearances. However, their genuine interactions dispelled these misconceptions, leading to a newfound friendship rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

Cody Jinks [73:37]: "I really did. Yeah, I didn't want... I agree. And now it's kind of like step brothers, you know..."

Their conversation underscores the importance of looking beyond surface-level judgments to build authentic relationships.

Music as a Conduit for Expression

Cody emphasizes the power of music as a medium to express thoughts and emotions that might be challenging to convey otherwise. Through his songwriting, he finds a safe space to discuss personal and sensitive topics.

Cody Jinks [42:32]: "Because you can say anything through music. Nobody wants to hear your opinions... If you're a songwriter, that's your job."

Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

As the episode wraps up, Cody reflects on his journey and the lessons learned from his struggles. He highlights the importance of empathy, perspective, and prioritizing personal well-being over relentless pursuits of success.

Cody Jinks [51:52]: "Empathy is the word. Yeah. 100."

Bobby Bones and Cody conclude their conversation with mutual gratitude and plans to continue fostering their friendship, celebrating the unexpected bonds formed despite initial impressions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Cody Jinks [05:10]: "I appreciate that. No, I did. I liked you."
• Bobby Bones [09:12]: "I'm a wallflower. I could see how someone would see me and go, 'Oh, what a dick.'"
• Cody Jinks [34:05]: "I was mad at the world. I don't know what the goal was—just how pissed I was."
• Cody Jinks [44:06]: "I shaved my beard off because I hadn't seen what I looked like. So what's the best thing to do? Shave your beard off."
• Cody Jinks [51:52]: "Empathy is the word. Yeah. 100."

Conclusion

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show offers a profound exploration of Cody Jinks' personal and professional life. From addressing misconceptions based on appearance to battling addiction and redefining his relationships, Cody's narrative is one of resilience and authenticity. Listeners gain valuable insights into the human side of a country music star, emphasizing the universal struggles of identity, family, and redemption.