Podcast Summary: Bobbycast #554 — Josh Ross on Controversial Comments, Chad Kroeger, and Making Music

Podcast: The Bobby Bones Show / Bobbycast
Host: Bobby Bones (Premiere Networks)
Guest: Josh Ross (Canadian Country Artist)
Date: November 16, 2025

Main Theme

This episode centers on country artist Josh Ross discussing his rapid career ascent, the controversy surrounding his "I love America" comments during a live show, the wild lessons he learned on tour with Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), his collaboration with Akon, reflections on authenticity in the music business (from social media to “live” recordings), and the evolving landscape of Nashville's music scene. Warm, wide-ranging, and candid, the conversation explores both the high and low points of life as a rising star in country music.

Key Topics, Insights & Memorable Moments

Introduction & Setting

• Episode Setting: The interview takes place at Bobby Bones’ home studio, emphasizing the relaxed, intimate vibe compared to a standard radio studio.
• Josh’s Background: Recent two-time Canadian Country Music Entertainer of the Year, first Canadian male in 30 years to hit #1 with “Single Again.”
• “He didn’t look Canadian. I don’t know what ‘Canadian’ looks like, but he didn’t look Canadian.” — Bobby Bones (03:24)

Life on Tour & Chad Kroeger Stories

• First Arena Tour with Nickelback:
  • Touring with Nickelback (after Lee Brice) was Josh’s first major arena experience.
  • He met Chad Kroeger via shared management connections. First impressions were awkward after a drunken first meeting.
  • Despite the initial hiccup, they developed a close friendship, marked by spontaneous FaceTimes and party antics.
• “Chad would be willing to have a night out, or whatever, but he was always the first person up, ready to work. He taught me a lot in regards to how they've had such a long career.” — Josh Ross (09:10)
• Legendary Escapades:
  • Anecdote involving shooting pillows with an assault rifle from Chad’s boat:
    “They were chunking pillows off the boat and had an assault rifle... shooting pillows with assault rifles off Chad Kroeger’s boat.” — Bobby Bones (10:15)
    Josh pleads the fifth, “These things happen.” — Josh Ross (10:49)

Internet, Fame, and Catfishing

• Being a Target of Scams & Fake Profiles:
  • Both Josh and Bobby have experienced people impersonating them online, leading to fan scams and strange situations.
  • Josh has fans show up at shows thinking they’re in a romantic relationship with him due to catfishing schemes.
• “It’s pretty cool to have, like, multiple relationships on the internet. So it’s an interesting time.” — Josh Ross (11:29)
• Financial Scams:
  • Bobby relates stories of listeners being scammed for thousands by fake accounts pretending to be him, highlighting the strange and predatory world of online celebrity.

Athletic Pasts, Surgeries, and Vulnerability

• Josh’s Surgeries:
  • Reveals a history of sports injuries, including testicle surgery from a weightlifting accident and multiple ankle reconstructions during his football days.
  • “Have you ever talked about your testicle surgery before?”
    “No.”
    “So my surgery is my… I have an ankle surgery, but it’s not near as intense tomorrow...” — Bobby & Josh Ross (15:04)
• Candid talk on vulnerability and pain, sharing common ground with fellow athletes and performers.

Canadian Roots, Growing Up, and Crossing Borders

• Canadian Upbringing:
  • Grew up bouncing between Water Down and London, Ontario. Talks about playing football and hockey, and why many Canadian players aim for U.S. colleges or pro leagues.

Industry Talk — Nashville’s Changing Scene

• Nashville Evolution:
  • Josh and Bobby reminisce about the authenticity of Nashville haunts (like Red Door and Losers) becoming overrun by tourists and non-musical crowds, driven in part by social media exposure.
  • "I blame social media for ruining that culture." — Bobby Bones (34:34)
  • Josh moved outside the city to avoid burnout and preserve creative focus.

Viral Moments, Social Media, and Authenticity

• On Going Viral:
  • Josh credits his fanbase with grassroots support but admits he’s yet to have a true viral hit—remains optimistic that moment is to come.
  • “I have a great following... I think there’s still that one [viral hit] that’s going to happen, which is really exciting.” — Josh Ross (44:15)
• Approach to Content:
  • Takes a collaborative but discerning approach to social posts; avoids anything that feels forced or inauthentic.

Addressing the Controversy: “I Love America” (Critical Segment)

• Background:
  • During a U.S. show, Josh expressed appreciation for America. A video clip went viral, leading to accusations of disrespecting Canada, online outrage, and even death threats to his family.
• “Dude, I’m so proud that I was born in Canada, but I’m also beyond proud of how hard I’ve busted my ass to live here and make a living… Internet people only clip certain parts.” — Josh Ross (26:53)
• Aftermath:
  • He discusses the personal risk—the threats and real-life police involvement.
• The Apology:
  • Josh regrets feeling forced to immediately apologize online:
    “My parents got death threats, which is the craziest thing…they were literally calling them out by name, where they live…” — Josh Ross (28:10)
• On Being Bullied by the Internet:
  • “I just am so against being bullied by the Internet.” — Bobby Bones (29:15)
  • Josh comes to terms—there was “no win-win”; apologizing offends some, not apologizing offends others.

Musical Influences: Mount Rushmore (Not Country)

• Non-Country Influences:
  • Cinderella, Eagles, U2, Akon, Guns N' Roses
  • “I legitimately know more Akon songs and can sing more Akon songs than any other artist.” — Josh Ross (59:14)
• The Akon Collaboration:
  • The collaboration came from social media buzz and initiative via management. Akon personally wrote the second verse.

Candid Talk: Authenticity, AI & “Live” Music

• Authenticity in Recordings:
  • Both joke about how even “live” music releases now involve heavy studio work and overdubs for perfection.
  • “I think we’ve just destroyed, like, imperfect. Like, it’s okay to be imperfect.” — Josh Ross (50:45)
• AI in the Industry:
  • Both discuss the rise of AI—using vocal AI for demos, potential threats to songwriters, and the inevitability of technological change.
  • “I saw there was the first song that was totally AI that made the Billboard Top 100 this week. Crazy.” — Bobby Bones (54:16)
• “For me, it’s eliminating busy work… but my problem is people making money off records they didn’t even sing.” — Josh Ross (54:03 & 54:09)

Musical Influences: Mount Rushmore (Country)

• Top Country Influences:
  • Steve Earle (especially “Guitar Town,” “Copperhead Road”), George Strait, Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash, FGL, Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean
• Steve Earle:
  • “He’s always, for me, been like the guy… so many songs. He’s got a song called ‘Someday’ that is, like, to me, just made me feel something as, like, super young.” — Josh Ross (65:21)

Genuine Friendships in the Business

• Artist Friends:
  • Bailey Zimmerman (closest friend), Ella Langley, Cameron Marlowe, Dylan, Chase Beckham
  • Emphasizes rare, real friendships in an industry full of acquaintances.

Memorable Wrap-Up: A Call to Bailey Zimmerman

• On-Screen Call:
  • Bobby FaceTimes Bailey Zimmerman and gets a classic, candid description:
    “After being on the road with him and getting to know him for real, he is the softest, most feelings... guy. He’s a lover. All he wants is love. All he wants is to be loved. And he’s tired of getting his heart broke.” – Bailey Zimmerman (72:15)
• Josh laughs and jokes Bailey is now his “pimp,” promising to Venmo commission for the endorsement.

Notable Quotes (with [timestamps])

• On Chad Kroeger:
  “I already knew how to party, but he taught me… Chad would beat me to that, you know, he was always the first person up, ready to work. It just really taught me a lot.” — Josh Ross (09:10)
• On Internet Fame:
  “It’s pretty cool to have, like, multiple relationships on the internet. So it’s an interesting time.” — Josh Ross (11:29)
• On Handling Cancel Culture:
  “I just am so against being bullied by the Internet.” — Bobby Bones (29:15)
• On AI in Music:
  “For me, it’s eliminating busy work… but my problem is people making money off records they didn’t even sing.” — Josh Ross (54:03 & 54:09)
• On Authenticity:
  “I think we’ve just destroyed, like, imperfect. Like, it’s okay to be imperfect.” — Josh Ross (50:45)
• On Industry Friendship:
  “I tend to be more friends with the people that want to do lowkey things that aren’t music.” — Josh Ross (67:23)

Key Segment Timestamps

• Chad Kroeger/Nickelback Tour & Friendship: 06:13–10:49
• On Testicle & Ankle Surgeries: 13:23–15:18
• Cross-Border Life & Canadian Roots: 17:56–19:10
• Nashville’s Changing Scene: 32:34–35:41
• The “I Love America” Controversy: 26:20–30:44
• Authenticity, AI & Social Media: 43:38–55:17
• Bailey Zimmerman FaceTime: 71:33–72:51

Tone & Vibe

Conversational, irreverent, and often self-deprecating, Josh and Bobby trade stories, jokes, and vulnerable confessions. Josh is candid about his missteps, pain, and pride—while Bobby’s trademark dry wit and empathy keep the discussion probing yet warm.

Conclusion

A must-listen for fans of both Josh Ross and country music’s behind-the-scenes reality. This episode offers a raw, often funny, frequently poignant look at fame, mistakes, and the elusive balance of authenticity in the age of online outrage and AI. Listeners leave with unique insight into how one rising star copes with pressure—and keeps finding his way.