The BobbyCast – Top 10 BobbyCast Episodes of 2025! (Part 1)

Podcast: The Bobby Bones Show
Host: Bobby Bones, Premiere Networks
Air Date: January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

In this special “Top 10 of 2025” episode, Bobby Bones counts down and revisits standout interviews with an eclectic mix of legendary musicians, cultural icons, and expert guests from throughout the past year of the BobbyCast. This “Part 1” covers interviews ranked #10 through #6, featuring country superstar Lainey Wilson, pop-punk legend Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, the inimitable Lionel Richie, financial guru Dave Ramsey, and the chart-topping country duo Brooks & Dunn. Each segment highlights personal stories, industry insights, and the most memorable moments from the year's most engaging conversations.

#10 – Lainey Wilson (Ep. 531): Creativity, Humility & Stardom

Key Discussion Points:

• Grounding and Support:
  Lainey credits her fiancé Duck as the person who keeps her humble and focused on what truly matters.
  (01:09)
  “He definitely helps me keep my feet on the ground. [...] I need to make sure I’m taking care of my people and my relationships and creating those memories.” —Lainey Wilson

• Family Adjustments to Fame:
  Lainey discusses how success “snuck up on” her family back in her hometown, and the unusual dynamics and new relatives that come with fame.
  (02:01)
  “There’s a few people who have come out of the woodworks and acting like we’re cousins and stuff.” —Lainey Wilson
  “Everybody’s our cousin now.” —Bobby Bones (02:50)

• Creativity as Work:
  She reflects on the challenges of finding creative inspiration once her schedule became packed, contrasting the “boredom” of her early years in Nashville with the hectic pace now.
  (03:20)
  “It’s been a juggling act, but I have had to force that time. How important it is to just get bored and watch paint dry.” —Lainey Wilson

• Self-Reflection & Perfectionism:
  Lainey shares how her drive for excellence can tip into self-criticism, and why having “grace for yourself” is important—an insight bolstered by advice from Melissa Etheridge about embracing the “80% rule.”
  (06:10, 09:02)
  “Them people on Facebook ain’t got nothing on me... I can hurt myself.” —Lainey Wilson
  “She [Melissa Etheridge] told me about the 80% rule. She said, get out there and instead of giving it like 190%... If you do the 80% rule, it gives you that 20% window and wiggle room to not let yourself down so much.” —Lainey Wilson

• Maintaining Authenticity and Relatability:
  Lainey highlights the genuine connection she feels with her fans—emphasizing that “good people” are who show up at her events and how vital it is to keep her circle honest.
  (13:47)
  “I hope they feel like they do know me, because I really feel like I know them.” —Lainey Wilson

• Awards and “Full Circle” Moments:
  She reflects on milestone awards like Best New Female Artist and Entertainer of the Year, sharing the surreal feelings and added sense of responsibility that come with each.
  (14:25, 16:12, 16:56)
  “When [Miranda Lambert] called me, I was like, this is Miranda Lambert calling me... She told me she felt like she was passing the baton.” —Lainey Wilson
  “Entertainer of the Year, that is the biggest title. That’s it. That’s the whale.” —Bobby Bones & Lainey Wilson

#9 – Mark Hoppus (Blink-182, Ep. 505): Vulnerability, Survival & Pop-Punk Legacy

Key Discussion Points:

• Honesty and Vulnerability in Writing:
  Mark opens up about including candid stories of anxiety, self-doubt, and cancer recovery in his book. He admits to wrestling with how much to share, but believes transparency is what helps fans connect.
  (19:30)
  “All the stuff that I wrote about anxiety, about, you know, self doubt… I left in and I was like, do I really want to put this all out there? But I feel like when I write from my heart, that’s what connects with people.” —Mark Hoppus

• Connecting Through Shared Experiences:
  The impact of Mark’s openness is reflected back at him, as fans and friends share their own cancer journeys and look to him for hope and advice.
  (20:56)
  “People come up to me and they share their cancer stories. And I feel really honored… Being able to feel like because I was lucky enough to survive, that I could help other people with their figuring it out.” —Mark Hoppus

• Navigating Pop Fame:
  Mark details Blink-182’s meteoric rise during the TRL era, and the identity crisis of becoming “pop” despite being rooted in punk music.
  (21:53–23:25)
  “We were just sloppy and dumb and it was fun [...]. After Enema of the State and how popular we got... we didn’t change our music, but music had come to us.” —Mark Hoppus

• Classic Cliché Questions:
  Mark’s favorite Blink song is “Feelin This”—one he’d play for aliens as definitive Blink. (24:33)
  Best part of fame? Riding empty Disneyland rides at the Pirates of the Caribbean premiere. Worst part? A stalker. (25:09–26:15)

• Song Evolution:
  “Adam’s Song” evolved for Mark, reflecting his journey through depression and the rejuvenation following his illness and the band’s reunion.
  (27:25)
  “It’s almost now like, it means so much to me that I don’t want to play it… I get in my own head when I do.” —Mark Hoppus

• Band Relations & Reunion:
  From not speaking to now texting all the time: Mark describes the renewal of his bond with Tom DeLonge and the other members, likening it to being brothers again.
  (30:17–30:45)

#8 – Lionel Richie (Ep. 544): From Commodores to Global Icon

Key Discussion Points:

• The Commodores & The Jackson 5:
  Lionel recounts opening for the Jackson 5, learning from their work ethic, and witnessing their electrifying stage presence.
  (31:31–33:20)
  “They came out to slay everything. And at that point, I realized we are the luckiest guys in the world to be in front of this little school of preschoolers.” —Lionel Richie

• Going Solo:
  Lionel’s transition wasn't by choice, but by industry insistence—sometimes painfully so. Fame, recognition, and business realities ultimately necessitated his solo move.
  (33:41, 38:53)

• Songwriting Stories (“Lady,” “Hello”):
  The accidental origins of “Lady” and “Hello” are revealed—with Kenny Rogers’ real-life story pivoting Lionel from “Baby” to “Lady,” and “Hello” emerging from a spontaneous greeting.
  (39:16–44:04, 44:33–47:41)
  “He said, by the way, what’s the name of the song? I said, Lady. He’s stupid. The brother ain’t stupid!” —Lionel Richie on writing “Lady” for Kenny Rogers

  “Hello, is it me you’re looking for? We need more money, man.” —Lionel Richie (regarding the accidental lyric)

• Standing Out with Simplicity:
  Lionel emphasizes the power of simplicity for memorable songwriting—"If it ain't simple, you won't remember it, and neither will I." (47:41)

• Creative Gamble:
  Lionel describes “All Night Long” as another daring move in his effort to grab attention. Ultimately, his creative risks became classics.
  (47:41–48:53)

#7 – Dave Ramsey (Ep. 542): Money Mistakes, Financial Principles & Leadership

Key Discussion Points:

• Common Bad Advice & Scams:
  Dave calls out TikTok and “get rich quick” schemes as rampant misinformation. Day trading stocks? He claims 97% lose money in six months.
  (49:29–50:53)
  “Most everything on TikTok. Day trading stocks—97% of the people that day trade stocks lose money in a six month period.” —Dave Ramsey

• On Crypto and Commodities:
  Dave sticks to principle-based investments (companies, not commodities/currencies like crypto). He isn’t anti-crypto, just uninterested in speculative bets.
  (51:25)
  “Crypto doesn’t actually produce anything. It’s just a currency. I don’t get joy out of being a cool kid.” —Dave Ramsey

• Financial Peace for the Digital Age:
  He details shifting content delivery to digital apps (EveryDollar) to stay relevant, noting younger generations’ tendency to expect instant results—and the need for patience.
  (58:52–62:32)

• Marriage & Money:
  Couples fare better, both relationally and financially, when they share finances and communicate openly.
  (63:36)
  “The couples that work together have higher quality marriage, higher happiness factor… and a much more efficient use of the money.” —Dave Ramsey

• On Punctuality & Leadership:
  Dave shares a formative story about how lateness is arrogance and the mindset shift that changed his leadership approach.
  (56:52)
  “When you come in here late, you are saying to me, I’m not as important as everything else you have going on. That’s arrogance.” —Dave Ramsey (relaying advice he was given)

• Evergreen Principles:
  The long-lasting relevance of “The Total Money Makeover” lies in its focus on unchanging principles, not specific products.
  (65:10, 66:31)

#6 – Brooks & Dunn (Ep. 521): Longevity, Challenges & Country Legacy

Key Discussion Points:

• Surviving and Thriving as a Duo:
  The duo recalls moments of tension and near-breakup circa 2000, their quest for new sounds, and how “it was all about the song.”
  (67:59–68:53)

• Industry Turnarounds:
  Key figures (e.g., Joe Galani) and critical songs (“Ain’t Nothing About You,” “Only in America”) reignited their careers just as things looked bleak post-9/11.
  (68:59–69:47)

• Honest Reflections and Humor:
  Stories about receiving their first million-dollar royalty checks underscore their humble beginnings and sense of wonder.
  (72:35)
  “Literally came in the mail with two commas on it and a number in front of it.” —Ronnie Dunn

• Awards, Recognition & Superstition:
  Both discuss their approach (or lack thereof) to award acceptance speeches, and the superstitions and anxieties they carried about #1 hits.
  (76:35)

• Entertainer of the Year Moments:
  Each win—especially the first and third—felt surreal and hard-earned, especially sharing the category with legends like Garth Brooks.
  (77:32–79:09)

• Reba’s Pivotal Role:
  Early tours with Reba McEntire profoundly influenced their career; her friendship and mentorship provided both opportunity and validation.
  (79:59–81:45)
  “She just doesn’t stop. She’s relentless at what she does.” —Brooks Dunn (on Reba)

• Legacy and New Generations:
  Both express awe at seeing new generations of fans discovering and appreciating their music, likening it to the way they discovered legends like Willie Nelson.
  (84:38)
  “How many of y’all are at your first Brooks and Dunn show?... the whole place erupted.” —Brooks Dunn

Notable & Memorable Quotes

• Lainey Wilson on self-critique:
  “Them people on Facebook ain’t got nothing on me... I can hurt myself.” (06:10)

• Mark Hoppus on Blink-182’s evolution:
  “We are the serious rock band now.” (23:25)

• Lionel Richie on songwriting:
  “If it ain’t simple, you won’t remember it, and neither will I.” (47:41)

• Dave Ramsey on TikTok money gurus:
  “Most everything on TikTok...” (49:29)

• Brooks & Dunn on fame:
  “Literally came in the mail with two commas on it and a number in front of it.” (72:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Guest | Segment Starts | Notable Moment(s) | |---------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------| | Lainey Wilson | 00:12 | The “80% rule” advice (09:02) | | Mark Hoppus | 18:22 | “Adam’s Song” reflection (27:25) | | Lionel Richie | 30:50 | Writing “Lady” for Kenny (39:16) | | Dave Ramsey | 48:53 | TikTok scams & day trading (50:06)| | Brooks & Dunn | 67:22 | Million-dollar check story (72:41)|

Tone & Style Notes

The episode is conversational, candid, often humorous, and at times deeply personal. Bobby Bones’ style encourages authenticity and warmth from guests, leading to behind-the-scenes revelations and real human moments—whether it’s legendary musicians discussing legacy and baggage, or financial experts debunking modern money myths.

Summary

This essential “best of” episode showcases why the BobbyCast is a standout in the country and pop culture podcast landscape: it blends star power with real talk. The conversations explore the journey behind the music, the weight of fame, recovery from personal and professional setbacks, the enduring value of authenticity, and the simple truths that keep legends and ordinary folks alike on track. Each featured interview offers a motivational takeaway—whether about music, money, or maintaining one’s humanity.

Stay tuned for Part 2 featuring the top 5 episodes of 2025.