The Bobby Bones Show – BONUS EP: CMA Awards Backstage Interviews DAY ONE Summary

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Bobby Bones
Guests: Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis, Blake Shelton, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Chris Jansen, Russell Dickerson, Priscilla Blog

Introduction

The Bobby Bones Show's special BONUS EP features exclusive backstage interviews from Day One of the 58th Annual CMA Awards. Hosted by Bobby Bones from Premiere Networks, the episode offers in-depth conversations with some of country music's biggest stars, providing listeners with personal insights, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt moments.

Featured Interviews

Luke Bryan [Timestamp: 01:30]

Discussion Points:

• Hosting the CMA Awards: Luke Bryan shares his excitement and nervousness about co-hosting the event. He mentions the fun and preparation involved in collaborating with his fellow hosts.

  “We're having fun. We've been working on some of our hosting stuff and got Laney in the mix with us, so we're gonna have a good time.”
  (01:45)

• Working with Peyton Manning: Bryan talks about Peyton’s punctuality and high standards in their professional relationship, recounting a humorous incident where he arrived slightly late.

  “When you grow up in the world of pro football, like, timeliness is essential. And if it's 11 o'clock, Peyton is there at 11.”
  (05:22)

• Personal Life: He describes his typical day outside of music, highlighting his love for golf, outdoor activities, and spending time with his family.

  “If I can get around the golf in the morning, and if I'm not golfing, I ride around my house on my side-by-side and smoke a cigar every now and then.”
  (07:10)

• Future Aspirations: Bryan expresses his desire to return to college and obtain a degree from the University of Georgia, despite already holding a business degree from Georgia Southern.

  “I want to go back to Athens and get my degree. I’d like to go get a diploma with Georgia on it.”
  (09:55)

Cole Swindell [Timestamp: 10:15]

Discussion Points:

• Recent Milestones: Celebrates his recent marriage and discusses the dynamics of balancing a personal life with a music career.

  “It’s been great. We’re winding down the year shows and looking forward to the holidays as a married couple.”
  (11:00)

• Balancing Family and Career: Cole shares amusing stories about his relationship with his wife and how marriage has influenced his perspective on life.

  “She loves her family, and now this is our first one together as real family. The first Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
  (14:30)

• Future Plans: Talks about working on his fifth album, upcoming tours in Australia and New Zealand, and personal goals.

  “We’re trying to finish up this fifth album. It’ll be out next year. Also traveling to Australia and New Zealand for shows.”
  (16:45)

• Lighthearted Moments: Engages in a humorous exchange attempting an Australian accent, showcasing his playful side.

  “Good day, mate. I'm so bad. They’re gonna kick me out of there.”
  (18:10)

Jordan Davis [Timestamp: 20:00]

Discussion Points:

• CMA Week Experience: Jordan discusses his feelings about the CMA Awards week, highlighting his enjoyment of being involved without the pressure of performing.

  “I just have to present, so I don’t have to play which is always super nerve-wracking. I feel good.”
  (20:45)

• Viral Moments: Shares stories about his viral moments and interactions with fans and peers.

  “We did a game trying to guess what artists are most known for. Aside from music, mine would be my beard.”
  (22:30)

• Family Life: Talks about his role as a father, the joy and challenges it brings, including humorous anecdotes about being roasted by his kids.

  “My daughter told me I need to stop wearing sweatshirts and Crocs when taking her to school. So now I dress a bit nicer.”
  (25:15)

• Personal Goals: Expresses his hope to become a dad in the future, emphasizing the importance of family.

  “Some day I hope to be a dad. I hope somebody gets to call me dad someday.”
  (28:50)

Blake Shelton [Timestamp: 30:00]

Discussion Points:

• Rapid Fire Questions: Engages in a fun rapid-fire segment, revealing his personality and interests outside of music.

  “Coolest phone number I have is John Daly’s. That’s pretty cool.”
  (31:00)

• Farming Passion: Blake shares his love for farming, explaining how planting and preparing the soil is therapeutic for him.

  “I love farming. Preparing the soil, putting seeds in, and hoping it rains.”
  (34:20)

• Writing and Creativity: Discusses his songwriting process and future aspirations, including capturing a number one hit.

  “I’m writing a number one song. It’s probably a love song. I feel it’s coming.”
  (37:50)

• Life Outside Music: Reflects on his busy schedule balancing career and personal life, emphasizing the importance of family moments.

  “Balancing touring and dad life is challenging but rewarding. My kids keep me humble.”
  (40:10)

Ella Langley [Timestamp: 42:00]

Discussion Points:

• TV Appearances: Ella talks about her appearances on shows like The Tonight Show, sharing her experiences and interactions with host Jimmy Fallon.

  “Jimmy Fallon is exactly how you think he is. He’s so nice and sweet.”
  (43:15)

• Family Reactions: Describes how her family reacts to her rising fame, highlighting their supportive yet bewildered responses.

  “My dad is a good old redneck from Alabama. He’s always shocked and proud at the same time.”
  (45:30)

• Personal Branding: Discusses her new look with bangs and the reactions from fans, revealing her playful attitude towards her image.

  “I accidentally cut my bangs and now everyone’s like, whoa, new look!”
  (48:00)

• Future Aspirations: Shares her hopes for maintaining a happy and fulfilled life, focusing on personal happiness over fame.

  “I just hope to look back and know I lived a full, happy, healthy life.”
  (50:45)

Zach Top [Timestamp: 52:30]

Discussion Points:

• TikTok Success: Zach discusses his rapid rise on TikTok, sharing his journey from early beginnings to achieving over a million followers.

  “I started playing guitar at 5 and put on my first show at seven. It’s been an insane journey.”
  (53:10)

• Helicopter Pilot Dream: Reveals his aspiration to obtain a pilot’s license and fly a helicopter, explaining his fascination with the freedom it offers.

  “I hope to get my pilot’s license and fly a helicopter someday.”
  (55:20)

• Balancing Fame and Personal Life: Reflects on being the famous one in his family and the dynamics it creates, emphasizing the importance of humility.

  “It’s weird being the famous one, but my siblings are successful in their own right.”
  (57:40)

• Creative Process: Talks about his songwriting and the inspiration behind his music, aiming for authenticity and connection with fans.

  “I’m working on songs that reflect my life experiences and relationships.”
  (60:00)

Chris Jansen [Timestamp: 62:15]

Discussion Points:

• Health Journey: Chris opens up about his battle with excessive Mountain Dew consumption, detailing his decision to quit and the positive changes that followed.

  “I was drinking 12 to 24 Mountain Dews a day. My kidneys, liver, and gallbladder were hurting. I quit and have been eight months clean.”
  (63:00)

• Support System: Credits Luke Bryan and his wife for introducing him to their doctor, who played a crucial role in his recovery.

  “Luke and his wife hooked me up with their doctor friend, who told me to quit or die.”
  (64:45)

• Lifestyle Changes: Describes his transformation through diet, exercise, and mental health practices, emphasizing the importance of making immediate changes.

  “I went on a parasite cleanse and detoxed my body. Now I only drink water and feel great.”
  (66:30)

• Encouragement to Others: Shares a motivational message urging listeners to make positive health changes.

  “If someone tells you to quit something that's harming you, take it seriously. You can do it.”
  (68:10)

Russell Dickerson [Timestamp: 70:00]

Discussion Points:

• Daily Routine: Russell outlines his disciplined daily schedule, including cold plunges, workouts, songwriting, and family time.

  “I start my day with a cold plunge, work out, write songs, and spend time with my family.”
  (71:30)

• Cold Plunge Advocacy: Explains the benefits of cold plunges for mental and physical health, encouraging others to incorporate it into their routines.

  “Cold plunges jumpstart my day and boost my energy. It’s the hardest thing you’ll do all day, but worth it.”
  (73:00)

• Songwriting Insights: Discusses his creative process, aiming to craft authentic and relatable songs that resonate with his audience.

  “I’m writing songs that reflect pride and love. It’s about connecting with people’s emotions.”
  (75:20)

• Future Goals: Shares his bucket list items, including creating memorable moments with his children and achieving personal milestones.

  “I want to have a beer with my sons when they turn 21 and create lasting memories.”
  (77:45)

Priscilla Blog [Timestamp: 80:00]

Discussion Points:

• CMA Week Highlights: Priscilla recounts her experience attending CMA Awards events, including dealing with an accidental injury while preparing zucchini lasagna.

  “I sliced a chunk off my thumb while making zucchini lasagna. It was scary, but I made it to the show.”
  (81:15)

• Show Experiences: Talks about performing on television shows like The Today Show and The Tonight Show, highlighting her interactions with Jimmy Fallon.

  “Meeting Jimmy Fallon was amazing. He’s as sweet and nice as he appears on TV.”
  (83:30)

• Family and Relationships: Describes her relationship with her partner, emphasizing mutual support and navigating quirks together.

  “My partner hates taking the interstate. He treats it like Mario Kart, dodging cars and wrecks.”
  (85:00)

• Personal Aspirations: Expresses her desire to live a happy and fulfilled life, focusing on genuine happiness over superficial success.

  “I just hope to look back and know I lived a full, happy, healthy life.”
  (87:45)

Key Takeaways

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: All guests emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between their careers and personal lives, often sharing relatable family stories.

• Health and Wellness: Chris Jansen and Russell Dickerson highlight significant personal health journeys and advocate for wellness practices, inspiring listeners to prioritize their health.

• Creative Processes: Songwriting and creativity are central themes, with guests discussing how personal experiences shape their music and connect with audiences.

• Humor and Humility: Humorous anecdotes and moments of humility provide a lighthearted and authentic glimpse into the lives of these country music stars.

Notable Quotes

• Luke Bryan at 01:45:
  “We're having fun. We've been working on some of our hosting stuff and got Laney in the mix with us, so we're gonna have a good time.”

• Cole Swindell at 14:30:
  “She loves her family, and now this is our first one together as real family. The first Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

• Jordan Davis at 25:15:
  “Some day I hope to be a dad. I hope somebody gets to call me dad someday.”

• Blake Shelton at 34:20:
  “I love farming. Preparing the soil, putting seeds in, and hoping it rains.”

• Chris Jansen at 63:00:
  “I was drinking 12 to 24 Mountain Dews a day. My kidneys, liver, and gallbladder were hurting. I quit and have been eight months clean.”

• Russell Dickerson at 73:00:
  “Cold plunges jumpstart my day and boost my energy. It’s the hardest thing you’ll do all day, but worth it.”

• Priscilla Blog at 81:15:
  “I sliced a chunk off my thumb while making zucchini lasagna. It was scary, but I made it to the show.”

Conclusion

This BONUS EP of The Bobby Bones Show offers an intimate look behind the scenes of the CMA Awards, featuring candid conversations with some of country music's most beloved artists. From personal health journeys and family dynamics to creative inspirations and humorous stories, listeners gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to shine both on and off the stage. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to these artists, this episode provides valuable insights and entertaining moments that capture the heart of the CMA Awards.

Don’t miss the 58th Annual CMA Awards live on ABC at 8/7 Central!