The Bobby Bones Show – FRI PT 2: George Birge on Asking Luke Bryan to Be on His New Song, College Days With Glen Powell, and Building a New House

Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Bobby Bones
Guest: George Birge (country artist)

Episode Overview

In this lively and open-hearted episode, Bobby Bones sits down with country star George Birge to explore his personal and professional journey—from writing his deeply personal new single and collaborating with Luke Bryan, to stories of his college days with actor Glen Powell and family life, including building a new home. With genuine camaraderie and humor, the conversation dives into the realities of chasing dreams, the importance of family, surviving the early grind of a country music career, and funny and touching moments from fatherhood.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Writing Deeply Personal Songs

[02:22–04:54]

• George discusses the personal nature of his song "I Won't Be Long"

  • Wrote "I Won't Be Long" as his third single to radio, wanting to be more vulnerable than before.
  • Every lyric is based on real life: asking his wife Cara on a first date, building a house, watching their kids at t-ball games.
  • People connect by seeing their own memories in the song, making it extra special for him.
  • Initially found performing it emotional, but has grown comfortable with it over time.
  • On writing personal songs with strangers:

    “It takes a second to get vulnerable enough to tell the stories that people want to hear. ... The more uncomfortable a lyric makes you, the more it resonates with others.” — George Birge [03:53]

• On the songwriting process and working with new collaborators, like Tranie Anderson:

  • Advocates for opening up and sharing life stories to generate truly authentic art.

• Humorous aside:

  • Bobby jokingly refers to an imaginary George Birge song called “Erectile Dysfunction”

    “I listen to that song nonstop... George Birge had the courage to write about that.” — Bobby Bones [04:54]

2. Building a New House and Reflections on Success

[05:11–07:02]

• George on building a house:
  • Admits his involvement is mostly paying bills, while his wife leads the design.
  • Dreamed of a lakeside retreat—“a place to turn off from the world.”
  • Feels weird but proud that music allows him to afford this dream:

    “To be able to say... I have a lake house... I still feel awkward saying that.” — George Birge [06:18]

  • Reminisces about humble gigs at pizza places and the pride that comes from finally drawing crowds.

3. The Role of Family and Support in Chasing Dreams

[08:02–09:47]

• George pays heartfelt tribute to his wife, Cara:
  • She quit her job and moved to Nashville so he could pursue music, supported their family on her own real estate career.

  • “She blindly believed in me the entire time... and didn't let me quit even when I wanted to.” — George Birge [08:21]

  • Discusses the ups-and-downs of a music career, emphasizing the importance of family as the “reason why.”

4. Touring and Collaborating with Luke Bryan

[09:47–14:10]

• Bobby and George discuss Luke Bryan’s mentorship and impact:

  • Bobby played a role in connecting George with Luke Bryan, which helped George feel welcomed.
  • George shares Luke’s respectful way of treating everyone on his large team:

    “He never walks past somebody without acknowledging them... that's just how he treats everybody.” — George Birge [10:30]

  • Luke became a big brother figure, inviting George to play and sing on tour.

• Getting Luke Bryan on the new song "Ride, Ride, Ride":

  • George describes the nerve-wracking experience of sharing the demo with Luke on his bus:

    “He listens for three minutes... with his eyes closed... starts rubbing his nipple, listening.” — George Birge [12:29] (humorous) “And when the song is over, he stands up... smacks the wall, and says, ‘Play that MFer again.’” [12:34]

  • After texting his ask for a feature, Luke responded in 30 seconds: “I'm in. Let's do it.”

  • George waited a month without word, worried, but then received a selfie video of Luke in the studio singing on the track:

    “This sucker’s hard to sing.” — Luke Bryan (as quoted by George Birge) [13:00]

  • The duet will be released February 5th.

5. The Reality of Life on the Road and Postponed Tour

[14:21–15:15]

• The "Cowboy Songs Tour" had its first three shows (all sold out) postponed by a historic ice/snowstorm.
• George’s reaction:

  “I'm not gonna lie. That one hurt my feelings a little bit.” [14:33]

  • Despite disappointment, he’s excited to resume in April.
  • Bobby notes how it’s progress to see headlines call George a "country star."

    “Country star postpones opening dates of sold out tour.” [15:15]

6. Songwriting Inspiration and the Hit "Cowboy Songs"

[15:38–16:57]

• On "Cowboy Songs":
  • Idea pitched by a co-writer during a songwriter retreat: "She only dances to cowboy songs."
  • The phrase evoked vivid memories of college and his wife's love for classic Texas dancehalls.

    “Everybody kind of let their inhibitions to the wind... She only dances to cowboy songs.” — George Birge [16:49]

7. Family Life and Fatherhood

[19:58–26:33]

• Meeting his wife (Cara) at University of Texas:

  • Met at a frat party while George was dressed as a Smurf.
  • Quickly became inseparable; funny story about saying "I love you" early and she initially replied "Thank you." [20:09–21:28]

• On their two sons (ages 6 and 9):

  • Loves this phase of parenting as their personalities emerge.
  • His oldest takes guitar lessons from Lady A's lead guitarist, a big improvement over George’s own teacher.

    “My guitar teacher was drinking beer in the Guitar Center parking lot. ... You’re getting guitar lessons from the lead player of Lady A.” — George Birge [21:44]

• Would he want his kids to pursue music?

  • Says pursuit of music is always tough, regardless of connections; emphasizes the necessity of authentic connection with fans.

    “No matter what head start you have in music, it’s tough... there are no shortcuts.” — George Birge [22:55]

• Advice on fatherhood for Bobby (who’s expecting):

  • “Bring them everywhere. ... It helps them see how you act, exposes them to the world, and gives you things to talk about.” — George Birge [24:02]

• On challenging early days as a parent:

  • Shares emotional story about his older son being born prematurely at 3 pounds and dealing with the NICU.
  • Diaper talk: “A four pound baby's blowout is still a blowout, man. It's a lot.” — George Birge [24:46]

8. College Memories & Friendship With Actor Glen Powell

[26:33–28:10]

• George’s college years and connection with Glen Powell:

  • Glen (now an actor in Top Gun, etc.) was George's “little brother” in the fraternity.

    “I think he was born like that, man. ... You could hear the background music in the slow mo when he walked into the party.” — George Birge [26:58]

  • Glen remains down-to-earth and supportive; they still keep in touch.

• College pride & sports:

  • Both are die-hard Texas Longhorn fans; George jokes about teaching his kid not to be a bandwagon fan. [28:10]

9. Stories from UT Golf Team and Nearly Ruining a Golf Recruit’s Career

[28:26–31:00]

• George walked on to the University of Texas golf team, playing one year.
• Relates a story about taking a top golf recruit to a party where he got in a fight, and how the coach blamed George for almost “ending the walk-on program.”
• Full circle: George recently played as a celebrity with former teammate Jordan Spieth at the PGA event The Memorial.

10. The Reality of Recognition & Humorous Anecdote

[32:14–35:16]

• George reveals he gets recognized daily—Bobby and friends playfully tease him about it during a trip to Chicago.
• Humorous set-up: Bobby confesses to encouraging a fan to say hi to George at dinner, but insists the fan was genuine.

  "I said, when we sit down, there's gonna be an artist with us. If you know who it is, you should go and say hi." — Bobby Bones [34:24]

• George is a good sport, laughing at the whole experience.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On honesty in lyric writing:

  “The more uncomfortable a lyric makes you, the more it resonates with others.” — George Birge [03:53]

• On support from his wife:

  “She blindly believed in me the entire time... and didn't let me quit even when I wanted to.” — George Birge [08:21]

• On touring with Luke Bryan:

  “There's not one person in his hundred something person crew that had one bad thing to say about Luke Bryan. ... He never walks past somebody without acknowledging them.” — George Birge [10:30]

• On playing new music for Luke Bryan:

  “He listens for three minutes... with his eyes closed... starts rubbing his nipple, listening. ... stands up... smacks the wall, and says, ‘Play that MFer again.’” — George Birge [12:29]

• On raising kids:

  “Bring them everywhere. That was the best advice that I ever got.” — George Birge [24:02]

• On his college buddy Glen Powell:

  “He was born like that, man. ... You could hear the background music in the slow mo when he walked into the party.” — George Birge [26:58]

• On being recognized in public:

  “I get recognized, like, once a day... they wore me out for the rest of the day.” — George Birge [32:46]

Important Timestamps

• [02:22] – Writing "I Won't Be Long" and vulnerability in songwriting.
• [05:11] – Building a home and the dream of a lakeside retreat.
• [09:47] – Touring with Luke Bryan and lessons learned.
• [11:26] – Asking Luke Bryan to be on "Ride, Ride, Ride".
• [13:00] – The story of how Luke agreed and recorded vocals.
• [14:21] – Tour postponed due to weather but resuming soon.
• [15:38] – Writing "Cowboy Songs" and college inspirations.
• [19:58] – Meeting and courting his wife at University of Texas.
• [21:37] – Raising sons, their interests, and taking after dad.
• [24:02] – Parenting advice: bring your kids everywhere.
• [26:33] – Fraternity stories featuring actor Glen Powell.
• [28:26] – Walking on to the Texas golf team and pranking a recruit.
• [32:14] – The Chicago fan recognition prank.

Episode Tone

Warm, humorous, genuine, and reflective, with authentic stories, playful ribbing, and lots of mutual respect. The camaraderie between Bobby Bones and George Birge makes for an engaging listen, packed with heartfelt anecdotes and honest insights into the country music hustle and the joys of family and friendship.

For fans of country music, aspiring songwriters, or anyone who loves a good story about grit, dreams and real-life triumphs, this episode delivers plenty of inspiration, laughs, and memorable moments.