The Bobby Bones Show – August 29, 2025
Episode: "FRI PT 2: We Spin The Wheel And They Open The Secret Envelope! + Has Raymundo Been To Garth Brooks’ House? + Zach Top on Fame, Getting Recognized And A New Album"
Episode Overview
This episode of "The Bobby Bones Show" alternates between lighthearted group banter and an in-depth interview with rising country musician Zach Top. Listeners hear stories about sudden fame, behind-the-scenes musical insights, and songwriting craft, alongside standard Bobby Bones Show antics, like a running joke about surprise parties and the mysterious opening of the "secret envelope." Friendship dynamics and humorous rivalries among the crew add to the show's conversational, playful tone.
Zach Top In Studio: On Fame, Music, and Songwriting
[02:38–21:55]
Introduction & New Album Release
- Bobby Bones introduces Zach Top, noting his rising fame:
"You're like the most normal, extremely talented now. Rocket ship riding guy now." [03:21–03:26]
- Zach Top acknowledges life changes: being recognized more, still trying to stay grounded and enjoying the ride.
"I just get a kick out of it if somebody recognizes me in airport or grocery store or something. It's still. It's pretty fun for me." [04:10–04:17]
Maintaining Anonymity (or Not)
- Bobby asks if Zach’s famous cowboy hat is key to being recognized.
Zach jokes that even in "full relaxation, day off" mode at Bass Pro Shops, he's still recognized—even while wearing cut-off jeans, white socks, and camo Crocs."This is how I want to be remembered by people—in my white socks and my camo Crocs." [04:50–05:02]
Early Gigs and Family Band Origins
- Zach shares a story about his first ever gig, arranged by his family orthodontist and friend, Randy Schuler.
"That little seven-year-old me, I guess I would have been at the time, got on the phone with Randy... That way we'll know some songs by the time the show comes around." [06:06–07:15]
- This opened the door for the family band, Top String.
Bluegrass Guitar Licks and Jokes
- Bobby asks Zach to play a classic bluegrass "G run" lick, which they weave into bad jokes for comedic effect.
"That's a good one... That's like an ending lick, but you can throw it all over place in the middle." [07:56–08:04]
Songwriting & "Ain’t in it for My Health" Album
- On song prep and the so-called “sophomore slump”:
Zach reveals most songs for the new album were written (and some recorded) before his debut album came out, helping alleviate pressure."I spent close to five years... just writing... had a bunch of stuff stacked up. I think we had recorded somewhere around 30 songs before we ever picked the first 12." [09:08–10:15]
On Musical Development
- Zach credits relentless hours of practice from ages 8–15 for his prowess:
"From the ages of like eight to 15, I was probably playing two or three hours a day. I just, I loved it that much and that's all I wanted to do." [11:25–11:45]
- Learned songs from Keith Whitley, George Strait, and Dan Seals—listening and playing along with family cassette tapes.
"That was the first place I heard the 'Don’t Close Your Eyes' record, Keith Whitley… probably my favorite singer." [12:12–13:00]
Song Stories: "Splitsville" and "I Never Lie"
- "Splitsville": Co-written with Carson Chamberlain and Paul Overstreet, built around a "wacky" word that felt new and fun.
"That bridge. I love that bridge... There's a good balance... everything doesn't need to rhyme perfectly. Make sure it says what needs to be said." [13:45–15:09]
- "I Never Lie": One of Zach’s proudest writing moments, written with Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols.
"I was the one that came up with the 'Got promoted back in April.' Angel and April—not really a rhyme, but it kind of works." [15:20–16:51]
Album Logistics
- Only one song, "Loving the Wrong Things," was written in 2024 and recorded in early 2025; "Honky Tonk Till It Hurts" was recorded long ago but included last-minute.
"That was written, I think it was June or something of 24. And then. Yeah, recorded it early in 25." [17:13–18:09]
Touring, Ticket Sales, and Adjusting to Popularity
- Rapidly rising ticket demand on his fall tour; reflects on outgrowing venues:
"That was insane to me... It was like they were gone in five minutes... We undershot here." [18:15–18:38]
- On the quick career shift:
"We went from riding around in a Dang 15 passenger Chevy van... to rolling around in buses and stuff so fast that, yeah, it's sometimes easy to slip into taking it for granted." [19:55–20:30]
Life Outside of Music
- For fun: golf and fly fishing. Hasn’t had a hole-in-one but has come close.
"Love playing golf. If I'm in the mountains, I love fly fishing as well." [20:56–21:08]
In-Studio Crew: Birthdays, Parties, and the Social Web
[26:13–40:48]
Raymundo’s Surprise Party and Garth Brooks Connections
- Raymundo ("Ray") discusses his birthday party plans (not-so-"surprise"), food inspired by Trisha Yearwood, and whether he’s actually been to Garth Brooks’ house (he's been to the old one, but not the new).
"Never seen the new house, never been to the new house. But my wife has… she’s best friends with Garth’s daughter." [29:42–30:41]
- Funny back and forth about who was (or wasn’t) invited, with Bobby and Lunchbox expressing mock indignation about not making the guest list.
The Secret Envelope
[41:50–47:32]
The Envelope Bit
- Bobby addresses audience DMs about a mysterious "envelope," with the group spinning a wheel to choose who gets to read and validate its (never-to-be-discussed-again) contents.
- Amy wins the spin, reads it, is clearly surprised, and validates Bobby's assertion that it must be kept secret.
Amy (after opening it): "Oh, wow. That's not what I thought at all... And you nailed it. Like, how do you predict that?" [46:52–47:10]
- The contents are never explained to listeners, adding to the running in-joke.
Additional Show Banter & Bits
[47:32–54:05]
- Lunchbox shares spotting Ashley McBryde on Broadway.
- Extended crew conversation about office bits, vetoing sponsor involvement in a massage review to keep reviews authentic, and an anecdote about Bobby losing a "spin the wheel" bet, leading to a nude modeling-for-drawing segment.
- Amy discusses golfing with her boyfriend and family dynamics involving exes and lifelong friends.
- Light football, weekend, and family talk—standard show fare.
Notable Quotes
On Fame and Identity
- Bobby Bones: "You're like the most normal, extremely talented now. Rocket ship riding guy now." [03:21–03:26]
- Zach Top: "I'm still like. I just get a kick out of it if somebody recognizes me in airport or grocery store or something." [04:13–04:17]
On Songwriting
- Zach Top: "There's a good balance there between… everything doesn't need to rhyme perfectly. Make sure it says right what needs to be said." [14:52–15:09]
- Zach Top (reflecting on song structure): "Angel in April—not really a rhyme, but it kind of works and it feels good." [16:29–16:39]
On Group Dynamics
- Bobby Bones: "Are we the Rolling Stones? Are we the Eagles? We're the Eagles because we're American. Oh, that's right. That's right. They hate each other. The show in separate planes." [40:06–40:19]
"Secret Envelope" Segment
- Amy (revealing her surprise): "That's not what I thought at all. I don't even know that I thought. That's just… And you nailed it." [46:52–47:10]
- Bobby Bones: "Showbiz, baby." [47:10]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:38] Zach Top Interview Begins
- [07:50] Bluegrass "G run" Lick and Joke Segment
- [09:06] Writing and Recording Process for Albums
- [13:45] "Splitsville" Songwriting Story
- [15:15] "I Never Lie" Songwriting Story
- [17:09] Last Song Added to Album
- [18:15] Touring and Ticket Sales Discussion
- [20:56] Hobbies: Golf & Fly Fishing
- [26:13] Raymundo’s Party Plans & Garth Brooks Connection
- [41:50] Secret Envelope Wheel Spin Segment
- [46:52] Amy Opens the Envelope
- [47:32] Ashley McBryde Sighting / Show Banter
Episode Tone & Style
The show flows with its signature mix of playful group dynamics, candid interviews, inside jokes, and honest commentary on celebrity, music, and personal relationships. The hosts are open about both their professional secrets and their personal quirks, making the episode feel both engaging and relatable—even to new listeners.
Final Notes
- Zach Top's album "Ain't in it for My Health" is out now. Live performances are on the Bobby Bones Show YouTube channel.
- Show highlights: Unique songwriting stories, crew camaraderie, ongoing inside jokes ("secret envelope"), and genuine reflections on fame.
- Not recommended for those seeking a strictly music-focused episode; expect plenty of banter and in-studio antics.
End of episode summary.