Huntergirl: Faith Fame and Finding Yourself Again

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show

Episode: Huntergirl: Faith, Fame and Finding Yourself Again
Date: February 2, 2026
Podcast Host: Premiere Networks (Guest hosting/interview with Huntergirl)
Guest: Huntergirl (Hunter Wolkonowski)

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show features an in-depth and emotional conversation with country artist and American Idol runner-up Huntergirl (Hunter Wolkonowski). The discussion traces her journey from a small-town upbringing and early musical ambition through the rollercoaster of national fame, personal struggles, and healing. Huntergirl opens up about faith, songwriting, female empowerment, and her commitment to honest storytelling, offering heartfelt insights into the challenges of finding and loving oneself amidst the pressures of the music industry and sudden fame.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins of "Huntergirl" and Early Life

• Origin of her stage name: The nickname "Huntergirl" stuck after a teacher needed to distinguish between her and another Hunter in class due to her long last name, Walkanowski.
  • “Kindergarten sucked. When they're like, spell your name. And I'm like, I got 11, people. I got 11. Give me a break.” — Huntergirl [03:45]
• Grew up in southeast Tennessee, deeply influenced by family, especially her grandparents, who provided stability and perspective.

2. Songwriting As Therapy and Storytelling

• "Clockworks": Written about her grandfather's struggle with dementia; songwriting helps her process life events.
  • “I wish I could eat grandpa's spaghetti this one more time, or get to talk to him and hang out. And just songs like that kind of just make me cry.” — Huntergirl [04:38]
• Lyrics often come from deeply personal experiences.

3. Journey on American Idol (2022)

• Initially anxious, felt unprepared and emotional during auditions, but impressed judges and earned both a Golden and a rare Platinum Ticket.
  • “I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, I just couldn't believe it...you're running off of no sleep...granola bars...Hollywood week is only a week...I was just, like, lucky to be here.” — Huntergirl [09:56]
• Fame was unexpected; afterward, she dealt with feeling lost and needing to recalibrate.

4. Song Highlights & Empowerment

• "Ain't About You": Written during a period of uncertainty in Nashville; a prayerful plea for direction.
  • “That song was kind of like a prayer that I had in my bedroom...” — Huntergirl [11:33]
• "Pretty Much": Addresses self-acceptance and insecurity, resonating with women and girls.
  • “I still grab a jacket when I walk out the door because, like, there's sometimes I'm insecure, like, these things that, like, I know that a lot of women have felt.” — Huntergirl [18:40]
• "Somewhere Wild": Inspired by wanting to return to her roots, find her sound, and recapture the optimism from her childhood.
  • “I want to get back to, like, being in the wilderness where anything can happen and it's a good thing.” — Huntergirl [26:21]

5. Persistence, Initiative, and DIY Beginnings

• From age 14, hustled for gigs—directly asking venues to perform, being her own booking agent, and recruiting church musicians to form a band.
  • “I would be like, hey, like, do you care if I sing a couple songs?...If you'd like to, like, hire me.” — Huntergirl [30:55]

6. Working with Veterans through Songwriting

• Passionate about helping veterans express themselves via songwriting workshops.
  • Describes writing with a gold star child (whose parent was killed in service):
    “I remember her in the bathroom and everything. I was like, hey, are you okay? And I went and bought, like, Snickers bars, and I started sliding them under the door...” — Huntergirl [35:12]
• Sees music as a healing tool, both for herself and others.

7. Faith, Healing, and Self-Love

• 2025 was a big year for therapy and intentional healing; she emphasizes faith and therapy as tools for growth.
  • “I'm crazy enough where I need Jesus and I need therapy.” — Huntergirl [49:55]
• Shares that loving yourself is an ongoing, daily process and battles feelings of insecurity intentionally.
  • “I get to do these things instead of, like, I should do these things because I'm trying to be mean to myself.” — Huntergirl [47:24]

8. Navigating Fame and Staying Grounded

• Coming off American Idol brought an “adrenaline dump” and the challenge of adjusting to public recognition and expectations.
• She uses time with her family, small hometown shows, her faith, and personal routines to stay grounded and aligned.
  • “Coming back home and like, kind of re-centering your heart and your nervous system to all that too, and just integrate it all.” — Huntergirl [51:57]

9. Looking Ahead—Future Music & Aspirations

• Excited for new music releases, with “Somewhere Wild” as a kickoff.
• Wants her songs to have clear personal messaging and to continue serving as an empowerment anthem, especially for women and young girls.
  • “What do you want to tell those girls? That God has greater plans for you than you have for yourself.” — Huntergirl [60:11]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faith & Opportunity:
  • “I was like, God, like, if this is for me, just let me know...and then literally two weeks later, somebody emails me...I was like, okay, God. I got my sign.” [13:54]
• On Songwriting & Honesty:
  • “I always want there to be, like, a clear message of, like, who I am and my story. And the songs that connect the most that I've found are the ones where I'm just being honest.” [19:28]
• On Fear (via Bob DiPiero):
  • “Fear is a hundred feet wide and 100ft tall, but it’s paper thin. You just have to walk through it.” [27:06]
• On Healing:
  • “You never stop healing...it's a daily battle...” [44:56]
  • “I'm getting pretty good at not thinking about pretty much.” [49:49]
• On Veterans' Stories:
  • “Getting to write with her (Vicki) was so special...all the stories that I've gotten to tell, I'm really privileged to get to do it because...seeing them get to experience that for the first time and getting to tell their stories, it's just the best.” [36:55]
• On Advice & Inspiration:
  • “What do you want people to know?...That God has greater plans for you than you have for yourself.” [60:11]

---

Important Timestamps

• [03:33] – Huntergirl explains the origin of her name and the impact of her grandparents.
• [04:38] – Discusses writing “Clockworks” and the grief of losing her grandfather.
• [09:56] – Describes the American Idol audition process and receiving the Platinum Ticket.
• [11:33] – Background of “Ain't About You” as a personal prayer during a tough period.
• [18:35] – Talks vulnerability and message behind “Pretty Much.”
• [26:21] – The inspiration for “Somewhere Wild” and positive perspective on childhood freedom.
• [27:06] – Shares Bob DiPiero’s wisdom on fear.
• [35:12] – Heartfelt story of writing with a gold star child.
• [47:24] – Huntergirl on shifting her perspective toward self-love and exercise.
• [51:57] – Adjusting to fame after Idol and grounding herself with family and routine.
• [60:11] – Final message: “That God has greater plans for you than you have for yourself.”

---

Tone & Style

• Open, vulnerable, and conversational, with humor, warmth, and frequent expressions of gratitude and encouragement.
• Huntergirl is emotionally candid, often self-deprecating, and committed to honesty—her words are accessible, relatable, and empowering, especially for young women.
• The host is supportive and enthusiastic, often sharing her own similar struggles, fostering a feeling of sisterly camaraderie.

---

Takeaways

• Resilience and faith are at the heart of Huntergirl’s story—through setbacks, sudden fame, and personal struggle.
• Honest, autobiographical songwriting resonates most, both for the artist and her audience.
• Community and giving back (e.g., songwriting with veterans) are central to her sense of purpose.
• Healing is continual, and loving oneself is an active, daily process.
• Follow the next open door: Trust, faith, and actively seeking personal growth enable creativity, fulfillment, and the ability to inspire others.

---

For More Huntergirl:

• Instagram: @huntergirlmusic
• Streaming: Search “huntergirl” on all major platforms
• Current Single: “Somewhere Wild” (out now)

---

Summary prepared by Podcast Summarizer
For listeners seeking inspiration, authenticity, and assurance that even in chaos, finding yourself again is possible—one honest step at a time.

Transcript

[Hunter Girl]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Nav Green]

Guaranteed Human black history lives in our stories, our culture, and the conversations we still having today. I didn't know this Black History Month, the podcast I didn't know. Maybe you didn't either. Digs into the moments, perspectives and experiences that don't always make the textbook. Let me tell you about Garrett Morgan Bruh had to pretend he didn't even exist just to sell his own invention. Listen to I didn't know. Maybe you didn't either. From the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or simply wherever you get your podcast.

[Hope Woodard]

What is something you've had to unlearn about love?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That it's earned?

[Hunter Girl]

That I was unworthy of love?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That it needs to be forever for it to count?

[Hope Woodard]

February is the month of love. Whether you're in a relationship, casually dating, or proudly single, it's a great time to reflect on on yourself and what you want. I'm Hope Woodard, host of the Voiceover podcast, and each week we're looking at love from every angle. Listen to Boy Sober. That's B O Y S O B E R on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Hunter Girl]

Crook and Chase Nashville chats with the coolest cat in country music.

[Hope Woodard]

He is edgy, he's fun. He is Chase Matthews.

[Hunter Girl]

Keith Urban helped make him a global sensation like, but it's his recent number one hit, Darling that put Chase on the map and launched a fun and difficult conversation about lovers who cheat and lie.

[Jordan (Producer)]

That's why I'm scared to get married.

[Nav Green]

You're giving me trust issues, brother.

[Hope Woodard]

Crook and Chase Nashville chats with Chase Matthew.

[Hunter Girl]

Listen and subscribe on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Podcasts on the Adventures of Curiosity Cove podcast.

[Narrator (Atlas Obscura segment)]

When Peanut Butter disappears from school, Ella, Scout and Layla launch a full detective mission. Their search leads them back in time to meet a brilliant invent whose curiosity changed the world in this Black History Month adventure, Asking questions, thinking creatively can lead to amazing discoveries. Listen to Adventures of Curiosity Cove every Monday from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Hunter Girl]

Caroline, she's a queen talking hey, what's on your mind?

[Nav Green]

She's getting real not afraid to feel.

[Hunter Girl]

Take her soul to soul Just let.

[Nav Green]

It flow no one can do it quite like Caroline.

[Hunter Girl]

It's time for Caroline.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You ready, Hunter?

[Hunter Girl]

I've never been more.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I'm so ready. Hunter girl is in the house. Welcome to get real. Hunter girl is here, everyone. I just really like you.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my gosh. I really like you. I.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Well, first off, you're fun. We were having a lot of fun. Thanks for getting down with the content.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, hey, always. It is so much fun.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You might as well have some fun with content.

[Hunter Girl]

I know. Like, it's like, if you're gonna do it, make it a good time, Just do it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah, but I really like you in general, though, with your music, too. Thank you. Okay, so I am late to the party. I did not even realize you were runner up on American Idol. I just thought you were this awesome singer named Hunter Girl. And I was like, what does Hunter Girl mean? But then I was like, your name is Hunter?

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. Government name.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You actually are like. You like to hunt?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I like to hunt. But that's not, like, how a Hunter girl came to be, in a sense. My last name is Walkanowski.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Walkanowski.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That's a good name.

[Hunter Girl]

11 letters. Kindergarten sucked. When they're like, spell your name. And I'm like, I got 11, people. I got 11. Give me a break.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Walking Alski.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes, that's good. And so nobody can ever pronounce it. And the lady at the front office, when I was in elementary school, she was like, hunter. There was, like, a guy named Hunter in my class. She's like, the girl. Hunter, Hunter Girl. Can you come to the office? And it stuck. And it just stuck. She was kindergarten. Yeah. So just, like, they just called me Hunter girl.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Your whole life, you've just been called Hunter Girl?

[Hunter Girl]

That's what my PA calls me. He'll be like, hey, my little Hunter girl, what you doing? And I'm like, I don't know. I did not.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Is that the one you wrote Clockworks about?

[Hunter Girl]

No, that's my grandfather. My PA is still alive.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That's your other grandfather?

[Hunter Girl]

That's my. On my mom's side. Yes. Okay. But, yeah, my grandfather on my dad's side, he passed away.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Your song Clockworks, like, literally took me down. Because that is so sweet about your grandfather about getting Alzheimer's. Right?

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. It was a really, really hard time. And he was just the sweetest person ever. The best cook. Like, the best. Best spaghetti you have ever had in your entire life. But he was just such a sweet person, and. And he got dementia, and it was just really, really hard on the family and everything. And, you know, everybody always wants to go back in time. And there's like. I'm like, I wish I'd asked him so many different questions. And you always think about looking back in the past and things that you wish you would have done. And that was one of the things was just I was like, I wish I could eat grandpa's spaghetti this one more time, or get to talk to him and hang out. And just songs like that kind of just make me cry.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

It is so crazy because I have now lost all four of my grandparents.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And they lived a long time, though.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, I got to have a really great personal, close relationship with all of them. But it is so weird when they pass, because you just always feel that presence, and it's like that grounding, safe presence of just, like, you know, the patriarch and the matriarch of the family. And, like, you know, you always can, like, lean on your grandparents, and they're, like, sturdy as the old oak tree, you know, hopefully, if you're lucky.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And then when they go, it's like, man, I just feel a little unstable.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. It just feels like there's just this whole left, you know, because that's because, like, my grandparents bring me so much peace. Yeah. You know, so much peace and so much perspective.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yes.

[Hunter Girl]

You know, like, I think about, like, how many, like, generations my grandparents have lived through, and it's wild. And so just talking to them about life and problems and just their viewpoint is completely different than the one that I have. And, like, whenever I'm just having a bad day and I'm like, I don't know, everything's. Everything's falling apart, and they're like. They're like, it's going to be okay. Like, we're 84 years old. It all turns out fine. And, you know, it's just those kind of things where, you know, in the season of. In my 20s, where I'm like, I don't know. I'm falling apart, and they're in their 80s, and just. It feels like they have all the knowledge in the world and all the peace, and I just try to grasp, like, a little piece of it when I talk to them.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

The thing I really, really admire about your songwriting, and I think America does, too. And obviously, this is why you got, like, a golden ticket, right. Where you got, like, a. Oh, originally, you got Pat. Only four people get one.

[Hunter Girl]

I got the golden ticket, and then I got the platinum tick ticket. My year, which was crazy. I did not expect it at all.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay, explain to us what that means.

[Hunter Girl]

So it was the 20th season of American Idol last year. This was a couple, two, three. Oh, my gosh.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What year was it?

[Hunter Girl]

2022. Okay. I think I'm looking at the camera. Like, they know, like, 2022, I think so. Fact check me, please.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Let us know.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Put in the comments. But, yeah, so they had platinum ticket that year. And so I went into the audition and got the golden ticket, and I was so excited.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

How do you get the golden ticket? Because you just freaking cr.

[Hunter Girl]

I was scared to death. I was about to have a heart attack. Because before I went into my audition, like, I had, like, an interview, and it was, like, a really emotional one, and so I'd been crying.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What were you. What beans were you spilling?

[Hunter Girl]

I don't even know. I think I was so stressed out. Like, they. It would just, like, somebody asked me a question, I'd be like. But I had, like, smashed my makeup. Like, I was like, oh, my God, I'm so sad. They're like, hunter, it's your turn. Go into the audition room. And I'm like. And I look just like, look like a little baby raccoon. And I'm just like, walking in there, and I'm like, hey, Katie. Hey, Luke. Hey, Lionel.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Who were you most starstruck to see.

[Hunter Girl]

All three of them when I walked into the room? Because they just, like. It's like the light shine on them, and they glow.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you have to make it through a lot of rounds before you. Oh, not if you get the golden ticket. You just go straight to the them.

[Hunter Girl]

Well, so they have, like, auditions before. Because this was still during, like, zoom and, like, the COVID era. Yeah. And so I had to audition, I think, like, four times before I got to the judges in Nashville and then got the golden ticket whenever I was in there. And it was so, so awesome and so cool.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And that means you get to go to Hollywood.

[Hunter Girl]

I get to go to Hollywood. And then they were saying, oh, we need to keep you in town, like, to film some extra stuff. And, like, I'd played Broadway and play, like, live gigs, like, since I got to Nashville. But even before, when I was, like, 14, 15, they're like, we'd love to get some B roll. And I'm like, I don't know what B roll is. And they're like, we'll get some B roll on Broadway. And I was like, okay, yeah, that sounds fun. And so I show up to Luke's bar, and I brought my guitar. Cause I was like, I don't know if I need my guitar. And they're like, oh, you're playing with a band. And I'm like, I'm playing with a Band. Okay, let's do it. And luckily, I was like. I was like, hey, guys. Like, do you know these couple songs?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You did not plan the songs out ahead of time?

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, no.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, they're throwing you to the wolf.

[Hunter Girl]

I was like, let's go. And they were like, we got you. We got you. I was like, I love you so much. And somebody, like, lent me their in ears and put them in my ears.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Some random ears.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. I was like. I was like, I don't know whose these are, but it's great. It's great. And so then I was, like, singing to the crowd, and they were filming it, and then Katie, Luke, and Lionel walk in, and I was like, my heart just went, oh, what is happening? And that's when they gave me the platinum ticket.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Which means.

[Hunter Girl]

Which it was like, they only gave three out that year.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Stop.

[Hunter Girl]

So in the whole course. In the whole course of the season.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And does that. What is that? What do you. What happens when you get the platinum ticket?

[Hunter Girl]

It was like, whenever we were in Hollywood Week, it was. You know, we, like, did a performance together, but it was like, they chose.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Three of y' all who got it.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. And they chose, like, one from every city.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So are people. Do you have a target on your back because you have a platinum ticket? Are people like, oh, there's Hunter girl. She's got the platinum ticket.

[Hunter Girl]

I don't know. I was like. Because whenever I had it, I was like. I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, I just couldn't believe it. And then going into Hollywood week, and that was such a crazy experience because you're running off of, like, no sleep.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And, like, no sleep ever.

[Hunter Girl]

Like, granola bars, and they just throw.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You into, like, you're in this room, you're in a hotel, and then you're in, like a. Yeah, a performing arts kind of.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, it's like. Like, it was like a convention hall.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And then living there.

[Hunter Girl]

Well, we did, because it was only a week. And so Hollywood's only a week. Yes, Hollywood. Yeah, it's only a week. And then we figure out who's the top 24 by the end.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And there are a hundred that go.

[Hunter Girl]

To Hollywood, I think, so around that.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And only 20. Do you, for sure get to go to the show with a platinum ticket, or could you have gotten eliminated?

[Hunter Girl]

I could have got eliminated.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay. Okay.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. So.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So was that nerve wracking with all the hundred people and did some people who are really great not make it?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, there were. There were so many great people that didn't make it. And so how do you do that? I have no idea. And because there are so many amazing artists on that season that didn't even make into the top 24. And so the whole time, I was just thinking, I'm just, like, lucky to be here and lucky to keep going and just kind of keeping my head down. I'm like, I'm just going to figure it out step by step and learn the lyrics of these songs and just, like, black out when I'm on stage and hopefully it all comes out right, you know? Holy. Holy cow, Honey, it was wild.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That's wild. Yeah. Okay, so before then, were you feeling a little lost because you had written a song, your debut single?

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Was you wrote by yourself and not about you? Right.

[Hunter Girl]

Ain't about you.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Ain't about you.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you wrote that because, like, things kind of weren't happening. You're kind of wondering, like, what am I doing with my life?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. So that song was kind of like a prayer that I had in my bedroom, and because nothing was really working out in Nashville.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And so you had been in Nashville?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I moved here 2016.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, you had been here a while?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. So right when I graduated high school, I was like, peace out a town. Like, I see you guys, and you're out of there. Move to Nashville.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And how far away from where you live is Nashville?

[Hunter Girl]

About a couple hours. And so I moved to Nashville and everything.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Do you have a friend?

[Hunter Girl]

This? I started school at mtsu, so I was in the dorm and then live with my grandma. I love you, grandma.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, love. I love. Yeah. Okay. So she lived here. Your grandma lived here?

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. And so, like, there was nothing really going on for me at that point. And I was like, God, like, if this is for me, just let me know, you know? Because I love this, but, like, if this is not what I'm supposed to do, like, I just wanted to do whatever you want me to and literally.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Just want to live in God's will.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. And so I just sat there on the floor and was, like, bawling my eyes out. There's this theme. I cry a lot, and I cry every day. Oh.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, it's good if I don't have it. If I don't cry every day, I'm wondering what's happening.

[Hunter Girl]

I know. I'm like. I'm like, what's happening? Like, am I feeling enough?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay. It's so annoying. But then at the same time, I feel so much better when it's over.

[Hunter Girl]

I know. I feel like I'm Just like, oh, my gosh.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Relief.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, relief. I'm so happy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay, so you're just balling on the floor.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You're living in Nashville now for a few years, going to college, and you're like, God, do you want this to happen?

[Hunter Girl]

Happen for me? And so literally two weeks later, somebody emails me, and they're like, hey, like, I would love for you to be on American Idol this season. And who emails you? Leanne Falin. And friend. She. She had, like, worked in American Idol, like, when it first started, and I had met her through, like, a. Like, a songwriting camp and everything that I did online. She had a connection, and she had had a connection. She's like, I think you should do it. And I was, like, trying to figure out if I should do it or not. And then the next day, I was playing the show right next to Bath and Body Works, and I was absolutely crushing it. And I was, like, pulling my equipment across, and nobody's ever there, but I'm just like. I'm, like, making 100 bucks, and I'm like, this is gonna rock. And I'd started a gym because I was sad, and it was my first day at that gym, and they're like, what are you doing after this? And I was like, oh, look, I'm playing across the street tonight. Like, y' all should come. And a girl had just moved from California two days prior, and she came to the show, and she was like, hey, I used to be a producer on American Idol, and I think you should do it this year.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

It was, like, two.

[Hunter Girl]

Twice in two days.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You're like, okay, God.

[Hunter Girl]

I was like, okay, God. I got my sign.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Was two signs enough for you?

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. I was like, okay. I feel like I'm just like, girl, wake up.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Just take this opportunity.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. And I was like, let's do it. And so I was like, I'm just gonna see what happens. And it was just like, all flags went green, and it was all. It was just amazing. And it felt like I was in the right place, in the right time where I needed to be. And, like, that feeling of just, like, feeling like I was on a path that I needed to be on was something I'd never felt before.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Really?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Where's. Just.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What does that feel like when all of a sudden all the signs are green?

[Hunter Girl]

It was just like, this.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Feel easy.

[Hunter Girl]

It didn't feel. It didn't, like, feel easy. It just felt like, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. And after, like, you know, having the conversation with God, and being like, hey, like, is this for me? And it felt like yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yes.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, it felt like yes. And I was like, I'm gonna keep going. I got the sign and it was so special. And I was really, really thankful for that season of my life.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So what was it like when you're performing live? Did you have any breakdowns? Did you have moments that completely moved you to tears or like changed your life? Like any performances? Like, like while on idle? Yeah, like any moments because you got runner up? That last moment when you're deciding who's gonna win, I mean, come on, that was crazy. That's next level. Is it. Is it defeating that you didn't win or were you like, I'm just so happy that I got second place.

[Hunter Girl]

I was just so happy I was there, you know, like the whole time I was like, I'm just grateful to be here. And like this one. Okay. This moment really did make me cry. While I was on the show. My grandpa, my pa had his 80th birthday on the road to come see me. They drove from Tennessee to California with my aunt and my uncle and they came to one of the shows and it was during like the Disney night they had. And he had his 80th birthday on the road. And they came out to the show and looking out at my grandparents in the audience, I know I was just like, I'm bawling. And this was so funny because like I'm about to like cry, like looking at them on stage and I'm like, oh my gosh, I'm on tv. What am I gonna do? And I look over and I see my nana. And they have sat her by Derek Hough. And my nana is the biggest Dancing with the Stars fan of all time. And as I'm about to cry, I look over at Nana and she's just talking Derek Hough ear off. She's like, hey, like what's going on?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

She's having the best day of her life.

[Hunter Girl]

So funny. And they got a picture together and everything.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Dreams were coming true all over the place.

[Hunter Girl]

It was so sweet. But I cried during that and I cried whenever I sang Red Bird when I got off stage singing that song, cuz.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you wrote that song?

[Hunter Girl]

I wrote that song, yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

It's so cool. You got to sing original songs. They let people sing original songs now, I guess.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, it was really special because the first original I sang on the show, like wasn't planned. I'd like picked a cover song that they. It was like they had certain themes and stuff and I sent that in, and then one of the ladies. I'd sent in a song of mine, I was like. Because her husband was a really big songwriter, and I was like, hey. I was like, I just want to know what you think of this. You know, I'm just trying to get better. And she was like, do you want to sing this next week? And I was like. I was like, yeah, of course. And so the band learned the song, and I got to sing. It was a song called Heartbreak down that I sang, and it was because of her. Because of Ms. Robin. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

The thing I love about your music is, like, I said when I started, like, stalking you down, I didn't. I started with your Instagram page. And so, like, I didn't actually know you had a whole American Idol background. And I was like, dang, she's not just another country girl. Like, she's not just another one. And not that there's not so many talented people, but, like, you have, like, legit stories that you are singing about every single song that you're singing. I'm like, and pretty much stop me now. Like, every little girl needs to hear that.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my God.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I'm like, every song you're singing I know is, like, coming from you and your heart and your experience and your journey and the way you're putting it into a song. I, like, I'm, like, feeling every single bit of it, and I feel like I know who you are just from hearing a few songs, and you don't always get that with an artist, you know?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. I feel like whenever I was little, like, I wanted to be a songwriter and an artist, and that was really important to me. I, like, I want to get better at songwriting, and I started writing songs when I was, like, 9 years old, and I'm sure they were. They were pretty rough. It's like, where's my crayons? You know, the ballad and. But, like, writing songs has been such a big part of my life. I feel like it's the way that I get things out and the way that, like, I'm able to, like, have pinpoints in my life with songs, you know, Like, Clockworks was, like, me getting through, like, what happened to my grandfather and him passing away and, like, ain't about you is this time of my life where I have no idea what happens next. And pretty much was this time where I was tired of other, like, the opinions of myself that I would see in the mirror would, like, attack me. I'm about to cry. But, like, no, that song made me.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Cry when I saw it because you're like, what has. It starts sometimes look in the mirror, and I don't like what I see or something. What is.

[Hunter Girl]

How's it go? Like, you know, like, I still grab a jacket when I walk out the door because, like, there's sometimes I'm insecure, like, these things that, like, I know that a lot of women have felt.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Who doesn't feel this?

[Hunter Girl]

And I went because it was important to me. I was like, I want to film this in my hometown.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

The music video.

[Hunter Girl]

The music video is shot me now. Oh, my gosh. In my hometown. And I like, I called. There's this theater there called the Oldham Theater. And I called Montana. I was like, hey, do you care if we come film a music video? I was like, I would just love for people, like, in the hometown if they want to come out and be a part of the video.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So many little girls.

[Hunter Girl]

And all the little girls showed up, and they're all singing it, and it was just so sweet.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And, like, that is. That is the messaging we need.

[Hunter Girl]

It was just so special. And, you know, like, I love my hometown, and every year we do a show. That's my last show of the year. Every year I do in my hometown, and seeing all the little girls singing and dancing around and just, like, having the best time is so special. But I feel like the songs that I put out, I always want there to be, like, a clear message of, like, who I am and my story. And the songs that connect the most that I've found are the ones where I'm just being honest.

[Hope Woodard]

What is one thing about love you've had to unlearn?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That it's earned, that it needs to be forever for it to count.

[Hope Woodard]

February is the month of love. Whether you're in a relationship, casually dating, or proudly single, it's a great time to reflect on yourself and what you want. I'm Hope Woodard, host of the Boy Sober podcast, and each week this month, we're looking at love from every angle.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I don't know how to tell my.

[Hunter Girl]

Partner, like, what I want in bed.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

The thing about romantic fiction, I would say more than any other genre of culture, is that it's always put women first. My marriage stopped making sense. The connection started to feel off. The behavior started to feel different.

[Hope Woodard]

This February, get in touch with yourself by listening to Voiceover. That's B o y s o B e r. I'm like, I would love to not hate the man I'm sleeping with. I don't know what that's about. Listen to voiceover on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Hey there. Dr. Jesse Mills here. I'm the director of the men's clinic at UCLA Health, and I want to tell you about my new podcast called the Mailroom.

[Jordan (Producer)]

And I'm Jordan, the show's producer. And like a lot of guys, I haven't been to the doctor in in many years. I'll be asking the questions we probably should be asking but aren't because guys.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Usually don't go to the doctor unless a piece of their face is hanging off or they've broken a bone.

[Jordan (Producer)]

Depends which bone.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Well, that's true. Every week we're breaking down the unique world of men's health, from testosterone and fitness to diets and fertility and things that happen in the bedroom.

[Jordan (Producer)]

You mean sleep?

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Yeah, something like that. Jordan. We'll talk science without the jargon and get you real answers to the stuff you actually wonder about.

[Jordan (Producer)]

It's going to be fun, whether you're 27, 97 or somewhere in between.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Men's Health is about more than six packs and supplements. It's about energy, confidence, and connection. We don't just want you to live longer, we want you to live better. So check out the mailroom on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favorite shows.

[Nav Green]

This show contains information subject to but not limited to personal takes, rumors not so accurate stats, and plenty more. What's up, man? This your boy Nav Green from the Broken Play podcast?

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Ass.

[Nav Green]

Look, it's the end of the season. The playoffs are here. But guess what? It ain't the end of your season. You can always tune in with Broken Play Podcast with Nav Green on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Another team who ain't going to the playoffs. The Chiefs. What's a wrap? It's time to rebuild. Who your MVP right now. Then Drake May up there. Josh Allen up there still. Oh, my boy, Matthew Stafford.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Where did Bo Nicks at?

[Nav Green]

He ain't too far behind.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

He did all this talking.

[Nav Green]

What Matthew Stafford is doing statistically, bro, is crazy. Bro, you know I ain't no Josh Allen fan, but Matthew Stafford got better weapon. Caleb Williams. Hey, he should be in that conversation.

[Hunter Girl]

In what conversation?

[Nav Green]

He should be in it. Listen to Broken Play with Nav Green from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Segregation in the day, Integration at night.

[Narrator (Atlas Obscura segment)]

When segregation was the law, one mysterious black club owner had his own rules.

[Hunter Girl]

We didn't worry about what went on outside. It was like stepping in another world.

[Narrator (Atlas Obscura segment)]

Inside Charlie's Place, black and white people danced together. But not everyone was happy about it.

[Hunter Girl]

You saw the kkk. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

They was dressed up in their uniform.

[Nav Green]

The KKK set out to raid Charlie, take him away from here.

[Hunter Girl]

Charlie was an example. Power they had to crush him.

[Narrator (Atlas Obscura segment)]

From Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, and visit Myrtle beach comes Charlie's Place, a story that was nearly lost to time until now. Listen to Charlie's place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Hunter Girl]

Hey.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That'S what we want. And that's why, like, I'm, like, listening to your songs. I'm like, dang, is this a new artist? How is she so good to be such a new artist? And I'm like, you've been doing this a long time.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So tell me about your upbringing. You grew up in the country, and that's where Somewhere Wild's coming from. Because, like, did you get lost last year? You said you had a big finding yourself year last year.

[Hunter Girl]

Definitely.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Tell me about all that and getting back to the country and your roots.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So get lost. Not, like, actually last.

[Hunter Girl]

I was lost for, like, three months. Like, in the woods?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

No.

[Hunter Girl]

Somewhere Wild kind of came from this time where, you know, it's like, everybody's like, what's next? What's next?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And they're trying to be encouraging, but it's also like, oh, my God, I don't know. What's next?

[Hunter Girl]

I don't know.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I have no idea.

[Hunter Girl]

And so I'm just, like, smiling and waving like the penguins from Madagascar. Like, I'm like, yeah, everything's great, you know? And I'm like, I don't know what's next? And I really wanted to find my sound and kind of get back to myself in a way, like. Like, the country roots that I've always had, like, growing up in southeast Tennessee, Winchester and Somewhere Wild was kind of that Finding Myself song. And it kind of started at the top of the last year when I was like, okay, what's next? And I was like, I don't know.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, did you ever feel stressed?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I was like, everything's so unknown all the time. And did you go from American Idol?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Huge burst of energy. You get a record now you're signed to Broken Bow, right?

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And now you're putting out singles. You're going tour with Luke Bryan.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. Went on tour with Luke Bryan.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

It's a whirlwind.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, it's been so much fun.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And then sometimes the whirlwind just kind of stops. Not that it's stopping, but it's like huge, huge force. And then it's like.

[Hunter Girl]

It's in those breaks.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Those breaks. It's like, who am I now? Like, what am I supposed to do? It's very confusing.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. It's just like, I don't know what's next. And so there's this place by my pa's house, and he called it the wilderness. Whenever I was a little kid, it was right beside the creek, and he made it this little magical place. And he was like, I love your family. Oh, my gosh. Like, you have, like, you need to meet them. There's the sweetest people. But Pa said, like, say the wilderness three times, and when you run into the woods, anything can happen.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

No, he did not. He said, say the wilderness three times. Like, the wilderness.

[Hunter Girl]

Wilderness. The wilderness.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

The wilderness.

[Hunter Girl]

Me, my sister and my cousin were like.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And then you run in.

[Hunter Girl]

They're charging it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Hunter Girl]

And it was like, I felt that feeling, but, like, broke through the veil.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Hunter Girl]

It's like, I'm just like, oh, my gosh, where are the fairies? You know? But that feeling, like, anything could happen. Like, whenever you get older, it's like, oh, my gosh, anything could happen. And you take it, like, negatively. And I was like, I want to get back to, like, being in the wilderness where anything can happen and it's a good thing. And, like, go back to that positive spin on that saying. And I felt like Somewhere Wild was, like, this growing song for me. I didn't mean to write it when I walked into the room.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You didn't?

[Hunter Girl]

No, I didn't have the idea or anything. And I read it with Jeff Garrison and Bob DiPiro.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love Bob Dapiro.

[Hunter Girl]

He's the sweetest little human.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Do you know what Bob Dapiro told me that I will never forget?

[Hunter Girl]

What'd he say?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I interviewed him and I just have loved him. He's been a friend for a long time. He said, fear is a hundred feet wide and 100ft tall, but it's paper thin. He's like, you just have to walk through it.

[Hunter Girl]

Chills.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I know. He's like, it's all you can see. It's 100ft wide and 100ft tall, but it's paper thin. If you walk through it, it's over.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my God.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Damn, Bob. Oh, my God. You should be a legendary songwriter in.

[Hunter Girl]

The hall of fame or something. That's crazy. He's Just dropping.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Never forgotten that. He's just dropping wisdom all over the place.

[Hunter Girl]

No, he's just like a sage. He really is. I'm like, like the little wizard.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I know.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

He's so nice.

[Hunter Girl]

I know. He's just so happy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Hug him.

[Hunter Girl]

I know. Every time I see him, I was like, I just want to hug you. I know. Me too.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

We love you, Bob.

[Hunter Girl]

We love you, Bob. Like, he was so encouraging in the room, and, like, Jeff started playing this track, and I was like, I've never written anything like that. I was like, that's cool. It was, like, very, like, where is she? And I'm like, I don't know, because I don't know where I'm going. And I just kept hearing Somewhere Wild. And so Bob's like, let's run with it. And we wrote that song in, like, an hour and a half, and it was so easy. And it was like another, like, felt like a stamp of, like, a timestamp of my life. And I was like, I feel like I know where I'm heading. And then Trent Willman ended up producing it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Love Trent Willman.

[Hunter Girl]

And I love him.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

He's a Texas guy.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Hey, I used to sing with him at Judge Beans barbecue back in the day.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my God.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Him and Wade Hayes. I've been around for so long. I have, like, so many lives with so many people. But Trent Willman, I'm like, heck, yeah. He's getting his big moment because he had an artist moment, but now he's getting his big producer moment.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Like, he's so amazing, and, like, being in the studio with him and the band and it was just so much fun. It felt like everybody had just known each other forever, and we were just all hanging out and, like, creating music.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And how'd you link up with Trent Williams? Willman?

[Hunter Girl]

Well, I met him at the CMT Next Women a Country thing, because I was a part of that class, and he was in the audience, and I was like, oh, my gosh. I'm so excited.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Because I was like, he did Cody Johnson, right? He produced Cody Johnson?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, Cody Johnson. And so I'd met him there and ended sending him my music, and he was like, let's do it. And I was like, okay. Yay. And so we cut three songs.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Which ones did you cut first?

[Hunter Girl]

Dirt was first.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Which? Dirt is so good.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, thank you.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love that song.

[Hunter Girl]

Thank you. That was Fall Somewhere Wild, and then the Baby Something Coming Soon. Oh, she's so mysterious.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay.

[Hunter Girl]

She's got a pass. She's crazy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love this for us. So there's a new. There's a. There's one in the bank.

[Hunter Girl]

There's one in the bank.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay.

[Hunter Girl]

We don't know when she's gonna be. To be continued.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay.

[Hunter Girl]

I know.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love that right now we're just enjoying Somewhere wild.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Somewhere wild right now. But, yeah, I'm really, really excited for that song, and it feels different than, like, stuff that I've done in the past.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So when did you start releasing music? Did you release on your own?

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. So I. The first time that I was in studio, I think I was, like, 15 or 16.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You have literally been at this for so long.

[Hunter Girl]

For so long. And kind a little bit of like, baby Hunter. Like, nobody in my family played music.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Nobody. Nobody sing?

[Hunter Girl]

No. And so they were just all like, whatever you want to do, just go after it. And I'm like, okay. And so, like, I'd go to talent shows, like, county fairs, any place that anybody would let me sing. And when I was, like, 14, 15, I started. I played bass first. I was playing bass in a band. Oh, my God. Thank you. I can't, Like, I need to practice bass so, like, I can live up to it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Did you, like, rodeo, too?

[Hunter Girl]

I didn't get too much into.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Rosie went to the radios to sing.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. And so. But, like, started playing guitar. And so I start walking into bars and, like, coffee shops, and my mom and dad would drive me and be, like, just, like, waiting in the corner. Because, like, mom and dad just, like, just wait in the corner. I'm just gonna ask and see if they'll let me sing.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You would go ask yourself. At, like, 14, 15, your parents would drop you off, and they would wait while you wouldn't ask the head if you could see.

[Hunter Girl]

Well, they would come in the door with me, and then they would stand in the corner, be like, no, mom. Like, come on.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You were so confident.

[Hunter Girl]

It was crazy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Who is this person?

[Hunter Girl]

I don't know.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You walk up to, like, the manager of the bar and say, hey, I'm Hunter girl, and I want to sing here.

[Hunter Girl]

I would be like, hey, like, do you care if I sing a couple songs? Because there would be a stage, and I was like, and if you like it, maybe, like, I could play longer.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

No, you did not.

[Hunter Girl]

If you'd like to, like, hire me. And so at 14 years old, 14, 15. It was crazy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, my gosh.

[Hunter Girl]

And so that's how I got gigs. And then I started stalking people on Facebook that had venues.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So you were like, Focused.

[Hunter Girl]

I was locked in.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you were not scared to ask?

[Hunter Girl]

Like, scared. But I was like, I want it so bad. I'm just gonna do it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, I don't care, and that's what it takes.

[Hunter Girl]

And so I was like, I'm highly impressed. Like, senior, probably like junior and senior year. I was playing like 50 shows a summer.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you just went. Got him yourself?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I'll just be like, hey, like.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Can I play your own booking agent? Were you making money?

[Hunter Girl]

I was like, I was making okay money, like, at 14, playing gigs.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Hunter Girl]

I was like, this rocks. And so I didn't have a band, and there was like, this vineyard, like, oh, you, like, you have to have a band to play here. And I was like, okay, what do I do now? And so I was a part of the church band. And so there's like, these guys in their 50s, and I was like, hey. I was like, hey. And I went to school with that. Like, I went to school with their kids, and they were in the band.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

With the 50 year old dude.

[Hunter Girl]

I know. And I was like, hey, do you want to be my band? I was like, I loved it, though. We had a blast. And, like, it was so special because when I came back for Idol for my hometown show, played with your dudes, I brought them back. And Dead Meat right now, they are just the best people in the world. I love them. And so they played gigs with me while I was in high school.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You're just making it happen, Hunter. I was doing my best about you. So much so it's like you're just like, okay, what do I have? What am I working with? I'm gonna just work with what I'm working with and get it done. And that's what it takes.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, thank you. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

But literally, you're just like, okay, I need a band. Where's my band? Okay, Church. Church, Guys.

[Hunter Girl]

Hey, guys. Let's do it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That's amazing. Just fearless. Okay, and so then you started playing gigs, and then I'm guessing you skipped college, camped straight to Nashville, or did you go to. No, you went to mtsu.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes, went to mtsu. And so I got a music business degree there. I finished college.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That's impressive.

[Hunter Girl]

Covid.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Way to go.

[Hunter Girl]

My senior year was during COVID How was that? It was hard, you know, because, like, senior year, you know, your whole college.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Year in Covet, or did Covet start.

[Hunter Girl]

It was like, like the. My last semester of college was when Covid started. It was like that spring semester. And so, like, I was starting to meet with publishers. And I was like, oh, my gosh, everything's going great. I was like, maybe I'll have a job. You know, I was, like, so excited. And I was still playing Broadway and playing different shows and stuff. Stuff. And then the world shut down, and it was like, what do I do now?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What did you do?

[Hunter Girl]

And I moved back home for about, I guess, like, six months during COVID because my lease went up that February, and then Covid happened that March. And so I went back home for, like, six months during COVID and then came back to Nashville and moved in with my best friend and, like, just started trying to figure it out again. And I've been working with veterans since I was about 17 and writing songs with them.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Talk to me about that. That is so moving. Vicki.

[Hunter Girl]

I heard.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I saw you talk about Vicki.

[Hunter Girl]

She was the sweetest lady. But I started an all female veteran class with Freedom sings during 2020, so that's what I was doing throughout 2020. I was writing songs online.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So basically, you're going and helping these veterans get their story out through songwriting.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That is so powerful. Radney Foster does that too.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah. That is so powerful. And I'm sure, like, the stories that you heard. Did you. Was it moving for so many of these people who couldn't express how they were feeling?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, because I started singing, like, the songs for the people that would write them together.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you would sing them.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes. And so then, like, when I was, like. I think my first camp was when I was 19, and I wrote with a gold star child.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What does that mean?

[Hunter Girl]

It's like one of their family members has passed away.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, man.

[Hunter Girl]

While they were serving. And that was my first ride. And she was the sweetest little girl in the world. Cheyenna, I love you. If you're watching.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

How old was she?

[Hunter Girl]

I think. I think she was around 9, 10. No.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Her parent had passed away. Oh, no.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, gosh. That's so heartbreaking.

[Hunter Girl]

It was. It was so, so hard.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You helped her write.

[Hunter Girl]

I can't even handle it. I know. Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You helped her write her story.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. So I wrote. Me and Steve Dean and Dawn Goodman, we wrote her song, and we wrote two songs that weekend. And what was her song about?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I mean, I know.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What was it called?

[Hunter Girl]

It's called Daddy's Daughter. And it was just like. I remember, like, her running off for a little bit, and I was like, if you'd, like, just, like, take as many breaks as you want to. And I remember her in the bathroom and everything. I was like, hey, are you okay? And I went and bought, like, Snickers bars, and I started sliding them under the door. Oh. And I was like, hey, like, you know, whenever you're ready. And she's like, I think I am. And so me and her just, like, sitting there eating Snickers bars. And we finished the song. But that is so, like, painful and.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Powerful and, like, what. What an outlet to be able to, like, for her to get her feelings out, you know?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. And, yeah, the. The Lana song is like, like, he made little old me to withstand anything. Never stand down. Mess with me, you're a goner. Because I'm my daddy's daughter. And it was just having that moment with her was so special. And that was my first try. And I've written with a lot of gold star moms and spouses. Wow.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

This is a calling.

[Hunter Girl]

And so I've been doing it for a long time. And the one that I had in December was with Ms. Vicki. They called me like, hey, like, we don't know what you're doing, but we just got a female veteran and added to the workshop. And, like, could you come to Chattanooga? And I was like, okay, I can. I was like, yeah, I'll be there. And so I got up at, like, 5am and drove, because I drove the night after because I had, like, something that night. And so I drove to my Nana Paul's house, because they're closer to Chattanooga, and went down and wrote her song. And. And so I'm just getting to write with her. It was so special.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And what did Vicki write about?

[Hunter Girl]

It was. It was called My Heart, and it was so special. I was. Because I asked her because she was so nice, and she was telling me her story, and I was like, like, where'd you get that heart from? And because all the things that have happened in her life, and she's got a beautiful heart. She's got a beautiful heart. And, like, so many songs that have come through, like, secondary PTSD is a song that I wrote. Like, all the stories that I've gotten to tell, I'm really privileged to get to do it because, like, I'm lucky. I get to write songs every day. Like, that's so cool. That is so cool. But, like, seeing them get to experience that for the first time and getting, like, to tell their stories, it's just the best. And, like, yeah, it's really powerful.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I mean that, like you said, music is. Is for. What do you say you quote it? Music is. Is for other people. It's Supposed to move people. It's supposed to make you feel something. It's supposed to, like, help people heal.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you're really doing that with it.

[Hunter Girl]

Thank you. Yeah. But just getting to work with him is just amazing. And having the all female veteran class in 2020, like, they were. We called it girls night. We'd all hang out, and we had, like, four female vets, and then by the end, we had around 30.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Thank you.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I do. Thank you. I told you, we have cried, but.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Well, I'm glad you like to cry, because I am Waterworks and.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my gosh. Do you want one, too?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah, maybe.

[Hunter Girl]

Thanks. But, yeah, like, and during Idol, I don't know if I've talked about it, but my audition was on Veterans Day.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Really?

[Hunter Girl]

And so, like, they brought my veterans.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And your grandpa was a veteran.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And that's why it's so close to you. That's why it started. Right.

[Hunter Girl]

Like, big military family. Six of my great uncles, my grandfather, my great grandfather. And so, like, it's like, the military's always been a really big thing in my life, and supporting them and, like, them coming back home and, you know, just, like, searching for that family again, because that's what I love to see during these classes that we do is, like, them getting to connect with each other and somebody like, oh, like, I was over here. And, like, oh, I was over here. Do you know this person? Or, like, this happened and, like, giving them that family and, like, just watching, like, through the years, it's like, it doesn't stop with a song. It's. It's a community, and it's people that care about each other, and I'm just happy that. That I get to tell her story. Yeah. Please don't get me snorting on camera.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Get it?

[Hunter Girl]

Delicious. This is not the ASMR you.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Kind of want.

[Hunter Girl]

This is my favorite part, really?

[Hope Woodard]

What is one thing about love you've had to unlearn?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That it's earned, that it needs to be forever for it to count.

[Hope Woodard]

February is the month of love. Whether you're in a relationship, casually dating, or proudly single, it's a great time to reflect on yourself and what you want. I'm Hope Woodard, host of the Boy Sober podcast, and each week this month, we're looking at love from every angle.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I don't know how to tell my.

[Hunter Girl]

Partner, like, what I want in bed.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Think about romantic fiction, I would say more than any other genre of culture, is that it's always put women first. My marriage stopped making sense. The connection Started to feel off the behavior. Started to feel different.

[Hope Woodard]

This February, get in touch with yourself by listening to Boy Sober. That's B o y s o B e r. I'm like, I would love to not hate the man I'm sleeping with. I don't know what that's about. Listen to Boy Sober on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Hey there. Dr. Jesse Mills here. I'm the director of the men's clinic at UCLA Health, and I want to tell you about my new podcast called the Mailroom.

[Jordan (Producer)]

And I'm Jordan, the show's producer. And like a lot of guys, I haven't been to the doctor in many years. I'll be asking the questions we probably should be asking but aren't because guys.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Usually don't go to the doctor unless a piece of their face is hanging off or they've broken a bone.

[Jordan (Producer)]

Depends on Witchbone.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Well, that's true. Every week we're breaking down the unique world of men's health, from testosterone and fitness to diets and fertility and things that happen in the bedroom.

[Jordan (Producer)]

You mean sleep?

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Yeah, something like that. Jordan. We'll talk science without the jargon and get you real answers to the stuff you actually wonder about.

[Jordan (Producer)]

It's going to be fun. Whether you're 27, 97, or somewhere in between.

[Dr. Jesse Mills]

Men's Health is about more than six packs and supplements moments. It's about energy, confidence, and connection. We don't just want you to live longer, we want you to live better. So check out the mailroom on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favorite shows.

[Nav Green]

This show contains information subject to but not limited to personal takes, rumors, not so accurate stats, and plenty more. What's up, man? It's your boy, Nav Green from the Broken Play podcast. Look, it's the end of the season. Season. The playoffs are here. But guess what? It ain't the end of your season. You can always tune in with Broken Play podcast with Nav Green on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Another team who ain't going to the playoffs. The Chiefs. What's a wrap? It's time to rebuild. Who your MVP right now then Drake May up there. Josh Allen up there still. Oh, my boy Matthew Stafford.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Where did Bo Nicks at?

[Nav Green]

He ain't too far behind.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

He did all you is topic what.

[Nav Green]

Matthew Stafford is doing statistically. Bro is crazy. Bro, you know I ain't no Josh Allen fan, but Matthew Stafford got better weapon. Caleb Williams. Hey, he should be in that conversation.

[Hunter Girl]

In what conversation?

[Nav Green]

He should be in it. Listen to Broken Play with Nav Green from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Segregation in the day, integration at night.

[Narrator (Atlas Obscura segment)]

When segregation was the law, one mysterious black club owner had his own rules.

[Hunter Girl]

We didn't worry about what went on outside. It was like stepping in another world.

[Narrator (Atlas Obscura segment)]

Inside Charlie's Place, black and white people danced together. But not everyone was happy about it.

[Hunter Girl]

You saw the kkk.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Hunter Girl]

They was dressed up in their uniform.

[Nav Green]

The KKK set out to raid Charlie, take him away from here.

[Hunter Girl]

Charlie was an example. They had to crush him.

[Narrator (Atlas Obscura segment)]

From Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, and visit Myrtle beach comes Charlie's place, a story that was nearly lost to time until now. Listen to Charlie's place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Hunter Girl]

Hey.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Man.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, Hunter.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, do you want people to call you Hunter girl or Hunter?

[Hunter Girl]

Hunter. Call me Hunter.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

But people call you Hunter girl, too.

[Hunter Girl]

People call me Hunter girl. People call me Hunter. Okay. My friends call me Hunter. You call me Hunter.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Can I be your friend?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Faux show. We make friendship bracelets after this.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, man, please. My daughter is 6, and I have so many friendship bracelets all over. That's why I'm telling you, like, you as a female artist and these songs you're putting out, I'm like. Like, I, like, really couldn't wait to play Ain't about yout for Sunny. And pretty much, I'm like, I want her to hear these songs because I want her to grow up knowing that, like, you can be a beautiful, powerful woman, and you don't have to just, like, fall into the. It's so hard. Being a woman is so hard. It's so amazing, but it's so hard. There's so much pressure.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And to see someone stand like you stand up there and say, like, listen, we all struggle. But, like, it's. I love myself. I'm gonna, like, love myself for who I am, and it's bigger than me. And that's just, like, you want the young girls to know that, and the older girls need to hear it, too. We all need to hear it.

[Hunter Girl]

Like, we all need to heal.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

We all need to heal.

[Hunter Girl]

God help us, you know?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I feel like I've been healing for so long.

[Hunter Girl]

You never stop healing.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I've never done. I'm like, can I please be done healing for a while?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Cause, like, it's like, it's a daily battle where you're like. Like, Some days you're like, whoa, I'm feeling my best self. I'm so happy. Let's crush it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I've graduated from all this trauma and pain and sorrow.

[Hunter Girl]

I'm so happy. And then the next day, you're like, oh, my go, gosh, I'm a loser.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, for sure.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes, I know.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Literally, it can switch on a dime.

[Hunter Girl]

Switches on a dime, and you're just like, okay. Just trying to, like, every day be like, okay, like, everything's gonna be fine. Everything's good. We're all happy. And, like, choosing to love yourself every.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Day and choosing how you do that. Tell me how you do that.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, I think, like, how do you.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Look in the mirror and say, like, I love you? Because that's hard to look at yourself.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Like, I. Like, I couldn't imagine just, like. Like, looking at myself and be like, I love you, but I. Like, I tell myself every day, I'm like. Like, everything's good. Like. Like, oh, you look happy. Like, whenever I change my clothes, like, 500 times, and I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, I'm like, let's take a. Let's take a minute. Let's take a. Be girlfriend. And, like, it doesn't. It doesn't matter.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I know.

[Hunter Girl]

I'm like, you look fine.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You're beautiful.

[Hunter Girl]

You're. You're good. Good. It's all gonna be okay. Like, whatever you wear, like, it's gonna be okay. And telling myself that, like. Like, choosing to love myself and every single day and, like, there's things that I love about myself where I'm like, like, oh, like, I love how my hair looks or, like, I like my eyeballs, you know? Like, I like. I like my eyes. I like my eyeballs. I'm like.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I'm like.

[Hunter Girl]

I'm like, girl, you got some good eyes. You know, like, so that, like, things that you remind yourself of. But it's hard. It's so hard. But I think I've gotten a lot better at it. How?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Have you. Have you intentionally just, like, worked on this?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, because just, like, I intentionally. Every day, I'm like, like, I want to go for a walk. Like, I want to go for a walk outside. And, like. Like, I, like, love going to the gym now because I think I used to look at exercise as, like, a punishment, you know? It's like, oh, I did this, so I need to go work out, right? It's like, no, I want to work out because it makes me feel good. I'm like, I get to go look at birds in the wild when I walk down the street, like, I get to go run. Like, I get to lift weights. I get to Your body working. Yeah. And, like, seeing my grandparents and, like, they're like, oh, my gosh, like, do this while you can. And so I think that changed my perspective a lot, is, like, I get to do these things instead of, like, I should do these things because I'm trying to be mean to myself, and.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I'm trying to look a certain way.

[Hunter Girl]

To look a certain way to please.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

These people who don't even notice.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Who don't even notice because they're worried about themselves.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Exactly. Everyone's only concerned of themselves.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Because everybody's in their head. They're like. Like. Because, like, I could look at someone, be like, oh, I'll be like, you're so beautiful. But, like, internally. Or somebody told me that I'd be like, oh, my gosh, like, my hair looks crazy, or this shirt sucks, you know? But, like, so everybody's feeling that way. And I feel like if we were a lot more honest about that, like, we wouldn't have to try so hard.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Totally.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love that so much. Tell me what you did this past year, because you said 2025 was a big healing year for you. What did you do to go on that healing journey?

[Hunter Girl]

I think, like, definitely with, like, the loving myself, I went to therapy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Did you have a breaking point?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Well, not like. Like, not like a full, like, breakdown, but. Yeah. Yeah, I had a breakdown.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Don't worry. I've had so many breakdowns.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I was like, something needs to change.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay, tell me why, what. How you knew that?

[Hunter Girl]

Well, I just felt, like. I just felt sad and, like, empty, and I was like, I want to love myself. Like, I want to love everything that I'm doing. Like, I just want. Like, something inside needs to change. And, like. Like, that's, like, the line of the song. Like, I need to get back to what I had, you know, like, little hunter that's walking into these bars and coffee shops, going in the shop. I'm like, girl, get her back. Where's she at?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Where is she at?

[Hunter Girl]

I thought she would fight me right now, you know, like, but she would.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Also be so proud of you. She'd be so proud because you've gone so far.

[Hunter Girl]

She'd be like, girl, like, wake up. What are you doing?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yes.

[Hunter Girl]

And, like, but how awesome, though.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I mean, this is an awesome thing because so many people have to go back to their childhood and heal their Little girl, how awesome that you want to go back and like, like, say, like, look, I'm still making you proud. Cuz, like, you love that little girl. Like, how awesome that she started off so strong and then the world will take us down. But like, you're like, no, this is who I am.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Like, I want to get back to that and like, healing, like, with like the. Pretty much. That song, it was kind of like the start of that.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That was probably a vulnerable song to put out.

[Hunter Girl]

That was such a vulnerable song to put out and because you're like speaking.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Vulnerable words that we all feel, but you're speaking them and I'm like, I.

[Hunter Girl]

Was super stressed, I bet. But, like, seeing how it affected the other women in the crowd.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, I'm sure there's some of your best.

[Hunter Girl]

The first time I sang it live, it was like every girl, like, understood that.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, yes. You're like, speaking. You're. It's an anthem for us all.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Like, during that moment. And so I think that was the start of that. Like, I'm getting pretty good at not thinking about pretty much. But so that was the start. And I feel like last year was like, you're so clever with your words.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I'm getting pretty good and not thinking about pretty much. I mean, that is just such a great line.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. So I think that was the start. But I was like, I need to like, actually enact that, you know, like, focus on it every day with like, healing myself, like, like reading my bible, like, going to therapy and like, you know, because some people are like, like, like go, like go straight to Jesus. And like, I do every single day. I'm like, but I'm crazy enough where I need Jesus and I need therapy. Like, I need both. I need a double dose.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I need so much.

[Hunter Girl]

I need all of it. I know, but good for you, though. Yeah. And so reading my Bible, like, hanging out with my family, going to like hanging out with my friends, like, and recentering that part of myself for a couple months and I felt like a new person.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And that's where somewhere wild came from.

[Hunter Girl]

That's where somewhere wild came from.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Do you think the whole American Idol instant fame had something to do with like, the. The like the holy cow, like, nerve wracking? Everyone's looking at me now. I need to, like, critique myself harder.

[Hunter Girl]

Like, I think I had a little of that whenever I was younger, you know, just like. Like whenever I was like 12, 13, where you just like put all that pressure on yourself to look a certain way. But I Think being on American Idol and like, how awesome that was, like, coming off of the show. And like, because it was crazy. Right before I went on Idol, you know, I was living with my grandma and like, I remember flying home from New York and it was my birthday and I'm still in my whole get up and I'm wearing my like, like the. The sheet, the boots up to here, all kinds of crazy stuff. And I remember were walking through the airport and people tell me happy birthday and I was like, oh, my gosh. I was like, people know who I am because I've been in this bubble for so long. And I was so excited. I was freaking out. I was like, oh, my gosh, people know me. And I couldn't believe it. And I get. I get back home and like, I'm like. Like, I go to grandma's house, I'm like, we're watching the Great British Bake Off. Like, we're living our best lives, you know, and it's so crazy, you know, like, being in California and LA and like going to New York and all these things. Things. And like, coming back home and like, kind of, like, kind of re. Centering your heart and your nervous system to all that too, and just integrate it all. Yeah. Because it was like, such a shock coming back because I've been gone for five months.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Oh, yeah? Was it kind of. Okay, so I did the Amazing Race two times and when I came off of it, I had a. Because, like, you're in like, kind of same thing. Like the American Idol. I mean, not the same thing, but you're in this alternate universe with these.

[Hunter Girl]

These.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Only these people.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you're doing this event and challenge and you're like, in your own world and like, it's literally that's all that's happening. I remember coming off of it, though, and having like, a big letdown. Like, oh, my gosh. Like, I'm never gonna get that high again. Did you feel that? Like, I was like, how will I ever get that extremeness? Like, you can't just. It's not everyday life.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. It was definitely like an adrenaline dump.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

It's like an adrenaline.

[Hunter Girl]

And they warned us. Like, they warned me whenever I left. They're like, hey, like, we want to give you a heads up up. Like, they're like, you're gonna have like a big adrenaline dump. Like, it's gonna be a lot. And I'm like, okay. Like, so I was already kind of prepared for it and so. Because it was crazy, like, people knowing who I was at that point, and, like. Because I just. It just didn't register. And this is the time that it registered. It was, like, a few days after, and I had went to Target and.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

In your hometown?

[Hunter Girl]

No, like, it was. I think it was, like, in Nashville somewhere.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay.

[Hunter Girl]

And I went to the gym. And, you know, like, when I get out of the gym, I'm, like, looking rough. Like, I'm. I'm sweaty. I'm, like, living my best life. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm crazy. And so then I just go to Target after. I'm not thinking anything of it, you know? Like, I'm not thinking anything of it. And then people know who I am. I'm like, oh, my God. People know me. What the freak? And so I'm like, I have all these pictures, and I remember my mama called me. She's like, hunter, I saw a picture of you on Facebook. I was like, oh, what was it? You know? And she's like. She's like, oh, my gosh. She's like, you look crazy right now. She's like, I'm gonna send you some dry shampoo, girl. What you doing? And I'm like, mom, I just got back from the gy. She's like, you are so crazy. You're so crazy. And, like, it's like getting reminded that things were different. And I was so grateful for it. But, yeah, it was definitely, like, a switch up where, like, things changed and, like, trying to figure out where, like, I aligned and all that.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So how do you feel about it all now? Now that you've had a few years off the show, you've had some huge moments touring, you've had some singles release. Like, you've had, like, you know, the big push, and now you're kind of, like, living in this new existence. How. How do you balance Somewhere wild, like, figuring out who our roots are and then American Idol, like, crushing. Yeah, crushing the game and, you know, coming in second and having people know your birthday.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my God.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

How do we line up now? Where have you centered?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I feel like I finally, like. I finally figured it out.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, what is it?

[Hunter Girl]

Well, just, like, kind of the balance, because, like, coming off idle and, like, then playing all these shows, and it was so cool, you know, because when you're on the.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Was there a tour or was it no tour because of COVID There's no.

[Hunter Girl]

There was no tour. Well, there was, like, shows by this point because it was, like, in the 20, 20, 22.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I think they did an Idol tour, though, didn't they?

[Hunter Girl]

They don't do those anymore. But, like, like, I was immediately, like, playing shows and, like, all these things kept happening. I was so excited and, like, learning how to, like, balance it all, you know, and, like, sleep and, like, eating and all these things. But I feel like, like, the music and, like, me now, I feel like it all. All feels aligned.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

That's awesome.

[Hunter Girl]

And it feels good. And I think, like, last year, like, during that. Those few months, I was like, I. I really needed that. I really needed to recenter and figure out where I wanted to go. Because, like, when things are going so quickly, it's like you can't always look at the destination, like, because things are moving. It's like, this is next. But, like, looking at big picture, and I'm like, I want the songs to sound like this. Like, I want to feel like this. Like, I want to, like, wake up every day and, like. Like, be proud of, like, what I put out into the world and, like, who I am as a person and all those things. And I feel like I'm really, really excited for, like, this next chapter, and I feel like it's gonna be the best one yet.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love that so much.

[Hunter Girl]

Thank you.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

So what can you tell us about the future? Not to put pressure on you, like, what's next?

[Hunter Girl]

What's next, Hunter girl? All these concrete streets, highway lights.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Exactly. What are you looking forward to, though?

[Hunter Girl]

Looking forward to the new music coming up.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Somewhere wild's the kickoff of that, right?

[Hunter Girl]

Somewhere while it's kicking it off. So very, very excited about that and, like, shows coming up. But, yeah, I'm just very excited for all the things in the future and figuring it out one step at a time.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You know what? As we all are. I'm 42 years old, and I moved to Nashville when I was 19 years old.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my gosh.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

No idea what I was doing. I still have no idea what I'm doing. Like, literally, you are doing fantastic. I just have been winging it the whole time. Like, some people have perfect ideas of how their life wants to go, and, like, basically a spreadsheet and day by day, and I'm like, nope, no clue. I literally just follow the next open door. Follow the gifts that God has given me, follow what my soul is, like, guided towards. And I feel like if you do that, it's very scary. It feels very risky. But ultimately it leads you where you're supposed to go.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. And, like, I love that. Following the next open door, you know, the door that God opens for you.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You have that in a song.

[Hope Woodard]

Too.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like when the doors close you a window.

[Hunter Girl]

Yes.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What song is that in?

[Hunter Girl]

I think it's Somewhere Wild.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I think it is too.

[Hunter Girl]

I think it is.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Cuz I'm like, yes, Queen. I feel that.

[Hunter Girl]

But yeah, like, find that cracked window. You're a bird, fly.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You can do this.

[Hunter Girl]

You can do it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

It feels insane. But you're going to make it.

[Hunter Girl]

But no, like, I love that. And like you have so much light in you and just like all this good energy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Not always. I have had moments. I mean, I've always had lightning, but I have had moments. Like the past five years. I feel like I'm actually coming out of it. Have been so hard. Hard. Literally just took me down and I was like, okay, God, I know that you are working on me and like that this is for a bigger purpose, but holy cow, can we give it a rest? Yeah, like, I need a break.

[Hunter Girl]

Like, girl needs a minute.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

But I feel like so many of us feel that way. It's just. You gotta trek on through. When you're in those valleys, you feel like you're stuck in the mud. Just keep moving. It's so hard and it feels like you're never gonna get a break and there's never gonna be an open window. But they do come.

[Hunter Girl]

They do come.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

They do come.

[Hunter Girl]

And it's. I think it's like in those moments where like trusting God is like the way out.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You gotta put your.

[Hunter Girl]

You're just like, we, we.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Faith in action.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Like we're in it together. Like.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And you know what I realize too, it's like, it is so easy to have faith in God when, like, things are going according to plan.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

But when things are not, that's like, really when God's saying, hey, do you really trust me? Like, do you?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Because I need to find out.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, hey, I'm gonna, I'm gonna. We're gonna find out.

[Hunter Girl]

We're gonna find out. And like in those seasons where things are like that, where it's like everything's going wrong.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Everything.

[Hunter Girl]

Everything.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

You're like, how wrong?

[Hunter Girl]

Like, what is happening?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Like, am I. How I. I'm trying to be a good person. God's like, why are you punishing me? But it's not punishment. Because truly, don't you feel like you've grown the most in those dudes?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Like, I feel like I've grown when everything's gone wrong.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Hunter Girl]

And like I've come out on the other side of it better.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Totally.

[Hunter Girl]

You know, and so.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

And then you have Grace for people and you have grace for yourself. And it's not as scary when the next rough path patch hit hits.

[Hunter Girl]

No. And also gives you perspective.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Yeah.

[Hunter Girl]

Like, like, you know, with like, other people going through hard things, like being able to be there for them and understand, like, what they're going through. I feel like some of this, like, the things that I've went through or it's like really dark times in my life. I'm like, I feel like I'm able to show up better for other people because of that, because I understand what somebody else might need.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love that. Hunter girl. I just. I loved you the second I found, like, found out who you were and dove into your music and dove into you. You're so authentic. You're such a real. You're just such a real light. Like what you're doing is authentically who you are called to be. I can feel that in your soul. I can feel that in your music. I know God has a big plan for you. He's going to continue to open doors for you. And because your messaging is so important for people to hear. And I just want to say thank you for being brave enough to put all these, like, real honest songs out because they hit me. They really affected me. And so I know they're obviously they affected the world. You got second on American Idol, but I just want to applaud you for your truth and your honesty and following the gifts that God gave you.

[Jordan (Producer)]

Aw.

[Hunter Girl]

Thank you. I love you. I love you. We did it.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I always wrap up with Leave youe Light and it's super open ended, but it's basically, what do you want people to know? Just drop some inspiration.

[Hunter Girl]

Oh, my gosh. Like, what do you want people to know?

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Just, like, what do you want to tell people? Just drop them some inspo. If you're sitting in that theater of all those girls singing your songs. Pretty much Wait. Pretty much, right?

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

What do you want to tell those girls?

[Hunter Girl]

That God has greater plans for you than you have for yourself.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love that so much, Hunter girl. Okay. Tell everyone where we can find you. You can keep up with you.

[Hunter Girl]

You can find me at huntergirl Music on all social platforms and you can find me at huntergirl all one word on every streaming platform and Somewhere Wild is out now.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

I love it. I love it so much. Can you stick around around for a quick little say Less session where we're going to draw some cards and we're just going to get straight down to the point.

[Hunter Girl]

Let's do it. Let's get crazy.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay. Hunter girl, you're the best. This was so much fun. I'm glad we got to cry, too.

[Hunter Girl]

Yeah, I know. We cried a lot.

[Interviewer (possibly a podcast host)]

Okay, bye.

[Hunter Girl]

This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human.