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.