Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show – “Lots to Say: Country Music Artist Matt Stell”
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:24 - 01:50)
In the April 2, 2025 episode of The Bobby Bones Show titled “Lots to Say: Country Music Artist Matt Stell,” host Bobby Bones and co-host Matt Castle warmly welcome country music sensation Matt Stell to the studio. The hosts humorously note the presence of two “Mats,” leading to playful confusion throughout the episode. They highlight Matt Stell’s achievements, including his multiple number-one songs such as “Prayed for You,” his Arkansas upbringing, and his unique athletic background, including playing college basketball and competing against LeBron James.
Music and Lyrics Discussion (01:50 - 03:02)
The conversation kicks off with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle attempting to sing Matt Stell’s hit song “Prayed for You.” Despite their efforts, they humorously struggle to recall the accurate lyrics and melodies. Matt Stell provides corrections and encouragement, demonstrating the challenges artists face when others attempt to replicate their work without the same skill or familiarity.
Matt Stell [02:23]: "Every single day, before I knew your name, I couldn't see your face, but I prayed for you, yeah, your face."
Anecdote: Mistaken Identity at the Super Bowl (03:02 - 05:42)
Matt Castle shares a hilarious anecdote involving both Mats attending the Super Bowl. They intended to play golf if time permitted, but due to a mix-up, Matt Stell was mistaken for Matt Castle by the golf course staff. This mix-up led to humorous interactions and highlights the camaraderie and occasional confusion between the two hosts.
Matt Castle [04:21]: "It was so cool to have Matt Castle stop and play golf. The problem was, it wasn't Matt Castle. It was Matt Stell."
Athletic Background and Playing Against LeBron James (05:42 - 09:03)
Matt Stell delves into his athletic past, recounting his high school basketball days and a memorable tournament in Akron, Ohio, where he played against a young LeBron James twice. He reflects on how competing against such a formidable athlete set the ceiling for his own basketball aspirations, ultimately leading him to pivot towards a music career.
Matt Stell [06:41]: “With LeBron, you know, I'm coming in thinking, okay, I got some time to grow, but with Joe Johnson, it was just like, okay, well, this is my ceiling.”
The Lost VHS Tape and Nostalgia (09:03 - 11:25)
A humorous and nostalgic segment unfolds as Matt Stell recalls losing the VHS tape of his games against LeBron James. After finding the tape a year ago, he attempts to watch it but faces the challenge of not having a functioning VCR. The hosts reminisce about the pre-digital era of recording and the sentimental value of such memories.
Matt Stell [09:17]: “I have the tape and like, I can't remember... I want to see what movie...”
High School Athletic Achievements and The Zone (11:25 - 19:38)
The hosts transition into discussing high school athletic achievements. Matt Stell shares his impressive stat line, including scoring over 40 points in a game with numerous rebounds. Bobby Bones reflects on his own high school football experience, emphasizing the significance of being in "the zone"—a state of heightened performance and focus.
Bobby Bones [16:04]: “When you're in the zone and you're feeling it, I just try to ride that as much as possible because you're ultra-focused.”
Matt Stell parallels this with his musical performances, describing moments when songwriting and performing feel effortless and deeply connected. Both hosts explore the psychological aspects of being in peak performance states, whether on the field or on stage.
Parallels Between Athletes and Musicians (19:38 - 30:26)
A significant portion of the discussion delves into the similarities between high-level athletes and musicians. Bobby Bones and Matt Castle draw parallels between the mental states required for both professions, such as handling momentum, dealing with performance slumps (“anti zones”), and maintaining self-criticism to strive for excellence.
Bobby Bones [19:39]: “Hell yeah. 100%. I was always a big guy of when we start a game and we start early, give me some easy completions.”
Matt Stell adds that in both sports and music, the focus should be on the process rather than the outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, decision-making, and maintaining authenticity amidst external pressures and expectations.
Discussion on Matt Stell’s Hit Song “Prayed for You” (30:26 - 35:36)
The conversation shifts to Matt Stell’s breakout song “Prayed for You,” which has become a defining piece in his career and a popular choice for weddings. Matt Stell discusses his initial intentions in writing the song, which was inspired by a co-writer’s personal story, contrasting it with how listeners connect it to their own lives.
Matt Stell [34:45]: “I'm connected with that song. Not as necessarily the person, but I love the song.”
The hosts appreciate the song’s storytelling aspect, noting how it resonates with audiences and has become a staple in Matt Stell’s performances and public image.
Personal Interests and Light-Hearted Banter (35:36 - 41:26)
A lighter segment follows where Matt Stell shares his passion for high-quality coffee, describing his meticulous approach to brewing the perfect cup. In contrast, Matt Castle admits his aversion to coffee, leading to humorous exchanges about personal tastes and preferences.
Matt Stell [37:10]: “I'm luxurious about my coffee and I don't put anything in it. It's just about the bean and where it's from.”
The hosts playfully tease each other about their hobbies and lifestyle choices, adding a personal touch to the conversation.
Comparing NFL Players to Celebrities (41:26 - 50:53)
In a creative and entertaining segment, Bobby Bones and Matt Castle compare current NFL players to contemporary pop culture figures. This analogy highlights players' personalities, playing styles, and public personas by likening them to well-known celebrities. Examples include:
-
Patrick Mahomes and Drake:
Matt Castle [42:20]: “They win constantly. Except recently. They are constantly in the GOAT conversations.”
-
Jalen Hurts and Kendrick Lamar:
Bobby Bones [42:43]: “They both were at the Super Bowl. Kendrick Lamar absolutely served up some humble pie to Drake.”
-
Josh Allen and Chris Pratt:
Matt Castle [43:37]: “Lovable, great. Athletic.”
-
Matt Stafford and Brad Pitt:
Bobby Bones [43:39]: “They're still getting it done. They're still making hits. They're still dominating their profession.”
-
Derrick Henry and Jason Momoa:
Matt Castle [44:46]: “Both superheroes. Both look great in whatever costume they wear.”
-
Aaron Rodgers and Joaquin Phoenix:
Matt Castle [48:00]: “Mysterious genius level, talent. Off the grid type people, but undeniable when locked in.”
These comparisons serve to underscore the multifaceted nature of athletes, portraying them through the lens of widely recognized figures from other domains.
Closing Remarks and Final Banter (50:53 - 51:02)
As the episode wraps up, Bobby Bones and Matt Castle engage in humorous exchanges, teasing each other about personal anecdotes and shared memories. Matt Stell mentions needing to leave for Florida, and the hosts encourage listeners to follow him on social media.
Matt Castle [50:36]: “Step by step.”
Matt Stell [38:22]: “Like, I don't know, man. I got music everywhere. You can find me everywhere.”
Conclusion
The Bobby Bones Show episode featuring Matt Stell offers a rich blend of insightful discussions on the intersections between music and athletics, personal anecdotes, and engaging banter between the hosts and their guest. Through humorous storytelling and thoughtful comparisons, the episode provides listeners with a deep dive into Matt Stell's career, philosophies, and personality, making it a valuable listen for fans and new audiences alike.
Notable Quotes:
- Matt Stell [02:23]: "Every single day, before I knew your name, I couldn't see your face, but I prayed for you, yeah, your face."
- Matt Castle [04:21]: "It was so cool to have Matt Castle stop and play golf. The problem was, it wasn't Matt Castle. It was Matt Stell."
- Bobby Bones [19:39]: “Hell yeah. 100%. I was always a big guy of when we start a game and we start early, give me some easy completions.”
- Matt Stell [34:45]: “I'm connected with that song. Not as necessarily the person, but I love the song.”
- Matt Stell [37:10]: “I'm luxurious about my coffee and I don't put anything in it. It's just about the bean and where it's from.”
Timestamp Highlights:
- 00:24 – Episode introduction and guest welcome
- 02:23 – Matt Stell corrects song lyrics
- 04:21 – Golf course mix-up anecdote
- 06:41 – Playing against LeBron James
- 19:39 – Discussion on momentum and “the zone”
- 30:26 – Deep dive into “Prayed for You”
- 41:26 – NFL players compared to celebrities
This structured and detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and memorable moments, while providing valuable context for those who haven’t listened to the episode.