Podcast Title: The Interview with Leslie Heaney
Episode Title: Songs & Sails - feat. Caroline Jones and Nick Dana
Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction

In the 60th episode of "The Interview with Leslie Heaney," host Leslie Heaney welcomes the extraordinary couple, Caroline Jones, a renowned singer-songwriter with a successful solo career and as a member of the Zac Brown Band, and Nick Dana, a world-class professional sailor. This episode delves into their inspiring love story, illustrious careers, and the harmonious balance they've achieved between family life and professional pursuits.

Caroline Jones: Crafting Her Musical Journey

Early Beginnings and Nashville’s Influence

Caroline Jones shares her musical roots, highlighting her diverse influences ranging from classic rock and R&B to pop divas like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. Despite not growing up with country music, her passion ignited after attending a performance at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville at age 17. This pivotal moment led her to embrace country music, appreciating its storytelling and live performance ethos.

"I was completely transfixed by these songwriters sitting in a room, capturing the room with just a guitar and their voice and their story."
— Caroline Jones [11:14]

Songwriting and Collaboration in Nashville

Caroline emphasizes the collaborative nature of Nashville's music scene, where constant partnerships with various songwriters and producers are standard. She is currently working on her fourth album, both solo and in collaboration with new and familiar writers, aiming to infuse diverse influences into her country roots.

"I love to experiment and meet new people and find who I creatively jive with."
— Caroline Jones [02:46]

Nick Dana: Navigating the High Seas

Professional Sailing Career

Nick Dana provides an insightful overview of his sailing career, detailing his involvement in prestigious competitions like the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup. He explains the technical complexities of modern sailing, especially the introduction of foiling monohulls in the America's Cup, which revolutionizes boat speed and performance.

"The boats are kind of so much on the bleeding edge of technology... it's a huge paradigm shift."
— Nick Dana [32:20]

Role Transition and Passion for Technology

Initially brought on for a specific role, Nick adapted to the evolving demands of his team, taking on more physically demanding positions and contributing to technological advancements. His passion for sailing is evident as he describes the adrenaline and teamwork required in high-stakes races.

"It's almost like Formula One... it's incredibly competitive, and technology usually wins."
— Nick Dana [34:28]

An Inspiring Love Story

Meeting During Challenging Times

Caroline and Nick's paths crossed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that posed significant challenges due to Nick’s impending move to New Zealand for the America's Cup. Their connection was facilitated by mutual friends and a bit of serendipity, leading to a swift and profound relationship despite geographical and professional hurdles.

"Once we met, it was like meeting your best friend... we were so in love really quickly."
— Caroline Jones [27:41]

Building Together Amidst Careers

Their relationship blossomed as they navigated their demanding careers, with Caroline supporting Nick’s sailing endeavors and Nick backing Caroline’s musical aspirations. This mutual support system has been pivotal in maintaining their strong bond and successful partnership.

"Nick is so supportive of my career and my travel. I want to give that back to him in every possible way."
— Caroline Jones [56:08]

Balancing Family and Careers

Prioritizing Family and Support Networks

Caroline and Nick discuss how their tight-knit families play a crucial role in managing their schedules and prioritizing family life. Their ability to bring their toddler, Declan, on tours and sailing trips exemplifies their commitment to integrating family with their professional lives.

"Our family is our priority. We're so lucky to also be able to prioritize the things that we love that we call our job."
— Caroline Jones [54:13]

Navigating Professional Demands

Nick has scaled back his sailing commitments post-America’s Cup to ensure more family time, while Caroline continues to flourish in her music career with upcoming tours and new projects. Their strategic adjustments ensure that both can pursue their passions without compromising family time.

"Nick is at a point where he wants to explore some other entrepreneurial ventures... We're very supportive of each other's dreams."
— Nick Dana [50:49]

Future Endeavors and Closing Thoughts

Upcoming Tours and Projects

Caroline is set to embark on a two-month US tour, followed by international dates in Australia, with exciting plans brewing for the end of the year. Nick continues to stay involved in sailing through selective races and collaborative projects, ensuring a balanced approach to his passion and family life.

"We're about to take our son on the tour bus for the first time... It's an incredible time for our family."
— Nick Dana [52:26]

Mutual Respect and Inspiration

Throughout the conversation, both Caroline and Nick highlight the importance of mutual respect, support, and understanding in their relationship. Their ability to prioritize each other and their family while excelling in their respective fields serves as an inspiring model for balancing personal and professional life.

"Nick's support means the world to me... We're excited for Declan to grow up seeing us chase our dreams."
— Caroline Jones [56:14]

Conclusion

Leslie Heaney wraps up the episode by expressing admiration for Caroline and Nick's inspiring journey, emphasizing their support for one another and their dedication to family. Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the podcast, with Leslie hinting at exciting new episodes coming soon.

Notable Quotes:

• Caroline Jones [11:14]: "I was completely transfixed by these songwriters sitting in a room, capturing the room with just a guitar and their voice and their story."

• Nick Dana [32:20]: "The boats are kind of so much on the bleeding edge of technology... it's a huge paradigm shift."

• Caroline Jones [56:08]: "Nick is so supportive of my career and my travel. I want to give that back to him in every possible way."

• Nick Dana [50:49]: "Nick is at a point where he wants to explore some other entrepreneurial ventures... We're very supportive of each other's dreams."

• Caroline Jones [54:13]: "Our family is our priority. We're so lucky to also be able to prioritize the things that we love that we call our job."

This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of how two driven individuals can intertwine their lives, fostering both personal happiness and professional success. Caroline's musical artistry and Nick's sailing prowess harmoniously coexist, underpinned by unwavering support and deep familial bonds. Listeners leave with a sense of inspiration, learning the value of balance, collaboration, and love in achieving one's dreams.