
Nikki & Brie keep the Nashville takeover going at the SiriusXM studios with actor, musician, and songwriter Sam Palladio! Sam opens up about growing up in Cornwall, landing Nashville before he’d ever been to America, the show’s lasting magic, and why Music City still feels like home. He also gets real about writing through grief, new love, heartbreak, dating, and the story behind his upcoming single “Glitter.” Plus, the trio talks nature, dyslexia, the Opry, Scorpio energy, and plays a round of “Boots, Bourbon, or Bullsh*t.” Press play!
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Nikki
Hey, you're says you have a cabin by the river.
Sam Palladio
Cabin by the river.
Nikki
I love that.
Sam Palladio
Got rental house. You guys can live there. You know.
Nikki
You know where I went and when I came in Tuesday, I went and hiked
Radar Lake.
Whoa.
Sam Palladio
Radner.
Brie
Radner.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah. Close pretty good.
Nikki
I was like, I'm like. I knew I was saying around. I don't know. Well, because it's like R a D
Sam Palladio
A R. Because you can like hike up around at the top. I mean you can do like the just a little loop.
Nikki
And you know what was crazy?
Brie
We were supposed to do it yesterday, but we didn't wait.
Nikki
I know. But then we had to be out till like 3am but you know what I loved was I was like getting to a point on the hike and I looked out and I go, gosh, those look like bald eagles. Not thinking. So then I keep going. All of a sudden I see the signs that it's a preserve.
Sam Palladio
Yep. Yep.
Nikki
So I saw two bald eagles.
Sam Palladio
Amazing.
Nikki
I couldn't believe it. I was like freaking out. I'm like. And I didn't know they were here.
Sam Palladio
I didn't. This new cabin I just moved to, there's a pair of bald eagles that live about three trees down. So in the mornings it's like, here come the bald eagles.
Nikki
That's so insane. That's incredible. Do you know how a female picks her mate?
Sam Palladio
She puts Eagle World.
Nikki
Yeah. Yeah. Well, actually females should do this too. By the way, she puts them through a lot of tests. So she will grab a stick, right? She will fly extremely fast and she will drop It. And if he does not catch it, she's like out.
Sam Palladio
She's like, swipe.
Nikki
So he. I mean, they kind of felt like
Brie
maybe tribes did that back in the day. Maybe not.
Nikki
But I don't know about.
Brie
Yeah, yeah. The Alaskan bald eagles.
Nikki
Yeah, it would be kind of funny.
Brie
Throw something in there.
Sam Palladio
Can you catch it on Broadway? Just see what guy grabs it first.
Nikki
And then like a certain guy grabs it and be like, ew, gross. No, like I didn't throw it.
Sam Palladio
Sam didn't catch it.
Brie
Yeah.
Nikki
All right, everyone, welcome back to the Nikki and Bri show. And yes, we are still here in Nashville, Tennessee, having too much fun, that's for sure. But we already started chit chatting because I know Sam. Sam appreciates nature, so I had to like get out my whole hike. But this I just have to tell you, I'm so. Well, both of us are really excited for this episode. And you know Sam, he's an actor, musician, songwriter, and one of the stars of Nashville, which is, I feel like everyone's favorite TV show. And now it's on Netflix.
Sam Palladio
I know.
Nikki
Have you seen a huge spike?
Sam Palladio
We got a nice little spike.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
You know, because it. We filmed in 2012. It's been around for a minute, you know, but it's an amazing thing where people keep.
Brie
Yeah.
Nikki
Cuz it.
Sam Palladio
Just discovering it.
Nikki
Yeah. Which is so cool. That's the cool thing about streaming, I have to say. And now he's bringing us new music with his upcoming single, Glitter, which is incredible. Sam. Now let me see if I say that your last name, because I totally did not do the national park. Right.
Sam Palladio
That's.
Nikki
Okay. So Palladio.
Brie
Sure did not.
Sam Palladio
I'll take it.
Nikki
No. What is it?
Sam Palladio
I just say Palladio.
Nikki
Oh, Palladio. Yes, that makes sense.
Sam Palladio
You know, I get a lot of paladinos or pala somethings, but Palladio.
Brie
But it looks Palladio.
Nikki
Okay, Sam Palladio.
Brie
It kind of looks like that.
Nikki
It does. You know what it is? I must. I was never taught maybe how to properly sound out a word.
Sam Palladio
Oh yeah, I'm dyslexic as well, so.
Nikki
Oh my gosh, I'm dyslexic.
Sam Palladio
Oh my God.
Nikki
It's like actually. And you know what's funny is I figured it out. Well, we both did as adults, so now it explains everything.
Brie
Yeah, it's weird how it happens even when you read things, you're like, how did I just read that backwards? But pretty much like it's just wild
Sam Palladio
when I have to like Learn lines, like, quickly. Oh, my God. It's a nightmare.
Brie
But it's hard.
Nikki
You know, something that's really cool is you can now buy books for people who are dyslexic. So I did it one time because I was, like, curious. I couldn't believe how fast I read a chapter and how I understood it.
Sam Palladio
Oh, I need to do this.
Nikki
I mean, it's all. With print, how it is for. It's for people like us.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah.
Nikki
Because our eyes. I think what happens is maybe they shift to the end or. I don't know what it is, but go on. You can go. I hate saying Amazon because I don't like to fully support Major, but they have where you can buy books for. Very cool. And they'll print it for dyslexic people.
Sam Palladio
Wow.
Nikki
Amazing, right? No, but it'll change your life.
Sam Palladio
Oh, yeah. I've just been on the audiobook Kick these days and love.
Nikki
Okay, then you can do it like that.
Sam Palladio
But still, I need to check that out.
Brie
I know. We need to make her prints work.
Nikki
Oh, yeah, yeah. But I wonder if they could print scripts like that for you.
Sam Palladio
Oh, I want. Yes, I'm sure they could.
Nikki
Because, I mean, it has to. It's all dealing with how they write the words, which is crazy.
Sam Palladio
There's a load of. Yeah. I think there's quite a few different ways to approach it, but I'm sure. Yeah. Taking notes, guys. Taking notes, you know?
Nikki
Yeah.
Brie
Right. Okay, so you grew up in England, which I remember finding out when you were English, like, way after the show. It's crazy when you get to know someone, you're like, wait, they have an accent.
Nikki
Like, Gunner was in English country.
Sam Palladio
Hold on. Yeah, yeah.
Brie
You know what I mean? But so what? Like, let's take it from the beginning. What was, like, childhood, like, and, like, growing up.
Sam Palladio
Beautiful. I'm from Cornwall, which is right down the southwest coast of England. So amazing beaches, amazing cliffs. The scenery's stunning. So I grew up in a little town called Penzance, which is like a town of 20,000 people. A little fishing village, really. My parents, you know, my. My mum ran a little art gallery. My dad's a painter, sculptor. So this, like. Yeah, this little idyllic British childhood of putting my wetsuit in my. Like, in my backpack after school and going. Jumping in the sea and so.
Nikki
Wow.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, it was like. It's. It's a long way from anywhere. Like, the next town is called Land's End. Literally, we all know lands, and the land ends. So, like, London's like a six hour train ride. So I didn't go many places as a kid. You know, like, we didn't do family holidays because everybody in England sort of comes to Cornwall for the summer. Okay. It's like a pilgrimage for. So it's a sort of nostalgic place for a lot of Brits because I think, yeah, loads of kids had their childhoods down there or the summer holidays and. But there's not, you know, it's really creative part of the world, but there's not a lot of, you know, industry. So I. Yeah, at like 18, I. I made the. I made the pilgrimage to London.
Nikki
You did?
Brie
When did you realize, like first that you loved performing?
Sam Palladio
I think. Well, I grew up like the other side of my family are all scientists, like marine biologists. So that was kind of gonna be my thing. I was like, I'm gonna be a marine biologist up until about 18.
Nikki
Dang, good DNA.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
But scientist, artist, a good mix, you
Nikki
know, Very good mix.
Sam Palladio
But I guess, like, I'd started at school doing a lot of theater and then started writing music. And, you know, I. My dad gave me a guitar when I was about five. So music was very much like, oh, a big part of my childhood. And then in my early teens started little rock bands and indie bands and garage bands and doing that. And so I think I realized that I'm quite. There's something here. I'm quite good at this. And maybe the science thing, you know, I definitely had a realization of being in like a chemistry lab, going like, I'm not smart enough for these equations and I kind of want to get to band practice right now, so maybe. So I quit all the science and took theater and music, which thankfully was the best choice I've ever made. And my parents are super supportive. And.
Brie
Yeah, so when your parents seem like they were so creative, like you know, just being artists and having that side. Because sometimes I feel like parents who don't understand the arts, like always trying to push their kids to do other things when they're like, just let them do plays, let them find themselves some music.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Brie
You know, so that's cool.
Nikki
Yeah, I agree. Do you have siblings?
Sam Palladio
I have a younger brother. Yep.
Nikki
I'm younger.
Sam Palladio
Six years younger.
Nikki
Okay.
Sam Palladio
So, yeah, a bit of a difference where I was always a little bit too old and he was my little stupid brother. You know, we're a great spot, you know, but he's an amazing videographer and shoots for Nike and goes and does all sorts of stuff around the world, making beautiful sort of sports films. Works for a company called uvu which are a cool London fashion like running club. So he's super into that and he's moved into music and doing Sam Fender stuff and it's, it's really cool. I need to like, because he's my little brother, you know, he's, he's so talented and I want him to do all my stuff, my music and my. Yeah, but it's that sibling thing. I'm sure you guys get it a bit where like, you know, like I'm busy or I can't like, you know, you just have a thing where like hey bro, can you. Well, I'm actually in, you know, I'm in South Korea shooting for the company and I don't think I'm going to be available when you need to your stuff. But we'll find the right time and it'll be amazing.
Nikki
Help them out.
Brie
That's actually.
Nikki
But. Oh my gosh. Your parents must be so proud though to see the different paths you and your brother took. But successful.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah, it's, it's, it's beautiful thing. I actually, you know, sadly I lost my mum back in 2018 so. So, so that was a big old life change obviously. But I know that you know, she, she got to come to Nashville, she got to, you know, got to see a few amazing things and I knew that, you know, she knew I was on the right path and you know, my dad's such a supporter.
Nikki
Oh, I love that. That's really beautiful. Have you guys ever had those nights
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Well, speaking of Nashville. Yeah, the show, I mean, the city's great too. What was it like becoming a part of a show? I mean, you guys probably didn't even realize in the beginning, like when you got it, that it would end up being so big, iconic with this incredible fan base. I mean.
Nikki
Well, and also I want to know too, like, when you got the audition, were you in London?
Sam Palladio
Yeah. I had never been to America.
Nikki
No.
Sam Palladio
It was crazy, guys. I got. I did a couple of TV shows. I started in theater in the UK, a couple musicals, then a little bit of British TV. I got on a show called Episodes with Matt LeBlanc, which was in a Showtime show that I shot in England. So I got a little part on that, which is amazing. And then off that got an American manager. And so the first thing she sent me this was March 2012. It was like, hey, you know, I'm gonna go back and rep you in la. Oh, my God. Never been to America. Maybe someday. And then she sent me, you know, the first thing she sent me, pilot for a show called Nashville, where they wanted actors who could actually sing, actually play. They didn't want a bunch of, you know, mining.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
And it was kind of the perfect thing for me. But yeah, I was like, I'd never been to America and I booked it off tape. Like I didn't even do any. I sort of jumped. I don't know how it happened, but I skipped the screen test stage. I didn't meet any. I didn't read with like Claire Bone, who became Scarlet, my kind of like partner on the show. I don't know how, but they. And I was the first guy they cast.
Brie
Wow.
Nikki
My gosh.
Sam Palladio
They, you know, they knew they were going to get Connie and Hayden, amazing talent. So I think they could take a Chance on, like, an unknown, which was 100% unknown, but.
Brie
Yeah, but it makes it, I think, those shows better.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Brie
You know, because, like, when everyone's known, I don't know, it. It just gives different feels. But when you auditioned, were they like, okay, we need this, like, American country accent or they.
Sam Palladio
Well, I knew it was an American role, but I actually auditioned. They didn't give me any more than that. So I remember I also read for Avery, so I did, like, two tapes, very different characters.
Brie
You didn't become Avery.
Sam Palladio
Thanks. But yeah, so I did it in a very like. Like, kind of like, hey, like, California. Like, I'm Gunner Scott, you know, like, I'm going surfing, you know.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
And then I got the job. And then about, I don't know, maybe 10 days before I started shooting them, like, oh, he's from Texas. It's like, oh. Oh, damn. All right.
Brie
You're like, not.
Sam Palladio
So it's a country accent, you know, California. Yeah. Like, I'm like, right, okay, I'll work on that now. You know, I just done a play in a southern accent, so I was like, okay, I think I've got that down just about.
Nikki
I mean, the pressure. Yeah, that's a lot of pressure, by the way. Yeah.
Sam Palladio
And then like, flute in ash. Of course, at that point it was also just a pilot. So you shoot for three weeks, and then, who knows? Like, it might go, it might not. I'd never done a pilot. And you. You can also 100 get recast after the pilot if you totally. So I was like, come on, I gotta not suck. I gotta get this accent down. So they kept me.
Brie
What do you do? Like to get an accent down?
Sam Palladio
Well, yeah, I. Thankfully, yeah, I just done Tennessee Williams play, so I spent a lot of time on that. But I went to drama school, so I did my, like, three year acting degree. I did a degree in actor musicianship, which is actually like the perfect combo. But a lot of that was, you know, we'd have big, big chapters on accent work and all sorts of regional British accents and then American accents and European accents. So I had like a kind of a foundation in. In accent work and, like, the phonetics of it, which I've completely forgotten these days. But, yeah, back then, you know, I was a couple years out of drama school, so I have my little. My little routines and then had a dialect coach here on set as well. He was great. Loads of weird tongue twisters to get you working. And then, of course, just living in Nashville and just. I've got a good Ear. So I think it's like the musicians. Ear. So I just be, like, down on Broadway or in Midtown, like, just chatting to some guy. Hey, man, I grew up down the road, and I grew up down the
Nikki
road, you know, me trying to, like, that is amazing. So what was your first impression when you came to Nashville,
Brie
especially 2012.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, 2012. I mean, I. I was just, like, in love with it straight away, because I think I landed and the first night went to the Bluebird Cafe. And as a musician, as a songwriter, that's amazing. You know, I was also like, wow, America. And then like, damn, the. The history, the music history, the culture, the. Just this. Yeah. And that's why I've stayed for so long. You know, I've been here 14 years now.
Nikki
Wow.
Sam Palladio
I could have left the second the show finished, but I was like, no, I love the city. I love the music community, the creativity, the. Yeah. So I wasn't like, you're, like, a
Brie
Nashville staple too, now. You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah.
You can't see.
Sam Palladio
I know, right? And I feel like there was a time where I was like, maybe it is just a little chapter in my life and I'll move on to, but I feel like I've just gotten a new place here again and, like, doubling down on. No, I think it is a big. I think it is a huge defining chapter of my life and will forever be.
Brie
I mean, the fans aren't gonna let you forget it.
Sam Palladio
No.
Nikki
At all.
Brie
Yeah. You and Scarlett. No one's good. They're not gonna let you forget it.
Sam Palladio
Well, the songs have, like, they're kind of timeless, which is beautiful. Like, it could be a show with, like, bad CGI where you're, like, not watching that anymore. But, like, the music is. Was so beautifully done that, you know, T Bone Burnett and Cali Corey, you know, who kind of created the whole world, just did it with such taste.
Brie
Yes, they did.
Nikki
And how was it? Like, what was your reaction when Nashville one, the pilot gets picked up?
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah.
Nikki
You get casted. But what was your reaction when they launched season one? And you guys just. I mean, it was a overnight success.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, we had, like, 8 million viewers the first episode or something. And, yeah, like, it was crazy. Also, we didn't realize that, you know, we recorded the songs for the show, but I feel like it was maybe the week before that. They were like, oh, we're going to put the songs out from the. From this. Each episode weekly. So it's like, oh, oh, that's cool. And then overnight, like, Claire and I had like a top 10 country single for the song if I Didn't Know Better, which is the song that closes the pilot. Yeah, it's beautiful song written by John Paul White, the Civil wars and I love. So suddenly it was like, wait a minute. Wow. Oh, this is launching a music career too, which is good for me, you know.
Nikki
Right. That's.
Sam Palladio
Hopefully work my way back to, you know, a top 10 at some point.
Nikki
But you will. You will.
Brie
Yeah, we're gonna have to talk about that. Your new label, new single.
Nikki
That's amazing. And then do you and Claire still keep in touch?
Sam Palladio
Yeah, we do, because we do these Nashville tours you guys do. We're playing two nights at the Ryman in June. Oh, my God. Across the road here. And we've just finished like a five week European tour.
Nikki
Oh, my goodness.
Sam Palladio
Is wild. Because, like, for some reason the British audiences and the European audiences, I guess, because Nashville is so different.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
The. The. And country is getting so huge in Europe that we've done these sort of every other year, I suppose. And Nashville in concert tour, which is basically myself, Claire Bowen, Charles Eston, Jonathan Jackson, you know, doing the songs of the show. It's not in character. It's just like a celebration of music and then also working our own music into these shows. And it's kind of just like this beautiful gift that keeps giving that. That just come every year or so. They're like, hey, we've booked another 20 date Nashville tour.
Nikki
That's amazing.
Sam Palladio
Me.
Nikki
So. Yeah, I remember you guys played the Opry.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
One time. And we wanted to fly out and go see it because I was like, there was a lot of you in that.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah.
Nikki
And I was like, that would have been so fun.
Sam Palladio
I think we did like the whole.
Nikki
I think it was.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, it was the end of the. Yeah, yeah.
Brie
Because I remember that we're doing a tour. Something at the Opry.
Nikki
Yeah.
Brie
Talking about it.
Nikki
Wrestling.
Brie
And there was. They were filming a scene.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
Oh, yes.
Brie
Because we. We couldn't go. I can't remember who we were there with, but they're like, oh, we can't go over there. Nashville's filming right now. So there was like some section.
Nikki
Yeah. But then we wanted to see.
Sam Palladio
I mean, well, you guys can come to the. If you're not kicking ass across the world somewhere, you come to the Ryman.
Brie
That actually was so cool, you know. You know, a guy, can he get vip?
Sam Palladio
I'm not sure about vip, but I'll see what I can do.
Brie
Have to wait in Line. We'll wait.
Sam Palladio
The VIP line will be suddenly on you guys and we'll be like, where's our vip?
Nikki
Yeah, right.
Brie
Okay. So I didn't realize that recently you hosted the Musicians hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Nikki
Was that.
Sam Palladio
It was, it was wild. I got a call like the week before and they said, you know, Dolly's getting inducted. Keith Urban, Michael McDonald, Dan Huff, you know, amazing, incredible, like life changing musicians. And when would you be a host? So I've only done like one other hosting gig, but of course I was like, yep, I'll.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Anything that scares you, you know, you got. I'm really scared. But in that, okay, I'll do it. And you know, Cheryl Crowe and Vince Gill and just like this beautiful group of people icons. So I felt really. Yeah. Really touched that I got asked and that I had that responsibility and they trusted me with it. And yeah, it was one of my. It was. I was trying very hard to. It was also a long show. It's about three and a half hour show.
Nikki
Oh, my God.
Sam Palladio
I talk a lot. You know, I don't do much. Like teleprompt. I'd done once before, so coming out and reading the prompter and it was. I had a lot to think about, but also I was trying to step back and go, this is an amazing night.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Because you know how you can get in that world where you just like, you're at work and.
Nikki
Right.
Sam Palladio
This is great. And then it's done. And the next day you see a picture and you move on. But I was trying to go, this is a really special night. And. And just take a step back and like, open my eyes a bit and listen. And it was full of amazing performances and just ridiculous so price stories. Yeah.
Brie
Yeah, I love that. And so anything's hard too.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
For a dyslexic as well.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Next out is.
Nikki
Yeah. Oh, yeah.
Brie
I start to move it fast and
Nikki
you're like, tell teleprompters next time. Be like, hey, do you guys have Dixon Dyslexic writing only?
Brie
Do I have too many drinks? I'd be like.
Nikki
And so next game is like, no tequila for Nikki.
Sam Palladio
That's kind of part of the brand for that though.
Nikki
Like, yeah, right here. How about that?
Brie
Whatever that is.
Nikki
Basketball. There was definitely times when I was watching, I was like, yeah, well, you know, hey, you're a professional.
Sam Palladio
You got to get in.
Brie
You know, I wanted people to be immersive. Would that be. You know, I wanted them to feel it, like.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, well, we actually wanted them to have shots through the screen.
Nikki
Yes. Yeah.
Brie
I want you to feel drunk. So I'm going to get drunk. So you feel drunk. Right?
Sam Palladio
I'll try.
Nikki
Kind of sounds like is that method?
Brie
I was like, yeah, feeling it. I think that's what I meant to say. Method acting got right into it.
Nikki
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Nikki
Cancel the free trial on time. Sip to that with a berry citrus refresher.
Brie
Remembered your password. Sip to that with a mango peach refresher.
Nikki
Finally book that oil change.
Sip to that with a strawberry passion fruit.
Brie
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Okay, so we need to talk about your music.
Brie
Yes.
Nikki
So the process. So you write all your own music. That's incredible. Now do you go based off experiences or are you all sudden like something comes in your head and you have to start writing?
Sam Palladio
It's very experiential. It's very autobiographical. This the first album. You know, I've been here a long time and wrote a lot of songs through the Nashville years. But then like I touched on earlier, yeah, I went through a lot of, a lot of heavy stuff and lost, lost my mom in 2018 and that sort of reset everything in terms of like, oh, it took about a year to write music again. But then I was like, I now I know what I need to sing about and I know, you know, it's. And also as an actor, I've played a lot of parts played a lot of roles. And it's important for a music audience to get to know the artist. And I felt like it was a bit of a shift, but. But it's been, yeah, really beautiful thing to actually be honest and talk and sing and write about some really challenging times. And so it's very autobiographical. I took about a year or so. I went. I realized that I needed to go back to England and write it actually, because I'd been here, like I said, doing some great songwriting sessions and. But there was like a Britishness missing to it and that was a bit of a penny drop because I, you know, I love Americana, but I also love, you know, like, grew up on Phil Collins and like Brit pop and Blur and like, you know, I'm like a band kid who then discovered like singer songwriter world, but still loves a bit of everything.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
So there was like this slightly British, Beatlesy, Stonesy thing that I just knew I needed to go like back to my hometown. Really. Yeah, start writing. So the records dedicated to my mom. You know, there's a song called Something on My Mind, that song, her song. And. And so that kind of is like the heartbeat of that record. And so, yeah, the process has been that it was kind of like dancing through the sadness is what I described that record as, because I. I didn't want it to be this like real somber thing. I wanted to have life and have energy. And so I've, you know, I've got Chris Shiflett from Foo Fighters on the album and he's. He's playing a song called Tennessee and one of my heroes, Simon Neal from a band called Biffy Clairo, which are like my favorite band, the Scottish band, like cool rock trio. He's on the record and. And so it's got a lot of life in it. And then that sort of led to this new chapter of music that's. That's coming. That feels like it still tips its hat to all this experiential stuff. But I'm in a new phase of life, I guess, which is funny, you know, like coming out of like a six year relationship and then like rediscovering like myself again and being alone and. And you know, getting back into like meeting people and that little. The romances and the heartbreaks and you're like, oh, okay, I'm back in the game. This is. You're the one. Oh, you know you're not.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Glitter, the song insert here.
Nikki
Okay.
Sam Palladio
So yeah, yeah, yeah.
Nikki
So is. So Glitter is about dating.
Sam Palladio
It's about yeah, it's about, you know, meeting someone and thinking you're on the same path, but actually you're definitely not.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Maybe if you communicate it better or if you, you know, there's no bad blood in that song at all. But it's just like, you know, it's a. It was like a kind of learning song for me whilst, you know. Yeah. You think you're on the same page, but they're actually dancing on the other side of the world somewhere. And it was actually me going through a super hard time again. Like, I lost my dog and I lost my granddad like the same week, just as I'm trying to start this little thing. And then this person was just, you know, I gotta go. Go do this. You know, it was just in a different world, which was fine. But it sparked some good music.
Nikki
Yeah. Which is always. I know. I always feel bad for musicians because I'm like, dang. A lot of great music comes from heartache.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
And like, hard times.
Brie
But when you think about it, we all go through that heartache and pain. No, I know. But they got really good at, like, putting it out and making us feel it. But that's why we're so attached to music, because we all go through. And so.
Nikki
Yeah, it's true.
Sam Palladio
It's about trying to connect us all,
Brie
you know, totally well.
Nikki
And I feel too bad for you single people because I can't imagine dating today's world.
Brie
Do you do apps?
Sam Palladio
I mean, I never had my whole life and. And then, you know, that thing ended a couple years ago and so. Well, I guess this is what you do now. So. It's weird. Yeah, it's weird. I'm. But, you know, most of the connections have been not through that world and just like, you know, a vibe, face to face, meeting somebody, you know, friends of friends.
Brie
Better that way.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
And then you can like, you know, diss. The apps suck. Let's grab a drink.
Brie
It's true. I haven't done the apps yet. She wants me to go on one, but I'm just. I'm like that.
Sam Palladio
It's like another Distress. Another, like Instagram or something to just like pull your energy into a phone. It's like, it's.
Brie
And then it's like a meet and greet and an interview. It's just all things that are too energy sucking for me.
Sam Palladio
I've had like two, like, have never met the person. Like, meetups, you know, which is fine. But it's also like, this is. Yeah, this is.
Nikki
Yeah.
Brie
What's your favorite Color.
Sam Palladio
Where are you from?
Nikki
You know. Yeah. Oh, wow.
Brie
Cornwall.
Sam Palladio
Yeah. Yeah.
Brie
Where's that exactly?
Sam Palladio
I just get the little speech out. It's for a small town.
Brie
You're like, here's my.
Nikki
Here.
Brie
Yeah, exactly. Hear you, if you want.
Nikki
Yeah. Then let's start.
Brie
I mean, my imbd, whatever that's called.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah.
Brie
You know, but I do feel like
Nikki
people are seeking more that. Like they want that first me connection or.
Brie
For sure.
Nikki
Who doesn't bump into someone at the grocery store. There's farmers market. You know what I mean?
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
Like, a lot of people are craving
Sam Palladio
romance of that is. It's fantastic. You know, it's what we see in the films. But it does happen.
Nikki
It does. It's. Oh, for sure.
Sam Palladio
And then you feel like you're in your little. Oh, my God.
Brie
Oh, my gosh. I can't. Destiny Nervous? Totally.
Sam Palladio
Then you're like, nope, it wasn't. But yeah, you get the car and
Brie
you're like, that's my husband.
Sam Palladio
We're going to have three kids.
Brie
And then might only be a few weeks.
Sam Palladio
But, I mean, that's what glitter was about. It's like, oh, this is the person.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Oh. Oh. Oh, no.
Nikki
Wow.
Sam Palladio
You just get a little too. Yeah, you get a little too far down the line in your own head.
Nikki
Yeah.
Brie
But you know what?
Nikki
It's.
Sam Palladio
Kids fantasize so good.
Brie
Yes, totally. You know, I feel like. I know, like I love love. And I think people who love love, like you just the idea of it. And then the minute you meet someone, it's like your brain just plans like the rest of your life.
Sam Palladio
You can't help it.
Brie
Yeah, I can't help it. Like, totally. It's like creating Pinterest boards. I know I don't do that, but that. I mean, I do that, but not like that. Like a dating, you know, not dating.
Nikki
Pinterest boards. Yeah, No, I don't do that.
Sam Palladio
Just like, versus mustache versus stubble.
Nikki
Yeah. Right.
Sam Palladio
Long hair.
Brie
Our kids look like superheroes are not real people. But.
Nikki
Okay, but what is it that you hope that you like? What is it you want to find? Like what. What are things that you look in
Brie
from the album or from what?
Nikki
Well, both, but let's say from women. Like, so if you. I don't know, like, you hope to find what in a woman?
Sam Palladio
I. Well, it. This is a. Might be a funny thing to say, but, you know, I think I grew up with really strong women in my family. You know, my mum was just, you know, my everything. You know, and my gran, as well, you know, my grand. Kind of raised me to. Is as well, so. So there is like. There's a missing piece at the moment, you know, of that sort of female energy. But. But, you know, it's. It's a weird comparison, but. Yeah, it's. It's. It's. I suppose maybe it's some like, genetic thing, but. Yeah, you maybe want some. Some of those energies that are not that. Like your mother had or something.
Brie
Right.
Sam Palladio
You know, Is that weird? And she was the most beautiful thing as well. So it's like. Well, you know, I had this example of this. This strong, creative, stunning woman in my life that. Sorry, girls, but you've got to live up to my mum.
Nikki
Yeah. No, we haven't always get it. But I hope my son says that about me one day.
Brie
Right? He will. Yeah.
Nikki
And yours will too.
Brie
Totally.
Sam Palladio
But. But like, it's still. Yeah, just. I don't know. I haven't been asked that before, to be honest, but.
Nikki
But that's good. And like, do you hope one day to get married, have kids?
Sam Palladio
Yeah, I think. I think having kids is. Yeah. Such a huge part of life and why we're kind of here, probably. So I. I think it would be a real shame to not experience that.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Am I read? Is anybody ever ready?
Nikki
No. No, I was never.
Sam Palladio
Something happens, like tomorrow, I'll be like, oh, my God, I'm not ready, but figure it out.
Brie
So my God gives us nine months, you know?
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Brie
Get your together in nine months.
Sam Palladio
That's true. That's true.
Brie
You know what I mean?
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
You can get a lot together in nine months.
Brie
You can. Oh, yeah, sure.
Sam Palladio
Sell some stuff. Remortgage some stuff.
Brie
Exactly. You're like, all right.
Nikki
Real. Real.
Brie
Yeah.
Nikki
Right. So, okay, we love that for dating and. But what about your album? What do you hope for with that? Because you've experienced what it's like to be on the charts, you know, all of that. So. But what is it? Because I feel like musicians. It's interesting. I feel like more now because ticket prices are out of control and all this. I feel like more musicians are starting to go back to that grassroots.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
Like F the system type of thing and. But what does it feel like?
Sam Palladio
My last record, it's all indie, so I'm not like, on a big major record label. I have just signed this. What I'm really excited about working with a really cool Nashville indie record label called 3686 Records, which.
Brie
Congrats, by the way. You recently signed.
Sam Palladio
Thank you. Yeah. So oh, that's amazing. Amazingly supportive. And it's run by Levi Hammond, who's a great songwriter and artist and friend of mine and. And Eric Argus, who's a, you know, Grammy winning, you know, top of the line producer, mixer. So it's a kind of artist led label and they've been. Yeah, just, just really supportive for this new music for the last year or so and send us some stuff and. And the perfect scenario kind of came along where it made sense to work together. So yeah, this new chapter feels great because it's guided by some people I trust and, and actually, you know, so much so as I had about 12 tracks ready and I'm really indecisive. So where do I leave? When do I start with, you know.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
And they delve in and we're like, this glitter song would be a great one to start this new chapter. So anyway, so I think. So I. What would I hope for the music? Yeah, it's like, like, do you want,
Nikki
like, what do you want people to get from it?
Sam Palladio
Yeah, I think I'm leaning a little heavier into this sort of like indie pop world and I love that. Which just has kind of come naturally and so, yeah, I wanted to make music that people want to dance to and feel something to and just have a great time to and. But also it's all from it. It all comes from a, you know, a truth, an autobiographical truth. Even if it's like, you know, glitter sounds like a banger right off the radio. It's. Yeah. It comes from what we've just talked about. So. So the expectations are, you know, I set the bar low. If people are into it, I'm so happy. It's just like it will be bringing connections.
Brie
Totally.
Nikki
You know, and that's definitely what you do.
Brie
Yeah.
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Today, when Nikki and I wanted to
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Brie
Brie. I say because we have a few minutes left because, you know, Sam has a new album coming out. Instead of doing inspiration, affirmation, I feel like we have to play this game. Boots, Bourbon or for sure.
Nikki
No, we definitely have to.
Brie
So I say we end with that.
Nikki
Let's end with that and with a fun game.
Brie
Yes. So we're going to play a quick game.
Sam Palladio
Great. Great.
Brie
Of Boots Bourbon. Bullshit or Bullshit. And we got a few scenarios that we're going to throw your way. And since you live in the city, you're going to have to give us the scoop on each one. So. Okay, when we say the scenario, Boots will be authentic Nashville.
Sam Palladio
Okay.
Brie
Bourbons. Messy, but understandable. And bullshit's a no go.
Sam Palladio
Okay. Boots. Good Bourbon. Half and half. Bullshit. Bullshit.
Nikki
Yeah.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Okay.
Brie
Okay. So judging someone based on which box. Broadway, Honky tonk, they choose first. Boots. Bourbon or Bullshit
Sam Palladio
Bourbon. Because. Because, you know, there's a lot of people coming in and out here. They don't, you know, they can't all go to Roberts on the first night.
Brie
No.
Sam Palladio
You know, which is true.
Brie
Or get on stage.
Sam Palladio
Yes.
Brie
You know, and sing.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Brie
I would. I would say that too. I think that's definitely a bourbon choice.
Nikki
A bourbon, for sure.
Brie
We understand it.
Nikki
Yep.
Brie
But could be a little messy of the choice, like if you're going to Kid Rock.
Nikki
But it's understandable because it's Busy. If you tell me Kid Rock, I judge.
Brie
I'm just kidding.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
After I walked by that place, I was like, ain't my spot.
Brie
Exactly.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
All right, next one. Moving to Nashville with one guitar, two suitcases, and a dream.
Sam Palladio
Yes. Boots. Come on.
Nikki
Yes. I love that.
Sam Palladio
Why not?
Nikki
Why not?
Sam Palladio
It's crazier things have happened. That's kind of what happened to me, you know, like. All right, that's true. So just. Boots. It. What's. Yeah. What's the worst that can happen?
Nikki
Anytime I watch a documentary on a musician, it's a story I want to hear.
Sam Palladio
The dog store.
Brie
Yes.
Sam Palladio
$10 in the back of my pocket.
Nikki
You know, I agree.
Brie
Got that contract. Yeah.
Nikki
I was like, I'll give you some.
Sam Palladio
Nice guy.
Brie
Can you help me? Yeah. The Brits are always good at accents.
Nikki
I know. You guys really are.
Brie
You could probably do a better Spanish accent than us.
Sam Palladio
We don't need to hear that.
Royal Caribbean Announcer
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Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
I'm sure you guys got that coverage. No. From me.
Nikki
Okay, next. Calling yourself a local after surviving one CMA fest.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. No, they're gonna say after one tornado, and I'd be like, boots, but no.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Because we've had too many of those.
Nikki
But I mean, I'm.
Sam Palladio
Yeah.
Nikki
And floods. I feel like.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Surviving a natural disaster here. You get a boots, but you get a boot.
Nikki
Yeah, but CMA infest. That's a. Yeah. All right, number four.
Brie
Romanticizing your own sadness because it makes better music.
Sam Palladio
Well, I mean, look, creative license. We've. We've got to lean into it now and again. So I'm gonna. I'm gonna boots that.
Brie
I. I agree. You know, I feel like authentic Nashville. If you didn't do that.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, Right.
Brie
You know what I mean?
Nikki
Yeah, I agree. Owning more boots than dress shoes. I mean.
Sam Palladio
Oh. Earning more boots than dress shoes. Yeah, that's. That's. That's a good move. I think. I think I'm gonna. I'm gonna boots that.
Brie
Okay.
Sam Palladio
Boots for the boots, for sure.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
I'm not much of a cowboy, funnily enough. I just bought a pair. I've only got, like, two pairs, and I've lived here for 14 years, and this is my second pair.
Nikki
Okay.
Sam Palladio
So I'm not really a dress shoes, either, but, like, I. I'm enjoying it, actually, so.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Why didn't I do this sooner?
Brie
So you want to hear something crazy?
Sam Palladio
Yes.
Brie
When I was on set here, they told me that the number one thing people come into urgent care for are girls that Buy boot. They get here and they buy boots and they wear, like, their thin socks. And then they party and drink all night. They rub down so far that they come in with these insane bloody blisters. And they say they can't believe how many a night come in at urgent care, but they said it's the craziest stuff. You'll see.
Nikki
Wear the right socks. That's when they get a little bourbon.
Brie
Tequila.
Nikki
Yeah. But like, everyone. Wear good socks with your.
Brie
But then they just drink a lot.
Nikki
Yeah. They don't feel it once you got that bourbon. All right. Getting emotional the first time you step inside the grand old opera.
Sam Palladio
Oh, boots. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Got a boots. That one for sure. Yep, yep.
Brie
I mean.
Nikki
I mean, that's, like, been lucky enough
Sam Palladio
to do it about 30 times.
Nikki
Oh, my gosh. Does it feel special every single time?
Sam Palladio
It does, but it's always, you know, I didn't grow up on it, obviously. So I think for, you know, Americans, for locals, for artists that move to Nashville to be a country star, it really is this. This crazy thing. So I didn't have, like, the. The roots to it, but could appreciate exactly who'd stood on that beautiful.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
Piece of circle. Circular wood where you stand where Elvis and Johnny Cash and Dolly and everybody has stood. So I'm always really nervous when I do it and I talk too much. I'm like, hello, Opry. How are we all doing? Just like. And here's a song.
Nikki
Yeah. That's amazing.
Brie
I love that.
Nikki
I need to see. I've never seen a show there.
Sam Palladio
All right. Okay.
Nikki
That's, like, something I gotta.
Brie
We need to. Because we have.
Nikki
And we all celebrate our birthdays together.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
There we go.
Brie
That's a great birthday gift.
Sam Palladio
Did we. Did people know that? Have we mentioned.
Brie
We didn't even mention you guys.
We're born on the same birthday.
Nikki
Yes. He's actually. How.
Brie
Three years behind us.
Nikki
A couple, but we're much.
Brie
November 21st. Scorpio's in the house.
Sam Palladio
Scorpio's on the stage.
Nikki
Well, and that's how I got connected with you, Sam. Because I was like, birthday twin.
Sam Palladio
Yes.
Nikki
That was so cool.
Brie
That's so. I know. So wild.
Nikki
What a small world.
Brie
Who would have thought?
Nikki
Well, everyone, you guys need to follow Sam on Instagram. I followed. I have followed you for a while on Instagram. You're a great follow.
Sam Palladio
Oh.
Nikki
Like, I just.
Sam Palladio
That's good to know.
Brie
And I'm excited.
Nikki
Yeah. Because you're artsy and you put out your music. Good. But you tell a little bit of your life on there, but you're still mysterious. Like, you do it really perfect. I love it.
Sam Palladio
Wow.
Nikki
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
To that record label.
Brie
Yeah.
Sam Palladio
They're like, you need to do some tick tock dancing. Like, nope.
Nikki
Yeah, well, you know.
Brie
Okay.
Nikki
Yeah, but this is the thing. Us millennials, it's just out of our wheelhouse. And then when you're dealing with, like, artsy people who are in the entertainment.
Brie
Oh, yeah.
Nikki
It's like our minds don't go there. They don't work that way. Right.
Sam Palladio
But I appreciate that. Thank you.
Brie
Yes.
Nikki
Yeah. And the tick tock we were thinking of, like, you are good. I'm just going to put my quote
Sam Palladio
on my top of my bio.
Nikki
Well, and he is at Sam Palladio.
Sam Palladio
Great.
Nikki
I mean, one practice.
Sam Palladio
Second time.
Nikki
This is really good. And please wait, your single just came out.
Sam Palladio
No, it comes out on June 5th.
Nikki
That's right, June 5th. Everyone, everyone check out Downloading Glitter. And now we all know the story behind it.
Sam Palladio
You do? You guys got the scoop on it.
Nikki
We did.
Sam Palladio
Nobody's asked me about it yet, so.
Nikki
Oh, my gosh. No. We're so nosy. And we know you musicians. Like, we're like, oh, there's always, like,
Brie
where's he behind from?
Nikki
Yeah, the song.
Sam Palladio
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Nikki
So. And you can find videos of today's episode on our YouTube channel, all our social media platforms, Tick Tock, Instagram, Facebook, you name it, we're on it. You can also call us at 833GARCIA 2. And, yeah, maybe you should call us and tell us what your. Oh, your song would be. Yeah, right.
Brie
And thoughts on glitter when it comes out?
Nikki
Yes, please. All right, everyone, we're gonna go enjoy Nashville, and we're gonna make sure we
Brie
do a TikTok, so make sure. Bye, guys.
Nikki
Bye.
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Nikki
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first date?
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Nikki
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
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Podcast Summary: The Nikki & Brie Show Episode: Sam Palladio: A Little Glitter, A Little Heartbreak (Nashville Takeover Series) Date: May 18, 2026
In this Nashville Takeover episode, Nikki and Brie are joined by Sam Palladio—actor, musician, songwriter, and star of "Nashville." The conversation pivots around Sam’s journey from the UK to Nashville, his creative process, the legacy of the "Nashville" TV show, the impact of personal hardships on his music—including his upcoming single "Glitter"—and lighthearted fun with relatable games and candid stories. This episode dives into the intersections of artistry, heartbreak, and finding authenticity, while offering a glimpse into the unique world of Nashville music and culture.
The episode kicks off with Nikki sharing her hiking adventure at Radnor Lake and seeing bald eagles, which segues into Sam discussing his new cabin and the bald eagles near his home.
Sam shares the fascinating way female eagles select their mates, leading to laughs about dating "tests" and tribal rituals (01:08–03:03).
Notable Quote:
Sam grew up in Cornwall, England—a seaside, artistic town—with influences from both creative (artist, gallery owner) and scientific (marine biologist) family members (06:12–07:23).
Music became central in his adolescence, inspired by his dad’s gift of a guitar and bands he started as a teen.
He credits supportive, creative parents for encouraging his artistic path over science.
Notable Quote:
Sam opens up about his younger brother’s global career as a videographer and the effects of losing his mother in 2018, a profound change in his life (09:44–10:17).
An unexpected bond: Nikki, Sam, and Brie all relate to dyslexia, discussing adult diagnosis and strategies for line memorization, reading, and accessing dyslexia-friendly books (04:24–05:41).
Notable Quotes:
Sam describes his audition from London, never having visited America and unexpectedly being cast as Gunner Scott for "Nashville" (12:33–13:41).
Initially auditioned with a Californian accent—learned he needed a Texas accent after booking the role, leading to last-minute dialect work (14:05–14:35).
He shares about immersing himself in Nashville culture, quickly falling in love with the city and music scene, and deciding to make it home for 14 years (16:13–16:44).
Notable Quotes:
The cast’s surprise when the show exploded in popularity—8 million viewers for the first episode and a hit music single from the pilot.
The authentic approach to music (casting real singer-musicians), the effect of streaming, and ongoing fan support globally—especially in Europe (17:46–19:34).
Details their ongoing "Nashville in Concert" tours and connections to co-star Claire Bowen.
Notable Quote:
Sam shares the autobiographical nature of his debut album, which was shaped by the loss of his mother and other personal challenges—"dancing through the sadness."
Explains how his British roots re-emerged creatively after time in Nashville, and the healing role of returning to England to write (24:42–26:15).
Collaborations on the record include Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) and Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro).
Notable Quotes:
Upcoming single "Glitter" (releasing June 5): written after heartbreak and significant loss—a relationship ending, losing his dog and granddad in one week. The song captures the misalignment of two people’s paths (27:37–28:29).
Key Theme:
Sam reflects on dating post-longterm relationship: the awkwardness of dating apps versus real-life chemistry, and the nostalgia for organic, in-person romantic connections (29:01–30:39).
Discussion on how fantasy influences our approach to love, and how strong family role models guide his relationship ideals (31:00–32:58).
Expresses his wish to one day experience parenthood although acknowledging no one ever feels fully "ready" (33:14–33:52).
Notable Quotes:
Where to Find Sam & New Music
Closing Invitation
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Summary prepared in the tone and spirit of Nikki & Brie—fun, honest, and heartfelt.