Podcast
Try That in a Small Town Podcast
Hosted by Try That Podcast · EN
In 2023, Jason Aldean's groundbreaking song and video "Try That In A Small Town" resonated with a resurgence of conservative values in America. The writers of the song, Kurt, Neil, Tully, and Kelley, took the opportunity to launch the Try That In A Small Town Podcast. This platform allows them to reveal the true inspiration behind the song and discuss the importance of common-sense values. With a lineup of influential guests, the hosts will entertain you with the stories behind their music, while also addressing challenging topics affecting our communities and country.
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S E119: Being the Tour Boss for Aldean - Jake Lagrone on Kidney Stones, High-Stakes Bus Hockey, And Life On The Road :: Ep 119 Try That in a Small Town9
1w ago01:47:27Tap to summarizeJason Aldean and longtime tour manager Jake “Charlie” LaGrone join the Try That In A Small Town podcast for a no-filter look behind the curtain of one of country music’s biggest road operations. From kidney stone chaos and EMT horror stories, to high-stakes bus hockey, stolen putters, and firing disloyal crew, this episode is wall-to-wall backstage gold.Jake walks through his journey from Lori Morgan, Reba, Rascal Flatts, and Alan Jackson to running Jason Aldean’s 80-person touring machine with 11 semis and 6 buses. The guys talk loyalty, crew culture, why good bus and truck drivers are everything, and how one bad attitude can poison an entire tour. They also dig into touring during COVID, the fallout from “Try That In A Small Town,” AI in music, new artists skipping “club years,” and what true longevity really looks like in country music.You’ll hear: • Jake’s first-ever ambulance ride thanks to a vicious kidney stone • Why a 5mm stone had the whole camp on edge • The legendary Bahamas bus-hockey game that cost Jake a $640 Scotty Cameron putter • The New Zealand Maori tribe welcome that ended with Jason singing the Star-Spangled Banner and touching noses with the chief • Real talk on firing crew who bad-mouth the artist while riding his bus and eating his catering • How Jason’s camp builds “lifers” and keeps turnover insanely low • Why stadiums aren’t the money machines people think they are • The difference between viral success and being able to carry a 90-minute headlining showPerfect for fans of Jason Aldean, road stories, and anyone curious what it REALLY takes to keep a big-time country tour on the rails.Timed Highlights (YouTube Chapters / FB Reels Cues): 2:18 Meet Jake “Charlie” LaGrone, Jason Aldean’s tour manager 3:25 Jake’s resume: Lori Morgan, Reba, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson and more 4:13 Leaving Alan Jackson for Rascal Flatts and triple the money 4:39 Alan Jackson not taking the news well 4:47 “Down a putter and up a stone” – the night everything went sideways 5:00 Jake’s first-ever ambulance ride from a show 5:35 The 450-pound EMT and a long, painful ride to a small-town hospital 6:30 Computer crash, no CAT scan results, and Jake signs himself out 7:16 The pain hits: FaceTiming his granddaughter, then “twins breach” level agony 8:39 The diagnosis: a 5mm kidney stone and a long bus ride home 9:41 “You gotta have a pretty big Willie to pass that” – the guys pile on 10:59 Still hasn’t passed the stone… might need a “C-section” 11:18 Original Glory beer sponsor segment 11:44 Patriot Mobile sponsor segment (PatriotMobile.com/smalltown) 13:17 Why the tour can’t function without “Charlie” 15:11 Jason and the band admit: when Charlie’s down, everyone is lost 17:00 What a tour manager really does: the fireman who puts out problems without anyone knowing 17:42 80 people, 11 semis, 6 buses – Jake explains the operation 18:47 The crew “lifers” who’ve been there 15–20 years 19:57 Delivering bad news: losing songs, losing soundcheck, and weather delays 22:01 High-stakes bus hockey: how $25 games escalate to $200 a night 22:58 The Bahamas trip: tequila, fishing, golf, and late-night hockey 23:37 Jake’s $640 Scotty Cameron putter story 24:44 The all-or-nothing bet: $500 vs the $640 putter at 1 a.m. 26:05 Sudden-death OT: Jason’s “dirty” winning goal and the putter is gone 26:40 Claiming the putter off the golf bag at baggage claim in Nashville 27:22 Jason trolling Jake with couch photos and the “putter that never even posted” 28:02 Who’s the best bus hockey player? Trash talk erupts 29:22 “You will never own this putter again” – it’s in Jason’s will now 29:46 Jake buys the sister putter and trades tickets for a discount 29:53 Tully’s hurt feelings: Jake sending his ugly golf swing pic to Tucker 31:21 Tucker exposes his dad: “My dad sent me that picture of your swing” 31:53 Wrapping the Bahamas trip – great time, bad swing 32:18 Celebrating Jason’s 32nd No.1 and a rare second week at the top 32:45 How this No.1 climbed “organically” without a big radio push 33:09 Jason’s perspective: new album off to a hot start 33:54 Jake on the camaraderie of Jason’s camp and why this crew is unique 34:52 Why watching fans clap, dance, and smile keeps Jake going 35:36 The “lifer” crew – Snapper, stage managers, merch guys, techs and more 36:33 Jason explains why he hates seeing new faces and loves his long-time crew 37:15 Adding front-of-house engineer Chris Leonard – the missing piece 38:32 The NASCAR pit crew of country tours – fixing gear mid-show 39:12 Why each show must feel like someone’s first and only Jason Aldean concert 40:11 Low turnover starts at the top – how Jason and the band lead 41:04 The four-piece beginnings and building the team over 20+ years 42:11 Why the show doesn’t happen if the crew decides to take a day off 42:39 Tear-down in 50 minutes: 11 trucks loaded and gone 43:05 Jake shares a “difficult artist” story in D.C. over White House access 44:31 Firing versus fighting for people – when Jason saves a crew member 48:14 Jake’s loyalty and HR role: one team, respectful, politics off the clock 49:04 Keeping promoters and venues happy so you’re always invited back 50:24 Bus and truck drivers: the most important people on tour 51:00 If you get fired as a driver out here, you really did something 51:45 COVID, masks, and extremism bleeding into the crew culture 56:22 “Try That In A Small Town” backlash and crew disrespect – lines get crossed 57:29 Bad-mouthing the artist while on his bus? “You gotta go.” 58:17 How a few bad seeds can poison an entire tour’s culture 59:09 Jake’s reset meeting: respect, no agendas, one team or you’re out 1:00:44 The toll of road life, kids, and missing milestones 1:01:17 Why this business isn’t for “ordinary citizens” 1:02:23 Jason on touring: travel is the real grind, not just the 90 minutes on stage 1:04:13 New Zealand Maori tribe story – intense welcome ceremony 1:05:12 Choosing the Star-Spangled Banner as their “answer song” 1:07:37 Nose-touching with the chief – sealing the deal 1:08:27 The most awkward moment Jason, Tully, and the guys have ever shared 1:10:02 Proof you never really “see it all” on the road 1:11:01 Jason feels more settled than ever and still cutting some of his best music 1:13:16 Letting go of chasing industry awards and leaning into longevity 1:14:45 Why Jason values 21 years of career over a stack of trophies 1:17:08 How grinding through club years shaped the band and the show 1:19:29 The danger of young, viral acts skipping clubs straight to big tours 1:22:26 Knowing when NOT to headline yet – Jason’s Brooks & Dunn detour 1:23:48 Artists with only 1–2 songs trying to carry 90-minute sets 1:24:49 The streaming mirage: background noise vs real connection 1:25:39 Physical concerts vs AI and virtual “acts” 1:27:14 CMAs’ “human creators only” AI disclaimer 1:27:50 DJ-only arena shows and what’s coming next 1:28:47 Dip Shitty of the Week segment begins 1:29:09 Parking garage etiquette rant – stay on your side 1:30:15 Children’s toy box cutter – why is this even made? 1:32:15 “My current wife” – Neil roasts himself on a podcast slip-up 1:34:17 Jason’s public dipshitty: fans yelling “Aldean!” in grocery stores 1:36:15 Left-lane campers and bad drivers – Jake’s road rage 1:38:15 Bus “serial peer” mystery and bathroom etiquette 1:40:08 Kurt vs chatty cashiers and waiters who don’t write orders down 1:43:30 Ducking familiar voices backstage – social overload 1:45:09 Neil’s birthday surprise and gifts for the crew 1:46:10 Turkey call plugs and Peacemaker “Try That In A Small Town” coffee 1:47:15 Closing: thanks to Jason Aldean and Jake LaGrone, merch, and where to find more______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourS...
Transcribe →S E118: George Birge: 10-Year Town, TikTok Virality and Country Music Grit | Ep 118 Try That in a Small Town Podcast
2w ago01:15:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Try That In A Small Town podcast, the guys sit down with hitmaker George Birge to unpack his long road to “overnight success” in Nashville. George talks about grinding for a decade before his first number one, the moment Luke Bryan said “Play that motherfucker” about his song, and how TikTok flipped his career with Beer Beer Truck Truck.He shares how Clay Walker pushed him back into being an artist, how a Bobby Bones performance turned Mind On You into a life-changing hit, and why Jason Aldean giving that song back was a defining act of class. Along the way you’ll hear wild road stories with SEAL Team Six and Post Malone, getting wrecked by Gary Allan’s weed, the art of building a live set, and how country music’s community creates careers that last decades. They close it out with golf at Augusta, Idiots of the Week, HVAC disasters, fan etiquette and plenty of laughs.Timed Highlights: 0:03:12 – Four number ones in a row, why Nashville is a “10-year town” and how hard it really is to break 0:04:35 – Building relationships with radio and listeners, and the pressure of chasing every hit 0:05:04 – Luke Bryan mentor story, Chesney’s jet and the “Play that motherfucker” cowboy song moment 0:07:40 – Why country music is a “big happy family” and how fan relationships create 20–40 year careers 0:08:53 – Shouting out Kurt and Tully on a surprise Jason Aldean number one and how labels plan chart runs 0:10:00 – Original Glory beer spot and investing in America’s small towns 0:11:14 – The magic and misery of the grind: why it’s good that success doesn’t come easy 0:12:20 – First number one, confidence, and how belief changes the way you write and perform 0:13:20 – Mike Eli’s tough-love advice: “You just need to go get your ass kicked” 0:15:30 – Sprinter van nightmare in Kentucky, the meth’d-out “mechanic” and character-building on the road 0:17:49 – Moving from one recognizable song to multiple hits and the freedom of building a real setlist 0:18:38 – Covers as a “cheat code,” winning crowds in clubs and finding the sweet spot with 90s country medleys 0:20:19 – Club days: Dwight Yoakam medleys, Sweet Child O’ Mine into Paradise City, and stretching 90 minutes 0:22:40 – Teaching an audience how to listen to your ballad and earning the right to play the slow songs 0:25:26 – Lessons from touring with Toby Keith: zero ego, human jukebox and knowing when to turn it into a honky-tonk cover set 0:28:19 – Tailgating with Toby Keith, SEAL Team Six and Post Malone on the bus in Virginia Beach 0:29:48 – Post Malone’s country roots, respect for the genre and doing it the right way 0:30:09 – Pivoting to “just” being a songwriter, asking out of the duo deal and heading to Clay Walker’s beach house 0:33:33 – Writing Clay Walker’s We All Need A Bar Sometimes and Catching Up With An Old Memory and hearing the band’s take from the studio side 0:36:35 – Refusing to quit, irrational optimism and how things fall into place when you keep showing up 0:37:38 – Clay Walker says “Get on TikTok” and the birth of Beer Beer Truck Truck from a country-music hater’s video 0:39:41 – Going viral overnight, crediting the original TikTok creator and landing on The Bobby Bones Show 0:39:47 – Playing Mind On You live on Bobby Bones, getting a record deal and watching it go number one 0:41:03 – Jason Aldean had Mind On You on hold – and gave it back so George could release it as his debut single 0:45:08 – George’s Mount Rushmore: Aldean, Gary Allan, George Strait and Tracy Lawrence, and how that shaped his sound 0:46:47 – First-hand weed disasters: Gary Allan’s tackle box, the volcano, numb legs and the best pineapple ever 0:52:23 – Willie’s Remedy, tequila pairings and trying to “just sleep” through a THC drink gone wrong 0:54:08 – Tequila on the road, giving up whiskey in the summer and survival strategies under 100-degree stage lights 0:55:16 – Golf talk: college golf background, shooting 75 at Augusta and winning the BMW Celebrity Pro-Am 0:57:31 – John Daly, a 27-minute Knocking on Heaven’s Door and golf-country crossovers 0:58:08 – Weekly segment: Idiots of the Week – ducks on dashboards and Jeep duck culture 0:59:35 – People touching injured shoulders, hugging the sling side and unintentional pain 1:01:16 – HVAC conspiracy: the AC “just happens” to die right after the service check and buying a new unit 1:06:42 – Language rant: the word “literally,” dictionaries caving and when words stop meaning what they mean 1:08:37 – Fan behavior: phones in faces, reading the screen mid-song and completely losing the lyrics 1:10:19 – Fist bumps, picks, Sharpies mid-solo and why some fans think they’re on stage with you 1:12:00 – World Cup tangent, flops, drama and sports rants 1:13:40 – Peacemaker Coffee plug and sending George beans for the bus 1:14:23 – The hosts on why George is great for country music, closing thanks and merch reminders______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E117: From High School Dropout to Dropping Bombs with Brad Lea :: Ep 117 Try That in a Small Town Podcast
3w ago01:54:28Tap to summarizeBrad Lea joins the Try That in a Small Town podcast and absolutely unloads. From building Lightspeed and the Dropping Bombs brand to calling out weak mindsets, traditional gender roles, AI-written songs, government lies, moon landings, flat earth rabbit holes, COVID vaccines, and “dipshitty of the week” — nothing is off limits.Hear how a high school dropout built a training empire, why mindset, skill set, and habits are the real cheat codes, why most people quietly choose to stay broke, and how social media, politics, and conspiracies all tie back to belief and personal responsibility. This one is part masterclass, part bar fight.3:34 “I’m not an influencer” – building real businesses vs being a personality4:12 Inventing Lightspeed: from broke sales trainer to training software pioneer7:00 Eight years to “overnight success” and almost missing payroll9:01 Mission: getting knowledge from people who have it to people who need it10:01 Aladoxophobia – fear of other people’s opinions13:40 From high school dropout to employing PhDs and MBAs15:10 Commission, mindset, skills, habits: Brad’s simple formula for getting rich18:24 Content machine: cameras, social media, and “you are the content”21:10 Helping broke people vs rich people and why most never change23:33 Tough love: self-worth, appearance, and being judged in real life28:16 Choices, free will, and why most people pick misery without realizing it31:06 College, AI, and why relationships matter more than degrees37:19 “The right woman wants a king” – Brad’s take on marriage and money41:17 Would he let his wife work for another man? Lines, loyalty, and control44:32 Ambition, freeloaders, and “who raised your ass?”52:01 Perseverance in music: staying in line until the song finally gets cut57:27 Transgender sports, common sense, and cultural insanity1:04:08 AI music, Suno, fake artists, and how writers are really using AI1:10:03 Borders, wasteful spending, and why “we the people” have no eject button1:18:04 Aliens, disclosure, and weird Florida mall footage1:21:18 Did we land on the moon? Brad’s problems with the footage and story1:29:03 Scripture, luminaries, and why some people flirt with flat earth1:34:34 God, intelligent design, and what we actually know1:35:34 Dipshitty of the Week: waiters, nose pickers, left‑lane campers, and mashed potatoes guys1:43:48 Willie’s weed drink, alcohol, and getting older1:47:01 COVID, vaccines, pressure in entertainment, and not trusting the government1:53:36 Wrap‑up: bombs dropped, minds blown, and thanks to Brad LeaFollow Brad:www.bradlea.comwww.droppingbombs.com______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E116: Sage Steele Uncanceled: ESPN, Obama, Aldean & Standing Your Ground :: Ep 116 Try That in a Small Town
4w ago01:47:08Tap to summarizeSage Steele joins the Try That In A Small Town podcast for an honest, uncensored look at sports media, politics, faith, and standing up when it could cost you everything. She shares the real story behind her controversial Obama comments, the COVID vaccine moment that changed her career at ESPN, suing Disney while still on air, and why she refuses to back down from her convictions.The crew also dives into the “Try That In A Small Town” backlash, country music, Jason Aldean’s TV bans, social media burnout, raising kids with values, and how Sage found love and a second chance at marriage in Nashville.If you care about free speech, faith, sports, country music, and common sense, this one’s for you.TIMED HIGHLIGHTS / CHAPTERS: 00:17:08 – Is “Sage Steele” a real name? Childhood, identity and keeping her name after marriage 00:19:02 – Growing up a military kid: Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, James Taylor and first concerts 00:22:34 – First reaction to “Try That In A Small Town” and why Sage never saw it as racist 00:24:22 – Sponsor break: Original Glory beer and Patriot Mobile 00:25:40 – Sage vs The View: Barbara Walters, race, Obama and getting elbowed backstage 00:33:00 – “No going back”: politics, division since 2016 and losing common sense 00:36:33 – COVID, mandates, Fauci, Tulsi Gabbard and accountability in leadership 00:48:10 – The Jay Cutler podcast: Disney’s vaccine deadline and Sage’s fateful comments 00:50:36 – Suspended, forced apology and living in fear inside ESPN 00:54:24 – Double standard: political rants allowed on ESPN air… unless they’re from Sage 00:56:20 – Suing Disney/ESPN while still on the air and the moment her son told her to stand up 01:00:09 – Her relationship with Stephen A. Smith and why he still stands next to her 01:03:50 – How ESPN lost its way with politics, personalities and cord‑cutting 01:07:05 – Missing the old SportsCenter era: Stuart Scott, Berman, Linda Cohn and big TV moments 01:17:01 – Launching The Sage Steele Show and learning to be an independent creator 01:20:45 – Being labeled “conservative” and how that shuts doors in media and entertainment 01:21:34 – Jason Aldean, banned TV appearances and corporate fear around “Try That In A Small Town” 01:23:27 – When controversy makes a song bigger: backlash, business and blessing in disguise 01:30:15 – Meeting Dave: military‑brat connection, charity event, and a whirlwind Nashville love story 01:37:36 – Daily devotionals on camera: praying out loud, public faith and the fear of “send” 01:39:24 – First ever public prayer: doing the invocation at a NASCAR race on live TV 01:42:30 – Why praying out loud feels scarier than live TV and why we’re never “worthy” 01:49:41 – Pet peeves, movie etiquette and “read the room” moments in public 01:55:36 – Airplane chaos: overhead bin wars, service animals and entitlement culture 01:59:31 – Sage’s patriotic merch and the line “raised right, seasoned well” 02:01:02 – Why Sage came on the show and what standing up has really cost—and given—her______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E115: Why Session Players Rule, Roundabout Rants, and Augusta Controversy :: Ep 115 TTIAST
Jun 2901:27:03Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Try That in a Small Town Podcast, the guys start with listener Q&A and end up deep in the realities of life as working Nashville pros. They break down why most artists use session bands instead of their road bands in the studio, what makes a truly great studio player, and how songs like “Try That in a Small Town,” “All-American Girl,” and other hits actually came together. You’ll hear stories about mentoring young musicians in Nashville, navigating confidence and doubt in the early Aldean days, and how a raw, slightly “on the edge” sound helped define a new lane in country. The crew also vents about crosswalk etiquette, insane roundabouts on Demonbreun, messy public bathrooms, and a wild “dipshit of the week” segment that includes a pharmacist trading meds for sex and Neil’s unapologetically spicy take on women joining Augusta National. Along the way, they celebrate “Try That in a Small Town” going platinum, shout out John Edwards finally getting some long-overdue recognition, and brag on Neil’s wife and her company for co-designing the new “Welcome to Tennessee” signs across the state. Top moments: 05:24 Q&A: Favorite venues and why arenas win14:44 Why artists use session players over road bands21:15 Hicktown, early Aldean years, and betting on their sound34:30 Writing “Try That in a Small Town” and how the track changed the melody39:27 Worst writes ever: salad guy and Rich Robinson falls asleep43:29 Neil’s wife helps design the new “Welcome to Tennessee” signs45:27 “Try That in a Small Town” goes platinum and missing No. 1 parties59:44 World Cup, offsides confusion, and “soccer in the South” rant1:02:29 Dipshidiot of the Week: bathrooms, crosswalk zombies, roundabouts, Augusta & more_____________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/_____________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E114: CMA Fest Disaster Stories, Morgan Wallen Drama & Schoolyard Fights :: Ep 114 Try That in a Small Town Podcast
Jun 2201:27:41Tap to summarizeFrom bar-hopping at CMA Fest with Jason Aldean’s band to scheduled high school fights at 3 pm sharp, this episode of Try That in a Small Town is all about chaos, consequences, and the crazy ways we somehow survive it all. The guys kick things off with surgery scars, locked-up backs, and near misses in the garage, then pivot into behind-the-scenes CMA Fest stories, in-ear monitor nightmares, and why late-night stadium sets grind down even veteran players. They talk Morgan Wallen flipping pianos and throwing phones, Taylor Swift’s historic new country single tied to Toy Story 5, and how modern country production has become so “perfect” it’s almost personality-free. Things get heavier when they unpack the Carmelo Anthony/Austin Metcalf stabbing at a track meet, race narratives in the media, and what real self-defense is—and isn’t—when someone pulls a knife. They contrast that with a powerful small-town hero story: a Gwinnett County officer who saves a 7-year-old launched through a windshield. In classic TTIAST fashion, the crew rounds it out with songwriting pet peeves, delusional DMs from strangers wanting co-writes and video calls, bullying stories that still haunt them, and how golf, TV binges, and pizza reviews are getting them through recovery. 01:30 Surgeries, brutal bruises, allergic reactions to bandages and upcoming product bans in Tennessee 04:40 Locked-up back on the toilet, crawling across the house and day-three recovery status 06:30 Surviving CMA Fest: bar crawl sets, in-ear monitor disasters and playing blind on stage 09:45 Bar energy vs stadium distance and podcast fans popping up at shows 11:15 Late-night stadium headlining slot, fried fans, and what TV does to show times 14:00 Original Glory and Patriot Mobile sponsor segments 15:10 Learning piano one-handed after surgery, Jingle Bells, and mining TV shows for song ideas 17:50 TV recs: Life After Lockup, The Invisible Pilot, and Cape Fear reboot 20:20 NBA and Stanley Cup talk: Knicks’ huge comeback, Wembanyama, and why some tuned out the NBA 22:45 Trump at the Garden, celebrity courtside culture, and politics vs respect for the office 24:40 Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 country single and the business behind her return to the format 29:00 Why modern country records all sound the same and the few acts still using their own bands 31:40 Morgan Wallen: “I Ain’t Coming Back” lyric love, phone toss, piano flip and Billy Joel’s defense 36:30 Wild private plane trip with Morgan Wallen, crass “rich buddies” and what stuck with Kalo 38:20 Post-surgery meds, apologizing to Neil, and the nurse/dong/stripper one-liner 41:10 Group shave before a heart cath and hospital humor 42:00 CMA Fest nights with Luke Bryan at his bar, tequila overload and four-day hangovers 44:10 Dipshits of the week: insane video chat requests, song pitches, and social media entitlement 47:00 Fans demanding co-writes and “brain picking” vs actually earning a seat at the table 50:40 The worst song “idea” ever: Cats in the Cradle… but backwards 55:00 Young writers sliding into DMs, asking for writes and coffees, and basic industry etiquette 58:40 Nearly gassing yourself in a closed garage while checking mixes: calling dipshit on yourself 1:01:40 Drone-rescue story: Apache down, surviving in the water and next-level military tech 1:05:30 Golf injuries, steroids on the road, and fighting to stay in playing shape 1:07:10 The Carmelo Anthony–Austin Metcalf stabbing: facts, sentencing and race narratives 1:12:10 Media framing, self-defense vs murder, and how race gets injected into every case 1:16:00 Scheduled school fights at the park, bus brawls and why nobody brought knives back then 1:19:40 Getting drilled in the face for knocking a kid’s basketball away: lesson learned 1:20:30 One cold jab to the nose and understanding when you’ve gone too far 1:22:10 The bully who made you fast: getting wrecked in pickup football and later asking for tickets 1:24:20 Small Town Big Story: Officer Ariana James saves a 7-year-old thrown from a truck in Gwinnett County 1:26:10 Closing: Peacemaker Coffee, shoutout to listener Ed, scheduled fights and listener call-to-action ______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E113: Inside Ways & Means: Jason Smith on Trump, Voter Trust, and the Big Tax Cut :: Ep 113 Try That in a Small Town Podcast
Jun 1501:02:51Tap to summarizeChairman Jason Smith of the House Ways and Means Committee joins the Try That In A Small Town podcast from CMA Fest in Nashville. He breaks down what the powerful Ways and Means Committee actually does and how it touches every American’s life through taxes, trade, Social Security, Medicare, and more. Jason opens up about his small-town Missouri roots, being a fourth-generation farmer, raising white buffalo, and why he still lives in the same rural community he represents. He explains how he took the Ways and Means Committee on the road to 32 states to listen to working families, small businesses, and farmers before writing what he calls the “Big Beautiful Bill” – the largest tax cut in U.S. history, including no tax on tips and overtime. The conversation gets candid on Social Security’s future, election integrity and slow vote counts in places like California, and what happens when people lose trust in the system. Jason also shares behind-the-scenes stories of working closely with President Trump – from grilling him for three hours on every line of a 103-title tax bill in the Oval Office to the now-famous “red button” that just orders Diet Coke. Along the way, they talk CMA Fest, Jason’s obsession with Reba, the Chiefs, Mahomes vs. Brady, cleaning up Washington, D.C., and why he believes the founding fathers’ values are really small-town values. Jason closes with a powerful story of a single mom whose $10,000 tax refund changed her life – and why that’s why he still fights for small towns and working families. Timed highlights 2:00 Who is Chairman Jason Smith and what is the Ways and Means Committee? 5:13 CMA Fest, first concerts, and Jason’s country music roots 7:11 The Ozarks, one of America’s poorest districts, and small-town values 8:14 Reba superfan stories and being starstruck in DC 10:02 How the guys first met Jason at the South Dakota Governor’s Hunt 11:49 Nashville’s Bluebird Café, songwriting, and music in DC 13:06 Jason’s priorities: working families, small businesses, and farmers 14:19 White buffalo, donkeys named Bill, Hillary, Chelsea, and Hunter 15:29 Growing up poor in a trailer, farm life, and why that shapes his politics 19:15 Taking Ways and Means to 32 states and writing the “Big Beautiful Bill” 20:20 No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and tax ideas from real Americans 22:06 Social Security history, FDR, and why both parties will keep it 23:35 Will Social Security ever go away? Jason’s answer and insolvency warning 26:49 How Jason became the youngest Ways and Means chair since before the Civil War 29:01 Inside the steering committee and what it takes to win the gavel 32:31 Life on call with President Trump and 5:30 a.m. texts 33:00 Three-hour Oval Office grilling on the “Big Beautiful Bill” 35:07 The Diet Coke button story and a handwritten note after Jason’s dad passed 37:34 Elections, slow vote counts in California, and voter trust 40:31 Why “every vote counts”: Jason’s one-vote victory story 43:03 Chiefs fandom, Mahomes vs. Brady, and elite QB mindset 48:19 How Trump cleaned up Washington, D.C. and made it feel safe again 51:39 What do you buy a president for Christmas and Trump’s generosity with guests 52:14 Jason presents a Congressional Record honoring “Try That In A Small Town” 54:57 Why the song struck a nerve in small-town America 56:24 The waitress, a $10,000 refund, and how tax policy changes real lives 59:19 Jason’s schedule, gym routine, and juggling DC with life back on the farm 1:01:21 Final thoughts on serving small towns and inviting listeners to DC ______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E112: Chuck Wicks: Stealing Cinderella, Autism Dad, Wine Boss & Shiners Showrunner :: Ep 112 Try That in a Small Town Podcast
Jun 801:51:46Tap to summarizeCountry artist and entertainer Chuck Wicks stops by the Try That In A Small Town podcast for a wild, honest, and surprisingly emotional ride.Chuck opens up about his journey from small-town farm kid and college baseball player to Nashville recording artist, radio host, entrepreneur, and autism dad. He shares the real story behind Stealing Cinderella, what it was like to be turned down by RCA the first time, and how he fought his way back to a record deal.Chuck also talks candidly about raising his nonverbal autistic son Tucker, early intervention, therapies, and the emotional roller coaster of getting an autism diagnosis at Vanderbilt. He explains how that journey has changed his priorities and why he and his wife Cassie (Jason Aldean’s sister) feel called to help other parents find resources.From there, the guys dive into:- Chuck’s relationship with Jason Aldean and what Jason is really like offstage - How Melorosa Wine was born from Cassie’s Cuban family story - Building Shiners, a wild Cirque-style, adults-only residency show in downtown Nashville - The stress of chasing country radio, the power of authenticity, and artists taking shots at radio - The infamous “DipShidiot” segment: road rage, gas station etiquette, youth sports parents, and more Chuck also teases his upcoming movie on Great American Family Network and Amazon Prime, where he sings multiple songs and steps deeper into acting.If you love real Nashville stories, songwriting, small-town values, and unfiltered conversations about parenting, business, and faith, this episode delivers.Subscribe and share if you enjoy the show, and check out the member-only bonus segment for extra songs and stories.3:06 Early mornings, syndicated radio, and sleep routines 5:05 Family trip out West: Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, elk and bison 7:48 Buffalo vs bison and bear talk 10:00 Hunting, backlash on social media, and eating what you kill 13:44 Health, wild game, and clean eating 14:17 Chuck on being 47, staying in shape, and raising his autistic son 15:12 Tucker’s autism journey: early signs, testing at Vanderbilt, and therapies 18:49 Nonverbal progress, speech breakthroughs, and hope 19:37 Faith, calling, and why parenting Tucker matters more than career 20:00 Connecting with other autism parents (Joe Don Rooney story) 22:19 Treatments, Lucavorin, red light therapy, and access to resources 24:50 “We wouldn’t trade him for anything” – embracing Tucker’s journey 26:17 Belt obsessions, airplane routines, and sensory quirks 26:28 Chuck’s early life: small-town farm kid and college baseball player 28:46 Discovering his voice in college, almost joining a pop group 31:45 First trip to Nashville, meeting RCA’s Jim Catino and singing a cappella 33:56 Development deal, not getting picked up, and starting over 36:18 Four years of grinding, learning to write, and finding his sound 42:40 Second chance: Clint Higham, Chesney camp, and full RCA deal 45:47 Writing Stealing Cinderella from a personal love story 50:00 Singing Stealing Cinderella at Coach Fulmer’s daughter’s wedding 51:37 Realizing the power of a song to move strangers 52:57 The stress of chasing radio hits and perspective with time 53:18 Other cuts and hits, including Jason Aldean’s Don’t You Wanna Stay (context: Aldean cut with Thrash) 56:03 How Chuck met Cassie, realized she was Jason Aldean’s sister, and dating into the Aldean family 1:00:13 The day after: Jason Aldean’s “blessing” phone call 1:02:30 Why Cassie’s three kids changed how Chuck approached relationships 1:03:58 Blended family life: ages of the kids and how fast time moves 1:05:25 What Jason Aldean is really like offstage: loyalty, mystery, and staying the same guy 1:06:29 Jason’s laugh, tight inner circle, and “it could all go away” mindset 1:08:01 Melorosa Wine: starting a wine company with Jason Aldean 1:09:00 Where to find Mellorosa (online, Kroger, ABC, Princess Cruises, Dubai) 1:09:33 The Cuban family story behind the name and “toast to freedom” 1:10:59 Shiners: Cirque-level, adults-only, comedy show in the historic Woolworth building 1:13:35 Writing Shiners during Covid and building a Nashville residency 1:16:10 The history and civil rights importance of the Woolworth building 1:20:20 What to expect at Shiners: moonshiners, aerial acts, crowd work, and “if you’re easily offended…” 1:22:02 DipShidiot segment: explaining the bit 1:22:33 Gas station chaos: Bucky’s pump hogs and parking-lot etiquette 1:25:29 Red velvet “Whitey” vs “Witty’s” custard mix-up 1:27:31 Red Clay Strays controversy: “radio is dead” comment and why radio still matters 1:30:39 Burning bridges you haven’t crossed yet and respecting country radio 1:35:05 Youth sports parents losing their minds vs just being a dad 1:38:01 CMT Awards “edit the chorus” story and learning to be grateful 1:41:03 Road rage story: 75 in a 70 and killing them with kindness 1:43:45 Locker room etiquette: naked close talkers and lifetime fitness stories 1:45:44 Manscaping, gym talk, and ridiculous visual bits 1:46:00 Chuck’s upcoming movie: Great American Family Network & Amazon Prime 1:47:04 Coloring hair, beard guard settings, and aging on camera 1:50:02 Closing: Melorosa Wine, Shiners, Chuck’s music, coffee collab, and podcast wrap ______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E111: AI vs Songwriters, Trans Sports, Bear Hunt Backlash & Small-Town Honor :: Ep. 111 Try That in a Small Town
Jun 101:07:33Tap to summarizeFrom AI-written songs and a controversial commencement speech to trans athletes in girls’ sports, Cody Johnson’s bear hunt backlash, THC drinks, and a powerful small-town funeral story – the guys cover it all in this episode of the Try That In A Small Town Podcast. They compare Scott Borchetta’s AI-heavy, “deal with it” address to Eric Church’s inspiring guitar analogy, talk about what AI and streaming are really doing to songwriters, roast a school district for a rained-out graduation, tell wild Bahamas golf and gambling stories, and debate THC drinks, hunting, and new “poly” reality TV. They close with DipShidiot of the Week and a heartfelt look at how small towns still show up for their own. 00:52 Will Levis sex tape rumor and buying stories back from tabloids 02:53 Summer is here, kids out, and notable commencement speeches 03:16 Eric Church’s guitar-and-life commencement speech and why it worked 05:09 Scott Borchetta’s AI commencement: streaming, socials, and production 05:41 Booed by grads, “I know it, deal with it” and delivery vs message 07:12 Is brutal realism better than inspiration for graduates? 08:02 AI as tool vs replacement and why it hits different when you’re already rich 09:18 Comparing AI to Pro Tools, samples, and why fully AI songs lose listeners 11:09 Streaming’s impact on publishing, who actually makes money now 12:25 Big label buildings, tiny publishing floors, and small pub company struggles 13:54 Local high school graduations drenched in rain, no backup venue 14:45 Rain-or-shine policies, lightning concerns, and rushing the ceremony 15:43 What the soaked kids and grandparents went through that night 16:48 Superintendent named Dipshit of the Week for no backup plan 17:34 Road managers, “bad calls,” and transition to Bahamas trip 18:01 Bahamas: golf, fishing, tequila-fueled NHL-on-PS5 money games 19:57 High-dollar putter on the line: live call to Jake for Scotty Cameron details 20:58 Aldean wins the putter in overtime and pulls it from Jake’s bag at the airport 22:10 Telly’s golf swing, overconfidence, and getting mocked online 23:06 Baker’s Bay, Morgan Wallen, and stories that stay behind the paywall 24:36 Charles Barkley’s swing yips and getting a little better over time 25:03 Tax deadlines pushed back again in Tennessee and IRS jokes 25:38 Teasing next guest and Kayla’s upcoming shoulder surgery 26:16 Pain meds, “no days off,” and the idea of a post-op podcast 26:54 The blue bottle “herbal” drink heading toward felony status in Tennessee 27:35 How it became a pre-show hype drink and what it actually looks like 28:26 Why the state is banning it and links to opioid recovery concerns 29:10 If that’s illegal, what about THC drinks and Delta beverages? 29:54 THC drinks as golf “swing juice” and health vs alcohol debate 30:32 Listeners’ THC drink stories and whether it really helps putting 31:20 Prebiotic Pepsi “health” marketing and chemical overload 31:56 Predicting THC drinks at sporting events and stadiums 32:07 Super Bowl 2030 coming to Nashville and halftime show speculation 32:30 Taylor Swift, “real” country, and who should play the big stage 33:40 Titans rebuild, new coach, and does Will Levis really have it? 38:18 Pocket passers vs mobile QBs and what the guys want under center 39:40 Topic wheel spin: California track meet and trans athlete controversy 40:21 “Can’t believe this is still a thing” and fairness for girls in sports 40:58 Parents, boycotts, and refusing to line up against male competitors 41:51 Riley Gaines’ regret about competing and the mental toll 43:08 Zero tolerance stance vs waiting for laws and elections to catch up 44:02 New show “This Is Poly” and modern polyamorous families on TV 45:25 Jealousy, fights, and why some refuse to watch these reality shows 47:34 Kayla’s comedy, being “yourself” on mic, and overthinking funny 49:04 Musicianship, performance anxiety, and freedom when you stop monitoring 50:34 Recording vocals without headphones and trusting feel 51:12 Delta THC drinks: 20 mg misfire and why 5 mg is smarter 52:02 Gummy war stories, Doritos, and not being natural stoners 53:04 On-stage looks vs reality: who seems like the “stoner” in the band 54:03 Dip Shitty of the Week: Cody Johnson’s Alaskan bear hunt haters 54:31 Hunting culture vs online outrage and meat-eating hypocrisy 55:27 “Harvested” vs “killed” and calling hunting what it is 56:02 Liberal sensitivities, offense at everything, and language games 57:07 Public etiquette dipshit: people who just stop in the middle of walkways 58:30 Airport moving walkways: “it’s not a ride, keep walking” 59:20 Backpack chaos on airplanes and basic travel courtesy 1:00:33 Listener callout: submit your Dip Shitty of the Week in the comments 1:01:02 Small-town funeral: honoring a firefighter, veteran, and community pillar 1:01:45 Fire trucks, sirens, last ride, American Legion, and folded flag moment 1:02:20 Food, casseroles, and how small towns show up for grieving families 1:03:22 Why small towns may be what keeps the country united 1:04:36 Going home to a 400-person town and Legion dinners after funerals 1:05:09 How that support gives the family peace and helps them move on 1:05:27 Peacemaker Coffee promo: TTIAST blends, sucker punch dark roast, travel mugs 1:05:58 CTAs: download, comment, send small-town stories and dipshidiots of the week ______________________________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/________________________________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transcribe →S E110: ACM Awards Fallout: Morgan Wallen Snub & Ella Langley’s Big Night :: Ep 110 TTIAST
May 2501:24:50Tap to summarizeThe Try That In A Small Town crew dives into the 2024 ACM Awards – the politics, the snubs, and the few moments that actually delivered. From Morgan Wallen being shut out, to Ella Langley’s historic run, to Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Zach Top, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, and more, the guys break down who deserved what and where country music is really headed. They also talk about TikTok-ready story songs like “Choosing Texas,” the future of traditional-leaning artists, how award shows are losing legitimacy with fans, and why the industry keeps cloning the same “country boy” image. Plus: a small-town hero who saved a family from a fire, drive-thru rim damage, broken-English call centers, and a McDonald’s “fresh” muffin story. Perfect for country fans, songwriters, and anyone who’s over the BS of modern award shows. Timed Highlights: 2:16 – Studio chaos, heat, and golf talk in the eSpaces room 3:18 – Peacemaker Coffee plug and the truth about roast caffeine levels 4:32 – Shoulder MRI results: torn bicep, torn rotator cuff, and surgery date 16:05 – Instagram subscriptions and bonus content tease 16:44 – Confession: who actually watched the ACM Awards (and who didn’t) 18:20 – Lainey Wilson’s opener: high energy vs memorable songs debate 22:36 – Laney’s lack of a clear “signature” song and expectations for her writing 23:22 – Miranda Lambert’s “Crisco” performance reaction 24:44 – Riley Green and Ella Langley: onstage “pajamas” tension 33:31 – Why fans are losing faith in award shows and ratings 36:29 – Megan Moroney’s many nominations and zero wins 42:48 – Group of the Year: Red Clay Strays and the new darlings of country 45:18 – “Best they/them duo?” Pushing back on where categories might go 47:05 – Why Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, and Rascal Flatts are selling more tickets now 48:01 – Disposable songs vs timeless 90s/2000s country 48:20 – Red Clay Strays sell out Bridgestone: how fans find music now 48:54 – Encouraging signs: more traditional-leaning performances at the ACMs 49:44 – Parker McCollum wins Album of the Year over Morgan Wallen 50:37 – “Choosing Texas” wins Song/Single of the Year and just how massive it is 52:51 – Somewhere Over Laredo vs Somewhere Over The Rainbow and copyright splits 55:09 – Tucker Wetmore: Morgan/Riley clone, performance debate, and industry blame 59:12 – Zach Top’s 90s throwback lane: can it really last? 1:02:27 – Why traditional acts must have truly great songs to survive 1:03:21 – Kane Brown’s “Woman” and trying to stay country 1:08:20 – Why Ella Langley feels so believable and why her stool performance worked 1:09:34 – Dancers in country: necessary or cheesy? 1:11:09 – Grading the ACMs: starting at a 5 because of the Morgan snubs 1:12:34 – What the ACMs are signaling to fans by ignoring Morgan Wallen 1:13:58 – How the snubs actually pour jet fuel on Morgan’s career 1:14:55 – The legitimacy problem when the biggest artists don’t show up 1:16:46 – Speculating on why the industry still hasn’t moved on from Morgan’s incident 1:16:54 – New Male Artist: Tucker Wetmore; New Female Artist: Avery Anna 1:21:01 – “No cause for alarm” text actually is cause for alarm: contract story teaser 1:21:39 – Contract options and income surprises: more to come 1:22:29 – Small town hero: Officer Eli Rogers saves a family from an apartment fire 1:23:18 – Why stories like Eli’s embody “Try That In A Small Town” 1:23:59 – Dipshit of the Week: broken-English call centers and customer service 1:31:32 – Why the ACMs feel like BS but we still care about songs, fans, and country music __________________________________________________________________________SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every BusinessBook a tour today at espaces.comFrom the Patriot Mobile studios:Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOTRight now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.comPeacemaker Coffee CompanyFounded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.https://www.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/_________________________________________________________________________Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.comProduced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.coSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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