Jrodconcerts: The Podcast

Jamie A Rodriguez

Jrodconcerts: The Podcast is the definitive archive of creative excellence. Hosted by award-winning curator Jamie A Rodriguez (Jrod), the show features high-fidelity, long-form conversations that deconstruct the "Soul and Motion" of the world’s most iconic artists. From legendary icons like Judy Collins and Mary Wilson to modern vanguards like Lainey Wilson and Morgan Wade, Jamie extracts the internal blueprints, daily standards, and rigorous disciplines behind world-class performance. Ranked globally in the Top 50 on Spotify and Top 100 on Apple Podcasts, this is more than an interview show—it is an all-access masterclass for those who demand institutional-level growth in their own lives and craft.

  1. Rissi Palmer: From Historical Debut to Color Me Country Trailblazer

    MAR 12

    Rissi Palmer: From Historical Debut to Color Me Country Trailblazer

    What does it take to say "no" to legendary producers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis when you're only eighteen years old? Today, Jamie Rodriguez sits down with the incomparable Rissi Palmer to discuss a career defined by honesty, independence, and a commitment to her "lived experience. Fresh off the release of her "Perspectives" EP and a celebratory performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Rissi opens up about her evolution from her groundbreaking 2007 debut to her current role as a vital advocate for change. We dive into the bluegrass influences on her new music, the strength of the "Old Black Southern Women" who raised her, and how she’s rewriting country music history for the next generation through her upcoming children’s book, Color Me Country. In This Episode: The Sonic Shift: Why Bluegrass and Roots influences allowed Rissi to express herself more freely than ever before on her new EP. Resilience & Legacy: A deep dive into "Old Black Southern Woman" and the wisdom passed down through generations. The Power of "No": Rissi reveals why she walked away from a major "urban" deal as a teenager to stay true to her country roots. Rewriting History: A look at her upcoming children’s book (Coming May 2026) and the importance of representation in roots music. The Global Lens: Insights from Belfast on how the international community views equity and inclusion in music. Artistic Perseverance: The most important lesson 2026 Rissi would share with the Rissi Palmer who was first charting in 2007. Resources & Links: Pre-Order the "Color Me Country" Book (Amazon) Follow Rissi Palmer: @RissiPalmerMusic Jrodconcerts Media: @jrodconcertsmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  2. maryjo | Resilience, Independence, and the Business of Pop

    MAR 9

    maryjo | Resilience, Independence, and the Business of Pop

    What does it take to go from being a shy singer in Ohio to a viral powerhouse with over 200 million streams? This week, Jamie sits down with maryjo to discuss her incredible journey from TikTok breakthrough to reclaiming her narrative as a fully independent artist. Fresh off her return to the American Idol stage and currently on the road with Alex Sampson, maryjo pulls back the curtain on the "artist's life." We dive into the grit required to manage the business side of music, her secrets for maintaining a world-class vocal range on tour, and the emotional weight of her hit song, "Living Room." Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a music fan, maryjo’s perspective on courage, stage fright, and creative legacy is a must-listen. In this episode, we discuss: The Independent Pivot: Why maryjo chose to leave the major label system and lean into her own soulful sound. Touring Realities: Staying healthy on the road and the importance of connecting with fans face-to-face. The Business Mindset: How her time in business school shaped her approach to a music career. Vulnerability & Vision: The stories behind her new single "No More Heart To Break" and her viral duet with Benson Boone. __ On the Road with Jrodconcerts Media: Stay tuned to the feed! Jrodconcerts is heading to Florida for the Okeechobee Music Festival (March 19-22) and Napa Valley for Live in the Vineyard this April. Follow us for exclusive on-the-ground coverage. Follow maryjo: Instagram & TikTok: @maryjo.young Connect with us: Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com __ Support The Show: Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min
  3. Rooster Walk 16: The Crown Jewel of the Blue Ridge

    MAR 2

    Rooster Walk 16: The Crown Jewel of the Blue Ridge

    Rooster Walk is officially the #1 music festival in the region. After years of being a "top contender," the Martinsville, VA mainstay recently took home the top prize in the 2026 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards. In this episode, Jrod sits down with Executive Producer Johnny Buck for an inside look at the 16th annual festival (May 21–24, 2026). They discuss the festival’s moving origin story, its commitment to the Martinsville community, and the challenge of keeping independent festivals accessible in an era of skyrocketing production costs and "stadium displacement." Whether you’re a long-time "Rooster" or a first-timer, this preview explores why this festival—built on the legacy of childhood friends Edwin and Walker—continues to be a home for artists like Maggie Rose, Paul McDonald, and Moon Taxi. In this episode, we cover: The Victory Lap: What the "Best Music Festival" win means for the festival’s 16th year. Festival Value vs. Stadium Shows: Why communal experiences are winning out over $500 stadium seats. The 2026 Lineup: Insights into headliners St. Paul & The Broken Bones, moe., and Daniel Donato, plus favorites like Shadowgrass and our friends Maggie Rose and Paul McDonald. Pinch-Me Moments: Memories of Billy Strings, Marcus King, and Emmylou Harris. Legacy & Scholarship: How the festival continues to give back through the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship Fund. Links & Resources: Get Tickets https://www.roosterwalk.com Follow Rooster Walk: @roosterwalk Follow Jrodconcerts: @jrodconcertsmedia Official Website: https://www.jrodconcertsmedia.com __ Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min
  4. Jake & Shelby: Healing the Inner Child, Singing with Michael Bublé, and the Road to the Ryman

    FEB 24

    Jake & Shelby: Healing the Inner Child, Singing with Michael Bublé, and the Road to the Ryman

    In this episode of Jrodconcerts The Podcast, Jamie sits down with Nashville’s indie-pop sensations Jake & Shelby. From their shared roots in Hendersonville to gaining over a million followers and the attention of superstars like Michael Bublé, their journey feels like a "one in a million" miracle. We go behind the viral moments to discuss the duo's debut album, Learning To Love, and the soul-baring story behind their single, "Morning Light." Shelby opens up for the first time about her personal history in the foster care system, the "uncomfortable" necessity of vulnerable songwriting, and how music has served as a gentle tool for healing her inner child. Inside the Episode: The Long Odds: How two kids from the same hometown beat the statistics to build a global music career. Songwriting as a Superpower: Why being "shy" is actually an advantage when looking within for lyrics. The Viral Shift: Navigating the transition from social media snippets to being named one of NPR Music’s best new albums. Backstage Moments: The story of singing with Michael Bublé at Bridgestone Arena. The Ryman Dream: Their ultimate goal for the future of their live show and the message they want listeners to take away. Support a Great Cause: A portion of the streaming proceeds from "Morning Light" is donated to the Cape Cod Foster Closet. Stream the track now to help support children in the foster care system. What’s Coming in March: Stay tuned to Jrodconcerts! Next month, we’re heading to Florida for Okeechobee Music Festival and staying busy in Nashville for CRS (Country Radio Seminar). Connect with the Artists: Instagram/TikTok: @jakeandshelbyofficial Website: https://jakeandshelby.com/ Follow Jrodconcerts: Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: www.jrodconcertsmedia.com __ Support The Show: Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min
  5. Tenille Townes on the "Hero Complex," Going Independent, and the Art of Kintsukuroi

    FEB 16

    Tenille Townes on the "Hero Complex," Going Independent, and the Art of Kintsukuroi

    "Choosing love ain’t love, unless the choosing is free." What happens when an artist stops caring about the "industry machine" and starts caring only about the truth? Today, we sit down with 2-time JUNO and 17-time CCMA Award winner Tenille Townes to discuss the most transformative chapter of her career yet. Last time Tenille was on the show, we were navigating the beautiful chaos of Bonnaroo 2022. Four years later, the "Nashville production" has been stripped away, leaving a raw, empathetic songwriter who isn't afraid to let the "hero complex" shake. In this episode, we dive deep into her 2026 evolution: The Independence Declaration: Moving from the major label system to becoming the CEO of her own vision. "Enabling": A breakdown of her devastating new single and the thin line between compassion and self-erasure. The "Dolly Moment": Why Tenille’s current pivot mirrors the legendary independence of Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell. Kintsukuroi: Learning from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery—and why we are more beautiful for our cracks. The Living Room Tour: Why she’s trading "band walls" for the vulnerability of a girl and a guitar. From Whispers to Symphonies: Preparing for her upcoming run with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Tenille isn't just an observer of other people's pain anymore; she’s turning the lens inward. This is a conversation about boundaries, accountability, and the courage it takes to stop rescuing others so you can finally rescue yourself. CONNECT WITH TENILLE TOWNES New Single: "Enabling" (Out Now) Tour Dates: 2026 Canadian Tour & Texas dates with Muscadine Bloodline Instagram: @tenilletownes JOIN THE JRODCONCERTS COMMUNITY Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com Support: If you love the show, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! ___ Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    23 min
  6. Aviva Mongillo: Breaking the Persona and Finding Independence

    FEB 13

    Aviva Mongillo: Breaking the Persona and Finding Independence

    It’s been five years since Aviva Mongillo (formerly known as CARYS) last sat down with Jamie. In that time, she’s gone from a viral pop explosion to a radical artistic rebirth. In this episode, we deconstruct the journey of an artist who chose to walk away from the major label machine to find her own voice. Fresh off her role as Dori in the Netflix series Bet, Aviva opens up about the "recovering people pleaser" themes in her new music, the reality of being a CEO of her own independent career, and why she’s finally comfortable being "emotionally wide open" like the legends who came before her Inside the episode: The Name Shift: Why she’s stepping out from the "CARYS" moniker to embrace Aviva Mongillo. Radical Independence: The scariest and most rewarding parts of leaving a major label. The "Drama Queen" Era: Reclaiming labels and setting boundaries through her 2025 project. Acting vs. Artistry: How her high-stakes role in Netflix's Bet fuels her songwriting. The Joni Mitchell Influence: Comparing her current trajectory to the "confessional" legends of the 70s. Connect with Jrodconcerts: Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com Support the show: Rate and Review on Apple Podcasts! Connect with Aviva: Instagram: @carysofficial Listen: Drama Queen is available on all streaming platforms. __ Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  7. Judy Blank: The American Dream, Artistic Freedom & ‘Big Mood’ (Live from 30A)

    FEB 9

    Judy Blank: The American Dream, Artistic Freedom & ‘Big Mood’ (Live from 30A)

    This week, we are bringing you a very special reunion and our final broadcast from this year's festival coverage. We taped this conversation a few weeks ago on-site at the 30A Songwriters Festival, and it serves as the perfect conclusion to our 2026 series from the coast. Five years ago, Judy Blank joined us for the milestone Episode #100. Today, she returns to the show as a global powerhouse with a brand-new perspective and a massive 2025 record. Judy recently released her latest album, Big Mood—a project defined by bold "weird sounds" and a fearless commitment to her craft. In this deep dive, we explore her journey from a comfortable life in the Netherlands to the "strong pull" that brought her to her current home in Austin, Texas. Jamie and Judy sit down to discuss the realities of the American Dream, the emotional cost of leaving family behind, and how she maintains her fierce artistic independence in an ever-changing industry. The Price of Change: The emotional reality of leaving your roots in the Netherlands to chase an international calling. Austin State of Mind: How moving to the "Live Music Capital of the World" has reshaped the way she hears her own music. The Idea of America: An honest look at the last 2.5 years in the States—balancing the beauty of the "American Dream" with the heartbreaking realities of global events Cultural Roots: Why Hispanic culture continues to inspire Judy’s art and creative spirit. Staying Independent: How to navigate label life and rising popularity without losing your artistic soul. Connect with Judy Blank: Listen to 'Big Mood': Available on all streaming platforms. Instagram: @judyblankmusic Connect with Jrodconcerts Media: Website: jrodconcertsmedia.com Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia __ Support The Show: Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
4.8
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Jrodconcerts: The Podcast is the definitive archive of creative excellence. Hosted by award-winning curator Jamie A Rodriguez (Jrod), the show features high-fidelity, long-form conversations that deconstruct the "Soul and Motion" of the world’s most iconic artists. From legendary icons like Judy Collins and Mary Wilson to modern vanguards like Lainey Wilson and Morgan Wade, Jamie extracts the internal blueprints, daily standards, and rigorous disciplines behind world-class performance. Ranked globally in the Top 50 on Spotify and Top 100 on Apple Podcasts, this is more than an interview show—it is an all-access masterclass for those who demand institutional-level growth in their own lives and craft.