Roots Music Rambler

Francesca Folinazzo & Jason Falls

Where there are people, there is music. In our celebration of melodies and lyrics, harmonies and riffs, we typically focus on the songs or the people who wrote them. We often overlook the where. Join Francesca and Falls for Roots Music Rambler, a podcast exploration of the where as much as the who or what. We’ll interview emerging and established artists, fans and others in Americana, Outlaw Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Roots, Soul, World and beyond. But we will always get to the stories of where they’re from and how that impacted the music we know and love. It’s more than just their influences. It’s their families. Communities. Cultures. This show is a fun combination of music, travel, history and more. We dig into the stories from artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, fans and beyond, that don’t just expose their musical influences, but their life influences.  Music follows the path of human movement. We trace the steps to bring better understanding to what we hear today and why we love it. Join us for the exploration of the real roots of music on Roots Music Rambler.

  1. The Local Honeys talk music impact, the Kentucky music scene, hint at a new album

    APR 3

    The Local Honeys talk music impact, the Kentucky music scene, hint at a new album

    It’s been four years since Linda Jean Stokley and Montana Hobbs released a full album. The two, better known collectively as The Local Honeys, dropped a 45 last summer and have blessed fans with a couple of new singles in the last couple of months. But there has been no official announcement of a new record coming. We think we may have squeaked out a hint or two that one might be as the two joined Frank and Falls for the latest episode of Roots Music Rambler. The interview was a bit of a Morehead State University reunion for the Honeys and Falls, all three of whom are graduates. And Falls tried to not lapse into his native mountain accent as he and Frank talked to the pair about everything from the purpose of music to protest songs and channeling Pink Floyd to the Kentucky music scene. At the end of the day, Linda Jean and Montana are and will forever be leaders in the use of mountain and traditional music influences in a modern Appalachian sound in Americana music. They not only make great folk-rock and country music, but teach and mentor young musicians with their involvement in programs like Cowan’s Creek Mountain Music School. The two are currently embarked on a spring tour with Cole Chaney and well worth the time and investment to see them live.  Frank and Falls also discuss the Grand Ole Opry’s 25th Anniversary Celebration of the film “O Brother Where Art Thou” and share Pickin’ the Grinnin’ recommendations. Falls pointed to a recent live act he saw in Stripmall Ballads. Frank shared a band her son Anthony was amused by on satellite radio: Buffalo Traffic Jam.  Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  Grand Ole Opry’s “O Brother Where Art Thou’ pics from Falls The Local Honeys online The Local Honeys on Spotify The Local Honeys on Instagram The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Stripmall Ballads on Spotify Buffalo Traffic Jam on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 27m
  2. Highway Junkie Andy Thomas’s first solo LP is out and rockin’ out!

    MAR 27

    Highway Junkie Andy Thomas’s first solo LP is out and rockin’ out!

    There are few things we love better at Roots Music Rambler than talking to an artist about their first album. As this episode drops (March 27), so will southern rocker Andy Thomas’s debut solo record Highway Junkie. Andy spent some time with Frank and Falls recently to talk about the album, his songs and songwriting and a lot more.  Thomas is Virginia-born but now based in Florida. He played in a couple of different bands from the time he was a teenager, jamming with his father and brother, until his most recent projects with The Trongone Band and Yarn. The real story of Highway Junkie is that it came after Thomas realized drugs, alcohol and partying were holding him back. This record is the journey of his sobriety as much as anything. Frank and Falls also had a very animated and pointed critique of fans of Treaty Oak Revival fan behavior at recent concerts. They showed clips from TikTok of a recent Lexington, Ky., concert at Rupp Arena in which fans carried on an alarming new tradition of throwing towers of not empty beer cups in the air. It left fans and the arena floor doused with alcohol and Falls called it "embarrassing" for Lexington.  And as always, the hosts offer their Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices for music recommendations. This week, Frank points us to the song “Heavy” by Noah Guthrie, which resonated with both hosts. Falls shares singer-songwriter Michaela Anne, whom he saw open for Emily Scott Robinson in February. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  TikTok video of Treaty Oak Revival’s Rupp Arena chaos Andy Thomas online Andy Thomas on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices “Heavy” by Noah Guthrie Michaela Anne on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m
  3. The Story Behind Crossroads Acoustic Fest (Plus an Exclusive Ticket Discount)

    MAR 13

    The Story Behind Crossroads Acoustic Fest (Plus an Exclusive Ticket Discount)

    When Roots Music Rambler did our 2025 year-in-review episode, Frank told us her favorite music festival last year was the Crossroads Acoustic Fest in Seymour, Ind. She’s going again this year (and has convinced Falls to come as well). It takes place April 24-25 and features wonderful singer-songwriters and Americana acts  like John R. Miller, Jason Eady, The Tillers, Thunder and Rain and more. Friends of the show Magnolia Boulevard (see Maggie Noelle on Episode 49) and Emily Jamerson (Episode 64). Crossroads started as a small house concert series after Shawn Busby and his brother attended the 30a Songwriter’s Festival in Florida several years ago. They came home to Seymour and started hosting house concerts. The event has grown into a 400-500 person ticketed event with multiple listening room venues in walkable downtown Seymour.  Busby joined us on Roots Music Rambler to talk more about the history of the event, what his hopes are for its growth, this year’s lineup and what it takes to put together an event like Crossroads Acoustic Fest. AND … Busby shared a 20% discount code toward the end of the episode which is helpful since the early bird prices have expired, so listen and get a ticket discount! Frank and Falls also tout the show’s choice for 2025 Song of the Year as Tyler Childers’s “Bitin’List” won the Grammy for Country Song of the Year and share some interesting Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices this week: One for a Loretta Lynn and Jack White collaboration. The other is a new cover song from West Virginia-based fiddle phenom Philip Bowen. Get 20% off your ticket to Crossroads Acoustic Fest when you use the code RAMBLER on checkout. Get tickets here. Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  Crossroads Acoustic Fest Online Crossroads Acoustic Fest on Instagram The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Portland, Oregon by Loretta Lynn and Jack White on YouTube Philip Bowen’s cover of Have You Ever Seen The Rain on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  4. Sophie Gault Comes Unhinged with Third Studio Album

    MAR 6

    Sophie Gault Comes Unhinged with Third Studio Album

    Sophie Gault’s third studio album Unhinged dropped in early February of this year. But the singles rolled out as the record came to fruition and had already sold it for those familiar with her. The fiery guitar player and honky tonk songstress’s performance on the album mirrored its title. This record was Sophie being the Sophie people are used to seeing rattling the windows at bars and clubs around Nashville. Gault joined Frank and Falls for this week’s episode of Roots Music Rambler to talk about the album, produced by her manager Alex Torres, whose indy label picked Gault up after her original label decided to move on without her. With a nice mix of originals and cover tunes, including a banger with Buck Owens’s “Loves Gonna Live Here” which leads the track list, the record is fun, vibrant and, at times, raw, conveying Gault’s playing style and personality We also talked about Gault’s journey to music, growing up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., her collaborations with friends of the show Margo Cilker, Gabe Lee and Logan Ledger, and why she says her track with Gurf Morlix is the first of what should be many covers of his songs.  Also in this episode, Frank and Falls discuss the new protest song from Bruce Springsteen and share their weekly Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices. Frank recommends “Can’t Find Your Way Out” by The Franklin Electric. Falls shares an EP he’s been digging lately: Arthur Hancock’s Alive at Hillbilly Central.  Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  Sophie Gault online Sophie Gault on Spotify Sophie Gault on Instagram Unhinged on Spotify Death Vessel (Sophie’s recommendation) on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices The Franklin Electric’s “Can’t Find Your Way Out” on Spotify Arthur Hancock’s EP Alive at Hillbilly Central on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  5. Roots Music Rambler Backstage: Josh Mitcham

    FEB 25

    Roots Music Rambler Backstage: Josh Mitcham

    Welcome to the first of hopefully many shorter episodes of Roots Music Rambler, we’re calling our Backstage with episodes. These are short interviews Frank and Falls are able to grab backstage (or just somewhere in person rather than on our virtual, longer-form interview episodes) and catch up briefly. Our first such episode is with Josh Mitcham. The Breckenridge County, Kentucky native and farmer has a new solo album coming out in June called Gonna Be Alright. He’s dropped a couple of singles from the album already and the sound is a level up from previous work as he brought the Alabama Sound Company to the table to produce the album. Josh is the former frontman for Jericho Woods and a 2026 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Ambassador.  Falls caught him backstage at the Mercury Ballroom in early February, getting ready to open for Sundy Best. The two talked about the new songs and album, Josh’s approach to promoting the music and a lot more.  Find Josh Mitcham online at joshmitcham.com, on Spotify, Instagram and Facebook.  Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  Josh Mitcham online Josh Mitcham on Spotify Josh Mitcham on Instagram Josh Mitcham on Facebook The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min
  6. Newcomer Trey Hedrick dropped his debut album today. He’s about to get big! 

    FEB 20

    Newcomer Trey Hedrick dropped his debut album today. He’s about to get big! 

    The day this episode of Roots Music Rambler drops, so does a new album from virtual newcomer to the music scene, Trey Hedrick. But don’t let the debut album and baby-faced Hedrick fool you: This guy can write songs and play like you wouldn’t believe.  In fact, Hedrick is a rare guest on Roots Music Rambler: Generally unproven with just a few social media followers more than the average bar band. But he’s got two things going for him that convinced us he’s well on his way to becoming the next big thing: He’s spent a few years touring and playing with other musicians many people couldn’t keep up with; And, his team sent us the album raw masters early to hear the whole thing. It’s good, y’all. Very good. We sat down with Trey back in the fall, well ahead of the album being finished. In fact, you’ll be able to tell from the conversation that we didn’t even know the name of the record (Sing, Appalachia) or the release date (today, Feb. 20, 2026) when we interviewed him. But we found, and you will discover, Trey has the mindset and maturity few first-album artists ever do. Hedrick grew up on a cattle farm in Southeast Ohio in a family peppered with seasoned musical talent. He’s played guitar and mandolin since he can remember and told us his grandmother would call the grandkids in on a hot day and ask them to play songs for her. (Sneaky way of getting them to cool off.) Hedtrick cut his professional teeth in the Athens, Ohio, music scene and sent some acoustic demos of a few songs to Nashville producer Sean Sullivan, who has worked with Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, John Prine and others. Sullivan liked the demos and the two went into the studio and cut the record at the Tractor Shed last summer. Hedrick’s storytelling stems from his upbringing in a proud, working-class family. Almost all the men in his family have ties to the coal mines, too, so he’s as Appalachian as they come. Our first impression of his songs was that he reminded us of a young Ricky Skaggs. We think you’ll agree.  Also in this episode, Frank and Falls chat about a previous guest’s plans for new music this year and share our Pickin’ the Grinnin’ picks for the week. Frank called out Swedish rockers Sabaton. Falls recommended Damn Tall Buildings, whom we interviewed in Episode 66. Trey Hedrick’s interview fell before the Damn Tall Buildings one, but we saved it for debut day!  Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  Si Kahn online Si Kahn episode of Roots Music Rambler Trey Hedrick online Trey Hedrick on Spotify Trey Hedrick on Instagram The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Sabaton on Spotify Damn Tall Buildings on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  7. Dakota Ray Parker turns a life of struggle to noteworthy country music 

    FEB 13

    Dakota Ray Parker turns a life of struggle to noteworthy country music 

    If most of us grew up the way Dakota Ray Parker did, we’d have given up a long time ago. But the resilient, friendly Parker navigated his way through a rough and tumble childhood to funnel those traumatic experiences into outstanding songs and singing in his music. Parker joined us on Roots Music Rambler this week to talk about his turbulent upbringing, finding music was a natural escape to distract himself, then to writing and recording music that is now finding its way to a nice audience for the Kentucky native. His music is inspired by everything from Southern Gospel to 90s Country and even hip-hop. He told us his first musical dream was to be a rapper. Parker released two albums in 2025 and continues to knock out singles every so often. His latest single “Clown” has already amassed 150,000 streams on Spotify thanks to his traditional sounding vocals and catchy lyricism. His new single “Freeborn Man” drops the day this episode does (Feb. 13).  We not only got to hear his story and how he approaches songwriting, but we’ll listen to snippets of four of his songs on the episode as well.  Frank and Falls also chat about Falls’s recent trip to the Grand Ole Opry and rant a little about people who talk at certain types of concerts. The two also have new Pickin’ The Grinnin’ choices for music recommendations this week. Frank points to multi-instrumentalist and frequent session and guest musician John Calvin Abney. Falls shouts out The Wildmans.  Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  Dakota Ray Parker Online Dakota Ray Parker on Spotify Dakota Ray Parker on Instagram The Grand Ole Opry online The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices John Calvin Abney on Spotify The Wildmans on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
  8. Emily Scott Robinson's fifth studio album brings Appalachia alive

    JAN 30

    Emily Scott Robinson's fifth studio album brings Appalachia alive

    Emily Scott Robinson may just be one of the most underrated singer-songwriters in the Americana space. When folks get hold of her fifth studio album Appalachia her status should rise considerably.  Robinson joined us on Roots Music Rambler for an episode that drops on the very day Appalachia hits stores and streaming services to talk about the album, the songs, her background and so much more.  Robinson, who is originally from North Carolina but now calls Colorado home, wrote the record on the tail end of Hurricane Helene which devastated much of the Western Carolinas and East Tennessee. Her songs elevate the beauty of that land and the people there. She talked about that beauty, especially the neighbors-helping-neighbors response to the flooding and devastation. Robinson also shared some behind the scenes stories of being and Oh Boy! Records artist, the legacy label of John Prine, recommended a Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choice of her own (Palymra) and a lot more in a fun, engaging conversation well worth the watch or listen. Also in this episode, Frank asks Falls about his new podcast client Katie Combs. Falls, who produces podcasts through his day job consultancy at Falls+Parnters, is now producing Listen, Honey! Combs’s new show has already offered up two episodes of particular interest to Roots Music Rambler listeners. She has in-depth and not music-focused episodes out now with Nicholas Jamerson and Tanner Horton (The Creekers) well worth watching. The two also share this week’s Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices for new music recommendations. Frank raves about King Margo’s song “Send Me Out Like Autumn” and Falls raves about Western Kentucky roots rock band Hollerhead.  Watch the Episode on YouTube Download the episode and subscribe at rootsmusicrambler.com, watch the full episode on YouTube, or download wherever you get your podcasts.  Also be sure to help spread the love of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links:  Emily Scott Robinson online Emily Scott Robinson on Spotify  Appalachia on Spotify   Oh Boy! Records online Listen, Honey! Podcast on YouTube Listen, Honey! Episode with Nicholas Jamerson Listen, Honey! Episode with Tanner Horton The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on YouTube Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Jason Falls on TikTok Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Choices Send Me Out Like Autumn by King Margo on Spotify Hollerhead on Spotify Palmyra (Emily Scott Robinson’s recommendation) on Spotify Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 - Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 23m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Where there are people, there is music. In our celebration of melodies and lyrics, harmonies and riffs, we typically focus on the songs or the people who wrote them. We often overlook the where. Join Francesca and Falls for Roots Music Rambler, a podcast exploration of the where as much as the who or what. We’ll interview emerging and established artists, fans and others in Americana, Outlaw Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Roots, Soul, World and beyond. But we will always get to the stories of where they’re from and how that impacted the music we know and love. It’s more than just their influences. It’s their families. Communities. Cultures. This show is a fun combination of music, travel, history and more. We dig into the stories from artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, fans and beyond, that don’t just expose their musical influences, but their life influences.  Music follows the path of human movement. We trace the steps to bring better understanding to what we hear today and why we love it. Join us for the exploration of the real roots of music on Roots Music Rambler.

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