Try That in a Small Town Podcast

Try That Podcast
  • 4.9 (183)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 6d ago

    Sage Steele Uncanceled: ESPN, Obama, Aldean & Standing Your Ground :: Ep 116 Try That in a Small Town

    Sage 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 Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 47m

  2. Jun 29

    Why Session Players Rule, Roundabout Rants, and Augusta Controversy :: Ep 115 TTIAST

    On 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 win 14:44 Why artists use session players over road bands 21:15 Hicktown, early Aldean years, and betting on their sound 34:30 Writing “Try That in a Small Town” and how the track changed the melody 39:27 Worst writes ever: salad guy and Rich Robinson falls asleep 43:29 Neil’s wife helps design the new “Welcome to Tennessee” signs 45:27 “Try That in a Small Town” goes platinum and missing No. 1 parties 59:44 World Cup, offsides confusion, and “soccer in the South” rant 1:02:29 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 Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 27m

  3. Jun 22

    CMA Fest Disaster Stories, Morgan Wallen Drama & Schoolyard Fights :: Ep 114 Try That in a Small Town Podcast

    From 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 Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 28m

  4. Jun 15

    Inside Ways & Means: Jason Smith on Trump, Voter Trust, and the Big Tax Cut :: Ep 113 Try That in a Small Town Podcast

    Chairman 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 Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 3m

  5. Jun 8

    Chuck Wicks: Stealing Cinderella, Autism Dad, Wine Boss & Shiners Showrunner :: Ep 112 Try That in a Small Town Podcast

    Country 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 Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 52m

  6. Jun 1

    AI vs Songwriters, Trans Sports, Bear Hunt Backlash & Small-Town Honor :: Ep. 111 Try That in a Small Town

    From 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 S****y 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 S****y 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 Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 8m

  7. May 25

    ACM Awards Fallout: Morgan Wallen Snub & Ella Langley’s Big Night :: Ep 110 TTIAST

    The 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 Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 25m

  8. May 18

    Rock Docs, AI Songwriting, Cruise Nightmares and Road-Game Injuries :: Ep 109 Try That in Small Town Podcast

    From Toradol shots and “rock docs” on the road, to AI tools like Suno reshaping Nashville, to cruise-ship horror stories and fans yelling requests at charity shows… this episode of Drive That in a Small Town goes all over the map in the best way.   The guys swap stories about playing hurt on tour, getting hooked up by “rock docs,” demolishing Luke Bryan’s band in flag football, near-disastrous 100-yard dashes, and getting smoked by a college women’s softball team. They also take a hard look at AI in songwriting, the death of old-school demo sessions, and how quality songs still rise above the noise.   You’ll also hear heartfelt praise for John Morgan’s heart for kids, a hilarious breakdown of Zach Bryan’s infamous fast-break clip, cruise stories including the notorious “Poop Cruise,” a peek into publishing contracts and quotas, and a “Dip Shit” segment calling out bad audience etiquette, shady neighbors, and 5-minute voice texts.   If you love small-town stories, country music, road-life chaos, and real talk about where the music business is headed, this one’s for you.   02:00 Shoulder sling, cortisone shots and playing hurt on the road   05:03 High-ankle sprain, Toradol, and “rock doc roulette” on tour   09:12 Behind the scenes: how rock docs keep shows from getting canceled   11:19 Golf postponed, one-armed putting, and Def Leppard drummer jokes   13:02 John Morgan at Bethel Bible Village: connecting with kids and staying late   14:25 John Morgan’s small-town roots and Chattanooga ties   14:42 Zach Bryan’s legendary fast break: live reaction to the clip   18:05 Is he a team player or just a chaotic fast break? Hoops talk and last-shot mentality   20:16 Who played what sport? Shortstop, field goal specialist, soccer and skateboarding handstands   22:15 Sponsor: Original Glory beer and Patriot Mobile   23:00 Neil’s college field goal career and the illness that changed his path to music   25:00 Spotting athletes on stage by how they move with their instruments   25:48 Flag football vs Luke Bryan’s band and a very lopsided score   27:00 Hungover 100-yard dash: who’s really the fastest?   29:24 Thomas Rhett vs Jay: 50-yard dash, gravel, and a brutal face-plant   30:30 Road games: Wiffle ball, basketball, softball and unhealthy competitiveness   32:41 Getting humbled by a college women’s softball team   33:04 Tennis, pickleball and even getting hurt playing video hockey   34:34 Women’s hockey, drunk women’s hockey and a TV-league tangent   34:55 Publishing meeting anxiety: “no cause for alarm” text and overthinking contracts   37:44 Song quotas vs quality: why the biggest years came from fewer songs   39:21 Suno AI demos, ChatGPT lyrics and “shining up a turd”   42:20 Why AI is scary for real creatives and how it masks bad songwriting   43:42 Who owns AI-generated masters and what happens when tools get better?   46:02 The death of Nashville demo sessions and what’s been lost for musicians and engineers   49:21 Why a real band in a room can’t be replaced, and how ears have changed   50:54 Hearing untuned vocals again and why imperfection feels so good   52:04 Cruise people vs non-cruise people and the infamous “Poop Cruise”   53:20 Disney Cruise and Castaway Cay: the one cruise they actually loved   55:16 The Venice/Disney Magic gig almost everyone in the band was offered   56:10 Hantavirus on cruise ships and mysterious “wives overboard” stories   58:09 Dip Shit segment: drunk fans yelling at benefits and show etiquette   01:01:09 Neighbor overcharging on landscaping: calling out the rip-off   01:02:55 Voice-text etiquette: why anything over 30 seconds is a problem   ______________________________________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS:  The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From 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-PATRIOT Right 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.com Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded 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.com Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 5m
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4.9
out of 5
183 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Try That Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © © 2026 Try That in a Small Town Podcast
  • Show Website
    Try That in a Small Town Podcast

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