The Real Country Podcast by Nikki in Nashville

Nikki Cohn-Byrd
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Real Country is a podcast about the people, stories, and culture behind country and Western life; where music is the backbone, but not the whole story. Hosted by Nikki, Real Country goes beyond radio hits and industry hype to explore what it actually takes to build a life, career, or legacy rooted in country and Western values. Each episode features honest conversations with country music artists, creators, ranchers, entrepreneurs, photographers, and cultural voices shaping modern country, from Nashville to rural communities across the West. This show isn’t about chasing trends or overnight success. It’s about the long road: consistency, grit, creativity, and staying true to your way of life in a world that’s changing fast. You’ll hear real stories about breaking into music, building businesses, preserving culture, growing audiences, and creating something meaningful outside the mainstream. Real Country also dives into bigger conversations around culture, creativity, and the future, covering topics like independent artists, Western entrepreneurship, personal brand, content creation, land, work ethic, and the evolving role of technology and AI in music and media. If you care about country music, Western culture, honest work, and the people building something real, this podcast is for you.

  1. The Reeves Brothers on Being Independent, 150K Spotify Listeners, & The Craziest Road Stories

    FEB 19

    The Reeves Brothers on Being Independent, 150K Spotify Listeners, & The Craziest Road Stories

    The Reeves Brothers join The Real Country Podcast for an honest conversation about building an independent country music career in Nashville...and a hilarious whiskey tasting. Matt and Cole break down how they grew to 150,000+ monthly Spotify listeners without signing a major record label, why they chose to stay independent, and what it really takes to survive in today’s country music industry. We talk about:  • Sleeping in trucks and 17-hour drives for early gigs  • Leaving cover gigs to bet on original music  • Recording and producing their own songs  • Growing organically on TikTok and Spotify  • Whiskey tasting with the kings of drinkin' songs If you’re a fan of traditional country music, independent artists, honky tonk roots, or want to understand how modern country musicians are building careers without labels, this episode is for you. The Real Country Podcast highlights independent country artists, Nashville insiders, and the cultural movement bringing real country music back. New episodes weekly. Thanks to our sponsor World Whiskey Society. Grab 10% off any product or a membership at worldwhiskey.com/REALCOUNTRY Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    1h 17m
  2. Western Art, Identity, and Finding Country Music Far From Nashville - The Real Country Podcast Eps 24 with Jack Browning

    JAN 30

    Western Art, Identity, and Finding Country Music Far From Nashville - The Real Country Podcast Eps 24 with Jack Browning

    In this episode of Real Country, we sit down with Jack Browning, a British singer-songwriter whose music is deeply influenced by American country, Americana, and the Western way of life, despite being far from Nashville. Jack shares how he first discovered country music in the UK, what drew him to the sounds and stories of the American West, and why authenticity matters more than trends in today’s music industry. We talk songwriting, identity, culture, and what it means to create real country music outside the mainstream system. This conversation explores how country music travels across borders, why the genre resonates so deeply beyond the U.S., and how independent artists are keeping traditional storytelling alive in a modern era. We also discuss how his own personal experiences with how country and the West were shared in the UK, influenced his artwork as well. If you love traditional country, Americana, Western culture, independent artists, and honest conversations about music, this episode is for you. Topics Discussed Discovering country music outside the U.S.The influence of the American West on songwritingWhat makes country music feel “real”Creating music outside the Nashville systemAmericana, roots music, and cultural identityFollow along with the Real Country Podcast for weekly discussion with country music artists, and follow along with Jack's Music as well! Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    51 min
  3. Chancey Williams Talks Rodeo, Wyoming, and Making Country Music His Way - The Real Country Podcast, Eps 23

    JAN 26

    Chancey Williams Talks Rodeo, Wyoming, and Making Country Music His Way - The Real Country Podcast, Eps 23

    In this episode from the Real Country Podcast archives, I sat down with Chancey Williams to talk about a path that looks nothing like the Nashville playbook. Chancey shares his journey from growing up in Wyoming, earning a rodeo scholarship, and living the cowboy life, to building a successful country music career rooted in authenticity, grit, and real fans. We talk about how rodeo and ranch life shaped his songwriting, why staying true to his roots mattered more than chasing trends, and how he built a loyal audience without compromising his sound. The conversation also touches on Cheyenne Frontier Days, CRS, navigating the modern country music industry, and the importance of connecting with fans beyond algorithms and mainstream polish. If you’re into Western country, rodeo culture, independent artists, and music that still sounds like where it comes from, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to do country music your own way. 🤠 Artist: Chancey Williams 🐎 Topics: Wyoming roots, rodeo life, independent country music, fanbase building 🎙️ Podcast: Real Country Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    13 min
  4. (Archive) Taylor Austin Dye on Building the “Ride or Dye” Fanbase & Her Grand Ole Opry Debut - The Real Country Podcast Eps 22

    JAN 25

    (Archive) Taylor Austin Dye on Building the “Ride or Dye” Fanbase & Her Grand Ole Opry Debut - The Real Country Podcast Eps 22

    This is a Real Country archive episode featuring rising country artist Taylor Austin Dye, recorded before some of her biggest recent milestones, and it’s one worth revisiting. In this conversation, Taylor shares her journey from Kentucky roots to building a fiercely loyal “Ride or Dye” fanbase, her blend of Southern rock and country, and what it meant to step onto the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time. We talk about carving out her own sound, staying authentic in a changing country music landscape, and building a career without chasing trends. Since this interview was recorded, Taylor has continued her momentum with the release of her new single “Man For That,” out January 23, 2026, further cementing her place as one of the most exciting voices in modern country music. If you’re into traditional-leaning country, Southern rock influences, artist discovery, and honest conversations about building a music career, this episode is for you. 🎶 New Single: Man For That (Released 1/23/26) 🤠 Artist: Taylor Austin Dye   Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    11 min
  5. (Archive) Sophie Gault on Americana, Mental Health, and Writing the Songs No One Wants to Talk About - The Real Country Podcast Eps 21

    JAN 24

    (Archive) Sophie Gault on Americana, Mental Health, and Writing the Songs No One Wants to Talk About - The Real Country Podcast Eps 21

    In this episode of The Real Country Podcast from the archives, I'm again live for The Carter Studio Sessions! I sat down with Americana singer-songwriter Sophie Gault for a deeply honest conversation about music, mental health, and writing songs that don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. Sophie talks about the long road to releasing her sophomore album, Baltic Street Hotel (out September 20 of 2024), and what it took to keep going after nearly walking away from music altogether. She reflects on her early days, the confidence she regained after releasing her debut record, and how working with legendary producer Ray Kennedy helped shape her evolving sound. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Sophie opens up about writing “Christmas in the Psych Ward,” a song rooted in her experience with bipolar disorder and mania. She explains why mania is so often misunderstood, how silence around mental health creates isolation, and why songwriting became a way to speak openly about experiences many people are afraid to name. This episode explores: Americana music and genre-fluid songwritingMental health, bipolar disorder, and stigma in artFinding confidence after almost quitting musicWriting songs that challenge comfort and conventionBuilding a sustainable career as an independent artistThe session also features intimate acoustic performances, recorded live at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, giving listeners a raw, stripped-down look at Sophie’s songwriting and voice. 🎶 New album Baltic Street Hotel out September 20, 2024 🎤 AmericanaFest performances + Whiskey Jam appearances 📍 Recorded live in Nashville 🎙️ Part of The Carter Studio Sessions Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    29 min
  6. (Archive) From Orlando to Nashville & the Making of a Modern Americana Artist - Zach Meadows on the Real Country Podcast Eps 20

    JAN 24

    (Archive) From Orlando to Nashville & the Making of a Modern Americana Artist - Zach Meadows on the Real Country Podcast Eps 20

    In this episode of The Real Country Podcast, from the archives, I'm showcasing my first artist on The Carter Studio Sessions. I sat down with rising Americana artist Zach Meadows for an honest conversation about songwriting, Nashville, and taking the long road as an independent artist. Zach shares his journey from growing up in Orlando, Florida, to finding his sound in the Carolinas, and ultimately committing fully to music by moving to Nashville. He opens up about his background in musical theater, how songwriting became his true creative outlet, and why Americana feels like the most authentic home for his music. The conversation dives into the pivotal role fellow artist Gabe Lee played in encouraging Zach’s move to Nashville, the reality of building a career without shortcuts, and how lived experience has shaped his songwriting over the years. Zach also talks about his upcoming record, his new single “Highway to Birmingham,” and why he’s leaning into a grittier, more rock-driven sound for live performances. This episode is a thoughtful look at: Finding your artistic identityBuilding a music career the long waySongwriting from personal experienceAmericana, country, and Southern rock influencesLife as an emerging artist in NashvilleThe episode also features an intimate acoustic performance, recorded live at Carter Vintage Guitars, making this session a must-listen for fans of Americana, country-adjacent music, and independent singer-songwriters.  📍 Recorded live in Nashville  🎙️ Part of The Carter Studio Sessions Follow The Real Country Podcast for more artist interviews and performances. Follow Zach Meadows for his upcoming album now in 2026! Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    33 min
  7. (Archive) Willi Carlisle on Folk Music, Belonging, and Why Sincerity Still Matters - The Real Country Podcast Eps 19 with Willi Carlisle

    JAN 20

    (Archive) Willi Carlisle on Folk Music, Belonging, and Why Sincerity Still Matters - The Real Country Podcast Eps 19 with Willi Carlisle

    From the archives, recorded during a pivotal moment in his career, this conversation features Willi Carlisle reflecting on folk music, belonging, and what it means to make art for real people, not algorithms. In this episode, Willi talks through his Opry debut, his complicated relationship with musical institutions, and why folk music, at its core, is about people singing together, telling the truth, and bridging loneliness. He traces his path from punk scenes to traditional folk spaces, discusses learning instruments out of necessity, and explains how songwriting, literature, and lived experience shape his records. The conversation goes deep into themes of sincerity, protest through love, rural life, loneliness, and redemption, as well as the tension between authenticity and the modern attention economy. Willi also shares how he approaches albums as cohesive bodies of work, why the personal is inseparable from the political, and how community, not virality, has driven his career forward. If you’re interested in folk music, songwriting, Americana, independent artists, or the human side of making music, this episode offers a rare, thoughtful look at craft, conviction, and connection that still resonates today. Subscribe to the Real Country Podcast with more country and country music adjacent artists! Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    39 min
  8. (Archive) The 'Underdog' Who Built a 20+ Year Country Music Career - Real Country Podcast Eps 18 With Aaron Watson

    JAN 14

    (Archive) The 'Underdog' Who Built a 20+ Year Country Music Career - Real Country Podcast Eps 18 With Aaron Watson

    From the archives. Recorded in early 2024, this conversation captures Aaron Watson in rare, unfiltered form before playing in Indianapolis, reflecting on more than 20 years of building an independent country music career on his own terms. In this episode, Aaron breaks down how country music has changed over the past two decades, why social media creates faster fame but shorter careers, and what it really takes to play the long game as an artist.  He shares how staying independent allowed him to own his songwriting, protect his brand, and release multiple top-10 Billboard albums without a major label. The conversation also goes deeper into the personal side: raising kids while touring, involving his family in the business, mentoring the next generation, and why hustle, gratitude, and connection with fans still matter more than trends.  Aaron opens up about vocal surgery, being pushed out of mainstream radio, and why his next chapter feels bigger than anything that came before. If you’re into Texas country, independent artists, songwriting, or the business of music, this episode is packed with hard-earned perspective that still holds up today. Thanks for listening! Tune in every week when we release new episodes discussing new music, chatting with artists, and all things country.

    14 min
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About

Real Country is a podcast about the people, stories, and culture behind country and Western life; where music is the backbone, but not the whole story. Hosted by Nikki, Real Country goes beyond radio hits and industry hype to explore what it actually takes to build a life, career, or legacy rooted in country and Western values. Each episode features honest conversations with country music artists, creators, ranchers, entrepreneurs, photographers, and cultural voices shaping modern country, from Nashville to rural communities across the West. This show isn’t about chasing trends or overnight success. It’s about the long road: consistency, grit, creativity, and staying true to your way of life in a world that’s changing fast. You’ll hear real stories about breaking into music, building businesses, preserving culture, growing audiences, and creating something meaningful outside the mainstream. Real Country also dives into bigger conversations around culture, creativity, and the future, covering topics like independent artists, Western entrepreneurship, personal brand, content creation, land, work ethic, and the evolving role of technology and AI in music and media. If you care about country music, Western culture, honest work, and the people building something real, this podcast is for you.

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