What Made You with Deanna Marie

whatmadeyou
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Music Interviews

What Made You is a podcast about the moments that shape us — especially the ones no one sees coming. Hosted by radio personality Deanna Marie, What Made You features honest, in-depth conversations with musicians and creatives about the winding road that led them to where they are today. From early struggles and career pivots to breakthrough moments and hard-earned wins, this podcast goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the real life behind the artist. This is a continuation and evolution of Real Life Low Down with Deanna, diving deeper into the stories that don’t always make the press release — the doubts, the risks, the people, and the defining choices that truly make someone who they are. These conversations aren’t rushed, scripted, or surface-level. They’re thoughtful, relaxed, and human — designed to give listeners a genuine connection to the guest and inspiration for their own journey, creative or otherwise. Whether you’re a music fan, an artist chasing a dream, or someone navigating your own path, What Made You is a reminder that success isn’t a straight line — and every story is worth telling.

  1. 5d ago

    ELLIOTT BOOE

    What happens when you decide to chase a dream at 37? Apparently, a whole lot. 🤘 Meet Elliott Booe. A former Division I basketball player who took an unconventional road into the music business, Elliott didn't start songwriting until his late 30s. And in just a few short years, he's made some pretty incredible things happen. He's opened for Brantley Gilbert, Alabama and Dustin Lynch, earned a Josie Music Award for Country Song of the Year with The Impromptus, received Song of the Year nominations for his debut album First Off, and had his songs recorded by other artists. He's also recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals and built something I think is just as important as a music career: a community that creates opportunities for other musicians. But beyond the milestones, there's a much more personal story here. From finding his way into songwriting to honoring his late father through music, Elliott's journey is a reminder that you don't have to follow someone else's timeline to make something meaningful happen. One thing he said during our conversation really stuck with me: "If you wake up thinking about something and go to bed thinking about something, that's what you should do." I think we could all use that reminder. 🎙️ New episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie! Listen, watch, and get to know the story behind the music. #WhatMadeYouPodcast #ElliottBooe #NashvilleMusic #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #AmericanaMusic #CountryMusic

  2. Nov 6

    Minisode 1 Antonia Brunetti

    Not every musical journey follows the same path. 🎶 For ANTONIA Brunetti, music is about performing, connecting with people, and being part of some of life's biggest celebrations. From wedding aisles to corporate stages, she's built a career doing what she loves: singing and making moments memorable. We talk about choosing the life of a gigging musician, finding fulfillment in performing other people's songs, and leaving the door open to creating music of her own. Since we recorded, Antonia has also released new music! Get to know Antonia in this mini episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie. 🎤 🎧 Watch or listen now! #WhatMadeYou #AntoniaBrunetti #WorkingMusician #FemaleVocalist #MusicPodcast

  3. Oct 26

    ARLIS ALBRITTON

    🎶 What made Arlis Albritton the songwriter and music community builder he is today? From the moment the money hit his bank account after a song he wrote was cut by Diamond Rio, to watching the music industry evolve from CDs to iPods to streaming, Arlis has seen firsthand just how much this business can change. As the force behind the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival, he’s also helping create opportunities for songwriters and bringing the stories behind the songs to the forefront. We’re talking about the moments that make it all worth it, the changes that have shaped the industry, and the passion that keeps you going. 🎙️ Listen to the latest episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie! #WhatMadeYou #DeannaMarie #ArlisAlbritton #Songwriting #MusicIndustry #DiamondRio #Songwriters

  4. Oct 12

    BROOKE HAYNES

    In this episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie, Brooke Haynes joins us for a conversation about the experiences, creative choices, and personal growth that shape an artist's journey. We get into the stories behind the songs, the realities of finding your voice in the music industry, and what it means to stay true to yourself while figuring out where you belong. It's an honest conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the moments that make us who we are. 🎧 Get to know the person behind the music in this episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie.

  5. Oct 6

    TYSON HANES

    Today’s guest is a Nashville musician who knows what it means to build a life around music—not just chase a career in it. Tyson Hanes came to Nashville from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with a guitar, a dream, and a willingness to figure it out as he went. More than a decade later, he’s built a career as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and one of the many working musicians who make Nashville’s live-music scene what it is. But Tyson isn’t just interested in playing the next gig. He’s become increasingly vocal about something that affects musicians all over this city: what it actually takes to make a sustainable living in the music business—and what happens when the people creating the music aren't treated fairly. So today, we're talking about the leap that brought him to Nashville, the realities of life on Broadway, building and leading a band, and why Tyson decided it was important to use his voice not just to sing, but to advocate for the musicians standing beside him. This is Tyson Hanes—and this is What Made You.

  6. Sep 28

    JUSTINE BLANCHET

    Canadian country artist and songwriter Justine Blanchet joins Deanna Marie to talk about the experiences that have shaped both her music and the person she is today. Justine opens up about navigating the independent music industry, finding her place in Nashville, and how a deeper relationship with her faith began changing the direction of her life and career. She shares the internal struggle of deciding whether the songs from an earlier chapter of her life still belonged on streaming platforms—and what it means to honor where you’ve been while becoming someone new. From songwriting and entrepreneurship to faith, identity, and redefining success, Justine shares an honest look at the choices, growing pains, and moments of clarity that continue to shape her journey. This is What Made You with Deanna Marie.

  7. Sep 14

    RANDY C MOORE

    This week, we’re sitting down with singer-songwriter Randy C Moore for a conversation about a lifetime in music. Randy takes us through the highs and unexpected turns of his career—from performing on the Grand Ole Opry at a young age and working alongside legendary artists, to navigating the ever-changing music industry and finding what keeps him inspired after decades of making music. We talk songwriting, taking risks, the lessons that only come with experience, the moments that almost changed the course of his career, and what success looks like from the other side of the journey. If you love music, Nashville, and the stories behind the songs, this is one you won't want to miss. Tune in and get to know the man behind the music.

  8. Aug 31

    SAMMIE RAE

    On this episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie, I sit down with singer-songwriter Sammi Rae to talk about the road that brought her from Texas to Nashville and the experiences that are shaping the artist she’s becoming. We get into finding her sound, the stories behind her songwriting, navigating the realities of being an independent artist, and what she’s learned about herself along the way. Sammi also opens up about the inspiration behind her music, the evolution of her artistry, and what she hopes listeners take away from the songs she puts into the world. It’s a conversation about taking chance

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What Made You is a podcast about the moments that shape us — especially the ones no one sees coming. Hosted by radio personality Deanna Marie, What Made You features honest, in-depth conversations with musicians and creatives about the winding road that led them to where they are today. From early struggles and career pivots to breakthrough moments and hard-earned wins, this podcast goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the real life behind the artist. This is a continuation and evolution of Real Life Low Down with Deanna, diving deeper into the stories that don’t always make the press release — the doubts, the risks, the people, and the defining choices that truly make someone who they are. These conversations aren’t rushed, scripted, or surface-level. They’re thoughtful, relaxed, and human — designed to give listeners a genuine connection to the guest and inspiration for their own journey, creative or otherwise. Whether you’re a music fan, an artist chasing a dream, or someone navigating your own path, What Made You is a reminder that success isn’t a straight line — and every story is worth telling.

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