Talk Y’all To Me

Tori Kruse

Talk Y’all To Me takes you backstage, on the red carpet, and behind the mic with the biggest stars and power players in country music.Hosted by Country Music Reporter & Red Carpet Host Tori Kruse, every episode brings you closer to the artists, songwriters, and industry insiders shaping the sound of country today.From fan-favorite moments to exclusive interviews, Talk Y’all To Me celebrates the heart of country music: the artists who create it and the fans who keep it alive. All access. All country. Let’s Talk, y’all. 

  1. 18h ago

    Behind the Barbecue: How Ed Warm Built Windy City Smokeout from a Parking Lot to 20,000 Attendees Per Day

    In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with Ed Warm, the co-founder of Windy City Smokeout and Lone Star Smokeout and ACM Award-winning promoter, one of the most influential forces behind the scenes in country music. Ed pulls back the curtain on how it all started in a downtown Chicago parking lot in 2013, what it really takes to build a world-class festival experience, and how he spots rising artists before they blow up (hint: he had Red Clay Strays booked when only 30 people showed up to their club shows). From Willie Nelson to Luke Bryan to this year's stacked lineup featuring Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Hootie and the Blowfish, and more — this conversation is a masterclass in passion, vision, and what it means to serve both artists and fans at the highest level. Follow Windy City Smokeout: Instagram: @windycitysmokeout Don't miss the Windy City Smokeout this summer! www.windycitysmokeout.com Get your wristband for the event: https://www.windycitysmokeout.com/wristbands 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    18 min

  2. May 19

    Beyond the Stage at the Texas Regional Radio & Music Awards (Part Two)

    Host Tori Kruse takes you behind the scenes at the Texas Regional Radio Awards for a fast-paced, behind the scenes look, on media row at the Texas Regional Radio Awards. From brand-new music being debuted for the first time to heartfelt songwriting rooted in family, faith, and loss, this episode captures what makes the Texas scene special: humility, hard work, community, and a whole lot of heart. You’ll hear artists talk about the grind no one sees (booking, promo, balancing day jobs), what it means to earn nominations the organic way, and how personal stories—parenthood, grandparents who never miss a show, and the moments that change you—shape the songs fans connect with most. Plus: tour updates, new singles, a bold genre pivot, and a tribute that honors the sounds that helped pave the road. In this episode, you’ll hear about: •A new duet being debuted at the awards show •Touring hard, seeing new places, and re-recording early music to regain ownership •A Texas-pride anthem written in response to hard times—and why heartfelt songs hit differently •How grief can become a turning point in songwriting and purpose •The behind-the-scenes reality of building a career: promo, scheduling, side jobs, and perseverance •A young artist’s advice: keep grinding and work the business, not just the songs •A confident rebrand and genre shift that finally feels authentic •The blend of storytelling + stage performance (and why it fits country so well) •Faith, humility, and the “family” feel that keeps the Texas scene grounded 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    20 min

  3. May 13

    Beyond The Stage at The Texas Regional Radio & Music Awards (Part One)

    Host Tori Kruse takes you behind the scenes at the Texas Regional Radio Awards for a fast-paced, behind the scenes look, on media row at the Texas Regional Radio Awards. From brand-new music being debuted for the first time to heartfelt songwriting rooted in family, faith, and loss, this episode captures what makes the Texas scene special: humility, hard work, community, and a whole lot of heart. You’ll hear artists talk about the grind no one sees (booking, promo, balancing day jobs), what it means to earn nominations the organic way, and how personal stories—parenthood, grandparents who never miss a show, and the moments that change you—shape the songs fans connect with most. Plus: tour updates, new singles, a bold genre pivot, and a tribute that honors the sounds that helped pave the road. In this episode, you’ll hear about:  • A new duet being debuted at the awards show  • Touring hard, seeing new places, and re-recording early music to regain ownership  • A Texas-pride anthem written in response to hard times—and why heartfelt songs hit differently  • How grief can become a turning point in songwriting and purpose  • The behind-the-scenes reality of building a career: promo, scheduling, side jobs, and perseverance  • A young artist’s advice: keep grinding and work the business, not just the songs  • A confident rebrand and genre shift that finally feels authentic  • The blend of storytelling + stage performance (and why it fits country so well)  • Faith, humility, and the “family” feel that keeps the Texas scene grounded 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    17 min

  4. May 5

    Behind the Camera: How Reality TV Really Works with Producer Lee Metzger

    Ever wonder what really goes on behind the cameras of your favorite reality TV and music competition shows? Today on Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with Emmy-winning TV producer Lee Metzger — the man behind The Voice, The Road on CBS, and Barmageddon — to pull back the curtain on the world of television production.   Lee shares how he went from playing guitar in LA bands to working with legends like Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Keith Urban, and Taylor Sheridan. From the organic magic of The Voice's blind auditions to the insane logistical challenge of taking 12 artists on a real tour with a 140-person crew, Lee breaks down what it actually takes to make great TV.   Plus — hear the hilarious story of how Barmageddon was born, why Morgan Wallen getting eliminated from The Voice might have been the best thing that ever happened to him, and what Blake Shelton is REALLY like off-camera.   If you love country music, reality TV, or just love hearing from people who have built incredible careers doing what they love — this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. Follow Lee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leemetzger_/ 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    29 min

  5. Apr 28

    One Day At A Time: Faith, Music, and Setting An Example with Max McNown

    In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Max McNown at Lone Star Smokeout for a candid conversation about faith, growth, and staying grounded in the industry. Max opens up about teaching himself guitar just a few years ago, selling out two nights at the iconic Ryman Auditorium (with a miracle to match), and why being a role model for young fans means everything to him. Plus — what fans can expect from his upcoming summer tour. If you've ever needed a reminder that God's plan is bigger than yours, this one's for you. 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. Follow Max McNown: Instagram: instagram.com/maxmcnown 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    6 min

  6. Apr 22

    The Grammy Award Winning Formula Behind Country Hits You Can't Get Out Of Your Head With F. Reid Shippen (PART TWO)

    The music industry is being rewritten in real time — and the artists who understand what's happening right now are the ones who will win. In this episode of Talk Y'all To Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Grammy-winning producer and mixer F. Reid Shippen for a raw, honest conversation about where music is headed and what independent artists need to know to stay ahead of the curve. From the platform he built to help indie artists release music in under a minute, to AI voices that can clone your favorite artist, to why the next Chris Stapleton or Zach Bryan might be recording on a phone in Marrakesh — this conversation covers it all. Reid and Tori break down why every artist today is their own CEO, why owning your music matters more than ever, and how AI isn't just a threat — it might actually be the greatest creative renaissance of our lifetime. If you're an artist, a creator, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to keep up with a world that won't slow down — this episode is for you. 🎵 Check out Once — the platform built to get your music everywhere in seconds. 📖 Grab Tori's book Unexpected at torikruse.com ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Y’all To Me  00:36 – Introducing Once: The platform for indie artists  01:32 – Why the music release process is broken  02:38 – The Once solution: How to get paid  03:17 – Releasing a song in under 60 seconds  04:16 – Why ownership and control matter most  05:16 – Milestone: 1,000+ users & counting  06:12 – AI: The coming revolution in music  07:17 – Global impact: Creating hits on an iPhone  08:26 – Every artist is now a Startup CEO  09:47 – Tori Kruse’s New Book: Unexpected  10:10 – Will AI replace music producers?  11:09 – The reality of AI voices & digital singers  12:03 – Using technology as a gift for expression  13:50 – Art vs. Entertainment: What AI can’t copy  14:58 – Betting against the legends (Stapleton & Bryan)  16:13 – The shift from analog tape to digital phones  17:05 – Giving back through music education  17:52 – Behind the scenes: Life as a "Girl Dad"  18:59 – Final thoughts & where to follow Reid Shippen 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. Follow F. Reid Shippen: Instagram: instagram.com/@robotlemon 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    20 min

  7. Apr 14

    The Grammy Award Winning Formula Behind Country Hits You Can't Get Out of Your Head With F. Reid Shippen (PART ONE)

    What does it really take to turn a song into something you feel? This week on Talk Y’all To Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Grammy-winning producer and mixer F. Reid Shippen—the man behind hits from Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and more. From inside his Nashville studio, F. Reid Shippen pulls back the curtain on the music-making process, sharing how songs go from raw recordings to radio-ready hits. But this conversation goes way beyond music—it dives into creativity, imposter syndrome, AI’s impact on the industry, and what it means to stay true to your calling in a constantly changing world. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, chased a dream, or wondered what happens behind the scenes of the music you love—this one’s for you. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to Talk Y’all To Me 00:42 – Meet F. Reid Shippen 01:19 – How he got started in music 03:04 – The real path: intern → assistant → producer 03:58 – What happens before a song hits the radio 05:38 – Why some songs are harder than others 06:44 – Making artists feel something 08:27 – Working across genres (country, R&B, Disney & more) 12:29 – The “Drunk on a Plane” story (almost NOT a hit) 14:34 – The pressure behind the music industry 15:23 – Imposter syndrome & creative anxiety 17:48 – “Assume positive intent” mindset shift 19:09 – Faith, fear, and stepping into your calling 20:39 – Handling criticism in a public world 23:16 – What winning a Grammy really feels like 24:47 – The reality of “feast or famine” careers 26:09 – Building “Once” for independent artists 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. Follow F. Reid Shippen:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robotlemon/ 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    27 min

  8. Apr 8

    The Story Behind the Viral Fame: Trey Lewis on Sobriety and a Bold New Chapter

    What happens when a "joke" song between friends becomes a global, chart-topping sensation overnight? This week on Talk Y’all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Trey Lewis, the man behind the viral hit "Dicked Down in Dallas." While many know him for the rowdy, shock-value lyrics that beat out BTS on the Billboard charts, Trey opens up about the deeper story many haven't heard. From celebrating 19 years of sobriety to the emotional journey of losing his father, Trey shares how music truly saved his life. We dive into: •The "Overnight" Success: What it was like watching a campfire video turn into 6 million views in three hours. •Touring with a Legend: Behind-the-scenes stories from 40 dates on the road with Kid Rock. •The Birth of "Thomason": Why Trey is launching a new project to share his most sincere, and honest music yet. •A Full Circle Moment: Preparing for his upcoming debut at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. Whether you're a fan of the rowdy anthems or looking for a story of resilience and creative evolution, this episode is a reminder of what it takes to stay true to yourself while the world is watching. Connect with Trey Lewis: •Website: treylewismusic.com (https://treylewismusic.com/) •New EP: Releasing April 17th •Shop: pawpawshats.com  Grab Tori’s new book, Unexpected:Available now at torikruse.com  🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

    37 min
See All (137)

4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Talk Y’all To Me takes you backstage, on the red carpet, and behind the mic with the biggest stars and power players in country music.Hosted by Country Music Reporter & Red Carpet Host Tori Kruse, every episode brings you closer to the artists, songwriters, and industry insiders shaping the sound of country today.From fan-favorite moments to exclusive interviews, Talk Y’all To Me celebrates the heart of country music: the artists who create it and the fans who keep it alive. All access. All country. Let’s Talk, y’all. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tori Kruse
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talk Y’all To Me
  • Show Website
    Talk Y’all To Me