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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. MAR 24

    How to Build a Texas Empire: Custom Boots & Wine Castles with Chris Conrad

    What happens when you mix high-end craftsmanship with the grit of a Texas honky-tonk? You get Republic Boot Company. In today’s episode, Tori Kruse interviews Chris Conrad about his journey from corporate life to becoming the "Anthony Bourdain of boots." Chris reveals the secrets behind his "sensory overload" retail experience in Houston and gives us an exclusive first look at his newest project: The Republic Wine Castle in the Texas Hill Country. In this video, we cover: 00:00 - Intro: Rodeo Season & The Castle 02:30 - The Republic Boot Company Experience 05:15 - 5th Generation Texan: Carrying on the Legacy 08:45 - The Custom Boot Process (From Lasts to Leather) 12:20 - Alligator Hunting: The Ultimate Custom Story 16:40 - Why Chris Bet His Entire 401k on This Vision 19:15 - Inside the New Texas Wine Castle & Hotel 24:00 - The Future of Republic Boot Co. 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. Follow Chris: www.republicbootcompany.com Instagram: instagram.com/republicboot1836 🎙️ 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

    30 min

  5. MAR 10

    The Unpolished Moments of Motherhood and Music With Billie Jo

    In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, Tori Kruse catches up with the incredibly relatable and talented Billie Jo. After meeting at the Texas Country Music Awards and following her journey on the CBS show The Road, Tori dives into the "real life" moments that the cameras didn't always catch. We discuss: •The Reality of The Road: Billie Jo shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and the struggle of being away from her kids for six weeks while filming. •The "Mom" Factor: A candid look at the standards for women in the music industry and how Billie Jo manages a household of four kids while touring full-time. •Vulnerability as a Superpower: Why she’s decided to stop showing just the "highlight reel" and start sharing the messy, unpolished moments of motherhood and music. •Faith & The Grind: The emotional "closet floor" moments and how her faith keeps her pushing forward when doors seem to close. •Songwriting from the Soul: How she turned her personal life into true stories that resonate with fans across Texas and beyond. Follow Billie Jo:  Website: billiejojones.com  Instagram: @billiejo_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

    32 min

  6. MAR 3

    The Spirit of Texas: Legacy, Luxury, and the Bicentennial with Russell Molina

    In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with native Houstonian and serial entrepreneur Russell Molina. Russell shares his journey from growing up in the legendary Molina’s Cantina family to building a diverse portfolio of businesses, including the historic Hat Store in Houston and THS Ranch. We dive deep into: •The Business of Legacy: How Russell transitioned from finance to owning oil field companies and eventually preserving Texas heritage through luxury Western wear. •The Texas Bicentennial: Why Russell is "lighting a fire" under Texans to prepare for the 2036 celebration and his work with the Texas Ranger Bicentennial. •Exclusive News: Russell shares the inside scoop on the return of the iconic Texas Ranger statue to Dallas Love Field and the true history behind it. •The Art of the Custom Hat: A look inside the 100-year-old tradition of the Hat Store and why a quality felt hat is a multi-generational investment. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a history buff, or a fan of Western fashion, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with heart and serving your community. 🎙️ 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

    30 min

  7. FEB 17

    Part 2: When God Rewrites the Story | Brian Johnson on Storytelling, Gratitude & Helping Others Find Their Voice

    In this episode of Talk Y’all to Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Brian Johnson—author, producer, and storytelling coach—whose journey spans small-town Alabama, Hollywood sets, and faith-fueled purpose. Brian shares how he moved to Los Angeles with almost nothing, earned opportunities through service (not resumes), and learned the hard way what it means to know your worth. He takes us behind the scenes of Carpool Karaoke: The Series, opens up about overcoming suicidal thoughts, and delivers powerful encouragement for anyone battling loneliness, fear, or feeling “off track.” Plus, Brian reveals an unexpected story he’s never shared publicly—spending an entire day with Prince, witnessing his brilliance up close, and seeing what true excellence looks like when the cameras turn off. In this episode, we discuss: The “Talk Y’all” Mission: Why Tori created a space for real conversations with artists, leaders, and faith-forward creators Hope for the Hurting: Practical encouragement for anyone wrestling with isolation, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts From Skipperville to Hollywood: How Brian’s upbringing shaped his grit, discipline, and leadership Know Your Worth: The moment Brian realized he was undercharging—and what it taught him about value Carpool Karaoke BTS: How the series expanded beyond James Corden and what set life is really like The Prince Story: Why Prince made them restart the show—and how he edited it himself Faith & Conviction: What it looked like to go from “spiritual” to fully surrendered, and how Brian’s walk deepened over the last four years What’s Next: Brian’s full “rebrand and reset,” new books, and scaling his business with purpose If you’re in an unexpected season, trying to rebuild, or searching for clarity, this episode is a reminder: if you’re still here, God is not finished with you. 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more heartfelt conversations and behind-the-scenes stories. Follow Brian Johnson: Instagram: instagram.com/brianjohnsonglobal 🎙️ 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

    32 min

  8. FEB 10

    Part 1: When God Rewrites the Story | Brian Johnson on Storytelling, Gratitude & Helping Others Find Their Voice

    In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Brian Johnson—an Amazon bestselling author, Hollywood talent strategist, and founder of Book Rich Profits Club, a community for aspiring authors.  He worked on the 5 time Emmy winning series Carpool Karaoke: The Series and has talent produced for On Purpose with Jay Shetty and Getcha Popcorn Ready with NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens.  Brian opens up about why he walked away from the traditional "who are you wearing" glamour of LA to focus on cause-driven impact. He discusses the determination it took to move to California with just $325 and a red suitcase, and how those experiences now allow him to help others unearth the "treasures in their minds." In this episode, we discuss: - The Red Carpet Shift: Why Brian moved from interviewing celebrities at the Emmys to helping everyday leaders amplify their message. - The Art of Listening: How having "small ears but big listening skills" became his greatest asset in storytelling. - From Skipperville to the Spotlight: The journey of a dreamer who refused to let a small-town background limit a global calling. - The "Unexpected" Collaboration: A behind-the-scenes look at Brian’s work on Tori’s new book and the power of professional storytelling. - Faith & Resilience: Overcoming personal rock bottoms to build a brand centered on gratitude and the "Thank You God" mindset. Whether you are in a "becoming" phase or navigating an unexpected season of life, Brian’s story is a testament to the fact that your past doesn't define your future—your faith and your hustle do. 👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music. Follow Brian Johnson: Instagram: instagram.com/brianjohnsonglobal 🎙️ 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
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4.6
out of 5
11 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
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talk Y’all To Me
  • Show Website
    Talk Y’all To Me