Jrodconcerts: The Podcast

This week, we are bringing you a very special reunion and our final broadcast from this year's festival coverage. We taped this conversation a few weeks ago on-site at the 30A Songwriters Festival, and it serves as the perfect conclusion to our 2026 series from the coast. Five years ago, Judy Blank joined us for the milestone Episode #100. Today, she returns to the show as a global powerhouse with a brand-new perspective and a massive 2025 record. Judy recently released her latest album, Big Mood—a project defined by bold "weird sounds" and a fearless commitment to her craft. In this deep dive, we explore her journey from a comfortable life in the Netherlands to the "strong pull" that brought her to her current home in Austin, Texas. Jamie and Judy sit down to discuss the realities of the American Dream, the emotional cost of leaving family behind, and how she maintains her fierce artistic independence in an ever-changing industry. The Price of Change: The emotional reality of leaving your roots in the Netherlands to chase an international calling. Austin State of Mind: How moving to the "Live Music Capital of the World" has reshaped the way she hears her own music. The Idea of America: An honest look at the last 2.5 years in the States—balancing the beauty of the "American Dream" with the heartbreaking realities of global events Cultural Roots: Why Hispanic culture continues to inspire Judy’s art and creative spirit. Staying Independent: How to navigate label life and rising popularity without losing your artistic soul. Connect with Judy Blank: Listen to 'Big Mood': Available on all streaming platforms. Instagram: @judyblankmusic Connect with Jrodconcerts Media: Website: jrodconcertsmedia.com Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia __ Support The Show: Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Sometimes, playing for 70,000 people is easier than playing for 50.” Live from the 2026 30A Songwriters Festival in South Walton, Florida, Jaime sits down with the husband-and-wife Americana powerhouse, Goldpine (Kassie and Ben Wilson). In this episode, we go behind the scenes of their journey—from the massive scale of performing the National Anthem at Arrowhead Stadium to the intimate, high-stakes environment of Nashville’s listening rooms. Ben and Kassie open up about the evolution of their sound and the making of their latest album, Three, exploring how their individual voices have fused into a singular, unmistakable "blend." Inside the episode: The Big Stage vs. The Intimate Room: Why performing for a stadium (and Taylor Swift!) carries a different kind of pressure than a quiet room of 50. The Power of Three: The numerology and creative shift that makes their third studio album their most authentic yet. Marriage & Music: A raw look at how they resolve creative friction and manage the blueprint of a duo partnership without letting it spill over into their personal life. The Artist’s Ego: Navigating the "dichotomy of the artist"—balancing necessary self-promotion with the desire to stay selfless and grounded. Lightning Round: Getting to know the personalities behind the harmonies. Featured Track: "Understand" by Goldpine __ Connect with Goldpine: Web: goldpinemusic.com IG: @goldpinemusic Connect with Jrodconcerts Media: Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com IG: @jrodconcertsmedia Support the Show: If you enjoyed this deep dive into the Americana scene, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify __ Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back home in Nashville! After a whirlwind week in Los Angeles, Jrod is back in the studio to deconstruct a 2026 Grammy Awards cycle that felt like a tectonic shift for the industry. Before the glitz of the Crypto.com Arena and the Peacock Theater, we head to the historic Troubadour for the Americanafest Pre-Grammy Salute to the Songs of Neil Young. We break down the magic of seeing an all-star lineup with many friends of the show—including Rhiannon Giddens, Margo Price, I’m With Her, Sierra Hull, and Molly Tuttle—honor a legend while supporting the Americana Music Association and MusiCares. A special thank you to Jed Hilly, Jackie Marushka, and David Chamberlain for an unforgettable night of community and craft. The Hardware & The History We dive deep into the major categories Album of the Year: Why Bad Bunny’s historic win for Debí Tirar Más Fotos is the "final brick in the wall" for global Latin dominance. Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s "luther"—analyzing Kendrick’s path to becoming the most-decorated rapper in Grammy history. Song of the Year: Billie Eilish’s "Wildflower"—is she the new blueprint for the Academy? Best New Artist: Why Olivia Dean was the "product of bravery" the industry needed. The Genre Deep Dive From Zach Top’s win in the inaugural Best Traditional Country Album category to The Cure’s long-overdue flowers in Alternative, we cover the wins that actually move the needle for music fans. Plus, thoughts on the standout tributes to D'Angelo and Ozzy Osbourne. Stay loud, stay kind, and thanks for the support. __ Support the show: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from Downtown Los Angeles, in the heart of the Grammy orbit, Jrod breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. This year, the narrative isn't just about the chart-toppers—it’s about the "Vanguard" sound. We’re diving deep into the category breakdown and why the industry is seeing a necessary return to craft. In this episode, we discuss: The Nashville Vanguard: Why the Americana and Bluegrass scenes are the real signal in the noise this year. The Big Four Deep Dive: Analyzing the frontrunners for Album of the Year and Best New Artist. The 'Anonymous Voter' Effect: Breaking down the architecture of the year's biggest hits, from the pop precision of ROSÉ’s "APT." to the indie-folk shift. Perspective from Ground Zero: What the energy is really like in LA as the ceremony approaches. Perspective is the only true currency this weekend. Whether you’re a voter, a musician, or a fan, this is your ultimate pulse-check on the 68th Grammys. Connect with Jrodconcerts Media: Newsletter: https://www.jrodconcertsmedia.com Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does a band survive losing an entire album's worth of recordings to a smash-and-grab theft? In this high-fidelity session, Zach Williams, the powerhouse frontman of The Lone Bellow, joins Jamie to pull back the curtain on the most exhilarating—and testing—chapter of the band’s 15-year career. Ahead of their new album What A Time To Be Alive (releasing February 13th), Zach shares the raw truth behind the band’s resilience. We discuss the anatomy of their recovery after their hard drives were stolen on tour, and how the "Common Folk" community rallied to bring them back to life. In this episode, we explore: The 15-Year Brotherhood: How a decade and a half of shared life has transformed the founding trio and their touring ensemble into a singular, ecstatic sonic force. The Bono Encounter: A surreal breakfast with the U2 frontman and the creative spark it left behind. Creating from Loss: The mental and emotional shift required to return to the studio after a devastating theft. A New Era of Sound: The decision to record with the full touring band—including Julian Dorio and Tyler Geertsma—to capture the crackle and hum of their live energy. Islands in the Stream: Why their beloved live staple finally needed the studio treatment for this record. This is a conversation about more than just music; it’s an archive of what it means to be honest, brave, and present in a world of bittersweet beauty. Follow Jrodconcerts The Podcast for more in-depth sessions with the architects of the Nashville sound. __ Support The Show: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this high-fidelity conversation recorded live at the 2026 30A Songwriters Festival in Walton County, Florida, Jrod sits down with one of the most revered voices in American music: Gretchen Peters. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and a recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award, Gretchen Peters has spent her career deconstructing the human condition. While she is the pen behind legendary hits like Martina McBride’s "Independence Day" and Faith Hill’s "The Secret of Life," her own discography is a masterclass in "Americanoir"—a blend of folk, country, and dark, literary grit. In this episode, we explore the "Soul and Motion" of her craft, from the viral magic of a family cake recipe to the discipline required to create masterpieces in a culture with a shrinking attention span. The Cultural Blueprint: We start with the lighthearted—the story behind her grandmother’s viral cake—before diving into the "dark side" of music. The Art of the Uncomfortable: Gretchen discusses why she is drawn to the shadows of humanity and the necessity of "scratching the surface" of sadness. The Independent Pioneer: Insights into her journey as a trailblazer for independent label status and the evolving music industry. Focus in a Fast World: A deep dive into "quick attention span culture" and the struggle to maintain the ability to sit and focus on long-form art. The Legacy: What Gretchen hopes her art leaves behind when all is said and done. Live Performance: A stunning performance of her song, "Five Minutes." __ Follow Jrodconcerts: Instagram: @Jrodconcertsmedia Website: jrodconcertsmedia.com Learn more about Gretchen Peters: gretchenpeters.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Five years is a serious run for a tribute show." Today, we are joined by our dear friend, singer-songwriter Andrew Leahey, to preview a milestone event in Music City: The 5th Annual East Nashville Tribute to The Traveling Wilburys. Coming to The Basement East on Friday, January 23, 2026, this year’s lineup is the biggest and most ambitious yet. From the "no-ego" philosophy of the original legends to the tight-knit community of East Nashville, Andrew takes us behind the curtain of how this "supergroup" comes together. We also share a poignant look back at the legacy of the late Raul Malo Jr. and the "A-ha" moment that turned this show into a permanent neighborhood staple. Inside the Episode: The Milestone: Reflecting on five years of Wilburys magic at The Basement East. The 2026 Lineup: Previewing sets from John Oates, Lzzy Hale, Joe Hottinger, Ketch Secor, Nicole Atkins, and more. The "Jeff Lynne" Role: How Andrew balances producing, hosting, and performing. Solo Cuts: Deciding which Tom Petty and George Harrison hits "fit" the Wilburys vibe. Remembering Raul: Honoring the memory of Raul Malo Jr. and his impact on this musical family. Music with a Mission: Why the partnership with East C.A.N. (Community Action Network) makes animal rescue the heart of this show. SHOW INFO & TICKETS: WHEN: Friday, January 23, 2026 | 8:00 PM CST WHERE: The Basement East | Nashville, TN TICKETS: https://www.thebasementnashville.com/tm-event/an-east-nashville-tribute-to-the-traveling-wilburys/ BENEFICIARY: A portion of proceeds benefits East C.A.N. CONNECT WITH THE GUEST: Andrew Leahey: https://andrewleaheymusic.com ___ Support The Show: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a classically trained cellist becomes an Americana soul-seeker and an award-winning director? In this episode, we sit down with Janie Price, the creative force known as BIRD, to explore a career that defies categorization. From her early days picking up the cello at age six to her recent acclaim from legends like Johnny Marr and Roy Orbison Jr., BIRD’s journey is one of relentless creative curiosity. We go behind the scenes of her stunning new single, "The Film," a track that began in a rented room in Italy during the 2020 lockdown and traveled all the way to Nashville to be finished by Americana’s finest musicians. The 5-Year Song: Why "The Film" needed half a decade to age like a fine wine before it was ready for the world. Music as DNA: Growing up with the cello and how a classical foundation paved the way for pop hits and indie anthems. The Director’s Chair: The transition from songwriting to filmmaking, including her award-winning short Wider Than The Sky and her upcoming Roy Orbison documentary. The Nashville Connection: Collaborating with Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and Ilya Toshinsky to find the perfect "Strange as Folk" sound. Global Empathy: How living between London and Tuscany shapes her perspective as a storyteller. Whether you're a fan of cinematic folk, a filmmaker in the making, or just love a deep dive into the creative process, this conversation with BIRD is a masterclass in staying true to your artistic vision. __ Love the show? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Follow Jrodconcerts Media: @jrodconcertsmedia ___ Support the Show: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Jrodconcerts: The Podcast, we sit down with the 2016 Kerrville New Folk winner and the master of "Americanoir," Ben de la Cour. Fresh off the release of his June 2025 album, New Roses, Ben joins us for a raw and insightful conversation about the grit required to make it in the Nashville machine. From his early days of doubt to finding his unique sonic signature, Ben shares the stories that shaped his latest record—a project born from late-night DIY sessions, vintage synths, and a deep-seated need for creative honesty. Inside the Episode: Leaving New Orleans: What it was about Nashville that finally convinced Ben to call it home after leaving the Crescent City. The "What Did I Sign Up For?" Moment: Ben recalls the early struggles in Music City and how meeting Becky Warren (The Great Unknowns) changed his trajectory and kept him from quitting. The Todd Snider Spark: The impact of hearing Todd Snider for the first time and how it shifted Ben's approach to the craft. The Foxhole Philosophy: A deep dive into Ben’s artistic mantra: why the real work starts when you stop looking for approval and start digging deeper into your own creative foxhole. Inside New Roses (2025): The making of his new album and the evolution of his "Americanoir" sound. Connect with Ben de la Cour: Official Website: bendelacour.com Instagram: @bendelacour Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! It helps more music lovers find the show. Follow Jrodconcerts: Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com __ Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If he wanted to, he would.” Those are the resolute words anchoring Izzy Mahoubi’s newest single, “Good”—a bluesy Americana power ballad that proves why this 20-year-old artist is one of the most compelling new voices in the indie-folk/pop scene. In this episode, Jaime sits down with the Phoenix-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter to discuss her journey from "child prodigy" to opening for acts like Mt. Joy and Em Beihold. Izzy opens up about the raw reality of the music industry, the struggle to balance social media with "real art," and how the grit of Janis Joplin and the prose of Patti Smith have shaped her soulful sound. In this conversation, we discuss: The Power of "Good": The making of her new single and its "soul-drenched grit." The Industry "Crash Out": Dealing with the mental toll of the modern music business. Social Media vs. Art: The tension between being a content creator and a serious songwriter. The Nashville Transition: Moving from the Arizona desert to the Tennessee indie-pop scene. Songwriting DNA: Why she prioritizes feeling and lyrics over formal music theory. Stream "Good" by Izzy Mahoubi on all platforms now. ___ Support The Show: Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nashville-based indie singer/songwriter and acclaimed actress Katie Boeck returns to Jrodconcerts: The Podcast. Katie, who previously starred in the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Spring Awakening, joins host Jamie to dive into the latest chapter of her creative life. She's back with her deeply personal new single, "Dust" (out since August 15th, 2025), a track that explores themes of spiritual timing, vulnerability, and acceptance. Listen in as Katie Boeck shares the tactics and tools she uses to balance life as a musician, actress, and mother, all while providing an insightful look into the modern creative process The Creative Balance: The honest and raw discussion about the compatibility of motherhood and creativity, and how being a parent changes a musician’s parameters and workflow. The Power of Connection: Katie explains why she believes she needs to be emotionally attuned to a song to effectively promote it, and how she avoids losing the "magic" of a song after countless performances. Songwriting from Pain: How Katie turns pain into powerful lyrics—does she write in the moment, or wait for emotional distance? "Dust" Uncovered: The story behind her new single and the moment of writer's block that led directly to its creation. Plus, a special acoustic performance of her new single, "Dust"! Listen in as Katie Boeck shares the tactics and tools she uses to balance life as a musician, actress, and mother, all while providing an insightful look into the modern creative process. __ Uber Eats: Get up to 40% off your Christmas spread. Spend less time cooking and more time celebrating! Order now, on Uber Eats. https://www.ubereats.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 30A Songwriters Festival is one of the most highly anticipated, absolute must-attend stops on our annual coverage calendar—and that’s why we’re bringing you an exclusive preview right now, as the final countdown begins!" The largest gathering of nationally recognized songwriters is coming back to the beautiful Florida coast, January 16th through the 19th, 2026. We sit down with the visionary leaders who make the magic happen: Festival Producer and Manager Extraordinaire, Russell Carter, and the Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Alliance, Jennifer Steele. We find out the secret to the festival's unmatched stability, how they manage to make an event of this scale feel so incredibly intimate, and we celebrate the stars of the 2026 lineup! We’re talking legends like Mavis Staples, I’m With Her, 10,000 Maniacs, and a celebratory main stage headline from our own friend, Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves! If you've ever wanted to know why this festival feels like family, or what it takes to curate a world-class lineup, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now for the inside story, then visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com to grab your tickets before they’re gone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for an insightful conversation with Tim Nordwind, the bass player for the endlessly inventive rock band, OK Go! We dive deep into the world of one of music's most unique acts, from their groundbreaking visual art to their incredible new album, And The Adjacent Possible (released April 2025). Tim gives us the inside story on the band's latest achievements and what fans can expect from their upcoming show. In This Episode: Double GRAMMY Nominations: OK Go is up for two 68th GRAMMY Awards for BEST MUSIC VIDEO ('Love') and BEST RECORDING PACKAGE ('And The Adjacent Possible'). We ask Tim about the moment he and the band heard the incredible news. The Making of 'Love': Tim discusses the unique process behind the viral video for "Love" (shot in a Budapest train station) and the band's general approach to conceptualizing their mind-bending, practical-effects music videos. The Gap Between Albums: Why the decade-plus wait for And The Adjacent Possible, and what projects were the band members involved in during that time? A Legacy of Ingenuity: With their work in the permanent collection of MoMA and recognition from the Cannes Lions, CLIOs, VMAs, and The Smithsonian, we find out which of their many non-musical accolades Tim still marvels at. The Audience Connection: We discuss the band's driving goal of connecting with their audience, a philosophy championed by frontman Damian Kulash. Hollywood Industry Talk: Tim shares his insights into the current state of the industry as both an actor and composer. The Tour Experience: What spectacular surprises can fans expect at the Brooklyn Bowl Nashville show on December 8th? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 59th Annual CMA Awards are over, and the dust is still settling in Nashville. Jrod breaks down the three-hour spectacle, from the biggest wins that shifted the genre to the snubs and controversies that social media can't stop talking about. Inside this episode: Lainey Wilson's Reign: She walked away with Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year, but did the triple win while hosting taint the victory? We analyze the reaction and whether she deserves the crown. The Vocalist Upset: Why Cody Johnson's Male Vocalist win was the biggest correction in years, and what it signals for traditional country music. The Snub: We dive deep into the artists who went home empty-handed—starting with a major nominee—and what their loss means for their current chart momentum. Best on Stage: We break down the absolute standout performances, including Kelsea Ballerini’s cinematic moment, the genre-blending performance of Luke Combs & BigXthaPlug, and the emotional, career-defining tribute to Vince Gill. The Controversy: The truth about the "rigged" claims, the performance we wish we could forget, and the continuous Morgan Wallen vs. Awards Show tension. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Country music's biggest night is almost here! Jrod dives into the drama, the upsets, and the historical milestones set for the 59th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville. We are coming to you straight from the CMA Awards Press Conference where we heard directly from solo host and top nominee Lainey Wilson. We have the exclusive, first-hand insights into her hosting strategy, her six nominations, and her mindset days before she makes history on the Bridgestone Arena stage. In This Episode, We Break Down: •  Press Room Exclusive: Lainey Wilson's Game Plan: We share details from the press conference, including Lainey's thoughts on filling the "big ol' shoes" of previous solo female hosts like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. What she teased about her "sassy" performance and which artists she's looking to gently roast! •  The Year of the Cowgirl: A deep dive into the unprecedented three-way tie for the most nominations: Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney—all with six nods! We explore the history being made and predict who will win the hotly contested New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. •  Entertainer of the Year Showdown: We analyze the five heavy-hitters battling for the night's biggest prize: Can Lainey Wilson repeat? Does Morgan Wallen translate commercial success into an industry win? Our definitive predictions are inside! •  Rise of the Traditionalists: We look at the surprise nominations for artists like Zach Top in Male Vocalist and the massive crossover moment signaled by Shaboozey's New Artist nod. • Prediction Time: Our full ballot predictions for Single, Album, and Song of the Year, based on industry buzz and chart performance. Don't just watch the CMA Awards—get the inside track! Subscribe and tune in! ____ Uber Eats: Get up to 40% off Holiday essentials. Order now, on Uber Eats. https://www.ubereats.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A legendary night in Los Angeles. A groundbreaking new class. A must-listen recap! The 40th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 8th was an electrifying, emotional, and star-studded event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Join Jrodconcerts as we break down every unforgettable moment from the stage and behind the scenes. We dive deep into the night's biggest moments, including: OutKast taking their rightful place in the Hall, inducted by Donald Glover (Childish Gambino), with André 3000 and Big Boi delivering heartfelt, tearful speeches alongside the entire Dungeon Family. The emotional induction of Soundgarden, featuring a moving tribute to the late Chris Cornell. Hear about the performance featuring Toni Cornell, Taylor Momsen, and Brandi Carlile with the surviving band members. Salt-N-Pepa becoming the first female rap group inducted (Musical Influence Award), delivering an explosive performance of their hits and using their platform to speak powerfully on artist rights and ownership. Cyndi Lauper's vibrant set, culminating in an all-star, all-female jam on "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," featuring Salt-N-Pepa and Avril Lavigne. The all-star opening tribute to the late Sly Stone, featuring Jennifer Hudson, Flea, Stevie Wonder, and Questlove. Powerful inductions for Bad Company, The White Stripes, Joe Cocker, and Warren Zevon. xclusive JRodConcerts Interviews! But the main event is our exclusive access! We bring you directly to the Red Carpet and Press Room for unparalleled one-on-one interviews with the stars of the evening: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum President Greg Harris on the diversity of the 2025 class. Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea on his passion for music R&B icon Jennifer Hudson on performing a soul classic. Grunge pioneers Soundgarden on honoring Chris Cornell and their legacy. Toni Cornell on paying tribute to her father. Legendary duo Salt-N-Pepa on their momentous induction and the importance of female voices in hip-hop. Inductor Donald Glover on the brilliance of OutKast. Soul-rock artist Nathaniel Rateliff on his performance in the Joe Cocker tribute. We'll also have a word with rising star Jack Harris! Don't miss a single beat of music history! Press play for your ultimate guide to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join JrodConcerts for a fascinating conversation with Joelton Mayfield, the Nashville-based artist celebrating his debut album, Crowd Pleaser (out since October 24th via Bloodshot Records). In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiration behind Crowd Pleaser, the meaning of his new single "Turpentine (You Know the One)," and how he's navigating the music world as a burgeoning songwriter. The State of the Music Industry: We discuss his Wilco and Mountain Goats-inspired single, "Turpentine (You Know the One)," opening up about the industry's "perpetual failures" versus the miraculous way musicians keep making resonant songs anyway. The Journey to Crowd Pleaser: Joelton details the album's map of an unraveling and reformation, sorting through the hypocrisies, doubts, and disappointments that sharpened his sense of self. Life as a Songwriter: We explore the pressures of putting a breakup into a song and whether being empathetic is a must for a successful singer-songwriter. Stage Nerves and Heroes: Hear Joelton reflect on still getting nervous on stage, what it was like being an opener for heroes like The Mountain Goats' John Darnielle, John Moreland, and Steve Earle. Personal Reflections: He shares thoughts on gratitude vs. the next climb, how English literature and authors like C.S. Lewis influence his writing, and the unique power of songs connecting with multi-generations of fans. The Big Question: What does 'pleasing' mean to Joelton Mayfield in 2025? The Bonnaroo Cancellation (A must-hear moment!). ____ Uber Eats: It's not too early to get ready for Christmas. Get up to 40% off Holiday essentials. Order now on Uber Eats. https://www.ubereats.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pop star, singer-songwriter, and powerhouse vocalist Chloe Stroll joins Jrodconcerts for a candid conversation about her journey to her debut album, Bloom in the Break. We dive into Chloe's deep love for Whitney Houston and how the iconic star, alongside Celine Dion, inspired her to pursue her "big ballads" despite not having a professional musician in the family. Chloe shares stories of being "born a performer," trading Disney costumes for a microphone at her parents' dinner parties, and the connection she found in bringing people together through music. Chloe reveals the daunting task of writing over 70 songs and the process of paring them down to the dozen tracks that make up her full-spectrum album, Bloom in the Break. The album showcases her gift for "incisive, yet compassionate lyrics and her strong voice," offering comfort and relatability through tracks like the spectral “Thin Air” and the grand ballad “Home.” We also discuss her personal evolution, including the surprising pivot to music after completing business school and embarking on another career path in 2020. Chloe opens up about life's major milestones—her marriage to Olympic medalist Scotty James in 2023 (and their relationship story) and navigating motherhood in music after having her baby in 2024. Hear how Chloe uses "music to heal" and how she translated real-time emotion—even terrifying moments, as depicted in "Run"—into her art. Tune in for an honest look at the making of an artist committed to translating life's journey with candor, confidence, and grace. __ Uber Eats: Get up to 40% off Halloween essentials. Order now, on Uber Eats. https://www.ubereats.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Country superstar Jake Owen joins Jrod to dive deep into his most raw and honest project yet, the new album Dreams to Dream (out November 7). Jake opens up about his unexpected collaboration with producer Shooter Jennings—a partnership sparked by an Instagram comment that turned into an "old-school country" record. Jake discusses growing up, finding catharsis in honest songwriting, and how this album reflects the man he is now, not the "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" kid. Plus, Jake shares the story of how a golf injury led him to pick up the guitar late in life, the nerve-wracking pressure of covering a Waylon Jennings classic live, and what it's like to have his voice mature for the fans who have matured right along with him. Featuring songs with Jamey Johnson and Savannah Conley, this is the Jake Owen his friends say is "who you've always tried to be." ___ Uber Eats: Get up to 40% off Halloween essentials. Order now, on Uber Eats. https://www.ubereats.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friend of the show Kashena Sampson returns to discuss her transformative new album, Ghost Of Me—a powerful cycle of letting go and rising again, structured around the phases of the moon. Kashena details her shift from Americana to a dark, industrial pop/rock sound, how she intentionally aligned her singles ("Rear View Mirror," "Phases") with specific lunar milestones, and the "vampire-style" arrangement she demanded for her song "Heartache." The Power of Shadow Work: When she started her journey of introspective growth and why quitting alcohol 19 years ago was the catalyst for her personal transformation. The New Nashville Dilemma: The contradiction of maintaining spirituality while navigating the demands of social media and the pressure to constantly compare yourself to other artists on stage. The making of the defiant torch song, "F*cked Up Love." Working with producer Jon Estes and guitarist B.L. Reed. Find Kashena Sampson's new album, Ghost Of Me, everywhere you listen to music today. ___ Uber Eats: Get up to 40% off Halloween essentials. Order now, on Uber Eats. https://www.ubereats.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices