We Should Write

In this special episode — and the very first filmed episode of We Should Write — Lindsay Lawler sits down with Kassie and Ben of the Americana duo Goldpine for a conversation that goes far beyond songwriting. Lindsay first met Kassie years ago during the wild Broadway days in Nashville, when Kassie was singing downtown and Ben was running sound at The Listening Room. Today, the two are 16 years into marriage, traveling the world together and creating music side by side as a husband-and-wife duo. What unfolds in this conversation is less about the music business and more about the deeper places songwriting can come from. Kassie shares about losing a parent and how grief, memory, faith, and healing eventually find their way into the songs we write and the lives we build. Together they explore the idea that the stories we carry from childhood, family, and loss often become the very things that shape our creativity—and sometimes even help us make peace with our past. Goldpine also performs two songs live in this intimate episode, and hearing them acoustically is something else entirely. Kassie’s voice, paired with the songwriting she and Ben create together, has a kind of control and emotional pull that can feel almost mind-bending. It’s the kind of performance that makes you realize these two were meant to be creating music together. More than a songwriter interview, this conversation touches on creativity, spirituality, marriage, and the quiet realization that the hardest parts of our lives often become the stories that help us grow.

In this episode of We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with Annie McCormick, a writer who made the bold decision to sell her home, let go of her belongings, and travel the world by pet sitting in order to create space for what she was always meant to do: write. What began as a life of wandering turned into a creative awakening, leading Annie to publish her first novel Runaway Kane and build an entire fictional world shaped by freedom, risk, and imagination.Together, Lindsay and Annie explore what it means to model adventure as an empty nester, how fiction can become a second life where truth feels safer to tell, and why imagination is just as essential to healing as self-reflection. They talk about writing on the road, identity without reputation, discipline versus inspiration, and the quiet permission that comes from starting over later than expected. This conversation is an invitation to loosen your grip on the plan, trust curiosity, and remember that sometimes the bravest thing you can do for your writing is make room for it.Find out more about Annie here: Websitehttps://anniemccormickwriter.com/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/AnnieMcCormickWriter/ X (formerly Twitter)https://x.com/AnnieMWriterInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/anniemccormickwriter/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@anniemccormickwriter

In this deeply honest and grounding episode of We Should Write, Lindsay Lawler sits down with writer, singer, and mother Kelly Jean Torres for a conversation about healing, creativity, and what it means to rewrite your story without being trapped by it.Kelly shares her journey through foster care and childhood abuse—and how those experiences shaped her inner world. With courage and clarity, she opens up about surviving deep trauma, including a suicide attempt, while also reflecting on the profound work it took to heal, seek support, and choose a different future.At the heart of this episode is Kelly’s memoir, Saving the Lost Girl, and the belief that while our stories matter, we don’t have to stay inside them forever. Together, Lindsay and Kelly explore writing as a path to healing, the difference between revisiting pain to integrate it versus reliving it, and how creativity can become a safe place to tell the truth—and then let it go.This conversation holds space for both the hard and the hopeful—grief and gratitude, survival and self-authorship. Kelly reflects on becoming the mother she once needed, building a loving life in the present, and learning how to carry her younger self (and others) forward with compassion instead of fear.

In this episode of We Should Write, Lindsay Lawler talks with Michelle Nicolo Prentice, a world-renowned vocalist and founder of Mama’s Lullaby, to talk about motherhood, intuition, and nervous system regulation.They explore how music and creativity can support maternal mental health, why caregivers need care too, and how slowing down can help regulate overwhelm. It’s a calming, reflective episode for anyone navigating motherhood, creativity, or burnout.Learn more about Michelle here:Official website: https://www.michellenicoloprentice.com/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/michellenicoloprenticesingerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellenicoloprentice/

On this week’s episode of We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with Colin Stough—American Idol Season 21 finalist, Mississippi native, and one of country music’s most compelling young storytellers. With over 80 million global streams, 31+ million YouTube views, and a rapidly growing fanbase of 800k+ across social platforms, Colin has built his career by writing straight from lived experience—faith, pain, resilience, and all. Signed to 19 Recordings / BMG Nashville, his songs don’t shy away from the hard stuff, and neither does he. In this conversation, Lindsay explores how writing became both his creative outlet and emotional release, and how putting truth on the page can be a form of healing—for the writer and the listener alike. It’s a reminder that sometimes the songs that reach the most people start as a way to survive. Find out more about Colin here: Official website: https://www.officialcolinstough.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colinstough/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colinstough/ X: https://x.com/ColinStough

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with one of her favorite Nashville firecrackers, the powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Tera Lynne Fister. In true show fashion, the conversation dances between hilarity and deep vulnerability—or as Lindsay puts it, "where sarcasm meets soul." Tera Lynne opens up about a recent health scare that forced her to redefine her femininity and confront difficult questions about fertility and family. She also shares the profound impact of losing her mother, Lisa, and how that grief became the "now or never" catalyst that pushed her to abandon cover bands for original artistry. Plus, the two discuss the "conspiracy" of low-vibration radio hits, why music must be kept sacred, and the childhood trauma of realizing Santa doesn't always bring the best gifts. Tera Lynne also treats us to a live performance of her unreleased song, "Big Picture," and a moving cover of Kacey Musgraves' "Christmas Makes Me Cry."

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with one of her all-time favorite humans and longtime co-writing partners, Chris Roberts—yes, that Chris Roberts: Grammy-winning, multi-instrumentalist, original Broadway cast member of The Civil War, founding member of One Flew South, and one of the most wildly versatile voices in Nashville. For nearly twenty years he’s been part of Lindsay's creative DNA—traveling the country with her singing at truck stops, writing everything from trucking anthems to pop melodies, playing writers’ retreats, and shaping so much of the music born in her corner of this city. But this week we will dive fully into HIS story of how writing has shaped his life. His songs have landed cuts with H.E.R., Ashley McBryde, Matt Stell, Ashley Campbell, and even the Super Bowl, Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, 12 Strong, and half the networks you can name. From bluegrass to classical to video-game pop, Chris is brilliance, chaos, heart, and hilarity in one human—and Lindsay is truly honored to share him with you this week.Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with journalist Mark Gray, longtime PEOPLE and Rolling Stone correspondent and the sole print reporter on the ground during the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting—and Mary Jo von Tillow, who lost her husband Kurt in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Together, they discuss their new book The Las Vegas Massacre Connections, a deeply human exploration of the unexpected bonds, healing journeys, and acts of courage that emerged in the years after the tragedy. Lindsay shares her own intertwined story with the von Tillow family, offering a conversation that is equal parts grief, resilience, connection, and the quiet strength of everyday Americans.Find The Book Here: The Las Vegas Massacre ConnectionsThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay steps into unknown territory with first time author Heather Ogden—a 23-year-old writer, fantasy world-builder, and quiet-force-of-nature. Her gift didn’t begin with a dream of authorship but with a kid chasing YouTube fame and accidentally discovering her purpose. An introvert who finds meaning in silence and power in imagination, Heather creates morally gray characters, emotionally charged worlds, and stories that ask the questions most people are afraid to say out loud. What started as amateur scripts became backstories, then short stories, and eventually full novels as she realized she didn’t want the spotlight—she wanted to build universes. In this conversation, Heather opens up about creativity, identity, and the unexpected journey of becoming a storyteller, all while honoring the people who helped her find her way.Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

Lindsay sits down with longtime friend and multi-hyphenate powerhouse Chris Blair—entrepreneur, podcast host, artist manager, songwriter, author, amateur chef, pilot, and full-time lover of life. As the founder of Nashville’s iconic Listening Room Café and the force behind Emerge Nashville, Chris has spent nearly two decades championing songwriters, building businesses, and giving back through his Sound Good, Do Good initiative. He’s also a devoted husband, dad of three, and a guy Lindsay used to sing with back in the good ole days of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge nearly 20 years ago—proof that the Nashville circle is small, wild, and full of stories.Where To Find Chris:Website: https://www.chrisblair.com/businessThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with award-winning author and keynote speaker Amy Daughters, a Texas-born storyteller with a wild, wonderful idea that changed her life: what if you wrote every single one of your Facebook friends a handwritten letter? In her heartfelt and hilariously human book “Dear Dana, that time I went crazy and wrote all 580 of my Facebook friends, a handwritten letter,,” Amy shares how a simple reconnection and a weekly letter to an old friend facing unthinkable loss, spiraled into 580 handwritten notes, deep unexpected friendships, and a profound reminder that community is often sitting right in front of us. Join us for a conversation that proves writing can be a lifeline, social media can spark real connection, and sometimes the most meaningful shifts begin with a stamp and a little courage.Where To Find Amy:Website: https://www.amydaughters.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokinhotamys/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyweinlanddaughtersauthorTwitter: https://x.com/DaughtersAmyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-w-daughters-16352a227/Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay Lawler is joined by author, Soul Talks podcast host, and jewelry designer Theresa Bruno for one of the most vulnerable conversations we’ve ever had on the show. Teresa’s new book, He’s Not Coming Back, chronicles the unthinkable loss of her husband to suicide and the lifelong journey of grief that now follows—not as something to “move past,” but as something to live with, honor, and transform. In this episode, Theresa will open up about how grief doesn’t take a vacation, why nature became her greatest healer, and how small, intentional rituals can keep love present even after loss. We talk about what it means to live fully when your life has been shattered, and how connection—real connection, without pretending—is the pathway to healing. And Theresa has wrapped this all up into her new book, and yes, continued to heal through writing. This is an episode for anyone who has ever lost someone or felt lost themselves, and Theresa offers a profound, gentle invitation to grieve, to love, and to begin again.Where To Find Theresa:Website: https://theresabruno.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresa.harper.bruno/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555855691008&mibextid=LQQJ4dTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theresa.harper.bruno?_t=ZT-8zrZqOA7A45&_r=1The Soul Talks Podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresa_harper_brunoApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-soul-talks-podcast/id1730854340Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZHMIz7eUPF5380iV1xYbA?si=d429c7970d194359&nd=1&dlsi=61e8dd904afa40c5iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/53-the-soul-talks-podcast-295151956/Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8bca2a24-221a-432f-8e50-bcb9744e79b9/the-soul-talks-podcastThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

Lindsay welcomes renowned Nashville songwriter Autumn McEntire, who is a Oklahoma native from the legendary McEntire musical lineage - Yes, Reba's niece as well as part of the Singing McEntires. Autumn began writing songs at 14 and moved to Nashville at 18 to pursue her calling. Autumn is a Belmont University music business graduate and she signed her first publishing deal right out of college and has since written songs for major country artists including Lauren Alaina, Ashley McBryde, and the Grammy nominated title track off Reba McEntire's album Stronger Than The Truth. Autumn is not only a successful songwriter and producer with multiple full-length records under her belt, but she is also also a wife, mother, and woman of deep faith, rooted in family, God and authenticity. Tune in as we dive deep into her creative journey, heart behind her music, and evolution as a woman, mother and Nashville boss.Where To Find Autumn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnmcentiresongs/?hl=enThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with Sarah McCoy, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, former NPR host, writing professor, and founder of the McCoy Grant. Known for blending history, faith, mystery, and identity, Sarah brings a depth of insight that bridges art and healing. Her latest novel, Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?, explores the inner life of a Hollywood starlet who walks away from fame in search of meaning and serves as a springboard for a soulful conversation about writing as a path to truth and transformation.Where To Find Sarah:Website: https://sarahmccoy.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMMcCoy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmmccoy/GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2770941.Sarah_McCoyBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sarahmmccoy.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.com/@sarahmmccoyThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay sits down with Grammy-nominated songwriter and author Sandy Knox, the lyrical force behind Reba McEntire’s classics “Does He Love You” and “Why Haven’t I Heard From You,” and a writer whose songs have been recorded by legends like Dolly Parton, Liza Minnelli, Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick, and Donna Summer. Together they dive into the art of writing songs that make us feel emotions we haven’t even lived and Sandy’s newest, brutally honest and hilarious project "Weighting: My Life If it Were a Musical," a 20-year journey through body image, family, and self-worth. Expect a conversation that’s equal parts confessional and comedic as Lindsay and Sandy talk candidly about weight, the kind we carry on our bodies and in our hearts, proving once again that laughter and vulnerability might just be the most healing duet of all.Where To Find Sandy:Website: https://weighting.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weightingofficial/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weightingofficialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576932699838YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weightingofficialThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

Lindsay welcomes to the show Larry Gatlin of Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, a true Texas icon whose songs have resonated with generations. Larry began singing with his brothers Steve and Rudy as a child, and his journey from West Texas to Nashville stardom is one rooted in faith, hard work, and a deep love for the written word. Larry is more than a singer, he’s a gifted songwriter whose hits like “Broken Lady,” “All the Gold in California,” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You)” captured both the spirit and storytelling heart of country music. He’s also been a presence in conservative circles, contributing commentary on Fox News and elsewhere. To our country-loving trucking audience, Larry Gatlin is exactly the kind of guest whose lyrics reflect real life, the road, home, and America — and whose voice still carries weight.Where To Find Larry:Website: https://gatlinbrothers.com/larry-gatlinX/Twitter: https://x.com/gatlinbrothersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GatlinBrothers/?fref=tsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegatlinbrothers/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GatlinBrothersThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, Lindsay welcomes Georgia native Cyndi Thomson, whose debut album My World and chart-topping single “What I Really Meant to Say” shot her to instant country music stardom in 2001. At the height of her success, Cyndi made the surprising decision to walk away from the industry, later channeling her creativity into her own jewelry line, Haybelle Co., before finding her way back to music on her own terms. Now with new songs and a fresh perspective, Cyndi is running the game her way. Lindsay and Cyndi dive into a fun, powerful, woman-to-woman conversation about knowing when to step away, the courage to return, and the freedom of creating in divine timing.Where To Find Cyndi:Website: https://www.cyndithomson.com/Haybelle Co.: https://haybelleco.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndithomson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialcyndithomsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cyndithomsonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ba4l0FDVSwPZvbAFPI1KgThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

On Episode 9 of We Should Write, Lindsay Lawler is joined by Kevin Post, a world-class multi-instrumentalist whose career spans more than 30 years on the road. Kevin spent over 15 years with Terri Clark and another 15 + years with Blake Shelton as a guitarist, pedal steel player, and background vocalist, also appearing as the steel guitarist for 13 seasons on NBC’s The Voice. Today, he tours with Aaron Lewis (of Staind) bringing his signature blend of guitar, Dobro, and harmony vocals to audiences nationwide. Beyond the stage, Kevin is a soulful singer-songwriter whose 2019 EP Them Blue Skies reveals the same depth and heart that has carried him through personal loss, breakups, and the search for healing in turbulent times — making him a truly inspiring guest on We Should Write.Where To Find Kevin:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinpostmusic/X/Twitter: https://x.com/kevinpostmusic?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinp0st/?hl=enSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OUTaHmgAwmrJghp6mqoPbApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kevin-post/517260881Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on We Should Write, we welcome Jeremy Baker; combat veteran, PTSD survivor, and debut crime fiction author. After leaving college at 19 to serve as a U.S. Army counterintelligence agent, Jeremy spent two decades in national security focusing on intelligence, counterterrorism, and transnational organized crime. His powerful debut thriller, Guilty Sleep, mirrors pieces of his own journey: an Afghanistan vet grappling with PTSD, loyalty, and survival. Our conversation will dive into Jeremy’s extraordinary life, the healing power of writing, and how fiction can be both a reckoning and a release.Where To Find Jeremy:Website: https://www.jeremydbaker.com/X/Twitter: https://x.com/jdbaker11058Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jdbaker11058.bsky.socialThanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

On Episode 7 of We Should Write, Lindsay welcomes powerhouse vocalist Morgan Myles (The Voice, Grand Ole Opry) for a raw and timely conversation. Morgan has been openly sharing her recent heartbreak—the end of an engagement, selling the house she and her fiancé had just moved into, and even trying on her wedding gown for a wedding that never happened—while also stepping into a bold new musical chapter with an upcoming album release. Together, they’ll talk about heartbreak, healing, and how writing turns pain into power.Where To Find Morgan:Website: https://www.morganmyleslive.com/X/Twitter: https://x.com/MorganMylesLIVEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmyleslive/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmylesliveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorganMylesLIVE/Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...