The Sound of Texas Podcast

On this episode of The Sound of Texas Podcast, host Cole Sheriff sits down with Texas country artist Mike Ryan at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk. Mike shares stories from his journey through the Texas music scene, from playing more than 200 shows a year in small sports bars to headlining iconic stages across the state. The conversation dives into the realities of life on the road, the importance of building a strong band and touring camp, and how the transition from van tours to a tour bus changed everything. Mike also opens up about fatherhood, balancing family with a music career, and the proud moments that come with raising kids while chasing a dream. Plus, he talks about the guitars that shaped his sound, his longtime green Telecaster, and why Fort Worth and Billy Bob’s Texas remain special places in his career.

The Sound of Texas Podcast heads to the Michelob Ultra Roadhouse at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for a powerful conversation with Texas red dirt standout Presley Haile. At just 23 years old, Presley is writing songs with the depth and maturity of a seasoned songwriter. In this episode, she opens up about growing up in FFA, touring harder every year, finding routine on the road, and building a tight-knit creative circle with Race Ricketts, Nick, and Niles. She shares how “Deep End,” currently climbing the Ranch charts, came together during a chaotic stretch of label conversations and life pressure, and why she leans into metaphor to soften, or sometimes sharpen, the emotional edges of her songwriting. Presley also talks about writer’s block, the pressure to keep releasing music, and why she writes songs she’ll still want to sing at 60 years old. Influenced by Townes Van Zandt, Gillian Welch, and the Canadian western sound, she’s carving out a lane that doesn’t chase trends but instead focuses on authenticity and longevity. If you care about Texas red dirt, real songwriting, and artists building careers brick by brick, this is a must-listen episode.

The Sound of Texas Podcast heads backstage at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas for a milestone night with Wynn Williams. After 10 years of grinding full-time in Texas country music, Wynn makes his long-awaited debut at the world’s largest honky tonk, and he joins Cole Sheriff to reflect on the journey that brought him here. From playing solo in College Station bars for a couple hundred dollars to releasing his full-length album Country Therapy and touring across multiple states and countries, Wynn shares what it truly takes to build a sustainable independent music career. He opens up about surviving the pandemic as an artist, investing his own money into records, assembling the right team around him, and staying focused while younger artists explode overnight through social media. This conversation dives into the business of Texas country, the emotional toll of life on the road, balancing marriage with long tour runs, and the pride that comes from earning every step forward. It’s a real, honest look at perseverance in an ever-changing music industry, recorded on the night Wynn steps onto one of the most iconic stages in Texas. If you care about the grind behind the glory, this episode is a must-listen.

The Sound of Texas Podcast launches from the iconic Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo at Dickies Arena, featuring Texas country powerhouse Bri Bagwell. In this conversation, Bri opens up about her rodeo roots, life on the road, traveling in a 50-foot rig with her dog Whiskey, and the emotional highs and lows of touring nonstop from Steamboat to Mexico to Fort Worth. She reflects on the journey from 2016 heartbreak and career transition to stepping confidently into 2026, highliting it as the “Year of the Horse.” Bri also shares the story behind her legendary red boots, building a loyal touring band (with alumni now playing for Cody Johnson and Wade Bowen), staying mentally healthy on tour, and producing her hit podcast Only Vans while traveling coast to coast. Recorded live at the Michelob Ultra Roadhouse, this episode captures the heart of Texas country music with authenticity, grit, humor, tacos, and a whole lot of cowboy hats. If you love Texas country, rodeo culture, behind-the-scenes tour stories, and real conversations with artists shaping the scene, this episode is for you. Subscribe, rate, and follow for more stories from the road.