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Everyone knows Jake Banfield for the high-energy music, viral hit Lasso, and getting the crowd on the feet, but there's so much more to his story. In this episode of Talk Y'all To Me, Jake shares what life's really been like since his breakout success, why the lake still feels like home, and the moment that changed his life. We talk faith, mental health, and the kind of honesty that can literally save a life. It’s fun, it's real, it's deep. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that speaking up is a strength, not a weakness, this one's for you.  🎙️ 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

In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with Jacob Bryant, singer-songwriter and pioneer of "outlaw Christian" country music, for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on this show. Jacob opens up about walking away from music at the height of his touring career to face alcoholism head on, and the 90 days he spent in a faith-based rehabilitation program that changed everything. Now 13 days from one year sober, Jacob is back with new music, a new perspective, and a new mission: using his platform to point people to Jesus and spread hope. We talk about his comeback singles "Lost to Be Found" and the powerful new patriotic anthem "13 Stripes and 50 Stars" (yes, the Toby Keith comparisons are already rolling in), what it was like serving alongside his wife at a church conference in front of thousands of kids, and how he built a luxury home renovation company from the ground up while waiting on God's timing for music. This is a masterclass in redemption, surrender, and what it looks like to let God drive when you don't have all the answers. Follow Jacob Bryant Instagram: @jacobbryantmusic 🎙️ 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

America 250 is finally here!  Just 100 days ago, I had the honor of attending the official America 250 Press Conference at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Now, as we celebrate Independence Day week, I'm taking you back behind the scenes with the incredible people helping bring this historic event to life. In this special episode of Talk Y'all To Me, you'll hear from Charlie Daniels Jr., Aaron Tippin, Eric Lee Beddingfield, Drew Tutton, Jeff Goodwin, and Noah Gordon as we talk about the heart behind America 250, honoring our military, celebrating our nation's 250th birthday, and what makes Fort Campbell so special as the only military base to host one of just five official America 250 celebrations across the country. If you're anywhere near Fort Campbell on July 4th, come celebrate with us! Expect an unforgettable evening of incredible country music, fireworks, family fun, and a whole lot of American pride. I'm beyond honored to serve as your emcee for this historic celebration, and I can't wait to see y'all there! 🇺🇸 Happy Birthday, America!  📖 Grab Tori's new book, Unexpected, at www.torikruse.com 🎙️ Talk Y'all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube:    / officialtorikruse  👉 TikTok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse 🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube:    / officialtorikruse  👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse 🎙️ 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

In this special CMA Fest 2026 recap of "Talk Y'all To Me," Tori Kruse takes you backstage for a whirlwind week in Music City, sitting down with ten artists making their mark on country music. From viral breakouts to seasoned road warriors, this episode is packed with new music, real stories, and the kind of honest, faith-forward conversations the Talk Y'all To Me podcast is known for. Lewis Brice kicks things off with his brand new single "Love Right" and life on the road with his brother. Hannah McFarland opens up about touring with Riley Green, getting cut from American Idol just days before her big break, and why every "no" was leading her somewhere better. Austin Snell tells the story behind proposing in his "Colors" music video and the deeper writing on songs like "Daddy's Eyes." Tenille Arts talks about her new single "Lonely Weekend" and making history as the first female solo producer with a number one. Gabby Sklar reflects on going from covers on her parents' laundry room floor to her very first Nashville stage. It only goes deeper from there. Sophia Scott gets candid about "Miss Me Now" and finally feeling at home in her own skin. Levi Bloom brings his one-of-a-kind Kentucky country rock with new music like "Coolin'." Angel White shares the heart behind "Lone Star Girl," his fifth-generation Texas roots, and his sidekick Rango. Jake Banfield talks his viral hit "Lasso," lake life, and the importance of speaking up about mental health. And Adam Sanders closes it out with winning The Road, landing on the Yellowstone spinoff "Marshals," and the surrender to God that's behind his new single "His to Mine." If you have ever wondered what it really takes to chase a dream in country music, this episode is full of grit, faith, and a whole lot of heart. Ten conversations, one unforgettable CMA Fest week, and you heard them here first. Lean in, turn it up, and let's talk, y'all. 📖 Grab Tori's new book, Unexpected, at torikruse.com 🎙️ Talk Y'all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse 👉 TikTok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse 🎙️ 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

In this episode of "Talk Y'all To Me," Tori Kruse sits down with 18-year-old Texas country artist Tristan Roberson for one of the most refreshingly honest conversations to hit the Talk Y'all To Me podcast. Fresh off a high school graduation and a performance at a festival in Monterrey, Mexico alongside Braxton Keith, Tristan is already doing what most artists spend years working toward and he is just getting started. In this episode, Tristan gets real about what it actually looks like to build a music career from scratch, with no big name industry mentor, no roadmap, and a whole lot of faith. He opens up about his new single "Everything About You," a heartfelt love song rooted in real life experience, and why every song he records has to be personal to him before it ever reaches a listener. But the conversation goes much deeper than music. Tristan shares candidly about growing up in the middle of a messy, years long family situation that forced him to grow up fast, develop a level of self awareness well beyond his age, and lean hard into his faith to make sense of it all. He talks about the loneliness of trying to break into an industry that does not always open its doors easily, the mental battle of staying grounded when success starts to snowball, and why he made a conscious decision to stop chasing hit songs and start creating honest art. If you have ever wondered what it takes to chase something big before the rest of the world tells you that you are ready, this episode is for you. Tristan Roberson is proof that authenticity, grit, and a little bit of God's favor can take you a lot further than you think. Check out Tristan's Newest Single: https://open.spotify.com/track/1maw9lJpUFXyntRmLXXZzZ?si=6bcd32ab008f463e Follow Tristan on Instagram: @tristanrobersonmusic 🎙️ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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