Advertise on podcast: Hops & Spirits Bar Conversations

Country artist and songwriter Styles Haury joins Bar Conversations to talk about his upcoming 5 TO 9 EP, out May 15, and the journey that took him from blue-collar roots to Nashville success. Raised between Northeast Ohio and North Carolina, Styles shares how family, faith and a strong work ethic shaped his path—from working as a union pipefitter to chasing music full-time, backed by the unforgettable sacrifice of his dad selling his Corvette to help fund the dream. He also reflects on his rise as a songwriter, including landing a No. 1 hit with Luke Bryan’s “Country On,” and how those moments helped define his career. Styles also dives into the making of the 5 TO 9 EP, a project rooted in real life, fatherhood, and the grind between work and chasing purpose. He talks about collaborating with top producers Phil O’Donnell and Chris DeStefano, the meaning behind songs like Boxes and Broke Down In My Truck, and how becoming a dad reshaped his songwriting. Plus, he reflects on making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, sharing the stage with artists like Dwight Yoakam, Darius Rucker, and Brantley Gilbert, and what fans can expect next in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Middle West Michelone Reserve Cask Strength

Country singer-songwriter Filmore joins Bar Conversations to talk about his latest album Atypical and the journey that’s defined his career in Nashville. Filmore reflects on growing up in Missouri, discovering music in an unexpected way, and eventually making the leap to Nashville in 2011—selling his Jeep to chase the dream. From his breakout hit Slower to building a fanbase one show at a time, he shares how saying “yes” to opportunities helped shape his path as an independent artist. Filmore also dives into the making of Atypical, a deeply personal project featuring 21 songs written across more than a decade. He talks about blending genres through collaborations like “Yeehaw” with Pitbull, making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, and becoming the first independent country artist featured on Spotify’s Hot Country cover. Plus, Filmore opens up about fatherhood, his creative process and what fans can expect next in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Stowloch Whiskey

Country singer-songwriter Ashland Craft joins Bar Conversations to talk about her latest album dive bar beauty queen, out now, along with newly released reimagined collaborations from the project. Ashland reflects on growing up in South Carolina, where a blue-collar upbringing and strong work ethic helped shape her authentic sound. From learning guitar by watching CMT to singing in church and playing local bars at just 17, she shares the early experiences that fueled her passion for music and ultimately led her to the national stage on The Voice, where she worked with Miley Cyrus. Ashland also dives into the making of dive bar beauty queen, including writing or co-writing nearly every track and taking a more hands-on role in shaping the record’s sound. She talks about standout songs like Kick Rocks Cowboy and the story behind the title track, plus her recent collaborations with Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, and Mae Estes. She also reflects on making her debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, touring internationally, and her mission to create music that feels like a friend to her fans—along with what’s ahead in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Rare Character 2026 Rye Batch 1

Country singer-songwriter Leah Blevins joins Bar Conversations to talk about her new album All Dressed Up, out March 20, 2026, and the path that led her from Sandy Hook to Nashville. Leah reflects on growing up in a musical, faith-driven family in Eastern Kentucky, the early influences that shaped her sound, and the journey of embracing her natural voice after being told she was “too country.” She also dives into the making of All Dressed Up, working with Dan Auerbach at Easy Eye Sound to create a more honest and fully realized record. Leah shares insight into the emotion behind songs like Lonely and Diggin’ in the Coal, her growth as a songwriter, and what’s next in 2026. Jonathan's Drinking: Kentucky Senator Bourbon Release 6

Country artist Austin Michael joins Bar Conversations to talk about his new album Lonestar, released March 6, and the milestone of making his Grand Ole Opry debut. Austin reflects on growing up on a ranch in Van Alstyne, where life revolved around rodeo, roping, hunting, and fishing. He shares how those Texas roots helped shape his identity and storytelling, the music he grew up listening to, and the unexpected moment when a video posted online led to a life-changing invitation from American Idol—including the viral moment where he roped Katy Perry off the shoulders of Luke Bryan. Austin also dives into the making of Lonestar, a deeply personal record about coming of age, chasing dreams, and staying true to his roots. He talks about writing or co-writing all 13 tracks, including songs like Back On A Barstool, Hard Earned Heartache, Whiskey On A Wildfire, and Cowboys Don’t Act Like That, and working with collaborator Sergio Sanchez. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from touring with artists like Justin Moore, Chris Young, and Randy Houser, what the Opry debut means to him, and what fans can expect next. Jonathan’s Drinking: Green River Wheated Bourbon

Country singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen joins Bar Conversations to talk about his upcoming fifth album Book of Paul, arriving April 3, 2026, and the life experiences that shaped the record. Paul reflects on growing up in East Texas, singing harmony in church without instruments, and learning from his grandfather—moments that helped develop the powerful “Big Velvet” voice fans know today. He also looks back at cutting his teeth in the Austin music scene with Sons of Fathers before launching a solo career that has produced albums like My Gospel, Room 41, Country Coming Down, and Black on Black. Paul also dives into the making of Book of Paul, including writing most of the album himself, recording with a new production team, and the story behind the fiery single Texas Swagger. He talks about collaborating with artists like Jake Worthington and Delaney Ramsdell, celebrating a GOLD record with Shaboozey on Last Of My Kind, and what it means to keep betting on himself in the music industry. Plus, Paul opens up about becoming a father soon, life on the road, and what fans can expect from his next chapter in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Larrikin Bottled-in-Bond

Country artist Savannah Dean Reeves joins Bar Conversations to talk about her latest single Get Me Everytime and the Kentucky roots that continue to shape her sound and stage presence. Savannah shares how her love of music began singing in the back seat with her mom, putting on ticketed “shows” with her pink childhood guitar, and eventually stepping onto real stages — from local dive bars to the Kentucky State Fair. Savannah also opens up about pre-show rituals, her signature cowboy hats, songwriting inspiration, and what fans might be surprised to learn about her when she’s offstage. She dives into the journey of bringing Get Me Everytime to life, working closely with producer Matt McQueen, winning several honors and what's next. Jonathan’s Drinking: Bardstown Bourbon Rye

Country singer-songwriter Claudia Hoyser joins Bar Conversations to talk about her new album Before The Dawn, her journey from growing up in New York to building an independent career with more than 120 million views, and how a breakthrough moment with her song No Matter What It Costs changed everything. She shares how her musical family shaped her sound, why moving to Nashville pushed her creatively, and how losing her voice after opening for Keith Urban inspired the deeply personal themes of burnout, healing, and honesty woven throughout the record. Claudia also opens up about co-writing the album with her fiancé Ryan Hurley, whose guitar work helped create the project’s intimate sonic identity. Beyond music, Claudia dives into her entrepreneurial side, including how a hidden moka pot game in her viral “Hoyser Country Monday” videos sparked Hoyser Country Coffee, and how her whiskey brand Hoyser Country Drunken Bean partnered with Centerfire Distillery. She reflects on sharing stages with icons like Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, and Willie Nelson, explains her songwriting process, reveals what songs she loves performing most, and previews what fans can expect from her next chapter in 2026. Jonathan’s Enjoying: Hoyser Country Drunken Bean

Country artist JD Shelburne is back to talk about his latest album Raised on the Good Stuff, his Kentucky roots, and the journey that’s taken him from small-town stages to the Opry. JD reflects on growing up in Taylorsville, performing in church, and teaching himself guitar after a life-changing moment in his grandmother’s house that sparked his passion for music. He shares stories from his early days chasing a dream in Nashville, playing more than 3,000 shows, and building an independent career driven by relentless work ethic and strong fan connection. JD dives into collaborating with songwriter Mark Nesler and recording with legends like the Oak Ridge Boys and Crystal Gayle. He also talks about his partnership with Inclusion Bourbon, the nerves and excitement of making his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, memorable onstage mishaps, and what fans can expect from him in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Bardstown Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond

Country singer-songwriter MaRynn Taylor joins Bar Conversations to talk about her journey from growing up in Michigan to releasing her self-titled debut album. MaRynn shares how performing for her family at just four years old with a plastic microphone sparked her love for music, the artists who influenced her early on, and how small-town life shaped both her songwriting and identity. She reflects on visiting Nashville at age 12, moving there at 17, and missing out on traditional high school milestones in order to chase her dream in Music City. MaRynn also opens up about her breakthrough moments, including signing her record and publishing deals live on air, making her Grand Ole Opry debut, and opening for Kelsea Ballerini on her arena tour. We dive into the making of her self-titled album, why it felt like the right time to introduce herself so personally, and the stories behind songs like Small Town Spinnin’, Season 2 of Friends, Dirty Blonde, and She Broke Up With The Boy. Plus, she talks about the importance of connecting with fans, trading friendship bracelets, performing in meaningful hometown venues, and what fans can expect from her in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Joseph Magnus Triple Cask Sherry & Cognac

Country artist Hayden Baker talks about his journey from growing up in Katy, Texas, to becoming one of the most respected guitar players in modern country music. Hayden shares how early exposure to rural life, sports, and faith shaped who he is, and how picking up a guitar at 16—something he’s called a “God thing”—changed the direction of his life. He reflects on how an unexpected college injury led him to singing and songwriting, the music that influenced him early on, and what it’s like to have Brad Paisley call him his “new favorite guitarist.” Hayden also dives into his new album Alive & Well, explaining why he intentionally shifted the focus from guitar flash to growth as a vocalist and storyteller. He talks about working with Brad Paisley and Ronnie Dunn, receiving a gifted 1953 Telecaster, and the story behind Brad’s guest solo on Don’t Meet Your Heroes. We also discuss his decade-long independent career, winning Musician of the Year at the Texas Country Music Industry Awards, standout tracks like Home Into a House, I Had a Headache Once, and Country Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, and what fans can expect from Hayden in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon

Country artist Olivia Harms talks about her journey from growing up on a multi-generation cattle ranch in Oregon to appearing on the CBS series The Road. Olivia shares how being raised in a musical family—literally taking the stage at just two days old—set her on a path toward country music, along with the early influences that shaped her sound. She reflects on recording her first album at 16, navigating a more pop-country phase, and ultimately finding her voice. Additionally, Olivia opens up about being hand-selected by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton for The Road, competing and opening for Keith Urban, and what the experience taught her about herself as an artist. We also dive into her songwriting process, including the stories behind Hey There Cowboy, Kiddie Pool, and This Ain’t My First Rodeo, as well as her 2025 releases Sent from Above and I’m On My Way. Plus, she talks about balancing life on a working cattle ranch with playing more than 200 shows a year, what she loves most about being on stage, and what fans can expect from Olivia Harms in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Sagamore High Rye Bourbon

Maygen & The Birdwatcher join Bar Conversations to talk about their latest album The Americana Dream, songwriting, and building a band rooted in collaboration. We chat with Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann to discuss growing up in Minnesota, early musical influences, and how their partnership began. From overcoming a fear of performing live to breaking the rules in piano lessons, they share how writing together helped shape their sound and confidence, as well as the origin of the band’s name and their evolution from a duo into a full six-piece band. Maygen and Noah also dive into The Americana Dream, described as a “sonic travelogue,” and what it was like working with producer John Fields, who pushed them to trust their instincts in the studio. They talk about balancing music with family and full-time careers, the early success of Moonshine and Bootleggin’ At The Flower Shoppe, and why collaboration remains central to everything they do. Plus, they share favorite songs to perform live and what fans can expect in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Chicken C**k Ryeteous Blonde

Singer-songwriter Alexandra King shares the story behind her debut EP Across the Pond, blending her New York upbringing with her deep Irish roots. Alexandra talks about growing up surrounded by music, from parents who met through music to having a piano before she was even born, and how summers spent on her aunt’s sheep farm in Ireland shaped her identity and songwriting. She reflects on studying abroad in Galway, nearly becoming a lawyer, and ultimately following her calling to Nashville. Alexandra discusses surviving a life-altering spinal cord injury in 2020, how doctors initially questioned whether she’d ever regain movement, and how music became a vital part of her recovery. We dive into the making of Across the Pond, including original tracks like Freckles (In An Old Pub) and Lose Me to Dublin, as well as her decision to include traditional covers Galway Girl and Willie McBride. Plus, she shares stories about her deaf dog Pillsbury, favorite songs to perform live, and what fans can expect from her in 2026.Jonathan’s Drinking: Wheel Horse x Narragansett Baltic Porter Beer Barrel Finish Whiskey

Bluegrass-folk trio Damn Tall Buildings released their latest album The Universe Is Hungry this fall. We sit down with Avery Ballotta to talk about growing up in Montana, early musical influences, and how a love for music—and the fiddle—started at a young age. We dive deep into the inspiration behind the album, recording process, and the band’s commitment to staying truly independent—self-producing, self-managing, and even running their own music school in Brooklyn. Avery shares stories from studying at Berklee College of Music, meeting bandmates Max Capistran and Sasha Dubyk, and how the group’s journey began with busking on the streets of Boston before evolving into a decade-long partnership rooted in friendship, craftsmanship, and creative freedom. He also talks about touring with the U.S. State Department, performing bluegrass during cultural exchanges in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, and reimagining Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou” through a bluegrass lens. Plus, we discuss the band’s one-microphone live setup, how they decide vocal leads without a frontman, favorite songs to perform on stage, unforgettable moments from 2025, and what fans can expect from Damn Tall Buildings in 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: McKenzie Straight Bourbon Whiskey