Advertise on podcast: Try That in a Small Town Podcast

KLo celebrates Tennessee’s win over Alabama with some studio-ready Volunteers gear—and Neil ends up wearing orange. The guys discuss Tennessee’s game plan, GMAC’s confidence, Alabama’s coaching, and the danger of a letdown against South Carolina. Plus: rushing the field, college football chaos, the Patriots, Josh Allen, the Titans, Cam Ward, and a debate about NIL and the transfer portal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Wills shares how Nashville demo sessions led to his record deal—and why he passed on “Just to See You Smile” three times. He talks about “19 Somethin’,” his commitment to the Grand Ole Opry, and the gospel harmony that inspired Grand Ole Revival. Plus: unforgettable stories involving the Undertaker and Chad Brock, a candid discussion about country music’s direction, and a performance of “Places I’ve Never Been.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tennessee–Alabama week brings rivalry nerves and a blunt assessment: a Tennessee win would be devastating for the Tide. The guys discuss the matchup, revisit Alabama–Georgia and its controversial calls, and respond to listeners’ Tennessee comments. Also: Drake Maye, protecting Cam Ward, Kentucky’s aggressive coaching, Florida frustration, and whether watching your team on delay should cost you your fan card. An honorary DipShidiot segment closes out the episode. _____________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/brand/10stone/20082817 Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com ___________________________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do millions of streams really mean if an artist can’t sell tickets? Kurt, Tully, Kelley, and Neil discuss AI-assisted streaming fraud, online popularity versus real audiences, and why great artists need time to develop. Neil shares stories about Gary LeVox, songwriting demos, and Jason Aldean’s ability to hear beyond a demo’s vocal range. The guys also weigh in on Morgan Wallen and award shows, discuss John Morgan and Zach Top, and imagine alternate careers for Bailey Zimmerman and Gavin Adcock in “If They Weren’t Them.” Along the way: adjusting to home life after touring, a bizarre Jason Aldean dream, and an honest discussion about Trump, gas prices, and campaign promises. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did Tennessee pay millions for the wrong quarterback, or does its young starter simply need more time? Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil debate the Volunteers’ quarterback situation, Alabama’s emerging star Keelon Russell and whether the Georgia–Alabama game should be moved before severe weather reaches Tuscaloosa. They also react to New England’s surprising win in Buffalo, question whether the Chargers’ system fits Justin Herbert and debate whether a grown man should surrender the first foul ball he has ever caught to a child sitting several rows away. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why don’t Nashville publishers dig through old catalogs for forgotten songs anymore? Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil explain how song pitching has changed, why today’s business side often feels disconnected from the creative side and what was lost when personal demos and passionate song pluggers were replaced by emails and manufactured writing-room connections. Then the guys introduce a new game: If famous country artists had no musical talent, what would they do for a living? Chris Young, Tim McGraw and Ella Langley receive some extremely specific alternate careers. They also respond to listener criticism that the show has become too negative, discuss Keith Urban, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and Jason Aldean, and share stories about a 50-milligram gummy, movie-theater popcorn, In-N-Out Burger, an oven left on all day and a gas grill that nearly ended very badly. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the national anthem be a celebrity performance—or should the marching band play while the entire stadium sings? Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil debate who should lead the anthem before turning their attention to the changing NFL quarterback position. Are athletic, run-first quarterbacks abandoning the reads and pocket discipline that made players like Tom Brady great? The guys also discuss the leadership vacuum in college football, NIL money, player discipline, government involvement, Texas and Arch Manning, Tennessee’s young quarterback, Alabama, Florida and the growing number of early-season NFL injuries. It’s Week 5 of Small Town Sports: four hit songwriters, four football opinions and absolutely no agreement required. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Smith is headed to the Grand Ole Opry, leading Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil into a heated debate over what the Opry represents—and whether country music’s most historic stage still carries the mystique it once did. The guys also debate whether music genuinely brings people together, consider Carrie Underwood’s potential move into rock and question country music’s growing habit of rebuilding new songs around familiar classics. Plus: Lainey Wilson’s faith and authenticity, AI as a tool versus a substitute for creativity, celebrity encounters, unwanted voice messages, “my current wife,” dangerous crosswalk behavior and grown men being serenaded in restaurants. 00:51 Raising $500,000 for St. Jude 01:58 The Jason Aldean tour winds down 02:41 “Try That in a Small Town” gets even bigger 03:21 Why blue-city crowds respond so strongly 04:01 Jason Aldean and Boston Strong 05:39 Another commercial-flight adventure 06:29 An aspiring singer asks for advice 08:07 The uncomfortable truth about her music 08:25 Does music really bring people together? 12:09 Concerts and temporary unity 14:23 Cledus T. Judd’s Ella Langley parody 15:14 Another “Choosin’ Texas” train wreck 15:50 What happened to Maren Morris? 16:52 Ella Langley’s hunting photos 18:10 Lainey Wilson’s faith and authenticity 19:24 The writing session that got away 20:12 Sponsor break 22:04 The alarming new trend in golf shorts 23:32 What is happening with LIV Golf? 25:14 Why successful bands break apart 25:43 Sam Smith’s Grand Ole Opry debut 27:02 Has the Opry lost its mystique? 29:19 From Ernest Tubb to Sam Smith 31:29 What does the Opry mean today? 33:37 Would Jelly Roll quit music? 34:28 Carrie Underwood’s possible rock album 36:02 Which country artists could go rock? 37:29 Sponsor break 39:09 Country music keeps rewriting old hits 40:20 Would the guys interpolate a classic? 42:48 Jason Aldean answers a podcast question 43:31 Running on empty 44:55 Would Tully bother Tom Brady? 45:48 Meeting John Elway and Tony Romo 47:13 Mentoring young Nashville musicians 48:14 Stop sending voice-message texts 48:54 Congress attempts to regulate AI 50:12 AI as a tool versus creative theft 51:46 How the guys actually use ChatGPT 52:52 Is AI weakening creativity? 53:33 What if the Wi-Fi disappeared? 55:32 The aspiring singer conversation continues 56:34 Finding another career in Nashville 58:08 A landscaper leaves an unforgettable voicemail 59:46 This week’s DipShidiot 1:00:14 Never say “my current wife” 1:01:31 “Grass-fed” macaroni shells 1:02:50 Look up before entering a crosswalk 1:05:41 Stop singing Happy Birthday to grown men 1:07:54 Kelley’s years as a singing waiter 1:08:58 Did the guys offend anyone? 1:09:25 Christmas arrives before Halloween 1:11:14 Ten Stone at Walmart _____________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/brand/10stone/20082817 Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com _____________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No. 1 Texas and Arch Manning are headed into Neyland Stadium, and the guys debate whether the pressure of playing at Peyton Manning’s old home gives Tennessee a real opportunity to pull off the upset. That leads to a heated showdown over which is more exciting: college football or the NFL. They also discuss participation trophies, expanded playoffs, Alabama’s comeback, Justin Herbert’s struggles, Taylor Swift’s NFL screen time, football cheerleaders and whether grown men should ever wear jerseys in public. Vote in the comments: NFL or college football? 01:06 Should second place get a trophy? 02:45 When a hit song finishes at No. 2 03:26 The participation trophy debate 05:18 Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss 05:42 Tennessee faces No. 1 Texas 06:45 The pressure on Arch Manning 07:26 College football versus the NFL 08:49 Are college games more meaningful? 10:09 Is a 24-team playoff coming? 12:12 Why football season is the best 12:42 The Titans and 157-degree turf 13:38 Stop showing Taylor Swift 14:42 Should grown men wear jerseys? 17:11 Football season moves too quickly 17:41 Alabama, Georgia and Week 4 18:53 Is Justin Herbert the problem? 20:16 Do NFL teams need cheerleaders? 21:11 NFL or college—cast your vote 21:40 Tennessee–Texas prediction 22:01 Dressing in your team’s colors 22:54 Closing ___________________________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/brand/10stone/20082817 Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com ___________________________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when working songwriters are asked to let artificial intelligence learn from their music? Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil discuss an AI-music opportunity presented through their publishing platform, explain why they opted out and debate whether AI should enhance human creativity—or whether allowing it to generate entire songs crosses the line. The guys also examine Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen’s award-show nominations, Taylor Swift’s return to country, artists imitating Morgan’s sound and the resurgence of traditional country music. Then the conversation turns to playing shows while sick, whether touring musicians need therapy, artists dressing like they’re headed to the gym, parental leave, overly long voice messages, secret speakerphones, inconsiderate parking, valet drivers and children on leashes. Plus, Tully receives an original retraction jingle and the guys deliver another round of DipShidiots. SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com ___________________________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Arch Manning becoming the quarterback everyone expected—and can Cam Ward succeed with the roster Tennessee has built around him? Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil break down a chaotic weekend of football, including Texas’ comeback, the confusing college football rankings, the Titans’ continued struggles and New England’s disappointing opening performance. The guys also debate which NFL teams are legitimate contenders, why nobody seems to know who is actually good in college football and whether it is already time to worry about the Titans. Then the conversation moves from the field to the nail salon, where four Titans fans learn that Sunday football and pedicures do not always mix. Neil also reveals how he held off the competition to win another club championship. New regular episodes arrive Mondays, with bonus Football Thursday episodes throughout the season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is life on the road really as traumatic as some musicians make it sound? Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil compare today’s touring culture with the years they spent chasing the dream in vans, trailers and buses—sometimes playing nearly 200 shows a year without knowing whether success would ever come. They also discuss whether country award shows still represent country fans, apologize for an interview that didn’t go as planned and react to an alleged $1.3 million fake-NFL-player scam. The guys then pause to remember the 25th anniversary of September 11, share where they were that morning and reflect on the unity America experienced afterward. Later, “Dipshidiot” returns with terrible drivers, driving-range invaders and a chocolate-eating treadmill walker. The episode closes with candid advice for aspiring country artists about writing-room etiquette, respecting veteran songwriters and always remaining open to the song that could change everything. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guys are back for Week 2 of Small Town Sports, and college football is already giving them plenty to argue about. Could the SEC eventually lose its grip on college football? Are traditional conferences becoming irrelevant? And after the playoff, NIL, transfer portal and conference realignment changed everything, was college football actually better before we tried to “fix” it? The guys also get into LSU and Clemson, Michigan's mysterious extra second, sports betting, NFL international games and plenty more from another crazy week of football. Grab a seat. Football season is officially underway on Try That in a Small Town. SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com _____________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guys are back around the table — and apparently some of you think a couple of them are getting a little stuck up. Before they get to that brutally honest listener comment, Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil weigh in on Jelly Roll, celebrity culture and what happens when artists enter “the bubble.” They also remember Dolly Parton, share the incredible story behind “I Will Always Love You,” relive some hilariously bad Opryland auditions, discuss Cledus T. Judd's Ella Langley parody controversy, complain about airports and TSA, and somehow end up debating giant trucks on Music Row. Then K-Lo reads a listener comment calling out Kurt and Tully — and instead of getting mad, the guys admit he might have a point. It's another completely normal episode of Try That in a Small Town. SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com ___________________________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Football season is back, and so is the arguing. In the first edition of Small Town Kickoff, the guys debate whether NIL money and the transfer portal have damaged college football, whether the Big Ten has overtaken the SEC and what Tennessee fans should expect. Then come the predictions: Dabo Swinney eventually coaching Alabama, Lane Kiffin’s future, a potentially painful Titans season and the NFL teams that could make a Super Bowl run. Small Town Kickoff drops every Thursday throughout football season. Follow the show so you never miss an episode—and put your predictions on record with us at TryThatInASmallTown.com. 00:00 Welcome to Small Town Kickoff 00:49 A new Thursday football tradition 01:16 Has college football lost its excitement? 02:38 Has the Big Ten passed the SEC? 03:31 Tennessee and opening-week opponents 05:32 NIL money and the transfer portal 06:03 NFL expectations and the Patriots 06:53 Are the Titans in for a rough season? 08:16 How the guys will watch opening weekend 09:24 Will Dabo Swinney eventually coach Alabama? 09:59 The Lane Kiffin debate 12:42 Early NFL and Super Bowl predictions 14:51 The danger of sitting starters 15:32 A bold Titans win prediction 16:18 What’s coming every Thursday _____________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com _____________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.