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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.

The guys are back together after a couple of weeks on the road, and it doesn’t take long for things to go sideways. Neil returns from Huntsville still asking questions about the moon landing, Jason Aldean earns two Diamond-certified songs, the guys admit they may have underestimated Megan Moroney, and then one simple question turns into a full-blown debate: when can an artist actually call themselves a headliner? They also talk about the realities of opening for major acts, why young artists shouldn’t rush the process, Neil’s Songwriters Hall of Fame nomination, Broadway, football, pickleball and another round of Dipshitty of the Week. It’s one hour of road stories, music-business opinions, arguments, retractions and exactly the kind of chaos you get when Kurt, Neil, Tully and Kelley sit down with no guest and plenty to say. 00:34 — Neil Goes Looking for Moon-Landing Proof 02:17 — Two Weeks on the Road 12:19 — Jason Aldean Gets Two Diamond Records 17:03 — We Were Wrong About Megan Moroney 19:08 — What Actually Makes You a Headliner? 22:17 — The Argument Gets Personal 27:35 — Young Artists Are Rushing to Headline 32:35 — Neil’s Songwriters Hall of Fame Nomination 38:44 — Football Season Is Here 42:15 — Tully’s Son on Broadway 48:20 — Dipshidiot of the Week 54:27 — Back to the Moon Debate 56:19 — Pickleball and Football Picks 58:37 — The Donkey Toss Callback __________________________________________________________ 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.

Joey Breaux has lived enough lives for several podcast episodes. The Louisiana social media personality joins the guys to talk about going viral—including one video he says racked up 14.3 million views—staying remarkably active at 69, his love of hunting and fishing, playing music by ear and the nunchuck skills he's been working on since he was 18. And then there's the part nobody saw coming: before social media fame, Joey spent some time as a male exotic dancer and eventually became part of a group called the “Cajun Dales.” It's an unpredictable conversation with one of social media's most unique personalities—and proof that you probably shouldn't try to guess what Joey Breaux is going to say next. _____________________________________________________________________ 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. Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!! Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory. Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com 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.

Will any of today’s hit songs still be sung 50 years from now? Kurt, Tully, KLo, and Neil look back at the music that shaped them—from Hank Williams Jr., Van Halen, and Def Leppard to John Denver, Glen Campbell, Elvis, Bryan Adams, and Paul Rodgers—and debate whether modern songs are given enough time to become true classics. They also reveal how Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan’s alternating stadium show works, explain why songwriters don’t really “sell” individual songs, and discuss how streaming and shrinking attention spans have changed the way listeners experience music. Then things deteriorate—in the best possible way—with exhausted airport stories, Tully’s confrontation on a plane, the dangers of flying with guitars, UPS losing a one-of-a-kind custom bass, Kelley mistaking his treadmill malfunction for an earthquake, and the strangest things fans throw onstage. Listen all the way through and remember the secret phrase: “Donk Toss.” ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 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. 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. 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.

Hulk Hogan was one of the most recognizable personalities in American entertainment—but behind Hulkamania was a man still searching for peace, purpose and something bigger than fame. In one of his final long-form interviews, Hulk Hogan joins Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher to share stories from an extraordinary life: sending audition tapes to Metallica and The Rolling Stones, helping transform wrestling entrances into major entertainment moments, building the Hulkamania phenomenon and ultimately rediscovering his Christian faith. Hogan also speaks candidly about the restlessness that followed him after leaving the ring, the personal battles fame couldn’t solve and the surrender that changed his outlook late in life. We’re revisiting this conversation as a special Try That in a Small Town REWIND—and as a tribute to an American original we were honored to call our guest. What is your favorite Hulk Hogan memory? Share it in the comments. Originally presented as Episode 51 of the Try That in a Small Town Podcast. Subscribe for honest conversations about music, culture, faith and the stories behind the people who shaped them. #HulkHogan #Hulkamania #WWE #TryThatInASmallTown #Podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the Patriot Mobile Studios powered by eSpaces, the Try That In A Small Town Podcast crew sits down for a raw, unfiltered hang. Tully, Kurt, Thrash, Kaylo and Neil talk about everything from health scares and terrible sleep to the emotional toll of chasing hits in a “failure business” and wondering if this podcast is actually any good. They celebrate Jason Aldean’s multi‑week No. 1 with “Try That In A Small Town,” shout out Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, and then pull back the curtain on how little songwriters and session players really make in the streaming era. They debate AI‑written songs, the madness of modern politics, bathroom etiquette, and why a fast‑food combo in a tiny Tennessee town now costs 14 dollars. If you’ve ever chased a creative dream, wondered why some shows blow up and others stall in “podcast purgatory,” or just love small‑town stories with a heavy dose of honesty and sarcasm, this one’s for you. And yes… they really want to know: are they good, or do they suck? Let them know in the comments. 2:36 Kratom, roadside naps, and realizing the “health food” was killing energy 4:12 Jason Aldean’s multi‑week No.1 and how fast country radio moves now 5:12 “This podcast needs a hit” – joking about number ones vs. struggling growth 6:01 Neil’s hospital scare, liquid diet, cutting alcohol, and finally sleeping great 9:42 Aldean’s charity golf with Luke Bryan – golf game, banter, and sobriety on the course 11:14 Original Glory and Patriot Mobile ads – small towns, veterans, and America‑first talk 13:32 “Are we good?” – the guys get raw about insecurity and podcast “purgatory” 15:12 Explaining “failure businesses” and why so many creatives give up 19:20 Shout‑outs to core listeners (Ed, Birdie Jane, Rhonda K) and plea to spread the word 20:28 Aldean/Jake Lagrone episode “spicy” comments and Jason’s loyalty line 22:24 Do more people listen than watch? Wondering if video is underused 23:11 John Rich’s new D.C. role fighting for farmers and property owners 24:28 DSA, abolish‑everything politics, and pride‑in‑America poll skepticism 26:44 “AI this podcast?” – joking about deepfake episodes vs. real frustration with AI songs 28:03 Using ChatGPT for health vs. AI‑written country songs in Nashville 31:01 CNBC calls Tennessee the worst state to live – the guys roast the list 31:34 Try That In A Small Town Coffee: Raised Up Right, Down The Road, Sucker Punch 32:20 Bus story: small‑town Tennessee truck stop and the $14 Whopper combo 34:25 Inflation vs. songwriters’ frozen pay and awful streaming royalties 38:00 460 dollars for 1M Spotify streams – breaking down how little writers see 40:09 More touring opportunities, but dreams of being a session ace are fading 42:33 Dipshitty It: Burger King cashier with zero greeting vs. Chick‑fil‑A standards 44:22 Forced small talk at Publix and backstage – fans’ curiosity vs. artists’ quiet time 49:38 Teacher fired for “He Is He / She Is She” books and free‑speech double standards 52:05 Neil’s bathroom Dipshitty: guys who don’t wash their hands at Cracker Barrel 54:49 “See, we’re funny – what’s going on?” Still wondering why the show isn’t bigger 55:00 WNBA All‑Star Game, Sophie Cunningham, and wanting her as a guest 56:29 Coffee plug redux – where to buy each roast and why the guys love it 57:14 Final push: like, subscribe, download, comment, and “do it for Tully” _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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. Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!! Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory. Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com 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. 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.

Jason Aldean and longtime tour manager Jake “Charlie” LaGrone join the Try That In A Small Town podcast for a no-filter look behind the curtain of one of country music’s biggest road operations. From kidney stone chaos and EMT horror stories, to high-stakes bus hockey, stolen putters, and firing disloyal crew, this episode is wall-to-wall backstage gold. Jake walks through his journey from Lori Morgan, Reba, Rascal Flatts, and Alan Jackson to running Jason Aldean’s 80-person touring machine with 11 semis and 6 buses. The guys talk loyalty, crew culture, why good bus and truck drivers are everything, and how one bad attitude can poison an entire tour. They also dig into touring during COVID, the fallout from “Try That In A Small Town,” AI in music, new artists skipping “club years,” and what true longevity really looks like in country music. You’ll hear: • Jake’s first-ever ambulance ride thanks to a vicious kidney stone • Why a 5mm stone had the whole camp on edge • The legendary Bahamas bus-hockey game that cost Jake a $640 Scotty Cameron putter • The New Zealand Maori tribe welcome that ended with Jason singing the Star-Spangled Banner and touching noses with the chief • Real talk on firing crew who bad-mouth the artist while riding his bus and eating his catering • How Jason’s camp builds “lifers” and keeps turnover insanely low • Why stadiums aren’t the money machines people think they are • The difference between viral success and being able to carry a 90-minute headlining show Perfect for fans of Jason Aldean, road stories, and anyone curious what it REALLY takes to keep a big-time country tour on the rails. Timed Highlights (YouTube Chapters / FB Reels Cues): 2:18 Meet Jake “Charlie” LaGrone, Jason Aldean’s tour manager 3:25 Jake’s resume: Lori Morgan, Reba, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson and more 4:13 Leaving Alan Jackson for Rascal Flatts and triple the money 4:39 Alan Jackson not taking the news well 4:47 “Down a putter and up a stone” – the night everything went sideways 5:00 Jake’s first-ever ambulance ride from a show 5:35 The 450-pound EMT and a long, painful ride to a small-town hospital 6:30 Computer crash, no CAT scan results, and Jake signs himself out 7:16 The pain hits: FaceTiming his granddaughter, then “twins breach” level agony 8:39 The diagnosis: a 5mm kidney stone and a long bus ride home 9:41 “You gotta have a pretty big Willie to pass that” – the guys pile on 10:59 Still hasn’t passed the stone… might need a “C-section” 11:18 Original Glory beer sponsor segment 11:44 Patriot Mobile sponsor segment (PatriotMobile.com/smalltown) 13:17 Why the tour can’t function without “Charlie” 15:11 Jason and the band admit: when Charlie’s down, everyone is lost 17:00 What a tour manager really does: the fireman who puts out problems without anyone knowing 17:42 80 people, 11 semis, 6 buses – Jake explains the operation 18:47 The crew “lifers” who’ve been there 15–20 years 19:57 Delivering bad news: losing songs, losing soundcheck, and weather delays 22:01 High-stakes bus hockey: how $25 games escalate to $200 a night 22:58 The Bahamas trip: tequila, fishing, golf, and late-night hockey 23:37 Jake’s $640 Scotty Cameron putter story 24:44 The all-or-nothing bet: $500 vs the $640 putter at 1 a.m. 26:05 Sudden-death OT: Jason’s “dirty” winning goal and the putter is gone 26:40 Claiming the putter off the golf bag at baggage claim in Nashville 27:22 Jason trolling Jake with couch photos and the “putter that never even posted” 28:02 Who’s the best bus hockey player? Trash talk erupts 29:22 “You will never own this putter again” – it’s in Jason’s will now 29:46 Jake buys the sister putter and trades tickets for a discount 29:53 Tully’s hurt feelings: Jake sending his ugly golf swing pic to Tucker 31:21 Tucker exposes his dad: “My dad sent me that picture of your swing” 31:53 Wrapping the Bahamas trip – great time, bad swing 32:18 Celebrating Jason’s 32nd No.1 and a rare second week at the top 32:45 How this No.1 climbed “organically” without a big radio push 33:09 Jason’s perspective: new album off to a hot start 33:54 Jake on the camaraderie of Jason’s camp and why this crew is unique 34:52 Why watching fans clap, dance, and smile keeps Jake going 35:36 The “lifer” crew – Snapper, stage managers, merch guys, techs and more 36:33 Jason explains why he hates seeing new faces and loves his long-time crew 37:15 Adding front-of-house engineer Chris Leonard – the missing piece 38:32 The NASCAR pit crew of country tours – fixing gear mid-show 39:12 Why each show must feel like someone’s first and only Jason Aldean concert 40:11 Low turnover starts at the top – how Jason and the band lead 41:04 The four-piece beginnings and building the team over 20+ years 42:11 Why the show doesn’t happen if the crew decides to take a day off 42:39 Tear-down in 50 minutes: 11 trucks loaded and gone 43:05 Jake shares a “difficult artist” story in D.C. over White House access 44:31 Firing versus fighting for people – when Jason saves a crew member 48:14 Jake’s loyalty and HR role: one team, respectful, politics off the clock 49:04 Keeping promoters and venues happy so you’re always invited back 50:24 Bus and truck drivers: the most important people on tour 51:00 If you get fired as a driver out here, you really did something 51:45 COVID, masks, and extremism bleeding into the crew culture 56:22 “Try That In A Small Town” backlash and crew disrespect – lines get crossed 57:29 Bad-mouthing the artist while on his bus? “You gotta go.” 58:17 How a few bad seeds can poison an entire tour’s culture 59:09 Jake’s reset meeting: respect, no agendas, one team or you’re out 1:00:44 The toll of road life, kids, and missing milestones 1:01:17 Why this business isn’t for “ordinary citizens” 1:02:23 Jason on touring: travel is the real grind, not just the 90 minutes on stage 1:04:13 New Zealand Maori tribe story – intense welcome ceremony 1:05:12 Choosing the Star-Spangled Banner as their “answer song” 1:07:37 Nose-touching with the chief – sealing the deal 1:08:27 The most awkward moment Jason, Tully, and the guys have ever shared 1:10:02 Proof you never really “see it all” on the road 1:11:01 Jason feels more settled than ever and still cutting some of his best music 1:13:16 Letting go of chasing industry awards and leaning into longevity 1:14:45 Why Jason values 21 years of career over a stack of trophies 1:17:08 How grinding through club years shaped the band and the show 1:19:29 The danger of young, viral acts skipping clubs straight to big tours 1:22:26 Knowing when NOT to headline yet – Jason’s Brooks & Dunn detour 1:23:48 Artists with only 1–2 songs trying to carry 90-minute sets 1:24:49 The streaming mirage: background noise vs real connection 1:25:39 Physical concerts vs AI and virtual “acts” 1:27:14 CMAs’ “human creators only” AI disclaimer 1:27:50 DJ-only arena shows and what’s coming next 1:28:47 Dip S****y of the Week segment begins 1:29:09 Parking garage etiquette rant – stay on your side 1:30:15 Children’s toy box cutter – why is this even made? 1:32:15 “My current wife” – Neil roasts himself on a podcast slip-up 1:34:17 Jason’s public dipshitty: fans yelling “Aldean!” in grocery stores 1:36:15 Left-lane campers and bad drivers – Jake’s road rage 1:38:15 Bus “serial peer” mystery and bathroom etiquette 1:40:08 Kurt vs chatty cashiers and waiters who don’t write orders down 1:43:30 Ducking familiar voices backstage – social overload 1:45:09 Neil’s birthday surprise and gifts for the crew 1:46:10 Turkey call plugs and Peacemaker “Try That In A Small Town” coffee 1:47:15 Closing: thanks to Jason Aldean and Jake LaGrone, merch, and where to find more ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 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. Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!! Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory. Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com 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. 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.

In this episode of the Try That In A Small Town podcast, the guys sit down with hitmaker George Birge to unpack his long road to “overnight success” in Nashville. George talks about grinding for a decade before his first number one, the moment Luke Bryan said “Play that m**********r” about his song, and how TikTok flipped his career with Beer Beer Truck Truck. He shares how Clay Walker pushed him back into being an artist, how a Bobby Bones performance turned Mind On You into a life-changing hit, and why Jason Aldean giving that song back was a defining act of class. Along the way you’ll hear wild road stories with SEAL Team Six and Post Malone, getting wrecked by Gary Allan’s weed, the art of building a live set, and how country music’s community creates careers that last decades. They close it out with golf at Augusta, Idiots of the Week, HVAC disasters, fan etiquette and plenty of laughs. Timed Highlights: 0:03:12 – Four number ones in a row, why Nashville is a “10-year town” and how hard it really is to break 0:04:35 – Building relationships with radio and listeners, and the pressure of chasing every hit 0:05:04 – Luke Bryan mentor story, Chesney’s jet and the “Play that m**********r” cowboy song moment 0:07:40 – Why country music is a “big happy family” and how fan relationships create 20–40 year careers 0:08:53 – Shouting out Kurt and Tully on a surprise Jason Aldean number one and how labels plan chart runs 0:10:00 – Original Glory beer spot and investing in America’s small towns 0:11:14 – The magic and misery of the grind: why it’s good that success doesn’t come easy 0:12:20 – First number one, confidence, and how belief changes the way you write and perform 0:13:20 – Mike Eli’s tough-love advice: “You just need to go get your ass kicked” 0:15:30 – Sprinter van nightmare in Kentucky, the meth’d-out “mechanic” and character-building on the road 0:17:49 – Moving from one recognizable song to multiple hits and the freedom of building a real setlist 0:18:38 – Covers as a “cheat code,” winning crowds in clubs and finding the sweet spot with 90s country medleys 0:20:19 – Club days: Dwight Yoakam medleys, Sweet Child O’ Mine into Paradise City, and stretching 90 minutes 0:22:40 – Teaching an audience how to listen to your ballad and earning the right to play the slow songs 0:25:26 – Lessons from touring with Toby Keith: zero ego, human jukebox and knowing when to turn it into a honky-tonk cover set 0:28:19 – Tailgating with Toby Keith, SEAL Team Six and Post Malone on the bus in Virginia Beach 0:29:48 – Post Malone’s country roots, respect for the genre and doing it the right way 0:30:09 – Pivoting to “just” being a songwriter, asking out of the duo deal and heading to Clay Walker’s beach house 0:33:33 – Writing Clay Walker’s We All Need A Bar Sometimes and Catching Up With An Old Memory and hearing the band’s take from the studio side 0:36:35 – Refusing to quit, irrational optimism and how things fall into place when you keep showing up 0:37:38 – Clay Walker says “Get on TikTok” and the birth of Beer Beer Truck Truck from a country-music hater’s video 0:39:41 – Going viral overnight, crediting the original TikTok creator and landing on The Bobby Bones Show 0:39:47 – Playing Mind On You live on Bobby Bones, getting a record deal and watching it go number one 0:41:03 – Jason Aldean had Mind On You on hold – and gave it back so George could release it as his debut single 0:45:08 – George’s Mount Rushmore: Aldean, Gary Allan, George Strait and Tracy Lawrence, and how that shaped his sound 0:46:47 – First-hand weed disasters: Gary Allan’s tackle box, the volcano, numb legs and the best pineapple ever 0:52:23 – Willie’s Remedy, tequila pairings and trying to “just sleep” through a THC drink gone wrong 0:54:08 – Tequila on the road, giving up whiskey in the summer and survival strategies under 100-degree stage lights 0:55:16 – Golf talk: college golf background, shooting 75 at Augusta and winning the BMW Celebrity Pro-Am 0:57:31 – John Daly, a 27-minute Knocking on Heaven’s Door and golf-country crossovers 0:58:08 – Weekly segment: Idiots of the Week – ducks on dashboards and Jeep duck culture 0:59:35 – People touching injured shoulders, hugging the sling side and unintentional pain 1:01:16 – HVAC conspiracy: the AC “just happens” to die right after the service check and buying a new unit 1:06:42 – Language rant: the word “literally,” dictionaries caving and when words stop meaning what they mean 1:08:37 – Fan behavior: phones in faces, reading the screen mid-song and completely losing the lyrics 1:10:19 – Fist bumps, picks, Sharpies mid-solo and why some fans think they’re on stage with you 1:12:00 – World Cup tangent, flops, drama and sports rants 1:13:40 – Peacemaker Coffee plug and sending George beans for the bus 1:14:23 – The hosts on why George is great for country music, closing thanks and merch reminders ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 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. Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!! Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory. Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com 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. 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.