Advertise on podcast: That Nashville Girl

The hats are fabulous. The woman behind them has a story. Tara Statham of Get Lit Nashville joins Amanda Adams and returning favorite Ava Paige on That Nashville Girl Show for a conversation that goes from rebuilding after divorce to a surprise hat reveal—with plenty of hustle and personality in between. After years spent raising her kids, Tara found herself starting over without an income or alimony. She began making hand-stamped jewelry at her kitchen table, turning words of affirmation into something she could sell and a creative spark into a business she could build. She shares how that beginning grew into Get Lit Nashville, why she’s never been afraid to change direction, and how she keeps loving her craft when it’s also her livelihood. Of course, we couldn’t have Tara on without getting into some hats. She surprises Amanda and Ava with custom creations that capture their personalities perfectly—and Amanda’s “I don’t wear hats” stance gets a very pink challenge. There’s also a little vintage shopping talk, Ava’s ambitious attempt to travel overseas with multiple hats, and a whole lot of love for the creative women making their mark on Nashville. Follow @get.lit.nashville and @avapaigemusic on Instagram, and watch the full episode on YouTube for the hat reveals! Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

It starts with a song. Then suddenly, you’re trading friendship bracelets with strangers who understand you, planning your life around a concert, and making memories you’ll talk about forever. What is it about Taylor Swift that turns being a fan into finding your people? Olivia Levin knows that feeling well. The creator behind Swifties for Eternity and author of The Story of Us joins Amanda Adams on That Nashville Girl Show to share how a Tumblr fan account became a life-changing adventure, including an invitation to a Taylor Swift secret session. From catching Taylor’s attention to helping real fans find Eras Tour tickets, Olivia has experienced the fandom from a perspective most Swifties only dream about. She takes us inside those unforgettable moments, the work behind her book, and the friendships that make this community about so much more than the person onstage. Of course, there’s plenty to discuss: The Life of a Showgirl, the encore, her hopes for Taylor’s Version of Debut, and what she thinks Taylor might do next. Olivia also shares why loving something this much is worth celebrating out loud. Whether you’ve been here since Debut or found your people during the Eras Tour, this one is for the group chat that never stops, the songs that got you through, and the friends who know exactly why it all matters. Follow That Nashville Girl Show for more conversations with the people behind the stories, and send this episode to the Swiftie who’s been there making memories with you. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Before you started wondering if you were behind, there was a little girl who would have been amazed by how far you’ve come. Melanie Dyer wrote a song for her. And when Amanda heard “If She Only Knew” at Nashville’s Listening Room, she cried so hard she couldn’t even introduce herself to the woman who wrote it. The Australian country artist joins That Nashville Girl for a conversation about the dreams we grow up with and what it takes to keep choosing them. Melanie started writing songs at 12 on her family’s farm. Years of flights between Australia and Nashville eventually became a move across the world, with the people she loves on one side and the life she wanted to build on the other. Her album Daisies From Dirt puts those feelings into words: growing at your own pace, remembering who helped you get here and giving yourself credit for still going. She shares the story behind “If She Only Knew,” the hometown performance that left her mom crying, and why a room full of women with guitars should probably come with a warning. There’s also a stadium anthem scare, a possible Cody Johnson song pitch and a desert island survival plan that prioritizes a banana chai latte. Naturally. Send this one to the friend who needs to see herself the way you see her. Then listen to Daisies From Dirt and follow That Nashville Girl for more stories behind the music. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

David Hawkins makes a living helping other people chase their dreams. He knows what it takes because he’s rebuilt his own. Usually, the My PR Lab owner is behind the camera, making sure someone else is ready for their moment. This time, Amanda gets him in the hot seat—and the conversation goes well beyond publicity. David opens up about taking a chance on Nashville, starting over when his carefully made plans unraveled, and building a business that reflects what matters to him: good people, meaningful work, and showing up. He’s candid about the hard parts, but just as passionate about what came next. Including a psychic’s prediction that Amanda absolutely needs to revisit. Then we get into the questions anyone chasing a creative career has probably asked: Who can I trust? Where should I put my money? Do I need a publicist? And how do I get people to care about something I’ve poured so much of myself into? David shares what makes a great pitch, why the right fit matters more than a signed client, and how he’s built a roster of artists who actually cheer each other on. There’s also the reason his clients don’t walk into interviews alone—and why giving back is part of the job. Of course, Amanda finds a way to bring up John Mayer. Melanie Dyer leaves a question that brings out David’s love for Patsy Cline. And the friend who shows up with lunch gets a little of the spotlight he’s usually helping someone else step into. Send this one to the person whose dream you believe in. Especially if they could use a reminder. Follow That Nashville Girl wherever you listen so you don’t miss the next episode. Connect with David Michael Hawkins on Instagram and follow @mypr_lab. Follow @thatnashvillegirlshow & @askamandaadams on social media for more! Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Simon Cowell hit the golden buzzer. The confetti fell. But Jack & Tim had chosen to leave the most personal part of their story off television. Their original song, “The Lucky Ones,” began with two devastating losses in their family. It was something a dad and his young son wrote for themselves—until 11-year-old Jack decided they were taking it to Britain’s Got Talent. Dad’s participation was apparently nonnegotiable. More than 400 million views later, Jack & Tim sit down with That Nashville Girl to talk about the people behind that song, the strangers it brought back together, and everything that happened after the confetti settled. And there is a LOT to catch up on. A childhood spent playing guitar in London’s West End. Parents buying tickets night after night until the dream was costing everyone a fortune. A move to Nashville, an “Einstein visa,” and a promise to one day have Chris Stapleton’s mixer, Vance Powell, work on their record. They made that last one happen. Now there’s “Dive Bar,” “615,” the McCrary Sisters, and a contribution from The Outsiders’ C. Thomas Howell recorded on his iPhone. There are also migrating British accents, a growing appreciation for “y’all,” and a question from Southern Charm’s Whitner Slagsvol that no amount of media training could prepare them for. They’re father and son, best friends, and very good at giving each other a hard time. You’ll understand pretty quickly why they wanted to do all of this together. Follow That Nashville Girl wherever you listen, and share this episode with the person you’d want beside you for your own golden buzzer moment. Follow Jack & Tim: @jackandtimofficial Follow @thatnashvillegirlshow & @askamandaadams on social media for more! Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Some words stay with you. For Macy Dot, a few of those words came from Dolly Parton. After receiving the BMI Foundation’s 2023 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award, Macy received a message of encouragement from Dolly that she still reads when she’s feeling uninspired. In this episode of That Nashville Girl, she shares what that message means—and why being encouraged to keep writing can matter just as much as being recognized for something you’ve already written. But don’t let the sweet introduction fool you. This Texas girl also gave us “Hot Mess” and “Cowboy Wanted,” and there’s plenty of personality behind those titles. Amanda and Macy talk about the Chris Stapleton cover that brought them together, Deana Carter sharing Macy’s version of “Strawberry Wine,” and learning from the same guitar teacher as Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. From childhood songs written after bedtime to studying songwriting at Belmont, Macy shares how she’s finding her voice in a town where talent is everywhere. Then Rodney Atkins sends in a question about her dad, and the tissues become necessary. Macy opens up about her adoption, a deeply personal song for her parents, and the father-daughter journal they’ve shared since she was a little girl. Her dad’s wisdom is equal parts faith, determination, and practical advice involving a donut. It’s hard to imagine a better combination. Dolly’s encouragement brought you here. Macy’s heart, humor, and a little Texas sass will make you glad you stayed. Listen to Macy Dot’s “Hot Mess,” “Texas Tennessee,” and “Cowboy Wanted.” Follow @thatnashvillegirlshow @thatnashvillegirl & @askamandaadams on social media for more! Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Most artists arrive in Nashville with a guitar and a dream. AJ Kross also arrived with a cougar story—and a very good reason to keep an eye on the gas gauge. Now, 15 years later, the country singer-songwriter is heading into a new chapter with “God Made a Small Town,” an upcoming album, and a tour bus that deserves its own introduction. AJ joins That Nashville Girl with the stories, humor, and heart that make you want to see someone win. He takes us from growing up on the road with his parents’ gospel duo to Bluebird Cafe open mics and years of Friday and Saturday nights at Ole Red. Those four-hour Broadway sets? They taught him a few things about holding a crowd—and earning the moment he’s stepping into now. But the conversation’s biggest moment comes when AJ explains what changed after he finally told God, “I’m done.” After years of putting pressure on himself to do more and be better, he handed over the weight of trying to make it all happen. The dream was still there. He just stopped insisting he had to figure out every piece of it himself. Between a cowboy tattoo his dad did not get nearly excited enough about, a teenage metal-band phase, and the Nevada roadside encounter that almost made this a very different story, AJ brings plenty of reasons to laugh. He also shares a piece of advice about asking God to fill your cup that might make you realize you’ve been holding out a very small one. And with “God Made a Small Town,” he gives you something to listen to long after this conversation ends. Amanda’s already calling it a future No. 1. Get to know the guy she’s cheering for. Listen to AJ Kross’s “God Made a Small Town,” and subscribe to the That Nashville Girl newsletter for the link to his performance. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

What do you do when Dolly Parton picks you for 9 to 5, but Wicked calls too? Rachel Potter shares why she chose the chance to understudy Glinda—and how that decision became part of her path to Broadway. From performing at Disney to playing Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Rachel opens up about auditions, rejection, reality television, and the tough feedback that helped her grow. She also shares the personal side of her story: losing her brother, becoming a mother of three, building a real estate career, and realizing at 40 that she wasn’t finished with the stage. We talk about her Broadway album Stages, returning to musical theater as Elsa in Frozen, and what it means to pursue a dream that fits the life you have now. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Bella Rose is bringing pop star energy to Nashville—and her album “Hot Girl Therapy” is the soundtrack. Bella joins me on That Nashville Girl to talk country sass, rock influences, and making music that helps you feel like that girl. We talk about releasing a full 14-song album, her favorite track “Ride the High,” and why writing with Julia Michaels would be a dream. She also shares the story of moving to Nashville at 17 with her band in February 2020. With shows canceled and nowhere to play, they turned their shared apartment into a place to write, record, and keep creating. And because this is our kind of girl talk, we get into Desperate Housewives, questionable hair decisions, and the hairstylist who helped connect us. Plus, Bella answers a previous guest’s question about what goes into warming up her voice before a show. Listen to “Hot Girl Therapy” wherever you stream music and follow Bella on Instagram at @bellarosebeyer. Heads-up: This episode includes Desperate Housewives spoilers. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Everybody wants to believe they’d speak up. It gets harder when it means making the room uncomfortable. Brotherhood stars Mauricio Martínez and Casey Elliott and writer-director Ross Boothe join Amanda on That Nashville Girl Show for a conversation that gets emotional quickly—and gives everyone something to sit with. Their new movie, Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, tells the story of two neighbors and their families finding friendship across cultural differences. But the question at the heart of this episode reaches far beyond the screen: what does it mean to love your neighbor when it actually requires something of you? Ross shares how the Mexican immigrant families who welcomed him as a young man helped inspire a film he felt compelled to make. Mauricio opens up about the role that came into his life after profound loss and his fifth experience with cancer, and the responsibility of bringing his culture to the screen with dignity. Casey reflects on a scene about a child’s silence that challenges the adults watching just as much as the characters living it. Together, they talk about immigration, the fear of saying the wrong thing, raising kids who stand up for others, and the small gestures that help someone feel seen. There are tears, plenty of warmth, and even a casting offer that sounded a little too good to be true. For anyone who’s ever thought, “I want to help, but I don’t know what to say,” this conversation is a place to start. Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical opens in theaters October 9, 2026. Find theaters and showtimes at https://www.brotherhoodmovie.com/. Follow @thatnashvillegirlshow & @askamandaadams on social media for more! Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Your Stars Hollow besties have saved you a seat. Gage Briney and I are in our pajamas with Luke’s mugs, fall decorations, and enough opinions to require a town meeting. The viral TikTok creator joins me on That Nashville Girl for coffee and a completely unfiltered catch-up. We’re talking Gilmore Girls, his famous sauvignon blanc videos, and Sarah Jessica Parker sending him wine. Yes, that Sarah Jessica Parker. We’re handling it very calmly. Obviously. We defend Logan, debate Rory’s other choices, and discover that our own dating judgment might not be much better. There’s a Lorelai Halloween costume, an Emily Gilmore appreciation session, and a shared “I can fix him” problem that neither of us has earned the qualifications to solve. Between the laughs, Gage shares the story behind his love of entertaining, his Today Show moment, and the dreams he’s still chasing. He also opens up about growing up gay in Arkansas, surviving bullying and violence, and finding the confidence to live openly—with his dad cheering him on. Plus, Bella Rose sends in a Gilmore Girls question that threatens the peace of our entire imaginary town. Pour your coffee and settle in. We have a lot to discuss. This episode includes Gilmore Girls spoilers, explicit language, and a discussion of hate crimes. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Give Carrie Brockwell a dream writing session and an opening slot on anyone’s tour, and she doesn’t need a second to think: Ashley McBryde. Carrie joins me on That Nashville Girl, and we spend some time loving on Ashley’s music—from “Bible and a .44” to “What If We Don’t”—and the kind of storytelling that makes an entire room stop and listen. Naturally, we decide somebody needs to make this collaboration happen. We also get into Carrie’s own story: auditioning for American Idol at 15, earning three yeses from Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, and finding her direction as an artist after Hollywood Week. Now a Belmont University student, she’s balancing classes, shows, and songwriting while building her life in Nashville. Carrie shares the heart behind her debut album “That’s Real,” her connection to Chester, Virginia, and why she wanted to record “Sweet Virginia Breeze.” We talk about overthinking, imposter syndrome, and learning to trust the people who believe in you. A thoughtful question from previous guest Riley Roth brings it all back to the beginning: What would you tell the version of yourself who first fell in love with music? Listen to Carrie Brockwell’s “That’s Real,” including “Nobody’s Perfect,” wherever you stream music. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Harper Grace grew up dancing in Texas honky-tonks—and genuinely thought that was what “knockin' boots” meant. Her mama had to clear that up. The country singer-songwriter joins me for a funny, heartfelt conversation about “Underneath the Harvest Moon,” her “disco cowgirl” sound, and finding her way back to the music and style that feel most like her. We talk about the five-year wait to release “Underneath the Harvest Moon,” the secret recording of her nana that became part of “Tennessee Waltz,” and the classic country artists who shaped her childhood. Harper also shares how a literal detour around Curb Records became a meaningful part of her faith and career journey. From people-pleasing and closed doors to vintage fashion and learning to trust her own instincts, Harper opens up about what it takes to keep believing in a dream. Plus, we blind-rank classic songs and get into her dad’s advice on life, faith, and choosing someone who isn’t afraid to look silly to make you happy. Listen to Harper Grace’s “Underneath the Harvest Moon,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “If Daddy Says No” wherever you stream music. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Twenty years after “If You’re Going Through Hell” became Rodney Atkins’ first No. 1, the message remains as powerful as ever: when life gets hard, keep on going. Rodney joins That Nashville Girl to celebrate the anniversary of a country anthem, revisit the Nashville stories behind his remarkable career and talk about why he is still moving forward with new music, more shows and no plans to slow down. His first day on Music Row sounds almost too good to be true. Garth Brooks nearly ran him over in a pickup truck—and moments later, Merle Haggard opened the door for him and told him to remember that “the Hag” had opened his first door in Nashville. But the road to a No. 1 song took years. Rodney shares why multiple record labels wanted him to change his name because of Rhett Akins and Trace Adkins, and why being adopted made keeping the Atkins name nonnegotiable. Curb Records respected that decision, gave him time to find his voice and has remained his label for 30 years. Rodney also looks back on the songs that defined an unforgettable era of country music, including “Watching You,” “Take a Back Road,” “These Are My People” and “Cleanin’ This Gun.” He explains why those songs continue to connect, how “Watching You” has become a generational anthem and why hearing parents share it with their own children means so much. The conversation travels from opening for George Jones and Martina McBride to touring with Brad Paisley and a young Taylor Swift, recording the If You’re Going Through Hell album from a pantry in rural Tennessee and building a career around “life songs” instead of whatever Nashville said he was supposed to sing. Now, Rodney is introducing a new chapter with True South and “The Years Are Short” while continuing to make real country music designed to last. He also shares his best advice for new artists: find your own voice, refuse to chase every trend and create songs worthy of a full show—not just a viral moment. Plus, Rodney opens up about his marriage to singer-songwriter Rose Falcon, the promise that keeps them strong and why they have chosen to always “fall together.” It has been 20 years since his first #1 but Rodney Atkins is still as relevant today as he was in 2006. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!

Izzy Mahoubi calls Dolly Parton a punk rock icon—and once you hear her reasoning, you might agree. The Arizona-raised, Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitarist joins me to talk about being kind, knowing your worth, and refusing to let someone else define you. That includes the music industry professional who asked her to choose a “stage age” when she was only 21. We get into Izzy’s viral Southwest-inspired cover of Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name,” including the self-doubt she was feeling the day she filmed it. She also shares the story behind her original song “Hound of the Strays,” written with Jaid Joice and Laela Dasher, and how The Lord of the Rings inspired their take on feeling lost in your 20s. Along the way, we talk about women playing guitar, Stevie Nicks, and the Brandi Carlile songs that helped shape Izzy’s life. There’s also an unexpected alternate career choice—and an honest conversation about making music for the love of it, whether anyone’s watching or not. Listen to Izzy Mahoubi’s “Hound of the Strays” wherever you stream music. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you never miss a minute!