On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, Johnny Free and Andrew “Sully” Sullivan sit down with Kevin Thomas — rising outlaw country artist from Kentucky — joined by John and John II McLemore, founders of Masterbuilt Grills and The McLemore Boys.What follows is a powerful, southern-rooted conversation about faith, family, grit, and redemption. Kevin opens up about his journey from heartbreak and addiction to rebuilding his life through music, while the McLemores share lessons from building a national brand on the same principles of hard work, humility, and belief.From quitting a government job to chase music, to serving veterans and feeding communities, this episode blends music, entrepreneurship, and faith into one unforgettable conversation.🔥 Best Moments:(00:04:00) The grandmother’s gift that started Kevin’s journey.(00:06:00) Heartbreak, addiction & the road to redemption.(00:09:00) The open mic that changed everything.(00:10:00) Leaving a government job to chase music.(00:13:00) Building a movement, not just a fanbase.(00:17:00) Kevin’s bond with The McLemore Boys.(00:23:00) Faith, family, and food — why purpose fuels both paths.(00:29:00) Going viral: 250,000 followers in six months.(00:35:00) How to treat music like a business.(00:45:00) “Stay small enough long enough to be big enough soon enough.”(00:55:00) “Don’t Tread on Me” — live acoustic performance.If you love stories of redemption, faith, and the southern hustle — this one’s for you.💬 Drop a comment, hit ❤️ LIKE, and 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.👉 Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com🎶 Follow Kevin Thomas: https://kevinthomasofficial.com🔥 Follow The McLemore Boys: https://www.themclemoreboys.com

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, hosts Andrew “Sully” Sullivan and Johnny Free sit down with Bill Phillips — retired Navy Pilot and founder of the Keep F*ing Going Project (CFG)**, a nonprofit supporting cancer survivors, caregivers, and veterans through coaching and community.Bill shares his incredible story — from growing up on the Jersey Shore to flying F-18s for the U.S. Navy, and how a cancer diagnosis changed his life’s mission. He opens up about surviving stage 3 colorectal cancer, finding strength through service, and turning adversity into purpose.You’ll also hear wild stories about Enterprise Rent-A-Car days, jumping rental cars off ramps, life in the cockpit, and the brotherhood that led both Bill and Sully from the corporate grind to the military.🎯 Best Moments:(01:10) Growing up on the Jersey Shore and moving to Maryland.(03:40) Enterprise Rent-A-Car chaos and meeting Sully.(07:00) 9/11 and joining the Navy the next day.(12:10) Flying F-18s and life aboard the carrier.(20:15) Overcoming cancer and starting the CFG Project.(33:00) Mindset, resilience, and rebuilding life after diagnosis.(40:20) Supporting veterans, caregivers, and survivors.(45:30) How to get involved and help the mission.🔥 If you believe in resilience, purpose, and real stories of transformation, this episode is for you.Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.👉 Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com👉 Learn more or donate at https://Kfgproject.org

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, Johnny Free sits down with Logan Crosby — Georgia-born country artist and breakout star from Claim to Fame — for Part Two of their conversation, recorded on tour at Wild Wing Café in Macon, Georgia.Logan opens up about life on the road, performing in his hometown, and what it means to see his dreams come full circle. He talks about how Claim to Fame changed his career, how Megan Moroney took a chance on him, and the lessons learned from nonstop touring, songwriting, and staying grounded.The two share hilarious stories about Nantucket nights, missed flights, and gas station hot dogs, plus some deep moments about family, faith, and finding balance in the chaos of the music industry. Logan also reveals his new podcast, Nobody Asked for This, and hints at what’s next for 2026.Best Moments:(00:40) Playing hometown shows in Georgia.(01:50) Touring with Priscilla Block, Megan Moroney & more.(03:00) How Claim to Fame changed his life.(04:45) From Athens to Nashville — chasing the dream.(07:10) Nantucket adventures & flying private (almost).(09:00) Falling off the tour bus in Massachusetts.(10:30) New music and plans for 2026.(11:00) Gas station hot dogs & road trip food.(12:10) Launching the podcast Nobody Asked for This.(13:50) True crime talk & working in a funeral home.(18:50) Coming home to Macon — a full-circle moment.🔥 If you love country music, road stories, and raw conversations from the heart of the South, this one’s for you. Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, host Johnny Free, together with John Rocker, sit down with Logan Crosby — rising country star, songwriter, and Georgia native — for a raw conversation about chasing stardom, southern roots, and the unexpected twists along the way.

Logan opens up about walking away from law school to pursue music, growing up surrounded by Georgia’s legendary music scene, and finding his place in Nashville. He shares stories about his father — a cop turned CSI who now teaches at the world-famous Body Farm in Tennessee — along with some eerie forensic details.From sneaking into cemeteries as a kid, to touring with Megan Moroney, to lessons from Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers, Logan’s story blends small-town grit with big-time dreams.Best Moments:(01:00) Why Logan gave up law school for songwriting.(03:40) Lessons from his father, a cop turned CSI.(05:20) Creepy details from the Body Farm.(08:10) Growing up in Milledgeville & Macon’s haunted history.(12:00) Soccer dreams vs. music destiny.(13:30) The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding & Georgia’s music roots.(18:45) Why some songs explode when others don’t.(23:00) Touring with Megan Moroney & Nashville lessons.(27:00) Athens’ growing country music scene.(30:00) Closing with Freebird, baseball, and what’s next for Logan.🔥 If you love southern stories, country grit, and chasing dreams against the odds, don’t miss this one. Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com

Welcome back to the 25/8 Podcast, where we go 25 hours a day, 8 days a week. In this episode, Keith Kilgore and Johnny Free sit down with the rising country-rock powerhouse duo The Huser Brothers Band, straight out of Waco, Texas.From late-night honky tonks to headlining Billy Bob’s Texas, the Huser Brothers talk candidly about the grind of life on the road, making music in the age of TikTok, and how they went from dirt-track racing to rocking stages across the country. They share real stories of barroom brawls, hot stages in Florida, sleeping in vans, getting chased by fans (and crackheads in Denver), and the hustle of building a brand, one city at a time.🎸 Best Moments Include:(01:00) Why singles rule in 2025 — and how fast the music industry is moving.(04:43) Playing Texas shows with no driver, no bus — just pure grind.(10:35) The truth about Billy Bob’s gig: "Did they send that offer to the right band?!"(14:32) Their R&B-meets-country single “Lay You Down” and evolving sound.(29:00) A cracked-out blanket thief in Denver and other wild road stories.(36:00) First-ever live performance on the 25/8 Podcast!🔥 Topics Covered:Touring with Mike Ryan, Giovannie & the Hired Guns, and more.Music industry real talk: why TikTok helps (and hurts) artists.Booking nightmares, merch strategy, and what’s in their cooler on tour.How they built their brand (including the infamous nipple shirt 😂).Shoutouts to Waco's Backyard venue, Cameron's custom hats, and the power of hometown support.💥 If you love Texas country, independent music, real road stories, and brothers who put in the work, this episode is must-watch.👉 LIKE this video, COMMENT your favorite quote or story, and SUBSCRIBE to stay on the road with us — new episodes every week!🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.🛒 Merch, tour dates & more at: https://www.258podcast.com📲 Follow the Huser Brothers: @HuserBrothers on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, hosts Keith Kilgore and Johnny Free sit down with Josh Alfonso, former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Strategic Advisory Group.Josh opens up about his journey from growing up in rural India to becoming a Blackhawk mechanic, training as a fighter pilot, and serving at the NSA. He shares how his path crossed with CIA veterans, why he left the military to co-create a bespoke security firm, and the hidden threats most people ignore until it’s too late. From cyberattacks and sim-swaps to fentanyl and personal resilience, this episode dives deep into the modern battlefield no one sees.Best Moments:(01:32) From India to America — Josh’s unlikely journey.(03:27) The dream of being a fighter pilot and the pivot to intelligence.(12:17) Creating Strategic Advisory Group with a former CIA officer.(18:10) Training CEOs and families to survive kidnapping threats.(22:00) Sim swaps, data theft, and why cyber is today’s #1 danger.(34:00) Fentanyl, global threats, and the hidden “gray zone” war.(43:08) Mental health, overthinking, and life after service.(52:15) Why calling a friend can literally save a life.(56:30) Josh’s music taste, concerts, and Chick-fil-A secrets.🔥 If you care about cybersecurity, resilience, and real stories from behind the wire, this episode is for you. Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.⁠Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, hosts Keith Kilgore and Johnny Free sit down with Brad Banyas, entrepreneur, music advocate, and co-founder of Band Groupeez and Salty TMF.Brad shares his journey from growing up surrounded by classic rock and blues, to building platforms that empower independent artists, venues, and fans. He opens up about discovering hidden local talent, the struggles artists face without strong industry backing, and how Band Groupeez is changing the way live music connects communities.Best Moments:(01:15) Brad’s musical roots: Zeppelin, B.B. King & more.(10:02) Discovering Hush Money and the spark for Band Groupeez.(15:04) Why supporting artists feels like backing entrepreneurs.(23:16) How the platform helps fans actually find live shows.(40:42) Salty TMF — honoring gritty, independent people.(45:28) The power of chance encounters and five-minute life lessons.(52:20) Closing thoughts on music, hustle, and community.🔥 If you believe in real stories, live music, and supporting independent creators, this episode is for you.Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, entrepreneurs, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.⁠Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com/

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, hosts Keith Kilgore and Johnny Free go live from the legendary Georgia Theater in Athens with two special guests: Tennessee Jet (TJ) — rebel songwriter and one of the most unique voices in country and Americana — and Justin Hatcher, longtime MLB bullpen catcher and coach.From honky tonk nights and writing with Cody Jinks, to catching Trevor Hoffman under the pressure of “Hell’s Bells,” this conversation swings between music and baseball with raw honesty, laughs, and unforgettable stories.Best Moments:(05:24) Justin on men’s leagues, pitching for fun, and locker room life.(12:00) TJ on rebuilding his studio and living with a menagerie of animals.(31:54) Catching Trevor Hoffman as the stadium shook with AC/DC.(38:57) The story behind TJ’s song What You Love.(41:06) Writing The Only High and tackling addiction through music.(49:15) The infamous MLB plane ride that got out of hand.(50:59) TJ’s playful “Hulk Hogan Song” and why requests can be a curse.(53:29) Learning to live with songs you’ll always be asked to play.🔥 Love real stories, rebel music, and inside-the-dugout tales? This episode is for you.Hit LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement — where legends, athletes, and storytellers share life lessons 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.⁠Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com/

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, Johnny Free is joined by his son Mason Free (filling in for Keith) to sit down with retired Navy SEAL Andrew “Sully” Sullivan. From his time serving overseas to founding the Community First Project, Sully shares his mission to bring life-saving training to police officers and communities across America.We dive into his experiences training law enforcement, the reality of school safety, the importance of situational awareness, and why supporting our officers through proper preparation is critical. Along the way, Mason opens up about his own experiences as a student during school lockdowns, while Sully and Johnny bring perspective as fathers on keeping kids safe.And of course—it wouldn’t be the 25/8 Podcast without some fun: hog hunting from helicopters, bucket list adventures, Chick-fil-A orders, and even Mason getting put on the spot about his girlfriend. This is a powerful, real, and entertaining conversation you won’t want to miss.Best Moments:(01:10) Sully on starting Community First Project after retiring as a Navy SEAL(02:40) Mason recalls the fear of a real school lockdown(07:12) Why SROs and teachers need better training & awareness(10:05) Donor support making a direct impact in local communities(18:00) When to run, when to fight back, and how kids can be prepared(22:15) Hog hunting from a helicopter & Mason’s sharp shooting story(27:10) Bucket lists: sharks, helicopters, Alaska, and Montana dreams🔥 Love real stories and authentic conversations?Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️ with your thoughts, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement.We’ve got inspiring guests, laughs, and life lessons coming your way every week.Be part of the journey.👉 Support Sully’s mission: https://c1p.org👉 Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com

On this episode of the 25/8 Podcast, Keith Kilgore and Johnny Free sit down with rising country music star Alli Walker. From growing up on Prince Edward Island to chasing her dream in Nashville, Alli shares her incredible journey: bagpipes, Taylor Swift inspiration, the viral catfish beer chug, and building her career from the ground up.

We dive into her unique sound, touring stories, ADHD diagnosis, balancing life on the road, and how authenticity fuels her songwriting. Don’t miss this raw and inspiring conversation with one of country music’s most promising voices.

🔥 Love real stories and good vibes?Smash that LIKE ❤️, drop us a COMMENT 🗨️ with your thoughts, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to join the 25/8 movement.We’ve got powerful interviews, laughs, and life lessons coming your way every week.Don't miss a moment. Be part of the journey.⁠Visit us at https://www.258podcast.com/