ASH-PHALT : A Podcast All About Life On The Road

I met Dolly Parton in an elevator when I was just six years old—and that moment changed my life forever.

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of ASH-PHALT, I share the story of meeting Dolly, the incredible impact she had on my life, and what she has meant to me as a singer, songwriter, and little girl with a dream.

Dolly Parton has inspired generations of people through far more than her music. Her kindness, faith, honesty, generosity, sense of humor, and ability to remain completely herself have made people feel like they know her—and, more importantly, like she understands them.

I talk about why I believe Dolly has connected so deeply with so many people, my personal connection to “Coat of Many Colors,” and the amazing full-circle moment when she later sent me a signed book.

This episode comes straight from my heart. I even shed some tears while recording it because it’s difficult to put into words what Dolly has meant to me and how profoundly she helped shape the woman and artist I dreamed of becoming.

This isn’t simply a story about meeting a country music legend. It’s about the power of kindness, the people who inspire us, and how one seemingly small moment can stay with a child and influence the rest of her life.

If you love Dolly Parton, country music, honest storytelling, or stories about chasing a dream, I hope you’ll watch and share this special episode.

Who has had this kind of impact on your life? I’d truly love to hear your story in the comments.

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who loves Dolly as much as I do. 🤍

🎧 Listen to ASH-PHALT on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

🌐 Follow Ash Taylor:

Website: ashtaylor.com

Instagram: @ashtaylorcountry

Facebook: Ash Taylor Music

YouTube: @AshTaylorCountry

About ASH-PHALT:

Hosted by award-winning Nashville recording artist and songwriter Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT features conversations from the road with musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and fascinating people who are building extraordinary lives outside the ordinary.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, comment, and give it a thumbs up.Your support helps us continue sharing these stories from the road.

#DollyParton #CountryMusic #ASHPHALT

What does it really take to chase a dream in Music City?On this episode of ASH-PHALT, I sit down with country artist Noelle Toland to talk about her journey from Oregon to Nashville, the stories behind her music, and the passion that’s kept her moving forward every step of the way.We dive into: The inspiration behind her single “Handmade” Her songwriting process Recording and performing in some of Nashville’s most iconic venues Her Acting Career Life on the road as an independent artist And plenty of laughs along the way!Whether you’re a country music fan, an aspiring songwriter, or just love hearing the real stories behind the artists you listen to, I think you’re going to enjoy this conversation.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share so you never miss a new episode of ASH-PHALT! Follow Noelle Toland:Website : https://www.noelletoland.comInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/noelletolandListen To "HandMade" On Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JLX2GcnrflriKABGngi6H Listen to ASH-PHALT on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Ash Taylor:Website: ashtaylor.comInstagram: @ashtaylorcountryFacebook: Ash Taylor MusicYouTube: @AshTaylorCountryAbout ASH-PHALT:Hosted by award-winning Nashville recording artist and songwriter Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT features conversations from the road with musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and fascinating people who are building extraordinary lives outside the ordinary.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, comment, and give it a thumbs up.Your support helps us continue sharing these stories from the road.#ASHPHALT #AshTaylor #NoSurfHouse #Diesel #TouringMusician #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #MusicianLife #Podcast #LifeOnTheRoad

What does it take to build a career as a professional drummer in Nashville—and use that success to make a real difference?

On this episode of ASH-PHALT, I sit down with Brian Russell Collins, a Nashville music industry veteran, touring drummer, and the founder & CEO of A Cause to Rock. Brian shares his journey from chasing the dream in Music City to performing on some of the biggest stages in country music, including the Grand Ole Opry and Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest.

Throughout his career, Brian has shared the stage with artists including Jelly Roll (Beautifully Broken Tour), Brooks & Dunn (Reboot Tour), Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, Lily Rose, Josh Gracin, Jon Langston, Dillon Carmichael, Allie Colleen, Royale Lynn, Scoot Teasley, Adam Sanders, Joey Green, and Dani Rose.

But Brian’s story goes far beyond touring.

As the founder of A Cause to Rock, he’s using the power of music to help families affected by cancer and to bring the Nashville community together through incredible events like Fight for Nashville. We talk about giving back, finding purpose, life on the road, what it takes to survive in the music industry, and why success means so much more when you use it to serve others.

If you love country music, Nashville, songwriting, the behind-the-scenes life of touring musicians, or hearing the stories behind the people who make the music happen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Be sure to follow ASH-PHALT on Spotify and wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a rating if you enjoyed the episode, and share it with a friend.

Connect with Brian Russell Collins:

🥁 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianrussellcollins

Learn more about A Cause to Rock:

🎸 https://www.acausetorock.org/

🎧 Listen to ASH-PHALT on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

🌐 Follow Ash Taylor:

Website: ashtaylor.com

Instagram: @ashtaylorcountry

Facebook: Ash Taylor Music

YouTube: @AshTaylorCountry

About ASH-PHALT:

Hosted by award-winning Nashville recording artist and songwriter Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT features conversations from the road with musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and fascinating people who are building extraordinary lives outside the ordinary.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, comment, and give it a thumbs up.Your support helps us continue sharing these stories from the road.

#ASHPHALT #AshTaylor #NoSurfHouse #Diesel #TouringMusician #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #MusicianLife #Podcast #LifeOnTheRoad

While on tour in Cleveland, Ohio, Ash Taylor sat down on the front porch of No Surf House with Diesel, one of the organization’s founders, for a conversation about community, creativity, and what it means to support independent artists.

For touring musicians, life on the road can be exciting, rewarding, exhausting, and sometimes lonely. No Surf House was created to help change that by providing a welcoming place for traveling artists to rest, connect, recharge, and find community while pursuing their dreams.In this episode, Diesel shares the story behind No Surf House, how the organization got started, the challenges and rewards of building something bigger than yourself, and why supporting independent musicians matters now more than ever.

Topics include:

• The story behind No Surf House

• Life as an independent touring musician

• Building community through music

• The realities of life on the road

• Taking risks and following unconventional dreams

• Why artists need places to belong

Whether you’re a musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, creative, traveler, or simply someone pursuing a dream, this conversation is full of inspiration, perspective, and practical wisdom.

A huge thank you to Diesel and everyone at No Surf House for their hospitality, friendship, and for the incredible work they’re doing for the creative community.

👇 Have you ever taken a chance on a dream? Tell us about it in the comments!

No Surf House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving touring musicians and fostering community through hospitality, connection, and support. If this episode resonates with you, please consider learning more about their work, making a donation, or sharing their mission with others.Learn more about No Surf House or support their mission:

www.nosurfhouse.org

🎧 Listen to ASH-PHALT on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

🌐 Follow Ash Taylor:

Website: ashtaylor.com

Instagram: @ashtaylorcountry

Facebook: Ash Taylor Music

YouTube: @AshTaylorCountry

About ASH-PHALT:

Hosted by award-winning Nashville recording artist and songwriter Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT features conversations from the road with musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and fascinating people who are building extraordinary lives outside the ordinary.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you’re listening. Your support helps us continue sharing these stories from the road.

#ASHPHALT #AshTaylor #NoSurfHouse #Diesel #TouringMusician #IndependentArtist #Songwriter #MusicianLife #Podcast #LifeOnTheRoad

Everyone sees the stage…

not everyone sees the road it took to get there.

This week on ASH-PHALT, I’m joined by Jordan Rainer—from The Voice (Team Reba McEntire) to carving her own lane in country music.

We talk touring, chasing the dream, and the real, unfiltered side of the music industry—what it takes, what it costs, and why it’s all worth it.

We also dive into her latest project, The Outlaw Revival—a unique, immersive fan experience where you can explore all 10 songs, unreleased behind-the-scenes footage, lyric sheets, album notes, and more.

🎧 Experience the full project here:

http://jordanrainerofficial.com/theoutlawrevival

(Two tracks are currently available on streaming platforms, with more to come—but the full album lives exclusively inside this experience.)

If you’ve ever chased a dream, questioned the path, or wondered what it really takes to make it… this one’s for you.

🎙️ Welcome to ASH-PHALT. Come ride along.

📲 FOLLOW + CONNECT

Follow ASH-PHALT:

Instagram @Ashphaltpodcast

Follow Ash Taylor:

https://ashtaylor.com

Follow Jordan Rainer:

https://jordanrainerofficial.com

Special Shoutout to our sponsor Liberty Wear Apparel. Shop at the link below and use code : ASH 15 for 15% off your order! https://www.liberty-wear.shop

What does it really take to go from chasing a dream… to becoming part of one of the most legendary duos in music?

In this episode of ASH-PHALT, I sit down with Bucky Heard of The Righteous Brothers to talk about life on the road, the moments that changed everything, and what it’s really like stepping into a legacy bigger than yourself.

From small-town beginnings to the national stage—and now into his journey as a solo artist—this conversation dives into persistence, pressure, passion, and the road that leads you where you’re meant to be.

If you’ve ever chased something big… this one’s for you.

🎧 ABOUT ASH-PHALT

Hosted by Ash Taylor, ASH-PHALT is a podcast all about life on the road—featuring real stories from artists, songwriters, and touring professionals living it every day.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE:

• ​ The road that led Bucky Heard to The Righteous Brothers

• ​ What it’s like stepping into a legendary role

• ​ Life on tour and behind the scenes

• ​ The transition from group success to solo artist

• ​ Advice for anyone chasing a dream in music

👉 DON’T FORGET:

👍 Like this video

💬 Drop a comment—what was your biggest takeaway?

🔔 Subscribe for more stories from the road

🛣️ FOLLOW ASH-PHALT:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more

New episodes drop the first Tuesday of every month

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashphaltpodcast

🎸 FOLLOW ASH TAYLOR:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashtaylorcountry

Website: https://www.ashtaylor.com

🎤 FOLLOW BUCKY HEARD:

Website: https://www.buckyheard.com

Stream his new album BreathLess:

https://open.spotify.com/album/1oMiCpCwd9xwxj4sGa9QA2?si=gcDbMOPmRZqXQnL7oBjEEQ

Big Thanks to our sponsor Liberty Wear Apparel

https://www.liberty-wear.com

ASH-PHALT • Episode 12

That’s a Wrap, Y’all! Road Recap & What’s Coming Down the Road

Thanks so much for tuning into ASH-PHALT this year and riding along with me through all the wild, beautiful, exhausting, unforgettable moments of life on the road. This short and sweet episode is just a little year-end wrap-up to say thank you and to give you a quick look at what’s coming next.

I’m sharing a few highlights, a few lessons, and a hint at what I’ve got planned for the new year — new guests, new stories, new cities, and even more behind-the-scenes conversations about the real life of a touring artist.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to hit the road again with you in 2026.

See you in the new year on ASH-PHALT.

In this special Veterans Day episode of the ASH-PHALT Podcast, country artist and host Ash Taylor sits down with Justin Rasik, a U.S. veteran and the president of 22Zero, a nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war.Justin opens up about his deployment overseas, the battles that continued long after he returned home, and the life-changing mission behind 22Zero — helping veterans, first responders, and their families find freedom from trauma through proven neuro-scientific methods.Tune in for an honest, emotional conversation about service, resilience, and hope — and how we can all be part of the fight for freedom within.🎧 Watch or listen to more ASH-PHALT episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l5X1p7Gseg&list=PLFGUa-G4dWPctId1IM4vk9Ro1gD-TDjFg&pp=gAQB💻 Learn more about 22Zero: www.22zero.org💬 Follow Ash Taylor: www.AshTaylor.com#VeteransDay #22Zero #ASHphaltPodcast #AshTaylor #VeteranStories #MentalHealthAwareness #CountryMusic #IndependentArtist #BakersfieldSound #Nashville #PTSDRecovery #Veterans #WomenOfCountry

ASH-PHALT Episode 9 with Linn Holmes

In this episode, Ash Taylor sits down with the multi-talented Linn Holmes to talk about creativity, courage, and living authentically. Linn shares her story, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her perspective on chasing dreams while staying grounded.

If you’re looking for inspiration, encouragement, and a reminder that you’re not alone on the journey, this episode will meet you right where you are.

 Topics we cover:

• Linn’s creative path and personal journey

• Mindset shifts that open doors

• The balance between artistry and everyday life

• What it means to live boldly and fully

Follow Linn on Instagram → @linnholmstedt

Follow Ash on Instagram → @ashtaylorcountry

This week on ASH-PHALT, I’m joined by fellow Bakersfield native and third-generation cattle rancher Justin Pettit, co-founder of Santa Carota Beef — the only grass-fed, carrot-finished beef on the market. We talk about cowboy life, disrupting the meat industry, hometown pride, music, family, life on the road, on the ranch and so much more.

This was honestly one of my favorite conversations ever — Justin is doing incredible work, and his story is full of heart, grit, and purpose.

 Follow Santa Carota Beef:

Instagram: @santacarotabeef

Facebook: Santa Carota Beef

Website: https://www.santacarota.com

 Support the Walking With Cora Foundation:

https://www.walkingwithcorafoundation.com

Follow Ash :

www.AshTaylor.com

Instagram : @AshPhaltPodcast