Before The Chuck Wicks Show Podcast officially launched, there was the pilot, and the very first guest to step up to the mic was country star ⁠Michael Ray⁠. In this special throwback episode, Chuck revisits that original conversation and shares a never-before-released extended portion of the interview.

Michael Ray, the voice behind the hit “Whiskey and Rain” and multiple chart-topping country singles, has built a reputation as one of country music’s most dynamic performers, earning No. 1 songs, ACM recognition, and millions of streams along the way. In this extended cut, the conversation goes deeper with more stories, more laughs, and a few moments that probably should have stayed on the cutting room floor… but we’re sharing them anyway.

It’s a look back at where the podcast started, with the artist who helped kick it all off.

And don’t worry — The Chuck Wicks Show Podcast will be back next week with all-new episodes.