Cliff and Susan Podcast

Arkansas music runs deep, and this episode proves it.We sit down with Presley Shipp, the 2026 Arkansas Country Music Awards Young Artist of the Year, and her father, veteran guitarist, songwriter, and producer Michael Shipp, for an unforgettable conversation spanning generations of music.Presley shares what it was like hearing her name called at the Arkansas Country Music Awards, how she's developing her own voice as a songwriter, balancing college with a growing music career, and the artists who inspire her—including Elvis Presley, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, and Anne Wilson.Michael takes us behind the scenes of an incredible career that has included working alongside Billy Bob Thornton, friendships with members of ZZ Top, producing music with Johnny Cash, and decades of unforgettable stories from Nashville, Texas, and beyond.We also talk about:• Growing up in a musical family• The evolution of songwriting• Building an independent music career• Family, faith, and mentorship• The future of country musicThe episode wraps up with a live performance of "Burning Bridges," a song written by Presley and Michael together.If you love authentic songwriting, Arkansas music, and behind-the-scenes stories from the music industry, you'll love this conversation.Follow Presley Shipp:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presleyshippmusicCliff & Susan Website: http://www.cliffandsusan.live

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yxaNl9p2bDvlJmygH0EhKShop: https://cliffandsusan.myshopify.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cliffandsusanInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/cliffandsusanTwitter/X: http://www.twitter.com/cliff_and_susan TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@cliffandsusan

In this episode of the Cliff & Susan Podcast, we sit down with award-winning content creator Sarah Heer, the powerhouse behind Arkie Travels, a digital brand showcasing local shops, eats, stays, and outdoor adventures across Arkansas and beyond.

With over 350,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—and brand deals with names like Walmart, Academy Sports, Alaska Tourism, and Arkansas Tourism—Sarah shares her journey from accidental content creator to full-time entrepreneur.

We dive into:

• How Sarah grew her following using short-form video
• The power of vertical video and platform algorithms
• Strategies for brand partnerships (even starting local!)
• Monetization, digital products, and AI tools for creators
• Tips for musicians to grow their own brand & income
• Building content pillars and staying consistent
• Behind-the-scenes tools & tech she uses every day
• The truth about going viral—and what really matters

Whether you're a musician, creator, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with gold on how to build an authentic, sustainable personal brand in the digital age.

Learn more about Sarah at Arkie Travels: https://www.arkietravels.com/

Sarah's Courses: https://stan.store/mssarahheer

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to build your own path with purpose and passion.

In this episode of our Cliff & Susan podcast, we welcomed the incredibly talented Matt Wilson. With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, Matt’s journey spans from barrooms to Broadway, where he starred in the first national tour of Movin' Out. As the author of Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Matt shares 80 lessons that dive deep into building confidence, overcoming fear, and mastering the art of performance. His wisdom offers valuable takeaways not just for musicians, but for anyone facing life’s challenges.

In this special episode of the Cliff & Susan Podcast, we take you on an unforgettable journey into the world of piano bars with the founders of The Red Piano, Jason Jones and Colin Campbell. Over 20 years ago, these visionary entrepreneurs opened the first Red Piano in the Caribbean on the island of St. Maarten, creating a haven for music lovers and performers alike.

The Red Piano Website: http://www.theredpiano.com

Cliff & Susan sat down with Ainsley Meldrum in their Little Rock, Arkansas studio. Ainsley started working with the married duo as an intern when they were producing and launching their music festival, Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival, in North Little Rock. This interview follows Ainsley's trajectory from intern to now their Content Coordinator and a student in the Entertainment Industry Department at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama.

Visit Ainsley's website here: ⁠www.ainsleymeldrum.com⁠

More on Cliff & Susan

Website: ⁠http://www.cliffandsusan.live⁠ 

Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/cliffandsusan⁠ 

Instagram: ⁠http://www.instagram.com/cliffandsusan⁠ 

Twitter/X: ⁠http://www.twitter.com/cliff_and_susan⁠ 

Youtube: ⁠http://www.youtube.com/@cliffandsusan⁠ 

Tiktok: ⁠http://www.tiktok.com/@cliffandsusan⁠ 

Join the journey of Cliff & Susan, a dynamic married music duo, in this episode of their podcast. Broadcasting from the heart of their musical adventures in their studio, they delve into the latest updates that have shaped their career, including their creative endeavors in Nashville and Muscle Shoals. Reflecting on their journey, Cliff & Susan express heartfelt gratitude to their fans, acknowledging their role in the duo's growth and inviting listeners to become an integral part of their community. By visiting www.downloadoursong.com, fans gain exclusive access to a free song and an invitation to join Cliff & Susan’s free fan club, which offers giveaways, weekly live chats, and more engaging content.

The episode also highlights their exciting partnership with Oaklawn during the eclipse weekend, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Additionally, listeners will get an insider's look into the “Keys to the Weekend” segment with Justin Acri & DJ Williams on 103.7 The Buzz, offering unique insights and entertainment perspectives.

Moreover, Cliff & Susan shed light on their Entertainers Academy 12-week bootcamp, designed to inspire and educate upcoming musicians on navigating the complexities of the music industry. The duo also explores the fascinating world of A.I. and technology, discussing its impact on music creation and the industry at large.

Tune in to this informative and professionally curated episode, where music meets innovation and becomes part of Cliff & Susan’s ever-growing musical family.

🎙️ Our Cliff & Susan Debut Album Release - A Journey Seven Years in the Making

🌟 BIG NEWS! We're thrilled to announce the release of our debut album, a project that's been years in the making. Join us for an exclusive album release show that you won't want to miss!

🎵 Quick Revisit: Take a trip down memory lane as we revisit how we met and where our musical journey has taken us today.

🎼 Album Inspiration & Finding Our Sound: Discover the themes, experiences, and emotions that fueled our songwriting over the last seven years. We delve into our unique style and how it influenced the songs we chose for this album.

🤔 Why the Wait?: Cliff shares why we took our time to release this album and how it brings everything together for our career.

🎧 Song Selection & Recording Journey: Get an insider's look into our self-produced recording process. From song selection to memorable studio moments, we cover it all. Special shoutout to tracks like "Neon Dreams" and "A Song For Grandad" that hold a special place in our hearts.

🎸 Live Shows & Full Band Creation: Hear about our experiences from past festivals and what we've learned. Compare what you hear in our duo shows versus our full band performances. Plus, get a sneak peek into our big plans for 2024!

🤝 Collaborations & Future Plans: As proud Arkansas artists, we're excited to collaborate with Erin Enderlin and have big plans for single/EP releases into 2024.

📣 Album Release Details: Mark your calendars and stay tuned for Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 for our album release on all streaming platforms. We will aunch our campaign soon to sell our CDs, Vinyls, and more!

🔗 Find Us: Want to keep up with everything Cliff & Susan? Here's how you can stay connected.

Website: www.cliffandsusan.live

In this episode, Cliff and Susan talk about their incredible experience on the Huckabee Show – from what it was like being interviewed by Governor Mike Huckabee himself to getting insights into the show’s production. Hear their thoughts and feelings as they prepared for a national audience and how they felt afterward. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how TV works and learn strategies for preparing for big interviews that you can apply to your own career!

To watch their appearance on the Huckabee Show, go to www.susanerwin.com/huckabee-show

It's finally here! Our new song, "Fiddle & Keys," dropped on January 20, 2023. We have been so stoked to see the positive response to this signature song we wrote a few years back. It's our story, our performance style, and our production all in one song!  

Tune in to this podcast to hear us chat about how we wrote, recorded, and released this song. At the end of this episode, you can hear the song. 

Much love and thanks to all who have supported us over the years.

- Cliff & Susan

www.cliffandsusan.live

Bree Ogden sat down with us at our new podcast location - our kitchen table! She brought us donuts and we chatted with her about her career, where she has been, and what is in store for her year. Follow Bree Ogden and learn more at www.linktr.ee/breeogden 

Also, make sure to check in with our socials to nominate your favorite artists and more for the Arkansas Country Music Awards at www.arkansasmusic.org 

Here's to a GREAT 2023, y'all!

Cliff & Susan Linktree: www.linktr.ee/cliffandsusan