In episode 252 of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with singer-songwriter Ashley Brooks. A Georgia native and rising force in the country music scene, Ashley opens up about her move to Nashville, the writing process behind her debut single “Starting Fires,” and how she’s carving out her own lane as both a performer and a songwriter. The two dive into her early experiences in the studio, the importance of staying true to your sound, and the hustle that goes into chasing your dreams in a town full of talent. With powerful vocals and sharp songwriting, Ashley shares stories from the road, lessons from co-writing, and her vision for what's next in her career.

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Ashley Brooks (Guest): @ashleybrooksmusic
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

In Episode 251 of Outside The Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with the bold and brilliant Sunny Sweeney. Known for her fearless honesty and Texas-meets-Nashville grit, Sunny opens up about her latest record Rhinestone Requiem, a powerful collection that dives deep into heartbreak, healing, and personal growth. The conversation covers her early days in honky-tonks, the rollercoaster of major label life, and the clarity that came with sobriety. Sunny also shares her perspective on what it means to stay authentic in today’s industry, her approach to songwriting, and how connecting with fans through vulnerable music has shaped her journey. If you're into raw storytelling, real country, and honest artistry, this episode is for you.

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Sunny Sweeney: @gettinsweenered

Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll

Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

In this special 250th episode of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Rocco Gorelik, a 15-year-old guitar phenom making waves in the country and rock scenes. As the youngest guest ever on the show, Rocco shares how he fell in love with guitar at an early age in Alpharetta, Georgia, and how his dedication and family support have fueled his rapid rise. From ripping solos on Lower Broadway to opening for national acts, Rocco talks about navigating the music industry as a teenager, balancing school and stage life, and drawing influence from both classic rock icons and modern country greats. This episode is a celebration of raw talent, relentless passion, and the bright future of a young artist on the rise.

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Rocco Gorelik (Guest): @roccogorelik

Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll

Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

In episode 249 of Outside the Round, Matt sits down with the sibling trio Daves Highway; Delaney, Zachary, and Erika, to talk about their unique journey in music. From growing up harmonizing in church to building a national fanbase through YouTube and social media, the trio shares how their Mississippi roots, family bond, and tight harmonies have shaped their musical identity. They reflect on early viral success, their evolution as songwriters and performers, and the balance of business and family dynamics. The conversation also dives into their experiences moving to Nashville, recording new music, and staying grounded in faith and authenticity. Whether you’ve followed them from the beginning or are just discovering their sound, this episode offers an inspiring look into what makes Daves Highway a standout act in today’s country and Americana scene.

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Daves Highway (Guest): @daveshighway

Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll

Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

From the ring to the writer’s room, Bobby Steveson (aka WWE’s Damon Kemp) joins host Matt Burrill for a powerful conversation on chasing a second dream. The Minnesota native opens up about how music was always in the background, even while rising through the ranks of pro wrestling. Now based in Nashville, Bobby shares what it’s like stepping into the country music world with a debut EP on the way. They dive into the art of co-writing, lessons learned from mentors in both wrestling and music, and the emotional depth behind Bobby’s songwriting. He reflects on how wrestling shaped his performance instincts, how his Midwest upbringing keeps him grounded, and why vulnerability is at the core of everything he’s building now. Whether you’re a fan of suplexes or storytelling, this is one of those episodes that hits hard.

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Bobby Steveson (Guest): @bobbysteveson

Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll

Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround

Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

In episode 247 of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with the legendary Colt Ford for a raw, reflective, and inspiring conversation. Colt opens up about surviving a life-threatening health scare, his journey back to the stage, and how it’s deepened his appreciation for music and life. From the early days of blending country and hip-hop to collaborating with artists like Brantley Gilbert, Colt shares stories of hustle, heartbreak, and hard-earned success. They dive into the power of staying authentic, building a loyal fanbase without chasing trends, and the pride Colt feels seeing artists he helped mentor thrive today. With new music in the works, renewed purpose, and a lifetime of stories, Colt proves he’s not just back—he’s better than ever.

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Colt Ford (Guest): @coltfordmusic
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

In episode 246 of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Canadian country artist Robyn Ottolini for an honest and heartfelt conversation about her journey from a small town in Ontario to chasing big dreams in Nashville. Robyn opens up about the inspiration behind her new single “Airplane Bottle,” a track rooted in personal experience and emotional honesty. They dive into her evolution as a songwriter, the role music festivals have played in her rise, and the culture shock of breaking into the U.S. country music scene. From the power of co-writes and authenticity to the importance of staying grounded with family, friends, and her dog, Robyn gives us a candid look into her world—along with what’s next as she eyes a full album release.

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Robyn Ottolini (Guest): @robynottolini
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

In episode 245 of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Highway Home, the rising country trio made up of Eamon Owen, Conner Sweeny, and Stanton Langley. The group shares their story of coming together in Nashville, reflecting on their unique first gig in South Dakota (complete with pig wrestling) and how their roots in traditional country blend with modern influences to shape their sound. With strong harmonies, a shared love for songwriting, and guidance from producer Ryan Gore, Highway Home emphasizes the importance of community and support in the music industry. They talk about life on the road, balancing home comforts with the grind of touring, and finding inspiration in outdoor hobbies like golf and hunting. With a focus on growth, collaboration, and staying grounded, the band offers advice to aspiring musicians and a glimpse into what’s coming next in their journey.

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Highway Home (Guest): @highwayhomemusic
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

On Episode 244 of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill catches up with country music powerhouse Tyler Booth to talk about his brand-new EP Downtown and everything that led him here. From his early days growing up in Eastern Kentucky to performing on international stages, Tyler opens up about the values and influences that shape his music. The conversation dives into the creative process behind the Downtown EP, the fast-paced Nashville grind, and why staying connected to fans through social media is more important than ever. Tyler also shares stories about his love for old trucks, fishing, and the genre-blending shifts in today’s country music world. If you’re into gritty storytelling, traditional twang, and authentic Southern charm—this one’s for you! 

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Tyler Booth (Guest): @tylerboothmusic 
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy

On episode 243 of Outside the Round, host Matt Burrill sits down with Jordyn Mallory—country artist, songwriter, and recent star of the hit reality show Farmer Wants a Wife. Originally from a small town in Mississippi, Jordyn shares her journey to Nashville, how working on the set of Nashville helped her make ends meet, and the bold decisions that shaped her music career. The conversation dives into the emotional inspiration behind her latest single “I Thought I’d Never Write,” the importance of writing for women going through heartbreak, and how taking unexpected opportunities—like reality TV—has opened new doors. Jordyn also reflects on the power of social media, the balance of personal life and music, and the gratitude she carries into every next step.

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Jordyn Mallory (Guest): @jordynmallory
Matt Burrill (Host): @mattburrilll
Outside The Round (Podcast): @outsidetheround
Raised Rowdy (Network): @raisedrowdy