On this episode of the Try That in a Small Town Podcast, the guys start with listener Q&A and end up deep in the realities of life as working Nashville pros. They break down why most artists use session bands instead of their road bands in the studio, what makes a truly great studio player, and how songs like “Try That in a Small Town,” “All-American Girl,” and other hits actually came together.

You’ll hear stories about mentoring young musicians in Nashville, navigating confidence and doubt in the early Aldean days, and how a raw, slightly “on the edge” sound helped define a new lane in country. The crew also vents about crosswalk etiquette, insane roundabouts on Demonbreun, messy public bathrooms, and a wild “dipshit of the week” segment that includes a pharmacist trading meds for sex and Neil’s unapologetically spicy take on women joining Augusta National.

Along the way, they celebrate “Try That in a Small Town” going platinum, shout out John Edwards finally getting some long-overdue recognition, and brag on Neil’s wife and her company for co-designing the new “Welcome to Tennessee” signs across the state.

Top moments:

05:24 Q&A: Favorite venues and why arenas win

14:44 Why artists use session players over road bands

21:15 Hicktown, early Aldean years, and betting on their sound

34:30 Writing “Try That in a Small Town” and how the track changed the melody

39:27 Worst writes ever: salad guy and Rich Robinson falls asleep

43:29 Neil’s wife helps design the new “Welcome to Tennessee” signs

45:27 “Try That in a Small Town” goes platinum and missing No. 1 parties

59:44 World Cup, offsides confusion, and “soccer in the South” rant

1:02:29 Dipshidiot of the Week: bathrooms, crosswalk zombies, roundabouts, Augusta & more

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