What does it take to go from a small Louisiana town to writing chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars in just a few years? Beau Bailey's songwriting journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

In this captivating conversation, Beau reveals how a dislocated shoulder from an impromptu boxing match at age 15 led him to pick up guitar and accidentally discover his songwriting gift. His path to Nashville began with a pop-rock band and a Universal Records deal that launched right before COVID hit—talk about timing! When health issues caused the band to dissolve, Beau found himself at a crossroads that ultimately led him to country songwriting, where his authentic voice and storytelling talents have flourished.

Beau takes us behind the curtain of writing sessions that produced hits like "Dirty Dancing" for Cole Swindell, "Broken Branches" for Dierks Bentley, "Favorite Country Song" for Hardy, and "Stay Country or Die Trying" for Blake Shelton. The viral success of "Oil Money" (25+ million streams) showcases his ability to blend rock sensibilities with country storytelling, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners. You'll hear the surreal moment of writing alongside his songwriting heroes Ashley Gorley and Hardy, and how these collaborations transformed from intimidating to inspiring.

What makes Beau's perspective particularly valuable is his emphasis on idea generation and authentic storytelling. His philosophy of surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives and constantly mining conversations for lyrical gold provides practical wisdom for aspiring songwriters. Beau's humility shines through as he describes the moment he heard his songs on the radio and performed at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest.

Whether you're a songwriter looking for inspiration, a music fan curious about how hit songs come together, or simply love great storytelling, Beau Bailey's journey from Louisiana to Nashville success proves that sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most remarkable destinations. Listen now and discover the stories behind the songs you love.

This week I sit down with @ashlandcraft !

From growing up in small-town South Carolina to sharing stages with country icons, Ashland Craft’s journey is as raw and real as her voice. We talk about her time on The Voice, what it taught her about trusting her gut, and how it led her to pack up everything and take a leap of faith in Nashville.

Ashland opens up about the early grind—bar gigs, long nights, and finding her sound in a town full of noise. She shares stories behind her favorite songs, the power of staying true to who you are, and the female artists who paved the way for her.

From church pews to honky tonk's, Ashland brings grit, soul, and honesty to every part of her story. You won’t want to miss this one.

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- 

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this episode, I sit down with @TheSwonBrothers!

From their Oklahoma roots to writing songs with @BlakeShelton and touring with @CarrieUnderwood, Zach and Colton share the highs, lows, and full-circle moments of their journey in country music.

We dive into the story behind their latest cut with Blake, the emotional writing of “Mamas,” and the crowd reaction that made them believe in their new song “Diamond Rio.” They talk about the ups and downs of the road, the beauty of writing as brothers, and why keeping faith and humility at the center has mattered most.

This one’s full of laughter, heart, and the kind of stories you only get from artists who’ve lived it. Don’t miss it!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @TheSwonBrothers

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary @StephonySmith!

From singing harmonies with her brother in Memphis to writing award-winning hits like “It’s Your Love,” “Johnny and June,” and “Big Star,” Stephony's journey is nothing short of iconic.

We talk about how she got her start writing jingles, what it was like moving to Nashville in the late ‘80s, and the magic behind some of country music’s most unforgettable songs.

Stephony shares the stories behind her biggest cuts, how she found her voice as a solo writer, and what it means to stay grounded in an ever-changing industry.

With heart, humor, and a deep love for the craft, Stephony gives incredible insight for any aspiring songwriter out there. Don’t miss this inspiring and honest conversation with one of the best to ever do it!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- ⁠@StephonySmith⁠

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this week's episode, Stories Behind The Songs takes on CMA Fest (part two) !

We had the opportunity to interview numerous artists this past weekend, and can't wait to share their Stories Behind The Songs with you!

In this episode you will hear stories from -

Maddox Batson - @maddoxbatson

Bryan Ruby - @BryanRuby

Greylan James - @greylanjames

The Crowe Boys - @thecroweboys

Bigg Vinny - @biggvinny

Thelma and James - @thelmaand james

Caleb Lee Hutchinson - @calebleehutchinson

David Nail - @davidnailmusic

LANCO - @lancomusic

Brei Carter - @breicarter

Dave Wilbert - @davewilbert

Mary Sarah - @marysarah

Dawson Anderson - @dawsonanderson

SHOW NOTES:

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this week's episode, Stories Behind The Songs takes on CMA Fest! We had the opportunity to interview numerous artists this past weekend, and can't wait to share their Stories Behind The Songs with you!

In this episode you will hear stories from -

Alana Springsteen -  @alanaspringsteen 

Callum Kerr -  @Callum_Kerr_1 

Smithfield -  @SmithFieldMusic 

Walker Montgomery -  @WalkerMontgomery 

John Paycheck -  @JohnPayCheck 

Shane Profitt -  @TheShaneProfitt 

Frank Ray -  @FrankRayMusic 

SHOW NOTES:Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠ SBTSongs

TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠SBTSongs

Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠SBTSongs

YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠Chris Blair's

Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠Chris Blair's

Website - ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors:

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this episode, I sit down with @ZachJohnKing! 

Whose breakout hit took the world by storm with its raw honesty and unforgettable first line. Growing up surrounded by cowboy culture, he’s navigated the challenges of staying true to himself while breaking into Nashville’s music scene. 

We dive deep into the making of his new EP Slowed Down, a heartfelt collection of songs that reflect his journey, struggles, and growth. Along the way, he shares stories from the road, the importance of building a strong team, and how years of persistence have turned what feels like overnight success into a well-earned milestone. 

This conversation is all about authenticity, slowing down in a fast-paced industry, and the passion that drives him forward. And it’s one you don’t want to miss - check it out!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @ZachJohnKing

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this episode, I sit down with @McCoyMoore!

From growing up in small-town Florida to signing with @SonyMusic and hitting the road with @Lauren_Alaina and @HardyMusic, McCoy’s rise has been nothing short of wild. We talk about the moment he found out he was opening for Hardy, how it felt to go from parking lot parties to playing amphitheaters and arenas, and what it means to stay grounded through it all.

McCoy opens up about staying connected to his roots, the influence of his mom and grandma, and how sharing the stage—and dreams—with his brother has brought everything full circle. He gives advice to new artists trying to find their way in Nashville, and talks about the importance of being a good person before anything else.

From small-town dreams to international tour stops, McCoy brings humility, heart, and a whole lot of gratitude to this conversation. You won’t want to miss it!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @McCoy Moore

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this episode, I sit down with @DylanGuthro!
From his early days touring with Port Cities to landing a major cut with @DanAndShay, Dylan shares the journey behind his standout track “Missing Someone”—a song that sat quietly until the stars aligned and changed everything. He opens up about playing the demo for his dad before he passed, making the moment even more meaningful.

We dive into Dylan’s evolution from artist to full-time songwriter and producer, the stories behind songs like “Six Drinks Ago,” and how he finds his role in every co-write. He gives us a peek into upcoming projects and talks about staying true to your voice in a town full of noise. With honesty, humility, and a whole lot of heart, Dylan brings powerful insight into the craft of songwriting.

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @DylanGuthro

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠

In this episode, I sit down with @RobynOtollini!

From writing songs at 13 to landing a deal with Warner Music Nashville over Zoom, Robyn’s journey is as heartfelt as her lyrics. We talk about the viral success of her breakout hit “F-150,” a raw and emotional breakup song that struck a chord with millions—and hear the powerful live version right here on the show.

Robyn opens up about growing up in Ontario on a steady diet of country radio and Hannah Montana, adjusting to life in Nashville, and learning to silence imposter syndrome by trusting her voice. She gives us a preview of her upcoming single “Airplane Bottle” (out May 30!) and reflects on surreal career moments.

From creative process deep dives to hilarious fan stories, Robyn brings honesty, humor, and heart to every part of this conversation. You won’t want to miss it!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @RobynOtollini

Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:

Listen/Subscribe/Follow - ⁠HERE⁠

SBTSongs TikTok - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs Instagram - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

SBTSongs YouTube - ⁠@sbtsongs⁠

Chris Blair's Instagram - ⁠@chrisblairmusic⁠

Chris Blair's Website -   ⁠HERE⁠

The Listening Room's Website - ⁠HERE⁠

TLR's Instagram - ⁠@listeningroomcafe⁠

TLR’s TikTok - ⁠@thelisteningroomcafe⁠

A special shout out to our sponsors

Sennheiser - ⁠https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us⁠

Alclair In-Ear Monitors - ⁠https://alclair.com/⁠