In this episode, I sit down with @Johnny Clawson!

Johnny’s journey from Northern Virginia to Nashville is anything but typical. After playing in rock and metal bands, he knew he had to leave Virginia to chase music, eventually leading him to quit his corporate job and make the move to Music City.

From substitute teaching to bartending, Johnny did whatever it took to stay in Nashville. His big break came in 2022—he took a life-changing call from SMACK while bartending and found out he was getting signed. We dive into the full-circle moment of landing Chris Young’s “Getting Older”, the unexpected journey behind Blake Shelton’s “Texas”, and writing “weren’t for the wind” with Ella Langley on a bus in Wyoming.

Johnny shares the highs, the grind, and the friendships that have shaped his career. This is one you won’t want to miss!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @JohnnyClawson

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 Scott Stepakoff!

From fronting his own jam band Turtle Grove to becoming a Nashville songwriter, his journey has been full of twists. After working in TV production, he took a shot at music, leading to a longtime writing partnership with Josh Osborne. Over the years, he’s landed cuts with Kip Moore, Kelsey Hart, and Blake Shelton—but he’s still chasing that first No. 1.

We talk about the ups and downs of the industry, the stories behind his biggest songs, and the one he released himself that hits closest to home.

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @ScottStepakoff

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 ⁠@Sarah Buxton⁠!

From Kansas to Nashville, Sarah’s journey is a testament to her talent and resilience. After moving to Music City in 1998 and attending Belmont University, she quickly found her way into Nashville’s songwriting circles, collaborating with some of the industry’s best.

Sarah co-wrote the Grammy-winning hit ⁠“Stupid Boy,”⁠ recorded by Keith Urban, and Chris Lane’s first No. 1 single, ⁠“Fix.”⁠ She shares how these songs came to life, the collaborative magic of the writing room, and what it feels like to hear her work resonate with millions.

Now thriving at ⁠SMACK⁠ publishing, Sarah reflects on her journey from aspiring artist to celebrated songwriter, balancing creativity with community, and finding joy in the process. This is a conversation full of inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss!

Keep up with Guest- ⁠@Sarahbuxton⁠

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 @Kassi Ashton!

From performing on stage at just four years old to signing her first publishing deal with @Creative Nation, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary. We talk about her debut album, where every song is a piece of her story, from the empowering “Made From the Dirt” to the heartfelt “Juanita,” written in honor of her grandmother.

She shares the highs of touring with artists like @Maren Morris and @Jamey Johnson, the challenges of starting over during the pandemic, and the advice that’s shaped her artistry: to trust yourself and be real. 

With new music on the horizon and a packed tour schedule, Kassi is just getting started. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! 

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @KassiAshton

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/⁠⁠

For our 100th episode, I sit down with ⁠Ward Guenther⁠, the creator of ⁠Whiskey Jam⁠ and a cornerstone of Nashville’s music scene. Ward’s journey started with a guitar at summer camp and a dream that brought him to Nashville in 2003. Since then, he’s built something truly iconic.

We explore how Whiskey Jam grew from an underground writers night into a platform that launched countless careers for many stars we know and love. Ward shares behind-the-scenes stories, from unforgettable performances to the challenges of keeping the show fresh and exciting.

As the perfect guest for this milestone episode, Ward reflects on the magic of live music, the community he’s built, and the joy of helping others chase their dreams. Don’t miss this celebration of 100 episodes and the love of music that brought us here!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- ⁠@WardGuenther⁠⁠

Whiskey Jam - ⁠@WhiskeyJam⁠

Apple Music Country Ward Guenther Show - ⁠HERE!⁠

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/⁠

For our 100th episode, I sit down with WardGunther, the creator of Whiskey Jam and a cornerstone of Nashville’s music scene. Ward’s journey started with a guitar at summer camp and a dream that brought him to Nashville in 2003. Since then, he’s built something truly iconic.

We explore how Whiskey Jam grew from an underground writers night into a platform that launched countless careers for many stars we know and love. Ward shares behind-the-scenes stories, from unforgettable performances to the challenges of keeping the show fresh and exciting.

As the perfect guest for this milestone episode, Ward reflects on the magic of live music, the community he’s built, and the joy of helping others chase their dreams. Don’t miss this celebration of 100 episodes and the love of music that brought us here!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @WardGunther⁠

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 Styles! 

Styles has made his mark in country music with his song “Country On,” cut by Luke Bryan and performed at the CMAs. He’s had quite the journey, from growing up in Ohio where his dad’s shop hosted a local band, to moving to Nashville in 2018 with just one connection. Along the way, he worked with legends like Rob Snyder and Eric Hurt, and landed his first publishing deal.

We dive into his story, including how he went from playing local bars to writing hit songs, and how his passion for the outdoors led to his YouTube channel, God’s Grocery Store. He talks about his new EP, hunting adventures, and the lessons he’s learned from mentors in both music and the outdoors.

We discuss his incredible journey, the power of perseverance, and the importance of soaking up the moments that matter most.

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- @Styles

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 ⁠Matt Mulhare⁠!

Matt’s journey from New York to Nashville is as unexpected as it is inspiring. While studying at Belmont University, he discovered his voice as a songwriter and performer, eventually collaborating with other songwriters to bring his music to life. His story is proof that no dream is too big—even for an 8-year-old kid with a love for guitar.

We dive into the story behind ⁠“Things I’m Going Through,”⁠ one he co-wrote with ⁠Jordan Dozzi⁠ which later found its way to ⁠Travis Denning⁠. Matt also shares the whirlwind journey of writing ⁠Chase Matthew’s⁠ single ⁠“Fine By Me” ⁠and reflects on why chemistry with co-writers is so important.

Throughout our conversation, Matt opens up about finding his community, the lessons he’s learned from collaboration, and how he’s grown into his voice as a lyricist. His story highlights the power of dedication and dreaming big, paired with the support of those around him.

To top it off, Matt plays a couple of his hit songs and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his artistry. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- ⁠@MattMulhare⁠

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 ⁠SJ McDonald⁠!

Growing up on her family’s turkey and cattle farm in Virginia, SJ’s journey to Nashville started with selling a steer to buy her first guitar. After moving to Music City in 2017 to attend Belmont University, she discovered her passion for songwriting and spent seven years performing on Broadway, where she sharpened her craft.

From landing her publishing deal at the Key West Songwriters Festival to creating heartfelt songs like “⁠Right Hand Man⁠” and “⁠Good Ol’ Boys⁠,” released by ⁠Mae Estes⁠. SJ’s music is rooted in her upbringing and personal experiences.

We dive into her inspiring story, her advice for navigating the Broadway music scene, and the moments that have shaped her career so far. 

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Guest- ⁠@SJMcDonaldMusic⁠

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 singer-songwriter Jenn Bostic.

Jenn Bostic has made a name for herself in country and christian contemporary music as an artist and songwriter, with her heartfelt song “Jealous of the Angels” connecting with listeners around the world. From growing up in a small town in Minnesota, where music became her therapy after losing her dad, to attending Berklee College of Music, Jenn’s journey to Nashville has been one of heart and passion. 

We dive into her story, including her 2022 album You Find a Way, her journey navigating the music industry, and how her faith has carried her through challenges. Jenn also opens up about her dreams to share her music on some of the world's biggest stages and the power of vulnerability in her songwriting.

We discuss her incredible journey, the power of faith, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. 

SHOW NOTES:

Keep up with Jenn Bostic- @Jennbostic

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/⁠