Erin Kirby and I sat down in Nashville for a conversation I didn’t fully understand the weight of at the time… but now I do.

Her song “Darkness Win” had already hit me when I first heard it. But what I didn’t realize was just how much I was going to need that message in my own life.

In this episode of Talk & Tunes, we talk about the story behind the song, her journey as a songwriter, and the power music has to reach people right when they need it most.

Because sometimes… a song doesn’t just sound good.
Sometimes it finds you.

And reminds you that you’re not alone.

The Talk — Erin shares her songwriting journey, the story behind “Darkness Win,” and how music can bring hope in the middle of the hard moments.
The Tunes — Two acoustic performances, including “Darkness Win” and a fan-favorite from her debut EP.

Recorded in Nashville at The Russell — a place with a mission that gives back to the community in a really meaningful way.

Disclaimer - I do not own any of the rights to the music used for this podcast; permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use for this taping.

At just 17 years old, McKenna Faith Winters is already writing with remarkable honesty and emotional depth. In this episode of Talk & Tunes, she shares the story behind her debut album How Do You Miss Me and opens up about heartbreak, healing, self-worth, and finding independence through music.

From songwriting and personal growth to the emotional journey behind the album, McKenna talks about the experiences that shaped these songs and what she hopes listeners take away from the project.

Follow McKenna Faith Winters:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube

Disclaimer - I do not own any of the rights to the music used for this podcast; permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use for this taping.

Carman Collins has the kind of voice and edge that makes you lean in — because you can tell she’s not just chasing a sound, she’s building a story.

In this episode of Talk & Tunes, Carman and I talk about what it really looks like to grow as an independent artist when the biggest moments are still “coming soon,” and you’re trying not to scream the news from the rooftop. We get into the songwriting side, too — how she draws on real life, therapy sessions, and the years she spent being bullied… and turns all of that into something that helps other people feel a little less alone.

We also talk about the artists she admires (Miranda Lambert and Ella Langley came up fast), why music has always been her safe place, and what she’s looking forward to in 2026 — including an upcoming performance at a PTSD veteran charity event in Florida.

If you love artists who are honest, gritty, and still on the rise, you’re going to love getting to know Carman.

Follow Carman Collins:

Carman Collins Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify

Disclaimer - I do not own any of the rights to the music used for this podcast; permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use for this taping.
Real stories, good laughs, and country music you’ll love — wherever the road takes you.

Keith Hopkins is the kind of behind-the-scenes builder every independent artist hopes to have in their corner — the one making the calls, sending the emails, building relationships, and doing whatever it takes to create momentum.

In this episode of The Other Side, Keith shares what it really looks like to manage an independent artist in today’s music industry. As the manager for country artist Carman Collins, he takes a true one-stop approach — handling outreach, booking, social media strategy, and the business side that many independent artists struggle to navigate.

We talk about why networking still drives opportunity, what separates good from great, and why consistency and daily discipline matter more than talent alone.

Keith also shares his perspective on the role of social media, building the right team, and the importance of humility and relationships in a small industry where reputation travels fast.

If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone building a career in music, this conversation offers a real look at what it takes behind the scenes.

Learn more: TheKeithHopkins.com
Artist mentioned: Carmen Collins — “All American Girl” (out now)

Disclaimer:
I do not own any of the rights to the music used for this podcast; permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use for this taping.

Brooke Lee has that rare mix of wild spirit and grounded heart — the kind of artist you can feel building something real.

In this in-person episode of Talk & Tunes, Brooke and I talk about the stories behind “Burn to Black” and “Desert Darling,” and the season of growth that shaped her upcoming EP (out April 17). She calls it her “19 to 25 era” — a chapter full of lessons, risks, heartbreak, momentum, and becoming.

We also dive into one of her biggest career milestones so far: her Chevy campaign, filmed in Moab on her birthday, complete with helicopter lifts and created to air during the Super Bowl and Olympics. What made the moment even more special was the full-circle connection it created with her grandparents through the classic “See the USA.”

If you love artists who are building something honest (and a little wild), this one’s for you.

Follow Brooke Lee:

Website| Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube

Charlotte friends: Catch Brooke live March 16 at Amos’ Southend 🎸

Disclaimer - I do not own any of the rights to the music used for this podcast; permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use for this taping.

In this episode of Talk & Tunes, I sit down with Nashville country artist Steven Cade to talk about the heart behind his latest single, “If God Had a Truck.”

What started as a church sermon question turned into a powerful song about community, faith, and showing up for others. But this conversation goes deeper than one single.

We talk about:

• The inspiration behind “If God Had a Truck”

• Why music is more than entertainment — it’s therapy

• The mission behind Giving Guitars

• Visiting over 150 shelters bringing hope through music

• Beluga Host and supporting nonprofits through technology

Steven doesn’t just write songs — he builds platforms for hope.

If you believe music has the power to heal, this episode will stay with you.

🎙 Hosted by Stacie Jowers

🛣 Rt66 Country Music — The Music. The Makers. And The Road In Between.

🔗 Follow Steven Cade:

Website: https://stevencade.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevencadecountry/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tiybvUgpuklsjsCAkZNiO?autoplay=true

🔗 Learn more about Giving Guitars:

https://givingguitars.org

Disclaimer – I do not own any of the rights to the music used for this podcast; permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use for this taping.

Brad Redlich (the “emo cowboy” of Nashville) joins Talk & Tunes for a laid-back conversation and live acoustic music. We talk about his journey from Chicago to Nashville, blending country with 2000s alternative influences, and how he writes and produces music in today’s DIY era.

Brad performs an acoustic version of his brand-new single “Sundress, Sunrise” (released Feb 6) to kick things off, then shares why he writes summer songs in the winter and how live crowds + social media help shape what he releases next. He closes the episode with an acoustic performance of “Cherry Stem.”

Real stories, good laughs, and country music you’ll love — wherever the road takes you.

To stay connected with Brad Redlich go to:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the music used in this podcast. Permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use it for this recording.

Southern rock and soul artist Amanda Page Cornett joins Talk and Tunes for a warm, story-filled conversation about songwriting, staying authentic, and letting music take you somewhere else.

From the beach-day longing behind “Carolina Coast” to the Muscle Shoals magic that shaped her latest release “Cajun Kirk and Bella,” Amanda shares how place, collaboration, and honesty shape her sound. We talk Southern roots, creative freedom, and why every song deserves the space to be heard.

Real stories, good laughs, and country music you’ll love — wherever the road takes you.

Listen to "Cajun Kirk & Bella Here: ⬇️

⁠https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/amandapagecornett/cajun-kirk--bella⁠

*Disclaimer - I do not own any of the rights to the music used for this podcast; permission has been granted by the rightful owner(s) for Rt66countrymusic to use for this taping. 

Musician Wesley Spangler returns to Talk and Tunes for a laid-back conversation about life on the road, connecting with crowds, and creating unforgettable music experiences wherever he plays.

From acoustic shows that feel like full band performances to weddings, touring across multiple states, and even a short residency on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Wesley shares stories that highlight why audience connection matters just as much as the songs themselves.

This episode is about reading the room, making memories, and remembering the joy that made you fall in love with music in the first place.

🎙️ Talk and Tunes — where conversations feel like they happen on the porch.

To stay in touch with Wesley Spangler

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Music industry attorney and author John Mason joins The Other Side to talk about the realities behind the scenes of the music business. From legal battles to life lessons, John shares insights from his book Crazy Lucky and the personal experiences that shaped his journey.

This conversation goes beyond contracts and careers — it’s about perspective, resilience, and the human side of an industry built on dreams.

🛠️ The makers matter.
🛣️ The road isn’t always easy.
🎙️ This is The Other Side.

Retail & Info

• Barnes & Noble:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crazy-lucky-john-mason/1147126994

• Books-A-Million (BAM!):https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Crazy-Lucky/John-Mason/9781964008073

• Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Lucky-Remarkable-Stories-Celebrity/dp/1964008077

• Rare Bird:https://rarebirdlit.com/crazy-lucky-by-john-mason/

• Unnamed Press:https://www.unnamedpress.com/all-books/p/crazy-lucky

For press inquiries, interviews, or review copies of Crazy Lucky, contact:

Jeremy Westby, [email protected], +1-888-537-2911,,800

Scott Sexton, [email protected], +1-833-537-2911,,802