In this episode of Talk Y’all to Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Brian Johnson—author, producer, and storytelling coach—whose journey spans small-town Alabama, Hollywood sets, and faith-fueled purpose.

Brian shares how he moved to Los Angeles with almost nothing, earned opportunities through service (not resumes), and learned the hard way what it means to know your worth. He takes us behind the scenes of Carpool Karaoke: The Series, opens up about overcoming suicidal thoughts, and delivers powerful encouragement for anyone battling loneliness, fear, or feeling “off track.”

Plus, Brian reveals an unexpected story he’s never shared publicly—spending an entire day with Prince, witnessing his brilliance up close, and seeing what true excellence looks like when the cameras turn off.

In this episode, we discuss:

The “Talk Y’all” Mission: Why Tori created a space for real conversations with artists, leaders, and faith-forward creators
Hope for the Hurting: Practical encouragement for anyone wrestling with isolation, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
From Skipperville to Hollywood: How Brian’s upbringing shaped his grit, discipline, and leadership
Know Your Worth: The moment Brian realized he was undercharging—and what it taught him about value
Carpool Karaoke BTS: How the series expanded beyond James Corden and what set life is really like
The Prince Story: Why Prince made them restart the show—and how he edited it himself
Faith & Conviction: What it looked like to go from “spiritual” to fully surrendered, and how Brian’s walk deepened over the last four years
What’s Next: Brian’s full “rebrand and reset,” new books, and scaling his business with purpose
If you’re in an unexpected season, trying to rebuild, or searching for clarity, this episode is a reminder: if you’re still here, God is not finished with you.

👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more heartfelt conversations and behind-the-scenes stories.

Follow Brian Johnson:
Instagram: instagram.com/brianjohnsonglobal

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Brian Johnson—an Amazon bestselling author, Hollywood talent strategist, and founder of Book Rich Profits Club, a community for aspiring authors. 

He worked on the 5 time Emmy winning series Carpool Karaoke: The Series and has talent produced for On Purpose with Jay Shetty and Getcha Popcorn Ready with NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens. 

Brian opens up about why he walked away from the traditional "who are you wearing" glamour of LA to focus on cause-driven impact. He discusses the determination it took to move to California with just $325 and a red suitcase, and how those experiences now allow him to help others unearth the "treasures in their minds."

In this episode, we discuss:

- The Red Carpet Shift: Why Brian moved from interviewing celebrities at the Emmys to helping everyday leaders amplify their message.

- The Art of Listening: How having "small ears but big listening skills" became his greatest asset in storytelling.

- From Skipperville to the Spotlight: The journey of a dreamer who refused to let a small-town background limit a global calling.

- The "Unexpected" Collaboration: A behind-the-scenes look at Brian’s work on Tori’s new book and the power of professional storytelling.

- Faith & Resilience: Overcoming personal rock bottoms to build a brand centered on gratitude and the "Thank You God" mindset.

Whether you are in a "becoming" phase or navigating an unexpected season of life, Brian’s story is a testament to the fact that your past doesn't define your future—your faith and your hustle do.

👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music.

Follow Brian Johnson:

Instagram: instagram.com/brianjohnsonglobal

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

What does it actually take to go from working three retail jobs in Nashville to standing on the Ryman stage with Keith Urban and Blake Shelton? In this episode, Tori Kruse sits down with the powerhouse finalist from CBS’s The Road, Cassidy Daniels, to pull back the curtain on the "grit" required to make it in modern country music.

Cassidy isn't your typical 25-year-old. Raised in a high-stakes military family with a Special Forces father and a sex crimes detective mother she moved to Nashville alone at 17 with a "now or never" mindset inspired by Taylor Swift. She shares the hilarious and exhausting reality of her early days, balancing shifts at Gigi’s Cupcakes, Ulta, and Victoria’s Secret by day, only to play the 10 PM to 2 AM slots in Broadway’s "crusty, dusty" dive bars by night.

In this episode, we dive into:
•The Ryman Experience: What it’s really like backstage at the "Mother Church" with Gretchen Wilson and Taylor Sheridan.
•Yellowstone News: Cassidy reveals details about her upcoming appearance in the highly anticipated Beth and Rip Yellowstone spinoff.
•The Next Chapter: The excitement of making a new record and having it produced by none other than John Osborne (of Brothers Osborne).
•Appalachian Roots: How her family’s history in the mountains shaped her "yapper" personality and raw storytelling style.
•The "Grit" Factor: Why playing to empty dive bars was the best training for commanding a national TV audience.

Whether you’re a fan of The Road, a Yellowstone junkie, or just love a story about a woman working her tail off to chase a dream, this conversation with Cassidy Daniels is the shot of motivation you need.

👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music.

Follow Cassidy Daniels: https://cassidydaniels.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/www.instagram.com/cassidydanielsmusic/

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

In this episode of Talk Y’all to Me, we sit down with platinum-selling country artist Brett Young as he kicks off an exciting new chapter with his 2.0 Tour, beginning January 22nd at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Brett opens up about life on tour and how becoming a husband and father has shaped his perspective both personally and professionally. He shares how those seasons have influenced his music, the best advice he has ever received, and the habits that help him stay grounded and successful on the road.

We also dive into what fans can expect from the 2.0 Tour, which Brett promises will be unlike anything he has done before.
Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering Brett Young for the first time, this conversation offers a meaningful behind the scenes look at the man and the music driving this next season.

🎟️ Be sure to grab your tickets below and catch Brett Young live. This is one tour you do not want to miss.

https://www.brettyoungmusic.com/tour/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Follow Brett on IG: @brettyoungmusic

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

The independent spirit of Texas country music shines bright, and "Talk Y'all to Me" was there to capture it! In this special episode, we're on location at the Texas Country Music Awards, bringing you candid conversations with the talented artists and dedicated fans who embody this vibrant community. Discover the stories and passion behind the music that's truly Texas-made.

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: instagram.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Follow Talk Y’all To Me on Instagram: instagram.com/talkyalltome

👉 Youtube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-yall-to-me/id1512615315

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: www.torikruse.com

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

Get ready for some real talk, y'all! In this episode of "Talk Y'all to Me," we're hitting the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, right outside the CMA Awards! Join me as I chat with incredible artists and passionate fans, getting their unfiltered thoughts, excitement, and celebrating country music's biggest night of the year!

👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music.

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: instagram.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Follow Talk Y’all To Me on Instagram: instagram.com/talkyalltome

👉 Youtube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-yall-to-me/id1512615315

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: www.torikruse.com

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

Talk Y’all to Me with host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Adam Sanders on the release day of his powerful new single “Bible in a House Fire.”
In this episode, Adam shares the true story that inspired the song — a burned-down double-wide trailer and the image of a Bible untouched by flames. He opens up about his songwriting journey from Florida to Nashville, how he scored two No. 1 hits as a writer and what it means to “unlock” his authentic 90s-inspired sound.

Topics We Cover:
• The story and heart behind “Bible in a House Fire”
• How faith shapes Adam’s music and success
• Journey from songwriter to artist
• Entertaining fan and stage moments on tour

Whether you’re a country music fan, songwriter, or dream-chaser, this episode will remind you to keep your faith through the fire.

Subscribe for more honest conversations with your favorite country artists, creators, and insiders.

Follow Adam Sanders: instagram.com/adamsanders

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: instagram.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Youtube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-yall-to-me/id1512615315

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: www.torikruse.com

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

Step inside the world of Texas Country Music with Linda Wilson, President & Founder of the Texas Country Music Association. In this episode of Talk Y’all To Me, Tori Kruse walks and talks with Linda live from the Fort Worth Stockyards to uncover:

• How the Texas Country Music Association was born
• The journey from small-town roots to hosting the Texas Country Music Awards at Billy Bob’s
• Why Texas country is different from anything else in the world
• How faith and unity drive the heart of this industry
• What fans can expect at Texas Country Music Weekend (Nov 7–9, 2025)

From the early days of booking bands to building a faith-based, family-driven movement that unites artists, venues, and fans, Linda shares how prayer, perseverance, and Texas grit keep the music alive.

Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of the most powerful weekends in country music.

👉 Subscribe to Talk Y’all To Me for more insider stories from the heart of country music.

Follow Texas Country Music Association:

Purchase Texas Country Music Awards Tickets: AXS US – Texas Country Music Awards – Fort Worth – Billy Bob's Texas – Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Instagram: Texas Country Music Association

TikTok: @texascma

Facebook: Texas Country Music Association

Website: Texas Country Music Association – TCMA Home

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

Texas country meets tradition, tequila, and timeless storytelling. In this episode of Talk Y’all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Jon Wolfe live from Tannahill’s in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jon opens up about:

• Why his upcoming album leans into old-school country vibes (Merle, Waylon, Hank Jr.)
• How a George Strait New Year’s party launched his career
• What makes Texas honky tonks legendary (and which ones top his list)
• The story behind Juan Lobo Tequila and how fans gave him the nickname
• His latest collaborations, including “Tequila Cowboys” with Randy Rogers

If you love classic country roots, tequila with a story, and the fans that make it all possible — this one’s for you.

👉 Stream Jon Wolfe’s music and follow him on social media @jonwolfecountry.

👉 Learn more about Juan Lobo Tequila at juanlobotequila.com

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

Today I'm re-sharing an episode from when I was a guest on the Keep What You Earn Podcast. We dive into the power of styling for events and how the right outfit can boost your confidence on stage. When you feel great in what you're wearing, it’s easier to own the spotlight and perform at your best. We’ll talk about the importance of comfort, too—because confidence comes from feeling good as much as from looking good. Finding a balance between style and comfort is key to ensuring you can show up authentically and confidently.

I’ll also explore how discovering your unique style can unlock a sense of empowerment, allowing you to express your true self in any setting. A simple wardrobe change can transform your energy and help elevate your performance, so we’ll discuss how to use clothes as a tool to amplify your message. If you’ve ever been afraid of the attention that comes with being in the spotlight, I’m here to help you shift your mindset and see that attention as an opportunity to share your gift with the world.

Finally, we’ll touch on how eliminating discomfort—both physical and mental—can improve your performance. When you’re at ease with yourself and your appearance, you’re better equipped to connect with your audience and deliver your message with clarity. Tune in to this episode to learn how to embrace your confidence, discover your personal style, and step onto any stage ready to shine!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[1:45] Styling for Events: Confidence on Stage

[3:10] The Importance of Comfort and Confidence

[4:25] Finding Your Unique Style

[7:50] The Power of Wardrobe Changes

[12:00] Overcoming Fear and Embracing Attention

[16:55] The Importance of People Paying Attention to You as a Means to Share Your Gift with People

[18:15] Eliminating Discomfort for Better Performance

Thank you for tuning in to The Tori Kruse Show! If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and bring more inspiring stories to light. 

Resources:

Check out the Keep What You Earn Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-what-you-earn/id1580071347

Join TK Style: torikruse.com/membership

What's your personal style? Take the quiz to find out! torikruse.com/quiz

Elevate Your Event with Live Media Coverage by Tori: https://torikruse.com/livereporting/ 

Website: https://torikruse.com/

Follow Tori on Instagram @officialtorikruse

Book a Styling call with Tori https://calendly.com/tori_kruse/style-consultation

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse