Talk Y’all To Me

The music industry is being rewritten in real time — and the artists who understand what's happening right now are the ones who will win.

In this episode of Talk Y'all To Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Grammy-winning producer and mixer F. Reid Shippen for a raw, honest conversation about where music is headed and what independent artists need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

From the platform he built to help indie artists release music in under a minute, to AI voices that can clone your favorite artist, to why the next Chris Stapleton or Zach Bryan might be recording on a phone in Marrakesh — this conversation covers it all.

Reid and Tori break down why every artist today is their own CEO, why owning your music matters more than ever, and how AI isn't just a threat — it might actually be the greatest creative renaissance of our lifetime.

If you're an artist, a creator, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to keep up with a world that won't slow down — this episode is for you.

🎵 Check out Once — the platform built to get your music everywhere in seconds.
📖 Grab Tori's book Unexpected at torikruse.com

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Talk Y’all To Me 

00:36 – Introducing Once: The platform for indie artists 

01:32 – Why the music release process is broken 

02:38 – The Once solution: How to get paid 

03:17 – Releasing a song in under 60 seconds 

04:16 – Why ownership and control matter most 

05:16 – Milestone: 1,000+ users & counting 

06:12 – AI: The coming revolution in music 

07:17 – Global impact: Creating hits on an iPhone 

08:26 – Every artist is now a Startup CEO 

09:47 – Tori Kruse’s New Book: Unexpected 

10:10 – Will AI replace music producers? 

11:09 – The reality of AI voices & digital singers 

12:03 – Using technology as a gift for expression 

13:50 – Art vs. Entertainment: What AI can’t copy 

14:58 – Betting against the legends (Stapleton & Bryan) 

16:13 – The shift from analog tape to digital phones 

17:05 – Giving back through music education 

17:52 – Behind the scenes: Life as a "Girl Dad" 

18:59 – Final thoughts & where to follow Reid Shippen

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

Follow F. Reid Shippen:

Instagram: instagram.com/@robotlemon

🎙️ 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 really take to turn a song into something you feel?

This week on Talk Y’all To Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Grammy-winning producer and mixer F. Reid Shippen—the man behind hits from Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and more.

From inside his Nashville studio, F. Reid Shippen pulls back the curtain on the music-making process, sharing how songs go from raw recordings to radio-ready hits. But this conversation goes way beyond music—it dives into creativity, imposter syndrome, AI’s impact on the industry, and what it means to stay true to your calling in a constantly changing world.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, chased a dream, or wondered what happens behind the scenes of the music you love—this one’s for you.

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Talk Y’all To Me
00:42 – Meet F. Reid Shippen
01:19 – How he got started in music
03:04 – The real path: intern → assistant → producer
03:58 – What happens before a song hits the radio
05:38 – Why some songs are harder than others
06:44 – Making artists feel something
08:27 – Working across genres (country, R&B, Disney & more)
12:29 – The “Drunk on a Plane” story (almost NOT a hit)
14:34 – The pressure behind the music industry
15:23 – Imposter syndrome & creative anxiety
17:48 – “Assume positive intent” mindset shift
19:09 – Faith, fear, and stepping into your calling
20:39 – Handling criticism in a public world
23:16 – What winning a Grammy really feels like
24:47 – The reality of “feast or famine” careers
26:09 – Building “Once” for independent artists


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



Follow F. Reid Shippen: 



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

🎙️ 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 happens when a "joke" song between friends becomes a global, chart-topping sensation overnight? This week on Talk Y’all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Trey Lewis, the man behind the viral hit "Dicked Down in Dallas."
While many know him for the rowdy, shock-value lyrics that beat out BTS on the Billboard charts, Trey opens up about the deeper story many haven't heard. From celebrating 19 years of sobriety to the emotional journey of losing his father, Trey shares how music truly saved his life.

We dive into:
•The "Overnight" Success: What it was like watching a campfire video turn into 6 million views in three hours.
•Touring with a Legend: Behind-the-scenes stories from 40 dates on the road with Kid Rock.
•The Birth of "Thomason": Why Trey is launching a new project to share his most sincere, and honest music yet.
•A Full Circle Moment: Preparing for his upcoming debut at the legendary Bluebird Cafe.

Whether you're a fan of the rowdy anthems or looking for a story of resilience and creative evolution, this episode is a reminder of what it takes to stay true to yourself while the world is watching.

Connect with Trey Lewis:
•Website: treylewismusic.com (https://treylewismusic.com/)
•New EP: Releasing April 17th
•Shop: pawpawshats.com 

Grab Tori’s new book, Unexpected:Available now at 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

What happens when you mix high-end craftsmanship with the grit of a Texas honky-tonk? You get Republic Boot Company.

In today’s episode, Tori Kruse interviews Chris Conrad about his journey from corporate life to becoming the "Anthony Bourdain of boots." Chris reveals the secrets behind his "sensory overload" retail experience in Houston and gives us an exclusive first look at his newest project: The Republic Wine Castle in the Texas Hill Country.

In this video, we cover:

00:00 - Intro: Rodeo Season & The Castle

02:30 - The Republic Boot Company Experience

05:15 - 5th Generation Texan: Carrying on the Legacy

08:45 - The Custom Boot Process (From Lasts to Leather)

12:20 - Alligator Hunting: The Ultimate Custom Story

16:40 - Why Chris Bet His Entire 401k on This Vision

19:15 - Inside the New Texas Wine Castle & Hotel

24:00 - The Future of Republic Boot Co.

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

Follow Chris:

www.republicbootcompany.com

Instagram: instagram.com/republicboot1836

🎙️ 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 catches up with the incredibly relatable and talented Billie Jo. After meeting at the Texas Country Music Awards and following her journey on the CBS show The Road, Tori dives into the "real life" moments that the cameras didn't always catch.

We discuss:
•The Reality of The Road: Billie Jo shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and the struggle of being away from her kids for six weeks while filming.

•The "Mom" Factor: A candid look at the standards for women in the music industry and how Billie Jo manages a household of four kids while touring full-time.

•Vulnerability as a Superpower: Why she’s decided to stop showing just the "highlight reel" and start sharing the messy, unpolished moments of motherhood and music.

•Faith & The Grind: The emotional "closet floor" moments and how her faith keeps her pushing forward when doors seem to close.

•Songwriting from the Soul: How she turned her personal life into true stories that resonate with fans across Texas and beyond.

Follow Billie Jo:
 Website: billiejojones.com
 Instagram: @billiejo_music

🎙️ 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, host Tori Kruse sits down with native Houstonian and serial entrepreneur Russell Molina. Russell shares his journey from growing up in the legendary Molina’s Cantina family to building a diverse portfolio of businesses, including the historic Hat Store in Houston and THS Ranch.

We dive deep into:
•The Business of Legacy: How Russell transitioned from finance to owning oil field companies and eventually preserving Texas heritage through luxury Western wear.
•The Texas Bicentennial: Why Russell is "lighting a fire" under Texans to prepare for the 2036 celebration and his work with the Texas Ranger Bicentennial.
•Exclusive News: Russell shares the inside scoop on the return of the iconic Texas Ranger statue to Dallas Love Field and the true history behind it.
•The Art of the Custom Hat: A look inside the 100-year-old tradition of the Hat Store and why a quality felt hat is a multi-generational investment.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a history buff, or a fan of Western fashion, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with heart and serving your community.

🎙️ 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—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