The Chris & Sandy Show

Country soul singer-songwriter and The Voice Season 25 Top 5 finalist Karen Waldrup joins Chris and Sandy for an inspiring, up-close-and-personal conversation about chasing dreams, overcoming challenges, and discovering what truly matters in life.

Karen opens up about the pressure she felt during her blind audition on The Voice, working with Dan + Shay, and the personal experiences that inspired her song "All That Mess." She shares valuable lessons about setting boundaries, learning to say no, and navigating the expectations that come with building a successful music career. She also reflects on the people behind her success, how a visit to Haiti changed her perspective on gratitude, and the important role faith plays in her life.

Beyond the music, Karen talks about her hopes for the future, her desire to preserve the innocence of the young woman who first arrived in Nashville with an acoustic guitar and a dream, and why her career will never be her entire identity. It's a heartfelt conversation about resilience, personal growth, and learning to build a life that's about more than accomplishments.

Connect with Karen Waldrup: https://karenwaldrup.com/

Explore more interviews from The Chris & Sandy Show: https://www.chrissandyshow.com/top/interviews/

Bluegrass singer-songwriter Caroline Owens joins The Chris & Sandy Show for an Up Close & Personal conversation about her new album Low Flying Planes, the sacrifices behind pursuing a music career, finding confidence as an artist, and remembering where it all began.A North Carolina native and Billy Blue Records recording artist, Caroline has earned recognition as a three-time International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Vocalist of the Year nominee and multiple SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominee.But behind the growing recognition is a story about perseverance, family, and learning to navigate the realities of the music industry.During this October 30, 2026, interview, Caroline shares why she uprooted her life to move closer to Nashville, what inspired the title track of Low Flying Planes, and how she wrote approximately 150 to 200 songs during the album's development.She also reflects on discovering bluegrass through Alison Krauss as a teenager, working with The Isaacs, receiving a letter from Lainey Wilson, and watching childhood heroes become professional connections and friends.Beyond the music, Caroline opens up about the mental demands of touring, developing greater confidence in her artistic identity, handling negative social media comments, and the advice from her father that helps keep her grounded.

The Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball have grown from an unconventional idea in Savannah into packed stadiums, massive tours and an entertainment phenomenon—but Jesse Cole says they're just getting started.

Chris caught up with Jesse at Grayson Stadium during the 2027 Banana Ball World Tour City Selection Show for a quick conversation that went well beyond what cities and stadiums are coming next.

Jesse talks about the criticism that comes with doing something different, why creators have to keep trying even when the people around them don't understand the vision, and why he believes the world needs more people creating and fewer people simply consuming. He also shares Banana Ball's enormous goal of creating one billion fans, one fan at a time.

Then Chris asks one of The Chris & Sandy Show's longtime questions: People see the glory, but what don't they see about the grind?

Jesse's answer gets personal. He talks about sleepless nights, waking up thinking about problems that need solving, carrying responsibility for hundreds of employees and fans, raising three young children, and why his wife is the rock of both their family and the organization. Jesse Transcript

They also talk about questioning the way things have always been done, being willing to fail while attempting the impossible, and why—even after everything Banana Ball has already accomplished—Jesse believes “we're just getting started.”

This marks Chris's second conversation with Jesse Cole, roughly eight years after their first.

The Chris & Sandy Show — Same Show. New Chapter.

Tony Scalzo of Fastball joins The Chris & Sandy Show for an honest conversation about songwriting, touring, success, ego, collaboration, music discovery, and staying grounded.

Tony reflects on Fastball’s early discipline, the unseen grind behind touring, meeting Rudy Sarzo, attending the US Festival, and why remembering who you are matters more than fame.

Known around the world for her years on MTV's Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, Chanel West Coast has spent much of her career entertaining audiences with her humor, personality, and music. While many first discovered her through television and later through hip-hop, she is now writing an entirely new chapter as a country artist, embracing a sound that blends country, rock, and modern pop while remaining rooted in honest storytelling. Her transition has introduced longtime fans to a different side of her—one centered not on reinvention for reinvention's sake, but on finding where she believes her voice truly belongs.

This conversation goes far beyond discussing a new album. Chanel opens up about losing her father, becoming a mother, redefining success, handling public criticism, balancing faith in the entertainment industry, and discovering that some of life's greatest setbacks become unexpected blessings. Rather than simply documenting another career move, the interview reveals the person behind the public image and offers timeless lessons about resilience, purpose, family, and trusting life's unexpected turns. For longtime fans and first-time listeners alike, it provides an authentic look at an artist continuing to grow both

In this episode of The Chris & Sandy Show, we sit down with rising artist Mattie Pruitt, who captured national attention as a Top 7 finalist on American Idol at just 16 years old.

From growing up in a small Tennessee town to performing in front of millions, Mattie shares what that journey has really been like—and what people don’t see behind the scenes.

We talk about her experience on American Idol, the pressure of being a young artist in today’s world, and how she handles criticism and online negativity. Mattie also opens up about the sacrifices she’s had to make, the importance of mindset, and the moment her faith became real to her.

She also shares insight into her music, including her recent release “Hit The Road,” and what’s next as her career continues to grow.

This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience, identity, and staying grounded in who you are.

If you enjoy real, in-depth conversations with artists and creators, be sure to subscribe and follow The Chris & Sandy Show.

In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Hogan for a raw and honest conversation about life beyond the spotlight.

Best known from Brooke Knows Best, Brooke shares where she is today — navigating grief, embracing motherhood, and rebuilding her life on her own terms while stepping back into music and television with Rock the Block.

This is not a surface-level interview.

Brooke opens up about:
• Growing up in the public eye and how it shaped her
• Family struggles and the weight of living it out publicly
• Processing grief and the emotional ups and downs that come with it
• The role faith has played in her darkest moments
• Becoming a mother and how it changed everything
• The truth about fame, identity, and starting over

There are moments where Brooke goes deep… and moments where you can feel she’s still carrying a lot. That’s what makes this conversation real.

If you’ve ever faced loss, struggled with identity, or tried to rebuild your life after difficult seasons, this episode will resonate.

In this powerful episode of The Chris & Sandy Show, we sit down with rising rock artist Magdalene Rose for a raw and honest conversation about her journey through depression, identity struggles, and finding purpose through faith.

Magdalene shares what it was like to walk through one of the darkest seasons of her life… a time where she felt lost, angry, and unsure of who she was or where her life was going.

But that’s not where her story ends.

Through an ongoing journey of healing, she discovered a deeper relationship with God, a renewed sense of identity, and a calling to help others who feel like they’re too far gone.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Her battle with depression and mental health
• Learning to be honest with God in the hardest moments
• The transition from brokenness to purpose
• The story behind her music and message
• What it really takes to pursue a calling

This conversation goes beyond music…
It’s about healing, hope, and the reminder that no matter how dark things feel, your story isn’t over.

If you’ve ever struggled, questioned your purpose, or felt alone… this episode is for you.

Mary Kutter returns to The Chris & Sandy Show—and this time, she’s stepping into a whole new season.

Since her first appearance, Mary has signed her first record deal, begun work on her debut album, and is experiencing the kind of momentum every artist dreams about. But behind the headlines is a story built on consistency, discipline, and staying true to her voice.

In this episode, we go deeper into her journey—from writing songs during the 2020 lockdown to building a loyal fanbase through daily content and unfiltered storytelling.

Mary also shares what it felt like to:
• Sign with BBR (Broken Bow Records)
• Open for Hank Williams Jr. and perform in her first arena
• Hear fans singing unreleased songs back to her
• Stay grounded while everything starts to take off

We also talk about the side most people don’t see—the routines, sacrifices, and mindset required to build something real in today’s music industry.

This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t instant—it’s built one day, one song, and one decision at a time.

🎙️ The Chris & Sandy Show brings you up close and personal with artists, actors, and creators—sharing the real stories behind the success.

What happens when you create one of the most iconic songs in history, at just 15 years old?

In this episode of The Chris & Sandy Show, we sit down with Bob Berryhill of The Surfaris to dive into the story behind the legendary hit Wipe Out.

Bob shares how the song went from a small recording with just 100 records… to a national hit in under six months—and how, at the time, he didn’t fully realize what was happening around him.

We talk about:

• The unexpected rise of Wipe Out
• Life as a teenage musician surrounded by legends
• The grind, discipline, and practice behind the success
• Touring with icons like Roy Orbison and The Beach Boys
• The moment music changed forever in the 1960s
• And why he’s still passionate about performing today

This conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes you’re living your biggest moment… before you even realize it.

If you love music history, real stories, and hearing the journey behind legendary songs, this episode is for you.

About The Chris & Sandy Show:
Up close & personal conversations with artists, actors, athletes, and creators—focusing on the real stories behind their success.