Zach Russell joins The Songwriter to talk self‑reliance, presence, and protecting the soul of a song. From small orchards to Sinatra, from leaving three‑hour bar gigs to writing without a guitar, Zach shares a grounded approach to craft and life—then closes with a brand‑new performance about manna, heaven, and enough.

Key Topics

• Self‑support, gardens, and taking a little power back
• Why he sometimes writes with no guitar in hand
• 60s/70s French pop and classic standards as unexpected guides
• Venue choices, vulnerability, and honest exchanges with audiences

Featured Performance

New original song (live)

Ideal for fans of John Moreland, Jason Isbell, and reflective Americana.

Kentucky songwriter Tim Goodin opens up about work, writing, and home. He and his wife co‑write most songs, he’s lived the stories he sings, and he isn’t chasing fame at the expense of family. From the opioid fallout to blue‑collar pride, this episode grounds big themes in real life—and ends with a tender performance of “Fishing Hole.”

Key Topics

• Full‑time job, weekend shows, and avoiding burnout
• The truth behind “Pills and Poverty” and why it resonated nationwide
• Writing with your spouse and keeping 2,000 ideas organized
• Coal country roots, community, and choosing what matters

Featured Performance

“Fishing Hole” (acoustic)

For fans of Tyler Childers, Cody Jinks, CWG, and honest Appalachian songwriting.

North Carolina’s Justin Clyde Williams sits down to talk tattoos with meaning, co‑writing “Born to Roam,” and why he wants crowds to boogie even when the songs run heavy. From campfire sets to last‑minute stage jams with Justin Wells, this is a candid look at an artist balancing craft, community, and the grind of touring.

Key Topics

• The Waylon, Willie, and Cash influence behind Justin’s ink
• How a chorus almost became a verse in “Born to Roam”
• Touring hard winters, burnout, and choosing joy on stage
• Co‑writing with friends and making songs “arrive”
• Community moments at Laurel Cove and beyond

Featured Performance

“Born to Roam” (acoustic)

For fans of Justin Wells, American Aquarium, 49 Winchester, and raw country storytelling.

Active duty Army soldier Brayden Mullins opens up about writing haunting songs inspired by his coal mining hometown while serving his country - and how deployment separation from his newlywed wife fuels his most personal music.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Active duty soldier balancing military service with music career✅ Growing up in Pound, Virginia coal country - same area as Ralph Stanley✅ Writing from deployment - 8-hour time difference challenges with his wife✅ "Better Man" - 15-minute song written in army barracks✅ "I'm Familiar Writing" - haunting suicide story reflecting coal country struggles✅ "Limestone Casket" - based on true 1972 coal mine collapse tragedy✅ Why he naturally writes dark, sad songs over happy ones✅ Red Barn Radio appearance while battling severe allergies✅ EXCLUSIVE performance of "Yellow Light" - unreleased love song to his wifeBrayden discusses the weight of performing emotional songs, respecting your audience, and why authentic storytelling resonates with working-class listeners who "all eat and shit and struggle."RELATED ARTISTS: Ralph Stanley, Tony Rice, James King, Nick Jamerson, Tyler Childers#BraydenMullins #ActiveDutyMilitary #CoalCountryMusic #VirginiaMusic #MilitaryMusician #AppalachianMusic #DarkSongwriting #RedBarnRadio #LaurelCove🔔 SUBSCRIBE for conversations with artists serving country while sharing their stories👍 LIKE if Brayden's dedication to both military and music inspired you💬 COMMENT your thoughts on soldiers using music to process difficult experiences

Kentucky songwriter Emily Jamerson opens up about her journey from a painfully shy church singer who mouthed the words to finding her authentic voice through vulnerable songwriting about insecurity and self-acceptance.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Growing up too shy to sing out loud in church choir✅ Starting songwriting at 19 - first song written in just 20 minutes✅ "Dried Paint" - turning insecurity into an anthem of self-acceptance✅ "Worthy" - her breakthrough song about overcoming feelings of inadequacy✅ "Run Baby Run" - escaping fear and chasing dreams without hesitation✅ Writing about her beloved animals - "Bloodhound" tribute to her passed dog✅ Songwriter challenge - writing one song per week for an entire year✅ Social media authenticity vs highlight reels - showing the full range✅ EXCLUSIVE acoustic performance of "Run Baby Run"Emily discusses vulnerability in songwriting, learning to share her creative process, and how authentic self-expression gives others permission to be themselves.Related Artists: Nicholas Jamerson, Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris#EmilyJamerson #KentuckyMusic #Songwriter #MentalHealthAwareness #Authenticity #SelfAcceptance #CountryMusic #VulnerableSongwriting #AppalachianMusic #independentartist 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for conversations with artists turning insecurity into inspiring anthems👍 LIKE if Emily's journey from shy to confident resonated with you💬 COMMENT your thoughts on overcoming fear to chase your dreams

English musician Jack Browning shares his journey from rock bands to authentic country music - and how he's building a career through completely DIY American tours without management, labels, or agents.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ From English folk traditions to Kentucky country music✅ Growing up on Dylan and Johnny Cash with his father✅ Leaving rock bands during lockdown to find his authentic voice✅ "High Hopes" album - dealing with crushed dreams and perseverance✅ Recording improv songs in frustration - Tom Waits influenced jams✅ DIY touring from UK to Kentucky without industry support✅ Building community vs cliquey music scenes back home✅ Why he won't fake American experiences in his songwriting✅ EXCLUSIVE performance of "Painted Skies" from his upcoming record

Jack discusses authenticity, imposter syndrome, and proving that passion and community support matter more than industry connections.

RELATED ARTISTS: Tyler Childers, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Tom Waits, The Beatles#JackBrowning #UKCountry #DIYTouring #EnglishFolk #AuthenticCountry #LaurelCove #IndependentArtist #KentuckyMusic #CountryMusic #InternationalArtist

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for conversations with artists crossing oceans to chase their dreams👍 LIKE if Jack's DIY approach to building a career inspired you💬 COMMENT your thoughts on international artists in American country music

Marine Corps veteran Ritch Henderson opens up about his raw journey from military service to music stardom - battling panic attacks in sobriety while creating some of the most honest songs in country music today.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Marine Corps experience and adjusting back to civilian life✅ Growing up poor in North Alabama - "went to war because family was poor"✅ Sobriety journey and devastating panic attacks that followed✅ Writing "The Dance" during his darkest mental health moment✅ "Same Size Hole" - we all end up the same place in the end✅ Breaking generational cycles and raising kids differently✅ Supporting addiction recovery and mental health awareness✅ Why he writes songs that "write themselves" - external muse concept✅ EXCLUSIVE performances of "Closer" (brand new song) and "The Dance"Ritch shares brutal honesty about PTSD, addiction recovery, and using music as therapy - proving that vulnerability and strength aren't opposites.RELATED ARTISTS: Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks#RitchHenderson #MarineCorpsVet #MentalHealthAwareness #SobrietyJourney #PanicAttacks #CountryMusic #VeteranSongwriter #AppalachianMusic #AuthenticCountry #addictionrecovery

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for conversations with artists turning pain into powerful music👍 LIKE if Ritch's honesty about mental health resonated with you💬 COMMENT your thoughts on veterans' struggles with civilian life

Louisiana-born, Kentucky-raised songwriter Justin Wells opens up about his transformation from punk rock outcast to acclaimed country artist - and why his latest album is a collection of love songs.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Growing up as the punk rock outsider in rural Kentucky✅ How Sunday Valley's electric bluegrass changed everything✅ Pandemic life - being home with his wife for the first time in years✅ Writing "Queen of Queens" - the ultimate love song challenge✅ Fifth on the Floor wild days before smartphones documented everything✅ Why he broke up the band just before Kentucky music exploded✅ "The Emperor Has No Clothes" - 13-year journey from writing to recording✅ Political messages vs. showing love by example✅ EXCLUSIVE acoustic performance of "Queen of Queens"Justin reflects on marriage, authenticity, and creating music that connects hearts rather than divides - proving that the best country music comes from genuine human struggle and love.RELATED ARTISTS: Sunday Valley, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, American Aquarium, Jason Isbell#JustinWells #KentuckyMusic #FifthOnTheFloor #QueenOfQueens #CountryMusic #PunkRockInfluence #MarriageInMusic #AuthenticSongwriting #LouisianaToKentucky🔔 SUBSCRIBE for deep conversations with artists who refuse to fake it👍 LIKE if Justin's journey from outcast to acclaimed songwriter resonated💬 COMMENT your thoughts on punk rock influence in country music

🎸 Kentucky songwriter Jordan Lee Kings shares how Tom Petty sparked his musical journey and reveals the incredible WWII story behind his powerful song "Virginia" - about a Normandy Beach survivor who became his neighbor.IN THIS EPISODE:✅ How Tom Petty's first concert changed his life at 13 years old✅ The incredible true story of Dewey Fee - D-Day medic who survived Normandy✅ Writing "Virginia" in a WWII veteran's actual house✅ Why he makes himself cry when writing sad songs✅ "Holy Flame" - finding spirituality after leaving organized religion✅ Kentucky vs Nashville music scenes - family vs cutthroat competition✅ The songwriter job offer he turned down to stay authentic✅ Why he won't waste vulnerable songs on distracted crowds✅ EXCLUSIVE acoustic performance of "Virginia"Jordan opens up about heartbreak, spiritual questioning, and honoring the stories of America's greatest generation through song.RELATED ARTISTS: Tom Petty, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell#JordanLeeKings #KentuckyMusic #WWII #Songwriter #TomPetty #Virginia #AuthenticCountry #AppalachianMusic #countrymusic 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for conversations with songwriters who honor truth over trends👍 LIKE if Jordan's authentic approach resonated with you💬 COMMENT your thoughts on staying true vs chasing success

🚛 Kentucky truck driver Bill Taylors shares his journey from hauling double-wides Monday-Friday to recording powerful country songs on weekends - and reveals how his "Ginseng King" father's National Geographic fame shaped his musical path.

Bill was recently on America's Got Talent, with his performance garnering tens of millions of views online.

IN THIS EPISODE:✅ Balancing full-time trucking with weekend studio sessions✅ Growing up Pentecostal - how church music shaped his sound✅ His father's National Geographic "Appalachian Outlaws" ginseng fame✅ Writing "Old Man" - honoring veterans and PTSD struggles✅ From cover songs in bars to original material with his band✅ Why he writes about "stuff I know" - wife, kids, and mountain life✅ Recording 12 songs for upcoming album with producer Zach✅ EXCLUSIVE first-time performance of "One Cuff Shell"Bill opens up about representing Appalachia through authentic storytelling, balancing blue-collar work with musical dreams, and honoring the mountain culture that raised him.RELATED ARTISTS: Cody Johnson, Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell#BillTaylors #TruckDriver #AppalachianMusic #KentuckyCountry #GinsengKing #PentecostalMusic #WorkingClass #CountryMusic #MountainMusic #AmericasGotTalent #AGT

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for conversations with working-class songwriters living their dreams👍 LIKE if Bill's blue-collar hustle inspired you💬 COMMENT your thoughts on balancing day jobs with music