Rusty Gaston sees the music business from a rare vantage point.

In this conversation, we talk about what really makes songs connect, why the best careers are built on more than hype, and what happens when somebody who came from the independent world steps into one of the most powerful roles in Nashville publishing.

This is a real conversation about the heart behind the business. If you care about songwriting, country music, Nashville, publishing, artist careers, intellectual property, music business strategy, the creative process, and the part of the music business most people never get to see, this one is for you.

#RustyGaston #SonyMusicPublishing #SonyMusicPublishingNashville #Songwriting #MusicPublishing #Nashville #CountryMusic #MusicBusiness #HitSongs #songwriters 

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

James Shotwell, founder of Country Minute, breaks down how songs actually go viral in today’s music industry, what artists and labels are really paying for, and how influencer marketing is shaping country music.

Country Minute is one of the fastest-growing platforms in country music, reaching millions of fans every month through TikTok, Instagram, and short-form content that drives music discovery.

James explains:
◼️How songs go viral on TikTok, Instagram, and streaming platforms
◼️The real role of influencers in music marketing and promotion
◼️How record labels use content to break artists in 2026
◼️Why attention is the most valuable currency in the music business
◼️How to grow an audience and build a platform from zero

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

In this episode of The Stephan Hogan Podcast, Stephan Hogan sits down with one of the most respected musicians in the Nashville music industry, Charlie Worsham.

Charlie is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans bluegrass, country, and Americana. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut at just 12 years old and has since become widely known in Nashville as a true musician’s musician. 

His work appears on records with artists including Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Riley Green, Ernest, and Lainey Wilson, and he was named 2024 CMA Musician of the Year and a two-time ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year. 

Charlie also recently played acoustic guitar and mandolin on Ella Langley’s new record, including the song “Choosin’ Texas.” 

But beyond the awards and studio credits, this conversation reveals the deeper story behind the musician.

Charlie opens up about mentorship, faith, fatherhood, and what it means to build a meaningful life in music while staying grounded as a husband and dad. From lessons learned from Vince Gill and Dierks Bentley, to navigating the Nashville music industry after spending 12 years signed to Warner Music Nashville, Charlie shares the wisdom that comes from playing the long game.

Stephan and Charlie discuss:

• growing up playing bluegrass and making his Grand Ole Opry debut as a kid
• the mentors who shaped his career and character
• balancing music, family life, and fatherhood
• the philosophy of playing fewer notes and making better music
• leaving a major label to become an independent artist

Charlie also shares details about his upcoming music, including his new single “They Never Do,” releasing March 20 and featuring Lainey Wilson. The song will also appear as the closing track in the upcoming Netflix documentary on Lainey Wilson.

In addition to releasing new music independently, Charlie will also be playing guitar with Vince Gill this year, continuing a musical friendship and mentorship that has shaped his career.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about craft, character, faith, family, and the long road of building a life in music.

https://www.charlieworsham.com/
https://www.instagram.com/charlieworsham

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

Wardrobe provided by https://www.simonsaysnashville.com/

In this raw and deeply personal conversation, Bear Rinehart of Needtobreathe sits down with Stephan Hogan to talk about songwriting, faith, trauma, creativity, and the future of music.

The interview comes as Needtobreathe prepares to release their 10th studio album, The Long Surrender, on March 27, 2026 via MCA. Produced by acclaimed producer Dave Cobb, the 12-track album marks a return to raw, personal songwriting from frontman Bear Rinehart. The project includes the single “Highlands” and explores themes of surrender, faith, identity, and personal growth.

In this conversation, Bear opens up about the experiences that shaped the writing behind The Long Surrender, including therapy, faith, family, and the inner voice that often tells artists they are not good enough. He also talks about the beauty of imperfection in music, the pressure artists face in the modern industry, and how real songs come from lived experiences rather than formulas.

This episode offers a rare look inside the mind of one of modern rock’s most thoughtful songwriters as Needtobreathe enters a new chapter of music.

Topics discussed include:

• Needtobreathe’s upcoming album The Long Surrender (2026)
• Writing songs for the new record and returning to personal storytelling
• Working with producer Dave Cobb
• The new single “Highlands”
• Bear Rinehart on faith, trauma, and personal transformation
• The creative process behind meaningful songwriting
• Why imperfection is essential in music
• The pressures of the modern music industry
• AI, creativity, and the future of art
• Balancing touring life with family and fatherhood

If you're a fan of Needtobreathe, Bear Rinehart, songwriting, or conversations about creativity and faith, this episode dives deep into the stories behind the music.

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

https://www.simonsaysnashville.com/
https://30aroasters.com/

What does “darkness” actually mean when you are living in it, not writing poetry about it?

In this episode of The Stephan Hogan Podcast, Canaan Smith opens up about grief, faith, anxiety, and the seasons that make you feel lost. He talks about losing his brother, the pressure that hit after a Number 1, and the day he walked into Mercury Records executive Mike Dungan’s office to ask to be released from his record deal even after the label had invested heavily.

We also get into what real strength looks like, why poorly timed advice can do damage, and why some songs should not “wrap it up with a bow.”

Canaan and New Medicine share the story behind their new song “Dark Place” (out January 27, 2026) and why it is built to feel like companionship, not a quick fix.

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

What does a Number 1 song in China actually mean in 2026, and how is it different from a U.S. radio “Number 1”? Nashville songwriter and producer Mark Siegel breaks down his real-world experience landing a Billboard China chart-topper with Lay Zhang (EXO), including how China’s music economy is still heavily download and sales-based, how platforms like QQ Music and NetEase function, and why “units sold” can move at a pace that feels impossible in the U.S. We get into the truth about mechanical royalties overseas, why collection can be confusing without the right subpublisher, and what Mark learned working with a UMG-affiliated admin team to protect his songwriter copyright and publishing.

This conversation goes deeper than headlines. Mark explains how K-pop, C-pop, and M-pop fan culture fuels massive first-week sales, how an English version can outperform a translated version, and what it feels like to watch 80,000 people in an arena sing a song that started as a piano-vocal demo in a hotel room. We also talk about the business model behind modern songwriting careers, why the “middle class” of music has collapsed, and how creators can build sustainable income through multiple lanes like production, artist development, sync licensing, and high-paying film trailers.

If you are a songwriter, producer, independent artist, music business student, or creator trying to understand global music markets, royalty collection, publishing administration, and how to think beyond Nashville radio, this episode is a masterclass. It is also a reminder that the most powerful wins are not always plaques. Sometimes it is the moment your song becomes bigger than you.

Keywords: Mark Siegel, Lay Zhang, EXO, K-pop songwriter, C-pop, M-pop, Billboard China, QQ Music, NetEase, mechanical royalties, publishing, subpublishing, UMG, Outestry, sync licensing, film trailers, trailerized remixes, music industry business, songwriter royalties, Nashville songwriting, global music market.

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

49 Winchester frontman Isaac Gibson joins The Stephan Hogan Podcast for a full 49 Winchester interview covering the band’s current tour schedule, including dates with Tim McGraw and Eric Church.

This conversation explores how 49 Winchester grew from an Appalachian garage band to supporting major arena tours across North America.

I49 Winchester lead singer Isaac Gibson sits down for an in-depth interview about the band’s rapid rise, authentic songwriting approach, and expanding national touring presence.

49 Winchester is currently gaining major exposure through large-scale touring, including select dates on Tim McGraw’s 2026 North American summer tour as well as arena appearances alongside Eric Church. These opportunities are putting the band in front of some of the largest country audiences in the world.

In this 49 Winchester interview, Isaac Gibson discusses:

• The band’s journey from Appalachia to national touring stages
• What it takes to sustain growth without chasing industry trends
• Recording music that prioritizes authenticity over perfection
• The impact of major tour support slots
• Building a loyal fanbase through live performance
• Why people are disconnecting from smartphones
• The return of “human” sounding music
• Recording live takes and embracing imperfection
• Building a career without chasing industry validation
• Touring with major artists and global audience growth
• The story behind 49 Winchester’s rise
• Faith, identity, and purpose in the creative process

About Isaac Gibson & 49 Winchester:

Isaac Gibson is the frontman of 49 Winchester, a Virginia-based country and Americana band known for raw, authentic songwriting and powerful live performances. The band has toured internationally and continues gaining momentum following recent releases and major touring opportunities.

https://www.49winchester.com/

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

Jelly Roll’s Grammy speech struck a nerve because it spoke about faith, redemption, and telling the truth about where you come from. Those same values run through the music on Beautifully Broken, the album that just won Best Contemporary Country Album.

In this episode, I sit down with Steph Jones, the songwriter behind “Born Again” and “Hear Me Out” on Jelly Roll’s Grammy winning album, to talk about who she is and how that kind of honesty and conviction actually gets built long before it shows up on a Grammy stage.

Steph is also a co writer on “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter and has written songs recorded by Selena Gomez, BLACKPINK, Kelsea Ballerini, Shania Twain, Little Big Town, and more.
This conversation is not a recap of Jelly Roll’s speech.

It is a deeper look at the inner work, faith, grief, and creative integrity that make moments like that possible.

If Jelly Roll’s speech resonated with you, this episode will too.

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

Priscilla Block opens up about the mental, physical, and spiritual “come to Jesus moment” that changed everything.

In this conversation, Priscilla shares what burnout really looked like behind the scenes, how nonstop touring and pressure left her feeling empty, and the moment she realized she stopped recognizing herself. Sitting on a beach in New Zealand, exhausted and overwhelmed, she experienced a turning point that led her to reset her life from the inside out.

We talk about what rebuilding actually looks like, not in theory, but in daily life. From small habits like walking and discipline, to faith, gratitude, and protecting your peace, Priscilla breaks down how she rebuilt her confidence and clarity.

This episode covers:
• Burnout and identity loss in the music industry
• The mental, physical, and spiritual reset that changed her path
• Faith, gratitude, and returning to her roots
• 75 Hard and why discipline became self-respect
• The pressure to stay relevant on social media
• Redefining success beyond hits and numbers
• Health, growth, and preparing for the next season of life

This conversation is for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who has ever felt burned out while chasing something they love.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribing is the simplest way to support the show. It costs nothing and it helps more than you think.

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production

#PriscillaBlock #PriscillaBlockInterview #PriscillaBlockPodcast #CountryMusic #FemaleCountryArtist #WomenInCountry #JustAboutOverYou #MyBar #WishYouWereTheWhiskey #PMS #GoodOnYou #ThickThighs #WelcomeToTheBlockParty #CountrySongwriter #ArtistStory #MusicIndustry #MentalHealthInMusic #FaithJourney #ComeToJesusMoment #TheStephanHoganPodcast

Full Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOjAs5F7-ds

In this powerful clip from The Stephan Hogan Podcast, Kip Moore speaks directly to rising country artists about a mistake he believes is hurting new careers. He warns young artists to stop copying the styles of major stars like Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan. He explains why imitation never leads to long term success and why building your own identity is the only path that lasts. 

Kip Moore talks openly about what he is seeing inside country music today. He describes the pressure artists feel to chase whatever is selling at the moment and why that approach leaves them stuck as short lived trends instead of original voices. He uses Morgan Wallen’s explosive popularity and the wave of artists trying to match Zach Bryan’s sound to show how fast these trends disappear. 

In this clip Kip Moore explains:
• Why copying the current biggest sellers will never work in your favor
• How audiences can instantly hear when something is not authentic
• Why chasing trends leaves you behind the moment the original artist evolves
• The importance of originality for anyone who wants a real career in country music

If you are an independent artist, songwriter, producer, or a country music fan who wants to understand the current landscape, this conversation is essential. Kip Moore brings real insight into what is and is not working in Nashville right now, and why the future belongs to the artists who sound like themselves.

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Filmed in Nashville, TN
Produced: Stephan Hogan
Mavericks Media Co. Production