In order to understand the mystery that is Chris Gaines, you must first understand the history and legacy of Garth Brooks. After all, there is no Chris Gaines without Garth Brooks. Hosts Ashley Spurgeon and Michael Eades partake in a surprisingly well-researched chat spanning from the birth of Troyal Garth Brooks up to the end of 1998, the last time the world existed without Chris Gaines.

While it may seem like a tease to eschew any direct Gaines chatter in this episode, it provides substantial context and groundwork for the undertaking itself. If you’re paying attention, the life of Garth Brooks and Chris Gaines mirror each other in many instances.

For full show notes, hit up chrisgaines.show.