Try That in a Small Town Podcast

Did Tennessee pay millions for the wrong quarterback, or does its young starter simply need more time?

Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil debate the Volunteers’ quarterback situation, Alabama’s emerging star Keelon Russell and whether the Georgia–Alabama game should be moved before severe weather reaches Tuscaloosa.

They also react to New England’s surprising win in Buffalo, question whether the Chargers’ system fits Justin Herbert and debate whether a grown man should surrender the first foul ball he has ever caught to a child sitting several rows away.

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Why don’t Nashville publishers dig through old catalogs for forgotten songs anymore?

Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil explain how song pitching has changed, why today’s business side often feels disconnected from the creative side and what was lost when personal demos and passionate song pluggers were replaced by emails and manufactured writing-room connections.

Then the guys introduce a new game: If famous country artists had no musical talent, what would they do for a living? Chris Young, Tim McGraw and Ella Langley receive some extremely specific alternate careers.

They also respond to listener criticism that the show has become too negative, discuss Keith Urban, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and Jason Aldean, and share stories about a 50-milligram gummy, movie-theater popcorn, In-N-Out Burger, an oven left on all day and a gas grill that nearly ended very badly.

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Should the national anthem be a celebrity performance—or should the marching band play while the entire stadium sings?

Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil debate who should lead the anthem before turning their attention to the changing NFL quarterback position. Are athletic, run-first quarterbacks abandoning the reads and pocket discipline that made players like Tom Brady great?

The guys also discuss the leadership vacuum in college football, NIL money, player discipline, government involvement, Texas and Arch Manning, Tennessee’s young quarterback, Alabama, Florida and the growing number of early-season NFL injuries.

It’s Week 5 of Small Town Sports: four hit songwriters, four football opinions and absolutely no agreement required.

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Sam Smith is headed to the Grand Ole Opry, leading Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil into a heated debate over what the Opry represents—and whether country music’s most historic stage still carries the mystique it once did.

The guys also debate whether music genuinely brings people together, consider Carrie Underwood’s potential move into rock and question country music’s growing habit of rebuilding new songs around familiar classics.

Plus: Lainey Wilson’s faith and authenticity, AI as a tool versus a substitute for creativity, celebrity encounters, unwanted voice messages, “my current wife,” dangerous crosswalk behavior and grown men being serenaded in restaurants.

00:51 Raising $500,000 for St. Jude

01:58 The Jason Aldean tour winds down

02:41 “Try That in a Small Town” gets even bigger

03:21 Why blue-city crowds respond so strongly

04:01 Jason Aldean and Boston Strong

05:39 Another commercial-flight adventure

06:29 An aspiring singer asks for advice

08:07 The uncomfortable truth about her music

08:25 Does music really bring people together?

12:09 Concerts and temporary unity

14:23 Cledus T. Judd’s Ella Langley parody

15:14 Another “Choosin’ Texas” train wreck

15:50 What happened to Maren Morris?

16:52 Ella Langley’s hunting photos

18:10 Lainey Wilson’s faith and authenticity

19:24 The writing session that got away

20:12 Sponsor break

22:04 The alarming new trend in golf shorts

23:32 What is happening with LIV Golf?

25:14 Why successful bands break apart

25:43 Sam Smith’s Grand Ole Opry debut

27:02 Has the Opry lost its mystique?

29:19 From Ernest Tubb to Sam Smith

31:29 What does the Opry mean today?

33:37 Would Jelly Roll quit music?

34:28 Carrie Underwood’s possible rock album

36:02 Which country artists could go rock?

37:29 Sponsor break

39:09 Country music keeps rewriting old hits

40:20 Would the guys interpolate a classic?

42:48 Jason Aldean answers a podcast question

43:31 Running on empty

44:55 Would Tully bother Tom Brady?

45:48 Meeting John Elway and Tony Romo

47:13 Mentoring young Nashville musicians

48:14 Stop sending voice-message texts

48:54 Congress attempts to regulate AI

50:12 AI as a tool versus creative theft

51:46 How the guys actually use ChatGPT

52:52 Is AI weakening creativity?

53:33 What if the Wi-Fi disappeared?

55:32 The aspiring singer conversation continues

56:34 Finding another career in Nashville

58:08 A landscaper leaves an unforgettable voicemail

59:46 This week’s DipShidiot

1:00:14 Never say “my current wife”

1:01:31 “Grass-fed” macaroni shells

1:02:50 Look up before entering a crosswalk

1:05:41 Stop singing Happy Birthday to grown men

1:07:54 Kelley’s years as a singing waiter

1:08:58 Did the guys offend anyone?

1:09:25 Christmas arrives before Halloween

1:11:14 Ten Stone at Walmart

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From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit.

Available exclusively at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/brand/10stone/20082817

Peacemaker Coffee Company

Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.

https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com

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Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No. 1 Texas and Arch Manning are headed into Neyland Stadium, and the guys debate whether the pressure of playing at Peyton Manning’s old home gives Tennessee a real opportunity to pull off the upset.

That leads to a heated showdown over which is more exciting: college football or the NFL. They also discuss participation trophies, expanded playoffs, Alabama’s comeback, Justin Herbert’s struggles, Taylor Swift’s NFL screen time, football cheerleaders and whether grown men should ever wear jerseys in public.

Vote in the comments: NFL or college football?

01:06 Should second place get a trophy?

02:45 When a hit song finishes at No. 2

03:26 The participation trophy debate

05:18 Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss

05:42 Tennessee faces No. 1 Texas

06:45 The pressure on Arch Manning

07:26 College football versus the NFL

08:49 Are college games more meaningful?

10:09 Is a 24-team playoff coming?

12:12 Why football season is the best

12:42 The Titans and 157-degree turf

13:38 Stop showing Taylor Swift

14:42 Should grown men wear jerseys?

17:11 Football season moves too quickly

17:41 Alabama, Georgia and Week 4

18:53 Is Justin Herbert the problem?

20:16 Do NFL teams need cheerleaders?

21:11 NFL or college—cast your vote

21:40 Tennessee–Texas prediction

22:01 Dressing in your team’s colors

22:54 Closing

___________________________________________________________________________________

SPONSORS:

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business

Book a tour today at espaces.com

From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit.

Available exclusively at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/brand/10stone/20082817

Peacemaker Coffee Company

Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.

https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com

___________________________________________________________________________________

Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when working songwriters are asked to let artificial intelligence learn from their music?

Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil discuss an AI-music opportunity presented through their publishing platform, explain why they opted out and debate whether AI should enhance human creativity—or whether allowing it to generate entire songs crosses the line.

The guys also examine Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen’s award-show nominations, Taylor Swift’s return to country, artists imitating Morgan’s sound and the resurgence of traditional country music.

Then the conversation turns to playing shows while sick, whether touring musicians need therapy, artists dressing like they’re headed to the gym, parental leave, overly long voice messages, secret speakerphones, inconsiderate parking, valet drivers and children on leashes.

Plus, Tully receives an original retraction jingle and the guys deliver another round of DipShidiots.

SPONSORS:

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business

Book a tour today at espaces.com

From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit.

Available exclusively at Walmart.

Peacemaker Coffee Company

Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.

https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com

___________________________________________________________________________________

Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Arch Manning becoming the quarterback everyone expected—and can Cam Ward succeed with the roster Tennessee has built around him?

Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil break down a chaotic weekend of football, including Texas’ comeback, the confusing college football rankings, the Titans’ continued struggles and New England’s disappointing opening performance.

The guys also debate which NFL teams are legitimate contenders, why nobody seems to know who is actually good in college football and whether it is already time to worry about the Titans.

Then the conversation moves from the field to the nail salon, where four Titans fans learn that Sunday football and pedicures do not always mix. Neil also reveals how he held off the competition to win another club championship.

New regular episodes arrive Mondays, with bonus Football Thursday episodes throughout the season.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is life on the road really as traumatic as some musicians make it sound?

Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil compare today’s touring culture with the years they spent chasing the dream in vans, trailers and buses—sometimes playing nearly 200 shows a year without knowing whether success would ever come.

They also discuss whether country award shows still represent country fans, apologize for an interview that didn’t go as planned and react to an alleged $1.3 million fake-NFL-player scam.

The guys then pause to remember the 25th anniversary of September 11, share where they were that morning and reflect on the unity America experienced afterward.

Later, “Dipshidiot” returns with terrible drivers, driving-range invaders and a chocolate-eating treadmill walker. The episode closes with candid advice for aspiring country artists about writing-room etiquette, respecting veteran songwriters and always remaining open to the song that could change everything.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guys are back for Week 2 of Small Town Sports, and college football is already giving them plenty to argue about.

Could the SEC eventually lose its grip on college football? Are traditional conferences becoming irrelevant? And after the playoff, NIL, transfer portal and conference realignment changed everything, was college football actually better before we tried to “fix” it?

The guys also get into LSU and Clemson, Michigan's mysterious extra second, sports betting, NFL international games and plenty more from another crazy week of football.

Grab a seat. Football season is officially underway on Try That in a Small Town.

SPONSORS:

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business

Book a tour today at espaces.com

From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit.

Available exclusively at Walmart.

Peacemaker Coffee Company

Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.

https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com

_____________________________________________________________________

Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guys are back around the table — and apparently some of you think a couple of them are getting a little stuck up.

Before they get to that brutally honest listener comment, Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil weigh in on Jelly Roll, celebrity culture and what happens when artists enter “the bubble.” They also remember Dolly Parton, share the incredible story behind “I Will Always Love You,” relive some hilariously bad Opryland auditions, discuss Cledus T. Judd's Ella Langley parody controversy, complain about airports and TSA, and somehow end up debating giant trucks on Music Row.

Then K-Lo reads a listener comment calling out Kurt and Tully — and instead of getting mad, the guys admit he might have a point.

It's another completely normal episode of Try That in a Small Town.

SPONSORS:

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business

Book a tour today at espaces.com

From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit.

Available exclusively at Walmart.

Peacemaker Coffee Company

Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs.

https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com

___________________________________________________________________________________

Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -

For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]

Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.