We get started talking coffee. Then a simple road-life chat about interstate numbers flipped into a full-on culture rumble: Taylor Swift as role model or red flag, Bad Bunny and the Super Bowl halftime backlash, and why every big stage now doubles as a battlefield. We don’t tiptoe. We pull apart what “pushing boundaries” means for mainstream pop, whether provocation is smart art or cheap attention, and how much responsibility stars owe to young fans who adopt their style and values.

From there, we tackle the tougher stuff most people feel but rarely say out loud: giving credit to political opponents, wanting cities to feel safe without turning it into a purity test, and the moment TV news drifted from reporting to outrage engines. If you’ve felt worn down by clickbait, AI fakes, and the endless demand to pick a side, you’ll hear your own fatigue in this one—and you’ll pick up practical ways to resist being emotionally farmed, like verifying sources and noticing when a headline is engineered to light you up.

We also argue about who belongs on the biggest stage in American sports. Is the NFL’s global strategy sacrificing the fan base that made it massive? We float a different halftime vision—country and heartland rock that match the audience—while acknowledging the business math behind controversy. And because not everything has to be a fight, we cool things off with tour-bus coffee rituals, an Alabama–Tennessee bet, and whether cold plunges actually help recovery and focus.

If you’re craving honest talk that respects your intelligence, welcomes disagreement, and still feels like friends on a back porch, press play. Then tell us: who should headline the Super Bowl, and what would restore your trust in the news? Subscribe, share with a friend, and drop a review with your halftime pick.

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The week’s conversation jumps from living rooms to locker rooms to writing rooms—and the connective tissue is culture moving faster than conscience. We start with the tough part: raising kids in a world where a phone can outtalk a parent, where algorithms dress up confusion as entertainment, and where being “plugged in” feels like the tax for belonging. We don’t offer fear; we offer a plan—clear boundaries, more time together, and the old medicine that still works: muddy shoes, late-night talks, and parents who choose presence over passivity.

Then we head backstage. The Aldean tour felt like four shows wrapped in months, proof that joy compresses time. We celebrate a new single’s massive “most added” week at radio and unpack why it cut through a crowded dial: honest story, melody with backbone, and a voice listeners trust. From there, the debate turns sharp: the NFL’s halftime pick, Roger Goodell’s calculus, and what happens when a brand forgets its center. We don’t blame artists for taking a stage; we challenge institutions to remember the room they’re in. The alt-solution is bold—an independent, live halftime stream led by country heavyweights, built for fans who want music that matches the night.

We dig deep into the “what is country” question. Traditionalists like Zach Topp, crossover juggernauts, and the space in between deserve fair lanes, not a forced fight. When award categories blur, mediocrity sneaks in, and everyone loses—fans, radio, and the songs themselves. Our fix is simple: clearer categories, braver curation, and labels backing artistry over algorithms. We get nerdy about songwriting in a 30-second world—front-loading hooks without dumbing down stories, crafting lines that punch without pandering, and still chasing that “song of the year” feeling that makes a room go quiet.

It all lands on the same point: keep the main thing the main thing. Better songs. Truer brands. Stronger families. If you care about American football, country music’s future, and raising kids with spine and heart, you’ll feel right at home here. Hit play, tell us where you stand on the halftime choice, and share the show with someone who needs a steady voice in the static. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and drop your take—we read every one.

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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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
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A stranger clowns you on live after your account gets banned—do you spiral or go nuclear on the grind? Justin “Danger” Nunley chose the latter, changing shirts in his driveway and launching a 30-day sprint from 3,000 followers to 3 million. We sit down with the Air Force veteran turned creator-entrepreneur to unpack the mindset, habits, and guardrails behind a 21M+ audience—and why three videos a day for five years was less about algorithms and more about character.

We get into the real mechanics of creator growth: cross-posting strategy, learning from takedowns instead of raging at them, and navigating wildly different community guidelines across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Justin shares why he leaves “just enough” in his famous did-you-know facts to make you look it up yourself, and why safety at home requires firmer boundaries than most people realize. From SkillBridge to retirement, from Harley-Davidson partnerships to Waze Energy’s veteran-first mission, he lays out a playbook any small business can borrow: become your own media company, tell honest stories, and replace legacy ad buys with creator-native content that actually converts.

Of course, it wouldn’t be our show without sports heat. We wrestle with NIL money’s effect on college football, break down Tennessee vs Georgia vs Alabama angst, and celebrate the joy of a snow-filled Bills playoff game with your kid. There’s even a beard-on-the-line rivalry bet and a quick detour into hitting mechanics—why getting the bat on plane early beats chasing launch angle buzzwords—because process scales whether you’re in a cage or on camera.

If you’re building a brand, a podcast, or a one-person media empire, this conversation is your field guide: be relentless, be yourself, and let the work stack. Listen now, then hit follow, leave a review, and share this with a friend who needs a shot of creative momentum.

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From the Patriot Mobile studios:
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Peacemaker Coffee Company
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Loss has a way of reordering priorities and bringing perspective like nothing else can. When Nashville songwriting legend Brett James died in a plane crash, our podcast world was rocked to its core – and it came just weeks after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. 

This special episode captures our raw, unfiltered processing of grief in real-time. Brett wasn't just a songwriter with over 500 recorded songs and hits for artists like Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, and Kenny Chesney. He was our friend, our collaborator, and a true champion for others in an industry that can sometimes breed competition and ego.

We share personal stories that capture Brett's essence – from his legendary good looks and perfect hair (even after wearing a motorcycle helmet) to his genuine kindness and support for young songwriters. The stories flow naturally as we remember writing sessions, performances, and even a memorable plane ride with Brett piloting. His recent social media post now feels prophetic: "Now's a good time to tell the people that you love, you love 'em."

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we process not just Brett's passing but also Charlie Kirk's assassination and the remarkable forgiveness shown by Kirk's wife at his memorial service. We explore the spiritual dimensions of these losses and how they've clarified what truly matters – relationships, faith, and not taking people for granted.

Whether you knew Brett James or not, this episode offers a powerful reminder about living intentionally and expressing love while we can. As we navigate our grief together, we hope these reflections might help others processing their own losses or reconsidering what truly matters in life.

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From the Patriot Mobile studios:
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Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!
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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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
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Chad Prather isn't just the fast-talking guy from viral videos—he's lived enough adventures for three lifetimes. In this captivating conversation, Chad takes us through his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to becoming a multifaceted entertainer, political voice, and man of faith.

With his trademark rapid-fire delivery and Southern wit, Chad reveals the fascinating chapters of his life that most fans never knew existed. From working undercover with the FBI infiltrating cartels to surviving a terrifying encounter with a baboon in Nigeria, his stories are as entertaining as they are surprising. He candidly discusses his transition from television to comedy, his decision to run for Texas governor during COVID, and the personal demons he's battled along the way.

What truly resonates is Chad's raw honesty about his struggles with depression and substance abuse. "I was looking for reality in a bag of drugs or at the bottom of a bottle," he admits, "and I realized there was no reality down there." This journey through darkness eventually led him back to his faith—a recurring theme throughout our conversation that provides powerful insight into his worldview.

The discussion takes a serious turn when addressing cancel culture, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and the state of free speech in America. Rather than responding with fear, Chad sees these challenges as opportunities for truth to spread faster and wider. "They never learn on the cancel culture," he observes. "If you do kill me, it just amplifies the voice."

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Chad for the first time, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the viral videos—a complex, thoughtful individual whose greatest talent might be his ability to wake up each day, as he puts it, "in a new world." Listen now and discover why authenticity remains the most powerful force in entertainment and life.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
SPONSORS:

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

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Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!
Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
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Ed Werder's authoritative voice on all things Dallas Cowboys brings three decades of perspective to our deep dive into the franchise's most pressing issues. The veteran reporter, who began covering America's Team in 1989, doesn't mince words about the controversial Micah Parsons trade: "Almost nothing the Cowboys can do can justify trading Micah Parsons." Werder compares this move to the historic Herschel Walker deal but notes a crucial difference—Parsons is entering his prime at 26, while Walker was further along in his career.

The conversation shifts to a fascinating exploration of Jerry Jones' true motivations. Does the owner define success as Super Bowl victories or simply keeping the Cowboys at the center of the NFL conversation? Warder suggests the latter might be true, noting that while Jones claims he'd "write any check" for another championship, he refuses to make the one sacrifice that might matter most—relinquishing his general manager role. "He'll never do that," Warder states definitively.

We dive into the Netflix docuseries "America's Team," where Werder features prominently, sharing firsthand accounts of the dynasty years. He reveals the inside story of how he broke the news of Jimmy Johnson's firing after Jones personally told him, "I'm going to fire that MF-er." Thirty years later, the Jones-Johnson relationship remains fractured, with neither man having fully moved past their bitter split. Werder also provides sobering insights into Troy Aikman's playing career, revealing the quarterback suffered so many concussions he sometimes couldn't remember playing entire games—a stark reminder of how NFL player safety has evolved.

For Cowboys fans wondering what to expect this season, Werder offers a measured assessment of the team's prospects without Parsons, projecting around nine wins given their challenging schedule. His encyclopedic knowledge of the franchise brings historical context to current challenges, delivered with the candor and insight that has made him a trusted voice in sports journalism for decades.

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

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Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!
Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
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What drives someone to board a helicopter on what might be a one-way mission to take down the world's most wanted terrorist? In this gripping conversation with Navy SEAL Rob O'Neill, we dive deep into the mind of the man who killed Osama bin Laden and explore the extraordinary journey that led him there.

Rob's story begins unexpectedly in Butte, Montana, where a chance encounter with a Navy recruiter – and the absence of the Marine recruiter he'd actually come to see – set him on a path that would ultimately change history. With disarming honesty and unexpected humor, he reveals how he joined the Navy without even knowing how to swim properly, a decision that would lead him through the world's most grueling military training and eventually to SEAL Team 6.

The psychological framework that carried Rob through countless missions resonates far beyond military applications. "Long-term goals are achieved through short-term goals," he explains, breaking down how SEALs compartmentalize seemingly impossible challenges. His philosophy on quitting – "Never quit right now. That's emotion. Quit tomorrow" – offers profound wisdom for anyone facing adversity.

The heart of our conversation centers on the bin Laden raid – the 90-minute helicopter flight into Pakistan, the crash landing that threatened to derail the mission, and those fateful moments face-to-face with America's most notorious enemy. Rob's vivid recounting places you right beside him in that compound, experiencing the controlled chaos and split-second decisions that changed history.

What stays with you longest isn't the tactical details, but the humanity behind the mission. These weren't supermen, but ordinary Americans with extraordinary training, willing to sacrifice everything not for glory, but for the victims of 9/11 who never chose to be in the fight. As Rob poignantly reflects, "We're going for the single mom who jumped to her death out of a skyscraper because that's a better alternative than whatever was happening at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit."

Listen now to hear one of the most consequential military operations in American history told by the man who lived it. Then ask yourself: What challenges in your own life might benefit from a SEAL's mindset?

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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

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Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!
Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
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Jana Kramer, the actress, singer, podcast host, and mother joins us to pull back the curtain on the entertainment industry's less glamorous realities and share how she's found her authentic voice through it all.

Jana's story begins with remarkable determination – handing her headshot to a soap opera actor while waitressing in Detroit, then convincing a casting director she lived in New York to land her first role. This fearlessness carried her through roles on Friday Night Lights and One Tree Hill before an unexpected pivot to country music during a writers' strike revealed another dimension of her talent.

What makes Jana's perspective so refreshing is her willingness to acknowledge both her strengths and limitations. "I don't have the Carrie Underwood voice," she admits, explaining how she instead leaned into emotional authenticity and stage presence. This honesty extends to her candid revelations about industry politics – from being told her CRS performance caused single failures to restrictions on her acting career while pursuing music. Her observations about women in country radio illuminate persistent gender disparities that continue despite the success of predecessors like Faith Hill and Shania Twain.

Beyond career insights, Jana opens up about personal growth through therapy, the challenges of balancing touring with Dancing with the Stars competition, and finding joy in her current focus on acting and podcasting. Her experience hosting multiple weekly podcast episodes echoes our own journey – navigating when to speak candidly versus holding back, and finding purpose in connecting with listeners despite occasional backlash.

Whether you're a longtime fan from her One Tree Hill days, discovered her through country radio hits like "I Got the Boy," or are new to her story, Jana's resilience and multifaceted career offer inspiration for anyone navigating creative industries while staying true to themselves. Listen now to this conversation that feels less like an interview and more like friends catching up over coffee – or perhaps a bottle of wine, as Jana would prefer.

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

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Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!
Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
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Twenty years into their musical journey, Kurt and Tully experience a profound moment of clarity during their Nashville show. What makes this performance different? There's a palpable sense of arrival—no longer needing to prove themselves to industry insiders, but simply connecting with fans who appreciate their extensive catalog of hits.

Against this backdrop of artistic confidence, the conversation takes a fascinating turn toward the rapidly evolving world of AI in songwriting. In just weeks, one songwriter's perspective has shifted dramatically after witnessing how these tools are being embraced throughout Nashville's creative community. What once took days now happens in minutes—songs transformed into professional-sounding demos through algorithms rather than session musicians. This efficiency comes with profound questions about what's gained and what's lost when technology replaces human collaboration.

The discussion reveals a music industry at a crossroads. Veterans who remember the "magical days" of rushing between demo sessions across Music Row now watch as AI threatens to fundamentally alter how music is created. "I hate to feel like you don't have to be creative to create," one participant laments, capturing the existential concern at the heart of this technological revolution. Yet there's also recognition of AI's potential benefits for individual songwriters with specific limitations.

Beyond the studio, the conversation explores how audience behavior at concerts has changed, with fans increasingly throwing objects at performers across musical genres. The contrast between phone-obsessed American audiences and the fully present fans at an Oasis concert overseas highlights how technology continues to reshape our relationship with live music.

What emerges is a thoughtful examination of tradition versus innovation, convenience versus craft, and what it means to create authentic music in an increasingly algorithmic world. For anyone who cares about the soul of songwriting and the future of musical creation, this conversation offers valuable perspective from those who've witnessed the industry's transformation firsthand.

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

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Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!
Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
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In this episode-with-a-twist, Neil, Kurt, Tully and KLo sit down with 20-year-old podcaster Christian Hodges for a raw, unfiltered conversation that goes far beyond the headlines.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore how country music has captured the hearts of younger generations, with 50% of young people now gravitating toward the genre. "With a country artist, they buy into the person, the personal brand," one songwriter explains, highlighting how authenticity creates lasting careers that pop music often can't sustain.

Perhaps most compelling is their candid discussion about artificial intelligence's looming shadow over their craft. "When I heard a song come out of that machine with a demo behind it, it blew my mind because it had emotion," Kurt admits, revealing genuine fear about AI's ability to replicate the human element of songwriting. This leads to a passionate debate about creativity, technology, and the future of their livelihood.

The episode culminates with deeply personal reflections on faith, family, and what they believe the next generation should never abandon. Christian shares his miraculous survival story—emerging from a six-day coma with viral encephalitis that carries a 10% survival rate—which resonates profoundly with the songwriters' own perspectives on prayer and purpose.

Whether you're fascinated by the creative process behind hit songs, concerned about technology's impact on art, or simply curious about the values that shape country music, this conversation offers rare insight into the minds behind the music that defines modern America. Listen now to hear what happens when songwriters speak their unvarnished truth.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
SPONSORS:

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!
Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
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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.

Original Brands - Our original sponsor since the beginning!!
Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

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.peacemakercoffeecompany.com/
________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co