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Welcome to Stories Behind the Songs. This is a weekly podcast hosted by Chris Blair in Nashville, TN. After over 20 years in Nashville and owner of the famous music venue The Listening Room, CB has become friends with some of the biggest names in music, the writers behind the hits and amazing industry leaders. In this podcast, he sits down with those friends and shares their stories. You’ll hear about the songs you know from radio, you’ll hear from brand new artists and much more. Whether you have dreams of being in the music industry or just love great music, this podcast is for you! Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support" rel="payment">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support</a>
In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Jenn Bostic.
Jenn Bostic has made a name for herself in country and christian contemporary music as an artist and songwriter, with her heartfelt song “Jealous of the Angels” connecting with listeners around the world. From growing up in a small town in Minnesota, where music became her therapy after losing her dad, to attending Berklee College of Music, Jenn’s journey to Nashville has been one of heart and passion.
We dive into her story, including her 2022 album You Find a Way, her journey navigating the music industry, and how her faith has carried her through challenges. Jenn also opens up about her dreams to share her music on some of the world's biggest stages and the power of vulnerability in her songwriting.
We discuss her incredible journey, the power of faith, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
SHOW NOTES:
Keep up with Jenn Bostic- @Jennbostic
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE
SBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusic
Chris Blair's Website - HERE
The Listening Room's Website - HERE
TLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafe
TLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafe
A special shout out to our sponsors
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter James Slater!
James Slater has written songs for Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Jamey Johnson, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, and Martina McBride. James has pretty much seen it all. From living in places like Miami, the Panama Canal, and Switzerland, he has so many stories to share. After spending years writing in LA and touring Europe with guys like Huey Lewis and Bruce Hornsby, he ended up settling in Nashville with one really specific goal: to be this city’s “piano man”.
We’re going to dive into his story where we learn how he wrote High Cost of Living (nominated for song of the year) with Jamey Johnson, and In My Daughter's Eyes, released by Martina McBride. He shares many more stories, like how he once ran into Garth Brooks at Pancake Pantry and that time he had three legends—Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell—cut his song, Open Season On My Heart.
We discussed his remarkable career, working with country legends, and how authenticity has shaped his success. He performed a few hits and shared how perseverance and community have influenced his journey with music.
SHOW NOTES:
Keep up with James Slater- @Jamesslatermusic
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE
SBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusic
Chris Blair's Website - HERE
The Listening Room's Website - HERE
TLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafe
TLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafe
A special shout out to our sponsors
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Rowe!
From navigating a music career during a pandemic to building his community of songwriters centered around faith, we dive into a little bit of it all this week. Jordan tells us about his early days playing drums in church, getting his start on the Georgia acoustic circuit, and how his path eventually led him to Nashville in 2019. That same year, he released his first EP while touring with Chris Janson.
Throughout our conversation, Jordan shares the stories behind some of his most notable songs, like “Mama Ain’t Jesus,” a track inspired by a phone call with Lainey Wilson, and “Good News Sold,” written as a message for anyone facing difficult times. Also discussed in this episode: how Jordan launched Music Row Ministries, a weekly bible study held on Music Row, which was created to build community among artists and songwriters in a faith-driven way. He reflects on how prayer has shaped his career, including the turning point he experienced after a three-day prayer fast that led to unexpected opportunities…
This one is filled with inspiring stories as we explore what it really means to stay true to your passion. Jordan plays a couple of his own songs too and opens up about how faith, perseverance, and community have shaped both his music and life.
SHOW NOTES:
Keep up with Jordan Rowe - @jordanrowemusic
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE
SBTSongs TikTok - @sbtsongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @sbtsongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @sbtsongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @chrisblairmusic
Chris Blair's Website - HERE
The Listening Room's Website - HERE
TLR's Instagram - @listeningroomcafe
TLR’s TikTok - @thelisteningroomcafe
A special shout out to our sponsors
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with the incredibly talented Johnny McGuire, who’s had quite the journey in country music. Originally from Dallas, Johnny moved to Nashville in 2012 with the dream of becoming a songwriter. Little did he know, his path would take some unexpected turns, from forming the duo “Walker McGuire” with Jordan Walker to carving out a successful solo career. We dive into his early days in Nashville and how everything changed when he found himself sitting next to Jordan Walker at the Commodore Grille—just a few days after arriving in town.
We also talk about Johnny’s creative process, his experience writing for other artists, and his collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus on “Chevys and Fords.” Plus, Johnny shares the story behind his latest hit, "Already Had It," which was featured in the 2024 movie “Twisters,” and what it was like to hear it on the big screen for the first time. We even dive into his thoughts on country music’s evolution, advice for aspiring artists, and how he’s been staying true to himself while navigating the industry.
Our conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and, of course, some great tunes. Johnny also plays a couple of his own songs and opens up about his creative journey and what keeps him inspired. If you’re looking for some real, honest advice from someone who’s been through it all, Johnny’s got plenty to share.
SHOW NOTES:
Other songs from Johnny mentioned in this episode -
Catch a Break, They Call Me Doc, Shop Radio
CreatiVets - HERE
Operation Song - HERE
Keep up with Johnny McGuire - HERE
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE
SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic
Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com
The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com
TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe
TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe
*A special shoutout to our sponsors*
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support
Chris Ruediger joined me on today’s episode of Stories Behind the Songs to share his incredible journey from growing up in Massachusetts to making his mark in Nashville’s thriving music scene. After moving to Music City in 2017 with a passion for being part of the creative process, Chris quickly found himself immersed in the energy of Nashville’s songwriting and artist community.
In this episode, we dive into Chris’s story, including his first time at The Listening Room where he witnessed Hardy’s raw, unreleased music. We also talk about his venture into creating 615 House, a collaborative space for songwriters and musicians, born out of the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Chris shares his insights on the importance of branding, navigating the ever-changing world of social media, and how consistency and authenticity in content creation are key to making it in today’s music landscape.
From the excitement of seeing artists hit milestones to the hustle of building a career during a global health crisis, Chris offers a candid look at what it takes to succeed. He also talks about the importance of collaboration, creative freedom, and finding your unique voice and brand as a creative.
This episode is packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to break into the music industry or understand what it really takes to build a lasting career. Chris’s passion for music, marketing, community, and the process will inspire anyone chasing their own creative dreams.
Like this episode? Don’t forget to share it with friends and give us a follow. Because of you,we can continue bringing you the Stories Behind the Songs from the people who are shaping the industry.
SHOW NOTES:
Keep up with Chris Ruediger - HERE
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE
SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic
Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com /
The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com
TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe
TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe
*A special shout out to our sponsors*
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support
In this week’s episode of Stories Behind the Songs, I’m joined by Russell Sutton!
Russell talks about how he made the move from Texas to Nashville and carved a name for himself in the music industry. He’s the writer behind some of your favorite hits, including “My Boy” by Elvie Shane – a song that was Russell’s first #1 and landed him his first publishing deal. We dive into the journey that led to that breakthrough, and how his next chart-topping hit, “Whiskey on You” by Nate Smith, took things to the next level.
In this episode, you’ll hear all about Russell’s early days and how he became the writer he is today. He shares the story of how “My Boy” came to life, the excitement of seeing his songs hit the radio, and the surreal experience of seeing his song performed live on “The Tonight Show.” Russel also opens up about the challenges he’s faced in the industry and offers some invaluable advice for aspiring songwriters. Plus, he talks about the new music he's working on and gives us a glimpse into what’s next.
With wisdom from years of writing and building his career, Russell Sutton is a perfect example of how persistence, passion, friendships, and great songwriting can open doors in the industry. This episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and of course, some incredible performances of his biggest hits!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share it with friends and follow along for more Stories Behind the Songs. Your support is what keeps this podcast going, and we’re excited to bring you more stories from the people who write the songs you love!
SHOW NOTES:
Keep up with Russell Sutton - HERE
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE
SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic
Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com
The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com
TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe
TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe
*A special shout out to our sponsors*
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support
Joining us on this week's episode of Stories Behind the Songs is Keio Stroud, a drummer whose journey through the music world is deeply rooted in family and faith—and whose career reads like a who's-who of country music icons.
In this episode, Keio talks about how his Nashville journey began with a last-minute gig that led him to the city and eventually put him on the stage with some of the biggest names in country music like Big & Rich and Wade Hayes. From learning to play by ear alongside country radio classics like Brooks & Dunn to the early "music mafia" days in Nashville's legendary Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar, Keio talks about the community that helped him thrive as a young musician.
Keio shares stories like the time he met Guy Clark in his underwear, or the hours spent honing his skills on the road. He also offers invaluable advice on listening as an instrument in and of itself. For any aspiring musicians tuning in, Keio’s wisdom and passion are sure to inspire.
Let's dive into his story!
SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Keio Stroud - HERE
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - HERE
SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic
Chris Blair's Website - ChrisBlair.com
The Listening Room's Website - ListeningRoomCafe.com
TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe
TLR’s TikTok - @ListeningRoomCafe
*A special shout out to our sponsors*
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/supportLauren Hungate joins us on today’s episode of Stories Behind the Songs.
Lauren has been writing for some exciting newer artists like MacKenzie Porter, Carter Faith, and Lauren Watkins, as well as household names like Anne Wilson, Carly Pearce, and most recently, Bailey Zimmerman.
In this episode, we explore her story, from starting out as an intern with Capitol Christian, navigating Nashville writers’ rounds, and earning her first publishing deal right before the world shut down in 2020. She shares what it was like to perform alongside Carter Faith at the Opry, join Carly Pearce on stage at Bridgestone, and have her songs cut by rising stars like Anne Wilson and MacKenzie Porter. Her song “Holy Smokes” released by Bailey Zimmerman just went platinum and she recounts the inspiration behind it—a memory with her husband parked by a church, blending the sacred with the everyday.
Tune in as she reflects on balancing faith with ambition, the mentors who helped her succeed, and advice for other young songwriters on how to navigate Nashville and make the most of every writing room. With standout songs like “Greener Pastures” and her latest single, “Coming Home to You (Bigger Houses),” this episode will inspire and entertain anyone passionate about music.
If you liked this episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It is our mission to bring you the Stories Behind the Songs from the songwriters themselves and it's because of YOU that we get to keep going.
SHOW NOTES:
Keep up with Lauren - https://www.instagram.com/lauren_hungate/profilecard/?igsh=MTBtdjFzMnFsZ2R5eA==
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs
SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic
Chris Blair's Website - https://www.chrisblair.com/
The Listening Room's Website - https://www.listeningroomcafe.com/
TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe
TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe
*A special shout out to our sponsors*
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/supportOur guest on Stories Behind the Songs this week is Will Bundy!
From a small town near Bristol, TN, Will has such a cool story that was so much fun to get into. We dive deep into his journey from mowing lawns and farming to producing demos that landed him in writing rooms with some of Nashville’s biggest names right now like Riley Green, Thomas Rhett, and Ella Langley, as well as hit songwriters like Brett James, Forest Whitehead, and Ashley Gorley.
In this episode, you’ll hear about how he hustled to learn demo production when he couldn’t afford to hire anyone, carving out his niche in the industry as a “track guy”, his bold decision to rent out a studio on Music Row while living in Antioch, and writing his recent cut with Brad Paisley, “Truck Still Works”. He also shares stories about going on the road with Thomas Rhett and Rhett Akins and how that led to one of his career-defining songs, “Half of Me”.
With recent cuts for both Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley, PLUS producing the viral hit “you look like you love me” by Ella Langley, Will Bundy is a great example of how hard work, strong relationships, and sticking with it truly pays off. Make sure to watch to the full episode for some invaluable advice to young songwriters, and a performance of his hit with Thomas Rhett and Riley Green, "Half of Me”.
If you liked this episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It is our mission to bring you the Stories Behind the Songs from the songwriters themselves and it's because of YOU that we get to keep going.
SHOW NOTES:
Keep up with Will Bundy - https://www.instagram.com/willbundy32?igsh=cjk5Zm91Y3pnMmp4
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs
SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtsongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic
Chris Blair's Website - https://www.chrisblair.com/
The Listening Room's Website - https://www.listeningroomcafe.com/
TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe
TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe
*A special shout out to our sponsors*
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/supportJordan Rager joins us this week on Stories Behind the Songs! Jordan landed his very first number one on the charts with a song called “All Out of Beer” by none other than Jason Aldean for his 2016 LP, They Don’t Know. We take a look at the stories behind a couple of his songs and get to hear a couple of them. In this episode, Jordan and I also talk about Whiskey Jam and the many nights he “snuck in” to meet people in the music industry, growing up with two loves–sports and music, spending 10 years in Nashville, and the process of making his upcoming EP. If you liked this episode, make sure to share it with your friends and give us a follow. It is our mission to bring you the Stories Behind the Songs from the songwriters themselves and it's because of YOU that we get to keep going.
SHOW NOTES: Keep up with Jordan Rager - https://www.instagram.com/jordanrager...
Stay up to date with fresh podcast episodes and Listening Room show dates:
Listen/Subscribe/Follow - https://linktr.ee/sbtsongs
SBTSongs TikTok - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs Instagram - @SBTSongs
SBTSongs YouTube - @SBTSongs
Chris Blair's Instagram - @ChrisBlairMusic
Chris Blair's Website - https://www.chrisblair.com/
The Listening Room's Website - https://www.listeningroomcafe.com/
TLR's Instagram - @ListeningRoomCafe
TLR’s TikTok - @TheListeningRoomCafe
*A special shout out to our sponsors*
Sennheiser - https://www.sennheiser.com/en-us
Imperfect Aesthetician - https://www.instagram.com/imperfectaesthetician/
Alclair In-Ear Monitors - https://alclair.com/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sbtsongs/support
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
