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PODCAST

Stories Behind the Songs

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

music music interviews

All Episodes

49:41

Beau Bailey: How He Crafted Hits for Artists like...

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/08/05

What does it take to go from a small Louisiana town to writing chart-topping hits for country music's biggest stars in just a few years? Beau Bailey's songwriting journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring. In this captivating conversation, Beau reveals how a dislocated shoulder from an impromptu boxing match at age 15 led him to pick up guitar and accidentally discover his songwriting gift. His path to Nashville began with a pop-rock band and a Universal Records deal that launched right be...

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00:46:54

Ashland Craft: Dive Bar Beauty Queen

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/07/22

This week I sit down with @ashlandcraft !From growing up in small-town South Carolina to sharing stages with country icons, Ashland Craft’s journey is as raw and real as her voice. We talk about her time on The Voice, what it taught her about trusting her gut, and how it led her to pack up everything and take a leap of faith in Nashville.Ashland opens up about the early grind—bar gigs, long nights, and finding her sound in a town full of noise. She shares stories behind her favorite songs, the power

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01:03:11

The Swon Brothers: Songs That Said It All

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/07/15

In this episode, I sit down with @TheSwonBrothers!From their Oklahoma roots to writing songs with @BlakeShelton and touring with @CarrieUnderwood, Zach and Colton share the highs, lows, and full-circle moments of their journey in country music.We dive into the story behind their latest cut with Blake, the emotional writing of “Mamas,” and the crowd reaction that made them believe in their new song “Diamond Rio.” They talk about the ups and downs of the road, the beauty of writing as brothers, and

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00:59:42

Stephony Smith: Johnny & June

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/07/01

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary @StephonySmith!From singing harmonies with her brother in Memphis to writing award-winning hits like “It’s Your Love,” “Johnny and June,” and “Big Star,” Stephony's journey is nothing short of iconic. We talk about how she got her start writing jingles, what it was like moving to Nashville in the late ‘80s, and the magic behind some of country music’s most unforgettable songs.Stephony shares the stories behind her biggest cuts, how she found her

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02:23:01

SBTS Takes On CMA Fest: Part Two

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/06/24

In this week's episode, Stories Behind The Songs takes on CMA Fest (part two) !We had the opportunity to interview numerous artists this past weekend, and can't wait to share their Stories Behind The Songs with you! In this episode you will hear stories from -Maddox Batson - @maddoxbatsonBryan Ruby - @BryanRubyGreylan James - @greylanjamesThe Crowe Boys - @thecroweboysBigg Vinny - @biggvinnyThelma and James - @thelmaand jamesCaleb Lee Hutchinson - @calebleehutchinsonDavid Nail -

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01:15:24

SBTS Takes On CMA Fest: Part One

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/06/17

In this week's episode, Stories Behind The Songs takes on CMA Fest! We had the opportunity to interview numerous artists this past weekend, and can't wait to share their Stories Behind The Songs with you! In this episode you will hear stories from -Alana Springsteen - @alanaspringsteen Callum Kerr - @Callum_Kerr_1 Smithfield - @SmithFieldMusic Walker Montgomery - @WalkerMontgomery John Paycheck - @JohnPayCheck Shane Profitt - @TheShaneProfitt Frank Ray - @FrankRayMusic SHOW

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00:48:45

Zach John King: Slowed Down

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/06/10

In this episode, I sit down with @ZachJohnKing! Whose breakout hit took the world by storm with its raw honesty and unforgettable first line. Growing up surrounded by cowboy culture, he’s navigated the challenges of staying true to himself while breaking into Nashville’s music scene. We dive deep into the making of his new EP Slowed Down, a heartfelt collection of songs that reflect his journey, struggles, and growth. Along the way, he shares stories from the road, the importance of building a

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00:45:40

McCoy Moore: Something To You

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/06/03

In this episode, I sit down with @McCoyMoore! From growing up in small-town Florida to signing with @SonyMusic and hitting the road with @Lauren_Alaina and @HardyMusic, McCoy’s rise has been nothing short of wild. We talk about the moment he found out he was opening for Hardy, how it felt to go from parking lot parties to playing amphitheaters and arenas, and what it means to stay grounded through it all.McCoy opens up about staying connected to his roots, the influence of his mom and grandma, and

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00:42:14

Dylan Guthro: Missing Someone

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/05/27

In this episode, I sit down with @DylanGuthro!From his early days touring with Port Cities to landing a major cut with @DanAndShay, Dylan shares the journey behind his standout track “Missing Someone”—a song that sat quietly until the stars aligned and changed everything. He opens up about playing the demo for his dad before he passed, making the moment even more meaningful.We dive into Dylan’s evolution from artist to full-time songwriter and producer, the stories behind songs like “Six Drinks

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00:40:45

Robyn Ottolini: Airplane Bottle

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/05/20

In this episode, I sit down with @RobynOtollini!From writing songs at 13 to landing a deal with Warner Music Nashville over Zoom, Robyn’s journey is as heartfelt as her lyrics. We talk about the viral success of her breakout hit “F-150,” a raw and emotional breakup song that struck a chord with millions—and hear the powerful live version right here on the show.Robyn opens up about growing up in Ontario on a steady diet of country radio and Hannah Montana, adjusting to life in Nashville, and learning

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00:38:14

Carson Wallace: Made To Be Here

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/05/15

This week I sit down with singer-songwriter and artist, @Carson Wallace !Originally from California, Carson moved to Nashville at just 17, inspired by his uncle—and hit songwriter, and driven by a deep love for the craft. Growing up surrounded by top-tier writers gave him a front-row seat to what it takes to succeed in Music City, and he’s been chasing it ever since.We talk about his early days at Belmont, why he left to dive headfirst into music, and how he learned to hustle. Carson shares the

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00:51:08

Brinley Addington: Chasing After You

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/05/06

This week I sit down with songwriter and artist, @Brinley Addington!From growing up on bluegrass and church music in Kingsport, Tennessee, to knowing he wanted to chase music after a childhood trip to Nashville, Brinley’s been all-in from the start.We dive into the journey behind his first No. 1 hit, “Chasing After You”—a song that sat on the shelf for years before finding its perfect moment with @Maren Morris and @Ryan Hurd—and his recent cut “This Party Sucks” on Ryan’s latest album. He also talks

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01:02:54

Jenna Davis: Acting, Singing, And Owning Her Story

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/04/29

This week I sit down with actress and singer, @Jenna Davis!From growing up around music in Texas to jumping into professional theater by fifth grade, Jenna’s journey took her from LA’s acting scene to Nashville’s songwriting rooms.Now the first artist signed to SMACK, she’s blending sharp songwriting, country roots, and a whole lot of heart into her original music.We talk about her path from viral covers to original music, what she’s learned from Nashville’s best, and why writing witty songs is her

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01:07:44

Big & Rich: Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/04/22

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary duo @BigandRich— and their story is just as wild as their songs.From touring with @Lonestar right out of high school to accidentally becoming a duo after nonstop writing sessions, Big & Rich carved their own lane in country music. What started as a running joke — being called “Big & Rich” everywhere they went — became a name that would define a movement.We dive into the stories behind hits like “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” — a song no one

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00:44:35

Andy Albert: Thinking 'Bout You

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/04/15

This week I got to sit down with legendary songwriter, @AndyAlbert!From a small-town Georgia kid in an alt-rock band to writing country hits in Nashville, Andy’s journey is full of heart, hustle, and some wild stories—like the time he and Marc Beeson emailed Blake Shelton a demo after a Christmas party (it worked).We talk about “She’s Got a Way With Words,” “Thinking ‘Bout You,” and “Bigger Houses,” plus what it means to be the glue in the writing room and build a life from nothing.This one’s got

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00:56:38

Matt Warren: Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/04/08

In this episode, I sit down with @Matt Warren!From frat parties in a Chevy van to selling T-shirts for @Gary Allan, Matt’s Nashville come-up is anything but boring. He was waiting tables at Chili’s when a chance encounter with George Strait’s guitar techs kickstarted his songwriting journey—and he’s been chasing it ever since.We talk about writing hits like “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” and “Learning How to Bend,” getting fired (in a positive way), and the tough battle with addiction that almost

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01:21:33

Walker Hayes: Fancy Like

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/04/01

In this week's episode I sit down with, @WalkerHayes!Walker takes us on his journey from growing up in Alabama to chasing his dreams in Nashville, where a bold moment with @Shane McAnally changed everything. He opens up about the struggles of getting his songs cut, the moment he realized people truly connected with his music, and how “You Broke Up With Me” started right here at TLR before becoming a massive hit.We also talk about the viral “Fancy Like” moment with his kids, the power of a great song

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00:47:04

Aaron Schilb: Nashville Tour Stop

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/03/25

In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Nashville Tour Stop, @Aaron Schilb!After moving to Nashville in 2017, he played his own shows before realizing his true passion was behind the scenes—curating and supporting artists rather than being on stage himself.We explore how @Nashville Tour Stop evolved from a small bar gig into a vibrant songwriter community, how losing his hearing at a young age influenced his path, and the challenges of managing a growing music platform. SHOW NOTES:Keep up

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00:41:04

Kris Rochester: Behind The Mic

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/03/18

In this episode, I sit down with longtime radio personality and artist manager ⁠@Kris⁠Rochester!Kris shares how he landed a job in the radio industry—eventually scoring a gig in San Diego, where he worked alongside some of the biggest names in country music. We talk about his all-time favorite interviews (including a president or two) and what it was like sitting down with legends like @Kenny Rogers.We dive into how streaming music has changed, Kris also opens up about his transition from radio to

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00:55:01

Liz Rose: From Pitching Songs to Writing Hits

Stories Behind the Songs ·

2025/03/11

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning songwriter and publisher @Liz Rose!Liz Rose didn’t start writing songs until later in her life, but once she did, she never looked back. After working with songwriters through her own publishing company, she eventually started writing alongside them. This led to a publishing deal and a career filled with some of country music’s biggest hits.We dive into her partnership with Taylor Swift, and how their chemistry lead to her co-writing 16 of her biggest

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