Episodios

  • Tenille Townes on the "Hero Complex," Going Independent, and the Art of Kintsukuroi
    Feb 16 2026
    "Choosing love ain’t love, unless the choosing is free." What happens when an artist stops caring about the "industry machine" and starts caring only about the truth? Today, we sit down with 2-time JUNO and 17-time CCMA Award winner Tenille Townes to discuss the most transformative chapter of her career yet. Last time Tenille was on the show, we were navigating the beautiful chaos of Bonnaroo 2022. Four years later, the "Nashville production" has been stripped away, leaving a raw, empathetic songwriter who isn't afraid to let the "hero complex" shake. In this episode, we dive deep into her 2026 evolution: The Independence Declaration: Moving from the major label system to becoming the CEO of her own vision. "Enabling": A breakdown of her devastating new single and the thin line between compassion and self-erasure. The "Dolly Moment": Why Tenille’s current pivot mirrors the legendary independence of Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell. Kintsukuroi: Learning from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery—and why we are more beautiful for our cracks. The Living Room Tour: Why she’s trading "band walls" for the vulnerability of a girl and a guitar. From Whispers to Symphonies: Preparing for her upcoming run with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Tenille isn't just an observer of other people's pain anymore; she’s turning the lens inward. This is a conversation about boundaries, accountability, and the courage it takes to stop rescuing others so you can finally rescue yourself. CONNECT WITH TENILLE TOWNES New Single: "Enabling" (Out Now) Tour Dates: 2026 Canadian Tour & Texas dates with Muscadine Bloodline Instagram: @tenilletownes JOIN THE JRODCONCERTS COMMUNITY Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com Support: If you love the show, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! ___ Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 m
  • Aviva Mongillo: Breaking the Persona and Finding Independence
    Feb 13 2026
    It’s been five years since Aviva Mongillo (formerly known as CARYS) last sat down with Jamie. In that time, she’s gone from a viral pop explosion to a radical artistic rebirth. In this episode, we deconstruct the journey of an artist who chose to walk away from the major label machine to find her own voice. Fresh off her role as Dori in the Netflix series Bet, Aviva opens up about the "recovering people pleaser" themes in her new music, the reality of being a CEO of her own independent career, and why she’s finally comfortable being "emotionally wide open" like the legends who came before her Inside the episode: The Name Shift: Why she’s stepping out from the "CARYS" moniker to embrace Aviva Mongillo. Radical Independence: The scariest and most rewarding parts of leaving a major label. The "Drama Queen" Era: Reclaiming labels and setting boundaries through her 2025 project. Acting vs. Artistry: How her high-stakes role in Netflix's Bet fuels her songwriting. The Joni Mitchell Influence: Comparing her current trajectory to the "confessional" legends of the 70s. Connect with Jrodconcerts: Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com Support the show: Rate and Review on Apple Podcasts! Connect with Aviva: Instagram: @carysofficial Listen: Drama Queen is available on all streaming platforms. __ Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 m
  • Judy Blank: The American Dream, Artistic Freedom & ‘Big Mood’ (Live from 30A)
    Feb 9 2026
    This week, we are bringing you a very special reunion and our final broadcast from this year's festival coverage. We taped this conversation a few weeks ago on-site at the 30A Songwriters Festival, and it serves as the perfect conclusion to our 2026 series from the coast. Five years ago, Judy Blank joined us for the milestone Episode #100. Today, she returns to the show as a global powerhouse with a brand-new perspective and a massive 2025 record. Judy recently released her latest album, Big Mood—a project defined by bold "weird sounds" and a fearless commitment to her craft. In this deep dive, we explore her journey from a comfortable life in the Netherlands to the "strong pull" that brought her to her current home in Austin, Texas. Jamie and Judy sit down to discuss the realities of the American Dream, the emotional cost of leaving family behind, and how she maintains her fierce artistic independence in an ever-changing industry. The Price of Change: The emotional reality of leaving your roots in the Netherlands to chase an international calling. Austin State of Mind: How moving to the "Live Music Capital of the World" has reshaped the way she hears her own music. The Idea of America: An honest look at the last 2.5 years in the States—balancing the beauty of the "American Dream" with the heartbreaking realities of global events Cultural Roots: Why Hispanic culture continues to inspire Judy’s art and creative spirit. Staying Independent: How to navigate label life and rising popularity without losing your artistic soul. Connect with Judy Blank: Listen to 'Big Mood': Available on all streaming platforms. Instagram: @judyblankmusic Connect with Jrodconcerts Media: Website: jrodconcertsmedia.com Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia __ Support The Show: Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 m
  • Goldpine: From the KC Chiefs National Anthem to the Magic of 'Three' | Live at 30A
    Feb 5 2026
    “Sometimes, playing for 70,000 people is easier than playing for 50.” Live from the 2026 30A Songwriters Festival in South Walton, Florida, Jaime sits down with the husband-and-wife Americana powerhouse, Goldpine (Kassie and Ben Wilson). In this episode, we go behind the scenes of their journey—from the massive scale of performing the National Anthem at Arrowhead Stadium to the intimate, high-stakes environment of Nashville’s listening rooms. Ben and Kassie open up about the evolution of their sound and the making of their latest album, Three, exploring how their individual voices have fused into a singular, unmistakable "blend." Inside the episode: The Big Stage vs. The Intimate Room: Why performing for a stadium (and Taylor Swift!) carries a different kind of pressure than a quiet room of 50. The Power of Three: The numerology and creative shift that makes their third studio album their most authentic yet. Marriage & Music: A raw look at how they resolve creative friction and manage the blueprint of a duo partnership without letting it spill over into their personal life. The Artist’s Ego: Navigating the "dichotomy of the artist"—balancing necessary self-promotion with the desire to stay selfless and grounded. Lightning Round: Getting to know the personalities behind the harmonies. Featured Track: "Understand" by Goldpine __ Connect with Goldpine: Web: goldpinemusic.com IG: @goldpinemusic Connect with Jrodconcerts Media: Web: jrodconcertsmedia.com IG: @jrodconcertsmedia Support the Show: If you enjoyed this deep dive into the Americana scene, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify __ Cheerios: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 m
  • GRAMMY 2026 MEGA-RECAP: Bad Bunny Makes History, Kendrick Breaks Records & A Troubadour Tribute to Neil Young
    Feb 3 2026
    We are back home in Nashville! After a whirlwind week in Los Angeles, Jrod is back in the studio to deconstruct a 2026 Grammy Awards cycle that felt like a tectonic shift for the industry. Before the glitz of the Crypto.com Arena and the Peacock Theater, we head to the historic Troubadour for the Americanafest Pre-Grammy Salute to the Songs of Neil Young. We break down the magic of seeing an all-star lineup with many friends of the show—including Rhiannon Giddens, Margo Price, I’m With Her, Sierra Hull, and Molly Tuttle—honor a legend while supporting the Americana Music Association and MusiCares. A special thank you to Jed Hilly, Jackie Marushka, and David Chamberlain for an unforgettable night of community and craft. The Hardware & The History We dive deep into the major categories Album of the Year: Why Bad Bunny’s historic win for Debí Tirar Más Fotos is the "final brick in the wall" for global Latin dominance. Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s "luther"—analyzing Kendrick’s path to becoming the most-decorated rapper in Grammy history. Song of the Year: Billie Eilish’s "Wildflower"—is she the new blueprint for the Academy? Best New Artist: Why Olivia Dean was the "product of bravery" the industry needed. The Genre Deep Dive From Zach Top’s win in the inaugural Best Traditional Country Album category to The Cure’s long-overdue flowers in Alternative, we cover the wins that actually move the needle for music fans. Plus, thoughts on the standout tributes to D'Angelo and Ozzy Osbourne. Stay loud, stay kind, and thanks for the support. __ Support the show: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 m
  • 68th Grammy Preview & The Nashville Vanguard
    Feb 3 2026
    Live from Downtown Los Angeles, in the heart of the Grammy orbit, Jrod breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. This year, the narrative isn't just about the chart-toppers—it’s about the "Vanguard" sound. We’re diving deep into the category breakdown and why the industry is seeing a necessary return to craft. In this episode, we discuss: The Nashville Vanguard: Why the Americana and Bluegrass scenes are the real signal in the noise this year. The Big Four Deep Dive: Analyzing the frontrunners for Album of the Year and Best New Artist. The 'Anonymous Voter' Effect: Breaking down the architecture of the year's biggest hits, from the pop precision of ROSÉ’s "APT." to the indie-folk shift. Perspective from Ground Zero: What the energy is really like in LA as the ceremony approaches. Perspective is the only true currency this weekend. Whether you’re a voter, a musician, or a fan, this is your ultimate pulse-check on the 68th Grammys. Connect with Jrodconcerts Media: Newsletter: https://www.jrodconcertsmedia.com Instagram: @jrodconcertsmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 m
  • Zach Williams (The Lone Bellow): On Resilience, Bono, and the Brotherhood of What A Time To Be Alive
    Jan 23 2026
    How does a band survive losing an entire album's worth of recordings to a smash-and-grab theft? In this high-fidelity session, Zach Williams, the powerhouse frontman of The Lone Bellow, joins Jamie to pull back the curtain on the most exhilarating—and testing—chapter of the band’s 15-year career. Ahead of their new album What A Time To Be Alive (releasing February 13th), Zach shares the raw truth behind the band’s resilience. We discuss the anatomy of their recovery after their hard drives were stolen on tour, and how the "Common Folk" community rallied to bring them back to life. In this episode, we explore: The 15-Year Brotherhood: How a decade and a half of shared life has transformed the founding trio and their touring ensemble into a singular, ecstatic sonic force. The Bono Encounter: A surreal breakfast with the U2 frontman and the creative spark it left behind. Creating from Loss: The mental and emotional shift required to return to the studio after a devastating theft. A New Era of Sound: The decision to record with the full touring band—including Julian Dorio and Tyler Geertsma—to capture the crackle and hum of their live energy. Islands in the Stream: Why their beloved live staple finally needed the studio treatment for this record. This is a conversation about more than just music; it’s an archive of what it means to be honest, brave, and present in a world of bittersweet beauty. Follow Jrodconcerts The Podcast for more in-depth sessions with the architects of the Nashville sound. __ Support The Show: Try Cheerios Protein! https://www.cheerios.com/shop-protein-bundle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 m
  • Gretchen Peters | Live from 30A Songwriters Festival
    Jan 21 2026
    In this high-fidelity conversation recorded live at the 2026 30A Songwriters Festival in Walton County, Florida, Jrod sits down with one of the most revered voices in American music: Gretchen Peters. Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and a recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award, Gretchen Peters has spent her career deconstructing the human condition. While she is the pen behind legendary hits like Martina McBride’s "Independence Day" and Faith Hill’s "The Secret of Life," her own discography is a masterclass in "Americanoir"—a blend of folk, country, and dark, literary grit. In this episode, we explore the "Soul and Motion" of her craft, from the viral magic of a family cake recipe to the discipline required to create masterpieces in a culture with a shrinking attention span. The Cultural Blueprint: We start with the lighthearted—the story behind her grandmother’s viral cake—before diving into the "dark side" of music. The Art of the Uncomfortable: Gretchen discusses why she is drawn to the shadows of humanity and the necessity of "scratching the surface" of sadness. The Independent Pioneer: Insights into her journey as a trailblazer for independent label status and the evolving music industry. Focus in a Fast World: A deep dive into "quick attention span culture" and the struggle to maintain the ability to sit and focus on long-form art. The Legacy: What Gretchen hopes her art leaves behind when all is said and done. Live Performance: A stunning performance of her song, "Five Minutes." __ Follow Jrodconcerts: Instagram: @Jrodconcertsmedia Website: jrodconcertsmedia.com Learn more about Gretchen Peters: gretchenpeters.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 m