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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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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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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Ready to elevate your business? Book a tour today at espaces.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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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.

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Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
At e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect.

Ready to elevate your 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!

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The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

When authenticity meets raw talent, something magical happens. RaeLynn's journey through the country music landscape reads like a novel of perseverance, faith, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

From her early days as a contestant on The Voice to navigating the challenging waters of Nashville as a female artist, RaeLynn has carved out her own path with a refreshing honesty that's become her signature. She doesn't just perform songs – she lives them, drawing from deeply personal experiences that resonate with listeners in profound ways.

During our conversation, RaeLynn pulls back the curtain on writing "Love Triangle," the heart-wrenching ballad about growing up in a divorced home that became her breakthrough moment. "That was the song that changed my life in Nashville," she reveals, explaining how it transformed her from a bubble-gum pop writer to an artist with something meaningful to say. The impact has been lasting, with fans regularly sharing how the song helped save their marriages or gave them strength during difficult times.

Perhaps most moving is the story behind "She Chose Me," where RaeLynn shares the discovery that her mother had once scheduled an abortion before changing her mind. This revelation in her mid-twenties profoundly shaped her worldview and artistic expression. Despite concerns about potential controversy, recurring dreams convinced her to include the song on her album – a decision that sparked over 250,000 videos from listeners sharing their own stories of adoption and gratitude for life.

Throughout five years as an independent artist, RaeLynn never stopped believing in her music, eventually purchasing her own tour bus and building a sustainable career through authentic fan connections rather than radio hits. Now back on Big Machine Records but on her own terms, she's preparing to release "Long Live Country Music," an album that promises to showcase her distinctive blend of country roots and rock edge.

Ready to discover an artist who refuses to compromise and creates music that matters? Listen now and experience why RaeLynn's star continues to rise through genuine connection and songs that touch the heart.

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

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
At e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect.

Ready to elevate your 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!

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The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

What happens when passion for country music collides with unwavering values? Alexis Wilkins, singer-songwriter and political commentator, takes us on her extraordinary journey from writing songs at age six to navigating the complex landscape of today's music industry.

Alexis shares the fascinating story of how reading a Smithsonian article about coal fires as a child sparked her songwriting career, recording her first song on an American Girl doll tape recorder. Her path took unexpected turns from England to Switzerland to Arkansas, eventually leading to Nashville where she discovered that staying true to her values would come at a professional cost.

"They want to turn on the radio and be able to listen to it with their kids in the car. They don't want to have to make a moral decision every time they go to pick a song," Alexis explains about country music fans, cutting to the heart of the disconnect between industry gatekeepers and audiences. She candidly discusses being asked to remove the American flag from her social media, receiving failing grades from politically-opposed professors, and finding her voice as an advocate for veterans and law enforcement.

The conversation takes fascinating detours through her collection of taxidermied animals (including a bison head and cowboys-dressed squirrels), her defense of Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town," and her relationship with FBI Director Kash Patel amidst bizarre internet rumors. Throughout it all, Alexis demonstrates why authentic voices matter in country music and beyond.

Alexis announces her American Heroes Foundation and "Back the Badge" tour, showing how she's channeling her passion for music into tangible support for those who serve. Whether you're a country music fan, concerned about cultural divides, or simply appreciate stories of integrity against the odds, this episode delivers powerful insights about staying true to yourself when it matters most.

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

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
At e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect.

Ready to elevate your 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

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Original Brands

Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

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The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

In this captivating episode of Try That in a Small Town, the guys settle into their new studio space powered by e-Spaces to deliver raw, unfiltered conversations that swing between hilarious and profound.

The conversation kicks off with a spirited debate about entitlement in the WNBA, questioning players wearing "Pay Us What You Owe Us" shirts despite the league never turning a profit in 30 years. This launches them into examining how social media amplifies controversies and shapes public perception, with reflections on the recent viral "Coldplay couple" scandal. Their authentic take on these cultural moments reveals their willingness to question popular narratives while maintaining respect for multiple perspectives.

Between sips of Kentucky Coffee (courtesy of producer Jim, who unexpectedly joins the conversation with his own microphone), the guys share fascinating glimpses into tour life – the post-show adrenaline that keeps them awake until 3 AM, their adventures at the Oasis reunion concert in Cardiff, and the surprising number of podcast fans they encounter on the road. These stories peel back the curtain on the music industry through the lens of friendship rather than celebrity.

The episode takes several unexpected turns, from Neil's jaw-dropping medical story about sneezing out a piece of surgical packing from a 35-year-old nose surgery, to thoughtful reflections on faith and common ground in our divided culture. It's these unplanned moments that showcase the genuine camaraderie that makes listeners feel like they're sitting around the table with old friends.

Ready for unscripted conversations that cover everything from backstage secrets to current events with equal parts humor and heart? Subscribe now and join us for the ride – and stay tuned for some exciting announcements coming soon!

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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Ready to elevate your 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

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Original Brands

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The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co