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When Stephanie Rabus sits behind a microphone, magic happens. The Nashville country artist brings a rare authenticity to her music that cuts through the noise of formulaic radio hits. On this episode, Stephanie takes us behind the curtain of her musical journey, revealing the bittersweet path that shaped both her sound and her soul.

Stephanie's story begins with family—specifically, joining her father's band "40 South" at age 21, where she injected contemporary hits into their oldies repertoire. This early experience planted seeds for her versatile musical approach that refuses to be boxed into just one sound. "I wanted to incorporate a little bit of all my influences," she explains, discussing her album "My Time Now" which seamlessly blends country, pop, blues, and rock elements while maintaining a cohesive heart.

What makes Stephanie's music stand apart is its emotional depth. Her latest single "Pray You Down" emerged after profound personal losses—a close friend and band member, followed by her boyfriend's mother. The raw vulnerability in her performance transforms grief into something universally healing. "I know everyone can relate to just wishing they could talk to that person again," she shares, highlighting how music bridges our deepest human experiences.

The conversation ventures into the realities of navigating music as an independent artist—the creative freedom balanced against financial challenges. Stephanie candidly discusses her collaborations with producers Justine Blazer and Brandon Henneger, opening for established artists like Lee Brice, and how childhood struggles with self-image and health issues ultimately strengthened her connection to music. "When I got to sing in school, people started complimenting me... it felt like there's something good here, something I can be confident in."

Stephanie's father emerges as her unsung hero, championing her talent and handling behind-the-scenes work without compensation. His unwavering belief reflects what makes Stephanie's musical journey so compelling—authenticity always finds its audience. Whether you're a longtime country fan or just discovering her music, Stephanie Rabus delivers songs that feel like conversations with an old friend who truly understands your heart.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Stephanie Rabus: https://stephanierabus.net/

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A chance encounter at CMA Fest turns into show gold as Scarlett Jackson joins Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason to share her behind-the-scenes experience working the Shenandoah booth. What begins as friendly banter about Jay's "new best friend" evolves into a fascinating glimpse into Nashville's country music scene through the eyes of someone who bridges fan and industry perspectives.

Scarlett's Mississippi charm shines as she recounts meeting artists like Cole Goodwin, Jake Worthington, and Trey Calloway, offering listeners insider updates on upcoming singles and performances. The conversation naturally flows into deeper territory when the trio dives into the Recording Academy's decision to split country music Grammy categories into "traditional" and "contemporary." This sparks a thoughtful debate about what constitutes authentic country sound in today's evolving landscape, with everyone weighing in on which current artists are keeping traditional country alive.

Between updates on Lainey Wilson's Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit, Lauren Alaina's journey into motherhood, and Led Zeppelin's surprising new album announcement, the hosts pose their question of the day: "If your life had a soundtrack, what would the opening song be?" The responses—ranging from Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" to the Dixie Chicks' "Wide Open Spaces"—reveal the personalities behind the microphones and create an intimate connection with listeners who eagerly share their own selections.

The easy chemistry between Jay, Tiffany, and their guest makes for an entertaining, laughter-filled hour that feels like eavesdropping on friends catching up over coffee. Whether you're a die-hard country music fan curious about industry shifts or simply enjoy authentic conversations with heart and humor, this episode delivers both substance and joy in equal measure. Tune in for insights, updates, and a reminder of why country music's community spirit remains its greatest strength.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Virtually You: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/
• NOAPOLOGY: https://www.youtube.com/@noapologyofficial
• Halocene: https://www.youtube.com/@Halocene
• Sarabella Franze (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@official.b.ella

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Nashville's legendary CMA Fest vibrates through this episode as Jay and Tiffany take you behind closed doors of country music's biggest gathering. Far more than just concerts and fan experiences, we unpack the fascinating ecosystem that forms when hundreds of thousands descend on Music City.

Walking Broadway's musical gauntlet creates a sensory experience like no other—stepping from one bar to the next delivers an entirely new soundscape, with multiple performances happening simultaneously across different levels of each venue. But beyond the tourist appeal lies the real magic: the networking, the connections made, and the stories that unfold when industry professionals who typically collaborate digitally finally meet face-to-face.

We share our candid personal highlights, from impromptu boob-signing adventures to meeting music legends like Lee Greenwood, whose dedication to listening to every veteran's story extends his meet-and-greets by hours. These moments of authenticity reveal the heart behind the glitz. Meanwhile, our exploration of Morgan Wallen's record-breaking chart domination—with 36 of 37 tracks charting simultaneously—leads us to examine how streaming has fundamentally reshaped album creation and consumption.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we debate dream artist meetups (is Elvis still alive?), examine the potential of podcast influence on politics through Mark Maron's iconic garage recordings, and contemplate how Eminem's evolution into grandparenthood makes us all feel suddenly ancient. We even discover life-changing culinary wisdom with salt and pepper on french fries—proving that sometimes the smallest revelations create the most lasting impressions.

Whether you're curious about country music's beating heart, fascinated by entertainment industry mechanics, or simply love genuine conversation that ranges from heartfelt to hilarious, this episode delivers unique insights you won't find in mainstream coverage. Join our conversation by commenting at jayfranze.com or appearing live on-screen with us at jayfranze.com/live!

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Virtually You: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/
• NOAPOLOGY: https://www.youtube.com/@noapologyofficial
• Halocene: https://www.youtube.com/@Halocene
• Sarabella Franze (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@official.b.ella

Support the show