The Happy Hour crew is back together. This week, I’m joined by Michael James, along with returning co-hosts Timmy McKeever and Holdyn Barder—all familiar faces you know and love on the show. We catch up on what’s new, including Michael’s upcoming music, Timmy’s life on tour, and the latest updates from Holdyn.We also dive into bigger conversations around country music today, navigating fans and expectations, knowing when to take a break, handling social media, and staying grounded in an industry that never really slows down. It’s honest, laid-back, and full of the kind of real talk that happens when artists who trust each other sit at the same table.If you love country music, behind-the-scenes conversations, and authentic artist perspectives, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Happy Hour with Deb.#countrymusic #countrymusicartist #podcast #nashville #musicindustry #songwriter #artistlife #behindthemusic #happyhourwithdeb #MichaelJames #TimmyMcKeever #HoldynBarderSupport the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

They’re back at Happy Hour with Deb—and it feels like catching up with old friends. This week, I’m joined by Remy Garrison and her manager Chrissy Nix, two familiar faces on the show. We talk about Remy’s new song, what she’s been working on creatively, and what’s next on her journey. Chrissy also shares her honest thoughts on the country music industry, artist development, and what it really takes to navigate this business today.From music and management to growth, perspective, and real-life updates, this episode is relaxed, insightful, and full of genuine conversation. If you love country music, behind-the-scenes industry talk, and authentic catch-ups, this one’s for you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest artist conversations on Happy Hour with Deb.#countrymusic #countrymusicartist #podcast #nashville #musicindustry #songwriter #behindthemusic #happyhourwithdebSupport the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, we’re breaking new ground—our first pop artist joins the show! I’m joined by the talented Bella Rose, who opens up about her journey in the pop world, her inspirations, and what it takes to chase a dream while staying true to yourself. Co-hosting with me is one of my favorite people in the world, Aliyah Orawsky, bringing her insight, humor, and perspective to the conversation.From behind-the-scenes stories to honest reflections on creativity, ambition, and life as an artist, this episode is full of laughs, inspiration, and real talk you don’t want to miss.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more artist stories and honest conversations.#countrymusic #countrymusicartist #popmusic #podcast #nashville #artiststory #happyhourwithdeb #musicjourney #behindthescenes #BellaRoseSupport the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

This episode of Happy Hour with Deb feels like one of those conversations you don’t want to end. I’m joined by rising artist Ivey Campbell, along with two of my favorite familiar voices—Holdyn Barder and Timmy McKeever—as we dig into music, storytelling, growth, and what it really means to find your place in this industry.From songwriting and creative instincts to navigating the ups, downs, and quiet moments that shape an artist’s journey, this episode is honest, laid-back, and full of heart. It’s a reminder that no one does this alone—and sometimes the best conversations happen when the right people sit at the same table.Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or just someone who loves real conversations and great music, this one’s for you.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Season 2 of Happy Hour with Deb is here, and we’re kicking it off with a returning favorite—Cody Cozz! Grab a drink and join us for laughs, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments as we catch up with Cody and dive into what’s new in his world.We’re also excited to announce a new collaboration with Freedom Brew, a company dedicated to giving back to military personnel and veterans who’ve sacrificed so much for our freedom. A portion of every purchase goes to helping these heroes and their families, making your favorite beverage even more meaningful. Tune in for an unforgettable episode and raise a glass to stories, music, and giving back.#HappyHourWithDeb #CountryMusic #PodcastLife #CodyCozz #FreedomBrew #VeteranSupport #NashvilleVibes #Season2Premiere #MusicAndStories #CheersToThatSupport the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Part 2 of our Best of 2025 is here!This episode brings you even more standout moments from an unforgettable year of Happy Hour with Deb. From powerful conversations and unexpected laughs to raw, real stories from artists and creatives, this episode captures the heart of what made 2025 so special.If you loved Part 1, settle in—because this one goes even deeper. Whether you’re catching up or reliving your favorite moments, this episode is all about connection, music, and the magic that happens when great people sit down and tell their stories.Grab a drink, hit play, and enjoy Part 2 of the Best of Happy Hour with Deb.#countrymusic #countrymusicartist #nashville #podcast #happyhourwithdeb Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

2025 was one for the books—and it all came together at the Country Radio Seminar. In this Best of 2025 episode of Happy Hour with Deb, we’re bringing you some of our favorite, most memorable moments straight from CRS. From candid conversations and unexpected laughs to powerful stories and artist breakthroughs, this episode captures the heart of what Happy Hour is all about.Featuring standout moments with incredible artists including Jet Jurgensmeyer, Michael James & Hodyn Barder, Austin Taylor Dye, Jessie G., Charly Reynolds, Emily Brooke, Pryor Baird, and Timmy McKeever, this episode is a celebration of the country music community, real connection, and the magic that happens when artists show up as their true selves.Whether you were at CRS or watching from afar, sit back, grab a drink, and relive the moments that made 2025 unforgettable. Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee—the home of the blues—Greg Pratt was on a very different path before country music called his name. With just one college credit left and a family legacy in medicine, Greg packed his car, left everything behind, and headed to Nashville with only a few dollars and a dream.In this short but powerful conversation, Greg shares how he taught himself guitar, learned to write songs, and built a baritone voice that now fills some of Nashville’s biggest stages. From working in the back kitchen of a restaurant to becoming one of the most in-demand live performers in town, his journey is pure grit, passion, and heart.We talk about his music, his rise as an independent country artist, his radio success, and what’s ahead as he continues to perform over 200 shows a year and make his mark on today’s country music scene. This is a quick sit-down—but it definitely won’t be the last time you hear from Greg Pratt on Happy Hour with Deb.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

On this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with country music artist Tori Martin for a short but powerful conversation about her journey into music. From being discovered by a Grammy Award–winning producer while singing at church, to growing up with a father who served as a veteran, to chasing her dreams all the way to American Idol, Tori’s story is rooted in faith, family, and resilience. This interview may be brief, but it’s just the beginning—we’re definitely bringing her back. Grab a drink and get to know Tori Martin. Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Get ready for one of the most fun episodes yet on Happy Hour with Deb, because The Swon Brothers came to play!Zach and Colton Swon join me for an energy-filled conversation all about the Nashville country music scene, their brand-new IMAGINE: Cabin Sessions EP (fully written and produced by the brothers), a little bit of football talk, and plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories. We dive into the heartfelt inspiration behind their song “By Now,” written in memory of a close family friend who taught Colton bass guitar, and celebrate their huge recent wins — from a SOLD-OUT Listening Room show in Nashville with guests Vince Gill and Emily Ann Roberts, to hosting their 11th annual Beyond Bell Ringing Concert benefiting The Salvation Army, raising over $200,000 and thousands of pounds of food for their hometown of Muskogee, OK. If you love authentic conversations, hilarious banter, and real stories from two of Nashville’s favorite artists, this episode is for you. Grab a drink and hit PLAY on this unforgettable Happy Hour with Deb featuring The Swon Brothers!Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with the incredibly talented Walker Montgomery — an artist with one of the strongest pedigrees in country music but a fire to build a legacy that’s all his own.Chosen as an “Artist to Watch” by Country Now, Music Mayhem, The Boot, and more, Walker shares how growing up as the son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Eddie Montgomery shaped him… and how carving out his own identity led him all the way to his Grand Ole Opry debut.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with the incredible Ada Pasternak — a classically trained violinist, award-winning singer-songwriter, and rising force in country music.Ada’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up as a classical prodigy, she trained for years as a violinist before discovering her true passion for storytelling and country music. Today, she’s known for blending her classical foundation with a modern country sound that is emotional, fresh, and completely her own.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Get ready for a fun and wide-open conversation with Chris Dodson — country music artist and President/CEO of Makin Music LLC! Chris joins Deb at CRS 2025 for a lively interview where nothing is off the table. They dive into his music journey, what’s coming next for him and Makin Music LLC, his NFL opinions (yes… he has thoughts 😄), the best food in Nashville, and so much more.If you love country music, good laughs, and genuine conversations with artists who are shaping the industry, you’re going to love this episode.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

She’s been called “Dolly Parton junior” by Ronnie Dunn — and once you meet her, you’ll see why! In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with Paulina Jayne, a powerhouse singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose blend of heart, humor, and hope lights up every room she’s in.From sharing the stage with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Sheryl Crow to writing alongside Nashville’s biggest hitmakers like Shane McAnally and JT Harding, Paulina’s journey is pure inspiration. We talk about her latest releases — “Each Time I Fell,” “After the Party’s Over,” and “Why’d We Ever Leave” — her creative process, her viral TikTok series “but make it country”, and the joy she brings to every performance.Paulina’s story is all about heart, hustle, and happiness — the perfect mix for your country soul.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

We’re back with another episode of Happy Hour with Deb, live from CRS 2025 in Nashville! This week, I catch up with the amazing Timmy McKeever, who’s been making big moves since his last appearance on the show. We talk about his exciting plans for the summer, new music on the way, and the heartfelt story of his dad stepping in as his manager — keeping family at the core of his career. If you love authentic country conversations, stories of hard work, and the heart behind the hustle, this one’s for you.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, we welcome one of the most exciting young acts in country music — Juna N Joey! This brother-sister duo has taken the world by storm with their stunning harmonies, viral covers (over 8.5 million views on YouTube and 10 million on TikTok!), and a growing list of chart-topping singles like “Something Good To Miss” and “Til Your Heart Breaks.”From performing on NBC’s America’s Most Musical Family to working with top Nashville songwriters, Juna N Joey are proving that talent, heart, and hard work are a powerful mix.Grab your drink and tune in — this one’s pure country inspiration!Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, we sit down with the powerhouse country artist Jessie G — a proud military spouse, mama, and unstoppable performer whose story is as inspiring as her voice. From performing the National Anthem at the Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game — streamed to millions worldwide — to preparing for her 2025 international tour, Jessie shares her journey of passion, purpose, and resilience.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with Jake Brown — an award-winning biographer, TV producer, and storyteller behind some of music’s most legendary names.With over 60 published books and collaborations with icons like Merle Haggard, Heart, Joe Satriani, Tupac Shakur’s Estate, Teddy Riley, and Motörhead, Jake has spent two decades documenting the heartbeat of the music industry.Now, with his newest book, “Songs of Nashville,” Jake turns his pen toward the city that never stops singing — unveiling the stories behind country music’s greatest songs and the artists who wrote them.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with country artist Robby Johnson, whose story is all about risk, sacrifice, and belief in a dream. Robby left behind a life of comfort to chase his passion in Nashville—with nothing guaranteed but his determination and heart for the music. From millions of streams and global airplay to hearing his songs in hotels, casinos, and cruise ships, Robby has built his career one bold step at a time.But as he shares in this powerful conversation, success doesn’t come easy. Behind the milestones are long nights, tough choices, and moments of doubt. Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

At just 18, Carrie Brockwell has already achieved what many artists only dream of — from earning a Golden Ticket on American Idol, to playing the Grand Ole Opry House, to releasing award-winning music that’s catching the industry’s attention.But what truly sets Carrie apart isn’t just her voice — it’s her heart, her positive energy, and her determination to inspire others along the way. In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, Carrie opens up about her journey, her music, her passion for giving back, and why she’s destined to be one of country music’s brightest stars. Don’t miss this conversation with an artist who’s not just chasing her dreams — she’s living them.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with the incredibly talented Ana Cristina Cash — a bilingual Cuban-American artist raised in Miami who brings both grit and grace to the country music stage. By the age of 15, Ana Cristina had already signed with Sony Music’s Latin division and released her debut Spanish-language album, Ana Cristina. Her career has since taken her from Latin pop to Nashville stages, carving out her own path in country music while staying true to her roots.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

At Happy Hour with Deb, some people are more than just guests — they’re like family. This episode is a special catch-up with Holdyn Barder and Michael James at CRS 2025, two of my favorite boys in country music. We dig into their journeys, their energy on stage, and what’s next — including a possible co-hosting adventure together! Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Country music legend John Berry joins me on Happy Hour with Deb for a heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and inspiration. From his chart-topping hits of the ’90s like “Your Love Amazes Me,” “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye,” and “She’s Taken a Shine” to his annual Christmas tours that have become a holiday tradition, John has touched millions with his unmistakable voice.After the pandemic put the world — and music — on pause, John returns with a fresh outlook, new music, and the same electrifying passion that’s defined his career.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with Robert Bacon — an artist whose journey is rooted in country tradition, shaped by resilience, and fueled by passion. 🇺🇸Born on an army base in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and raised on a Midwest farm, Robert grew up listening to legends like George Jones, Loretta Lynn, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers, Alan Jackson, and George Strait. Those influences set the foundation for a career that has taken him from Kansas City to Kentucky to Nashville.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Get ready for some high-energy fun with Pryor Baird! From learning guitar as a toddler to making his Grand Ole Opry debut, Pryor’s journey is filled with grit, passion, and incredible music. You may remember him from NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake!), but today you’ll see the side of him fans love most—his infectious energy, humor, and soulful love for country-rock. Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

Being a father has changed the way Ian Flanigan looks at life, love, and music. In this Spotlight Rewind from Happy Hour with Deb, Ian opens up about how family keeps him grounded while chasing his biggest dreams. From his time on The Voice to the realities of balancing the stage with fatherhood, Ian shares a heartfelt perspective every parent and music fan will relate to.Tune in to hear the raw, real, and inspiring side of Ian Flanigan’s journey.Follow Ian Flanigan: https://www.instagram.com/ian_flanigan/Follow Happy Hour with Deb Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/happyhourwithdeb/Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

n this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, meet Kelli Belles—the fearless Nashville artist blending Midwest grit, vintage country charm, and a dreamy modern edge. From her small-town roots in Omaha, NE to headlining her own ‘Trust Issues Tour’ and sharing stages with icons like Miranda Lambert, BELLES has made her mark as one of country music’s most genuine and captivating voices.We talk about her songwriting process, what authenticity means in today’s social media-driven world, and how she’s bridging the gap between country music’s golden era and its vibrant future. With tracks like Porcelain and Ring On The Table, Kelli invites us into her world of raw emotion, vivid storytelling, and electric performances.Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just love a good story, this episode will inspire and entertain.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Joe Hermes — one of the hottest rising acts in the Rock Country scene and a self-proclaimed “gunpowder country” powerhouse.From his days as a defensive lineman to sharing the stage with legends like Uncle Kracker, David Nail, and Black Stone Cherry, Joe’s journey is fueled by faith, family, and an unshakable belief in the American Dream.Whether you love rock, country, or both, Joe’s story is one of grit, passion, and staying true to yourself.Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com

What do Chick-fil-A and chart-worthy country music have in common? For rising country artist Charly Reynolds, everything.In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, Charly opens up about her leap of faith—leaving Orlando at just 18, working her first job in Nashville at Chick-fil-A, and slowly building her dream from the ground up. Through guts, grit, and a whole lot of DMs, she created connections, found her voice, and now captivates audiences with her authentic storytelling and vibrant sound.At only 25, Charly has already made waves with her 2023 EP “Perfect Timing” and her 2024 debut album “Off The Record”, featuring standout tracks like Love You Long, People Think, and Visiting Hours. She’s shared stages with Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Maddie & Tae, and more — and her star is still on the rise.Follow Charly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlyreynoldsmusic/ Follow Happy Hour with Deb:https://www.instagram.com/happyhourwithdeb/Support the showHappy Hour with DebReal Talk. Big Feelings. Country Soul. New episodes weekly — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Follow us everywhere: @happyhourwithdeb 📬 For guest inquiries or collaborations: happyhourwithdeb@gmail.com