In this episode, we sit down with our co-host, Ben Johnson—one of today’s most dominant pens in country music and a standout cross-genre songwriter. A small-town guy with big ambition, Ben shares the courageous journey that led him to Nashville, following the advice of his first mentor, Rivers Rutherford, in search of where great ideas come from.

We dive into how years of grinding in Music City shaped his relentless work ethic and ignited the competitive edge that fuels his success today. In some hilarious and insightful recaps, Ben reveals how humility—on the basketball court and in asking just to be heard—opened the door to a life-changing connection with country music legend Ashley Gorley. Now a multi-genre hitmaker with 11 #1 songs across diverse charts, Ben is more than a songwriter—he’s a modern renaissance man. We explore how his journey through Hitmakers, including some tough moments, refined him not just as a creator, but as a human being. Ben is a testament to fearlessness, preparation, and the fire it takes to win. Whether you’re in music, sports, or just trying to make your own mark, Ben’s story proves that with unconditional heart and hustle, you really can become the biggest.