Jordan Davis visited with Evan Paul to talk about his new album ‘Learn the Hard Way.” There’s a duet with Carly Pearce on the record and it turns out they go back much further than anyone knew. Plus, he gives his opinion on how Luke Bryan handled getting hit in the face with a ball on stage. Then, meet newcomer (9:59) Matt Cooper. We really like this singer and entertainer and think you will too. Billy Dukes (18:02) joins Evan Paul for the Night Cap to close this episode. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com

Luke Bryan joins Evan Paul to talk about a range of hot topics, including American Idol, Carrie Underwood and the fan that hit him in the face with a baseball. Then, (8:57) actor Carrie St. Louis visits to talk about playing Dolly Parton in ‘Dolly: A True Original’ Music. Dolly worked very close with the cast during a very difficult time in her life and Carrie has plenty of great stories and memories. The musical is enjoying a run at the Fisher Center in Nashville through August. After Carrie, it’s (23:50) Billy Dukes with the Night Cap. Email Staff@tasteofcountry.com. For more info on the musical, visit https://dollymusical.com/.

Eli Young Band return to talk about songs from their new ‘Strange Hours’ album. The boys went back to basics to record this album and during this interview with Evan Paul Mike Eli and co. explain what that means. Plus, (7:05) has TikTok ruined band culture and reaction to Corey Kent’s wild pre-show routine. Then (15:54) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes.

Jay DeMarcus from Rascal Flatts joins Evan Paul to talk about the band’s new album, ‘Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets.’ Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and the Jonas Brothers join them on the album and (11:20) Jay has stories about all of them. Plus, Jay surprised us when he (6:30) brought up the Eric Church / Rascal Flatts incident from 2006. He’s got strong feelings about it all and reveals something fascinating about Church that very few people know. Then (14;15) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Also mentioned in this interview: Brandon Lake, Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas, Taylor Swift, Gary Allan, Shay Mooney, Jason Aldean, Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney.

Sam Hunt broke his baby news during this conversation with Evan Paul. Plus, how real are the lyrics to “Country House.” It’s been a minute since Sam joined the podcast and he didn’t disappoint. Then Dillon Carmichael joins to talk about touring Europe, his strangest gig and why he takes notes at concerts. Wait until you hear him read back his notes from Morgan Wallen’s show. It’s kind of wild. Then the Night Cap with Billy Dukes.

Wait until you hear (10:30) Corey Kent’s WILD pre-show routine. A taser is involved and people actually beg to join him! The “This Heart” singer also tells Evan Paul the story of his new song and reveals what Jason Aldean got him as a tour opener gift. Then, (14:02) Billy Dukes joins to break down the Top 10 Country Songs of 2025, so far. It’s an imperfect list but where do you think he gets it right and wrong?

Lauren Watkins joins Evan Paul to talk about touring with Zach Top, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen. Plus, she explains why co-writing with her husband and sister isn’t as weird as you’d imagine it to be. Then, (14:21) Parker McCollum has a new self-titled album out. You won’t find any “dad songs” on it and there’s a reason for that. Parker also tells us what songs he sings to his new baby boy and opens up about being an influence for other artists. And we couldn’t let him get away without telling a good George Strait story. Then (22:26) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes.

Chris Lane joins Evan Paul to talk about his (1:30) new ‘Shade Tree’ album and share stories about touring with Rascal Flatts. Plus, how his wife helps shape his music and who he thinks deserves to go into the Country Music Hall of Fame next. Then it’s (1205) Ella Langley with the story of her new song ‘Weren’t for the Wind.’ She talked candidly about (14:30) the response to her mental health confessions during ACM week, including who reached out. Ella is a rising star meeting her heroes for the first time. (18:00) It didn’t go well when she met Reba McEntire. Ella also shares her biggest fear before (23:27) Billy Dukes joins Evan for the Night Cap.

Thompson Square join Evan Paul for a conversation that can only be described as “candid.” When asked about the state of country music, the married duo (mostly Kiefer) (10:01) go off on pop and rock collaborations, TikTok stars and Beyonce. It’s an 8-minute-long speech about why hard work needs to pay off in country music more than any other genre. That’s not the only thing the three talk about. Thompson Square (4:10) have a new song called “You Were There” that was once on hold for Kenny Chesney. Plus, the joke they like to play on new bandmates and (17:30) how they know if two people singing a song together are in love. Are Thompson Square still married? The answer to that question is hilarious. (22:30) Billy Dukes also joins for the Night Cap. Also mentioned: Post Malone, Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker, Dan + Shay, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and more. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com

Justin Moore returns for the third time and tells Evan Paul about (10:15) the extreme lengths he went to trying meet Hank Williams Jr. Plus, (6:30) why he won’t play funerals, (11:45) what he does to embarrass his daughters and which conspiracy theories are real. Look for Justin and Joe Nichols on tour this year. They’re both from Arkansas and growing up, Justin Moore really looked up to Joe. (7:45) He says he’s kind of surreal to tour with him in 2025. Then (14:39) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Email: Staff@tasteofcountry.com

Gretchen Wilson is one of our favorite guests. During this interview, she takes Evan Paul (3:15) behind the scenes of the Masked Singer, including the lengths the show goes to ensure secrecy. It’s intense. Then, (9:10) how Gretchen got to team up with Blake Shelton for ‘The Road’ on CBS, (6:55) how she broke her leg and the secret health battle that nobody knew about. She thought about quitting! We also asked Gretchen Wilson about (16:40) popular conspiracy theories and — being a long-haul COVID survivor — vaccines. Her answer was informed, sensitive and strong. Billy Dukes joins Evan after the interview for the Night Cap. Email: staff@tasteofcountry.com

Megan Moroney joins Evan Paul to talk about “You Had To Be There,” her new duet with Kenny Chesney. She explains how the song came to be and what it took to summon the courage to share it with him. These two go back a little further than you might think. In fact, Megan remembers the first time they met and talks candidly about what his friendship has meant to her personally and professionally. Then she shares a few bad breakup and bad date stories and reveals she and Ed Sheeran have a pen pal-esque relationship. Mae Estes also joins Evan to talk bout new music and her journey to Nashville Her new song is called “Mr. Fix It.” Then the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Email: staff@tasteofcountry.com Listen to Megan Moroney and Kenny Chesney, “You Had To Be There” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dcZzECEV8s Listen to Mae Estes, “Mr. Fix It” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqdr5dHPqrc

Jason Aldean returns and is as honest as ever. The “Whiskey Drink” singer updates fans on (3:00) new music and (9:40) his growing family, including what his oldest daughter is up to — prepare to feel old! Evan Paul also asked about him for (12:02) a Kenny Chesney story and he delivered. Plus, why (5:44) Luke Combs needs to move, conspiracy theories and if he’d ever go to space. Billy Dukes helps close with the Night Cap. Also mentioned: Brittany Aldean, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley and more. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com.

Jon Pardi held nothing back during this conversation with Evan Paul. He has strong feelings about celebrity bars in Nashville and he got fighting mad when we asked about the house he’s building. The singer also spoke about (3:45) his friendship with Kid Rock, what he loves about being a girl dad and (9:15) turning 40. Then (11:09) Vincent Mason breaks down his new song “Wish You Well” and shares which artists have meant the most to him. (26:13) Billy Dukes is also here for a spirted Night Cap. Jon Pardi’s new album is called ‘Honkytonk Hollywood.’ Email staff@tasteofcountry.com for questions or comments.

Maddie & Tae join Evan Paul to talk about songs from their new Love & Light album, which features a song called “Drunk Girls In Bathrooms.” We had to ask — YES! When they turned 21 Maddie Font and Tae Kerr partied hard, but nobody knew. Then, they talk about sweet stuff like motherhood and tour and reflect on 10 years of “Girl in a Country Song.” Plus the Night Cap with Billy Dukes.

This week, Big Smo sits down to talk to Evan Paul about the day he disappeared and everything that followed. This story is wild and hits home because — like Smo — Evan used to weigh well over 400 pounds! During this interview, Big Smo reveals he had open-heart surgery in 2015 and went to great lengths to change his lifestyle afterward. This ended up costing him his entire team and over half of his fans, so he decided to focus his energy elsewhere. The country rap singer also explains why he’s hesitant to record new music and tour in 2025 and recalls early — like EARLY — days with Jelly Roll. If you watched the “Big Smo” TV show on A&E and wondered where he went, you’ll want to listen to this full interview.

Craig Campbell tells the 10-year story of his new song “Missing You.” Plus, how he teamed up with American Idol finalist Maddie Pruett ahead of Season 23. It’s such a cool, organic story. Then (17:31) Mackenzie Carpenter joins Evan Paul to talk about her new ‘Country Queen’ album and songs she’s written with Megan Moroney. Plus the (29:51) Night Cap with Billy Dukes.

Sure, John Morgan and Jason Aldean are friends how. The first time they met it was a little weird, but only because it was August in Tennessee and Morgan didn’t have much money. The “Friends Like That” singer tells Evan Paul which of the 16 songs he wrote for Aldean he’d love back and goes deep on his ‘80s country music influences. Then the Night Cap with Billy Dukes.

Russell Dickerson joins Evan Paul and (1:15) explains why he dropped a ‘80s pop smash right in the middle of his new single, “Happen To Me.” Plus, (3:45) the Russellmania Tour sounds absolutely wild and (5:30) why major labels and publishers were trying to track him down as he took his college exams. Then (16:50) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Also mentioned during this podcast, Hulk Hogan, Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney and Kane Brown.

Chris Young visits with Evan Paul to talk about his new record label and what it means when you split from an old table. Plus, the story of his new song “Til the Last One Dies” and what being label mates with Kelsea Ballerini could mean. Plus the Night Cap with Billy Dukes.