This is a continuation of Episode 43. Colt Ford crashes Jake Owen’s interview and things get a little wild. Host Evan Paul is mostly bystander as these two men catch up and (2:10) share hot takes on Morgan Wallen and bro country and friend that show up when you need ‘em. In 2024, Colt suffered a massive heart attack and needed to be revived twice. He says (8:52) that he saw Toby Keith at heaven’s gate but his old friend told him God wasn’t ready for him yet and to turn around. It left us all with goosebumps! Add to that a few fighting stories, a TG Sheppard song and (3:00) an awkward FaceTime with George Birge. Both interviews were a ton of fun. As usual, (20:54) Billy Dukes joins for the Night Cap. Colt’s new ‘Little Out There’ album drops Nov. 7. Also mentioned during this conversation: Dustin Lynch, Florida Georgia Line, Phil Vassar and more. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com

Jake Owen reveals everything that led up to his new Dreams To Dream album and PHEW! It’s a lot. Evan Paul asked one question and 13 minutes later Jake had told us about his breakup, how no one came calling when he lost his last record deal, his love for Hank Jr. and how he flew into a fire to record an album while his personal life was (metaphorically) on fire. The second half of this interview looks back at his career. Jake proudly (17:30) owns starting bro country with “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” in 2011. He then (23:30) opens up about his friendship with Kenny Chesney and what’s in his future until he’s quite suddenly interrupted by a good friend. Then (32:27) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Other people mentioned during this conversation: Shooter Jennings, Waylon Jennings, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Peyton Manning, Florida Georgia Line and more. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com A video version of this interview is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RW2SV1tCDek

Alexandra Kay visits with Evan Paul and shares stories of Second Wind, a new studio album that was very much inspired by her boyfriend Rocco. The way they met is classic Nashville and the early days of their relationship were more than a little awkward. Plus, Alexandra tells stories from the Jelly Roll tour and shares how he changed everything for her at a time she needed it most. If you’re a fan you’ll love hearing what happened. Then Drake Milligan joins us to talk about his upcoming Tumbleweed album — and his love for Elvis Presley — before the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. This episode also includes stories and references to Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, George Strait, Bunnie Xo and more. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com

Gretchen Wilson joins Evan Paul for her most candid interview to date. She opens up about (4:20) working with Keith Urban on their new reality show The Road. Honestly her praise for how he handled himself is more than a little surprising. The “Redneck Woman” singer goes deep on her new gig and a few of the more notable contestants. Then, (11:40) we pivot to men in today’s culture and today’s country music. TL;DR version: the boys need to step up! Feuds with Cody Johnson and Kelsea Ballerini are all fair game, plus the time Alan Jackson saved her CMA Awards without even knowing it. Then (22:15) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Also mentioned: Guy Fieri, Cody Hubbard, Britnee Kellogg, Blake Shelton and more. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com

Coblie Caillat returns to talk about the many duets on her ‘This Time Around’ album. She re-recorded a bunch of her hit songs with stars like Jason Mraz, Russell Dickerson, Maren Morris and more. Evan Paul was dying to know if someone “counted her in” once again or not and if she’d ever do a full-on country record. Plus, if you’re an OG fan of Colbie’s you’ll love the throwback MySpace conversation. After that, (11:00) Anne Wilson joins Evan to talk about her tremendous ‘Stars’ album. She opens up about how her brother’s death still affects her and explains how she handles critics upset that she’s “gone country.” Also, did you know Anne was such a big fan of Morgan Wallen? We sure didn’t! Then (24:00) Billy Dukes joins for the Night Cap. Also mentioned in this episode: Mitchell Tenpenny, Amos Lee, Lee Brice, Maddie & Tae, Ryan Hurd and more. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com

Priscilla Block joins Evan Paul to talk about the new direction of her Things You Didn’t See album (Oct. 10). Plus, she (3:55) describes the Come to Jesus moment that motivated her to take charge of every aspect of her life. Wait until you hear how she began her striking body transformation. Priscilla also talks about (6:35) Jon Pardi generous tour gift and her own headlining tour in 2026. Then (10:20) Ashley Cooke joins before (17:50) the Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Also mentioned during this podcast episode, Jon Pardi, Cole Swindell, Jelly Roll, Lizzo and more. Email: staff@tasteofcountry.com

Thomas Rhett joins Evan Paul for the first time in a year and he shared all kinds of secrets about his fifth baby. TR joined as a partner for Hardee’s and they’re doing some great things together. The best part of this conversation is when he tries to remember his kids birthdays and when he talks about tour rider gifts from and for fellow country stars. Then, Tyler Rich (9:03) joins for a great conversation about the (11:08) ups and downs of going independent, (13:28) his model wife’s favorite scent and the dark times he went through loving long distance. Billy Dukes (28:31) also joins for a Night Cap that seeks to get to the heart of a very important question. Also mentioned: Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch and more. Leave a rating and review and look for us on YouTube every other week!

Phil Vassar visits to talk about 25 years since “Just Another Day In Paradise” and the truth about the day he wrote it. Host Evan Paul also asked him about his early days with Kenny Chesney, being neighbors with ZZ Top and the artist that changed everything in country. Plus, Phil has a new song coming next week called “What It Means” that’s about his near-fatal heart attack. He gave Taste of Country fans the scoop first! Then, meet newcomer Liam St. John and join Billy Dukes for the Night Cap. This podcast is also available on YouTube, so look for us there as well. Email staff@tasteofcountry.com with questions or suggestions. Also mentioned: Jo Dee Messina, ZZ Top, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson and more.

Lauren Alaina admits her husband is the one responsible for her ex-boyfriend song “All My Exes” getting the attention it deserves. This conversation with Evan Paul also (5:45) relives the mom-shaming she experienced and some other new-mom problems she’s had to work through. Plus, (9:30) a great story about touring with Rascal Flatts. Then, (11:06) Drake White joins the podcast for the first time to talk about the new The Hunts the Healing documentary that drops on Sept. 21. It’s life story and he’s not shy about talking about a near-death, on-stage stroke and the many ups and downs he’s experienced professionally. Drake talked with Evan just days after his baby girl died after childbirth. We had no idea at the time! Finally, the (27:10) Night Cap with Billy Dukes. Also mentioned during these conversations: Riley Green, Martina McBride, McKenzie Porter, Hardy, Chase Matthew and more!

Chris Janson wants to clear a few things up about his "sobriety," new 'Wild Horse' album and how his wife Kelly influences his music. During this interview with Taste of Country Nights Evan Paul, the "Me & a Beer" singer also gets candid about Walker Hayes, Jamey Johnson, Kenny Chesney and more. Then Billy Dukes joins for the Night Cap.

Lainey Wilson visits with Evan Paul to talk about (4:30) the new deluxe version of her ‘Whirlwind’ album, (10:00) date nights with her fiancé Duck Hodges and how this year has been different. Lainey is famously frugal so we had to ask if she’s out there shopping at the Aldi and couponing? Plus, an (12:04) update on her TV and film career, her next album and the wedding on the way. Then (13:45) Chapel Hart stopped by earlier this year. We wanted to play this interview because they just broke up but — at the time — everything seemed so positive. What happened? Billy Dukes (27:00) joins for the Night Cap to discuss. Also mentioned: Zach Top, Ella Langley and more. Email staff@Tasteofcountry.com.

Walker Hayes revealed a surprise collaboration with Kane Brown this week. (16MIN) He told Evan Paul how it came together and why Kane was the only artist he wanted to record with. ’17 Problems’ is Walker’s new album and it’s his most introspective yet. He goes deep in this conversation, opening up about (2:30) his father, (5:05) his kids and planning his own funeral. Finally at the end, Evan asks for an update on his partnership with Applebee’s. We were stunned! Then the (25:47) Night Cap with Billy Dukes.

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.