It's been our most requested episode. You want the tea? Get ready, because it's hot.
Actress Melissa Ordway aka Abby Newman - (The Young and the Restless) gets real about life on set, her Hollywood journey, and juggling motherhood with a career in the spotlight. Funny, candid, and inspiring—this is Melissa like you’ve never heard her before. She talks about getting the gut punch that was losing her contract with Y&R and how the pivot has been the biggest blessing.
In this episode, we sit down with Grammy Award-winning country music powerhouse Gretchen Wilson—the original Redneck Woman herself. From honky-tonks to headlines, Gretchen takes us behind the music, sharing the raw truth about her rise to fame, the challenges of the spotlight, and how staying true to herself changed everything.
We talk about her no-apologies attitude, what country music means to her today, and the stories behind the songs that made her a legend. Plus, she dishes on what she’s up to now—and let’s just say, Gretchen’s still got a lot to say (and sing).
Whether you’ve belted her hits in your car or just love a story of grit and authenticity, this is one you don’t want to miss.
In this episode, we sit down with actor, writer, and advocate Johnathon Schaech, whose career has spanned decades in Hollywood—from breakout roles in cult classics like That Thing You Do! to powerful performances on screen and off. Johnathon opens up about his journey in the entertainment industry, the highs and lows of fame, and the personal battles that shaped him into the man he is today.
We talk about resilience, reinvention, and what it really means to use your voice for purpose. From starring alongside legends to speaking out for survivors, Johnathon shares the real story behind the spotlight—and why his most important role might be the one he's playing now: father, fighter, and fearless truth-teller.
Don’t miss this raw, real, and inspiring conversation.
In this episode, we’re joined by nutritionist, author, and wellness expert Cara Clark—founder of Cara Clark Nutrition. Cara shares her refreshingly realistic approach to food, health, and balance, including how she’s helped thousands of clients (including celebrities and athletes) ditch diet culture and embrace nourishment over restriction. We talk about her personal journey, the power of nutrition to transform lives, and her favorite tips for staying sane in a world full of food noise. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by wellness trends or just want to feel better in your body, this episode is for you.
In this powerful and surprisingly funny episode, Nikki and Neil sit down with Jordan Thomas — world-class golfer, double amputee, and founder of the Jordan Thomas Foundation. From losing his legs at age 16 to chasing birdies and breaking barriers, Jordan opens up about resilience, purpose, and the ridiculous things people say when they see his prosthetics. It’s part inspiration, part laughter, and 100% unforgettable.
In this episode, we sit down with rising country music artist Sarah Douga, whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics are as authentic as her Southern roots. From writing songs on the back porch to sharing stages with country legends, Sarah opens up about her journey from Louisiana to Nashville, what inspires her music, and how she stays grounded in a fast-paced industry. We talk songwriting, storytelling, and why country music still needs a little grit. Plus, she treats us to a live acoustic performance you won't want to miss.
Description:
In this episode of Not the News with Nikki & Neil, we're joined by rising country music stars Tigirlily Gold—the powerhouse sister duo shaking up Nashville with their fierce vocals, bold lyrics, and unstoppable energy. We dive into their journey from small-town North Dakota to the country charts, what it’s like working with your sibling, and the stories behind their most viral songs. Plus, how they're handling fame, fashion, and TikTok stardom—all while keeping it real. If you love behind-the-scenes music industry insight with a dose of humor and heart, this one’s for you!
🎙️ Topics include:
How Tigirlily Gold got their start in country music
Life as sisters, songwriters, and performers
Touring, viral moments & staying grounded in the spotlight
What’s next for the duo
Tigirlily Gold interview, country music duo, rising country stars, Nashville artists, female country singers, podcast with Tigirlily Gold, music industry podcast, country music podcast, sisters in music, TikTok country artists
Erin Oprea - trainer, entrepreneur, health & fitness guru - talks about her time in the Marine Corps, her home life, her love of animals - especially donkeys, and some *controversial* takes in the fitness world. We talk all things peptides, nicotine patches and other less-known health practices.
We are honored to have Gary Sinise join the podcast to share some incredible stories. He talks about the loss of his son, Mac, and how Gary is sharing Mac's gifts and continuing his legacy. He talks about his foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and how leading a life of service has become his mission.
What do Percy Priest Lake, Skull’s Rainbow Room, and a Texas dance hall have in common? Mitch Ballard.
In this episode, Neil and Nikki welcome Mitch Ballard, Executive Director of BMI Texas, for a rich conversation about the evolving music scenes in Nashville and Texas, the magic of spotting “the X-factor” in young artists, and the incredible stories behind the careers he’s helped shape—from Jelly Roll to Parker McCollum, Tom Myers, and beyond.
From the Opry stage to the Texas Red Dirt movement, Mitch shares how 27 years in Nashville uniquely prepared him to lead BMI’s creative efforts in Austin—bridging tradition with innovation. Hear personal stories, industry insights, and the deep roots that connect everything from Willie Nelson’s 66-year BMI legacy to the Czech-German origins of Texas dance halls.
Also featuring:
Legends like BJ Thomas, Jeannie Seely, and Skull Schulman
A nod to BMI legends like Clay Bradley, Samantha Cox, and Mason Hunter
Insights into BMI’s modern role tracking performances across TikTok, Peloton, and streaming platforms
Whether you're a music lover, industry insider, or just here for the stories—you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation for the business and the soul of country music. We mention just a few people this episode... including Jay Jackson, Jelly Roll, Taylor Swift, Pink, Laney Wilson, Eric Church, Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Braxton Keith, Ty Myers, Hudson Westbrook, Tom Myers, Jeannie Seely, BJ Thomas, Gary P. Nunn, Bobby Harden, Loretta Lynn, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Hershel Wiginton, Michael Turco, James Gandolfini, Lady Gaga, Robert Earl Keen, Post Malone, Zach Top, Pat Green, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Corey Morrow, Kevin Fowler, Cody Canada, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland, Stoney LaRue, Saint Vincent, Khalid, ZZ Top, Black Pumas, BW Stevenson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey, and Lyle Lovett. Industry leaders mentioned include Clay Bradley, Jerry Bradley, Owen Bradley, Harold Bradley, Mason Hunter, Samantha Cox, Tracy Verlande, Barbara Cane, Catherine (BMI Atlanta), Roger Sovine, and Frances Preston. Also featured is a reference to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
The one and only Ron Slay talks about being named to the TN Sports Hall Of Fame. The self described Tennessee Mutt talks about the moment a truck broke down and the one thing he did at that moment that changed his life trajectory. In an hour we cover a lot of ground with a surprise guest that didn't have a clue she'd be on the air.
Morgan Myles, Nashville, soulful country, new album, Voice finalist, empowered women, 5 octave singer. Producer Ross Hogarth, Muscle Shoals, Americana, breakup recovery, Hallelujah audition, social media pressure. #MorganMyles #NashvilleMusic #Americana #SoulfulCountry #EmpoweredWomen #VoiceFinalist #NewMusic2025. also, empowered women, leaving toxic relationships, breakup recovery, music therapy, faith and perseverance, Nashville music scene, artist authenticity, overcoming adversity, The Voice finale, social media pressure. Riley Green, Drake White, Bonnie Tyler, Janis Joplin, Eva Cassidy, Susan Tedeschi.
Nashville best-selling author on her new book, "I Thought It Would be Better Than This," joins us to talk about her book, the story behind the book, why she decided to write the book and how she continues to heal from that life-changing moment.
Quick 30 minute episode as Neil is down in PCB doing his Ironman 70.3. Quick reflection on Chris Kirkpatricks visit, gross stuff we put on our skin, and more random thoughts in a shortened episode 5.
Eminem's number 1 fan! Welcome Chris Kirkpatrick. We talk N'SYNC text thread, Jelly Roll first meeting, Note for Note, and a big project Chris is just announcing. And our producer (Neil) needs to get better at audio!
All over the place is the best description of episode 3 as we continue to format this weekly podcast and build new projects that will air with greater frequency.
Nikki makes things a little chaotic with a social media post about her departure from the previous tv job. This episode Nikki and Neil discuss a newspaper article in the Tennessean about what next for the former morning show team, the UT Vols quarterback situation, space flight, Tesla hate and other topics that came to mind.
Nikki and Neil get the band back together just to chat about recent happenings and what may be to come. NTN will now be weekly and dropping on Fridays.
