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"Are you open?", a common theme from Seth Walker's (@sethwalkermusic) latest album by the same title explores themes that can be uncomfortable for most. "No More Will I" doesn't stray from this concept. Mary Bragg (@marybragg) helps us discover what Seth communicates, feels, and how his song even challenges his own perspective.    Seth Walker draws inspiration from poetry and blues artists to create his latest record, Are You Open?. With many records under his belt, "Are You Open?" was an experiment to take Seth outside of his comfort zone. You can download the record now and keep up with tour dates and news from www.sethwalker.com Georgia native, Mary Bragg is a songwriter and artist now calling Nashville, TN home. Mary's music pulls from country, folk, and blues to weave a timelessly organic blend around her airy voice that is reminiscent of smooth jazz vocalists. Her latest record Violets as Camouflage is out now and can be found on all major platforms including www.marybragg.com.

Suzie Brown (@suziebrownsongs) with husband Scot Sax find common ground with Renee Wahl (@reneewahl) and David Strayer in humor, writing, and music. Renee was quick that her confessional song is a different kind of love song, but one that we should be more open to talking about.   Renee Wahl is a teacher, a physics major, a former member of the Air Force, and an artist/songwriter. Cut To The Bone, Renee's latest project is a self-exploration of discovery, awareness, and finding the beauty in spite of something painful. Armed with awards and validation that could prove self-worth in the craft of songwriting, Renee admits that while those accolades may help enhance the experience, they’re not the end game. The music is. For more information about Renee Wahl visit www.reneewahl.com. Suzie Brown is a 1970s-inspired folk-pop songwriter living in Nashville, TN with husband and fellow artist Scot Sax. Her newest project, Under the Surface, was written during the fleeting moments of free time between her shifts as an Advanced Heart Failure/Heart Transplant cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and her never-ending duties as a mother of two. To get to know Suzie more and check out all of her music, visit www.suziebrownsongs.com    

It's only fitting we get close to the end of this season to catch back up with Jenny Tolman (@jennytolman) and Dillon Carmichael (@dilloncmusic) after both have released their latest projects. Dillon was quick to notice that Jenny's, "My Welcome Mat", took bravery to write, but Jenny reminded us that she has studied some of the bravest songwriters of the 20th century. One of the many lessons she's learned and even amplified in her song is one of happiness and confidence.    Jenny Tolman is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter that draws comparisons and styles to Dolly Parton, Roger Miller, Lee Ann Womack, and even Brandy Clark, just to name a few. With her latest release, There Goes The Neighborhood, is a look and celebration of characters in each of our lives that can be often overlooked or more misunderstood. Listen to her latest music and visit www.jennytolman.com for her latest news.  Dillon Carmichael is a Kentucky-based singer-songwriter. With his uncles John Michael and Eddie Montgomery having chart success, and his mother traveling as part of his road band who is also a veteran of the music industry, there's no question that Carmichael's baritone voice would ever hit the airwaves. His latest EP, I Do For You, is out now on all platforms. You can keep up with him by visiting www.dilloncarmichael.com.

Songs can find you in hotel rooms, when you're on a journey of sobriety, and even thru the pain of life. Jason Eskridge (@jasoneskridge) guides us through the conversation on the overall theme of Mike's(@mikefarrismusic) homage to home.   Mike Farris, Grammy winner, and Nashville's rocker might be known for his powerhouse vocals but he's celebrating life in sobriety and faith. His latest record Silver and Stone. Silver and Stone is a bit of an homage to his wife of 23 years that faithfully stood by his side during addiction and sobriety. Visit www.mikefarrismusic.com for his album and tour dates to see him at a venue near you.    Originally a football-playing engineer with a stint in NASA, Jason Eskridge could never shake his passion to make music. Jason’s desire is to create music that causes the listener to love themselves, love their fellow man, think harder, think deeper, think broader, laugh until they cry, laugh when they want to cry, try something new, remember something old, and ultimately live life to the fullest.  

Co-written by fellow collaborators Waylon Payne and William Clark Green, Ross Cooper's (@rossgcooper) song "I Can't Hate You" came what would be a memorable write. If you're a fan of songwriting or have experiences in the craft, you know those moments are rare. When they happen though, you might have something special. Erin O'Dowd(@erinejodowd) helps us understand about breaking the rules of songwriting for the sake of art, writing with an agenda in mind, and pulling lyrics from a close relationship that is potentially damaging, but at the same time. It feels so good. Ross Cooper is a former professional bareback rodeo rider that was sidelined when a knee injury interrupted his journey. Now a country artist based from Nashville, TN. Ross' new job is an artist and songwriter. A fan of both indie-rock and country-folk greats like Guy Clark and John Prine, Cooper draws largely upon small-town life and the simplicity it affords. A mix of his heroes and experiences resulted in his latest release, I Rode The Wild Horses. For updates and future tour dates, visit www.ross-cooper.com. Erin O'Dowd is an Americana Singer-Songwriter originally from Tulsa and now based in Nashville. Erin O'Dowd's debut album, OLD TOWN, was produced by Rolling Stone acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Travis Linville and features Grammy nominated singer-songwriter John Fullbright on keys. The ten song, self-penned gem features a treasure trove of Oklahoma talent, including members of Fullbright's backing band, various instrumentation by Linville, and legendary Midwest pedal steel player Roger Ray of Jason Boland & The Stragglers. Visit www.erinodowd.com for future dates and updates. 

Suzie Brown (@suziebrownsongs) with husband Scot Sax find common ground with Renee Wahl (@reneewahl) and David Strayer in humor, Nashville, and music. "I'll Take It All" is what Scot Sax would call a roast and Suzie might call it a different kind of love song. Renee takes us in the conversation of how relationships can intertwine an artists output. For the good and the bad, but most importantly. It's honest. Music is so personal to artists but what is it like when music parallels with your innermost relationships?   Suzie Brown is a 1970s-inspired folk-pop songwriter living in Nashville, TN with husband and fellow artist Scot Sax. Her newest project, Under the Surface, was written during the fleeting moments of free time between her shifts as an Advanced Heart Failure/Heart Transplant cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and her never-ending duties as a mother of two. To get to know Suzie more and check out all of her music, visit www.suziebrownsongs.com   Renee Wahl is a teacher, a physics major, a former member of the Air Force, and an artist/songwriter. Cut To The Bone, Renee's latest project is a self-exploration of discovery, awareness, and finding the beauty in spite of something painful. Armed with awards and validation that could prove self-worth in the craft of songwriting, Renee admits that while those accolades may help enhance the experience, they’re not the end game. The music is. For more information about Renee Wahl visit www.reneewahl.com.

Dustin Ransom (@dustinransommusic) and singer/songwriter Molly Martin (@mollymartinsongs) takes us inside the mind of Molly in her autobiographical song, "Impulse Issues". Molly confirms that spaghetti is ok for breakfast, and also confirms that observations of loneliness and rawness are a theme within the conversation. Dustin also outlines that specifics bring us into the writers' world, but how not to muddy a song with the right details in the wrong places.    Molly Martin is an artist based out of Nashville, TN that also plays bass for Daddy Issues. Armed with a quick wit, punk attitude, and a perspective to write about unsung topics. Molly will be a writer that you'll know and remember very soon. Dustin Ransom is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer for Dave Barnes, Ben Rector, Matt Wertz, Jars Of Clay, Chely Wright, Ryan Bingham, Jon McLaughlin, Andrew Belle, Gabe Dixon, Derek Webb, Shelly Fairchild, Steve Moakler, & many more. His latest project, Frontiers can be bought at www.dustinransom.com.

Szlachetka (@szlachetkamusic) takes us to a destination with his song "Lifeboat". The power of songs, and a tune like this one, has a special magic to transport us to a sense of nostalgia. Tangible and intangible. Austin Plaine (@austinplaine) taps into just that but also the headspace outside the obvious of the song. Both nostalgia-visual-driven artists, remind us in conversation that layers of description always have a secret message that we may not catch at first but the beauty is that we can always discover new elements if we go along in the journey.  Austin Plaine is a Nashville-based artist and songwriter that just released his sophomore album, Stratford. Visit www.austinplaine.com for everything about Austin. Szlachetka (pronounced SLA-HET-KA) is a prolific songwriter who relishes the creative interplay of collaborative writing and the serendipitous connections that materialize on the road. In the last year alone, he has collaborated with Kevin Savigar (Rod Stewart, Kelsea Ballerini), Adam Wright (Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack), Mando Saenz (Miranda Lambert, Lee Ann Womack, Eli Young Band, Whiskey Myers, Kim Richey, Wade Bowen), and more. For tour dates and to discover his music, visit www.szlachetkamusic.com. 

Ben Jarrell (@benjarrellbama) really helps us understand Mando Saenz's (@mandosaenz) writing process. This is an important conversation especially coming from a seasoned writer like Mando. We're reminded that characters are still an important part of the development of songs. Direct or indirect life events really sculpt the music in our lives. The parallel we're reminded of is that we're all still searching for something and we're left with hope being what's hopefully discovered. Mando Saenz is a singer-songwriter living in Nashville, Tennessee. He writes for Carnival Music and has had songs recorded by Eli Young Band, Whiskey Myers, Stoney LaRue, Wade Bowen, Lee Ann Womack, and Shelly Colvin.  Ben Jarrell is an Alabama native that recently relocated to Nashville, TN. His debut album, Troubled Times, recorded at Southern Ground Studios Nashville, is a mix of hard-hitting Southern Rock, Outlaw Country music that delivers lyrical punches. For tour dates and music, visit www.benjarrell.com.

One of the freshest takes we've had this season, Paul (@thepaulmcdonald) brings in his newest song, at the time, and reminds us that the newest song a writer writes. Is going to be their favorite. "Unlimited Love" was written by Maggie Rose, Bob DiPiero, and Paul.  Lydia (@lydialuce) helps us realize the amount of trust in a co-write situation and how that trust has to go both ways even when an icon is in the room. Love is the theme of this conversation. A simple but complex theme. Meaning, the multiple directions an idea can go but Lydia and Paul help us remember that there are still new ways to deliver a timeless message.    Paul McDonald (American Idol, The Grand Magnolias, and The Sweetheart Deal) is constantly working and on the road, but no matter. Paul always brings art, life, and courage into every song. It's no different in his latest record, Modern Hearts. Which can be streamed on all platforms. Visit www.thepaulmcdonald.com for tour dates, information, and to connect.    Lydia Luce maybe a new name to some but her playing has been heard from countless records and recordings. A session violist, songwriter, and artist in her own right. It will only be a matter of time you'll hear her music on multiple media outlets including film and TV. But in the meantime, Lydia is enjoying the high of her debut, Azalea. Which is available on all music platforms. For everything else, visit www.lydialuce.com.

Paul (@thepaulmcdonald) joins Lydia (@lydialuce) in a conversation about "Azalea", the title track from her latest record. Life mimics art and it's no different in the process of character development. Even though Azalea is fictitious, Paul helps us discover the real-life circumstance that brought the characters to life and the battle of the self-consciousness.    Paul McDonald (American Idol, The Grand Magnolias, and The Sweetheart Deal) is constantly working and on the road, but no matter. Paul always brings art, life, and courage into every song. It's no different in his latest record, Modern Hearts. Which can be streamed on all platforms. Visit www.thepaulmcdonald.com for tour dates, information, and to connect.    Lydia Luce maybe a new name to some but her playing has been heard from countless records and recordings. A session violist, songwriter, and artist in her own right. It will only be a matter of time you'll hear her music on multiple media outlets including film and TV. But in the meantime, Lydia is enjoying the high of her debut, Azalea. Which is available on all music platforms. For everything else, visit www.lydialuce.com.

It's hard to express how one truly feels after the hurt of a past relationship. Especially when a word like "love" can be so flippant in music and life. Adam (@adamchaffins) takes us through the conversation with Jeremy (@jeremyblister) about the flow of a song, the challenge of something used a lot as a theme, and the real-life experience of sharing the tune.   An Eastern Kentuckian, Adam Chaffins has always been on his own plain. Growing up in an isolated area of the country left Adam to hone his music and his craft. Living in Nashville, TN now and touring the country with bands. Adam is set to release his record in 2019, setting the true tone for his career. An artist to share a perspective that few see. To see tour dates and to receive updates, visit www.adamchaffins.com.    A son of a preacher, Jeremy Lister began singing and learning harmonies in church at the age of two. Which is not surprising to learn that Jeremy joined a cappella group Street Corner Symphony for the second season of NBC’s "The Sing-Off." A writer now for the publishing company Big Yellow Dog (Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, Daniel Tashion), Jeremy writes songs for a living as well as his own music. His latest release Sign Language is out now on all platforms and for everything about Jeremy. Visit www.jeremylister.com.

Robby (@robbyhecht) and Charlotte (@icharlotteleigh) discover a lightness in what could be a possible dark moment in a relationship's aftermath. Hope, longing, and coming to terms are all a part of Robby's "Version Of Me". Words are everything to Robby but there is a dilemma of getting lost in details. Charlotte discovers a real gift with Robby that there are ways to write a song without all the details to make you feel where the characters are in the human experience. Charlotte Leigh is a singer/songwriter living in Nashville, TN. She grew up in Arkansas and moved to Nashville in 2017 to pursue music and her calling. Her latest single, "Deep Water" is available now and visit www.charlotteleigh.com for tour dates and music. Robby Hecht is also a prolific songwriter. His songs have been recorded by a number of other artists including Meghan Linsey, Jennifer Knapp, Nora Jane Struthers, Liz Longley, The Steel Wheels, and Amy Speace, among others. You can listen to Robby's latest music with songwriting partner, Caroline Spence, on the album Two People. Visit www.robbyhecht.com for all things Robby.

A little song coming from a workshop actually became more than what Erin O'Dowd (@erinejodowd) even expected. Ross Cooper (@rossgcooper), fellow up and coming songwriter, share mutual feelings about the craft and even Erin's therapeutic song, "Songwriters Breakfast". A song full of easter eggs, Erin pulls from home town tributes, making your own way, and even inner isolation. The latter, Ross agrees is common in the craft of songwriting but is it necessary?     Erin O'Dowd is an Americana Singer-Songwriter originally from Tulsa and now based in Nashville. Erin O'Dowd's debut album, OLD TOWN, was produced by Rolling Stone acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Travis Linville and features Grammy nominated singer-songwriter John Fullbright on keys. The ten song, self-penned gem features a treasure trove of Oklahoma talent, including members of Fullbright's backing band, various instrumentation by Linville, and legendary Midwest pedal steel player Roger Ray of Jason Boland & The Stragglers. Visit www.erinodowd.com for future dates and updates.    Ross Cooper is a former professional bareback rodeo rider that was sidelined when a knee injury interrupted his journey. Now a country artist based from Nashville, TN. Ross' new job is an artist and songwriter. A fan of both indie-rock and country-folk greats like Guy Clark and John Prine, Cooper draws largely upon small-town life and the simplicity it affords. A mix of his heroes and experiences resulted in his latest release, I Rode The Wild Horses. For updates and future tour dates, visit www.ross-cooper.com.

Sam Bush (@sambushband), notable bluegrass legend, sits down with premier fiddle player Michael Cleveland (@mcflamekeeper) of Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper to talk about instrumental music.  Already mutually shared a love for the fiddle in episode 5, Sam and Michael share a little background into Black Mountain Rag tuning, the importance of the bow, and the "terrible" experience of naming tunes. Michael Cleveland is considered one of the premier bluegrass fiddlers of his generation. Mike picked up a fiddle at age four, and his talent was recognized early. Having won the Fiddle Player of the Year Award from the IBMA 11 times, there's no doubt Michael has solidified himself as one of the top musicians in the world. For everything about Michael visit www.flamekeeperband.com. Sam Bush has influenced and changed the course of bluegrass by his unique style and songs. Former projects include the Bluegrass Alliance, New Grass Revival, a former member of Emmylou Harris' Nash Ramblers, and so much more. Sams musical output has influenced Punch Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Greensky Bluegrass just to name a few. Visit www.sambush.com for the latest music and updates. 

Deliverable lines, being honest with yourself and to your audience, and to be willing to write down your mistakes can be found here in Katie Cole's (@katiecoleofficial) song "Time On My Hands". Katie admits that vulnerability isn't a struggle to share but through song and conversation, Scott Mulvahill (@scottmulvahill) helps us discover how honesty can be a challenge to share.  Katie Cole is an Australian artist and songwriter that has shared the stage with Glen Campbell and the Smashing Pumpkins, a gig that would turn into years of touring work when Billy Corgan asked her to join the band on bass and vocals then later, on keys. Katie's newest project, Things That Break, Part 1. Features rootsy instrumentation, weaving Americana moodiness with Cole’s own brand of soaring melodies. Visit www.katiecoleofficial.com to discover more of her music and tour dates.  Scott Mulvahill is an artist that has shared the stage with some of the greatest artists of modern music, such as Alison Krauss, Barry Gibb of the BeeGees, Bruce Hornsby, Brad Paisley, Peter Frampton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Emmylou Harris, Dave Barnes, Ben Rector, and many more.  He’s currently touring in support of his September release, Himalayas, which was produced by himself, Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars, The Lone Bellow) Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Sarah Jarosz), and Shani Ghandi (Sarah Jarosz). Visit www.scottmulvahill.com for his music and tour dates. 

Some of the best people in your life may have been the ones that you didn't expect to find. For Paul McDonald and Emily Kinney, an unexpected setup and eventually music becoming part of the picture was all they needed to start The Sweetheart Deal (@thesweetheartdeal). Nicki Bluhm (@nickibluhm) sits down with the duo to figure them out. Just as one would do early in a relationship, and discovers the beauty behind the building blocks of partnerships while creating music.  Nicki Bluhm spent six years as the lead singer and front person of Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, as well as recent high-profile collaborations and performances. To Rise You Gotta Fall is a chronicle of Bluhm’s state of mind following both a divorce and a separation from the only band she had ever known. The album was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Studio by Ross-Spang and is available now. Visit www.nickibluhm.com for tour dates and music. Emily Kinney is one half of The Sweetheart Deal and also known for her work in The Walking Dead, Masters of Sex, The Flash, Arrow, and more. Paul McDonald (American Idol, The Grand Magnolias, and his solo career) the other half of The Sweetheart Deal can be reached at www.thesweetheartdealband.com.

Seth Walker (@sethwalkermusic) was quick to realize the genius behind a common phrase like, I thought you were somebody else, and the multiple directions a story could go. Mary Bragg (@marybragg) shares the motive behind her story of, "I Thought You Were Somebody Else" and how the original version was recorded. Seth and Mary find common ground in their influences and the calling of being a songwriter. But what Seth and Mary really uncover in this episode is are things as they seem, or actually, are we fooling ourselves what they seem to be?   Georgia native, Mary Bragg is a songwriter and artist now calling Nashville, TN home. Mary's music pulls from country, folk, and blues to weave a timelessly organic blend around her airy voice that is reminiscent of smooth jazz vocalists. Her latest record Violets as Camouflage is out now and can be found on all major platforms including www.marybragg.com.   Seth Walker draws inspiration from poetry and blues artists to create his latest record, "Are You Open?". With many records under his belt, "Are You Open?" was an experiment to take Seth outside of his comfort zone. You can download the record now and keep up with tour dates and news from www.sethwalker.com    

Classic writing, good food, and how to write a song from a vulnerable place with a stranger. Fellow songwriter Jeremy Lister (@jeremyblister) can really sympathize with Adam Chaffins (@adamchaffins) on the level of connectivity and breaking through the opportunities to share something so personal with the world. As we walk through the creation of "Who I Am", it isn't lost on Adam that there are few things that remain constant in life. A sense of longing, making peace with life's growing experiences, and the human connection with unconditional love.    An Eastern Kentuckian, Adam Chaffins has always been on his own plain. Growing up in an isolated area of the country left Adam to hone his music and his craft. Living in Nashville, TN now and touring the country with bands. Adam is set to release his record in 2019, setting the true tone for his career. An artist to share a perspective that few see. To see tour dates and to receive updates, visit www.adamchaffins.com.    A son of a preacher, Jeremy Lister began singing and learning harmonies in church at the age of two. Which is not surprising to learn that Jeremy joined a cappella group Street Corner Symphony for the second season of NBC’s "The Sing-Off." A writer now for the publishing company Big Yellow Dog (Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, Daniel Tashion), Jeremy writes songs for a living as well as his own music. His latest release Sign Language is out now on all platforms and for everything about Jeremy. Visit www.jeremylister.com.

After walking 300 miles on foot one would think that they'd love a break, but for Jason (@jasoneskridge), it led to something much larger. Love in it's purest form and his song "Save The Day". Rock 'n' Roller and vocal heavyweight Mike Farris (@mikefarrismusic) quickly points out characterizing an emotion in Jason's song and the uniqueness of personifying that in a lyrical line. This episode looks at things such as pursuit, love, and looking beyond than what we're capable to do.    Originally a football-playing engineer with a stint in NASA, Jason Eskridge could never shake his passion to make music. Jason’s desire is to create music that causes the listener to love themselves, love their fellow man, think harder, think deeper, think broader, laugh until they cry, laugh when they want to cry, try something new, remember something old, and ultimately live life to the fullest.   Mike Farris, Grammy winner and Nashville rocker, might be known for his powerhouse vocals but he's celebrating life in sobriety and faith. His latest record Silver and Stone. Silver and Stone is a bit of an homage to his wife of 23 years that faithfully stood by his side during addiction and sobriety. Visit www.mikefarrismusic.com for his album and tour dates to see him at a venue near you.