Tailgate Beers

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , host Ryan sits down with rising Nashville country artist Hayden Coffman ahead of his performance opening for Tyler Braden. They chat about his recent tour stops, the adrenaline of performing, and life on the road with his crew. Hayden shares insights into his musical journey—from college baseball player to viral country artist—highlighting the role of social med...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , hosts Austin and Ryan visit the garage of central Illinois singer-songwriter Joe Stamm for an in-depth conversation about his journey in music. Stamm shares stories about his early days in the industry, the evolution of the Joe Stamm Band, and the realities of making a living as an independent artist. They discuss everything from his influences and songwriting p...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , the hosts sit down with CreatiVets , a nonprofit organization that helps veterans heal through music and the arts. They discuss the powerful impact of storytelling and songwriting in processing military experiences, sharing inspiring stories of transformation. Over cold beers, the conversation dives into how CreatiVets collaborates with musicians to turn veteran...

In this continuation episode of Tailgate Beers , host Ryan Thompson dives deeper into his life journey, picking up from his military career in the mid-2000s. Ryan reflects on the life-changing moment of flying into Baghdad, the emotional toll of returning home to an empty house, and his drive to be closer to his children. He details his time as a Phoenix Raven, his deployments, and the medical ret...

This episode of Tailgate Beers dives deep into the life of host Ryan Thompson, exploring his upbringing, family dynamics, and personal journey. Ryan shares stories from his childhood in Henry, Illinois, his experiences in sports, and how his path eventually led him to the military. The conversation touches on pivotal moments, including his deployments, personal struggles, and how music played a ma...

In this special Valentine's Day episode of Tailgate Beers , hosts Austin and Ryan welcome Liberty Perhay, a popular bartender from Crusens and Ducks, as well as a familiar face at Tailgate & Tallboys . The episode takes a lighthearted dive into Liberty’s experiences with viral fame, wild DMs, and her unexpected relationship status. With the hosts playing Cupid, they explore Liberty’s ideal Val...

Isaac Durst joins the Tailgate Beers podcast for a laid-back and engaging conversation about his journey as a musician in Peoria, Illinois. He shares how he got his start in music, from discovering his voice in high school choir to teaching himself guitar and grinding through open mics. Durst discusses the challenges of balancing odd jobs with his passion for performing, his efforts to expand beyo...

In this special episode of Tailgate Beers , hosts Austin Jones and Ryan take a deep dive into Austin's life, giving listeners a glimpse of his personal journey. From his roots in Metamora and the influence of a hardworking family, to his experience in the family business and navigating the challenges of merging personal and professional life, Austin opens up about his struggles, triumphs, and the...

This episode of Tailgate Beers takes listeners on a journey to White Oak Brewing in Normal, Illinois, where hosts Austin and Ryan sit down with "Pizza Dave" to explore the brewery’s history, craft beer lineup, and the passion behind their unique brews. From discovering how Pizza Dave transitioned from the pizza industry to beer sales, to tasting a variety of White Oak’s signature offerings—includi...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , hosts Austin and Ryan sit down with special guest Macy Nicole to discuss her journey as an artist, her struggles and triumphs, and the resilience that has shaped her music and life. From being a teenage mother navigating hardships to finding her voice in the music industry, Macy shares candid insights about personal growth, overcoming adversity, and the inspirat...

The latest episode of Tailgate Beers features rising country artist Jason Cross as he sits down with the hosts to talk about his musical journey, life on the road, and his love for connecting with audiences. From sharing the challenges of launching a career during the pandemic to embracing his first-ever tour with Lakeview, Jason dives into the highs and lows of chasing his dreams in Nashville. Th...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , the hosts welcome Mayor Scott of Clinton, Iowa, who shares the exciting story of how he helped bring the Tailgate & Tallboys music festival to his city. Mayor Scott reflects on the initial challenges, the city’s partnership with USA Concerts, and the local impact of hosting a festival that draws attendees from over 40 states. As the mayor's passion for Clint...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , Austin and Ryan wrap up 2024 by reflecting on their podcast’s first year, celebrating its growth and memorable moments. They recount the journey from its inception—experimenting with equipment, finding their rhythm, and hosting their first interviews with artists like David Morris and Lakeview—to their growing list of episodes and fan interactions. With a mix of...

In this special Christmas episode of Tailgate Beers , hosts Ryan and Austin sit down with country artist Austin Snell at Crusens in West Peoria. The conversation explores Snell’s journey from his Air Force days to becoming a rising star in Nashville, fueled by his viral success on TikTok and a unique fusion of rock and country influences. With discussions about holiday traditions, the challenges o...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , hosts Austin and Ryan sit down with rising artist Matt Schuster at the iconic Crusens Farmington Road in West Peoria, Illinois. Matt reflects on his journey from Charleston, Illinois to Nashville, where he’s been chasing his musical dreams for the past two and a half years. He shares stories about his roots, his first headlining show, and his memorable Grand Ole...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers, Austin & Ryan dive into the excitement surrounding the 2025 Bloomington, Illinois, Tailgate N’ Tallboys festival. They discuss the highly anticipated lineup, behind-the-scenes insights, and the festival’s unique atmosphere, highlighting four jam-packed days of music from big-name headliners like Bailey Zimmerman, Hardy, and Cody Johnson, along with promising...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers, Austin and Ryan share their excitement about the 2025 Tailgate N Tallboys festival in Clinton, Iowa, happening June 5-7. They break down the lineup, featuring headliners Whiskey Myers, Riley Green, and Jason Aldean, along with rising stars like Wyatt Flores, Lily Rose, and Gavin Adcock. Set in the scenic riverfront of downtown Clinton, the festival promises an el...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , host Ryan sits down with Taylor Bruninga, a rising local musician from Mapleton, Illinois. Taylor shares his journey from being a standout basketball player at Illinois State University to navigating injuries that led him to discover his passion for music. They discuss his transition from sports to songwriting, the formation of his band, and the challenges of bu...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers, LECADE joins host Ryan for a lively discussion about his journey into music, beginning with high school rap sessions and evolving into a breakout career in country music. LECADE shares stories about his viral TikTok moment, his songwriting process, and life on the road. With anecdotes about Tailgate and Tallboys festivals, humorous insights about shower habits, a...

This episode of  Tailgate Beers  features Andrew Sevy, a talented artist navigating the rebranding of his music career while embracing his childhood nickname "Sevy." He shares candid stories about his journey, from playing guitar for childhood friend Tayler Holder to dealing with the quirks of music distribution. With humor and authenticity, Sevy discusses his unique experiences in Nashville, his...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , the Austin and Ryan sit down with singer-songwriter Clayton Shay following an acoustic performance at Crusens in Peoria, Illinois. Clayton shares insights into his journey as a musician, from his roots in small-town Canton, Illinois, to his decision to pursue original music over covers. He reflects on career highlights, including playing festivals like Tailgate...

In this episode of  Tailgate Beers , hosts Ryan and Austin sit down with Matt Burrell and Nicky T from Raised Rowdy. They crack open beers at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday and dive into conversations about Nashville’s vibrant music scene, the intense camaraderie that bonds artists, and Raised Rowdy’s mission to support up-and-coming musicians. Matt and Nick share stories about the formation of Raised Rowdy...

In this Tailgate Beers episode, DJ Cliffy D, the official DJ for Tailgate N' Tallboys , joins Austin and Ryan to discuss his career from Nashville clubs to major festivals where he hypes up crowds and hosts massive after-parties. Known for his high-energy performances, Cliffy shares stories from the road, his love for Jaeger, and details about his newly built studio outside Nashville, where he’s s...

In this Tailgate Beers episode, Atlus joins Austin & Ryan to discuss his journey from truck driving in Colorado to making music in Nashville. With a new album and tour underway, Atlus shares stories about finding his voice on long drives, the humbling path to success, and the friendships that keep him grounded. Between laughs and heartfelt moments, he opens up about the inspiration behind his...

In this episode of Tailgate Beers , Matthew Quigley, co-founder of Surfside, shares how he and his brother built the brand from a small operation to a major player in the ready-to-drink market. They discuss Surfside’s journey, including its pandemic pivot to home delivery, nearly nationwide distribution, and grassroots growth fueled by a strong community and brand identity. Quigley highlights Surf...