Happy Hour with Deb

This episode of Happy Hour with Deb feels like one of those conversations you don’t want to end. I’m joined by rising artist Ivey Campbell, along with two of my favorite familiar voices—Holdyn Barder and Timmy McKeever—as we dig into music, storytelling, growth, and what it really means to find your place in this industry. From songwriting and creative instincts to navigating the ups, downs, and q...

Season 2 of Happy Hour with Deb is here, and we’re kicking it off with a returning favorite—Cody Cozz! Grab a drink and join us for laughs, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments as we catch up with Cody and dive into what’s new in his world. We’re also excited to announce a new collaboration with Freedom Brew, a company dedicated to giving back to military personnel and veterans who’ve sacrificed...

Part 2 of our Best of 2025 is here! This episode brings you even more standout moments from an unforgettable year of Happy Hour with Deb. From powerful conversations and unexpected laughs to raw, real stories from artists and creatives, this episode captures the heart of what made 2025 so special. If you loved Part 1, settle in—because this one goes even deeper. Whether you’re catching up or reliv...

2025 was one for the books—and it all came together at the Country Radio Seminar.  In this Best of 2025 episode of Happy Hour with Deb, we’re bringing you some of our favorite, most memorable moments straight from CRS. From candid conversations and unexpected laughs to powerful stories and artist breakthroughs, this episode captures the heart of what Happy Hour is all about. Featuring standout mom...

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee—the home of the blues—Greg Pratt was on a very different path before country music called his name. With just one college credit left and a family legacy in medicine, Greg packed his car, left everything behind, and headed to Nashville with only a few dollars and a dream. In this short but powerful conversation, Greg shares how he taught himself guitar, learne...

 On this episode of Happy Hour with Deb , I sit down with country music artist Tori Martin for a short but powerful conversation about her journey into music. From being discovered by a Grammy Award–winning producer while singing at church, to growing up with a father who served as a veteran, to chasing her dreams all the way to American Idol , Tori’s story is rooted in faith, family, and resilien...

Get ready for one of the most fun episodes yet on Happy Hour with Deb, because The Swon Brothers came to play! Zach and Colton Swon join me for an energy-filled conversation all about the Nashville country music scene, their brand-new IMAGINE: Cabin Sessions EP (fully written and produced by the brothers), a little bit of football talk, and plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories. We dive i...

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with the incredibly talented Walker Montgomery — an artist with one of the strongest pedigrees in country music but a fire to build a legacy that’s all his own. Chosen as an “Artist to Watch” by Country Now, Music Mayhem, The Boot, and more, Walker shares how growing up as the son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Eddie Montgomery shaped hi...

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with the incredible Ada Pasternak — a classically trained violinist, award-winning singer-songwriter, and rising force in country music. Ada’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up as a classical prodigy, she trained for years as a violinist before discovering her true passion for storytelling and country music. Today, she’s known fo...

Get ready for a fun and wide-open conversation with Chris Dodson — country music artist and President/CEO of Makin Music LLC!  Chris joins Deb at CRS 2025 for a lively interview where nothing is off the table. They dive into his music journey, what’s coming next for him and Makin Music LLC, his NFL opinions (yes… he has thoughts 😄), the best food in Nashville, and so much more. If you love countr...

She’s been called “Dolly Parton junior” by Ronnie Dunn — and once you meet her, you’ll see why!  In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with Paulina Jayne, a powerhouse singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose blend of heart, humor, and hope lights up every room she’s in. From sharing the stage with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Sheryl Crow to writing alongside Nashville’s bi...

We’re back with another episode of Happy Hour with Deb, live from CRS 2025 in Nashville!  This week, I catch up with the amazing Timmy McKeever, who’s been making big moves since his last appearance on the show. We talk about his exciting plans for the summer, new music on the way, and the heartfelt story of his dad stepping in as his manager — keeping family at the core of his career.  If you lov...

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, we welcome one of the most exciting young acts in country music — Juna N Joey!  This brother-sister duo has taken the world by storm with their stunning harmonies, viral covers (over 8.5 million views on YouTube and 10 million on TikTok!), and a growing list of chart-topping singles like “Something Good To Miss” and “Til Your Heart Breaks.” From performing on NBC’...

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, we sit down with the powerhouse country artist Jessie G — a proud military spouse, mama, and unstoppable performer whose story is as inspiring as her voice.  From performing the National Anthem at the Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game — streamed to millions worldwide — to preparing for her 2025 international tour, Jessie shares her journey of passion,...

This week on Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with Jake Brown — an award-winning biographer, TV producer, and storyteller behind some of music’s most legendary names. With over 60 published books and collaborations with icons like Merle Haggard, Heart, Joe Satriani, Tupac Shakur’s Estate, Teddy Riley, and Motörhead, Jake has spent two decades documenting the heartbeat of the music industry. Now, wi...

This week on Happy Hour with Deb , I sit down with country artist Robby Johnson , whose story is all about risk, sacrifice, and belief in a dream .  Robby left behind a life of comfort to chase his passion in Nashville—with nothing guaranteed but his determination and heart for the music. From millions of streams and global airplay to hearing his songs in hotels, casinos, and cruise ships , Robby...

At just 18, Carrie Brockwell has already achieved what many artists only dream of — from earning a Golden Ticket on American Idol, to playing the Grand Ole Opry House, to releasing award-winning music that’s catching the industry’s attention. But what truly sets Carrie apart isn’t just her voice — it’s her heart, her positive energy, and her determination to inspire others along the way.  In this...

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb , I sit down with the incredibly talented Ana Cristina Cash — a bilingual Cuban-American artist raised in Miami who brings both grit and grace to the country music stage.  By the age of 15, Ana Cristina had already signed with Sony Music’s Latin division and released her debut Spanish-language album, Ana Cristina . Her career has since taken her from Latin po...

 At Happy Hour with Deb , some people are more than just guests — they’re like family. This episode is a special catch-up with Holdyn Barder and Michael James at CRS 2025 , two of my favorite boys in country music. We dig into their journeys, their energy on stage, and what’s next — including a possible co-hosting adventure together!  Support the show Happy Hour with Deb Real Talk. Big Feelings. C...

Country music legend John Berry joins me on Happy Hour with Deb for a heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and inspiration.  From his chart-topping hits of the ’90s like “Your Love Amazes Me,” “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye,” and “She’s Taken a Shine” to his annual Christmas tours that have become a holiday tradition, John has touched millions with his unmistakable voice. After t...

In this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, I sit down with Robert Bacon — an artist whose journey is rooted in country tradition, shaped by resilience, and fueled by passion. 🇺🇸 Born on an army base in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and raised on a Midwest farm, Robert grew up listening to legends like George Jones, Loretta Lynn, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers, Alan Jackson, and George Strait...

 Get ready for some high-energy fun with Pryor Baird ! From learning guitar as a toddler to making his Grand Ole Opry debut , Pryor’s journey is filled with grit, passion, and incredible music. You may remember him from NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake!) , but today you’ll see the side of him fans love most—his infectious energy, humor, and soulful love for country-rock.  Support the show Happy Hour wi...

Being a father has changed the way Ian Flanigan looks at life, love, and music. In this Spotlight Rewind from Happy Hour with Deb, Ian opens up about how family keeps him grounded while chasing his biggest dreams. From his time on The Voice to the realities of balancing the stage with fatherhood, Ian shares a heartfelt perspective every parent and music fan will relate to. Tune in to hear the raw,...

n this episode of Happy Hour with Deb, meet Kelli Belles—the fearless Nashville artist blending Midwest grit, vintage country charm, and a dreamy modern edge. From her small-town roots in Omaha, NE to headlining her own ‘Trust Issues Tour’ and sharing stages with icons like Miranda Lambert, BELLES has made her mark as one of country music’s most genuine and captivating voices. We talk about her so...

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Joe Hermes — one of the hottest rising acts in the Rock Country scene and a self-proclaimed “gunpowder country” powerhouse. From his days as a defensive lineman to sharing the stage with legends like Uncle Kracker, David Nail, and Black Stone Cherry, Joe’s journey is fueled by faith, family, and an unshakable belief in the American Dream. Whether you love...