Next Rung Radio

What really powers a world-class tour? In this episode, Ron sits down with veteran tour and artist manager Chuck Pursel , a behind-the-scenes force with 30+ years in live entertainment. From production tents at sunrise to settlements after midnight, Chuck has worn nearly every hat on the road: stage manager, production manager, tour manager and he’s learned the secret to longevity: keep your cool,...

From singing Johnny Cash at three to hosting SiriusXM Y2 Country (Ch. 57) , Danielle Peck has lived the full arc of country music—bars, churches, buses that broke down in every state, and arena tours that tested every ounce of grit. In this candid sit-down, Danielle opens up about being discovered by Scott Borchetta , cutting sides at DreamWorks, becoming the flagship female at Big Machine Records...

On this episode of Next Rung Radio , Audra McLaughlin (NBC’s The Voice , Season 6) brings raw honesty and undeniable power. From on-set bloopers to a goosebump performance of her new song “Hate Being Me,” Audra opens up about self-talk, body image, faith, and the daily fight to choose grace over criticism. It’s a vulnerable, victorious look at how scars, setbacks, and second chances can shape a vo...

On this episode of Next Rung Radio , we shine a light on the magnetic duo Beck and Call . Becca Bradley and Chris Call each walked through the fires of solo artistry, carrying both the scars and the lessons of going it alone. But when they came together, something electric sparked — haunting cello lines intertwined with soulful vocals, pop sensibilities fusing with blues grit, and lyrics that live...

On this rung of Next Rung Radio , we welcome Ryan Weaver, U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot turned country music firebrand. After losing his brother (KIA) and later his brother-in-law in combat, Ryan chose purpose over paralysis, turning grief into fuel. From karaoke contests and writing songs in the desert to standing center stage at Madison Square Garden, the Grand Ole Opry with Charlie Daniels, and he...

On this rung of Next Rung Radio , we spotlight a visionary who stepped into the music industry not as an artist, but as the strategist who could see what was broken and dared to fix it. Mike Castronovo built his career in wealth management and international markets, mastering numbers the way musicians master notes. But when his daughter pursued music at Belmont, he quickly realized just how flawed...

On this rung of Next Rung Radio , we sit down with powerhouse vocalist, hit songwriter, author, and two-time cancer survivor David Staton. From singing on gospel stages at the age of six to penning Grammy-nominated songs for some of the biggest names in the genre, David’s life has been defined not just by music but by resilience, faith, and a relentless pursuit of truth. He’s filled in for gospel...

On this rung of Next Rung Radio , we welcome a man whose fingerprints are all over some of the biggest names in music. David Browning has spent more than 30 years as a producer, performer, and songwriter, working alongside artists like Katy Perry, Natalie Grant, and C.C. Winans. But his story goes far beyond studio walls and stages. He’s walked hand in hand with his wife through cancer, navigated...

Welcome to the very first official episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast , where every rung on the ladder is another step toward purpose, power, and resilience. To kick off this journey, we’re joined by country artist and survivor Cayden Gillard — a man who embodies what it means to rise through adversity. From a leukemia diagnosis at just 14, to picking up a guitar in a hospital room, to chasing rod...