The Real MP3s

Some artists leave you with a photo. Ashley McBryde left me with a hair-pulling incident, a “tattooed lady” moment, and proof she’s as badass offstage as on.

Witty, unpredictable, and just a little unhinged: Barns Courtney is the kind of interview you never forget. From calling my friend a “sultry man muffin” to sharing his life hack for dodging speeding tickets, even playing a concert on crutches couldn’t slow him down. Oh, and our photo? Let’s just say “limp fish handshake” energy.

What happens when you try to impress Nicole Kidman… and it backfires? In this listener story, a birthday mix-up, an awkward Tom Cruise comment, and one surprising cheek kiss make for the kind of encounter you never live down.

Part 2 of Opry Life pulls back the curtain on music legends, unexpected encounters, and stories that are too good to make up. Plus, a former coworker that you may even recognise. Backstage at the Opry isn’t always glamorous… but it’s always memorable.

A**hole tourists, unsolicited ghost stories, and what was there before Ole Red. Welcome to Opry Life, Part 1.

Mama Kaye joins me again for a trip back to the ’90s, when toddler-me might have insulted Billy Ray Cyrus right to his face… but luckily, my pacifier saved me. From Trace Adkins to Diamond Rio, we’re talking about the ’90s country artists who made a big impression in the best way.

This week, my very first guest joins me, and she’s the only person I know who might have more stories than I do. Mama Kaye is here, and she’s probably on Garth Brooks’ wall of fame at this point. We’re talking music, memories, and of course, the story behind those dozen yellow roses.

What do you get when you mix Tommy Lee, a mile-long list of banned questions, and my neck turning fire-engine red mid-interview? A damn near total meltdown I somehow powered through. But despite the chaos, Tommy and John 5 were kind, chill, and cool as hell. This one’s chaotic yet inspiring... and very, very red.

Living in Nashville and working in radio sounds cool… until everyone you’ve ever met starts asking for free tickets, backstage passes, and personal favors. In this episode, I’m setting the record straight, with love of course, (and maybe a little eye-roll).

I know I interviewed Brendon Urie… I just don’t remember much of it. But I do remember how he made me feel. This episode is about the chat that quietly changed everything...the one that shifted my mindset from “doing interviews” to actually having conversations . Plus, a quick story about a pre-show shot with Dave Grohl, because obviously.

I finally got my first listener story submission, and it did not disappoint. In this episode, I read a wild tale featuring some very 2005 fashion choices, a meet-and-greet with Ted Nugent, and a conversation that quickly escalates into bow hunting… and shooting arrows at cardboard cutouts of Islamic terrorists. Yep. We’re off to a strong (and slightly unhinged) start. Keep those stories coming!!

What’s it like being married to someone just as obsessed with music as I am? It’s loud, it’s expensive, and sometimes I accidentally become his roadie. In this episode, I’m talking about the chaos, the connection, and a couple horror stories of dating musicians in Nashville (spoiler: red flags can play guitar too).

I got to do Jelly Roll’s very first radio interview, and honestly, I totally underestimated him at first, but he’s one of the nicest, realest badasses in the game. In this episode, we talk about his journey, his wild sense of humor, and why he’s 100% earned every bit of his success.

This week: a great convo with Godsmack’s Sully Erna about his love for Aerosmith and why radio still matters, all while realizing I had a solid few inches on him. Who knew I’d need to look down during a rockstar interview?

We’ve all had those moments... the slip-ups, the awkward pauses, the stage fright. In this episode, I’m sharing my most cringe-worthy on-stage intro fails as a reminder that it’s totally okay to mess up . Even the pros do it. What matters is showing up, owning it, and learning to laugh along the way.

Watching Kacey Musgraves go from unknown opener to unstoppable force in music has been amazing to witness. In this episode, I talk about seeing her rise firsthand and one especially heartwarming moment involving her biggest fan: her grandma.

In this episode, I share the story of an unforgettable in-person interview with Billy Corgan. From walking that tightrope of nerves (and the inability to talk about the Smashing Pumpkins?!) to the surprising moment he went out of his way to keep the conversation going, this one took an unexpected turn in the best way.

It's finally here! In the very first episode of The Real MP3s , I’m giving you a taste of what this podcast is all about: real, positive, and memorable experiences I’ve had meeting bands and artists over the years. I also get into why I hate the word “interview." No stiff Q&A's here, just genuine, often hilarious, and sometimes awkward moments with the people who make the music we love. Let’s...

Think of this as your soundcheck: The Real MP3s is all about real convos with the artists and bands you love. Here's your sneak peek. Submit your stories at HayleyStJohn.net/podcast! Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/drummr/1978