Most country artists sing about trucks and heartbreaks, but Isaac's music pulls from his real life—facing depression, honoring family traditions, and navigating his identity in a changing world. In this heartfelt episode, he reveals how scars and stories shape his songs, giving you a raw look at what it truly means to be authentic in music and in life.

Discover how Isaac's family roots—spanning Morocco and North Carolina—ground his musical journey and inspire his lyrics. He opens up about the profound influence of fatherhood, sharing how keeping traditions alive through music and advice became a lifeline during dark times. His song "Love Dad" isn't just a tribute—it's a blueprint for resilience and connection that can help anyone grappling with loss or mental health struggles.

We break down the behind-the-scenes of recording in a converted courthouse in North Carolina, the fusion of neo-traditional and Appalachian sounds on his upcoming album "Black Powder and Red Wine," and his vision for staying indie in an industry dominated by big corporations. Isaac shares the stories behind his tracks—like the tribal zydeco-inspired "Devil's Door" and the emotional honesty of "White Lies," inspired by personal battles with depression and heartbreak.

This episode is perfect for anyone craving authenticity, seeking encouragement through life's hardships, or inspired to stay true to their roots. Whether you're a country fan, a musician, or someone searching for meaning in their story, Isaac's journey offers a powerful reminder: your struggles and your traditions are what make you uniquely strong.

Madison McCoy is in the works of her debut release, but she's not new to the scene. With a background in classical piano, she's seeking to connect both worlds and promote country dancing through all of it!

    In this engaging conversation, Ramona from Ramona and the Holy Smokes discusses her musical journey, influences, and the unique blend of honky tonk and country music. She shares insights on the cultural significance of dance in honky tonk, the punk influences in her music, and the importance of integrating diverse musical styles. The conversation also delves into the creation of her song 'Esta Herida' and the band's future aspirations, including upcoming shows and collaborations. 

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the journey of Misschif Media, exploring its foundation on community and heart. They discuss the healing power of dance, the importance of collaboration between artists and dancers, and the cultural significance of country dancing. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced in the dance community and the need for education in dance etiquette. Personal experiences and connections to culture are emphasized as vital components of the dance journey, culminating in a vision for the future of Misschif Media and the dance community. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of the dance community, focusing on the importance of understanding audience dynamics, the need for education and accountability, and the challenges of cultural appropriation. They discuss the roles of event directors and judges in shaping dance standards and the evolution of dance styles. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of collaboration within the community to foster a respectful and inclusive environment for all dancers.

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the journey of Misschif Media, exploring its foundation on community and heart. They discuss the healing power of dance, the importance of collaboration between artists and dancers, and the cultural significance of country dancing. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced in the dance community and the need for education in dance etiquette. Personal experiences and connections to culture are emphasized as vital components of the dance journey, culminating in a vision for the future of Misschif Media and the dance community. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of the dance community, focusing on the importance of understanding audience dynamics, the need for education and accountability, and the challenges of cultural appropriation. They discuss the roles of event directors and judges in shaping dance standards and the evolution of dance styles. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of collaboration within the community to foster a respectful and inclusive environment for all dancers. 

Honky Talkin' w/ Nelson McKinney

His earliest memories were built on classic rock, but Hank hooked him as he grew. From All-American football to hibachi cooking, Tanner and his Hillhippies never lost the outlaw mentality. Now he’s fighting the good fight in Music City with a crying steel and profound poetry.

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Depths of brotherly love
-Reverence of those who paved the way
-The effects of Appalachia

A generational voice that blends both east and west Oklahoma into her passion for classic country & western, CT is one of the fuels pushing the momentum of this renaissance in the right direction. Her raising is rooted in bluegrass, gospel, and rodeo. That is evident in her songwriting, knowledge of the legends, and skills on the hardwood floor. It was a privilege and a pleasure to get a second interview with this cultured cowboygirl

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Joys of Cow-Horse
-Skills of a sisterhood
-Studying music versus experiencing it

A Summa Cum Laude Red Raider, traveling musician, AND soon-to-be Pilates instructor? We don’t know how Miss Cela does it, but we know she does it well! I was lucky to get time with her and extremely blessed that she didn’t hold back in the slightest—as if she ever would.

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Boundaries not to be crossed on the piano
-Time on American Idol
-Commercialization of Texas Country

 “…the listener doesn’t know what they need, if they did they would have already made it themselves….”

Meda got to sit down with Nate Fredrick, Matt Daniel, and friends like Dean Landes at Caprock Cowboy Fandango to shoot the sh!t about song development, genuine creativity, and the industry as a whole. What they accumulated though was an absolute songwriting masterclass.

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Reminiscing on Nashville Revival Roadshow
-Writing with Matt and Ben Chapman
-Guy Clark, of course 

    Raised around both the rodeo and the show ring, Carter Peaslee draws from each community in his songwriting. I got to have a very raw conversation about hopes, dreams, and ethics. Carter and I shared a stage before, but this time I got more space to dig in with this skilled artist and the industry he’s growing through.

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Inclusivity of Red Dirt
-Love/hate relationship with OK
-Setting up a tattoo “shop” in his old dorm

 Got to pull Jackson James off the road to take some questions in between shows. A man who made his way so far clawing tooth and nail, yet understands and seeks the slow time back home. A young talent with old wisdom, it was a blessing to sit down with this banjo-picking rodeo clown!

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about this week:

-Utility of overalls
-Redgrass subgenre
-Breaking down in a Taco Bell drive-thru 

A story like Cory’s is rare, not because of his hardships but because of his resilience. And that’s what I prefer talking about when it comes to my good buddy. He’s a gentle, witty, gritty, honky tonk man! Consider this short episode a nod to one of the real ones still doing it.

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Fort Worth raising in church
-Early influences outside of country
-Respecting musical differences

Proud of his rural California raising but now stewarding his slice of heaven in Arkansas, Josiah Spicer is standing true to the traditional country sound. Pulling inspiration from his raising as the son of a pastor, his time serving as a Devil Dog, and now as a family man, he seeks to point people back to folks like Charley Pride and George Jones.

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:

-Differences in country & western

-The importance of the steel

-Lessons learned in discipline

It might be Super Bowl Sunday, but Donnie C. Cutler,known for the legendary Honky Tonk Times, and I have a fun country competition on this Thursday’s episode!

After a business trip to Fort Worth, I got to sit down with him to discuss his observations from the robust honky scene in California to Cowtown. Donnie is known for his thought provoking perspectives on simple news that you or I might overlook. He’s one of the background workers that helps maintain the show so well, but on Thursday you’ll get to join me in putting him in the spotlight. The interviewer gets interviewed this week 🤙🏼

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Special birthdays this week
-California/Texas connection
-Current artists to watch

Is there anything more southern than a handyman opening a pie shop and earning his face on a beer can playing songs as country as kudzu on the highway?

This week I get time with Cody Bolden who is the epitome of southern country. He speaks on inspiration from his childhood, connections to Alan Jackson, and love for honky tonk dancing. 

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-What distinguishes the southern genre
-Embracing the grind of the music scene
-Dramatizing our father’s stories

This is the perfect episode to use as flak against me because I share plenty on my views and goals for the community currently and long-term. Don’t hesitate to listen to this in parts, it’s a lot to digest.

What We’re Honky Talkin’ About:
Change and growth are NOT the same thing
Biggest issue isn’t culture vultures but the silent majority
Contemporary dancing forcing follows to know the moves or feel inadequate

I also mention Clay Watt and I’s conflict 👀

From Aledo to Texas Tech, Gatlin Johnson is loyal to the road dawg scene and seeks to chase every idea that is worth presenting to his crowd. Gaining his eyes and ears for country music around a campfire with family as a kid, he is now invested in spots like The Blue Light while finishing his senior year. This episode started with sunlight and ended in pitch black darkness, guess you could really say we talked lights out!

What we’re Honky Talkin’ about:
-Songwriting with JoJo DiSalvo
-Local Lubbock legends
-Where faith becomes a muse

From small-town Texas with big dreams of maintaining the traditions of concert culture, Savannah Knippa is a strong character in the local scene. Tune in as we cover Local Concert Buddy's history, her current work, and future endeavors. You'll hear stories on Charley Crockett, Braxton Keith, and Hudson Westbrook. What a refreshing perspective from a media professional who understands the big picture!

Welcome To Season 2.

I’m for unity. Unity relies on truth and respect. My energy will be completely focused on providing both of those to you.

Plan for weekly episodes, alternating between interviews and talks every Thursday night. If you have questions, my DMs are always open. Thank you.

A casual conversation with one of legends of Las Cruces, Dzaki Sukarno. He's a up-and-coming honky tonker who started in FFA and now finds his fans supporting him from all over the world (especially in his family's home of Indonesia). Tune in to figure out more about his inspirations and future endeavors!

Zach Bryan called him "the last f*cking legend in Texas", but for a while now I've just called him friend. Chasen and I finally got to sit down and nerd out together. It definitely wont be the last time you hear from us. Today we covered the connection between live musicians and danceres, Austin's rich country history, and where we'd like the scene to head in the next decade.

Covering the ethnic and racial use of the term "honky", the symbol of honky tonks, and the overlook aspect of the Ballerina Farm "scandal".

For more information: honkytonktraditions.com

Contact us: honkytonktraditions@gmail.com

Interview of a cowboy in the Fort Worth community on what a day of celebration/mourning, that Juneteenth is, means to him. Covering history and current culture, all in hopes to welcome in folks that don’t see honky tonks as hospitable.

Jaylene Dixon:

-IG: @countryboyjay2022

-Tiktok: @king_jaylene

For more information: honkytonktraditions.com

Interview of a cowboy in the Fort Worth community on what a day of celebration/mourning, that Juneteenth is, means to him. Covering history and current culture, all in hopes to welcome in folks that don’t see honky tonks as hospitable.

For more information: honkytonktraditions.com