Main Theme:

Join us as we explore the traditional country music world of Hunter Stiles, a Nashville recording artist whose work is steeped in storytelling and influenced by country legends like Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash.

Highlights:

1. Influences & Style:
2. Hunter Stiles draws inspiration from iconic artists, incorporating the storytelling prowess of Johnny Cash and the straightforward style of George Strait into his music. His sound blends classic country with rock elements, exemplified in his cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”
3. Original Music & Popular Tracks:
4. With songs available on platforms like Apple Music, “Wanted Man” and “52 Cadillac” stand out, the latter being his most popular track. Styles attributes the success of “Wanted Man” to its strong storytelling elements.
5. Performance & Audience Connection:
6. Performing at venues across the Northwest, including festivals and rodeos, Stiles values the heartfelt connections he makes with his audience, particularly through interactions with military personnel.
7. Covers & Future Projects:
8. Stiles is considering releasing a covers album or a tribute to influential musicians like Hank Williams. His performances of both originals and covers allow him to connect deeply with his audience.
9. Music as Comfort & Inspiration:
10. He sees music as a source of comfort for those facing challenges such as PTSD and depression, drawing parallels between his blue-collar background in welding and the hard work themes in classic country songs.
11. Ambitions & Collaborations:
12. Excited about future projects, Stiles plans to release new music and return to Nashville in the winter. He expresses a desire to have his music featured in TV shows like “Yellowstone” and dreams of collaborating with Johnny Cash.
13. Upcoming Projects & Merchandise:
14. Stay tuned for new releases and performances from Stiles. His dedication to his craft is evident in his music and merchandise offerings.

Join us for an insightful conversation that celebrates the enduring legacy of country music and Hunter Stiles’ contributions to the genre.

Main Theme:

In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted world of music and artists, emphasizing the critical role of supporting musicians through tangible merchandise like CDs and vinyl rather than relying solely on streaming platforms. We explore music’s powerful influence in combating depression with our returning guest, Garrett Kirk.

Key Topics:

1. Supporting Artists:

• The importance of purchasing physical merchandise to support artists.
• How tangible sales benefit artists more than streaming.

1. Music’s Role in Mental Health:

• Discussion on how music serves as a tool against depression.

1. Featured Collaborations and Artists:

• Recent collaborations with artist I Am Critchy.
• Exploration of the Misfits’ impact, particularly their horror punk style and the song “London Dungeon.”
• A look at the Misfits’ history, founded by Glenn Danzig, with Jerry Only as a constant member despite lineup changes.

1. Spotlight on Bands:

• Introduction to To Die Elsewhere from Salem, Oregon, known for introspective lyrics and a compelling YouTube presence.
• Insight into Lifting Curses, celebrated for their energetic and nihilistic performances.

1. Challenges in Music:

• Discussing the complexities of covering songs while retaining originality.
• Preferences for different vocal styles and cover versions, with plans to seek insights from Blake and Jeff.

1. Engagement and Listener Support:

• The speaker’s passion for their nearly five-year-old show and future plans to engage more with the audience through live video.
• Acknowledgment of listener support from individuals like Pat Tracy and Levi.

1. Exciting Upcoming Projects:

• Announcement of the album “Stardust” releasing on December 1st and the song “Drifter.”
• Organizing an online pool tournament to connect musicians among listeners.

1. Celebrity Encounters and Future Aspirations:

• Discussion of potential meetings with Misfits members and past celebrity encounters.
• An optimistic outlook on future collaborations.

Join us as we explore the depth of the music world and its ability to inspire and connect people, with a focus on nurturing a supportive community for artists and listeners alike.

Join host James Cox and guest Jeff Whisnant for an engaging conversation that weaves through tales of friendship, haunted attractions, and the world of music. This episode explores the duo’s shared experiences and diverse tastes, touching on everything from eerie encounters to iconic tunes.

Key Themes:

1. Haunted House Adventures:
2. Dive into James’ and Jeff’s thrilling visits to haunted attractions such as Broken Toys and Scream Makers.
3. Hear firsthand accounts of spine-tingling experiences and the allure of these eerie escapades.
4. Musical Journeys and Influences:
5. Analyze the impact of “Abracadabra” by the Steve Miller Band, discussing its chart-topping success and influence on artists like Eminem.
6. Explore the transformation of Sugar Ray from their early funk and metal roots to mainstream success with hits like “Fly,” and their 2019 album “Little Yachty.”
7. Band Dynamics and Tragedy:
8. Delve into the history of Eagles of Death Metal, co-founded by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, and the irony behind their name.
9. Reflect on the tragic 2015 Paris concert attack, remembering victims like Nick Alexander and the resilience of the band members who survived.
10. Cover Song Critique:
11. Discuss the challenges and creativity involved in producing successful cover songs.
12. Compare Sugar Ray’s rendition of “Abracadabra” to that of Eagles of Death Metal, expressing a preference for Sugar Ray’s version.

Listener Engagement:

1. Encourage listeners to share their favorite songs for future episodes.
2. Promote podcast merchandise, offering discounts on coffee and therapy services to enhance the listener experience.

Closing Remarks:

Tune in for a mix of haunting tales and musical insights as James and Jeff navigate the worlds of haunted attractions and the ever-evolving music scene. Don’t miss this captivating episode!