S E127: Has the Grand Ole Opry Lost Its Way? Plus Does Music Bring People Together and Recycled Hits :: Ep 127 Try That in a Small Town Podcast

Sam Smith is headed to the Grand Ole Opry, leading Kurt, Tully, Kelley and Neil into a heated debate over what the Opry represents—and whether country music’s most historic stage still carries the mystique it once did. The guys also debate whether music genuinely brings people together, consider Carrie Underwood’s potential move into rock and question country music’s growing habit of rebuilding new songs around familiar classics. Plus: Lainey Wilson’s faith and authenticity, AI as a tool versus a substitute for creativity, celebrity encounters, unwanted voice messages, “my current wife,” dangerous crosswalk behavior and grown men being serenaded in restaurants. 00:51 Raising $500,000 for St. Jude 01:58 The Jason Aldean tour winds down 02:41 “Try That in a Small Town” gets even bigger 03:21 Why blue-city crowds respond so strongly 04:01 Jason Aldean and Boston Strong 05:39 Another commercial-flight adventure 06:29 An aspiring singer asks for advice 08:07 The uncomfortable truth about her music 08:25 Does music really bring people together? 12:09 Concerts and temporary unity 14:23 Cledus T. Judd’s Ella Langley parody 15:14 Another “Choosin’ Texas” train wreck 15:50 What happened to Maren Morris? 16:52 Ella Langley’s hunting photos 18:10 Lainey Wilson’s faith and authenticity 19:24 The writing session that got away 20:12 Sponsor break 22:04 The alarming new trend in golf shorts 23:32 What is happening with LIV Golf? 25:14 Why successful bands break apart 25:43 Sam Smith’s Grand Ole Opry debut 27:02 Has the Opry lost its mystique? 29:19 From Ernest Tubb to Sam Smith 31:29 What does the Opry mean today? 33:37 Would Jelly Roll quit music? 34:28 Carrie Underwood’s possible rock album 36:02 Which country artists could go rock? 37:29 Sponsor break 39:09 Country music keeps rewriting old hits 40:20 Would the guys interpolate a classic? 42:48 Jason Aldean answers a podcast question 43:31 Running on empty 44:55 Would Tully bother Tom Brady? 45:48 Meeting John Elway and Tony Romo 47:13 Mentoring young Nashville musicians 48:14 Stop sending voice-message texts 48:54 Congress attempts to regulate AI 50:12 AI as a tool versus creative theft 51:46 How the guys actually use ChatGPT 52:52 Is AI weakening creativity? 53:33 What if the Wi-Fi disappeared? 55:32 The aspiring singer conversation continues 56:34 Finding another career in Nashville 58:08 A landscaper leaves an unforgettable voicemail 59:46 This week’s DipShidiot 1:00:14 Never say “my current wife” 1:01:31 “Grass-fed” macaroni shells 1:02:50 Look up before entering a crosswalk 1:05:41 Stop singing Happy Birthday to grown men 1:07:54 Kelley’s years as a singing waiter 1:08:58 Did the guys offend anyone? 1:09:25 Christmas arrives before Halloween 1:11:14 Ten Stone at Walmart _____________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces! Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business Book a tour today at espaces.com From the Patriot Mobile studios: Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t! Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN. 10Stone is an all-new apparel brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean. Built around the same hardworking mindset Jason has carried throughout his career, 10Stone delivers rugged, everyday style made to keep up. 10Stone. Premium Quality. American Grit. Available exclusively at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/brand/10stone/20082817 Peacemaker Coffee Company Founded by retired police officer/chief Chris Morris, Peacemaker delivers clean, low-acidity coffee while supporting police, firefighters, EMS, military, veterans, teachers, dispatchers, and medical personnel through donations and programs. https://www.trythatinasmalltowncoffee.com _____________________________________________________________________ Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com - For advertising inquiries, email [email protected] Produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.