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Sippin' On Country
Chad Jeffers on Keith Urban, The Performance Mindset & 18 Years with Carrie Underwood | Sippin’ On Country Ep. 68
Pour a cup and settle in for a masterclass in music career longevity! This week, we welcome the incredibly talented Chad Jeffers, the multi-instrumentalist who has been holding down the guitar and steel for country superstar Carrie Underwood for over 18 years.
Chad takes us behind the velvet rope of stadium tours, sharing the untold stories and invaluable lessons learned from his diverse career—from his early days playing with his band, Pinmonkey, to touring with icons like Keith Urban and Kenny Loggins.
Chad dives deep into his philosophy of being "Performance Ready," revealing the mental and physical preparation required to command a stage with a global superstar night after night. He discusses the crucial role of personal relationships in the music business, how he sustains creativity, and the surprising way he balances his touring schedule with his thriving work as a luxury real estate agent in Nashville. If you want to know how to build a successful career that lasts in the entertainment industry, this episode is your blueprint.
Connect with Chad Jeffers:
- Website: chadjeffers.com
- Instagram: @chadjeffers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffersBackstage
- Twitter/X: @chadjeffers
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67. Shelly Fairchild on Nashville, Industry Twists & Finding Her Voice | Sippin’ On Country Ep. 67
01:06:58||Season 1, Ep. 67This week, Amy sits down with the phenomenal vocalist, Shelly Fairchild, for a truly honest and high-energy chat!Shelly shares the wild story of how she landed in Nashville and opens up about the reality of the music industry, including the lessons learned while navigating the unexpected journey of a major record deal. She provides crucial insight into the current landscape for women in country and engages in a necessary conversation about how being a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community affects visibility and standing in the genre.Get ready for some spontaneous singing, hilarious distractions, and an all-around great time. Tune in and discover the full story of who Shelly Fairchild is!Connect with Shelly Fairchild:Website: https://www.shellyfairchild.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyfairchild/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellyfairchild/X (Twitter): https://x.com/shellyfairchildTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shellyfairchildofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/shellyfairchild
66. Lee Turner on Polka Roots, Playing with Country Legends & Life on the Keys | Sippin’ On Country Ep. 66
01:00:41||Season 1, Ep. 66From small-town Wisconsin roots filled with polka, beer, and cheese to stages alongside legends like Hank Williams Jr., Wynonna, and Blake Shelton, Lee Turner has lived a musical journey that’s as diverse as it is inspiring. In this episode, Lee shares how his love of music grew, why he’s never been afraid to take chances, and what goes through a musician’s mind when facing an audition for a pop star making the leap into country. We talk about the transition from keyboards to guitar, adapting to any stage, and the stories behind a career built on versatility and heart.And if that wasn’t enough—Lee also happens to be the longtime keyboardist for none other than Darius Rucker.🔗 Lee Turner's Social Media & Web LinksInstagram: @leejturner.com_producerOfficial Website: leejturner.com
65. Jordan Rainer on Guitar Grit, Finding Her Voice & Breaking the Mold After The Voice | Sippin’ On Country Ep. 65
49:51||Season 1, Ep. 65This week on Sippin’ On Country, we're joined by the unstoppable Jordan Rainer—a standout from The Voice and a country music powerhouse who's rewriting the rules of what it means to be an artist in 2025.From small-town beginnings to a national TV spotlight, Jordan opens up about how she let her guitar do all the talking for years—until she realized her real voice was waiting to be heard. In this episode, she talks about stepping out of her comfort zone, her deep love for country storytelling, and why forging your own path—especially as a woman in country—is both powerful and necessary.Whether you're a fan of Jordan's fast fingers or her fearless spirit, you’ll want to hear this one. This is more than a conversation—it’s a masterclass in finding your sound and owning your story.🎧 Listen now and get inspired.🌐 Official Websitewww.JordanRainerOfficial.com 📱 Social MediaInstagram: @thejordanrainerFacebook: facebook.com/JordanRainerMusicPage TikTok: @thejordanrainerYouTube: @jordanrainer💌 Fan Club / PatreonJoin the Spitfire Nation Fan Club on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, unreleased music, livestreams, and more: Spitfire Nation Patreon Now you can easily connect with Jordan across her platforms!
64. Donnie Marple on Drumming Dreams, Hollywood Moments & Life After West Virginia | Sippin’ On Country Ep. 64
01:56:34||Season 1, Ep. 64From a small town in West Virginia to a national stage in Hollywood, drummer Donnie Marple has lived one incredible journey. In this special drop of Sippin' On Country, Donnie shares the story of how he went from winning the country’s biggest drum competition to touring professionally and chasing the music dream all the way to Nashville.We talk about his early days, that wild experience on stage in L.A., and what led him to choose Music City over New York. Plus, Donnie opens up about his unexpected passion for golf and his full-blown man crush on Morgan Wallen’s guitarist and previous guest, Tyler Tomlinson. This one’s equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and heartfelt — don’t miss it!🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 www.sippinoncountry.com
63. Jay Valor on Animal Rescue, MMA to Musical Theatre, & His Road to Nashville | Sippin' On Country Ep. 63
50:40||Season 1, Ep. 63In Episode 63 of Sippin’ On Country, Jay Valor takes us on a wild ride from the MMA cage to the musical stage—and eventually, the heart of Nashville. We dive into his deep passion for animal rescue and rehabilitation, how a surprising turn into musical theatre shaped his storytelling, and what led him to find his voice in country music. From saving animals to chasing songs, Jay’s journey is full of grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart. Grab a seat and sip along!🎙️ Social Media & Links for Jay Valor🌎 Website: www.jayvalor.com📸 Instagram: @jayvalormusic🎵 TikTok: @jayvalormusic👍 Facebook: facebook.com/jayvalormusic▶️ YouTube: Jay Valor MusicYou can also find out more about True Rescue who Jay filmed his live cat video with at www.truerescue.com
62. Nathan Applegate on 'Over the Western Ridge,' Branson Schools & The Independent Hustle | Sippin' On Country Ep. 62
48:05||Season 1, Ep. 62Get ready for a fantastic chat with the one-of-a-kind Nathan Applegate in this compelling episode of Sippin' On Country! We dive deep into his recently released EP, 'Over the Western Ridge,' exploring the creative process and his exciting collaboration with the incredible Kent Wells on the new record.Nathan opens up about more than just his music, sharing insights into his inspiring work with local schools in Branson, Missouri, and how he gives back to his community. We also pull back the curtain on the "Nathan Applegate Brand" and what it truly means to wear all the hats as a successful and resilient independent artist in today's music world. Nathan's character and passion shine through, making this a truly memorable and insightful conversation.Connect with Nathan Applegate:Website: https://nathanapplegate.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanapplegateofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanapplegate/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ntapplegateTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nathan.applegateTune in now to Episode 62 for a powerful blend of new music, community spirit, and the real talk about chasing your dreams as an independent artist!
61. Ben Gallaher on New Fatherhood, Life on the Road & Major Label Realities | Sippin' On Country Ep. 61
01:04:34||Season 1, Ep. 61This week on Sippin' On Country, we're thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Ben Gallaher! You might know him from his viral hit "Stomp" and that unforgettable guitar riff that took social media by storm. But there's so much more to Ben's story than meets the ear.Join us as we dive deep with Ben, exploring the joys and challenges of being a new dad and how he likes to unwind after a long day of making music. He shares some fascinating and eye-opening experiences from his time playing gigs in high-security prisons, offering a unique perspective on connecting with audiences in unexpected places.Ben also gives us an honest look at the realities of life on the road, the sacrifices and the triumphs, and pulls back the curtain on the often complex world of being signed to a major label. From the high of a viral hit to the grit of touring and navigating the industry, Ben's journey is both inspiring and relatable.Grab your favorite drink and join us for a candid and insightful conversation with Ben Gallaher on this brand new episode of Sippin' On Country!Connect with Ben Gallaher:Website: https://www.bengallaher.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_gallaher/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenGallaherMusic/Twitter: https://x.com/ben_gallaherTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ben_gallaher?lang=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenGallaherMusic
60. T. Graham Brown on Country Music Classics, Career Highlights & Stories from the Road | Sippin' On Country Ep. 60
23:40||Season 1, Ep. 60In Episode 60 of Sippin' On Country, we sit down with the legendary T. Graham Brown for an unforgettable conversation filled with stories from his illustrious career. As a Grand Ole Opry member and CMA Award winner, T. Graham shares insights into his enduring friendships with some of country music's greatest artists, his experiences touring with Tanya Tucker in 2025, and reflections on the moments that have defined his journey in the music industry.From chart-topping hits like "Hell and High Water" and "Darlene" to his recent collaborations and performances, T. Graham offers a candid look into the life of a country music icon. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this episode is packed with the kind of backstage tales and heartfelt moments that only T. Graham Brown can deliver.🔗 Connect with T. Graham Brown:Official Website: T. Graham BrownInstagram: InstagramFacebook: Log in or sign up to viewX (formerly Twitter): X (formerly Twitter)YouTube: YouTubeDon't miss this deep dive into the life and legacy of T. Graham Brown, a true staple of country music.