Best Country Gold Backstage Podcasts (2026)

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Lessons in Rejection with Gavin DeGraw 36:05

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7d ago36:05

36:05

Multiplatinum singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw sits down with Troy Vollhoffer for an at-home episode of "On the Bus" for an in-depth conversation about growing up in the Catskills, his family’s passion for music, and how Patrick Swayze’s character in Dirty Dancing was (allegedly) based on his grandfather! Gavin opens up about why supporting the troop…

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Life As A Worldwide Roadie With Tom Mayhue 30:22

21d ago30:22

30:22

After realizing he wasn’t destined to be a guitar player, Tom Mayhue found his true calling behind the scenes—solving problems on the road. Four decades later, he’s still living the dream, managing tours for some of the biggest names in rock. In this episode, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with his longtime friend Tom Mayhue to talk …

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The Hillbillies of the British Invasion With The Boxmasters 32:52

1M ago32:52

32:52

After growing up watching The Who on the Ed Sullivan Show, the members of The Boxmasters never dreamed of having the chance to tour with one of the greatest bands in the world, but here they are. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes Billy Bob Thornton and JD Andrew of The Boxmasters to On The Bus. The duo walks Troy through their happenstan…

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A Lot Of Grit And A Little Bit Of Crazy With Cody Johnson 21:42

1M ago21:42

21:42

Cody Johnson grew up hunting and fishing in rural Texas with two dreams: to be a singer and a cowboy. Not only does CoJo continue to sell out stadiums, but he has his own ranch filled with horses, cows, and pastures. If only young Cody could see him now! Troy Vollhoffer, CEO of Country Thunder, is thrilled to welcome Cody Johnson on the bus this we…

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Dreaming Up Barbara with Old Dominion 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

The members of Old Dominion spent years in Nashville crafting a sound and trying to break through. After another label passed, their manager asked if they wanted to keep going. The guys had one answer: “If they don’t like it, that’s fine.” Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes one of his favorite country bands, Old Dominion, to the show. The…

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Paving a Path in Music with Larry Fleet 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

Larry Fleet’s father told him that if he learned a skill, he’d always have a job, which is how he made a living pouring concrete. After playing a bar for tip money, Larry learned that he might be able to pave a path into the music industry. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer welcomes the world-traveling Larry Fleet to On The Bus. Larry and Troy di…

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From the Merch Stand to the Stage with Cole Swindell 20:59

3M ago20:59

20:59

Cole Swindell was drinking beer on the porch at his college fraternity when an alum by the name of Luke Bryan stopped by to change his guitar strings. After moving to Nashville a few years later, Cole got his first job in the music business, selling t-shirts for his new favorite frat brother, Luke Bryan. Cole Swindell takes a break from the incredi…

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Going Solo and International with Tyler Hubbard 15:39

3M ago15:39

15:39

In 2012, Tyler Hubbard burst onto the music scene as one-half of the Florida Georgia Line duo. After pioneering a new wave of country music, over 20 hit singles, and selling out shows as a member of “the biggest band in the world,” Tyler knows what it’s like to reach the mountain top. And now Tyler’s on a new journey back to the top but solo. Count…

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From Hockey Fights to Festival Nights with Troy Vollhoffer 38:51

5M ago38:51

38:51

After realizing his dreams of playing in the NHL might not happen, Troy Vollhoffer went from scrapping with the captain of the Boston Bruins to fighting to get his production company off the ground. After decades of putting on the largest country music festivals in the world, Troy Vollhoffer has no signs of slowing down. It’s a special episode of O…

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Putting in the Work with Simon and Chief 45:47

6M ago45:47

45:47

It’s a tale as old as time: Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk say that when they met through a mutual lawyer, it was “love at first sight.” Since co-founding The Core Entertainment in 2019, Simon and Chief continue to find new and innovative ways to discover and develop artists. Simon and Chief join Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer to break down how…

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Never Growing Up With Jake Owen 15:12

6M ago15:12

15:12

After an injury ended any dreams of becoming a pro athlete, Jake Owen put down his golf clubs, picked up a guitar, and went on to create a brand-new era of country music. After two EPs, seven albums, and thirteen years as a household name, at 43 Jake Owen might have finally grown up, but he still isn’t slowing down. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhof…

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The Road Back to Country With Blake Shelton 25:13

7M ago25:13

25:13

After taking a four year break on his Oklahoma ranch, Blake Shelton is back on the road and riding the high of his new album, For Recreational Use Only. After 29 number one hits, and a detour into Hollywood, Blake’s scorching hot single “Texas” proves he’s still got it. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer recalls meeting Blake Shelton during a craz…

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That’s Hardy Looking for Arrowheads 25:57

7M ago25:57

25:57

Even with 16 number one hits to his name, Hardy still feels like his career is just getting started. After his breakout album, The Mockingbird & the Crow, Hardy continues to light up the stage and the charts with his unique mix of metal and Mississippi country. Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is joined by his good friend and amateur arrowhead ar…

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Grandparents, Grit, and Going Big: Justin Moore’s Rise 27:51

8M ago27:51

27:51

Justin Moore lasted just two weeks of college before dropping out. He left his tiny, 300-person hometown in Arkansas in search of a career in Music City. After a few years of hard work, he finally made it big by leaning on his modest roots, releasing the mega hit single, “Small Town USA.” Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhofer is thrilled to be joined …

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Every Night’s the Super Bowl with Jordan Davis 14:20

8M ago14:20

14:20

Having a hit-song writing uncle and a singer/songwriter older brother, Jordan Davis is living proof that some families have music in their DNA. With hits like “Singles You Up” and “Buy Dirt” and a new album out this summer, Jordan has country music running through his veins. This week, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Jordan Davis…

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From Football to Flying Beers with Gavin Adcock 32:19

8M ago32:19

32:19

Growing up on his family’s cattle farm in rural Georgia, Gavin Adcock dreamt of becoming a professional bull rider. But the universe had other plans. After suffering a knee injury playing football in college, Gavin turned his attention to playing guitar and songwriting, and the rest, as they say, is history. In this episode of On the Bus, Country T…

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Better Together with Tigirlily Gold 39:33

9M ago39:33

39:33

Many new artists these days get their big breaks on TikTok. But unlike many of those viral sensations, sister duo Tigirlily Gold had already proven their chops in the bar and club scene in Nashville before being discovered. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer talks with Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily G…

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From Backroom Bars to Broadway with Dustin Lynch 36:27

9M ago36:27

36:27

Not many artists actually hail from Tennessee, but the scenic valleys and rolling hills of The Volunteer State are part of Dustin Lynch’s DNA. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Dustin to discuss his journey from playing fraternity parties and weddings across the southeast to being the first country ar…

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If Sh*t is Good, It’s Good with Koe Wetzel 13:27

10M ago13:27

13:27

Growing up in Texas, Koe Wetzel dreamt of a career in the NFL. But after a college football injury, he realized he could get more women and free beer by putting his music hobby front and center instead. On this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer talks with Koe Wetzel about the plethora of music genres that influenced his sty…

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Backstage Pass with Legendary Music Agents Rod Essig, Curt Motley, and Nick Meinema 44:32

10M ago44:32

44:32

How do music artists make most of their money? From the smallest act playing dive bars, to the band that sells out stadiums and festivals, musicians earn the bulk of their living on events and tours. And behind every artist is an agent that books those gigs and helps them achieve meaningful financial success in their careers. For this special episo…

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Welcome Back to On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer 2:59

10M ago2:59

2:59

Have you ever wondered about what it’s like touring as a musician on the festival circuit? Or maybe about who discovered them, and just how the heck they helped them make it big? From Country Thunder Music Festivals, we invite you, the fans, to ride shotgun on the tour bus with us to find out all this and a whole lot more. Join host Troy Vollhoffer…

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BONUS EPISODE: Nate Smith 17:27

1+ y ago17:27

17:27

We’re travelling back in time with this never-before-heard conversation between Troy and Nate Smith at his very first appearance at Country Thunder. Since then, he has blown up and become a household name with some of the catchiest tunes in country music.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Dierks Bentley 29:19

2y ago29:19

29:19

Troy engages in a candid conversation with country sensation, Dierks Bentley. Join us as they delve into Dierks's remarkable decade-long journey to success in Nashville, his passion for hockey, and his experiences with Taylor Swift.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Jon Pardi 20:31

2y ago20:31

20:31

Reflecting on Jon Pardi's phenomenal year, we go back into the vault as Troy engages in a candid conversation with the country sensation. Together, they delve into Jon's upbringing, the pursuit of the Nashville dream, insights into his whiskey line, and what he calls the “worst hangover of his life".…

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Parker McCollum 27:12

2+ y ago27:12

27:12

Troy sits down with Parker McCollum to talk about his Texas-roots, love of George Strait, and writing songs in fast food drive-thrus.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Bailey Zimmerman 23:50

2+ y ago23:50

23:50

In this episode, Troy is joined by the hottest artist in country music - Bailey Zimmerman! Get a rare backstage glimpse at how his life has changed since releasing his music online, and what you can expect from him when he comes to a Country Thunder Festival near you.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Ashley McBryde 28:33

2+ y ago28:33

28:33

ACM, CMA, and GRAMMY winner Ashley McBryde sits down with Troy to chat about how she found her place in the music industry.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Williams & Ree 38:43

2+ y ago38:43

38:43

Season two of On The Bus at Country Thunder returns with legends, Williams & Ree. Troy sits down to chat with the comedy duo to unravel decades of history and laughter.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Opry Loves 90s Podcast 8:15

3+ y ago8:15

8:15

Terri Clark tours the new exhibit "Opry Loves The 90s," taking place at the Roy Acuff house, located next to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The exhibit features clothing and memorabilia from 90s country stars, including Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Marty Stuart, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. There ar…

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LeAnn Rimes Podcast 24:19

3+ y ago24:19

24:19

Terri Clark interviews LeAnn Rimes on the 25th anniversary of her debut hit "Blue." They talk about LeAnn's incredible Grammy-winning career. She's currently doing a commemorative tour, and will release a new album in September. She was also recently celebrated on a CMT Crossroads. She also recently appeared at a Tanya Tucker concert celebrating th…

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Joe Nichols podcast 16:33

3+ y ago16:33

16:33

Terri interviews Joe Nichols on the 20th anniversary of his debut song "The Impossible." Joe had just released a new album called "A Good Day For Living." The album includes a duet with Blake Shelton. Joe & Blake were signed to the same record label in the 90s. Over the years, Joe has toured with Alan Jackson and Toby Keith. Lots of great stories c…

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Paul Overstreet podcast 32:41

3+ y ago32:41

32:41

Terri Clark interviews award-winning singer-songwriter Paul Overstreet about his incredible 40 year career. They talk about the hits he wrote for Randy Travis & Keith Whitley, and his own career as a solo artist in the 90s. Paul is on the road this year with something he calls the Sunset & Songs tour. It's basically an all-request tour where he pla…

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Reba McEntire podcast 13:33

4y ago13:33

13:33

Terri speaks with country legend Reba McEntire about her new triple album "Revived Remixed, Revisited." She also talks about her Christmas movie on Lifetime, her guest appearances on "Young Sheldon," and her new boyfriend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Westwood One Radio Network

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Crystal Gayle podcast 22:39

4y ago22:39

22:39

Terri Clark interviews country legend and Opry member Crystal Gayle. Crystal looks back at her amazing career and her many hits including "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." Many of her albums have recently been made available on all streaming services. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Toby Keith podcast 17:16

4y ago17:16

17:16

Terri Clark interviews Toby Keith, who has a new album out called "Peso In My Pocket." Toby tells Terri he spent the quarantine in Mexico. He says his career has changed a bit since the 2000s, when he released a new album every year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Westwood One Radio Network

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Suzy Bogguss podcast 30:11

4y ago30:11

30:11

Terri interviews her friend and Chicks With Hits tour-mate Suzy Bogguss. Suzy is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough album "Aces." The success of that album helped Suzy win the CMA Horizon Award. They talk about that experience. The album also featured her hit "Outbound Plane." They talk about the writer of that song, Nancy Griffit…

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Trisha Yearwood podcast 34:06

4y ago34:06

34:06

Terri Clark interviews Grammy winning singer and TV host Trisha Yearwood. Trisha is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her debut hit "She's In Love With The Boy." She has recorded a 30th anniversary acoustic version for the deluxe edition of her album "Every Girl." She also has a new cookbook out this year, as well as a new season of her Southern …

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Trace Adkins Podcast 15:41

4y ago15:41

15:41

Terri Clark interviews Trace Adkins about his latest album "The Way I Wanna Go." The album has 25 songs on it, marking the 25th anniversary of his debut album. The album includes a wide range of guests, including Pitbull, Snoop Dog, Blake Shelton, and Luke Bryan. Trace toured with Blake again this year. He also just did another movie. See omnystudi…

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Wynonna podcast 11:55

4y ago11:55

11:55

Terri Clark interviews one of her musical heroes: Wynonna. They talk about the first time Terri saw The Judds in person, the first time she met Wynonna, and the role Wynonna had in her musical career. They also talk about some of the legends Wynonna has met over the years, including Charly Pride, Tammy Wynette, and Loretta Lynn. See omnystudio.com/…

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Martina McBride podcast 18:19

4y ago18:19

18:19

Terri Clark interviews Martina McBride about her new Greatest Hits: The RCA Years on blue vinyl. In addition, Martina has just launched an exhibit of her personal items at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. She's also on tour with Blake Shelton and Alabama. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Clay Walker podcast 32:19

4+ y ago32:19

32:19

Terri Clark speaks with her longtime friend Clay Walker about his new album "Texas To Tennessee." The album was released in July on Toby Keith's ShowDog record label. Clay co-wrote all ten songs on the album. They also talk about Clay's recent co-headline tour with Tracy Lawrence. Clay & Terri have also toured together, and there may be another tou…

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Gary Allan Podcast 19:13

4+ y ago19:13

19:13

Terri Clark interviews Gary Allan about his latest album "Ruthless." It's also the 25th anniversary of his debut hit song "Your Man." Terri and Gary toured together in the 90s, so they reminisce about that. Gary says his new album recreates a lot of that 90s sound, and he recorded it with a lot of the same people he used back then. Gary also talks …

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Doug Stone podcast 20:52

4+ y ago20:52

20:52

Terri Clark interview Doug Stone, who was at his house in Texas. Doug is commemorating the 30th anniversary of his hit Jukebox With a Country Song, He's on the road all year. They talk about Doug's hits, including "Better Off In a Pine Box" and others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Oak Ridge Boys Podcast 27:23

4+ y ago27:23

27:23

Terri Clark speaks with Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys. This year marks the 40th anniversary of their hit song "Elvira." In addition, the guys just released a new album called "Front Porch Singing." Terri & Joe talk about both of those things, as well as returning to the road after taking a year off due to the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listen…

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Ep5: Lindsay Ell 42:21

4+ y ago42:21

42:21

Lindsay Ell is on the bus - she and Troy chat moving to Nashville, the allure of country music in Europe, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive!By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Mark Collie Podcast 29:37

4+ y ago29:37

29:37

Terri Clark interviews Mark Collie about his latest album "Book Of My Blues." Mark describes it as a concept album. He says it comes from a graphic novel he's working on called "The Rockabilly Hitman." Mark co-wrote the title song of the album with Billy Bob Thornton, and they've been friends for a very long time. Mark has a song on a new movie sou…

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John Schneider podcast 34:18

4+ y ago34:18

34:18

Terri interviews actor and musician John Schneider about his latest album "Truck On," dedicated to the truckers. John continues to be busy acting in movies, including his latest called "Stand On It." But of course John is best known for his role as Bo Duke in the hit TV series The Dukes of Hazard. Terri and John talk about all of those things in th…

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Ep4: Terri Clark 48:41

4+ y ago48:41

48:41

Terri Clark is on the bus - and no topic is off limits! She and Troy chat about moving to Music City, the origin of her signature cowboy hat, and Playboy.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Ep4: Terri Clark 50:43

4+ y ago50:43

50:43

Terri Clark is on the bus - and no topic is off limits! She and Troy chat about moving to Music City, the origin of her signature cowboy hat, and Playboy.By Country Thunder | Pod People

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Ray Stevens Podcast 18:44

4+ y ago18:44

18:44

Terri Clark interviews Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Stevens about his four new albums being released this year, his new CabaRay Theater in Nashville, and his incredible 60 year career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Westwood One Radio Network