In Episode 62 of Try That in a Small Town, the hosts—Kurt Allison, Neil Thrasher, Tully Kennedy, and Kelley Lovelace—took a pause from the music charts and cultural commentary to reflect on something more personal: fatherhood. Triggered by a Father’s Day post from the Tennessee Titans, the episode pivoted into an impassioned discussion on the irreplaceable role of dads, the lessons learned through football, and the deeper values that anchor strong families.
In a culture increasingly hostile to masculinity and traditional family roles, the podcast stood firm on truth: fathers are foundational. Not optional. Not interchangeable. Foundational.
They talked about football—not as entertainment, but as a training ground for discipline, leadership, sacrifice, and brotherhood. It’s not just a game; it’s a school of life. And for many, it was their dad who taught them how to throw a ball, stand tall, and shake a hand with strength and integrity.
In that moment, the show wasn’t about country music or industry trends. It was about passing the torch. About how men today—fathers, coaches, mentors—must stand in the gap for the next generation. Because if we don’t teach our sons how to be men, the world will teach them how not to be.
“There’s a war on boys becoming men, and it starts with tearing down fatherhood. We can’t let that happen.”
This episode wasn’t just nostalgic—it was a rally cry. It reminded us that the American family is still the bedrock of this nation, and that fatherhood isn’t a social construct. It’s a calling. One worth fighting for.