Step into the creative minds of Nashville's legendary songwriting troublemakers, the Warren Brothers. Brett and Brad Warren's unfiltered conversation reveals how two boys from Tampa, Florida—raised in a household so strict they couldn't walk down the beer aisle at Publix—transformed into the hitmaking duo behind some of country music's most iconic songs.
Their journey unfolds like a country song itself—packed with unexpected twists, poignant revelations, and belly laughs. The brothers recount how basketball skills, not musical talent, secured their friendship with Tim McGraw (leading to 37 song cuts), and how their early co-writes with Tom Douglas taught them the vulnerability required for great songwriting. From homemade Earth Shoes to spearfishing with McGraw, their stories paint an authentic picture of Nashville's creative community at its most raw and genuine.
The conversation takes a powerful turn when the brothers discuss getting sober and the transformative shift from being "collectors of everyone else's energy" to serving others through their music. This perspective change coincided with their greatest successes, including McGraw's emotional war tribute "If You're Reading This" and Toby Keith's party anthem "Red Solo Cup"—a song they wrote as a joke that became a cultural phenomenon.
As they reflect on thirty years in the business, the Warrens share priceless insights about creative partnerships, the evolution of Nashville's sound, and finding purpose in an industry constantly reinventing itself. Their candid discussion about cherishing longstanding friendships and focusing on quality over quantity resonates far beyond songwriting, touching on universal truths about authenticity and legacy.
Whether you're a songwriter, music lover, or someone navigating your own creative journey, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your unique path, cherish meaningful connections, and find the courage to put your truth into your work. Subscribe now and join the conversation with the songwriting duo behind some of country music's most unforgettable hits.
The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!
Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
At e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect.
Ready to elevate your 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.
Original Brands
Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.
Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com
Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -
Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -
For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.com
The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co