Why Isn’t This Podcast Bigger? Insecurity, AI Songs, And 14 Dollar Whoppers :: Ep 120

From the Patriot Mobile Studios powered by eSpaces, the Try That In A Small Town Podcast crew sits down for a raw, unfiltered hang. Tully, Kurt, Thrash, Kaylo and Neil talk about everything from health scares and terrible sleep to the emotional toll of chasing hits in a “failure business” and wondering if this podcast is actually any good.

They celebrate Jason Aldean’s multi‑week No. 1 with “Try That In A Small Town,” shout out Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, and then pull back the curtain on how little songwriters and session players really make in the streaming era. They debate AI‑written songs, the madness of modern politics, bathroom etiquette, and why a fast‑food combo in a tiny Tennessee town now costs 14 dollars.

If you’ve ever chased a creative dream, wondered why some shows blow up and others stall in “podcast purgatory,” or just love small‑town stories with a heavy dose of honesty and sarcasm, this one’s for you. And yes… they really want to know: are they good, or do they suck? Let them know in the comments.

Timed Highlights:

2:36 Kratom, roadside naps, and realizing the “health food” was killing energy
4:12 Jason Aldean’s multi‑week No.1 and how fast country radio moves now
5:12 “This podcast needs a hit” – joking about number ones vs. struggling growth
6:01 Neil’s hospital scare, liquid diet, cutting alcohol, and finally sleeping great
9:42 Aldean’s charity golf with Luke Bryan – golf game, banter, and sobriety on the course
11:14 Original Glory and Patriot Mobile ads – small towns, veterans, and America‑first talk
13:32 “Are we good?” – the guys get raw about insecurity and podcast “purgatory”
15:12 Explaining “failure businesses” and why so many creatives give up
19:20 Shout‑outs to core listeners (Ed, Birdie Jane, Rhonda K) and plea to spread the word
20:28 Aldean/Jake Lagrone episode “spicy” comments and Jason’s loyalty line
22:24 Do more people listen than watch? Wondering if video is underused
23:11 John Rich’s new D.C. role fighting for farmers and property owners
24:28 DSA, abolish‑everything politics, and pride‑in‑America poll skepticism
26:44 “AI this podcast?” – joking about deepfake episodes vs. real frustration with AI songs
28:03 Using ChatGPT for health vs. AI‑written country songs in Nashville
31:01 CNBC calls Tennessee the worst state to live – the guys roast the list
31:34 Try That In A Small Town Coffee: Raised Up Right, Down The Road, Sucker Punch
32:20 Bus story: small‑town Tennessee truck stop and the $14 Whopper combo
34:25 Inflation vs. songwriters’ frozen pay and awful streaming royalties
38:00 460 dollars for 1M Spotify streams – breaking down how little writers see
40:09 More touring opportunities, but dreams of being a session ace are fading
42:33 Dipshitty It: Burger King cashier with zero greeting vs. Chick‑fil‑A standards
44:22 Forced small talk at Publix and backstage – fans’ curiosity vs. artists’ quiet time
49:38 Teacher fired for “He Is He / She Is She” books and free‑speech double standards
52:05 Neil’s bathroom Dipshitty: guys who don’t wash their hands at Cracker Barrel
54:49 “See, we’re funny – what’s going on?” Still wondering why the show isn’t bigger
55:00 WNBA All‑Star Game, Sophie Cunningham, and wanting her as a guest
56:29 Coffee plug redux – where to buy each roast and why the guys love it
57:14 Final push: like, subscribe, download, comment, and “do it for Tully”

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