The Country Music Media Podcast

Billy Dukes

The ultimate country music insider podcast. Each Monday, the Country Music Media Podcast features guests involved in timely issues who are willing to offer refreshing candor, unparalleled expertise and rare insight into the singers, songs and stories that define country music today. Journalists and hosts from radio, print, digital and country music trade publications will join the Country Music Media Podcast with information and anecdotes that slipped away, but shouldn’t have. On Thursday, host Billy Dukes offers his own perspectives and analysis on the issues facing country music today and how we can make change for the better. Please subscribe and if you like what you hear, rate and review us. Have questions or suggestions? Email billydukes@gmail.com. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Country Music Media Podcast is a country music show hosted by journalist Billy Dukes. He interviews other members of the media about the country music industry. Dukes writes for Taste of Country. He has written over 10,000 articles for the website.

The podcast includes discussions about famous country music artists. Several episodes feature conversations about the Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert. Billy about Miranda's 2021 album, The Marfa Tapes. This album was a collaboration between legends Miranda, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram. In another episode, Billy and chart expert Chris Owen spoke about Miranda's duet with Elle King. Chris explained why country music radio stations were reluctant to play the single.

During a conversation with journalist Grady Smith, Billy discusses an era of country music called "Bro Country." The trend includes music from performers like Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan. Billy also speaks with fellow country music podcaster Tyler Mahan Coe. He is the host of the podcast Cocaine & Rhinestones.

In addition, Billy and Tyler talks about pop country music. They also mention a controversial opinion on Johnny Cash. Tyler explains where he learned his journalism skills. He also tells Billy about his first career in digital marketing.

Over the course of two podcast episodes, Billy considers the future of country music. These segments explore a wide array of topics. Billy talks about race and gender equality in the industry. He also reflects on the waning popularity of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards. Other Installments focus on the role of journalism in the country music industry. In one episode, Billy talks to fellow podcaster Kelleigh Bannen. They detail the difference between good conversations and good interviews.

The Country Music Media Podcast may interest country music enthusiasts. It includes album reviews and dialogues about music released in 2020 and 2021. All 70 podcast episodes are available for listening.

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Introducing: The Country Music Media Podcast

Introducing: The Country Music Media Podcast

It's the ultimate country music insider podcast. Host Billy Dukes explores country music's hottest news stories, artists, songs, trends and events through the eyes of the journalists that covered them. It's the Country Music Media Podcast, a weekly dive into what's shaping country music.

Episodes

A Mid-Year Diversity Scorecard

A Mid-Year Diversity Scorecard

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: A mid-year diversity scorecard. Plus, country media showed rare patience in covering a charged story and two feel good stories to wrap Season 1 of the podcast. Listen: Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like” on YouTubeWatch: Hardy Surprises a Soldier’s Family on Instagram Read: The Police Report Summarizing the Kristy Lee and Heath Sanders Altercation on Taste of CountryTweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Country Radio's Golden Rule Changed for Morgan Wallen — RJ Curtis Explains Why

Country Radio's Golden Rule Changed for Morgan Wallen — RJ Curtis Explains Why

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: CRB Executive Director RJ Curtis, who’s spent 40 years in radio and digital media, talks about how a fundamental radio rule has seemingly changed and tries to explain why. Plus, is Morgan Wallen’s return to radio good for the medium? He makes a strong case that it is. More: The latest on CRSRead: Morgan Wallen's Ban Has Quietly Been Lifted, at VarietyTweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Kid Rock + the Do Nothing All Stars

Kid Rock + the Do Nothing All Stars

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Kid Rock plays above the rules, so there’s no way to hold him accountable for calling someone a “f—-t.” That lack of leverage works both ways however and the media should absolutely cover his antics with aggression. Also, new reports about frosty negotiations between CBS and the ACMs could signal a larger issue for awards shows in 2022 and beyond. Read: CBS Balks at Airing 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards Over $22 Million Asking Price at The Wrap. Read: Kid Rock's "Apology" after he's caught using a homophobic slur, at TMZ.Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Meet Ward Guenther - The Best A&R Man In Nashville

Meet Ward Guenther - The Best A&R Man In Nashville

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Whiskey Jam co-founder Ward Guenther talks about the 10th anniversary of Whiskey Jam, if the showcase can get too big (12:45) and how his shows on Apple Music Radio expand his vision (XX). Listen to the end to hear great origin stories about Luke Combs and Kane Brown that will surprise you. GO: Tickets to the Whiskey Jam 10th Anniversary Show, July 26th at the Ryman AuditoriumListen: The Ward Guenther Show on Apple Music RadioListen: Country Risers Radio With Ward Guenther on Apple Music RadioListen: Country Roads Radio on Apple Music Radio More: Find Whiskey Jam on InstagramTweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Grading the 2021 CMT Awards - Hosts, Performances + More

Grading the 2021 CMT Awards - Hosts, Performances + More

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: The 2021 CMT Awards were the first country awards show shot in front of a live audience, but did that make much of a difference? Which songs should have been cut (2:30)? How did hosts Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini do (4:10)? How can we improve awards shows to keep them relevant (XX)? Read: 2021 CMT Awards winners, per People. Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Garth Brooks Doesn’t Talk Politics, Until Now - Emily Yahr On Her Kennedy Center Honors Profile

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast, Washington Post reporter Emily Yahr talks about her profile on Garth Brooks ahead of the Kennedy Center Honors. Plus (18:00) astute observations about the 2021 season of American Idol and (21:00) The Voice. Read: Everyone wants Garth Brooks on their side. He just wants everyone to get along, at the Washington Post. Read: 'The Voice winner is a former tween YouTube sensation - and he could change the show forever at the Washington Post. Read: This season of 'American Idol' was a close competition - until one very strategic move by the winner, at the Washington Post. Tweet: Find Emily Yahr on Twitter at @EmilyYahrTweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter at @billydukes

A Luke Bryan Reality Show? Don’t Act Surprised

A Luke Bryan Reality Show? Don’t Act Surprised

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast, why Kelly Clarkson earning Ellen DeGeneres’ time slot is very, very good news for country music. Plus, could Luke Bryan and his family be slowly warming us up for a major reality television show? Read: Kelly Clarkson takes over for Ellen at Deadline Read: Kelly Clarkson’s Kellyoke Songs by Wide Open Country Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Does Objectivity Exist In Country Music Media? Marcus Dowling Explores What’s Right + Wrong

Does Objectivity Exist In Country Music Media? Marcus Dowling Explores What’s Right + Wrong

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: does objectivity exist in country music media? Should it? Marcus Dowling just won the Rolling Stone Chet Flippo Award for Excellence in Country Music and it’s fair to say he did it his way. He talks about his unusual path here, his tireless hustle, his rock star impulses and how and when news outlets should cover Morgan Wallen.5:15 | “I write like rapper’s rap.” 15:00 | What the winner of the Chet Flippo Award gets in 2021 16:15 | The Rock Star Journalist 22:00 | What’s the deal with Medium for journalists?29:00 | When should news outlets cover Morgan Wallen? 42:00 | Is it time to lift the ban?52:30 | Luke Combs' attempts to do the right thing. Read: "On Colostomies, Country Music, And Morgan Wallen’s Return" at MediumTweet: Find Marcus Dowling on Twitter @marcuskdowlingPhotos: Find Marcus Dowling on Instagram More: Marcus Dowling's LinkTree

Morgan Wallen's Ban Is Doing More Harm Than Good

Morgan Wallen's Ban Is Doing More Harm Than Good

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: a recent decision by the Country Music Association made it clear. What was once a conversation about Morgan Wallen and race in country music, is becoming a fight. It's time for media outlets and music platforms to change course. Plus, what is news and what is hype when it comes to Morgan and other sensitive subjects? Read: Morgan Wallen returns to Kid Rock's bar, per the Tennessean. Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @BillyDukes

Alison Bonaguro, On Leaving CMT, Chet Flippo + the Jake Owen Paradox

Alison Bonaguro, On Leaving CMT, Chet Flippo + the Jake Owen Paradox

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Journalist Alison Bonaguro helps us understand Jake Owen and why his best days might be ahead of him. She also talks about her mentor, the late journalism legend Chet Flippo, and why she left CMT after over a decade of work. 2:00 | The Jake Owen paradox 18:00 | Getting paid as a country journalist 22:00 | Chet Flippo 31:00 | Why she split from CMT Find Alison Bonaguro on Twitter @alisonbonaguroFind Billy Dukes on Twitter @BillyDukes

Good Conversations Aren't the Same as Good Interviews - Kelleigh Bannen (Replay)

Good Conversations Aren't the Same as Good Interviews - Kelleigh Bannen (Replay)

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Apple Music Country host Kelleigh Bannen was still finding her way when we chatted in November 2020. The platform is nearing its 1-year anniversary and she continues to get every A-lister imaginable. Eric Church and Alan Jackson are just two she's chatted with recently. Host Billy Dukes is on vacation this week so this is a replay of Ep. 9. She may not be a trained journalist, but the singer and songwriter has the chops and grit to be very, very good at this job for awhile. The Kelleigh Bannen Show, M-F at 7AMFollow Kelleigh on Twitter, @KelleighBannenFind Billy Dukes on Twitter @BillyDukesWe talked about my reviews of her song "Famous" and "Sorry On the Rocks."Find her other podcast, This Nashville Life.

The Whole World’s Gone Country, But Why?

The Whole World’s Gone Country, But Why?

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: country music isn't just going to Hollywood? Our genre is going to New York City and Las Vegas as well. But why? Plus: 2:30 | Kane Brown + Kelsea Ballerini are the Perfect Fit4:00 | A new country music drama, called Monarch. 9:05 | Be cautious reporting on American Idol's Caleb KennedyRead: Fox orders Monarch for the 2021-22 season per VarietyRead: Caleb Kennedy dropped from American Idol, from the Spartanburg Herald-Tribune Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter at @billydukes

If Maren Morris Was a Stock, Should You Buy, Sell or Hold?

If Maren Morris Was a Stock, Should You Buy, Sell or Hold?

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: It's the Q2 2021 Stock Report. If country artists were a publicly traded business, which would be worth your money this month. With new albums and tours on the horizon there is a lot to consider but perhaps most of all consider who is not doing anything. Kenny Chesney - HoldLuke Bryan - BuyMorgan Wallen - SellDan + Shay - HoldMiranda Lambert - SellMaren Morris - BuyCarrie Underwood - HoldJason Aldean - BuyBlake Shelton - BuyEric Church - SellThomas Rhett - BuyLuke Combs - HoldSam Hunt - Buy Top 3 Hot Picks: Cody Johnson - BuyGabby Barrett - BuyJake Owen - BuyTweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter at @billydukes

Miranda Lambert’s 'The Marfa Tapes': A One-Word Review

Miranda Lambert’s 'The Marfa Tapes': A One-Word Review

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: A one-word review of Miranda Lambert's The Marfa Tapes album with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram, Morgan Wallen's BBMA expulsion and unpacking some of the important moments from the Ep 55 conversation with Tyler Mahan Coe. Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter at @billydukes

Tyler Mahan Coe: Cocaine & Rhinestones Host On Country Today, Country Media Today, and Season 2

Tyler Mahan Coe: Cocaine & Rhinestones Host On Country Today, Country Media Today, and Season 2

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Tyler Mahan Coe, host of Cocaine & Rhinestones talks about Season 2, which debuted in April 2021. He also has strong, well-educated opinions on country today and country media today. It will surprise you to hear his thoughts on "Outlaws" and "pop-country." 5:50 | Where did Tyler learn his journalism skills. 11:50 | Why Johnny Cash sucks14:55 | Tyler’s take on the pop-country music debate is unique and hard to argue with18:10 | The sound of today’s country music isn’t the problem 22:10 | Teasing Ep. 2 of Season 2 of C&R 33:10 | How involved is George Jones’ family?38:10 | The Johnny Paycheck misunderstanding 43:10 | Criticism is dead48:10 | Tyler’s first career in digital marketing 55:25 | Tyler Mahan Coe’s guide to Fair Use More Cocaine & Rhinestones: Find More on Seasons 1 and 2 at the official websiteRead: Tyler Mahan' Coe's profile in GQRead: Tyler Mahan Coe's profile in the Washington PostTweet: Find Tyler Mahan Coe on Twitter at @TylerMahanCoeTweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter at @billydukes

Kip Moore’s Good Life Is ... Different, Plus Bad Band Names

Kip Moore’s Good Life Is ... Different, Plus Bad Band Names

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Kip Moore dropped a new song called "Good Life" that asks his long time fans to adjust to something new. Plus Rascal Flatts may not be done and how a bad band or song name can doom the artist. Alabama simply wouldn't stand a chance today. Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukesListen: Kip Moore, "Good Life" on YouTubeListen: Tenille Arts, "Somebody Like That" on YouTubeWatch: Alexandra Kay covering Randy Travis on TikTok

Eric Church’s ‘Heart & Soul’: The Good, the Bad + the Unbelievable w/ Grady Smith, Angella Sharpe, Marty Kurtz

Eric Church’s ‘Heart & Soul’: The Good, the Bad + the Unbelievable w/ Grady Smith, Angella Sharpe, Marty Kurtz

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Eric Church's new Heart & Soul album is big and personal, but is it any good? Three members of the media join Billy Dukes to discuss the triple album project, including Angella Sharpe, Marty Kurtz and Grady Smith. 2:27 | Angella Sharpe on Heart20:30 | Marty Kurtz on &39:23 | Grady Smith on SoulRead: The Top 50 Eric Church Songs on Taste of Country Tweet: Find Angella Sharpe on Twitter at @AngellaSharpe Tweet: Find Marty Kurtz on Twitter at @marty_kurtzTweet: Find Grady Smith on Twitter at @gradywsmith Watch: Grady Smith's YouTube Channel Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

The Future of Country Music, Part 2: We Can Grow Without Selling Our Soul

The Future of Country Music, Part 2: We Can Grow Without Selling Our Soul

The ACM Awards were great, for country music fans. But for everyone else? Well, the 2021 ACM’s poor ratings showed that there just wasn’t much for the non-country audience, which is a problem. This week we look at ways the genre can grow without losing its soul. Change doesn’t have to be scary. 1:20 | What the ACM Awards got right and wrong5:00 | Diversity at the 2021 ACM Awards 6:30 | Ratings are becoming a big problem 9:05 | Here’s how to solve it Read: Why Luke Bryan Deserved Entertainer of the Year at Taste of Country Read: 2021 ACM Awards Ratings, via Hollywood Reporter. Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Miranda Lambert + Elle King’s “Drunk (And I Wanna Go Home)” Isn’t On Country Radio - Why?

Miranda Lambert + Elle King’s “Drunk (And I Wanna Go Home)” Isn’t On Country Radio - Why?

This week on the Country Music Media Podcast: Chart expert Chris Owen explains what needs to happen for Elle King’s duet with Miranda Lambert to hit country radio. It’s complicated and takes some major label cooperation. Is it likely? Also, the truth about corporate programming and how it might have cost Hunter Hayes his commercial career. On the flip side how Lainey Wilson’s “Thinks A Man Oughta Know” benefited from corporate programming. Chris and Billy also discuss why you can figure out the year’s most played song in April, Brian Kelley’s solo EP and what the heck happened to Jamey Johnson? Listen: Elle King + Miranda Lambert, "Drunk (And I Wanna Go Home)"Listen: Chris picks Caitlyn Smith (Feat. Old Dominion), “Stars”Listen: Billy picks Heath Sanders, “Old School’s In”Tweet: Chris Owen on Twitter @fiddlesabreTweet: Billy Dukes on Twitter @billydukes

Morgan Wallen Fans Are Hustling Backwards

Morgan Wallen Fans Are Hustling Backwards

Morgan Wallen fans should consider that they might be doing more harm than good. Three signs holding two billboards apiece in Nashville continue pressing on a bruise in the country music industry that hasn’t had enough time to heal properly. Read: Who Paid for the Morgan Wallen Billboards? at Rolling StoneRead: The original story at Music Mayhem Magazine Tweet: Find Billy Dukes on Twitter