Talk Y’all To Me
by Tori Kruse
Talk Y’all To Me takes you backstage, on the red carpet, and behind the mic with the biggest stars and power players in country music. Hosted by Country Music Reporter & Red Carpet Host Tori Kruse, every episode brings you closer to the artists, songwriters, and industry insiders shaping the sound of country today. From fan-favorite moments to exclusive interviews, Talk Y’all To Me celebrates the heart of country music: the artists who create it and the fans who keep it alive. All access. All country. Let’s Talk, y’all.
Episodes
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Jake Banfield on Viral Success, Mental Health, and Why Speaking Up Changed Everything.
Everyone knows Jake Banfield for the high-energy music, viral hit Lasso, and getting the crowd on the feet, but there's so much more to his story. In this episode of Talk Y'all To Me, Jake shares what life's really been like since his breakout success, why the lake still feels like home, and the...
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Jacob Bryant on Sobriety, Faith & His Comeback: The Story Behind "13 Stripes and 50 Stars"
In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with Jacob Bryant, singer-songwriter and pioneer of "outlaw Christian" country music, for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on this show. Jacob opens up about walking away from music at the height of his touring…
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Inside America 250 | The Fort Campbell Press Conference & the Legacy of Charlie Daniels
America 250 is finally here! Just 100 days ago, I had the honor of attending the official America 250 Press Conference at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Now, as we celebrate Independence Day week, I'm taking you back behind the scenes with the incredible people helping bring this historic event to…
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CMA Fest 2026 Recap: 10 Country Artists on Faith, Heartbreak & New Music
In this special CMA Fest 2026 recap of "Talk Y'all To Me," Tori Kruse takes you backstage for a whirlwind week in Music City, sitting down with ten artists making their mark on country music. From viral breakouts to seasoned road warriors, this episode is packed with new music, real stories, and...
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Faith, Music, and Growing Up Fast with Tristan Roberson
In this episode of "Talk Y'all To Me," Tori Kruse sits down with 18-year-old Texas country artist Tristan Roberson for one of the most refreshingly honest conversations to hit the Talk Y'all To Me podcast. Fresh off a high school graduation and a performance at a festival in Monterrey, Mexico...
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Behind the Barbecue: How Ed Warm Built Windy City Smokeout from a Parking Lot to 20,000 Attendees Per Day
In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with Ed Warm, the co-founder of Windy City Smokeout and Lone Star Smokeout and ACM Award-winning promoter, one of the most influential forces behind the scenes in country music. Ed pulls back the curtain on how it all started in a...
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Beyond the Stage at the Texas Regional Radio & Music Awards (Part Two)
Host Tori Kruse takes you behind the scenes at the Texas Regional Radio Awards for a fast-paced, behind the scenes look, on media row at the Texas Regional Radio Awards. From brand-new music being debuted for the first time to heartfelt songwriting rooted in family, faith, and loss, this episode...
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Beyond The Stage at The Texas Regional Radio & Music Awards (Part One)
Host Tori Kruse takes you behind the scenes at the Texas Regional Radio Awards for a fast-paced, behind the scenes look, on media row at the Texas Regional Radio Awards. From brand-new music being debuted for the first time to heartfelt songwriting rooted in family, faith, and loss, this episode...
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Behind the Camera: How Reality TV Really Works with Producer Lee Metzger
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the cameras of your favorite reality TV and music competition shows? Today on Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with Emmy-winning TV producer Lee Metzger — the man behind The Voice, The Road on CBS, and Barmageddon — to pull back the curtain on the...
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One Day At A Time: Faith, Music, and Setting An Example with Max McNown
In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Max McNown at Lone Star Smokeout for a candid conversation about faith, growth, and staying grounded in the industry. Max opens up about teaching himself guitar just a few years ago, selling out two nights at the...
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The Grammy Award Winning Formula Behind Country Hits You Can't Get Out Of Your Head With F. Reid Shippen (PART TWO)
The music industry is being rewritten in real time — and the artists who understand what's happening right now are the ones who will win. In this episode of Talk Y'all To Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Grammy-winning producer and mixer F. Reid Shippen for a raw, honest conversation about where…
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The Grammy Award Winning Formula Behind Country Hits You Can't Get Out of Your Head With F. Reid Shippen (PART ONE)
What does it really take to turn a song into something you feel? This week on Talk Y’all To Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Grammy-winning producer and mixer F. Reid Shippen—the man behind hits from Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and more. From inside his Nashville studio, F. Reid...
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The Story Behind the Viral Fame: Trey Lewis on Sobriety and a Bold New Chapter
What happens when a "joke" song between friends becomes a global, chart-topping sensation overnight? This week on Talk Y’all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Trey Lewis, the man behind the viral hit "Dicked Down in Dallas." While many know him for the rowdy, shock-value lyrics...
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How to Build a Texas Empire: Custom Boots & Wine Castles with Chris Conrad
What happens when you mix high-end craftsmanship with the grit of a Texas honky-tonk? You get Republic Boot Company. In today’s episode, Tori Kruse interviews Chris Conrad about his journey from corporate life to becoming the "Anthony Bourdain of boots." Chris reveals the secrets behind his...
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The Unpolished Moments of Motherhood and Music With Billie Jo
In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, Tori Kruse catches up with the incredibly relatable and talented Billie Jo. After meeting at the Texas Country Music Awards and following her journey on the CBS show The Road, Tori dives into the "real life" moments that the cameras didn't always catch. We...
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The Spirit of Texas: Legacy, Luxury, and the Bicentennial with Russell Molina
In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with native Houstonian and serial entrepreneur Russell Molina. Russell shares his journey from growing up in the legendary Molina’s Cantina family to building a diverse portfolio of businesses, including the historic Hat Store in...
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Part 2: When God Rewrites the Story | Brian Johnson on Storytelling, Gratitude & Helping Others Find Their Voice
In this episode of Talk Y’all to Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Brian Johnson—author, producer, and storytelling coach—whose journey spans small-town Alabama, Hollywood sets, and faith-fueled purpose. Brian shares how he moved to Los Angeles with almost nothing, earned opportunities through…
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Part 1: When God Rewrites the Story | Brian Johnson on Storytelling, Gratitude & Helping Others Find Their Voice
In this episode of Talk Y'all to Me, Tori Kruse sits down with Brian Johnson—an Amazon bestselling author, Hollywood talent strategist, and founder of Book Rich Profits Club, a community for aspiring authors. He worked on the 5 time Emmy winning series Carpool Karaoke: The Series and has talent...
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3 Jobs, 4 Hours of Sleep, and a Dream: The Grit That Built Cassidy Daniels
What does it actually take to go from working three retail jobs in Nashville to standing on the Ryman stage with Keith Urban and Blake Shelton? In this episode, Tori Kruse sits down with the powerhouse finalist from CBS’s The Road, Cassidy Daniels, to pull back the curtain on the "grit" required…
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Brett Young: The 2.0 Tour
In this episode of Talk Y’all to Me, we sit down with platinum-selling country artist Brett Young as he kicks off an exciting new chapter with his 2.0 Tour, beginning January 22nd at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Brett opens up about life on tour and how becoming a husband and…
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The Texas Country Music Awards Edition
The independent spirit of Texas country music shines bright, and "Talk Y'all to Me" was there to capture it! In this special episode, we're on location at the Texas Country Music Awards, bringing you candid conversations with the talented artists and dedicated fans who embody this vibrant...
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The 59th Annual CMA Awards Edition
Get ready for some real talk, y'all! In this episode of "Talk Y'all to Me," we're hitting the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, right outside the CMA Awards! Join me as I chat with incredible artists and passionate fans, getting their unfiltered thoughts, excitement, and celebrating country…
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The Heat Is Rising for Country Artist Adam Sanders
Talk Y’all to Me with host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Adam Sanders on the release day of his powerful new single “Bible in a House Fire.” In this episode, Adam shares the true story that inspired the song — a burned-down double-wide trailer and the image of a Bible untouched by...
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Inside the Texas Country Music Association with President & Founder Linda Wilson
Step inside the world of Texas Country Music with Linda Wilson, President & Founder of the Texas Country Music Association. In this episode of Talk Y’all To Me, Tori Kruse walks and talks with Linda live from the Fort Worth Stockyards to uncover: How the Texas Country Music Association was born…
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Honky Tonks, Tequila & Storytelling with Jon Wolfe
Texas country meets tradition, tequila, and timeless storytelling. In this episode of Talk Y’all to Me, host Tori Kruse sits down with country artist Jon Wolfe live from Tannahill’s in Fort Worth, Texas. Jon opens up about: Why his upcoming album leans into old-school country vibes (Merle…
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How to Transform Your Presence On Stage
Today I'm re-sharing an episode from when I was a guest on the Keep What You Earn Podcast. We dive into the power of styling for events and how the right outfit can boost your confidence on stage. When you feel great in what you're wearing, it’s easier to own the spotlight and perform at your…
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Combining Style and Purpose for Business Success
In this special episode, we’re re-sharing a powerful conversation I had as a guest on the Inspire + Move Podcast. I’m taking you through my journey from Miss Missouri to becoming an entrepreneur, sharing how my experiences shaped my personal brand and empowered me to help others do the same. From...
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Crafting a Personal Brand: Lessons from Country Music's Rising Star Kyle Elliott
Let's walk and talk with the incredibly talented musician Kyle Elliott to explore the dynamic journey of his life in music. Kyle opens up about his early love for music and how his passion evolved into a full-fledged career. We dive into the struggles and triumphs he faced along the way, from...
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Nurturing Business Relationships and Finding Inspiration
In the continuation of our lively and heartfelt discussion, Kristina, Alli, and I explore the importance of nurturing business relationships and managing referrals. We share personal experiences and insights on keeping connections valuable and mutually beneficial, even when burnout hits. Our...
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Building Confidence and Connections: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Join me as I sit down in sunny California with my amazing friends Alli and Kristina to share the essence of entrepreneurial friendships. With excitement in the air, we dive into the importance of building a supportive community and celebrating life's milestones. We discuss leading with value in...
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New Year, New You: Elevating Your Style and Spirit in 2025
2024 has been a year to remember, full of growth and life-changing realizations, and I wanted to start off strong by reflecting on all of the transformation I've experienced. Think back to January 2024, standing in front of your closet. Did your wardrobe make you feel unstoppable or stuck? Did…
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Celebrating the Season with Purpose and Embracing God's Presence this Christmas
Merry Christmas, friends! This special holiday episode is all about pausing to reflect on the blessings of 2024 and the incredible gift of God’s presence in our lives. As the year comes to a close, I’m sharing my heartfelt gratitude for the growth, challenges, and moments of faith that have…
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Behind the Scenes with Designer Ramy Brook
Let's walk and talk with the amazing Ramy Brook as we take you behind the scenes of her fashion empire. From the early stages of design and prototypes to sample sales and production, we explore how her collections come to life. Plus, Ramy shares the exciting new ventures she’s diving into,...
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Overcome Your Fears and Start Networking
Networking and making connections have been game-changers in my life and career, and I’m giving you the inside scoop on how to do it right in this replay of my appearance on Moving Through and Beyond, hosted by Carey Conley. We’re getting real about how to build confidence and community, no…
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How You Can Overcome These 4 Style Roadblocks with Confidence
In this episode, I’m diving deep into the connection between mindset and style. We all face mental roadblocks that hold us back from fully embracing our personal style, and today, I’m breaking down the four barriers that might be keeping you stuck. It starts with gratitude—because let’s be real,...
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Holiday Fashion That Lasts All Year
The holidays are here, and it’s time to embrace the sparkle, style, and energy of the season! In this episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know to step up your holiday fashion game and feel confident doing it. We’ll start by exploring how to maximize your current wardrobe so you can...
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Approachable Style for Young Professionals
I’m diving into some game-changing fashion tips for all you young professionals out there! Whether you’re stepping into the boardroom, networking, or heading out for after-hours events, having a wardrobe that’s tailored and event-ready can make all the difference. I’ll share my secrets for…
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Mastering Style, Poise, and A Professional Presence with Lu Sierra
Join us for a walk and talk through Central Park with the fabulous Lu Sierra. We reflect on the changes we've seen in the world of pageantry and talk about our unforgettable memories from New York Fashion Week. As a master of posing, Lu offers invaluable tips for businesswomen on how to present...
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How to Build a Wardrobe that Speaks Your Mission
Today we explore how defining your style can attract new opportunities and open doors. I talk about the importance of having a conversation starter on your body—whether it’s a bold accessory or standout clothing piece that sparks interest and connections. By embracing your unique image, you’re…
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From Vision to Reality: Becoming Who You're Called to Be
I'm taking you back to the very beginning of my pageant journey in this powerful replay of my appearance on Moving Through and Beyond, hosted by Carey Conley. But as with any big dream, it wasn’t always a smooth ride. We get real about facing rejection and how I learned to persevere, even when…
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How to Transform Your Closet for Every Season
Today we're diving deep into how to seamlessly transition your wardrobe for different seasons. I’ll share some of my own personal closet challenges and how I overcame them—because let’s face it, we’ve all been there. From not knowing what to keep, toss, or store away to feeling like nothing in…
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Faith and Fitness with The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Trainer Linetta Long
Join me as I sit down with the incredible Linetta Long, who shares her inspiring journey from working with the Dallas Cowboys to building her own fitness empire. Linetta talks about her boot camp fitness origins, how she transformed her passion into a thriving fitness community, and the role...
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Dress For Business Like You Would For Gameday
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of presence and style and how mastering both can elevate your confidence and the way others perceive you. I share my journey and highlight the role personal branding plays in shaping your identity. Whether you’re stepping into a new career or a…
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The Power You Need To Fight Through Resistance
Today I open up about my personal development journey—how it’s shaped who I am today and how embracing growth has led me to new opportunities. Styling also played a huge role in my transformation. It’s not just about the clothes we wear; it’s about how styling can shift your mindset and boost…
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Breakthrough Fashion Tips to Elevate Confidence
Dive into this special replay of my episode on The Big Silence. We dive into my journey from Miss Missouri USA to building a career that empowers women to chase their dreams with style, grace, and grit. I’ll take you behind the scenes and share some hard-earned lessons I picked up on the road…
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How to Build a Destination Workplace with Betsy Allen Manning
In this episode, I'm thrilled to sit down with my good friend Betsy Allen Manning, a leader who has made her mark in building dynamic and engaging workplaces. We explore how to create environments where employees thrive and feel truly valued. Betsy shares her insights on leadership and employee...
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How to Transform Your Black Dress for Any Occasion
We’re diving deep into one of the most essential wardrobe staples: the black dress. I’m coming to you live from New York to share my top style tips for transforming this classic piece into a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you're heading to a chic evening event or a casual brunch with...
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It's Harvest Season, Embrace Breakthroughs and Business Growth This Fall
Your faith and patience will pay off. You heard me right, it's harvest season baby! I'm sharing my insights on how we can grow stronger, even when the going gets tough. It's harvest season, and it's time to embrace the change that comes with it. I'll share some encouragement and explain how…
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How a Style Shift NOW Can Shape Your Future Success
I’m here to inspire you to take that next step in your journey of self-discovery and growth because how you show up in the world is a direct reflection of your inner self. I dive into the power of gratitude and how it’s a game-changer in personal development, helping you elevate your mindset and...
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The Mindset Behind A Serial Entrepreneur with Lexy Burke
Nashville powerhouse, Lexy Burke, joins us to share her inspiring entrepreneurial story. From her college days to the early stages of her career, Lexy's journey is a testament to resilience and creativity. We talk about the birth of the "Serial Tipper," a movement that began with simple acts of...
About this show
Talk Y’all To Me takes you backstage, on the red carpet, and behind the mic with the biggest stars and power players in country music. Hosted by Country Music Reporter & Red Carpet Host Tori Kruse, every episode brings you closer to the artists, songwriters, and industry insiders shaping the sound of country today. From fan-favorite moments to exclusive interviews, Talk Y’all To Me celebrates the heart of country music: the artists who create it and the fans who keep it alive. All access. All country. Let’s Talk, y’all.
Hosted by
Tori Kruse
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