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 moment that changed his life. We talk faith, mental health, and the kind of honesty that can literally save a life. It’s fun, it's real, it's deep. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that speaking up is a strength, not a weakness, this one's for you.

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

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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 career to face alcoholism head on, and the 90 days he spent in a faith-based rehabilitation program that changed everything. Now 13 days from one year sober, Jacob is back with new music, a new perspective, and a new mission: using his platform to point people to Jesus and spread hope.

We talk about his comeback singles "Lost to Be Found" and the powerful new patriotic anthem "13 Stripes and 50 Stars" (yes, the Toby Keith comparisons are already rolling in), what it was like serving alongside his wife at a church conference in front of thousands of kids, and how he built a luxury home renovation company from the ground up while waiting on God's timing for music. This is a masterclass in redemption, surrender, and what it looks like to let God drive when you don't have all the answers.

Follow Jacob Bryant

Instagram: @jacobbryantmusic

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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 life.

In this special episode of Talk Y'all To Me, you'll hear from Charlie Daniels Jr., Aaron Tippin, Eric Lee Beddingfield, Drew Tutton, Jeff Goodwin, and Noah Gordon as we talk about the heart behind America 250, honoring our military, celebrating our nation's 250th birthday, and what makes Fort Campbell so special as the only military base to host one of just five official America 250 celebrations across the country.

If you're anywhere near Fort Campbell on July 4th, come celebrate with us! Expect an unforgettable evening of incredible country music, fireworks, family fun, and a whole lot of American pride.

I'm beyond honored to serve as your emcee for this historic celebration, and I can't wait to see y'all there!

🇺🇸 Happy Birthday, America!

📖 Grab Tori's new book, Unexpected, at www.torikruse.com

🎙️ Talk Y'all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse
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🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

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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 the kind of honest, faith-forward conversations the Talk Y'all To Me podcast is known for.

Lewis Brice kicks things off with his brand new single "Love Right" and life on the road with his brother. Hannah McFarland opens up about touring with Riley Green, getting cut from American Idol just days before her big break, and why every "no" was leading her somewhere better. Austin Snell tells the story behind proposing in his "Colors" music video and the deeper writing on songs like "Daddy's Eyes." Tenille Arts talks about her new single "Lonely Weekend" and making history as the first female solo producer with a number one. Gabby Sklar reflects on going from covers on her parents' laundry room floor to her very first Nashville stage.

It only goes deeper from there. Sophia Scott gets candid about "Miss Me Now" and finally feeling at home in her own skin. Levi Bloom brings his one-of-a-kind Kentucky country rock with new music like "Coolin'." Angel White shares the heart behind "Lone Star Girl," his fifth-generation Texas roots, and his sidekick Rango. Jake Banfield talks his viral hit "Lasso," lake life, and the importance of speaking up about mental health. And Adam Sanders closes it out with winning The Road, landing on the Yellowstone spinoff "Marshals," and the surrender to God that's behind his new single "His to Mine."

If you have ever wondered what it really takes to chase a dream in country music, this episode is full of grit, faith, and a whole lot of heart. Ten conversations, one unforgettable CMA Fest week, and you heard them here first. Lean in, turn it up, and let's talk, y'all.

📖 Grab Tori's new book, Unexpected, at torikruse.com

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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 alongside Braxton Keith, Tristan is already doing what most artists spend years working toward and he is just getting started.

In this episode, Tristan gets real about what it actually looks like to build a music career from scratch, with no big name industry mentor, no roadmap, and a whole lot of faith. He opens up about his new single "Everything About You," a heartfelt love song rooted in real life experience, and why every song he records has to be personal to him before it ever reaches a listener.

But the conversation goes much deeper than music. Tristan shares candidly about growing up in the middle of a messy, years long family situation that forced him to grow up fast, develop a level of self awareness well beyond his age, and lean hard into his faith to make sense of it all. He talks about the loneliness of trying to break into an industry that does not always open its doors easily, the mental battle of staying grounded when success starts to snowball, and why he made a conscious decision to stop chasing hit songs and start creating honest art.

If you have ever wondered what it takes to chase something big before the rest of the world tells you that you are ready, this episode is for you. Tristan Roberson is proof that authenticity, grit, and a little bit of God's favor can take you a lot further than you think.

Check out Tristan's Newest Single: https://open.spotify.com/track/1maw9lJpUFXyntRmLXXZzZ?si=6bcd32ab008f463e

Follow Tristan on Instagram: @tristanrobersonmusic

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

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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 downtown Chicago parking lot in 2013, what it really takes to build a world-class festival experience, and how he spots rising artists before they blow up (hint: he had Red Clay Strays booked when only 30 people showed up to their club shows). From Willie Nelson to Luke Bryan to this year's stacked lineup featuring Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Hootie and the Blowfish, and more — this conversation is a masterclass in passion, vision, and what it means to serve both artists and fans at the highest level.

Follow Windy City Smokeout:

Instagram: @windycitysmokeout

Don't miss the Windy City Smokeout this summer!
www.windycitysmokeout.com

Get your wristband for the event:

https://www.windycitysmokeout.com/wristbands

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

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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 captures what makes the Texas scene special: humility, hard work, community, and a whole lot of heart.
You’ll hear artists talk about the grind no one sees (booking, promo, balancing day jobs), what it means to earn nominations the organic way, and how personal stories—parenthood, grandparents who never miss a show, and the moments that change you—shape the songs fans connect with most. Plus: tour updates, new singles, a bold genre pivot, and a tribute that honors the sounds that helped pave the road.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:

•A new duet being debuted at the awards show

•Touring hard, seeing new places, and re-recording early music to regain ownership

•A Texas-pride anthem written in response to hard times—and why heartfelt songs hit differently

•How grief can become a turning point in songwriting and purpose

•The behind-the-scenes reality of building a career: promo, scheduling, side jobs, and perseverance

•A young artist’s advice: keep grinding and work the business, not just the songs

•A confident rebrand and genre shift that finally feels authentic

•The blend of storytelling + stage performance (and why it fits country so well)

•Faith, humility, and the “family” feel that keeps the Texas scene grounded

👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music.

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse

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 captures what makes the Texas scene special: humility, hard work, community, and a whole lot of heart.
You’ll hear artists talk about the grind no one sees (booking, promo, balancing day jobs), what it means to earn nominations the organic way, and how personal stories—parenthood, grandparents who never miss a show, and the moments that change you—shape the songs fans connect with most. Plus: tour updates, new singles, a bold genre pivot, and a tribute that honors the sounds that helped pave the road.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
• A new duet being debuted at the awards show
• Touring hard, seeing new places, and re-recording early music to regain ownership
• A Texas-pride anthem written in response to hard times—and why heartfelt songs hit differently
• How grief can become a turning point in songwriting and purpose
• The behind-the-scenes reality of building a career: promo, scheduling, side jobs, and perseverance
• A young artist’s advice: keep grinding and work the business, not just the songs
• A confident rebrand and genre shift that finally feels authentic
• The blend of storytelling + stage performance (and why it fits country so well)
• Faith, humility, and the “family” feel that keeps the Texas scene grounded


👉 Subscribe to @officialtorikruse for more insider stories from the heart of country music.

🎙️ Talk Y’all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse

👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse

👉 YouTube: youtube.com/officialtorikruse

👉 Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse

👉 Website: torikruse.com

👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse