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It’s a jam-packed edition of The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett & Best Friends as we spotlight this week’s Country Climb Star of the Week: Austin Burke — a Scottsdale native turned Nashville powerhouse whose viral songs and Playlisted podcast are changing the game for independent country artists. We talk to Austin about his journey from singing the national anthem at age three to landing a publishing deal with Thomas Rhett’s Home Team.

But the biggest surprise comes from beloved local legend Jineane Ford, who shares her shocking story after being off the air — she was kicked by a horse during a trail ride and had to be air evacuated with a broken leg. Her story is one of resilience, community response, and recovery (complete with a wound vac and all). We’re sending healing vibes her way!

Then, to wrap things up, our favorite redneck Paul from Beaumont joins us for a rowdy round of “Beer Fact or Redneck Fiction” in honor of International Beer Day. From whale testicle brews to beer spas, you’ll never guess what’s real and what’s just good ol’ fashioned country nonsense.

This episode has it all — heart, humor, and a whole lot of hops. Hit play and subscribe to stay connected to your small-town morning show with big-time feels.

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Awkward relationship moments, surprising dog facts, and a taste of the Old West come together in this engaging episode of Morning Brew. When a listener's boyfriend has an embarrassing nighttime accident and mysteriously disappears afterward, our relationship expert Paul from Beaumont steps in with practical advice gleaned from years of experience (and a few personal mishaps of his own). The solution? A little compassion goes a long way when someone's feeling vulnerable.

The laughs continue as Chris challenges our guest to a round of dog trivia in honor of National Mutt Day. From America's favorite breed to the world's smallest pup, test your canine knowledge alongside our contestants. You might be surprised to learn which breed holds the title of fastest dog or which unique canine is known as "the barkless dog."

Sharon's shower thoughts segment delivers those perfect "aha" moments that make you see everyday life differently. Why do we find it normal to eat different meals at home but weird to order the same dish at restaurants? Would an alien invasion really unite humanity? These bite-sized philosophical nuggets provide just the right amount of mental stimulation to complement the show's humor.

The episode wraps with an exciting preview of the 11th Annual Pinedale Chuckwagon Festival, where authentic pioneer cooking takes center stage. Brian from Pinedale shares all the details about this unique culinary experience featuring Dutch oven cooking, period-appropriate recipes, and a chance to taste history. With meal tickets at just $20 and proceeds from the accompanying pie sale benefiting local organizations, this community event promises food, fun, and a glimpse into America's pioneer past.

Ready for more laughs, insights, and community connections? Subscribe to Morning Brew and never miss another episode filled with the perfect blend of humor, heart, and hometown pride.

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Ever wonder what your favorite radio personalities were like in school? The first day of classes in the White Mountains brings out the good, the bad, and the hilarious as Chris Bennett welcomes a lineup of special guests to share their school-day memories and offer advice to students starting fresh.

Dave Ramsey kicks things off with a candid take on back-to-school season (spoiler: he's not a fan of those early August start dates). When pressed about his most embarrassing school moment, Dave reveals a cringe-worthy story about being taped up by seniors that will make today's freshmen feel a little better about their own anxieties. His simple advice to students—"just enjoy"—carries more wisdom than might first appear.

The show takes an unexpected turn during "Am I the Jerk Court" when Dave presides over a relationship dilemma involving skydiving dreams and spousal objections. His ruling opens up fascinating questions about personal freedom within relationships and whether some secrets might actually preserve marital harmony. Meanwhile, Paul from Beaumont doesn't hold back about his disdain for school, though he takes his defeat in the "Are You Smarter Than a Redneck" trivia segment with characteristic good humor.

Perhaps the most touching moment comes when listener Sharon calls to share how the Morning Brew helped her through the aftermath of domestic violence. Her story reminds us that sometimes laughter truly is the best medicine, and that the connections we form—even through radio—can be lifelines during our darkest times.

Whether you're sending kids back to school, reminiscing about your own student days, or simply enjoying the show's signature blend of humor and heart, this episode delivers entertainment and unexpected wisdom in equal measure. Subscribe now and join our community of early-rising laugh-seekers!

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Birthdays have a way of bringing out the best in people, and that's exactly what happened when Chris Bennett celebrated turning 45 on this special edition of the Morning Brew. Between calls from his collection of self-proclaimed "best friends" and sharing stories of remarkable generosity, this episode delivers equal parts laughter and heartwarming moments.

The show kicks off with a "Talk About Something Good Tuesday" segment featuring the inspiring story of Korean House restaurant in Austin. This extraordinary establishment opens its doors monthly to serve completely free meals to anyone who walks in - from unhoused neighbors to struggling students. With over 15,000 meals served and the owners sometimes dipping into their own savings to keep the tradition alive, their simple philosophy resonates: "We're not rich, but when we share, God always provides."

Throughout the hour, Chris fields birthday calls from an eclectic group of friends, each bringing their unique brand of celebration. Kirk Nurmi, his true crime friend, offers heartfelt birthday wishes. Emmy Award-winning Producer Ryan challenges listeners with a "Who's Older?" game and shares stories from his recent Weird Al Yankovic concert experience. Dave Ramsey presents a birthday-themed "This or That" game featuring hilariously bizarre gift options. Perhaps most memorable is Paul from Beaumont, who not only shares a tale about rescuing a cat named Nubby but also manages to make Chris cry in under ten seconds with unexpectedly touching remarks.

The festivities continue with a spirited country music trivia showdown called "Are You Smarter Than a Redneck?" before wrapping up with details about the upcoming Pinedale Chuckwagon Festival. This community event featuring authentic pioneer-style cooking will benefit the local volunteer fire department while offering visitors a taste of history.

Whether you're a longtime listener or discovering the Morning Brew for the first time, this birthday episode showcases everything that makes this show special - genuine connections, community spirit, and the ability to find joy in life's everyday moments. Subscribe now and join the Morning Brew family - where every day brings something good to talk about!

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The power of community shines throughout this lively episode as Chris Bennett takes us behind the scenes of his recent comedy show at the Elks Lodge. What began as entertainment transformed into meaningful community impact, raising over $1,500 for local youth charities. The genuine emotion in Chris's voice as he thanks those who supported the event—including his parents who attended—reveals just how much these connections matter in small-town life.

Brian from Pinedale drops by to promote this Saturday's Pinedale Chuckwagon Festival, a nostalgic journey back to pioneer days with authentic chuck wagon cooking. The $20 plates will benefit the volunteer fire department, while the simultaneous "Pies for Pinedale" event supports the local library and heritage preservation. These dual celebrations perfectly capture how rural communities maintain their identity while looking toward the future.

The show takes exciting turns with a surprise call from Nashville recording artist Jake Bush, who shares details about his upcoming album "Barroom Brothers and Sisters" releasing August 8th. When Jake reveals his new single "Hole in the Wall" was written by George Strait and his son, it adds a touch of country royalty to this already special episode. Meanwhile, comedian Crickette Gill offers a heartwarming perspective about performing in Show Low, describing how her initial hesitation about a "conservative redneck town" quickly transformed into admiration for the welcoming audience.

Through trivia games, table topics, and motivational quotes, Chris weaves together the diverse personalities that make small-town radio so authentic. This episode isn't just about entertainment—it's about the threads that connect us, the laughter we share, and the ways we support each other through community events and shared experiences.

Ready to experience some chuck wagon cooking or hear Jake Bush's George Strait-penned track? Follow along with the Morning Brew and discover why these small-town connections create such lasting impact. What local event will you be supporting this weekend?

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GlenBrooke's voice carries you through emotional landscapes with the authenticity of someone who's lived the stories she tells. In this captivating conversation, we explore the musical journey of an artist finding her unique path between Michigan's vibrant music scene and Nashville's recording studios.

Growing up surrounded by music—with her father leading a local band and family members playing various instruments—Glenn's destiny seemed written in guitar strings from the start. She shares how playing her first song at seven (Dixie Chicks' "Take Me Away") led to high school performances and eventually finding her voice as a songwriter in her early twenties. What emerges is a portrait of an artist who refuses to be boxed in by genre constraints, preferring to describe her sound as "American roots" rather than simply country rock.

The Michigan music community played a crucial role in shaping Glenbrooke's artistic identity. Unlike Nashville's saturated market, Michigan offered her space to develop a distinctive style influenced by legends like Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, and James Taylor (her father's favorites) alongside contemporary artists like Miranda Lambert and Stephen Wilson Jr. This blend of influences created the soulful, powerful vocals and emotionally honest songwriting that defines her music today.

Glenbrooke's creative process typically begins with lyrics, though she's been experimenting more with melody-first approaches lately. What resonates most is her perspective on vulnerability—she believes that if you stop getting nervous before performances, you should stop making music altogether. This philosophy shines through in songs like "Moving On," which explores the emotional complexity of relationship transitions with striking imagery and beautiful instrumentation, including a standout mandolin part recorded at Nashville's Southlight Sound.

Follow GlenBrooke on all social media platforms under "GlenBrooke" or "Glen Brooke Music" to hear her latest releases and join her on this authentic musical journey that bridges traditional influences with a fresh, contemporary sound. Her voice and stories will stay with you long after the last note fades.

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Santa Claus makes a surprise call to the Morning Brew, delivering the good news that host Chris isn't on the naughty list after all—though he's borderline due to his choice of energy drinks! This lighthearted opener sets the tone for an episode packed with humor, practical information, and unexpected insights from local heroes.

The show takes an entertaining turn with Producer Ryan hosting a game of "Sports Headline or Tinder Bio," challenging listeners to distinguish between athletic news headlines and dating app profiles. Following this, Ryan shares his post-divorce dating wisdom in a relationship advice segment, advising against a 22-year-old listener's marriage plans and suggesting hypnosis for the girlfriend's driving anxiety. The conversation sparks a fascinating difference of opinion when Timber Mesa Fire Department officials arrive in studio.

The highlight of the episode features Fire Marshal JD Pepper and Public Information Officer Trinity Savage from Timber Mesa Fire Department delivering critical community updates. They announce the lifting of fire restrictions across Navajo County beginning August 25th at 8 AM (except for White Mountain Apache Tribal lands), while emphasizing the continued need for responsible fire management. Perhaps most exciting is their reveal of a new drone program that recently helped locate a lightning-sparked wildfire near a residential area, demonstrating how modern technology is enhancing their firefighting capabilities. The visit concludes with a spirited "Friendly Fire Trivia" competition that tests the fire officials' knowledge while educating listeners on fire safety facts.

Whether you're planning weekend campfires now that restrictions are lifting, curious about how drones are revolutionizing emergency services, or simply enjoy hearing local experts share their knowledge with humor and heart, this episode delivers information you can use alongside plenty of laughs. Give it a listen, and remember to drown, stir, and feel your campfires before leaving them!

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Moral dilemmas take center stage as we dive into the thorny question: should you tell a friend when you discover their partner is cheating? Our "Am I the Jerk" court weighs a situation where someone sent photographic evidence of infidelity directly to the person being cheated on, only to face backlash from their friend group. Judge Janine delivers a verdict that champions honesty, suggesting that true friendship sometimes requires difficult conversations.

The conversation takes a lighter turn with our birthday-themed "Would You Rather" game, offering listeners a chance to win tickets to my upcoming Comedy Birthday Bash. Questions like choosing between one amazing gift or ten terrible ones create moments of levity before we welcome special guests Principal Marchant and Vice Principal Monette from Show Low High School. These passionate educators share details about their upcoming Back-to-School Days and their impressive progress in preparing students for life beyond graduation. Their school philosophy—wrapped in the memorable acronym "ERA" (Earn everything, Respect everyone, Account for yourself)—demonstrates their thoughtful approach to education.

Our resident country music expert Paul from Beaumont joins for a round of trivia, showing off his impressive knowledge of country music history while sharing news about Ozzy's final charitable concert. We wrap up with a podcast-exclusive segment featuring producer Ryan, who describes his perfect first date with the memorable line that he's "the escargot of dating—an acquired taste." Whether you're navigating relationship ethics, preparing for a new school year, or just enjoying our casual conversations, this episode delivers authentic moments that reflect the everyday questions we all face.