Country Music Dads

A few months ago, mega-star and Czar of the Americana Empire Jason Isbell announced on social media that he was sorry to push back a few dates at large venues across the country to attend his daughter’s school play. In this episode, we discuss whether modern families — especially fathers navigating shifting expectations across their various responsibilities — achieve balance or if we should even try to achieve it.In honor of this topic, we discuss work-life balance, the low bar dads have to live up to as parents and some Donnie and Dave's favorite Isbell songs.Donnie also tries to convince Dave it’s time to get a cowboy hat. Show Notes02:26: Work-Life Balance: Before discussing Isbell’s decision, the guys talk about the term “work-life balance” and whether it has a place in modern family life. They touch on how this may apply to primary, stay-at-home parents and those who work completely remotely. Dave also sneaks in that he is a rocket scientist. 08:47: What does balance look like now? Dave and Donnie touch on what kind of balance is prevalent today in a post-pandemic work, school and family environment. 11:58: Initial reactions to the Isbell news: Dave admits he was very uncomfortable about the news from Isbell -- well more about the news about the news of Isbell’s announcement. 17:36: Responsibilities of a Public Figure and the Low Bar for Dads: The guys touch on the similarities to the Eric Church Final Four show cancellations and how the “family first” argument is sort of a copout which leaves the bar incredibly low for dads. This gives Dave a little bit of the ick.  31:02: There's No Easy Right or Wrong Answer for Dads: Is Isbell’s situation so much different than the guys that they can’t understand his decision? Or is it that there is no easy, straightforward answer when dealing with these issues? It’s getting Meta on this podcast. 33:12: The Dad Life Sound Check: In honor of talking all about him for more than a half an hour, the guys talk about their favorite Isbell songs for the Dad Life Sound Check.40:41: Change My Mind-- Dave Can't Pull Off a Cowboy Hat: Dave asks Donnie to change his mind about why he, too, can wear a cowboy hat. Thank you for listening. The best way to support us is to subscribe to the show on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or whatever podcast platform you use. If you want to see new episodes and more content delivered straight to your email inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter: countrymusicdads.substack.com. You can find everything we do on our website: countrymusicdads.com. And we’d love to hear what you think, so send us comments, suggestions, friendly banter on Instagram @countrymusicdads, or via email countrymusicdads@gmail.com.Mentioned in this Episode:Jeff Bezos ArticleSoutheastern records social media post and Isbell...

If you're a dad in need of a good cry, consider this your warning: Luke Combs’ album Fathers & Sons hits hard. In this episode, the Country Music Dads give a full, unfiltered review of Fathers & Sons because, honestly, it was inevitable.  The Dads weigh in on the best and worst songs and the overall impact of this album on country music, modern fatherhood and their emotional state of mind. Plus: Dave goes full throttle in an impassioned “Minivan Rant” and tries to change Donnie’s mind once and for all.Show Notes03:11: First Reactions to the Album as a Whole: After Donnie recovers from "snot-bubble crying" during his passive listen, we discuss the songwriting quality, sincerity of the lyrics in a "songwriting-by-committee" approach and how "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" doesn't seem to fit (even though it is very sad).14:01: The Dad Life Sound Check: Donnie is a better parent thanks to "Huntin' By Yourself" (even though he doesn't hunt), and Dave finds a pillar of his parenting philosophy in "Whoever You Turn Out to Be."25:06: The Best Tracks from the Album: The Dads share more of their favorites, including "Front Door Famous" and "The Man He Sees in Me," and how those songs inspire us to live up to the higher expectations that modern dads rightfully (and finally) are measured against.32:36: The Worst Tracks from the Album: The Dads discuss the songs, like "All I Ever Do is Leave" and "Little Country Boys," that seem more like filler material to get an LP out of this concept album.36:00: "Fathers and Sons" Album Rating: The Dads wrap up the album review by rating "Fathers and Sons" on a scale of 1-5.37:50: Change My Mind About Minivans: Dave launches into an impassioned and memorable "Minivan Rant" to change Donnie's mind about the classic and highly versatile “FUV,” the family utility vehicle.Thank you for listening. The best way to support us is to subscribe to the show on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or whatever podcast platform you use. If you want to see new episodes and more content delivered straight to your email inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter: countrymusicdads.substack.com. You can find everything we do on our website: countrymusicdads.com. And we’d love to hear what you think, so send us comments, suggestions, friendly banter on Instagram @countrymusicdads, or via email countrymusicdads@gmail.com.ReferencesIntro Music: "Dark Country Rock" by Moodmode"Hurricane" by Luke Combs"When It Rains It Pours" by Luke Combs"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" by Luke Combs"The Grand Tour" by George Jones"Huntin' By...

The Country Music Dads dive headlong into the world of children’s literature, pop culture and its intersection with country music. We discuss the viral video of Ludacris’ incredible rapping of the book Llama Llama Red Pajama, discuss our favorite kids' books, which ones would make incredible country music songs and who should cut them. Show Notes: 2:22: The Kids Books We Love and Love to Hate: Dave and Donnie discuss the nighttime classics and some modern-day page turners for kids (and those reading them to kids). And what would a podcast episode be without some conflict -- so we jumped on a few we wish would just fall behind the bookshelf. 21:27: Books That Sound Like Country Songs: Before diving into who should sing our kids' book songs, the Country Music Dads explore the fairly significant crossover between country music songwriting and children's book writing -- and some of those people who did both. Namely, Shel Silverstein. 38:34: Who Should Sing These Kids' Book Country Songs? From Colter Wall to Miranda Lambert, the Country Music Dads consider the best artists to bring these books to life. 46:57: Dad Life Sound Check: This recurring segment is an opportunity for Dave and Donnie to discuss a song that is hitting home in recent days. For Dave, "Buy Me a Boat" by Chris Janson had been resonating in his house, while Lasers Lasers Birmingham’s "Shorter Letter" was touching a chord for Donnie.52:22: Change My Mind: Donnie challenges Dave to think differently about the glories of shopping at Costco -- from the sea of beautiful TVs, to rows of top-shelf bulk-size booze to Costco staples, like rotisserie chicken, availability of eggs and the $1.50 hot dog and soda. Mentioned in the Show:Ludacris rapping "Llama Llama Red Pajama.""Magic Candies" animated short film"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is a GRAMMY Award-winning recording by Boris Karloff in 1968."The Masked Singer"Haley Brown Spence of The DoohickeysDolly Parton talent searchWillow Avon"Goodnight Songs" by Tom Prout and Emily GehryThe HighwaymenThe HighwomenThank you for listening. The best way to support us is to subscribe to the show on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or whatever podcast platform you use. If you want to see new episodes and more content delivered straight to your email inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter: countrymusicdads.substack.com. You can find everything we do on our website:

Country Music Dads is BACK for Season 2! And we are kicking things off by talking about the change (or lack thereof) that often accompanies the start of a new year. “New Year, new me” we say in January before seeing the “same ol’ me” staring back at us in the mirror in March. But is that such a bad thing? George Jones and Dierks Bentley provide support via two songs separated by 40 years but with the same name (different spelling), “Same Ole Me.” The Dads wrestle with self-improvement vs. self-acceptance, change vs. growth, and bro country vs. traditional country.  We also discuss changes to the podcast itself. What is different for Season 2, what is staying the same, and what, Dear Listener, do you have to look forward to when you follow the Country Music Dads? True to form, it’ll be the same ole show, but a little bit different.Show Notes:02:12: Dave shares a preview of Season 2 of the podcast: what has changed, what is staying the same, and how feedback from our early-adopting listeners has influenced our plans.06:26: Meet Country Music Dads’ new co-host: Donnie C. Cutler!08:22: Dave and Donnie discuss George Jones’ “Same Ole Me,” Dierks Bentley’s “Same ‘Ol Me,” how they think about goal-setting, personal change, and growth, and how their pursuit of improvement could influence their kids.35:02: The Dad Life Sound Check: Donnie shares how the competing pressures of life on the road and family life in Jeremy Pinnell’s “Night Time Eagle” resonate with his own attempts to balance self-care pursuits and being there for the bedtime routine. Dave admits that “Halo” is his favorite Beyonce song and that Joshua Ray Walker’s highly countrified rendition of it takes him back to a simpler time before kids when weddings were ragers.45:41: In our new, recurring segment called “Change My Mind,” Donnie posits that Bro Country is BAD for the country music genre. Self-proclaimed “recovering bro country aficionado” Dave attempts to convince him otherwise.Mentioned in the Show:Country Music Dads podcast Season 1, Episode 9: “Country Cutler Talks Parenting, Country Music in LA and Strawberry Pie For Breakfast”The Country Cutler Substack newsletter"Atomic Habits" by James ClearThe Marfa TapesDierks’ bluegrass album, “Up On The Ridge” from 2010HomeDadCon: the annual convention for at-home dadsThe backlash surrounding the “Bluey” Season 3 "Exercise" episodeEddie Izzard on British vs. American filmsThank you for listening. The best way to support us is to subscribe to the show on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or whatever podcast platform you use. If you want to see new episodes and more content delivered straight to your email inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter: countrymusicdads.substack.com. You can...

With the Holiday season upon us, here are our favorite Christmas songs. We have songs by classic country artists, new renditions of the classics, original compositions, and some that just make us laugh and smile at the joy of the Christmas season. Grab a glass of eggnog, sit back and enjoy the sounds of a Country Christmas. Mentioned in the Show: Desert Sun Morgan Wallen Article Morgan Wallen Stagecoach Performance "Rockin Around The Christmas Tree" from "Home Alone"  "Hard Candy Christmas" Movie Clip Show Notes: 5:57 Dad Life Soundcheck - Dave talks about "The World is On Fire" by American Aquarium and Mick explains why Morgan Wallen is the Entertainer of the Year. 12:09 HARDY Report - HARDY and Mick finally have something in common as the former prepares for life as a #girldad! 13:08 Farm Boy Update - Preparing the urban homestead for winter by chopping up leaves and cutting firewood. 15:35 The Dads share their favorite Christmas songs. While there are many tried and true classics, some may surprise you. Thank you for listening. You can find back episodes and all of our playlists via our ⁠⁠⁠⁠webpage⁠⁠⁠⁠. Make sure you are following us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠. Feedback and comments can be sent to ⁠The Dads⁠ and most importantly have a very Merry Christmas!  References: Intro Music:⁠⁠“⁠Dark Country Rock⁠” by Moodmode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HARDY Report Theme Music: “⁠Frantic⁠” by Lemon Music Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Farm Boy Update Theme Music: “⁠The Wheels on the Bus Rockabilly Style (instrumental)⁠” by Mike Cole "The World is on Fire" by American Aquarium "Thought You Should Know" by Morgan Wallen "Joy to the World" by 

This was our first live podcast recording with some of our listeners as guests. In a ballroom at HomeDadCon in St. Louis, the Dads gathered with four fellow at-home dads for the ultimate country music bourbon showdown between Chris Stapleton (Traveller Whiskey) and Ryan Bingham (Bingham's Bourbon). We taste-tested their bourbon brands, sampled their music, and engaged in a lively, bourbon-soaked debate that we're sharing with you here. Take a listen and let us know who YOU think does country music and bourbon better. Mentioned in this episode: HomeDadCon Home Dad Chat Podcast Parenting Day From Hell Episode and Playlist Halestorm "Starting Over" Article on Whiskey Riff Show Notes: 5:30:  Dad Life Sound Check - The Dads talk about "War Inside of Me" by Benjamin Tod and Lost Dog Street Band and "Disaster" by the The Red Clay Strays. 13:40: Farm Boy Update- Yellowstone the chicken went to live with another family because her coop mates are a--holes. 16:15: HARDY Update- Congrats to HARDY and his wife, Caleigh, who are expecting their first child! TBD whether "ONE BEER" played a role…. 18:00: The Country Music Bourbon Showdown. Please share your feedback on the Socials or via email at countrymusicdads@gmail.com. All of our content is available at the Country Music Dads Website, countrymusicdads.com. References: Intro Music:⁠⁠“Dark Country Rock” by Moodmode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HARDY Report Theme Music: “Frantic” by Lemon Music Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Farm Boy Update Theme Music: “The Wheels on the Bus Rockabilly Style (instrumental)” by Mike Cole “War Inside of Me” by Lost Dog Street Band “

The second half of the fifth season of the "Yellowstone" TV series is slated to come out on November 10th. In preparation, the Dads compiled a list of the best country songs featured on the show over the years. Take a listen as you prepare for Yellowstone's return and let us know which of your favorites we missed! Mentioned in the Episode:    Underwood Family Farms National Finals Rodeo The Venice West Whiskey Riff article: Yellowstone is my adult WubbaNub WubbaNub Mutt Nation Show Notes: 07:31: Farmboy Update - Harvest season is upon us, so please thank a farmer. 10:28: Dad Life Soundcheck - The Dads talk about "I Never Lie" by Zach Top and "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" by Barbara Mandrell. 15:34: HARDY Report  - Dave discusses HARDY singing the unreleased song "Dog Ears" at Mutt Nation with Miranda Lambert. 19:23: The second half of the fifth season of the "Yellowstone" series is slated to come out on November 10th. The Dads cannot overlook how important music is to the show's success. Therefore we compiled a list of the best country songs featured on the show over the years to prepare you for the upcoming season. Thank you for listening. You can find back episodes and our playlists on ⁠Spotify⁠ and via our ⁠⁠⁠⁠webpage⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠ @countrymusicdads. Correspondence can be sent to ⁠countrymusicdads@gmail.com.⁠ Most importantly, please give us a 5-star review and share the show with all of your friends. References: Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠“Dark Country Rock”⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Moodmode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠HARDY Report Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“Frantic”⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Lemon Music Studio ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Farm Boy Update Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“The Wheels on the Bus Rockabilly Style (instrumental)”⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Mike Cole "I Never Lie" by Zach Top "

We are so grateful to interview Art Eddy for our show! Art is the host of one of the premiere podcasts for Dads, "The Art of Fatherhood". Art has interviewed over 500 Dads over the years about their fatherhood journeys, and we are so honored to get him on the other side of the microphone this week. Mentioned in the Show: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie The Art of Fatherhood Art's Interview with Walker Hayes Gabb Wireless Show Notes: 8:16: Farm Boy Update - Mick got some rain and Yellowstone the chicken has completely recovered from her brush with death. 9:10: HARDY Report - Dave explains how a sippy cup made "BOOTS" one of his favorite songs. 13:00: In the interview with Art Eddy we learn why he does what he does for the "Brotherhood of Fatherhood" and how ⁠Walker Hayes⁠ became one of his favorite guests. Art also shares what he has learned from his guests over the years and the most profound piece of parenting advice he has ever heard. 24:20: Dad Life Sound Check - Art joined us on this segment and talks about "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" and how Taylor Swift's "Never Grow Up" lives rent free in his head. Mick shares how "I Am Not Okay" by Jelly Roll is actually a parenting song. Dave shares his connection to "Ghost In This House" By Alison Krauss. Thank you for listening. You can find back episodes and our playlist on Spotify and via our ⁠⁠⁠webpage⁠⁠⁠. Please follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook @countrymusicdads. Correspondence can be sent to countrymusicdads@gmail.com. Most importantly, please give us a 5-star review and share the show with all of your friends. References: Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠“Dark Country Rock”⁠⁠⁠ by Moodmode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠HARDY Report Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“Frantic”⁠⁠⁠ by Lemon Music Studio ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Farm Boy Update Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“The Wheels on the Bus Rockabilly Style (instrumental)”⁠⁠⁠ by Mike Cole

The Dads discuss the complicated and sometimes controversial phrase, "Mr. Mom," which also happens to be the name of Lonestar's early-2000's hit song. In the stay-at-home dad world, this phrase is bound to get certain people as riled up as ⁠George Jones getting pulled over⁠. We talk about why that is, and what we as active, engaged fathers can do about it. The Country Music Dads share their own experiences hearing that moniker, and only get slightly riled up. This episode was so important, Mick showered for it. And you can totally tell, even over audio. Mentioned in This Episode: "One More Last Chance" music video Dad's Book Club US Surgeon General Study on Parental Mental Health Mr. Mom Movie Dr. Noelle Chesley Lonestar Mr. Mom Video Shannon Carpenter Article Show Notes: 4:21 - Dad Life Sound Check: The Dad's Talk about the Songs "One More Last Chance" by Vince Gill and "Are You Sure Hank Done It That Way" by Waylon Jennings and how they relate to their kids and their parenting styles.  9:05 - HARDY Report: HARDY did an acoustic version of "Father's Son" with Stephen Wilson Jr. and I think it is the first song to be on our playlist twice. 12:10 - Farm Boy Update: Mick laments the fact that it is way too dry in Kansas City.   13:00: The Dads talk about Lonestar's hit song "Mr. Mom." In the stay-at-home dad world this phrase is bound to get certain people as riled up as George Jones getting pulled over. We talk about why that can be for some dads. The Country Music Dads share their own experiences on the subject.  You can find back episodes and our playlist on ⁠Spotify⁠ and via our ⁠⁠⁠⁠webpage⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠ @countrymusicdads. Correspondence can be sent to ⁠countrymusicdads@gmail.com⁠ Most importantly, please give us a 5-star review and share the show with all of your friends. References: Intro Music:

Small town living, hard work, and hay are common themes in country music. We learn how all of these things came together to give the ⁠Country Music Dads⁠ their biggest social media post to date. Our guest is the star of that social media post: Officer Isaiah Lemasters from the Missouri Highway Patrol. Perhaps better known (on the internet) as the hay bale-lifting cop, Officer Lemasters joins us to talk about his viral video, small town life, and a little country music. Mentioned in This Episode: CMA Nominations for Song of the Year: I Had Some Help "Rock Band" on Playstation 3 The Viral Hay Bale Reel Isaiah LeMasters' Instagram page Show Notes: 5:08 - Dad Life Sound Check: The Dad's talk about the songs "I Had Some Help" by Post Malone and "Troubadour"" by George Strait 10:48 -  HARDY Report: Dave got tickets through one of our favorite friends of the show Country Cutler to see ERNEST and he is hoping that HARDY shows up for a collaboration. 14:15 - Farm Boy Update: One of Mick's chickens had a near death experience.   16:39 - The Dads' guest on this episode is Officer Isaiah Lemasters from the Missouri Highway Patrol. Small town living, hard work and hay are common themes in country music. We learn how all of these things came together to give the Country Music Dads their biggest social media post to date.  You can find back episodes and our playlist on Spotify and via our ⁠⁠⁠webpage⁠⁠⁠. Please follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook @countrymusicdads. Correspondence can be sent to countrymusicdads@gmail.com Most importantly, please give us a 5-star review and share the show with all of your friends. References: Intro Music: ⁠“Dark Country Rock”⁠ by Moodmode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HARDY Report Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“Frantic”⁠ by Lemon Music Studio ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Farm Boy Update Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠“The Wheels on the Bus Rockabilly Style (instrumental)”⁠ by Mike Cole "