CMA Fest 2025 is Here!

Whether you're a new fan or already hooked, this episode dives deep into Max McNown’s unique story. The rising star opens up about growing up in Oregon, how his family sparked his love of music, and the unexpected road that led from making lattes to going viral and earning millions of streams. Max shares why he walked away from American Idol, unpacks the stories behind fan-favorite songs, and talks his new album Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up). Before hearing all about Max McNown’s journey, Kelly and Amber give us the scoop about our girl Lainey Wilson and her brand-new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails, which just opened last weekend.Follow Kelly and Amber on Instagram: @thekellysutton and @heyitsamberABe the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelly and Amber are back in the studio this week and have a LOT to catch up on! From being on the bus with Dierks Bentley to catching Old Dominion in Chicago, this episode is packed with artist updates. Plus, they dig into collaborations from the Country Heat Playlist from Ella Langley & Hardy, Chris Stapleton & Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll & Alex Warren, and more!  Next week: Max McNownBe the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our final episode recorded live at CMA Fest 2025, features a raw conversation with Parker McCollum where he reveals career insecurities that may surprise you.In this chat, we dive into two big topics in Parker’s world right now: fatherhood and his brand-new self-titled album. He opens up about recording for seven straight days in NYC with laser focus and why this is the first time he’s ever truly loved a project.Parker also talks about the vulnerability behind “Hope That I’m Enough,” writing “Permanent Headphones” at just 15, and teaming up with Cody Johnson for a standout cover of “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues.”Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cole Swindell is in the midst of one of the biggest years of his life, and in this episode, we caught up with him LIVE at CMA Fest 2025 to talk all about it. To sum it all up, his new album Spanish Moss drops June 27, he’s gearing up for the Happy Hour Sad Tour, and he and his wife Courtney are getting ready to welcome their first baby. Cole opens up about becoming a dad, takes us behind the stories of several songs on his 21-track project, talks the special meaning behind the album title and teases how he’s building setlists around both chart-toppers and new fan favorites.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dasha’s rise might seem like an overnight success—but she’s been chasing this dream since elementary school!In this special episode recorded live at CMA Fest 2025, our Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist shares the journey behind her stardom: from musical theatre and writing songs about her crush to performing in coffee shops—all before the age of 10.Get the real story on how a video filmed in a horse stable turned ""Austin"" into a viral hit and when we can expect new music. Dasha opens up about her wild ride, staying grounded, and the passion that’s fueled her every step of the way.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The guys of Rascal Flatts —Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, and Joe Don Rooney—join us live from CMA Fest to celebrate their new album Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets. From collaborating with the Jonas Brothers on the new summer anthem “I Dare You” to reimagining classics with friends like Kelly Clarkson, Carly Pearce, the Backstreet Boys, and more, they open up about what inspired this unique project and how it all came together. The trio also reflects on their emotional reunion, unforgettable tour moments, and the night their signature harmonies first came together in a Nashville bar. Plus, we get the scoop on what’s next and why the door isn’t closed on more Rascal Flatts live shows.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our favorite week of the year is here - CMA Fest! Kelly and Amber run down all the places you can see them if you're in Nashville this week, including live tapings of Country Heat Weekly with Rascal Flatts, Cole Swindell, Dasha and Parker McCullum. Plus they'll take you to the rodeo for a special performance with Reba & friends! Follow Kelly and Amber on Instagram:@TheKelly Sutton@HeyItsAmberASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How is the wedding planning going and why did Lainey Wilson get engaged at George Jones' former home? Kelly and Amber ask these questions - and get the answers. To celebrate Lainey’s big ACM wins, we’re bringing back the fan-favorite episode that dropped the week Whirlwind hit. Don’t miss the encore!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Saddle up as we join Jelly Roll, Reba and Tim McGraw in welcoming Nashville's first rodeo! Plus tea was spilled, and it's piping hot with details on upcoming projects from Riley Green and Gabby Barrett! Kelly and Amber also share a wild George Strait story and scoop on how Hootie and the Blowfish made all of Scotty McCreery's Carolina dreams come true.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Six seasons in, Blake Shelton FINALLY joins us in the Center Stage Spotlight. Listen in to this jam-packed episode as Blake dives into The Road, his new show with Keith Urban, and reveals whether he’d ever return to The Voice. Blake shares how the album title For Recreational Use Only came to him, opens up about the stories behind a few standout tracks, and reflects on what it was like being back in the studio with his wife, Gwen Stefani. He even tells the hilarious story of being mistaken for Terri Clark—and tops it all off by creating an impromptu Country Heat Weekly theme song.Kelly & Amber also recap their time at the 60th ACM Awards and share some behind-the-scenes scoop from the artists they caught up with including Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey, Ella Langley, Dasha and more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.