Jacob Hackworth on Writing “Rock and A Hard Place,” Hunting & His Road to Nashville

Jason Matzinger and Tara Banks join Mary O’Neill Phillips on the Country Outdoors Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation from Bozeman, Montana about grizzly bears, hunting, conservation, wildlife art, outdoor storytelling, and the changing American West. Jason—creator of Into the High Country and the filmmaker behind the upcoming Walking With Grizzlies documentary—shares why the grizzly bear comeback in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone region has become one of the biggest conservation conversations in the West. They discuss bear recovery, increasing human-bear encounters, attack survivors, delisting, management, and the reality of living alongside grizzlies. Wildlife artist and self-taught bowhunter Tara Banks shares how she built a career through art and social media, learned to hunt independently, bowhunted her first whitetail, and turned a shared passion for the outdoors into adventures with Jason—from bear hunting in Montana to hunting ibex, mouflon, and fallow deer in Spain. They also explore the changing character of Bozeman and Jackson Hole, public-land pressure, western hunting, wolf reintroduction, elk herds, AI-generated content, authentic storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and why real experiences still matter. Topics covered: Jason Matzinger, Tara Banks, Country Outdoors Podcast, Mary O’Neill Phillips, grizzly bears, grizzly bear conservation, grizzly bear delisting, Walking With Grizzlies, Into the High Country, Montana hunting, bear attacks, bear management, Yellowstone, Bozeman Montana, Jackson Hole Wyoming, wolf reintroduction, public-land hunting, bowhunting, wildlife art, Spain hunting, outdoor filmmaking, conservation, hunting podcast, outdoor podcast.

Johnathon Schaech joins Country Outdoors to talk about Blue Ridge, Hollywood, faith, sobriety, fatherhood, and the move that changed his life. Known for Blue Ridge, That Thing You Do!, How to Make an American Quilt, and Houdini, Johnathon shares the unlikely road that took him from blue-collar Maryland to Hollywood—and ultimately to a new life in Nashville. He talks about playing Sheriff Justin Wise in Blue Ridge, why family-friendly storytelling matters to him, and his hopes for the future of the series. Johnathon also shares stories from the set of How to Make an American Quilt, including working with Maya Angelou and unexpectedly realizing he had been talking with Steven Spielberg. He reflects on That Thing You Do!, working with Tom Hanks, meeting Brad Pitt early in his career, and the unlikely series of events that redirected him from a Chippendales audition toward acting. Jonathan Schaech shares the deeply personal story of the sexual abuse he says he experienced early in his Hollywood career at the hands of director Franco Zeffirelli. He explains how hearing Rose McGowan speak publicly about Harvey Weinstein helped him understand the power dynamics, shame, and trauma surrounding his own experience.Jonathan reflects on finding his voice amid the broader #MeToo-era conversations around abuse, power, and accountability. In a moving exchange, host Mary O’Neill Phillips also shares her own experience as a survivor and the lasting impact it had on her relationship with faith and healing. Together, they have an honest conversation about trauma, sobriety, recovery, faith, and finding the strength to speak the truth and move forward with hope, healing, and family. Beyond the movies and television, this is a conversation about dyslexia, family, recovery, fatherhood, faith, and choosing to leave Los Angeles for Nashville. Johnathon opens up about finding purpose outside of Hollywood, helping others through 12-step recovery, and building a life rooted in presence and community. Content advisory: This episode includes candid discussion of trauma, sexual assault, addiction, recovery, and mental health. In this episode: Johnathon’s role as Sheriff Justin Wise in Blue Ridge The future of Blue Ridge and why the series matters to him Moving from Hollywood to Nashville for family That Thing You Do!, Tom Hanks, Maya Angelou, and Steven Spielberg Dyslexia, acting, and finding your lane Sobriety, recovery, fatherhood, and faith Working with Tom Hanks and Christina Applegate Building a more purposeful life beyond fame Working on cult-classic Australian comedy movie "Welcome to Woop Woop " If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, support is available through local recovery resources and 12-step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics

Blue Ridge star Johnathon Schaech joins Mary O'Neill on Country Outdoors Podcast for an honest conversation about 12 years of sobriety, leaving Hollywood, faith, fatherhood, and building a new life in Nashville Tennessee. Known for playing Sheriff Justin Wise in Blue Ridge, as well as roles in That Thing You Do!, How to Make an American Quilt, and Houdini and many more! Johnathon shares the unlikely road from blue-collar Maryland to Hollywood—and the personal transformation that led him to choose family, recovery, and purpose over the life he once knew. Jonathan Schaech shares the deeply personal story of the sexual abuse he says he experienced early in his Hollywood career at the hands of director Franco Zeffirelli. He explains how hearing Rose McGowan speak publicly about Harvey Weinstein helped him understand the power dynamics, shame, and trauma surrounding his own experience.Jonathan reflects on finding his voice amid the broader #MeToo-era conversations around abuse, power, and accountability. In a moving exchange, host Mary O’Neill Phillips also shares her own experience as a survivor and the lasting impact it had on her relationship with faith and healing. Together, they have an honest conversation about trauma, sobriety, recovery, faith, and finding the strength to speak the truth and move forward with hope, healing, and family. Johnathon talks about Blue Ridge, what makes the series different, why family-friendly storytelling matters, and why he hopes the show continues. He also shares incredible stories about working with Maya Angelou, realizing he had been talking with Steven Spielberg on the set of How to Make an American Quilt, meeting Brad Pitt early in his career, and working with Tom Hanks. Beyond the screen, this is a conversation about dyslexia, faith, recovery, fatherhood, and becoming more present for the people who matter most. Johnathon reflects on sobriety, helping others through 12-step recovery, and why his move from Los Angeles to Nashville changed the direction of his life. In this episode: 12 years of sobriety and the road to recovery Johnathon Schaech on Blue Ridge and Sheriff Justin Wise Why he hopes Blue Ridge continues Why he left Los Angeles and moved his family to Nashville That Thing You Do!, Tom Hanks, Maya Angelou, Christina Applegate and Steven Spielberg The unexpected Chippendales audition that redirected his life Working on cult-classic Australian comedy movie "Welcome to Woop Woop " Dyslexia, acting, and learning to find your lane, or Vegetable... Fatherhood, faith, purpose, and building a better life Helping others through 12-step recovery and community OUR Partners : Solture Swimwear https://soltureswimwear.com BOG https://www.boghunt.com OnX Hunt https://bit.ly/3UyuOKN Mossy Oak https://store.mossyoak.com Content Advisory: This episode includes candid discussion of trauma, sexual assault, addiction, recovery, and mental health. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug use, support is available: Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org Narcotics Anonymous: https://na.org Treatment and support: https://FindTreatment.gov U.S. & Canada crisis support: Call or text 988 Subscribe to Country Outdoors for real conversations with actors, musicians, athletes, outdoorsmen, and people living with purpose. Chapters 00:00:00 Johnathon Schaech on sobriety, faith & leaving Hollywood 00:02:24 Welcome Johnathon Schaech to Country Outdoors 00:03:09 How to Make an American Quilt & That Thing You Do! 00:04:36 Maya Angelou, Steven Spielberg & Hollywood stories 00:07:19 Growing up in Maryland & discovering acting 00:09:05 Dyslexia, acting school & finding his path 00:11:23 The Chippendales audition that changed everything 00:13:25 Roy London, Brad Pitt & Hollywood acting class 00:18:00 Fatherhood, family & getting older in Hollywood 00:19:03 Faith, sobriety & leaving Los Angeles for Nashville 00:21:16 Blue Ridge, Sheriff Justin Wise & a new chapter 00:21:43 Finding faith and community in Nashville 00:23:04 Content warning: trauma, faith & survivor support 00:28:06 12 years sober: addiction, healing & recovery 00:32:03 Faith, freedom & seeing life differently 00:35:51 Fatherhood, trauma & breaking generational cycles 00:40:38 Blue Ridge: family-friendly storytelling & Season 2 00:42:45 Blue Ridge fitness, action scenes & Sheriff Justin Wise 00:47:55 Marriage, faith & 12 years of sobriety 00:50:35 Helping others through 12-step recovery 00:54:45 Hollywood, Nashville & family life 00:58:23 Tom Hanks, Australia & career reflections 01:00:32 What Johnathon Schaech wants to be remembered for 01:02:02 Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous & recovery resources 01:02:57 Blue Ridge Season 1 & Season 2 #JohnathonSchaech #BlueRidge #BlueRidgeSeries #SheriffJustinWise #ThatThingYouDo #Sobriety #Recovery #Faith #Hollywood #Nashville #CountryOutdoors #metoo

Jacob Hackworth joins Country Outdoors host, Mary O'Neill to share the story behind writing Bailey Zimmerman’s No. 1 hit, “Rock and A Hard Place,” and his road from southern Missouri to Nashville. Jacob is a country artist and songwriter whose first major-label cut became a No. 1 song with Bailey Zimmerman. In this conversation, he takes us inside the songwriting journey that led to “Rock and A Hard Place,” what it was like hearing the record take off, and why he is now pursuing his own career as a country artist. Before Nashville, publishing deals, and writing hit songs, Jacob was a small-town Missouri kid raised around deer camp. He shares unforgettable stories from his early days deer hunting—his first rifle hunt with his mom, the buck that got away, buying his first Mathews bow after working construction and hauling hay, and the unexpected story behind his first bow kill. We also talk bowhunting, turkey hunting, public-land deer camp traditions, hunting with family, and the outdoor experiences that shaped who he is. Jacob also opens up about singing in church and school choir, posting early music videos, working long shifts building railroad track, learning guitar in hotel rooms, making the move to Nashville with his bandmates, working whatever jobs he could, and falling in love with the craft of songwriting before earning his first major breakthrough. In this episode: Jacob Hackworth on writing Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place” How a first major-label cut became his first No. 1 hit The reality of chasing country music and songwriting in Nashville From railroad work to country songwriting Jacob’s artist career and his next chapter in country music Southern Missouri deer camp and growing up in the outdoors His first deer hunt, a rifle malfunction, and the buck that got away Buying his first Mathews bow after hauling hay and working construction The hilarious truth behind his first bow kill Turkey hunting, public-land hunting, family hunting traditions, and conservation If you enjoy country music, Nashville songwriting stories, behind-the-scenes artist conversations, deer hunting, bowhunting, turkey hunting, and outdoor culture, subscribe to Country Outdoors for more conversations with the people shaping country music and the outdoors. Follow Jacob Hackworth: https://www.jacobhackworth.com Subscribe to Country Outdoors for conversations about hunting, fishing, farming, country life, western culture, outdoor adventure, and the people living it. https://linktr.ee/countryoutdoorsofficial Get Country Outdoors merch here! ➡️ https://countryoutdoors.com/shop ---------- OUR Partners : BOG https://www.boghunt.com OnX Hunt https://bit.ly/3UyuOKN Mossy Oak https://store.mossyoak.com Chapters 00:00:00 Jacob Hackworth’s first No. 1 hit 00:00:41 Jacob Hackworth joins Country Outdoors 00:01:56 Growing up in southern Missouri 00:03:52 First deer hunt with his mom 00:07:17 A lesson from the buck that got away 00:09:30 Getting into bowhunting 00:10:34 First bow kill story 00:14:34 Deer hunting ethics and hunter recruitment 00:15:35 Turkey hunting in Nashville 00:16:58 When Jacob Hackworth started songwriting 00:18:29 Singing “God Bless the Broken Road” as a kid 00:21:54 Posting country music covers on Instagram 00:23:19 Working on the railroad and learning guitar 00:24:56 Writing his first country songs 00:27:53 First songwriting advice in Nashville 00:28:30 Moving to Nashville to chase country music 00:30:21 Life as a struggling songwriter in Nashville 00:31:28 Writing “Rock and A Hard Place” for Bailey Zimmerman 00:33:12 The story behind Jacob’s first major-label cut 00:36:00 How “Rock and A Hard Place” became a No. 1 hit #JacobHackworth #BaileyZimmerman #RockAndAHardPlace #CountryMusic #CountrySongwriter #DeerHunting #Bowhunting #Nashville

Jacob Hackworth joins Country Outdoors host, Mary O'Neill to share the story behind writing Bailey Zimmerman’s No. 1 hit, “Rock and A Hard Place,” and his road from southern Missouri to Nashville. Jacob is a country artist and songwriter whose first major-label cut became a No. 1 song with Bailey Zimmerman. In this conversation, he takes us inside the songwriting journey that led to “Rock and A Hard Place,” what it was like hearing the record take off, and why he is now pursuing his own career as a country artist. Before Nashville, publishing deals, and writing hit songs, Jacob was a small-town Missouri kid raised around deer camp. He shares unforgettable stories from his early days deer hunting—his first rifle hunt with his mom, the buck that got away, buying his first Mathews bow after working construction and hauling hay, and the unexpected story behind his first bow kill. We also talk bowhunting, turkey hunting, public-land deer camp traditions, hunting with family, and the outdoor experiences that shaped who he is. Jacob also opens up about singing in church and school choir, posting early music videos, working long shifts building railroad track, learning guitar in hotel rooms, making the move to Nashville with his bandmates, working whatever jobs he could, and falling in love with the craft of songwriting before earning his first major breakthrough. In this episode: Jacob Hackworth on writing Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place” How a first major-label cut became his first No. 1 hit The reality of chasing country music and songwriting in Nashville From railroad work to country songwriting Jacob’s artist career and his next chapter in country music Southern Missouri deer camp and growing up in the outdoors His first deer hunt, a rifle malfunction, and the buck that got away Buying his first Mathews bow after hauling hay and working construction The hilarious truth behind his first bow kill Turkey hunting, public-land hunting, family hunting traditions, and conservation If you enjoy country music, Nashville songwriting stories, behind-the-scenes artist conversations, deer hunting, bowhunting, turkey hunting, and outdoor culture, subscribe to Country Outdoors for more conversations with the people shaping country music and the outdoors. Follow Jacob Hackworth: https://www.jacobhackworth.com Subscribe to Country Outdoors for conversations about hunting, fishing, farming, country life, western culture, outdoor adventure, and the people living it. https://linktr.ee/countryoutdoorsofficial

Brett Maverick and Brayden Pridemore from Farmer Wants a Wife join Mary O'Neill on Country Outdoors to talk life after the show—relationships, farming, hunting, bull riding, concussions, CTE, and neurofeedback. Brett and Brayden share what Farmer Wants a Wife was really like, from intense filming days and life around the cameras to long-distance relationships, family farms, cattle, horses, and what it takes to stay rooted in rural life. They also get into Illinois big bucks, turkey hunting, duck hunting, fishing, bull riding, rodeo injuries, brain health, and Brett’s personal experience with neurofeedback after years of concussions. Plus: music, songwriting, business ventures, and what both guys are building after the show.

Eva Shockey joins Mary O'Neill on Country Outdoors for an honest conversation about becoming the second woman featured on the cover of Field & Stream, women in hunting, bowhunting, motherhood, and building a legacy of her own. Eva reflects on growing up in the Shockey family, finding her path in the outdoor world, learning to hunt on camera, and navigating the pressure of being one of hunting’s most recognizable women. She also shares thoughts on family, faith, travel, marriage, authenticity, and making outdoor life work alongside motherhood. In this episode: • Eva’s Field & Stream milestone • Growing up with Jim and Louise Shockey • Starting to hunt after college • Her first hunt in Africa • Being “the only girl” in hunting • Bowhunting, motherhood, and career • Building an independent path and legacy Follow Eva Shockey: https://evashockey.com Follow Country Outdoors: https://linktr.ee/countryoutdoorsoffi CHAPTERS 00:00 Eva Shockey: Women in Hunting 00:57 Welcome Eva Shockey 01:43 Moving to Franklin, Tennessee 05:11 Growing Up in the Shockey Family 12:47 Wild Game and Outdoor Upbringing 13:45 Starting to Hunt After College 16:54 First Hunt in Africa 18:22 Learning to Hunt on Camera 19:08 Being the Only Girl in Hunting 22:14 Lessons From Jim Shockey 23:10 Creating Her Own Path 27:22 Bowhunting, Motherhood, and Career

What does it take to create a legacy that outlives the spotlight? In this episode of Country Outdoors, Mary O’Neill Phillips sits down with Jamie Nudie, granddaughter of legendary tailor Nudie Cohn—the visionary behind the rhinestone-studded Western suits that helped define the look of country music, Hollywood cowboys, and rock ’n’ roll. Jamie shares the family stories behind Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors: from Nudie’s early beginnings and his bold decision to bring sparkle, fringe, and rhinestones to Western wear, to the artists who wore his work—including Roy Rogers, Tex Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Gram Parsons, Marty Robbins, David Lee Roth, and Elvis Presley. They talk about the making of Elvis’ iconic gold lamé suit, the personal friendship behind the famous clients, the origin of the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Nudie’s custom cars, and the irreplaceable vintage pieces Jamie now protects and shares with the world. Jamie also opens up about growing up with her grandfather, his unmatched boots that honored his humble beginnings, the original North Hollywood store, and what it means to preserve a family archive when every suit carries a story. From country music history to Western fashion, family, craftsmanship, and the American dream—this is the legacy of the man behind the stones. Visit Nudie’s Honky Tonk at 409 Broadway in Nashville, where vintage suits, historic memorabilia, and Nudie’s final Cadillac are on display.

@breakingbenjamin Jasen Rauch joins Country Outdoors for a wide-ranging conversation about music, life on the road, fatherhood, the band’s new album—and the unbelievable day he returned to his Nashville home and found squatters inside. Jasen shares what happened when he walked into the house during a move, discovered the damage and stolen belongings, and had to navigate an incredibly stressful situation while preparing to leave for tour. He also talks about the journey from working in Nashville recording studios and co-founding Red to joining Breaking Benjamin, writing alongside Ben Burnley, and completing the band’s biggest and longest album-production process yet. We get into some of Jasen’s biggest career moments, including playing with Metallica during the Black Album anniversary celebration and sharing a bill with Ozzy Osbourne. He also opens up about being a dad while living the touring life, raising his daughters to pursue their passions, his love for the outdoors, his interest in hunting and fishing, and using his platform to support veterans and first responders. This episode was recorded at Scuba Diving International headquarters in Florida while training for a future wounded-veteran dive program.

Eric Tansey is a former police officer, combat veteran, podcaster, and author of Pig Latin: A Seriously Funny True Story of a Former Police Officer. In this episode, Eric tells the unbelievable story of his first day as a rookie cop—only minutes into the job—when a routine call became absolute chaos. We dive into the hilarious, outrageous, and sometimes dark real-life police stories that inspired Pig Latin, including what it was like learning law enforcement on one of Raleigh’s toughest beats. Eric shares how writing helped him process the job, how a collection of wild police stories became a book, and why Pig Latin is more than just another “cop book.” But this conversation goes much deeper than rookie cop chaos. Eric takes us back to his life as a Saint Augustine beach kid and deep-sea fishing deckhand, the moment he felt called to join the military, his combat deployment to Afghanistan, Green Beret selection, SERE school, leadership lessons, and the complicated transition from military service to police work. We also discuss his personal perspective on the war in Afghanistan and the U.S. withdrawal. Eric also opens up about being wounded in the line of duty, trauma, faith, marriage, raising five kids, homeschooling, getting rid of screens, building self-reliant children, and learning to put fatherhood ahead of personal ambition. He shares why he recently rededicated his life to Christ and what becoming a spiritual leader in his home means to him. We begin at Scuba Diving International, where Eric helped create a veteran-focused scuba-diving initiative designed to bring wounded veterans, combat veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and their loved ones into a healing experience on the water. This is one of the funniest and most honest conversations we’ve had: from combat stories and police academy pressure to fatherhood, faith, healing, outdoor living, and the wild true stories behind Pig Latin.