I-65 to 30a

Professional musicians Krissa and Mark Gillespie currently call the Emerald Coast their home. They met in 2015 while Mark was living in N on a break from touring with Trace Adkins' band. After years of performing and touring, their vocal and musical talents are showcased weekly along Highway 30A. Krissa fronts the Pickled Pickers band with Mark on lead guitar, and together they also perform as a duo called The Kennedys, named after their daughter. Krissa and Mark are exceptional performers who have garnered a local following. They play a mix of cover songs and original material. We discussed their early years, how life on the road affects relationships and careers, as well as their upcoming new releases. You can follow Krissa and Mark on Instagram.  This episode was recorded at SOWAL House in Rosemary Beach, FL. 

Dan Navarro has had a successful career, penning such hits as Pat Benatar's "We Belong." He is also a talented voice actor and discusses his many Hollywood TV and movie projects. I sat down with Dan at North Beach Social in Santa Rosa Beach, FL in between his performances at the 2025 30a Songwriters Festival. His talent extends in multiple directors in music and film.  Follow Dan at https://dannavarro.com Read his article along with other Southern Americana and I-65 to 30a podcast guests at https://onesouthernman.com  

Wyatt Espalin, a native of Hiawassee, Georgia, began his musical career with the encouragement and influence of his grandfather. He released his debut album, Songwriter/Singer, in 2015, and his latest EP, Diamondback, is currently available. I had the opportunity to catch up with Wyatt during the 2025 30A Songwriters Festival, where he has performed for several years. In addition to discussing his upbringing on his grandfather's campground, we talked about the art of Appalachian fiddle styles, a genre in which Wyatt excels. He, along with other musicians, also teaches songwriting techniques to inmates at a Florida correctional institution.   Special thanks to Shacks Art Gallery in Grayton Beach, FL for the use of thier podcast studio. Follow Wyatt's tour schedule at wyattespalinmusic.com. Thanks to Grant Walden at HearTell Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL for co-hosting this episode and editing. You can also find the story link to this episode at OneSouthernMan.com 

Levi Lowrey is a singer-songwriter based in Dacula, Georgia. His hit song, "Colder Weather," was a chart-topping success for the Zac Brown Band. In collaboration with fellow songwriter Wyatt Durrette, Levi forms the duo "Yesterday's Wine," and together they continue to produce incredible music. I had the opportunity to catch up with Levi during the 16th annual 30A Songwriters Festival. Along with his wife, Stephanie, they discussed Levi's writing and production schedule. Levi has been open about his struggles with mental health issues and how they affect both his professional and family life. Joining us for this episode was Grant Walden, the owner of HearTell Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Grant also edits this podcast.

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the 30a Songwriters Festival. Over 125 singer-songwriters, from Devon Allman to Jeffrey Steele, Levi Lowrey, Wyatt Durrante, and Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) will perform in 32 venues from Rosemary Beach to Miramar Beach, Florida. Local 30a singer-songwriter Dion Jones is making his second festival appearance and joined me to preview this year's lineup. You can catch Dion and his band weekly at AJ's and Chringo in Grayton Beach, Cabana Cafe in Seascape, Papa Surf Burger Bar, and North Beach Social. 

Richard Orga helps development up-and-coming talent from his Nashville, Tennessee office. He also helped publish 'It's Five O'Clock Somewhere' and other chart-topping hits.

The Forrest Williams Band, comprised of the husband-wife duo Pherrel and Forrest Williams, is one of 30A's most popular bands. Originally from Northwest Arkansas, they have spent most of their lives and marriage performing and writing music. Check out their fantastic love story and how their music impacts many adoring fans' lives.

Known as the "Alabama Astronaut" and based in Mobile, AL, Abe Partridge writes and performs his unique style of Americana music. A staple at multiple songwriting festivals each year, Partridge tours and performs extensively. I sat down with Abe during the 2024 30A Songwriters Festival at SOWAL House in Rosemary Beach, FL to discuss his music, preaching background, and his own podcast.  When he isn't touring and writing songs, Partridge spends time painting. His various paintings hang in the private collections of Tyler Childers and Tommy Prine. His latest album, "Love In the Dark," is available through all major streaming platforms and his website. 

A Panama City Beach, FL, area native, Will Thompson has played in local and regional music venues for years. When he was 18, he sold everything to raise enough money for a recording studio. Along with his wife and band, the Will Thompson Band is one of 30A's most popular acts. Listen to our conversation and learn the story behind his latest single, 'Checklist.' 

Few of Music City's top record executives will argue that Jeffrey Steele is one of Nashville's all-time great songwriters. Yet what makes Steele so unique is that he devotes much of his time to mentoring the next generation of wordsmiths. I sat down with Jeffrey in the podcast studio at SOWAL House in Rosemary Beach, FL, during the 30A Songwriters Festival to hear his story of personal trials and successes.