Hops & Spirits: Bar Conversations

Country artist and actor Jet Jurgensmeyer joins Jonathan Greene for Episode 298 of Bar Conversations to talk about his journey from child actor to country music artist, growing up in the entertainment industry, and what's next in his career.From playing Boyd on FOX's Last Man Standing alongside Tim Allen to pursuing his passion for country music, Jet has spent much of his life balancing acting, songwriting and performing. He looks back on getting his start in entertainment at just 3 years old, shares how his experiences on television and film shaped him as a performer, and discusses life as an independent artist while attending Belmont University.Jet also dives into the stories behind his latest single, "Sane to My Crazy," his duet "Drink Alone" with Kayleigh Clark, and his powerful song "RED," which has surpassed one million streams worldwide. Along the way, he talks songwriting, resilience, life outside of music, and giving back through his work with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and Seacrest Studios.Plus, we get into what keeps him grounded, his favorite part of performing live, and what fans can expect next.Jonathan's Drinking: Three Chord Hard Pressed Tennessee Whiskey

On this episode of Bar Conversations, Greener sits down with country singer-songwriter Caleb Lee Hutchinson to discuss his new album, Long Line of Losers. Caleb talks about returning to the traditional country sounds of the 1970s, reuniting with producer Titanic Sinclair, and finding inspiration in artists like Sturgill Simpson, Jamey Johnson and Tyler Childers.Caleb also reflects on growing up in Dallas, Georgia, learning Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” on guitar at age five, and his evolution as a songwriter, from working with Brent Cobb on Slot Machine Syndrome to exploring indie rock and synth influences on Southern Galactic. He shares the stories behind new songs “Famous” and “Sadder Days,” discusses taking creative control of his music, previews the upcoming Long Line of Losers Tour and so much more.Jonathan’s Drinking: Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2026

A song posted online caught Charlie Puth’s attention, earned praise from Luke Combs, and helped put Kenny Whitmire on the country music radar. On this episode of Bar Conversations, Jonathan Greene talks with the rising singer-songwriter about his debut EP, Fool In A King Size Bed, his traditional country influences, and his journey from Woodstock, Georgia, to Nashville.Kenny shares how legends like Merle Haggard, Vince Gill, Keith Whitley and Randy Travis shaped his sound, along with his time playing guitar in Austin Snell’s band. He also discusses the stories behind “I Gave Her The Moon,” which caught Charlie Puth’s attention on TikTok, and “One Foot In The Grave,” his modern tribute to classic country.Plus, Kenny talks about collaborating with Vince Gill on “Movin’ On’s Movin’ In,” making his Grand Ole Opry debut, touring with Hudson Westbrook and Ethan Burdick, and preparing to welcome his first daughter in March 2027.Jonathan’s Drinking: Shortbarrel Four Grain Bourbon

On this episode of Bar Conversations, Jonathan Greene sits down with country artist Kalsey Kulyk to talk about her musical journey, her latest single, “Your Side of the Bar,” and the exciting news that she’ll make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Nov. 21, 2026. Originally from Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Kalsey shares stories of performing from the age of three, picking up the guitar as a kid and winning a local singing competition at 14.Kalsey opens up about how personal experiences have shaped her music, from seeing firsthand how songs can help people through difficult times to facing Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a teenager and reaching 15 years in remission. She reflects on her early Nashville songwriting sessions, winning the CCMA Discovery Artist program and Anthem Entertainment’s “On The Spot” contest, and the creative adventures of her pandemic-era Love on the Road rooftop concert tour with her husband, Eric Ethridge. She also discusses her recent EP, Her Rodeo, the heartfelt single “Little Boy,” and the honest storytelling behind her songs, including “Love Me Like an Outlaw” and “Cut Him Loose.” Plus, Kalsey shares what Lainey Wilson’s mentorship and their past collaboration on “Dreamcatcher” have meant to her, what performing on the legendary Opry stage will represent, and what’s ahead for the rest of 2026 and into 2027.Jonathan’s Drinking: Woodinville Rye Port Finished

We sit down with country artist and songwriter Ryan Jewel to talk about his journey from Front Royal, Virginia, to Nashville and the release of his sophomore album, Barrel Full of Whiskey. Ryan shares how growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, spending summers with his grandfather in South Carolina, and discovering music at a young age helped shape him as a songwriter. He also talks about earning a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson University, working as a park ranger while playing weekend gigs, and eventually making the move to Nashville to pursue music full-time.Ryan dives into the making of Barrel Full of Whiskey and the personal stories woven throughout the 12-song collection. He also reflects on honoring his grandparents’ 66-year marriage through his songwriting, the importance of real-life experiences in his creative process, and what it means to him to be an independent country artist. Plus, he talks about celebrating his album release back home in Virginia, sharing stages with artists like Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, connecting with fans onstage, and what’s ahead.Jonathan’s Drinking: Bib & Tucker 8YR Bottled-in-Bond

On this episode of Bar Conversations, we chat with Australian singer-songwriter and rodeo cowboy Wade Forster to talk about his journey from a 60,000-acre cattle station in outback Queensland to an international country music career. Wade shares stories from his years as a farrier and rodeo competitor, teaching himself guitar after buying his first one for $50 on Facebook Marketplace, and the music that shaped him along the way. He also reflects on winning the Toyota Star Maker competition in 2024, taking his music to Texas, winning two Golden Guitar Awards in 2026, and earning a CMA International Award nomination.Wade discusses his third album, The Aftermath, and the idea of capturing the clarity and reality of the morning after the party represented by his 2025 album Gooseneck Party. He talks about opening the album with spoken-word poetry, embracing co-writing, and his new collaboration with Treaty Oak Revival, “Can of Worms,” which grew out of their connection through Wade’s cover of “No Vacancy.” Wade also looked ahead to his Grand Ole Opry debut, his North American The Aftermath Tour, and what’s coming next.Jonathan’s Drinking: Larrikin 9YR Rye Whiskey

On this episode of Bar Conversations, Jonathan chats with Michael Lee, of the soul and blues band Michael Lee & The Wartime Limousine, ahead of the group’s self-titled debut album arriving Oct. 30. Michael talks about growing up in Texas, discovering the blues, sneaking into Dallas blues clubs as a teenager, and the musical influences that continue to shape his sound. He also looks back at his 2018 appearance on NBC’s The Voice, where he turned three chairs with B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” and joined Blake Shelton’s team.Michael shares how performing and recording with members of the B.B. King Blues Band, Taj Mahal and Kenny Wayne Shepherd helped shape his path and eventually led to the formation of The Wartime Limousine. He explains the story behind the band’s name, working with co-producers Daniel Balis and Jeff “Skin” Wade of Silver Skylarks, and signing with Skylark Soul Co. Michael also dives into the making of the new album at Niles City Sound in Fort Worth, the decision to record live to tape using vintage equipment, and how Texas roots meet classic soul throughout the 10-track record. Plus, he breaks down songs including “Drowning,” “You and I,” “Caught It,” “Outta My Head” and “Living High,” talks about performing live, and what’s ahead for the band in 2026 and 2027.Jonathan’s Drinking: First West Explorer by 15 STARS

Rising singer-songwriter Kinsley joins Bar Conversations to talk about about her journey into music and the story behind her debut EP Learn to Live, which arrives September 25. Kinsley talks about growing up between California, Texas and Tennessee, her early love of poetry, discovering songwriting, and finding an audience through her intimate “Midnight Sessions” on YouTube. She also opens up about her belief that music can be an emotcional refuge and her goal of creating songs that help people feel less alone.Kinsley also discusses signing a worldwide exclusive publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and bringing her six-song debut EP to life. She breaks down songs including “Learn to Live,” “Pieces of Me,” “Whiplash” and “Cold July” featuring Caitlyn Smith, and talks about the vulnerability of turning personal experiences into music. Plus, Kinsley shares what she has learned from songwriter rounds and touring, her favorite song to perform live, and what’s ahead.Jonathan’s Drinking: Whiskey Jypsi Legacy Vol. 3

Matt Koziol is back on Bar Conversations for his second appearance on the show. The country artist and songwriter talks about growing up in New Jersey, Elvis’ influence, buying his first guitar for $10, and recording his first demo at 15. Matt also shares the advice from his junior high music teacher Reggie Turner that helped shape his approach to music and life. He discusses signing with Casual Records, his new single “90 Proof,” and the music he has coming next.Matt also breaks down his work as a songwriter, including “Yearnin’ for You” by 49 Winchester and “Cost of Life” by Colby Acuff. The conversation covers the songs he most enjoys performing, fishing, bourbon and his bottle collection, his pre-show drink ritual, and what fans can expect from him through the rest of 2026. Jonathan's Drinking: Rare Character Single Barrel Series

Rising singer-songwriter Onoleigh joins the Bar Conversations to talk about her journey from a small town in Illinois and a career in social work to pursuing music full-time in Nashville. She shares the moment she decided to take the leap, her early days playing Broadway at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, her breakthrough 2025 EP First Rodeo, and the experiences that shaped her as an artist and songwriter.Onoleigh also discusses her upcoming EP Love Bomb, arriving in October, including songs like “Copy & Paste,” “Waited Too Long” and “Losing Me in You,” and working with producers Paul Moak and ANTi. She talks about founding OVATION, performing without a setlist, staying authentic while building a career, and what fans can expect from her for the rest of 2026. Jonathan’s Drinking: Hard Truth American Odd Bottled in Bond.