Get Real -w- Caroline Hobby

Greylan James rolled into Nashville broke, living in a rundown East Nashville house surviving on tomato soup and a dream. Before the hits, he was writing nonstop, and once house-sat for a hit songwriter — then threw a 200-person party without asking. The songwriter’s response? “Hope you have a great time — just let everyone know it’s my house.” Legend. Greylan went on to co-write “Happy Does,” Kenny Chesney’s #1 hit, then penned the Song of the Year, “Next Thing You Know,” for Jordan Davis. Now he’s stepping into the spotlight with “Water at a Wedding,” a nail bitter that has fans on the edge of their seat asking: Is he the baby daddy? No answers yet — but we’re all desperately waiting to know the truth. From broke to blazing, Greylan’s  just getting started.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Caroline throws it back to her first podcast ever...Almost 10 years ago! And her first guest was Darius Rucker!  Front man of Hootie & the Blowfish, and Country Superstar, Darius explains his musical journey. He conquered both Pop/Rock and Country radio, selling over 30 million albums. Darius couldn’t be more down-to-earth and hilarious as we talk, career, love, marriage, life, The Grand ole Opry, and everything in between.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dusty Slay joins Caroline for this bonus episode of Get Real! Dusty answers questions like: What's a side of you that you only show to people that you're close with? What's a habit or routine you'd like to get into? They also talk about sunscreen, route canals, dogs and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dusty Slay took the side door into stand-up — skipping LA, skipping NYC, and building a career straight out of Nashville. Now a headliner with his face on the wall at Zanies and over 40 Grand Ole Opry shows under his belt, Dusty’s the definition of doing it your own way. Dusty breaks down the real steps of the comedy grind — from open mic purgatory to Netflix glory with his 2024 hour special Workin’ Man and his upcoming Netflix July special Wet Heat. He also gives the deets of what it’s like to be a part of the Nateland Podcast w Nate Bargatze. He shares what it takes to bomb, to rise, and to know when a bit’s ready. Dusty Slay is havin’ a good time, and you’re coming with.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode of Get Real, Rebecca Lynn Howard joins Caroline to answer some deep questions. Some of the questions include: How would you describe what you believe your life's purpose is? When was a recent moment in which you felt deeply happy? What are you pretty sure you could never get tired of? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Lynn Howard stormed into country music with “Forgive,” a powerhouse ballad that turned heads and proved her voice was the real deal. Not long after, Trisha Yearwood heard her play a song and asked to cut it on the spot—years later, they’d co-write Trisha’s latest single, “Girls Night In.” Rebecca went on to form The Loving Mary Band, which became Steven Tyler’s personal band—showing she could crush it in any genre, on any stage. But behind the music was a deeper journey: grieving her father, reclaiming her health, and coming back stronger than ever. Her new album, “I’m Not Who You Think I Am,” is raw, real, and full of hard-won truth. This is Rebecca—bold, honest, and completely unforgettable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon and Tripp of Lanco are back to answer some pretty tough questions! Some of them include: If you could be famous for something, what would you want it to be? What's something you worked really hard at recently? What's something you think people assume about you when they first meet you? Who in your life has had a bigger impact on you than they probably know? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After bursting onto the scene in 2017 with their breakout debut album Hallelujah Nights, and 5X Platinum hit Greatest Love Story, Lanco rocketed to country music stardom. Fueled by chart-topping hits and infectious energy, they found themselves living at the top of the game—touring nationwide, appearing on late-night shows, and rubbing shoulders with celebrity friends. It was a whirlwind of success, and for a while, it seemed like nothing could slow them down. But life has a way of shifting the spotlight. In the years since their debut, the band faced the quiet that follows the noise. The fame faded into reflection, and instead of chasing the next big thing, they regrouped. The members of Lanco—now all fathers—took a step back and started asking deeper questions: What does success really mean? What kind of legacy do we want to leave? Their long-awaited second album, We’re Gonna Make It, is the raw and redemptive product of that soul-searching journey. It’s a record rich with pers

Iam Tongi joined Caroline for this bonus episode of Get Real to answer some deep questions! Some of them include: If you don't worry about consequences or what other people thought, what's something you would love to do? When was a recent moment when you felt deeply happy? What's a message you wish you could deliver to someone? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iam Tongi is the Hawaiian kid who broke everyone on American Idol Season 23. He showed up heartbroken—his dad had just passed 3 months before. Music was always their thing. He almost quit completely. But his mom secretly signed him up for Idol anyway. Then he sang “Monsters”… and the world felt it. That was the moment. He won Season 23, but losing his dad forced him to find his own voice, live, on television. When his guitar broke during Hollywood Week, he knew—this was his dad telling him he could do it on his own.  Now? He just dropped “Unbreak My Heart,” plus “Sunshine” that he wrote for his mom, performed at the Opry, CMA Fest, even has a track in Lilo & Stitch, plus an album in the works… All while losing 110 pounds, still grieving, still growing—and singing from a place only he can. Iam Tongi is a true inspiration, lifting hearts around the world with his voice and story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi Johnson joins Caroline for this bonus episode of Get Real. Naomi answers some deep questions, including: If you could be famous for something, what would you want it to be? What's a gift someone gave you that you'll never forget? If you could make one wish come true for someone else, what would it be? When you imagine your happy place, where is it and what are you doing? What was the highlight of your day today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi grew up off the grid—one of 11 kids living in a converted school bus, traveling the country, and even spending time in a cult. She learned guitar as a child, playing at gas stations to help her family afford life on the road. Now a wife and mother, Naomi is opening up about the full truth of her past—and the moment that changed everything. After nearly dying during childbirth, she gained a profound new perspective on life. That experience sparked a deep inner shift, awakening a fierce feminine strength and emotional clarity that flows through her latest work. Her new songs, “Bricks Make Houses” and “Mama Ain’t Jesus,” are her most honest yet—music that embraces both the pain and the beauty of the road that led her here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Piphus joins Carolina on this episode of Get Real to answer some deep questions. The questions include: What's one thing about yourself you're genuinely proud of?  What's something you find embarrassing? What's something you lost or misplaced that you still think about? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Megan is a four-time Emmy-winning ventriloquist, singer, and producer—and the first Black woman puppeteer on Sesame Street. She began teaching herself ventriloquism at just 10 years old, driven by a dream that would shape her life. Despite earning degrees in economics and finance and building a successful career in real estate, Megan never let go of her passion for performance. After years of performing on stages big and small—including America’s Got Talent, Kelly Clarkson, TODAY, Good Morning America—Megan joined Sesame Street voicing the beloved character Gabrielle. A mother of two, Megan often speaks about the importance of play, visualization, and staying true to the dreams placed in your heart. She credits her use of vision boards and manifesting as key tools in creating the life she imagined—proof that dreams, when nurtured, really can come true. Her album Cinderella Sweep, is out this July, showcasing and empowering young women. Her story is one of talent, grit

In this bonus episode of Get Real, John Morgan answers some challenging questions! Some of them include: What's a message you wish you could deliver to someone? What's something you think is more challenging for you than it is other people you know? What's a question you wish you could get an answer for? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Morgan’s journey to country stardom is the stuff of movies are made of. While chasing his dreams from small-town Sylva, North Carolina, a chance connection through an Uber driver led his music to Jason Aldean. Not long after, John got a life-changing call—Aldean himself offering him a record and publishing deal. Now, with his debut album Carolina Blue out, John shares deeply personal stories through his songs. One standout, “Kid Myself,” reflects on the painful choice to leave behind everything he knew—his family, family business, his hometown and hometown love, plus the comfort of small-town life—for the unknown in Nashville. Today, he’s married with three kids under three and living a life that once felt like a dream. His story is proof that taking a leap of faith can lead to something truly incredible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyndi Thomson joined Caroline for this bonus episode of Tell Me More! Cyndi answers some deep life / personal questions. Some of them include: What's a habit or routine you would like to get into? What is something you want and are also afraid of? What would your 8 year old self think about the person you are today?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyndi Thomson is back- after walking away from music at the height of her career-with a story only life could write. Acres of Diamonds is more than a comeback album—it’s the soundtrack of a journey filled with love, motherhood, marriage, heartbreak, healing, and hope. These songs were born in the quiet moments: rocking babies, holding hands through hard seasons, choosing faith over fear, and learning that true success isn’t about being seen—it’s about being centered. This is her voice, her story, her acres of diamonds—found not in the spotlight, but in the life she’s built just outside of it. #AcresOfDiamonds #CyndiThomson #MyWorldMyWords #TrueSuccess #ComebackStory #FaithFamilyMusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach Windahl grew up going to church, but it wasn’t until a low point in 2014—when he seriously questioned if Christianity was even for him—that his faith became real. He packed up and moved to Australia for an intensive Bible study, spending 12 hours a day, six days a week in Scripture. Within a week, everything changed. That transformation sparked a calling: help people actually understand the Bible. After a big failure with his first book (The Bible Study), Zach doubled down, learned from it, and launched The Brand Sunday, which went on to become one of the fastest-growing brands in the country. Now, with The Bible Simplified, he’s making the storyline of the Bible clear, accessible, and deeply relevant—no fluff, no pressure, just real truth for real life. His mission? To meet people where they are, simplify faith, and show that the Bible isn’t just for scholars—it’s for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jana Stern joins Caroline for this bonus episode of Get Real. She answers various questions, such as: What moment do you wish you could live again? What is something you want and are also afraid of? What convo with a stranger will you never forget? What is something you lost or misplaced that you still think about? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.