Get Real -w- Caroline Hobby

I have loved this little firecracker for over a decade.  I met Kelly when I was in college at Belmont, and we became fast friends.  At that time she was a single mom of 2 amazing kids, an A&R consultant, hosting a TV show, making furniture, and basically a powerhouse machine doing it all with THE MOST optimistic attitude.  That's Kelly.  Life never gets her down, and you won't find her whining that it's not fair.  She always sees the glass half full, and is not afraid to work hard and get her hands dirty.  She also is never afraid of being told NO.  She will always find a way, and I admire that so much about her.  She tells me her amazing love story with Chris Janson... How he knew he loved her instantly; how he was thrilled and honored to get to be a step dad to her kids, and even asked them for permission to marry Kelly.  Kelly now goes on the road pretty much full time with Chris, manages him, is a Publisher (has a co-venture with Warner-Chapel), is a songwriter and also has 2 more precious kids with Chris.  We talk about the moment Chris was inducted into The Grand Old Opry as the youngest living member and what a day in the life of the Janson household looks like.... Hint hint, it's NEVER boring!

Kailey is such a ray of light.  She has faith that can move mountains.  I love our conversations, and hearing how she talks to God and trusts in Him so completely.  That goes for her husband too, Russell Dickerson.  We talk about the long journey it has been for Russell to finally find the success in Country Music that they both knew he was destined for.  What I love is they never doubted that God would open the doors.  We talk about Russell's 100% optimistic attitude and constant amazement for life, like Buddy the Elf.  Kailey shares how incredible it feels to be one of the few female video directors in Nashville (she has gotten two #1 videos on CMT for "Yours" and "Blue Tacoma").  And we talk about secrets to a happy marriage and happy life, including sex everyday, walks in the morning, and truly taking the time to SEE people and KNOW people.

Cassie Kelley.  What a woman.  I have known and admired this lady for over 10 years.  I was an intern for her husband Charles (of Lady Antebellum) co-producer, Victoria Shaw, when Cassie and Charles first met and fell in love; so I got a front row ticket to their blooming love story.  I remember thinking Cassie was the most stunning, fabulous human I had ever seen.  So graceful, so stylish and so kind.  I still feel that way about Cassie today.  I have loved getting to know Cassie more over the years and seeing how soulful, giving, real and honest she is as a wife, mother, friend and business woman.  Sitting down and talking with Cassie for this podcast was nothing short of inspiring.  We talk about how she and Charles fell in love at first sight, Cassie and Charles infertility struggles and journey to parenthood, life on the road pre and post babies, and her travel blog WOMANISTA that she grew, partnered, and eventually sold to CBS (can we say badass)!!!  We also get real about body image and how she found relief from the pressure to be perfect.  Cassie is such a woman of faith and uplifts anyone who is lucky enough to be in her presence.

I discovered Caroline Bryan’s Instagram page last year and my life was changed forever. Not only is Caroline a total bombshell, she is the funniest prankster I have ever witnessed. Over Christmas, Caroline did “the 12 days of pranks” where she hid in a life size teddy bear and scared every family member and friend walking by, put fingernail polish on a bar of soap only to hear Luke wonder why it’s not lathering up lol, plus many more pranks involving snakes, fog horns and fart machines. She also has a sidekick, LeClaire, Luke’s mother-in-law. Luke definitely got his dance moves from his mother, bc she can cut a rug! The Bryan Family is so much fun and so inspiring. They know how to enjoy life and find joy in everyday. Caroline and I chat about her love story with Luke and how they met in college. We also talk about how she and Luke have survived tragedy. Luke lost both his siblings and brother-in-law, and took in their 3 children: a son who was in high school and 2 college age daughters to live with them and their 2 sons Bo and Tate. Caroline and Luke also started a charity, Brett’s Barn, with Caroline’s brother and sister-in-law, in honor of her brother’s daughter Brett who died at a very young age. Brett’s Barn opens its doors to sick and disabled children to come pet and love on the animals. It’s a true sanctuary. Caroline has a heart of gold and uses her life to spread love and healing and laughs. She is such an example of faith. It was amazing to hear her story with Luke and see how they have such an incredible marriage and life in the midst of the wild world of the music industry and personal heartbreak.

When you see Katelyn Brown, you can’t help but stare. She’s drop dead gorgeous. Then you get to know her, and realize she has the sweetest, most playful spirit. It was so fascinating to learn about her musical past. When she was 18, she linked up with Justin Timberlake’s manager and moved to his musical compound in Orlando FL that he created for all of his artists and boy bands to live and develop their talents. At the compound there were recording studios, rehearsal rooms and basically anything you need as an artist at your beck and call. Katelyn lived here for years. During this time she started working with a producer out of Atlanta that was also working with a new young artist, Kane Brown. Katelyn met Kane serendipitously when she was shooting a music video and did not feel chemistry with the actor cast for her love interest. Her manger quickly thought of Kane to take the role, and from that moment on, sparks were flying between the two. In this episode we talk all about their enchanting wedding, how she’s overcoming her fear of flying, instagram dance battles with Kane, and life at home and on the road. Tune in now to hear Katelyn’s incredible journey and exciting love story.

Brittney Kelley is the definition of how love, light, dreams and positivity can can turn the darkest times into inspiration, drive and a thriving life and marriage.  At 17 years old, Brittney suffered great loss with the murder of her grandmother who raised her.  She was forced to grow up and learn how to be resilient and self motived at a very young age.  She surrounded herself with people who lifted and pushed her to never settle for less than she was worth.  In college she was on the fast track to becoming an accountant (she got all A's), when she felt a calling to switch to psychology and truly dive into understanding people and sharing her story.  Brittney has always had the confidence to follow where her heart guides her, even if it's scary.  That led to her opening an Etsy's jewelry store from her one bedroom apartment where she would take old, broken jewelry and twist it around into something new and spectacular.  Brittney met and married Brian from Florida Georgia Line when she was finishing up at the University of Georgia and went straight from college to the tour bus.  On the road, she and Brian combined their creative juices and launched a clothing/lifestyle brand, Tribe Kelley.  They now have two beautiful storefronts: one in Nashville and one in 30A FL.  Brittney and Brian are hands on every part of their company.  They take pride in the quality of their products and that they are American Made.  Brittney and Brian also take pride in their marriage and showing that marriage is sexy and cool.  FGL has never been shy to put their wives in the spotlight and show that you can be a rockstar and love your wife at the same time.  Get ready to be beyond inspired with this episode.

I could not be more thrilled to kick of 2019 continuing my Music City Wives Series with this angel, Hayley Hubbard.  Hayley has the most gentle, giving spirit.  She is so inclusive and kind, and radiates so much love for humanity.  It was inspiring getting soulful with Hayley, to hear her talk so openly about how she is finding the courage to speak up and use her voice and platform, even though it had formerly terrified her.  She talks a lot about God and several moments in her life where God smacked her in the face with a message loud and clear.  One of those being when she was about to move to LA.  She had a roommate and life lined up, ready to sign a lease, when this cute boy she was just friends with, Tyler Hubbard, told her "No, I don't think you should go... Have you prayed about it yet?"  The next day, God gave her an answer loud and clear.  She is now married to Tyler (of Florida Georgia Line) and has the sweetest baby girl Liv.  Hayley and Tyler's love is more than inspirational.  FGL includes their wives in all that they do publicly, and have shown that marriage is a sexy and a beautiful thing in the Entertainment Industry, where so many people before have not wanted to promote marriage.  Hayley and Tyler are definitely couple goals and more than that, they are incredible people.

This beauty radiates positivity.  She should be a supermodel, for real.  I met Jenna when Michael was on tour w Jason Aldean in 2015, and Jenna's hubby, DeeJay Silver, was the rockstar DJ that played between all the sets.  During that time she had a perfect pregnancy with her now precious 2 year old son, Wake.  After Wake was born, Jenna went through a miscarriage.  It devastated her.  This episode is so personal because when we recorded it, I was going through a miscarriage and was heartbroken.  We have a very real, emotional conversation about how she handled her heartbreak of loss, and found her way back from fear and sadness to hope and redemption.  She is now 25 weeks pregnant and thriving.  I'm in awe of her openness to share her journey and bring awareness to painful topic.

This little beauty is an angel.  She grew up on a farm raising cow-calf pairs to earn money for college.   She entered Miss Arkansas for the scholarship money, and ended up winning the whole thing!  She is married to Shay, from Dan and Shay and they have the most precious little boy, Asher.  I love Hannah because she is so connected to her faith.  Many times throughout this interview she talks about how she surrendered her life over to God when she felt lost or stuck, and let Him lead her... And he always did!  She also tells her love story with Shay, and I have to say, it will make you swoon!

Love Abby. She is going to save all the dogs. Her heart is so big. We talk about what it’s like being married to Dan Smyers of Dan and Shay, her enneagram number & what that means to her, why her friends bring happy tears to her eyes, and we have a fun encounter with FedEx.

How could we make it in life without our girlfriends? I know I could not.  This is another episode of my GET REAL series Girlfriend Confidential.  Laney, Kristen and I talk all about marriage in the music industry (it's not all glamour, and can have some really trying seasons).  We chat babies, balance, learning to have patience and trust ourselves while giving ourselves grace for the mess and uncertainty. We 3 are already best friends, so this interview is raw and real.  Kristen shares about her miscarriage and Laney talks about learning how to embrace her creativity and instincts even when it feels overwhelming.  "Nobody is nailing it;"  that may be my favorite line of the whole podcast.  But we are all sure giving it are all, and that is more than enough!

I'm 35 years old.  I'm in the big middle of my life. Marriage, career, family are all on the mind, all the time.  And that's exactly what my girlfriends are thinking about all the time too.  We all are just trying to navigate, love and embrace the craziness.  So I decided to get some of my favorite gal pals together and just get real about love, marriage, careers, babies, comparison, and all the things.  WARNING: we don't hold back. We dish it all out with some humor, honesty and of course WINE :)  Get ready for this episode and this new series coming your way.... Cheers ladies, we are all doing a GREAT JOB!

AND WE ARE BACK w PART 2 of Maddie and Tae! I love everything these two beauties stand for. They are strong, perseverant, soulful, kind, insanely talented and the perfect “yin” to each other’s “yang.” They exploded on the #CountryMusic scene with their huge #1 smash “Girl in a Country Song,” and rocked everyone’s world. They have a new single, a new album and a #kickass mindset of always finding the positive perspective, even when times seem to suck, and connect connect connect with people soul to soul.

MADDIE & TAE! I love everything these two beauties stand for. They are strong, perseverant, soulful, kind, insanely talented and the perfect “yin” to each other’s “yang.” They exploded on the #CountryMusic scene with their huge #1 smash “Girl in a Country Song,” and rocked everyone’s world. They have a new single, a new album and a #kickass mindset of always finding the positive perspective, even when times seem to suck, and connect connect connect with people soul to soul.

No better way to kick off Season 2 of GET REAL PODCAST and YOUTUBE than with Cassadee Pope! Cassadee has accomplished so much: She won The Voice Season 3 | #1 Duet w Chris Young "Think Of You," | Performed w Pitbull & Leona Lewis on the CMT Awards | And she just released a brand new single called TAKE YOU HOME that feels so good... This just scratches the surface of what she's accomplished and capable of. And she just getting started. I loved this interview because Cassadee gets real w me about the whirlwind. She talks about what she's learned from it all and why she's so excited about where she's headed.