Robert Earl Keen sits down with Texas singer-songwriter Hayes Carll for a conversation about songwriting, storytelling, and the people and places that find their way into his music.

From his early days growing up in The Woodlands, Texas, to a career spanning more than two decades, Carll has developed a distinctive songwriting voice built on sharp observation, humor, honesty, and an appreciation for the complicated characters of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from writers like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and John Prine, he has carried the Texas songwriting tradition forward while developing a style unmistakably his own.

In this episode, Keen and Carll explore the craft behind telling a story in a song, the influence of Texas and its songwriting tradition, and the balance between humor and heartache that runs throughout Carll’s work. They also discuss the experiences, characters, and small details that inspire songs—and what keeps a songwriter curious after years of writing, recording, and performing.

It’s a conversation about finding meaning in ordinary moments, choosing the right words, and why a good story never goes out of style.

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On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter, actor, and Academy Award winner Ryan Bingham for a conversation recorded at the legendary Continental Club in Austin, Texas.

Before Hollywood recognition and Yellowstone fame, Bingham's life was shaped by the realities of the American West—rodeo circuits, ranch work, and years spent writing songs rooted in lived experience rather than romanticized myth. That authenticity became the foundation of a career that began with his breakthrough album Mescalito and led to an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy for "The Weary Kind" from Crazy Heart.

Bingham joins REK to discuss his long-awaited return with They Call Us the Lucky Ones, his first studio album in seven years. Created alongside longtime collaborators The Texas Gentlemen, the record emerged from relaxed jam sessions rather than meticulously planned studio work, resulting in an album that feels both spontaneous and deeply personal.

Together, REK and Bingham explore songwriting, growing up in the American West, finding an authentic creative voice, and the experiences that continue to shape Bingham's music. It's a conversation about resilience, gratitude, and why the most enduring songs are often the ones that simply tell the truth.

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On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, Robert Earl Keen sits down with Matt Pittman to explore the rhythm, tradition, and storytelling behind barbecue.

Born and raised in Texas, Pittman built Meat Church from humble backyard beginnings into a widely followed brand known for its seasonings, classes, and YouTube channel. What started as trial and error became a craft rooted in patience, repetition, and instinct.

Together, Keen and Pittman draw parallels between food and music—where the slow burn of a smoker mirrors a steady groove, and tradition provides the structure for creativity. They discuss how barbecue, like songwriting, is passed down, shaped by region, and constantly evolving without losing its identity.

In a fast-moving world, this conversation is a reminder to slow down—to listen, to learn, and to appreciate the time it takes to create something meaningful. Because whether it’s a song, a story, or a meal, the best things are built patiently and shared together.

Episodes and Bonus content available on YOUTUBE!

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