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.

Country singer-songwriter Dan Alley joins Bar Conversations to talk about his journey from growing up in a musical family in Ohio to becoming a Nashville songwriter and recording artist. Dan shares stories from playing local bars as a teenager, moving to Nashville, and learning from legendary songwriters like Dean Dillon and Brent Cobb.

Dan also discusses writing hits for artists including Luke Bryan, Hudson Westbrook, Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, and Luke Combs, and what it means to finally step into the spotlight with his debut album Keepin’ On, arriving September 4. The album explores deeply personal themes including family, fatherhood, sobriety, and perseverance.

Plus, Dan talks about working with producer Lukas Scott, collaborating with Mae Estes, balancing songwriting with performing, and what fans can expect as he launches this next chapter of his career.

Jonathan's Drinking: Old Elk 10 YR Bourbon

Nashville-based trio The Woods joins the Bar Conversations for a wide-ranging chat about music, friendship, songwriting, and the unlikely paths that brought Dan O'Rourke, Raquel Cole, and Leland Rooney together. Dan shares the wild story of winning a karaoke contest at a retirement community in Arizona before going on NBC's The Voice, while Leland and Raquel talk about their own journeys through Nashville and what drew them to build something together as a band. The trio also discusses forming The Woods during the COVID lockdowns, their three-part harmonies, musical influences, growing up in different parts of North America, and the story behind their name.

The Woods also take us inside their latest single “Same Boat,” the making of its music video, and their upcoming song “Break It.” They discuss their love of putting their own spin on cover songs, balancing multiple lead singers and guitarists, Dan's background as a history major and its influence on their songwriting, and what's next for the band. From Nashville residencies and touring with Tim McGraw to The All-Star Nashville Road Show, the trio reflects on life onstage and what makes performing together special.

Jonathan's Drinking: Bardstown Cascadia Garryana Oak