Randy Montana spent seven years rebuilding his career after his record deal ended. Then Luke Combs recorded “Beer Never Broke My Heart”—and Randy found himself standing in a packed stadium listening to thousands of people sing the words he helped write.

In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Randy joins Tony Mantor for an honest conversation about the work, uncertainty, and persistence behind a hit songwriting career. Growing up with his father, songwriter Billy Montana, Randy saw the struggle long before he saw the success. Those early lessons helped him navigate his own journey from recording artist to writing songs for other voices.

Randy shares the experience of recording with Emmylou Harris, the heartbreak of a potential George Strait single that fell through, and the childhood fishing memories that inspired “Too Broke for a Boat.” He also explains why creativity requires showing up, how trusted collaborators help shape a career, and why having a hit doesn’t make self-doubt disappear.

Through it all, Randy has found something he didn’t fully appreciate when he first dreamed of stardom: a career that lets him create music while being present for his wife and three children.

For anyone pursuing a dream through setbacks and changing plans, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to keep going—and how success can turn out differently than you imagined.

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Show Notes

What happens when a song you wrote to encourage others becomes the song you need yourself?

On this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes country artist and songwriter Laura Bryna for a heartfelt conversation about music, family, perseverance, and connection.

Laura recalls growing up in rural Maryland and finding comfort in country music during her brother’s prolonged hospitalization. His recovery—and his decision to decline a Make-A-Wish wish so someone else could receive it—helped shape her lifelong commitment to giving back.

She shares the story behind “Rise” and how its meaning deepened through her father’s cancer journey and death, her mother’s breast cancer treatment, and the devastating loss of her brother and grandmother. She also remembers returning to the stage shortly after those losses, supported by her band and inspired by her brother’s love of life.

Alongside those emotional stories, Laura brings humor and energy to a discussion of independent artistry, her songwriting process, and the small-town connections that inspired “Drink in Town.” She also explains how online criticism inspired “I’m Her,” a song about embracing who you are.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Maryland and following her country music dream to Nashville.

• Her brother’s recovery and the roots of her Make-A-Wish involvement.

• Building an independent career with a team that shares her vision.

• Writing “Rise” and hearing how listeners found strength in it.

• Navigating grief and finding connection through performing.

• Celebrating small-town life with “Drink in Town.”

• Turning criticism into a message of authenticity.

• The sensitive person behind the confident performer.

Connect with Laura: laurabryna.com

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Show Notes

What began as a family singing together in their living room during the COVID-19 lockdown quickly became an international phenomenon. In this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes members of the Marsh Family to share their incredible journey from viral videos to worldwide recognition.

The family discusses their debut album, Hollow Chapters, the move into original songwriting, and how they've used music to spark conversations about mental health, prostate cancer awareness, family, politics, and hope. They also open up about working together as parents and children, the challenges of sudden fame, and why authenticity remains at the heart of everything they create.

This inspiring conversation reminds us that music can heal, unite, and give people the courage to talk about life's most important issues.

In this episode you'll hear:

• The story behind the Marsh Family's overnight success
• The inspiration for their debut album Hollow Chapters
• How music helped them connect with millions around the world
• The importance of family, kindness, and authenticity
• Why they believe music can change lives

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