Breaking Thru with Elaina Smith

Latest Episodes:

"Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring RaeLynn Nov 12, 2018

Show notes

Since launching Women Want to Hear Women in June, RaeLynn has been one of the show's biggest supporters. Every time I've bumped into her around town, we've talked about finding enough time for her to stop by the podcast to share her story and insight. Thankfully, we were finally able to make it happen—she's a busy and successful woman! Texas native RaeLynn caught our ear as a 17-year-old when she was on The Voice in 2012. Since then, she has moved to Nashville, released her debut album, toured with a number of A-list artists, gotten married and so much more. Some of her biggest supporters include Blake Shelton and Florida Georgia Line, so she's definitely in good hands. But why aren't some of her singles gaining more traction at country radio? We get into that and a lot more. Hope you enjoy! Podcast Participants: RaeLynn Elaina Smith, host of Women Want to Hear Women Videos: RaeLynn talks about being a military wife. RaeLynn talks about getting support from her group of girlfriends, including Maren Morris, Lindsay Ell and Cassadee Pope. Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson Runaway June Kalie Shorr Rachel Wammack Jessie Chris Tenille Townes Delta Rae Logan Brill Maren Morris

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Maren Morris Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

As of today, there is only one woman in the Top 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart: Maren Morris, whose single “Rich” is currently No. 5. Maren stopped by Women Want to Hear Women this week and delivered an open and honest dialogue about the current state of women in the country industry, differences in the pop world, how to correct some of the problems and much more. “I feel conflicted, because I worked so hard to put this album [Hero] out with songs that I dearly care about, and it’s sad because I want to celebrate the fact that my song is in the Top 5, but I also feel like I can’t fully celebrate because I am the only woman in the Top 30,” said Maren to Elaina. “It feels like a catch 22 sometimes because I feel ungrateful when I bring attention to the fact there is such a lack of female representation at radio right now. But I’m also thankful, so I do feel on the fence about it because I’m obviously so gracious that radio is playing this and fans are loving this song, but at the same time I want to be able to celebrate my friends that are putting out incredible music that aren’t even getting a single spin. It’s a weird spot to be in. I want to inspire and help change the landscape and get more female voices heard, but it’s definitely concerning to look at the chart today and literally be the only one that’s a woman on it.” You asked for Maren, and we’re so thrilled we could make it happen—and we’re thankful Maren continues to demonstrate the courage to speak her mind like a true leader and role model. Hope you enjoy! Show Participants: Maren Morris Elaina Smith, host of Women Want to Hear Women Videos: Maren discusses being the only female in the Top 30 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Maren discusses how to correct many of the problems within the country genre.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Logan Brill Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

On this week's podcast, we're featuring a young woman you are going to fall in love with: Logan Brill. One of the great byproducts of this podcast is that it has allowed me to discover even more women in country music—Logan is a perfect example. She makes me so excited about the future of the genre and the work ethic of women in this industry. Logan has worked hard to get to where she is today, drawing inspiration from strong women like her mom and sister. And her hard work has been paying off, as evidenced by Logan opening gigs for a number of artists, including Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, Gary Alan, Lee Brice, The Band Perry and more. We talk about Logan's winding road, where she's headed and so much more. Hope you guys enjoy! Show Participants: Logan Brill Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Videos: Logan "Plays It Forward" with a cover of Patty Griffin's "Nobody's Crying," a song from her 2002 album, 1000 Kisses. Logan performs her new single, "Giving Up." Logan's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson Runaway June Kalie Shorr Rachel Wammack Jessie Chris Tenille Townes Delta Rae

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17: “Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina” Featuring Delta Rae Oct 22, 2018

Show notes

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I really wanted to start involving more men into the Women Want to Hear Women conversation, because the only way to change the conversation is by working together. I thought the perfect guests would be the men and women of Delta Rae. The group, composed of two women and four men, released a female empowerment anthem on Oct. 19 called "Hands Dirty." In a bit of a plot twist, band member Ian Hölljes was the initial writer of the song before his sister Brittany stepped in to work with him on it. This band is an example of how men and women can work together to better champion the WWTHW movement. I absolutely love this conversation, and I hope you do too! Plus, wait until you hear Delta Rae cover Cam's "Diane." It will blow you away. Show Participants: Ian Hölljes of Delta Rae Eric Hölljes of Delta Rae Brittany Hölljes of Delta Rae Elizabeth Hopkins of Delta Rae Mike McKee of Delta Rae Grant Emerson of Delta Rae Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Videos: Delta Rae covers Cam's "Diane." Delta Rae performs their new single, "Hands Dirty." Delta Rae's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson Runaway June Kalie Shorr Rachel Wammack Jessie Chris Tenille Townes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16: "Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Tenille Townes Oct 16, 2018

Show notes

You know you're doing something right when Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town handpick you as the opener for their Bandwagon Tour, right? Well, that is exactly what happened to Tenille Townes this summer. When it comes to Tenille's talents, I was actually a little slow to the party. Not anymore, thanks in part to everyone who saw her on tour and tweeted us to feature her! Tenille is talented, intelligent and thoughtful beyond her years. I really think you're going to love this one. Enjoy! Podcast Participants: Tenille Townes Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Videos: Tenille "Plays It Forward" by Covering Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1971. Tenille performs her new single, "Somebody's Daughter." Tenille's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson Runaway June Kalie Shorr Rachel Wammack Jessie Chris

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15: "Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Jessie Chris Oct 10, 2018

Show notes

There are many different paths to success in the ever-changing country music industry—and Jessie Chris is forging her own. Jessie is making moves WITHOUT a traditional record contract, and it has been really impressive to watch the 21-year-old release new music, headline her own tour and acquire sponsorship deals with brands like Durango Boots. It's hard not to fall in love with her tremendous talents, sweet personality and kind heart. In this week's episode, Jessie shares some great insight from her journey and offers valuable advice for other aspiring artists. Hope you enjoy! Show Participants: Jessie Chris Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Videos: Jessie "Plays It Forward" by covering Kelsea Ballerini's "Peter Pan," which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in 2016. Jessie performs her new single, "Rome." Jessie's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson Runaway June Kalie Shorr Rachel Wammack

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14: "Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Rachel Wammack Oct 03, 2018

Show notes

Rachel Wammack was the first new artist I was introduced to this year—and she's a big reason I launched the Women Want to Hear Women podcast. After a random "Asian-fusion" dinner with her at the ACM Awards in April, I fell in love with her personality before I heard her sing. I was hoping she was as talented in the music arena as she was fun . . . and I was NOT disappointed when I heard her debut single, “Damage.” Rachel's career is just getting started, but I can already tell she has star power. I’m so excited for everyone to get to know her. Show Participants: Rachel Wammack Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Rachel's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson Runaway June Kalie Shorr

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13: "Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Kalie Shorr Sep 24, 2018

Show notes

Kalie Shorr has been carving out a name for herself since moving to Music City five years ago . . . and she hasn't let a little thing like the lack of a record deal stand in her way. Since 2016, Kalie has released three EPs, and as one of the co-founders of the all-female, singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes, the talented 24-year-old has been an incredible champion for women, not only in country music, but in all genres. The group's 2018 song, "Times Up," which Kalie co-wrote, addresses issues of gender inequality and sexual misconduct in relation to the #MeToo movement. We talk about Kalie's journey, shocking ways she's been told "no" in the industry, her music and so much more. Hope you enjoy! Podcast Participants: Kalie Shorr Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Videos Kalie "Plays It Forward" by covering RaeLynn's 2016 single, "Love Triangle," which reached No. 27 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Kalie performs her 2016 single, "Fight Like a Girl." Kalie's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson Runaway June

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12: "Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Runaway June Sep 17, 2018

Show notes

The ladies of Runaway June—Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne—are three of the smartest, kindest and most talented women I have ever met. This is a trio country music should be proud to have representing our genre. Hannah, Naomi and Jennifer have been fierce supporters of the WWTHW podcast since the beginning, and I've been dying to get them on! The time has finally come, and the ladies do not hold back. Enjoy their wisdom and wit, and when you're finished listening to the podcast, make sure to enjoy their video performances AND their new EP, which is featured in this week's Women Want to Hear Women playlist! Podcast Participants: Naomi Cooke of Runaway June Hannah Mulholland of Runaway June Jennifer Wayne of Runaway June Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Videos: Runaway June "Plays It Forward" by covering "Suds in the Bucket," a tune Sara Evans took to No. 1 in 2004. Runaway June performs their new single, "Buy My Own Drinks." Runaway June's Women Want to Hear Women Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert Carrie Underwood Abby Anderson

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10: "Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina" Featuring Carrie Underwood Sep 03, 2018

Show notes

When I launched the Women Want to Hear Women podcast with Nash Country Daily on June 15, I had no idea how far this campaign would come in less than three months. After nine amazing episodes, I'm excited to tell you that we now have a platform on the Westwood One Podcast Network—and our first episode on the network features none other than Carrie Underwood, one of the most popular and powerful artists in country music. Carrie has always championed women. She is one of the people who inspired me to create this podcast to share women’s stories. When Carrie agreed to be my first guest for the national launch on Westwood One, I couldn’t wait for her to share her experiences, outlook and insight. Carrie did NOT disappoint. She was incredibly open and passionate about the "Women Want to Hear Women" message. We covered a lot of ground in this interview, from the lack of opportunities for females on country radio and how to handle haters on social media to women being pitted against each other and how to be the BOSS. I encourage you to listen to every word, because what Carrie has to say is important. Let’s keep this conversation going. Enjoy! Podcast Participants: Carrie Underwood Elaina Smith, host of WWTHW Videos: Carrie talks about her Cry Pretty Tour 360 that will launch in May 2019 with Maddie & Tae and Runaway June. Carrie talks about female artists not getting the same opportunities as male artists. Elaina curates the Cry Pretty Tour 360 Playlist Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about? Past episodes: Kacey Musgraves Dolly Parton Carly Pearce Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square Tegan Marie Clare Dunn Stephanie Quayle Sarah Darling Rachel Reinert

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Breaking Thru with Elaina Smith

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected