Rise Up Country

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Episode 36: Staying Hopeful When Life Gets Heavy with Josh Turner & Stella Lefty Sep 25, 2026

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What does it take to stay hopeful when life gets heavy? In this episode, we sit down with one of country music's most beloved voices, Josh Turner, and rising star Stella Lefty for an honest conversation about faith, resilience, and the power of a song.

Josh opens up about the woman who shaped him most: his grandmother. With a fourth grade education, six children, and a battle with breast cancer, she had every reason to complain, yet she never did. Instead, she filled her days with music, cooking, and her Bible. Her example taught Josh a lesson he still lives by: we can't always control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude. He also shares why a vacation doesn't always quiet a busy mind, why gratitude matters, and how the "stubborn" streak he was known for as a kid became conviction about what matters most. Josh reflects on never forgetting where he came from, accepting that you can't please everyone, and the humbling truth that he may never know how many lives his music has touched.

Stella shares her journey from writing songs alone in her bedroom to finding her place in the industry, and how she had to rediscover her own sound after hearing so many outside opinions. She talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who offer honest, positive encouragement, and the early industry disappointment that devastated her at the time but led her to her publisher and her closest friends in LA. For someone who was never told music was an option, her story is a reminder to trust the gifts you've been given.

Whether you're walking through a hard season or simply need a lift, this conversation is a reminder that hope, gratitude, and the right people around you can carry you further than you think.

Episode 35: Keeping God in the Equation Aug 25, 2026

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Gabby Barrett shares why she refuses to compromise her faith, the role God played in her love story, and how keeping Him at the center continues to guide her life.

Episode 34: Your Past Doesn’t Have to Write the Ending Aug 25, 2026

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Brantley Gilbert shares how becoming a father changed his perspective on his past—and how faith, forgiveness, and choosing a different path can lead to hope and a new beginning.

Episode 33: Phil Vassar a "Second shot at Life" Apr 09, 2026

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Listen in on our conversation with the one and only, Phill Vassar!

Episode 32: Lainey Wilson & Lanco Oct 28, 2025

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Tune in to listen to stories of hope, faith and inspiration. Lainey Wilson opens up about her spiritual journey and her crazy career. The band Lanco share stories about their families and how their families have grown up together.

Episode 31: Russell Dickerson & Matt Cooper Sep 11, 2025

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Listen to stories of hope, faith, and inspiration. Russel Dickerson will share about his intervention of God in his life & newcomer Matt Cooper will share his story on how he was able to get rid of some of his vices.

Episode 30: Chris Janson Sep 11, 2025

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Listen in to how Chris Janson's new project, "Wild Horses" truly reflects his self confidence and being a great dad!

Episode 29: Neal McDonough Jun 23, 2025

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Join John as he and Neal McDonough talk all things hope and inspiration!

Episode 28: Jelly Roll & Craig Morgan Jun 06, 2025

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Join John Ritter as he talks with Craig Morgan - Hearing why Craig Morgan re-enlisted in the Army only speaks to the servant's heart of the man. Then, join the conversation as John and Jelly Roll talk all things LIFE - understanding the life change of Jelly Roll himself shows off just how much he can help change other's lives through his own testimony.

Episode 27: Conner Smith and Average Joe Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Join us this week as we talk with Connor Smith as he shares his story about the importance of being loyal to your friends. Plus we have the chance to talk with Joe Kennedy about the movie Average Joe, based on his story about being able to take a knee and pray with his football team.

For more inspiration and uplifting stories, be sure to check out our website! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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