Songwriter Connection

Latest Episodes:

Sean "Turk" McNamara - Celebrating St. Paddy's Day - EP 253 Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

This week on Songwriter Connection, we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with my special guest, Sean Turk McNamara! Sean and his wife own McNamara’s Irish Pub right here in Nashville. He’s an Irish singer-songwriter, a pub owner, and a storyteller who’s performed over 6,000 shows in Music City. He’s kept the Irish tradition alive, and today he’s sharing live songs and the stories behind them, around the dining room table. Don’t miss it!

Elliott Booe - 3 and a Half Years in a 10 Year Town n- Ep 251 Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

This week on Songwriter Connection, we sit down with Elliott Booe, an artist who’s putting his career in the fast lane. From booking nonstop shows to playing the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival and recording at the legendary FAME Studios, Elliott is checking off milestones most artists only dream about. Along with his band, The Impromptu’s, he’s opened for Brantley Gilbert, Alabama, and BlackHawk. We also talk about songwriting, producing his own brand of country music, and the unique way he shares live music around the dining room table with lead guitarist Max Woolery. Don’t miss this one. 🎶🔥

Jericho - Waves and Tears and a Soldier Ep 249 Feb 25, 2026

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We’re thrilled to welcome Jericho — an award-winning songwriter with an incredible voice and a gift for unforgettable storytelling.

Jericho has been singing since the age of two, writing songs and performing since childhood. As the daughter of a Green Beret soldier, her journey is marked by resilience, heart, and determination. By just 21, she had already landed her first publishing deal — and she’s been on a powerful rise ever since.

Join us as Jericho shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity to become one of Nashville’s hottest up-and-coming talents. Plus, don’t miss a few live performances around the Dining Room Table — raw, honest, and unforgettable.

Pull up a chair… this is one you don’t want to miss.

Trey Ackerman - Prt 2 - AI Conclusions and Trey Songs - Ep 248 Feb 18, 2026

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We wrap up our two-part conversation with Trey Ackerman—songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, producer, IT expert, and creative thinker.

In Part 2, we continue and conclude our deep discussion on AI in music, sharing final thoughts, real-world takeaways, and where Trey believes the balance between technology and creativity ultimately lands. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at how artists can use new tools without losing the human heart of songwriting.

Then, we shift gears and let you experience Trey the songwriter as he performs live, acoustic songs around the dining room table—the way great songs are meant to be shared. Stripped-down, intimate, and full of stories, this episode brings the conversation full circle from technology back to the song.

🎶 Insight, perspective, and great music—don’t miss Part 2.

Trey Ackerman - Prt 1 - A Discussion on AI - Ep 247 Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

Songwriter Connection – Part 1 of 2 with Trey Ackerman

In this two-part conversation, we sit down with Trey Ackerman—songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, producer, IT expert, and all-around creative force.

In Part 1, we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in today’s music industry: AI and its growing role in songwriting and music production. Trey shares real-world insight into how AI is already being used every day in the songwriting room, how creators are adapting, and where the opportunities—and concerns—really lie.

This is an honest, thoughtful discussion about technology, creativity, and the future of music from someone who understands both the artistic and technical sides of the business.

Bandana Cheyenna - Did Your Boots Stop Working? - Ep 246 Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

This week on Songwriter Connection, Dave sits down with the incredible Bandana Cheyenna, the powerhouse songwriter who co-wrote Dasha’s smash hit “Austin (Boots Stop Working).” With major honors from both the People’s Choice Awards and ASCAP, Bandana has quickly become one of Nashville’s most compelling voices in the writing community.

Bandana takes us straight into the writer’s room to break down how “Austin” came to life — the spark, the story, and the magic behind the song that took the country world by storm. She also brings a few favorites to share around the Dining Room Table, giving listeners an intimate look at her process, her inspiration, and her heart.

It’s a deep-dive into creativity, craft, and the journey of a truly special songwriter.

Pull up a chair — you won’t want to miss this one.

Olivia Harms - "You Can Be Anything in Camby, Oregon" - Ep 250 Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

This Week on Songwriter Connection:

Join us as we welcome Olivia Harms, fresh off her captivating performance on the TV show "The Road," produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton, and featuring Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson. Olivia is western music royalty, having traveled the world at a young age with her mother, Joni, who is in the Western Music Hall of Fame. Remarkably, Olivia's first performance was at just two days old! Now based in Northern California, Olivia makes frequent trips to Nashville to collaborate with top songwriters. Tune in for an intimate conversation and a live performance around our dining room table!

Jeff Dayton - Count It Off - Ep -244 Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Songwriter Connection, we’re pulling up a chair at the dining room table with Jeff Dayton—a true songwriter’s songwriter and one of the most respected musical voices around.

Jeff is a songwriter, producer, podcaster, and beloved Trop Rock favorite whose career spans some of the biggest stages in music. He served as bandleader for Glen Campbell, and his legendary resume also includes touring and playing with Lee Greenwood and Kenny Chesney.

In this intimate and engaging episode, Jeff talks about his new album, shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the road, and performs songs played the way they were written—stripped down and full of heart, gathered around the dining room table.

We also dive into Jeff’s role as host of the wildly popular Count It Off Podcast, where he continues celebrating songwriters and musicians. This is a relaxed, insightful conversation packed with great music, great memories, and great songwriting wisdom—don’t miss it.

🎧 Pull up a chair and join us for this special episode of The Songwriter Connection.

Jeff Batson - The Rock - Ep - 243 Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Songwriter Connection, we welcome award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter Jeff Batson to the dining room table.

Jeff’s songs have traveled far and wide, but the road he took to get here is even more remarkable. In this episode, he opens up about his journey through Nashville’s music scene — the highs, the hurdles, the unexpected turns, and the moments that shaped his craft and career.

Pull up a chair as Jeff shares the stories behind the hits, the lessons learned along the way, and a few unforgettable memories only a lifetime songwriter can tell. And of course, he treats us to live performances right here around the table — raw, real, and straight from the heart.

If you love great songs and the people who write them, you won’t want to miss this one.

Cheyne Stilwell - Picked a Good Night - Ep 242 Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

This week on The Songwriter Connection, we welcome the powerhouse voice and heartfelt storyteller, Cheyne Stilwell.

Four years ago, Cheyne packed up and made the leap to Nashville to chase a dream that’s been burning inside him for as long as he can remember. Since then, he’s been carving out his place in Music City with a big voice, tremendous talent, and a passion that deserves to be heard.

In this episode, Cheyne joins us around the dining room table for an intimate conversation filled with honesty, grit, and a whole lot of heart. You’ll hear the stories behind his journey, the moments that shaped him, and the songs that showcase why he’s someone you’ll want to keep your eye on.

Pull up a chair—you're going to love this one.

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