# Tributes, Cancelled Careers, And Nashville War Stories :: Ep 34 Circling the Drain

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/circling-the-drain-7467223/tributes-cancelled-careers-and-nashville-war-stories-ep-34-circling-the-drain
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/circling-the-drain-7467223/tributes-cancelled-careers-and-nashville-war-stories-ep-34-circling-the-drain.md
Podcast: [Circling The Drain](https://stenobird.com/podcast/circling-the-drain-7467223)
Published: 2026-04-15T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/84ffe6f9
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/84ffe6f9/237f6605.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/circling-the-drain-7467223/episodes/tributes-cancelled-careers-and-nashville-war-stories-ep-34-circling-the-drain
Duration seconds: 2908

## Resource

In this episode of Circling The Drain, Johnny B, Jay Harper, and Jim McCarthy dive deep into the changing world of music and radio from the perspective of insiders who have lived it. They start with why some artists get massive tribute concerts while others do not, then slide into a raw, honest look at country radio’s glory days, its corporate-driven decline, and what happens to artists and broadcasters when the industry moves on. From Taylor Hawkins and Eddie Van Halen, to Waylon Jennings, Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves, and Tim McGraw, the guys unpack how careers peak and fade, how politics can tank a fan base, and why loyalty in production teams still matters. Along the way, you will hear behind the scenes stories from Nashville radio, Country Radio Seminar, hall of fame inductions, and on air rivalries the hosts now regret. It is a brutally honest, funny, and nostalgic ride through a business that is, quite literally, circling the drain. Listen for – Why some legends get big tribute concerts and others never do – How corporate ownership and streaming gutted local radio – The unspoken 20 year shelf life of most country stars – When politics and award shows push fans away – Confessions about bashing other hosts on the air – The Nashville radio names they still want to get on the podcast Circling The Drain is a podcast about music, media, and entertainment before it all goes down the disposal. 2:12 – Taylor Hawkins vs Eddie Van Halen: who gets a tribute and why 3:55 – Waylon Jennings, tribute shows, and honoring musical “gifting” 6:10 – Radio as a launchpad: how on air skills still matter even when radio does not 7:05 – Inside Country Radio Seminar: from DJ convention to corporate schmooze fest 8:49 – Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson as “new artists” at CRS 10:28 – Early…

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## Transcript

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