The Happiest Hour Podcast

For decades, Kaci Bolls has been a sought after Nashville session singer and songwriter. When life nudged her to do an about-face, get her Master's Degree in education and become a kindergarten teacher, Kaci found a way to combine her love of music and kindergarteners by releasing chart-topping hits of original children's music. Based on her song, "Dare to Be Me," Kaci has recently released a children's book by the same name.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How she went from a top Nashville singer/songwriter to kindergarten teacher (and being awarded "Teacher of the Year," nonetheless)

• What propelled her to start making chart-topping children's music

• Coming to terms with how she was holding herself back (but NO more!)

• The #1 message she wants kids to know, and the theme of her new book, Dare to Be Me

...and so much more!

We pair every episode with a delicious beverage (because... it's the happiest hour, right?!), PLUS we want a listener to take home a signed copy of Kaci's children's book and a swag pack of fun stickers, a book mark and other goodies! Make sure to enter below for a chance to win and grab the drink recipe while you're there! ↓

I started my professional career in Nashville as a teenager. My first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry was at age 11. Because I started my professional path so early in life, I have had the amazing privilege of knowing some of my co-writers, collaborators, teachers and mentors for over 30 years (and counting)!

One of those mentors is Kirsti Manna, my guest on Ep. 10 of Happiest Hour (the grand finale Season 1)! Kirsti is a hit songwriter, publisher, record label VP, and a fierce advocate for female creatives.

You’ve heard Kirsti’s hits like “Austin” for Blake Shelton and “Loud” for Big & Rich, to name a few. Her songs have been heard around the world in such places as CMT, ESPN, Gayle King’s Grammy Special, The Tonight Show, The David Letterman Show, Friday Night Lights, and Dance Wars.

Known as the go-to person for inspirational information, Kirsti’s “whatever you do, stay inspired” mantra has helped girls and women find their creative voice. In 2008, Kirsti launched “Songwriter Girl” and “Songwriter Girl Camps” (www.songwritergirl.com).

Kirsti and I sat down to enjoy her delicious watermelon margarita recipe (more on that later), and to chat about the difference music and creativity can make in everyone's life.

In this episode, we also cover:

• How she and her producer-husband, Bill Warner, came to Nashville from Ohio
• Her goal of wanting to move people with her art — and how she’s accomplished that
• What hard work looks like in the music business
• Why mentoring women is so important to her
• Her secret to success of working with her husband and staying married over 30 years
• What she hopes to leave behind

Okay, now back to that mouth-watering margarita. As with every episode, we paired our conversation with a truly delicious watermelon margarita recipe (thanks to Kirsti’s husband, Bill), and a hack for making excellent hummus that I adapted from the woman who inspired me to start this podcast in the first place.

Get your recipes here! Blend yourself up a batch of Kirsti’s margarita recipe, then join us for the conversation!

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In the same way that a great melody is as much about space as it is about notes, GRAMMY nominated hit songwriter, Jay Knowles, puts as much emphasis on the things about songwriting that have nothing to do with the actual writing part.

He makes sense in nonsensical ways. He says more by saying less. He achieves by not trying to achieve.

I consider Jay Knowles a mentor of mine. He has taught me so much about creativity and lyric writing just by being in the room with him. No doubt, he is one of my favorite songwriters on the planet. Alan Jackson, George Strait, Harry Connick, Jr., Jack Ingram, Lainey Wilson and others agree because they’ve all cut songs written by Jay and made them hits that you probably sing along to in your car.

In Episode 9 of Happiest Hour, Jay and I dig in about his what it’s like to have hits by giant artists like George Strait, and I ask him some detailed questions about his writing process. If you are a songwriter, aspiring to be, or want to tap deeper into your creativity, this is absolutely a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we also cover:

• His favorite song he’s written that others might not like
• Why his Jack Ingram hit, “Love You,” almost never got recorded
• What he feels like is his best asset as a songwriter and how he approaches new ideas
• His hilarious and poignant Substack newsletter, Song Friends
• How being at the GRAMMY Awards is an ego booster and an ego buster at the same time
• Advice to aspiring songwriters

I’ll never forget getting the call from my music publishers that a song I wrote called “Burning Down the Dark” was being cut by an artist named, Risa Binder. That song always felt special to me, so I was thrilled it found a home!

Fast forward, my publishers set Risa and I up to write. But before that date came around, I bumped into Risa in a church pew one Sunday morning. Then, we realized one of my co-writers of “Burning Down the Dark,” by complete coincidence, was from her hometown and they had mutual friends.

The synchronicities abound with Risa. That’s not surprising once you meet her in our upbeat conversation and feel her good energy.

Risa has opened for legends, such as James Taylor and Ronnie Milsap. She hosts her own YouTube series and podcast. She is a recording and touring artist, a songwriter and she is releasing brand new music this spring! Oh… and did I mention she is also a mom??

In the episode we talk about:

✨Her first experience at The Bluebird Cafe and falling in love with the songwriter’s heart

✨How her grandmothers and mom influenced her life philosophy

✨ How a broken heart lead her to a Mariachi band in a subway (that was a funny story! Around minute 11:03)

✨Why it’s important to “tell the story” as a creative

✨How she fulfills here heart’s desire while being a busy mom

✨Her favorite beauty products when she’s hitting the road on tour

✨ What she hopes to leave behind

That’s not all! My guests and I always pair each episode with 2 delicious recipes. You do NOT want to miss the incredible “French Toast Latte” Risa brought to this episode. Seriously, this latte is life-changing. I threw in my favorite S’mores hack you can make in any weather, sans campfire. I swear, it will be a go-to treat all year round in your home.

How did a Canadian zoologist who, initially, didn't have the guts to pursue music, become a Grammy nominated hit songwriter and CCMA-winning artist?

Victoria Banks' story takes a lot of twists and turns. In Episode 07 of Happiest Hour, Victoria shares with us how it took losing her job in Canada to finally begin chasing her dream of being a songwriter in Nashville.

We also cover:

• How she went from writing songs for other artists to becoming a Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA)-winning Artist of the Year

• What it was like juggling her hit songwriting career in the U.S. and a hit recording career in Canada

• The benefit of pivoting in life

• How her favorite cut as a songwriter almost didn't happen -- and then led to a GRAMMY nomination

• Her family life organization strategies

Don't forget, we pair each episode with a delicious beverage and easy weekend recipe! This week, Victoria introduced me to homemade matcha latte. I paired the latte with a fan-submitted recipe for classic pimento cheese!

Get your recipes and more from Happiest Hour here:

Today, you see Cyndi Thomson's luxury jewelry dripping off superstars like Lizzo, Lauren Alaina, Natalie Hemby (of the Highwomen) and Kimberly Paisley. Did you know that Cyndi was on the verge of superstardom herself with a hit radio single and gold album, My World? 

Cyndi made the difficult decision to walk away from the music business as her star was on the rise. In this episode, we talk about how walking away from one thing means walking towards something else. And what a beautiful, big life she walked into! 

We also cover:

• How the songs from her iconic gold record, My World, continue to make an impact
• Where music fits into her life now -- and if we can expect more music from her in the future
• What life has looked like between walking away from a hit music career and launching her luxury jewelry business, Haybelle Co.
• Finding balance as a wife, mom, musician, and small business owner
• Her marriage secrets (married 20 years after only dating a few months!)
• What she hopes to leave as her legacy

🍹 We paired this episode with a delicious grapefruit vodka cocktail that Cyndi loves. I share a super simple dessert that my grandma used to make. Get your recipes and more from Happiest Hour here:

A teacher of mine once told me, “To the extent you experience darkness, you will have the capacity to experience that same degree of light.”

Have you ever heard something like that?

Well, let me tell ya, Mary Helen Yarbrough is no stranger to darkness. She experienced profound losses in her teen and young adult years that sent her life into a spiral.

So, maybe that explains why she is one of the most authentically positive and inspirational people in my life (and in many others’ lives, as well).

If you have followed me for a while, you know that I am not shy about sharing how much I love taking Jazzercise from Mary Helen. She was recently featured on our largest news station where our star news anchor, Tracy Kornet (who also attends our Jazzercise class) called her a, “legend.” I will second that!

We don’t hold back in this episode. Mary Helen tells her story of loss and pain, as well as sharing her life philosophy that makes her life tick.

In this conversation, we also cover:

• Her story of loss that made her who she is today
• Where she got her work ethic
• How weekly Happy Hours led her to discover Jazzercise
• How she built her legendary (yes, legendary!) Nashville fitness business over 30 years ago as a busy wife and mom
• Debunking the 80’s stereotype of Jazzercise (no, we don’t wear leg warmers... anymore.)
• Why her classes feel fun, inclusive and safe
• Her secret to success for maintaining relationships and a strong business
• The choice she makes daily that makes her so impactful to others

Spoiler alert: we get into some heavy conversation, including mental health and mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that 24 hour support is available to you by simply dialing 988 from your phone.

Something else you’re going to want to know about Mary Helen: she is a fabulous cook! Her husband is retired from the liquor industry, so this woman knows how to mix a dang good cocktail.

Make sure you check out the 2 recipes Mary Helen brought to pair with this episode!

👉🏻 👉🏻 👉🏻 Get your recipes and show notes right here:

Have you ever felt guilty about eating something? I'm talking, really guilty. Maybe it even sent you down a shame spiral. Do you ever sneak food, or avoid food all together because it's just too hard to control? After you over indulge, do you exercise harder than usual to balance the "damage" you've done? Do you vow to "do better" tomorrow (or when Monday rolls around)? Have you lost and re-gained the same pounds over and over again?

Then, listen up! Most American adults have experienced these thoughts and feelings. I know I sure have. If this sounds like you, too, then this episode is for you.

Here's the good news: there is a path to freedom from obsessive thoughts surrounding food, exercise and body shaming. 

Here's even more good news: this path doesn't involve dieting, shakes, pills, pre-packaged food, counting points and calories, or even joining a gym. 

Before you set your New Years Resolutions around your health for this coming year, please listen to this episode of Happiest Hour with my guest, Liberated Eating Coach, Cindy Landham. 

It could change your life. I know, that's a bold statement, but she sure has changed mine. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why diet culture is failing us

• Traditional thinking vs. liberated thinking around our health and wellness

• When parents are the food police

• What loving your body really means

☕️ Whoa! All foods fit in Cindy's methodology, so you better bet we paired this episode with two delicious recipes! Check out Cindy's homemade, made-from-scratch chai tea. This tea will leave you feeling so comfy and warm! And I'm sharing the shepherd's pie recipe that has become a tradition for my husband and me during the holidays. 

Get your recipes and show notes right here:

Welcome to Episode 03 of Happiest Hour! My guests are Ashley Gearing and Andrea Young -- collectively known as the critically acclaimed duo, The Wildcards. 

You've heard about this electric duo through American Songwriter, CMT and on stages opening for superstars like Joe Nichols and Chris Lane. In today's episode, we chat about  how they are taking control of the creative process and why they jumped into the producer seat for their latest music releases.

We also cover:

• Creating the ✨ "Friday Night Feeling" ✨ for their fans

• What it's like being a part of Fox's new hit drama, Monarch

• Why it's so important to be a good hang on the road

🍹 We paired this episode with a Merry Margarita -- the traditional tequila classic you love with little extra jingle jangle. And, don't forget to check out this easy weekend side dish: Cowboy Caviar! It's the perfect companion to that margarita. My college roommates and I used to make this all the time, so when Ashley suggested it, I was excited! We put our own spin on this super simple dip.

Get your recipes and show notes right here:

In Episode 2, my guest is film director, recording artist, wife and mother of two, Jenny Gill. She might as well add “comedian” to her bio because she is one of the most hilarious people you’ll ever meet. In this world of highlight reels and social media, she is determined to keep her humor and authenticity front and center.

Jenny and I chat about why it’s so important to her to keep her social media, and her life, super real. We also cover:

• What being the daughter of country music royalty has taught her

• Finding her own path in life

• How to balance career, friendship and motherhood… or not.

🥃 We paired this episode with a delicious bourbon cocktail that Jenny's husband created and a yummy dessert that you might just want to try over the weekend. Get your recipes and show notes right here:

Whitney and I talk about the power of persistence -- in both career and family life. We took an unexpected deep dive into our family planning and pregnancy journeys, including IVF and pregnancy loss. If you are currently in a season of waiting, we know what that feels like and we are waiting with you. We're sending you thoughts of patience, peace and lots of love.

Grab your drink and come join us for the Happiest Hour! We paired a yummy recipe hack for super creamy hot chocolate (thanks for the suggestion, Jeb!) and  a healthy, fall-like vegetable side dish. The recipes and show notes are all waiting for you: