Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe - Walker Hayes: Applebee's on a date night

Episode Date: October 12, 2021

Walker Hayes, most recognized as of late for his smash hit “Fancy Like”, which reached number one on Billboard's Country charts in 2021, joins Kaitlyn to give everyone a solid dose of down to earth. With his laid back attitude, relaxing Southern accent, living in the suburbia of suburbia, wearing the same clothes for days in a row, while eating a grilled cheese (and Applebee's) - it’s the reality check we all need. The joy is the time spent with his family and none of the “bells and whistles” that come with fame. Walker talks about life as a father of 6, how unexpected the success and attention for “Fancy Like” has been and the larger than life “stage” of social media. He shares that the most fun has been sharing the success with his family, especially his teenage daughter who made the viral TikTok video with him on a whim one day when she just needed to dance! Walker also openly shares about his sobriety journey, how AA meetings have saved his life countless times and the difficult loss of his daughter, Oakleigh. The man is so down to earth he couldn’t even remember what his IG handle was LOL so here it is: @walkerhayes CHINET - Chinet Brand makes premium disposable tableware for all of life’s gatherings. Visit mychinet.com to find out more. STRAIGHT TALK - No contract. No compromise. Available at Walmart and Walmart.com. GEICO - Go to geico.com, get a quote, and see how much you could save. It’s GEICO-easy! GREEN CHEF - Go to greenchef.com/vine125 and use code VINE125 to get $125 off, including free shipping. PELOTON - Experience motivation like never before with the Peloton bike, now $400 less. Go to onepeloton.com to learn more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Okay, listen up if you love a good slow burn romance, and let's be real, who doesn't? You need to check out the new Audible Original of Pride and Prejudice. It's an intimate performance that literally makes you feel like you're right there swooning with Lizzie Bennett and Mr. Darcy. Marisa Abella as Elizabeth and Harris Dickinson as Darcy, I'm obsessed. So whether it is your first time with Jane Austen or your 50th, this version is such a fresh, fun listen. Go to audible.ca slash Jane Austen to dive in. Grab a coffee and discover Vegas-level excitement with BetMGM Casino.

Now introducing our hottest exclusive, Friends, the One with Multi-Drop. Your favorite classic television show is being reimagined into your favorite casino game featuring iconic images from the show. Spin our new exclusive because we're not on a break. Play Friends, the One with Multidrop exclusively at BetMGM Casino. Want even more options? pull up a seat and check out a wide variety of table games from blackjack to poker. Or head over to the arcade for nostalgic casino thrills.

Download the bet MGM Ontario app today. You don't want to miss out. 19 plus to wager, Ontario only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConEx Ontario at 1-866-531-2,600 to speak to an advisor free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming, Ontario. This week's Off the Vine is sponsored by Chinet.

Chinet brand makes premium disposable tableware for all of life's gatherings. Visit MyChinet.com to find out more. Straight talk, no contract, no compromise, available at Walmart and Walmart.com. Guyco, go to guyco.com, get a quote and see how much you could save. It's Geicoe easy. Visit guyco.com today, that's guyco.com. Greenchef, go to greenchef.com slash Vine125 and use code Vine125 to get $125 off, including free shipping. Peloton experienced motivation like never before with the Peloton bike.

Now, $400 less. Go to OnePelaton.com to learn more. Hey, everyone, really quickly, Straight Talk Wireless has now rolled out 5G coverage nationwide with no contract, all on America's best networks. Straight Talk Wireless, no contract, no compromise, available at Walmart and Walmart.com. 5G capable device required, actual availability coverage and speed may vary. Hey, everybody, you're listening to Caitlin Bristow's podcast, Off the Vine. Take it away, Bree. Wine. Lots of wine.

Hey, be on the mic, turn it up, let's go. Hey, ramen, Pino, ready for the show. Everyone's welcome, so come on in because OTV, it's about to begin. Welcome to Off the Vine. I'm your host, Caitlin Bristow. Yeah, we fancy like Applebee's on a day-night. Got to Burma Street State with the Oreo shake and some whipped cream on the top two. Yep, that's right. Walker Hayes is back on the pod today for the third time.

We've really been through a lot together in these last six years, but it's been two years since I last talked to him. And holy crap, so much has happened since we last chatted. I've been seeing him literally everywhere and just could not. wait to catch up on him in his crazy life. It was so, so good hearing about all of his success and his amazing wife and his six kids and all the Applebee's that they get to eat now for free. I'm expecting my gift card in the mail. He's just so humble and wise and real and I just always love chatting with him and catching up. So I know you guys are going to love this

combo as well. Oh, coming to us live from the bus i love it how are you i like the beanie oh thank you you know what's so funny is i go back and forth because i'm canadian we call it a took and now i'm back in the state and i call it a beanie and i get so i was at home and i was like hey has anyone seen my beanie and everyone's like what the hell is a bee what's a beanie you know it's hilarious you just explained that to me because right when i said beanie i was like i'm just trying to sound cool because i actually called a toboggan i know that's what my dad's what my parents called it they were like yo where's

your toboggan and then i know that's way cooler than than be it's actually funny though because um i was doing a quiz with katie and blake who just were on the bachelorette and i blake's from canada and katie's from seattle and so i was quizzing her on like canadian terms and she guessed that a tuk slash beanie was called a toboggan and now it is when now i'm questioning everything because I laughed in her face. And now I'm like, maybe he was right. You need to call her and apologize. It is a, it's a legit word for that hat.

Yeah, I'd never, I'd never heard Beanie until I got all, you know, got to Tennessee. And people were like, oh, Beanie. But it was weird, too. It's kind of like the same thing with Coke. Like, people say soda in Tennessee. And I'm like, no, it's a Coke. And I call it a pot. I was about to say, I was going to guess that you call it a pot.

So yeah. And some people call it soda pop. So to pop. Some people call it soda pop. I don't know. I just, I love all the different terms for it between like Canadians and Americans. Jason, my fiance, was born and raised in Buffalo. And he has a lot of Canadian terms and sayings in him. Yeah. And it's just so funny going over it. We were just like I said, back home in Canada. And we were doing it with my niece and nephew who heard she's 13 and he's nine. And we were going through. And they thought it was so funny the certain terms that. Oh, yeah. The Americans have compared to Canadians.

So funny. Does he say both instead of both? Does he say both? Oh. Because Brian, my tour manager is from Buffalo, and he says both. And I'm always like, man, that sounds so Canadian to me. That's what I don't know. That's, well, sometimes he sounds super Canadian and other times I don't know what the hell it is because he says his O's like A's.

he'll say hockey instead of hockey. Oh, yeah. And like he calls a documentary documentary. He's a stackbroker. He's a stack broker. I think that's so funny. Well, look, last thing I'll say about it, there's a quiz. I don't know if you've seen this quiz, but it's like 25 questions.

And it will ask you, what do you say you guys are y'all? You know, do you turn the light on or own? And it will tell you, it will tell you the city you are, from. Come on now. Legit. Like, when I took it, I was so confused because I was like, man, nothing that, like, you call a shopping cart, like, you'd call a shopping car, like, it asks you all these

questions, and some are thinkers. You're like, I don't really know. And so when you, when you don't know one, you think you're messing up the quiz. But it literally said, you're from Mobile, Alabama. And I was like, no freaking way. That's, okay, I'm going to do, I'm going to do that as soon as I'm off this podcast with you because now I'm intrigued if they'll know I'm from Leduc, Alberta. You watch out.

It'll blow your face off. It's pretty awesome. Oh, gosh. Well, you're blowing my face off with all the TikTok stuff you've been up to. It's so crazy because remember the first time we talked was so long ago, like five years or something ago. And you were like, we should do another podcast in like a year and see where I'm at with this.

And so we did. And then you were just starting TikTok two years ago. And I was like, I've downloaded it. and I do not understand what's going on. And you were, you like had a person that was helping you with TikTok. And now I look and you're like getting 32 million views on your TikTok videos with your daughter. And it's so awesome to see because TikTok is obviously the hot thing right now.

And yeah, look where it's gotten you two years later with TikTok. It's insane. I remember talking to you. And I think we just chatted about how, you know, you figure out one social platform and you're like I got this on lock like I literally could cruise the rest of my career with this I'm good at you know you're like I know how to do the pit I can I can guess how many likes and the way people are going to respond you know and you figure it out and then they're like oh this is the new one you know and you're like ah and part of you it wants to hate it you're

like it's stupid please let it be hated so it just goes away and I don't have to do it you know But that wasn't the case, like you said, you know, with TikTok, and I know you're killing it as well, which I'm proud of you because I remember when we were both like, I don't know, man, like, how do you get down on this? But I will say over COVID, you know, it took a lot of pressure off me socially because I didn't have any cool stuff to post about. So it was like, all I can do is be me. Like I didn't have any cool shows, no cool stats, didn't really release. any songs. It was literally just us at the house. And so I really feel like what helped me was I enjoyed TikTok. I got over myself and I was like, this is actually fun, you know, to do these dances. And you can hate all you want, but I'm having a good time with my daughter,

you know. Well, exactly. That was you, you and your whole family are there's everyone's so entertaining in their own way. And it was such a, it's such a cool platform for you guys because you were able to share music on it your family time have fun i know both of us were like is this just for kids dancing like i don't know but no there's so much more to ticot it's like educational it's fun it's funny and there's so much going on and you and your family just have a blast doing it it is i mean you you know and yeah you can either knock those things and and be kind of daunted by them or you can just have some fun you like a sec you know get i got over myself and i was like you know, if I'm going to be an entertainer, this is, this is part of it.

Let's figure this thing out. And really, it turned from trying to figure it out to really enjoying it. I mean, if you look at all my posts, it's not always my music. Like, Lila and I, we crushed the renegade. Like, we nailed it. We had a blast doing it, you know, and I hit the, like, it took me a while to be like, what do you even do there, you know, now? You nail the woe now.

Dude, I could crush the woe. get it all the criss-cross and all, bam, you know, and I really, I have fun doing it. Like, me and Lila laugh. We spend hours together just learning these dances. And we did one to the fresh, fresh Prince of Belle Air the other day. Just she was like, yo, let's pop this off. But it's so much fun. And what I love about TikTok is you just never freaking know.

Like, you know, sometimes I'm like, this is going to be viral. and it gets like three comments and nothing. And then I'll literally get on the thing and be like, and then it's like five billion views, you know? And I'm like, what did I do? It's so, it's like a, it's a fun game of not knowing what is going to pop off. But that's so funny because Jason was talking to somebody over in TikTok land, like higher up.

And they were talking about how their algorithm works in certain ways is it's almost like the slot machine effect. so it makes people keep coming back and making videos because that one's going to hit it and it's going to go viral and then you're like well what else can I do because you think about it what's the largest show you've ever played uh 22,000 which is nuts jump change compared to yeah right like when they're all standing in front of you you're like holy shit this is huge and then you think about how many football fields and stadiums of people have watched your TikTok and it's just a whole thing. whole other platform and stage to be on and get to your family to be a part of it too it is and you know I I I dare like anybody hating on TikTok I truly think it's because they're probably a little in like it's so creative like I mean I get on there if I go right now and I scroll on the next 10 you know a couple of them are going to be really dirty but they're still going to be really, really smart.

And like, I'm like, how did you, you know, how did you just think it used to come up with that, you know? No, it's really showing people's creativity. And it is. And it's, uh, it's making, it's a fun. Oh my gosh. As a musician, it's so much fun. Like I cannot wait.

We have a new song coming out next week. I can't wait to let it go on TikTok and just see. And again, the data may, it may not do as well as I thought, but it's a fast. way to learn, you know, from your fans. And, um, and again, I don't know about you, but I just feel like TikTok is, it's just born for the less curated mind. Like, I don't have to overthink a post or dress up for it. Like, I'm literally like, hey, what up? I'm doing this. Bam. And then, and like you said, in a minute, a million people have seen it. And, and, and, and, and, you know, who knows if it'll go, if it'll catch that river, or where it's like 10 million views or if it'll

just kind of keep creeping. I don't know. It's wild. All right. We're going to pause the podcast to talk about straight talk. 5G is here, but the big carriers want you to sign a pricey, long-term contract to get on it. Not anymore because Straight Talk wireless has rolled out 5G coverage nationwide, with plans starting at just $35 a month and no contract, all on America's best networks. Plus get the latest smartphones from brands like Samsung, or you can bring your own phone and just keep your number and 5G network just by swapping your SIM card. 5G coverage, 5G phones, less money, straight talk wireless, no contract, no compromise,

available at Walmart and Walmart.com, 5G capable device required, actual availability, coverage, and speed may vary. Keep your own phone requires a compatible unlocked phone, and straight talk KYOP kit may need to change phones APN settings. Okay, so I was just in the home country of Canada to visit my family. family for the first time in literal years. And it was seriously just the most amazing time ever. Those times where we're just able to gather, spend time with the people we love in life are really just the best of all times. Chinette Brand knows this to be true, which is why they focus on

premium disposable tableware that allows everyone to entertain and enjoy all the delicious food and drinks while they're together. We actually did that. We had our Canadian Thanksgiving with Chinat Brand. Chinat brand makes three product lines, Chinat Classic, Chinat Crystal, and Chinet comfort and everything they make is designed with you in mind so that you can have the best experience spending time with the people you love. Their products are super durable and there are no bends, leaks, shatters, even if you're having a big old piece of cake. And their Chinat classic products are made in the U.S. with at least 80% recycled materials. You can even put them in the microwave to enjoy your little leftovers the next day. Chinat brand is really perfect for all

of life's get-togethers and makes for the easiest cleanup, whether you're hosting the get-together or just attending as a guest. Make sure you have this on hand next time you're spending time with the peeps that you love the most. Visit my chinet.com to find out more. I mean, it really is wild and it's so cool. And I just, I get so excited for you when I see all this stuff happening because I've just followed you for so long and I know so much about your story and everywhere that you came from and just full circle moments for you. And that And that, you know, obviously your TikTok that went so viral with Lila with the Applebee's song. Like, did you, because you know as a musician, there's so many songs where you're like,

this is going to be the song that changes my career. And then sometimes it doesn't or sometimes it's the opposite where you're like, are people even going to like this song and then completely goes off? What were you thinking when you did that TikTok and that song? Were you like, this is it? So, you know, we had been removed from society. So I was out of the bubble for a year. And honestly, I just kind of stopped caring.

I was like, you know, I'm on cruise control. I got a nice fan base. If we ever start touring again, I'll tour, you know, make up for some of the money we've lost in the past year. I'll get back to my band. We'll have fun. As far as song selection, I have no, I do not have that gift, Caitlin. Like, every song I pick is a turd. It just never works.

It's like every song that I'm like, this is going to be huge. It's just blam. You know, and so I don't really trust my instincts. But I will say when we put out the EP, if I was in your car and you were like, yo, play me what you're doing next. I'd be like, listen to this song. Because the 808, just that bass hit so hard.

And I don't think anybody in country has that much fun. You know, like, it's just, it's crazy. Like, country songs are so good and they're tight, but they don't just slap like. that you know and uh when that hits i'm like back that thing up let's go you know like it even my kids like in our house the first time i played them for that i played them each of them on headphones and when it got to that moment their faces were like oh and then when it hit the base they all went you know they just flipped out and so i knew i look i knew i loved it i knew that it was so me

um i wanted to release it three days after we released it that Lila just came home. We came home after church one day, and she was like, yo, fancy like needs a dance, Dad. And we had done one to some other songs, and I was like, let's go. And so we created that really fast. I mean, super

fast and had no idea that we would be sitting here with what's going on with that song right now. It's insanity. It really is insanity. Like, my mom is all over the TikTok day, my niece and nephew, like everyone is doing it. You're everywhere I turn on the TV.

I hear it on the commercial. It's in the radio. It's playing on like, not even just country. It's on like number one hits radio. And it's just everywhere. And it's so cool because it is such a fun song that also slaps. Dude, it slaps is the best word about it. Like when I, even when I hear it like at a stadium, you know,

at a baseball. I'm like, dude, it's shaking the bleachers. Like, this bumps. And, uh, and I just love that. Like, that's, that's, that's, that's what I've always wanted to be able to do, you know, with my music. And so it's exciting. But look, let's be honest. Like, what's another cool thing about it is like, let's let's let's put out some facts here, okay? Six kids. Yeah. Right. I live in like suburbia of suburbia. Like, it is, the it is the whitest lamest neighborhood of all time like it's fresh

black top you know like we all have the same same garbage can you know like it's literally like if you walked in a Lego movie there's my neighborhood yeah it's not like super super wealthy I have no cool clothes like I still

wear the under armor shorts I got from like practice in high school they're long they go below my knees. I wear a lot of like socks with sliders. Yeah. I do that. I do the new bow. Well, I don't know. I don't really care what's in. That's the thing is I'm just a big dorky dad. I grew this beard out over COVID, you know, some gray in it. I'm 41. I'm a nerd. I'm just such a nerd. Like I don't, I don't have, there's not one cool thing about me. And I'm walking around outside talking to Kesha on the

cell phone, you know, and, and we're doing, we're doing a remix on the biggest song on the planet. And I've got like mustard on my shirt, you know, from my grill cheese and mustard from lunch. It's just crazy. You know, I just want to be a fly on the wall when all these like super influential people like Ed Shearing is like, oh, I was going to have the number one song this week, but there's this dude. Who is this dude? And then he Googles me. and I'm like cross-eyed in my living room, you know, like doing this nerdy dance with my kids. I just want to be a fly on the wall. Like, what are they, what are they thinking, watching all this?

And it's just unlikely. I know, but I think that's part of your charm because you are just being who you are. And it's so fun to watch someone thrive in just being themselves. I think that's, it's so exciting to watch somebody thrive when they're just being true to themselves and succeeding in that because I just think in the world that we live in and after going through all of this pandemic stuff, I think people crave that is just like somebody that's not trying too hard, but still being successful by being who they are. And I think that's so cool. And clearly it's working and it's relatable. And I think that's what people miss. I think that's a

huge part of your EP and things that you're doing is, I know you've said before, you're trying to make that one hit that just sticks or you know which you've done but you've also gone back to just being who you are and writing music that means something to you and if it works it works and i like that mentality yeah you know when i watch i've watched the og video of lila and i and i confess there isn't intangible it's joy it's like i don't know and you know what we haven't really duplicate like i've done a lot of stuff and now my audience is huge so i do get a lot of views on whatever. Right.

But that video, there is something that happens in it, you know, where I'm like, we just didn't care. Like, we're just too, a dad and his daughter. And we're just having a good time. And you can tell there were no expectations. I don't even know if we did it, right? But I don't know. It's been, it's been so cool, honestly, and the fact that the family is involved.

And again, you know, you talk about me being me. what a relief like you know i don't have to i don't have to fake for anybody like yo this this is it this is what you get uh you know i've had this sweatshirt on for many days and i don't plan on changing it tomorrow and uh i won't change it until it smells bad that's the rule and um but you know i just i just get i just get to to be me for for a second you know if that doesn't work I'll be tempted to fake it. I'll be like, oh, God, you know, how do I, how do I, how do I, how do I, how do I be famous again? But, you know, for now, it's so freeing that, that my family, it's a family affair.

Yeah. We, we, we all kind of are succeeding together. My kids, my daughter, just what a, can you imagine you're 15, you just do this dance with your dad, and it impacts the world, you know, and you really just got to see how, 30 minutes that you spent with your dad and two videos later, the earth is, is having fun, you know, and that's it. That's the coolest part is that it's she can see and your whole family can see how something so small could make such a huge impact. And I think from what I know of you and your family and how I see you, you both parenting, like I think you can show your kids that it's not about like, like the fame or the numbers, it's the impact that you can have on other people. And I think that it comes through, even social media, seeing you both doing that. Right.

No, it's just neat that to me, it's a lesson to me, you know, it's like you just never know what one second of your life, how it, how it can affect you, you know. And I'm sure you know that, you know, especially when you're talking and people who are listening, you can accidentally say it. a sentence that gives somebody that hope they need it, you know, and you're like, man, I don't even remember saying that. And, uh, you know, but anyway, we're, we are grateful, uh, with this success. It's super busy and I find it hard to balance. Um, you know, just family and, uh, work. And because I love my job. And I, I really do. I mean, I, I, uh, it's tough. It's, it's definitely an affair. I have. Lanny You know, we discuss it all the time. It's like, what am I choosing?

Why am I choosing that? Could I be, could I choose more wisely, saying yes and no to stuff? So we're going to have to get a hold of that. But, man, it's such a joyful time for me and my team. I mean, you knew us five years ago. And so I had, you know, there's some people who are crazier than me. And that's the people that signed me and said, I believe that this guy has something to offer. and it's different.

Yeah. But the world's going to hear it one day, and this is their moment. And honestly, nothing could make, just fill my heart more than seeing the people around me, this Shane McAnally, Rob Carlton, Marissa Turk, like this team around me who have believed. And now they're, I hope they're just going everywhere saying, I told you, you know. Of course they are. yeah yeah so that's that's that's that's a sweet victory for me it is it's i know you talk about balance and how hard that must be because i mean truthfully i feel the same of course on a

different level of as you but i feel the same with trying to find balance in traveling and doing a podcast tour and hosting and everything that i have going on while balancing a relationship and being home with my dogs and i just can't even imagine the level of touring with six children and Laney and everything that like that balance seems to be impossible in that world but it's I know they're so supportive and I know that you love doing both it just must be so hard to be on the road while you have a family at home it is and you know the goal the goal for me is just to get them on a bus you know they homes they homeschool and so you know but again you know it's just it's honestly you know not the

to get all spiritual or religious, but, like, you know, it's funny. It's like before Fancy Like, I was very vocal about, you know, I do this because it feeds a family and my job, it's not a vice, you know, it's just something I love to do. And then Fancy Like hits and it's like all of a sudden, my job is my God. I'm like, give me more of that, you know, and I got to admit it, you know, it's, It's fame and fortune and success. They have this lure where they don't, it's like the lottery. Like it kills your time.

It grabs you and it keeps you going. It doesn't satisfy. But boy, it gets you on that treadmill where you're like, one more speed, baby. Let's go. And then you start lying yourself. You're like, one more and I'm good. One more and I'm good. Yes.

And then five more later, you're still not good. And in the meantime, you've maybe destroyed some things that really mattered to you. Yes. So I have to keep myself in check. I will say, yeah, it's, it's, again, it's just balance and not letting, not letting this become my God. But that's my tendency. I mean, you know, that's just human nature, I think. It is human nature.

I totally relate to that. And it's because it is, you know, when you're doing something you love, of course you want to be successful at it. and you want to be recognized for it and acknowledge for all your hard work. So when you are finally getting that after, you know, years of grinding and you finally get that, it's a pride thing too. You're proud of yourself. You're supporting your family. You're supporting yourself.

You're doing what you love to do. And it is like a bit of an adrenaline rush or getting a little taste of that. You're like, same thing. I do the same thing with saying yes to things. I'm like, well, I'll just do this and then I'll slow down next year. And I've got to say yes to this because like, how long is this going to last? And then in the meantime, I'm like, oh, I'm supposed to be planning a wedding and like focusing on my relationship right now. And that's taking a back seat because of all these opportunities.

But that's what you want. And it's really confusing. But also it's like you want to stay so grateful and humble and everything that you want to be that doesn't usually come with success. You usually lose those things. But when you, you know, when you are spiritual or religious and you have something bigger that you're like thinking of a bigger purpose, it does help you stay grounded and as long as you don't get lost in that, it can be such a beautiful world that you've dreamt up. All right. I'm all about that good self-care routine life, but sometimes I feel like when we get busy, we're overwhelmed with everything going on in life.

Self-care can be the first thing to go and it definitely shouldn't be. So one way to make sure you're still taking care of yourself and making some time for you is with Peloton. Even if all you can spare is 15 minutes you can fit cardio and strength classes into your routine so easily with peloton and still stick to your fitness routine there's never been a better time to commit to your fitness goals too because the original peloton bike the one that i'm obsessed with is now 400 dollars less i love that i have half an hour between meetings or just you know a few minutes in the morning i can hop on the bike pull up a strength class get in a good workout and just feel amazing afterwards without having to leave my house or commit like an hour of my day to a class, including driving and everything

so much longer. I've taken classes that are 10 or 15 minutes, which is so ideal on those busier days. Sometimes if, you know, I'm in a little funk too. I'll just hop on the old bike real quick, search for a pop class with Cody, my guy, and I'm instantly in a better mood because of it. Their instructors are so inspiring, whether you're looking to laugh while working out or just looking for some extra motivation and there's so much variety they have yoga classes stretching classes pretty much everything you could want when it comes to moving your bod so experience motivation like never before with the peloton bike now four hundred dollars less go to one peloton.com to learn more that's o n e p-e-l-o-t-n dot com okay vino's quick pause to talk about something that's been making my

dinner routine a whole lot more enjoyable lately and that is green chef green chef has a meal plan for every lifestyle, whether you're keto, paleo, plant-powered, or just want delicious balanced dishes like I do. They send you pre-portioned, easy-to-follow recipes that are delivered to your door. That's been so incredibly convenient for me lately because I have been so busy that going to the grocery store is just one more thing to add to the old to-do list. But now I don't have to, and there are over 30 meal choices to pick from every week, so you're definitely not going to get bored with what they have to offer. I truly love that when I'm cooking with green Chef, I know that nothing is going to go to waste because they send literally the perfect amount

of ingredients for each meal. So they're actually the most sustainable meal kit offsetting 100% of their plastic use and 100% of their carbon footprint and emissions. They're also the first USDA certified organic meal kit. Basically, they're just making it so easy and guilt-free to have an amazing dinner anytime you want it. And my vinos can go to greenchef.com slash vine 125 and use code Vine 125.5. to get $125 off, including free shipping.

Yes, I said $125 off. Again, that's greenchef.com slash Vine125. Use code Vine 125 off, including free shipping. Do you own or rent your own home? Sure you do. Bet it could be hard work, but you know what's easy. That's bundling policies with GEICO. Geico makes it easy to bundle your homeowners or renter's insurance

along with your auto policy. It's a good thing, too, because you have so much to do around your home. So go to geico.com, get a quote, and see how much you could save. It's Geicoeasy. Visit guyco.com today. That's guyco.com. And you know what? Honestly, I got to say side note.

I always remember this talking to you. You're an easy person to remember that all these things are just vehicles to bump us into each other. and and you know it's like me talking to you you and i will both leave today enlightened because we we didn't we didn't think of ourselves for a second i listened to you for a second you know and i think that's a beautiful thing about my job that i will never take for granted i just meet so many people and i get to travel the world and at the same time back on the home front my kids they are so sweet i mean they come to shows and I literally walk off stage

and my daughter, 15, I'm probably to start crying when I say this. I love that. But she'll just look me in the eye and she'll just say, I'm so proud of you. I love watching you, dad. You just do so good

and you just look like you're having so much fun. And honestly, that's not because of anything Lainey and I did. And it's not because I'm a fool dad. It's just we are just lucky. You know, my kids have had an adventurous life. They have seen, they have gone from broke to to doing okay and then now they're seeing this and I mean they've just

seen it all and they've seen mom and dad fight they've seen alcoholism they've seen recovery they've seen almost off the wagon they've lost the sibling yeah and I don't know I'm just so grateful for the path our testimony there's a lot of things I wouldn't want to do again right But right now, right now, we're just trying to soak up this rare moment that, honest, to God, not a lot of my peers in the industry get to taste. And they're way more talented than me. I mean, there's so much more gifted. And not even my, even some of my heroes, you know, never had songs do whatever in the world this is doing. And so I don't really know why this is happening.

You know, I hope we do good things with it. And I hope we stay grounded through it off, pray that. And, but it's insanity. I mean, every single day I wake up and I'm just like another day, another, you know, DJ from Fuller House did the dance this morning. And then I was like, that's it. I was like, you got to be kidding. Amy Adams did it the other day on Seth Myers. Shaquillo O'Neill does it.

I mean, I'm like, what is going on right now? I saw that where Shaquille, like, walked in the background of that girl's video. Oh, yeah. That was so good. I mean, I'll tell you why it's happening. And of course, your heroes will be, you know, if you think they're more talented or whatever. But good things happen to good people. And your family has been through a lot.

And you've, it's shaped you and your family into who you are. And it makes you everything you've been through more appreciative and humble. And you guys are just having so much. fun with it and I love watching it all unfold and happen because I get to witness it on social media but it's just so freaking cool and to see everybody doing this video and I mean I can I can relate to the DJ Tanner thing because she was like did something when I was on dancing with the stars she was on it too and so she was like my dance and I was like DJ Tanner oh my gosh like such a legend but it's crazy who you can reach and like you said the

that you can have and seeing the world having fun to your song is like such an accomplishment and that must be like a part of touring too is just seeing everybody and and the impact that you have on these people. That's why I, you know, I'm sitting here in my little room talking, having such important conversations and cool conversations with people that I'm like, I forget people are even listening. And then when I go on tour for the podcast, people come up and say things where I'm like, oh my gosh, like it's such a reminder of why I do what I do. And I'm sure that you have that same feeling to you and that your family gets to experience it with you because I mean six kids that's that's so cool that they all get to you know experience such a life and and that hasn't been easy

but it's rewarding yeah you know and it you know it could go it could have gone the other way you know I mean that where where where it wasn't smart you know for dad to continue and that's you know that's a personal decision we all have to make with our our dreams and and who who we gather like our kids or our wives or spouses that we bring along and um i don't know it's just been a crazy adventure and like i said we don't take it for granted you know that's one great great thing about the past is that you know the fact that i'm talking to you on a bus because i'm out here playing a huge show tonight where everyone will sing along and do the dance and it'll be amazing and you know um yeah i mean it's it's crazy that

You know, it's crazy. You know, it's crazy that six years ago, I was going to bed right now because I got, I had to get up at four to stock produce and Brentwood Costco, you know, and sell lettuce to super rich people down there. So, you know, it's like, I love it so much. It's just so cool what can happen over, over the years and to talk to somebody from, you know, then to now and and be a part of all of that. And I mean, speaking of when you were working at Costco, wasn't it Jake Owen who called you and wanted to do. something with one of your songs and now he is what does he do? Because you have a new EP called Country Stuff. Yeah. It was written and produced in obviously such a crazy time, but tell me what happened with Jake Owen in that. Yeah. So this is crazy. Six years ago, the reason Shea McAnally wanted to work with me and produce my own album is because he was trying to get my songs on other people's albums. So he was pitching songs to Jake as he would produce him and pitching songs to the Casey Musgraves of the world and people like that. And he pitched the song to Jake.

Jake loved it. He actually recorded it six years ago. Me and Laney were about to buy the farm. We were like, this is it. I'm going to be able to feed the kids writing songs. You know, that's the fallacy that a songwriter believes in, and you're just ready to go. Well, Jake cut it.

I heard the recording. It's a bop, but it didn't make the record. And he actually called me. I actually talked to him in the Costco parking lot after work one day, and he was so apologetic. Did not owe me that phone call. That's happened to me many times. He was the only artist that's ever called to say,

look, dude, I'm sorry. I love this song. It just didn't fit the album. I'm dreadfully sorry. So we became buddies. And then when we put out this EP, we had a song on it called Country Stuff, and he was so delighted to take part in it.

As a matter of fact, when we sent him the song, He said, is this for me to cut because I will cut it? Or is this for me to, you know, collaborate with? So he jumped on that song. And I honestly couldn't speak more highly of Jake Owen. He has just been a true friend to me. That's really, that's so important. I mean, there's, you know, in every industry, there's, you know, peaks and valleys and ups and downs.

And it's always so great to come across a genuine person who, you know, turns into a good friend in the workspace. I think it's so cool. And you also collaborated with one of my bestest friends here in Nashville, Carly Pierce. Oh, yeah. Holy cow. I mean, salt to the earth. Same way, you know, Carly, Lori McKenna, and Jake. Also, I don't even know why I want to say this, but I run into Ryan Hurd a lot on the road. And he is literally like a super tall warm hug. Like I love seeing his face out here on the road because he's just normal like he's not he's not elevating himself super talented oh my gosh so talented i love his voice i know a super cool voice writes hits for days um married to marry you know he has every reason to to be a dick

but he's not he is just he is so cool but yeah um carly was so kind um with everything she was going through new album, all that stuff. She joined me on What If We Did? And really stole the show. I'm like, honestly, I was like, I mean, the song was okay. And then she came in and obliterated it. And I love her voice. Like, to me, Carla,

yes, that's a great way to describe it. Like, it is, there's seasons in it. You know, like it's season. And it just, and when she sings, you know who it is. And then Lori McKenna joined me on a song that we wrote together called Briefcase. And honestly, I truly believe she's like an angel on earth. I mean, we met for the first time via Zoom.

I was super nervous because I'm just a big hero. And she just calmed me down. And we wrote from the heart about my dad. And he was dying at the time. And so it was an emotional day. But then she joined me. She sang, she sang some BGVs on there. But yeah, just what a year of.

collabs, which was crazy. You know, I think COVID, I don't know how, but it like encouraged that. I feel like there's a lot of collabs happening right now. And it's probably because we just miss connection. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Everybody has just missed connection and it just means so much more, which probably comes through in like writing and writing with other people and singing with other people. There's probably just a whole other level of like intention and passion behind it. And I just think that's so cool that people can still do this over Zoom. You can still podcast, talk to people, you can still write music, you can still connect with other people still obviously not the same, but, and that must feel so different now to play in

front of, you know, so many people now, I guess talking to other musicians from Nashville, they've just all said the same thing. It's just so beautiful now to be in front of another human face, singing your songs and having, you know, being lost in the music. I just think that's incredible. And I want to know about the new song coming out called you girl oh yeah so this was this was cray i was just sitting there watch a tv one night and this dude named dylan guthrow an incredible producer and writer he sends me this song that he and his sister jody are working on and he's basically like do you want to help us finish it and it was called you girl actually i don't even know if i had a title then but i

listened to it and all my kids were like what was that and uh it was on my phone and so yeah we have um we finished it up i put a vocal on it sent it to him he was actually in nova scotia at the time and uh yeah so so we we just kind of finished it you know via email and uh he he put my vocal in the track and it's just a fun one um coming out next week and we have a we have a dance to it i was gonna ask yeah but it's you it's called you girl and it's U-G-U-R-L like you girl and yeah we're we're excited it's just a bop I don't know I don't think it's like it's it's it's not like the follow-up to fancy like but it's a fun song that we've been singing live and we can't wait to can't wait to get it out there

is there a reason you chose Applebee's fancy like Applebee's like why not Olive Garden Denny's like everybody yeah everybody I said damn I thought I was being original no no well nobody mentions Olive Garden, which I'm glad you did, because that, like, basically, I picked the restaurant that we, Laney and I went to the most in high school. Oh, I love that. And it was Applebee's, and that was also an Olive Garden on Airport Boulevard. So we hit that up, especially when they had their unlimited pasta bowl and it would crush it. But, yeah, we, I've been going Applebee since, or Laney and I have since we were 17.

That's so cute. Do you guys get free Applebee's for life now? Pretty much. I mean, I'm not going to, yeah, I'm not going to, I'm not going to lie. We, we, uh, basically that's, Caitlin, that's what you're going to get for Christmas is an Applebee's gift, an Applebee's gift card. If I got an Applebee's gift card from you, that would just be the best Christmas gift of all time. That's what everybody should get from you this year. I was about to say, trust me, a lot of people will.

My parents are, I mean, my mom and my sisters. and stuff. So, dude, Applebee's is their family now. And I'm so thrilled that they jumped in and partnering with us. And I'm sure that's not even, that's just beginning with them. They're great, great people. That's so awesome. Since you're TikTok famous now, I have a game for you and it's going to test your TikTokness. Oh, oh gosh. You may be viral with your song, but do you know the other trends and sounds we're about to find out? out. I could be brown, I could be blue, I could be violet sky, I could be good, I could be

anything you like, I could be blue, I could be brown. Okay, so I saw, the first one I saw was Brian Reynolds. Yes, same. And then Will Ferrell came in and was like, I can be blue, I'm going to be blue. I'm going to be blue. That's how I thought so good. that was very close What even is that?

Is that a song? I don't know. I actually don't know the trend. Some people now are taking it as a background telling like a deep story and other people make funny and I don't know. I think it's you can be brown or you can be purple or you can be whatever you want on that TikTok trend.

I love it. Okay. Next one. I could be blue. I can be brown. You get it in my head now. I know. Glitter, glitter, glitter, twirls, twirls, twill.

I don't know that one. What? Oh, my gosh. You and Leela have to do this one, because it's like... Is it a dance? Yeah, it goes, girls, girls, glitter, glitter, twirls, twirls, twirls. And then you go, together forever, we're Linda and Heather. Best friends.

Oh, my gosh, you guys, you guys have to do that one. I'm so shocked that you don't know that one. Yeah, I'm a one that I've been... cracking up lately i hope it's not like the next one you're going to play because it makes me laugh but it's like a halloween workout yes and it's like uh i forget now shake off the skittles shake off the skittles and then he's like ride the witch's room yeah ride the witch's broom he says he says something like now drop kick satan kick him in the crotch or something it is so funny and it's like these women with brooms you know in their house

And their husbands are like, what is going on? Man, it is so funny. I do. I love that one. I remember that from last year and then I saw it come back this year. And I was like, yeah. I want to do that one. Absolutely.

Okay, let's do one more. Nobody's going to know. Nobody's going to know. They're going to know. I've heard that one where they just keep saying they're going to know. They're going to know. They're going to know. Yes.

All of those, man. And especially that one, those are my favorites where I just wish, like, I wish I knew the origin. Like, where did this sound come from? A lot of those, you, when some of my favorites are when the kid whispers and he's like, you know what you need. You know, and I'm just like, where did they get this baby to say all these funny things? And they work. I know, some kids just, you know, say the darnest things. And then they catch them and then they go viral.

You know, you're all familiar with that. Okay, and last but not least, you have to give me a confession because your one last time was pretty good. What was, I think I told you the sharding in my pants story? The sharding and then, and you also got caught by Lainey's parents. Oh, gosh, man. You must have gotten me comfy on that. That's what I tried. I was like, you had me hypnotized to tell that story.

That's why I do the confessions at the end because I butter you up the whole time. and then I'm like, we're there. We're there. So, I mean, honestly, when they said, hey, do you have a confession? The first thing I thought about was this thing in high school. And I got, I actually have so many confessions. One is I love Riverdale. I'm a huge Riverdale fan.

And I just feel like country male artists aren't supposed to. to love Riverdale, but I don't care. But there was another one that I thought of, and I was like, I don't think my parents or my mom knows this, but when I was in eighth grade, we were on a chorus trip, and the chorus teacher busted us in the room because we were drinking Jack Daniels, like in the hotel room. And we were idiots, like, he opened the door and it just reek of Jack Daniels. And so they closed the door, they went and called all our parents. And in the meantime, it was three of us in the hotel.

And it was me, Paul Hendricks, and I forget the third guy. But me and Paul, we had already been suspended. And so if I get suspended again, I get expelled. And I was like, oh, my gosh. And so we both just begged and pleaded this other dude. we were like please take the blame just please when they come in it's all you don't remember shame on you I know I know I know and so anyway we paid him a hundred bucks and look this is back when like you're in high school a hundred bucks is like you don't have a hundred dollar bills yeah

and uh we he took the blame and we paid him a hundred bucks and then Paul and I think we got like a whole bunch of Saturday detentions, but it wasn't, you know, it wasn't a suspension. So I got to stay in school. And so, yeah,

so that guy, and I don't know if my mom knows this, but yeah, because I lied. I was like, yeah, didn't have anything to do with it. Oh,

no. Do you think your mom would listen to this podcast? I mean, I hope not now, because, you know, we've mended everything,

you know, and if she finds out, no, I mean, she will listen of this. I don't think she'll really be surprised. And you know, honestly, I bet you a hundred bucks. I bet you a hundred bucks. She'll look at me and she'll go, I knew you were lying, you know. Mother's no. They always know. I feel like that. That's, well, if she didn't,

then do I owe you a hundred bucks? Maybe so. I'll ask, well, I'll ask her and I'll see, I don't see what she says. But yeah, you know, I'm an open book. Confessions are hard for me. I feel like I'm spilt at all. Like you said, that's crazy. I told you that story. I don't usually tell that story a lot. No, it's so good. People loved it.

I love when people go there with confessions. And so speaking of like bets, making bets, I actually made a bet with Jimmy Kimmel. He said he was going to pay me $1,000 if I got married to Sean Booth. And I was like, and I went double or nothing. And he was like, okay. So I actually owe him $2,000, I think. Wow. There you go.

Are you going to pay him? I probably should. You should send him two grand and wine. Oh, that's a good idea. Just be like, let's call it. That's actually a really, really good idea. I'll look into that. That's so funny.

Well, I'm just so excited. Where are you right now in your tour? We're in Charleston, and we're playing an outdoor show tonight to be several thousand people here and just, and then I'm headed to my nephews getting married in Fairhope area so I get a little kind of a weekend off we're going to do the fancy like at his reception and stuff I mean so many people are doing fancy like at their weddings I know it's it's it's it's like the new the office thing that everybody was doing there you know but um look it's it's amazing I can't believe it and I uh always love just talking to you you're you're really great at this and uh no wonder you no wonder you have a job doing this

you're pleasant to speak with i thank you for saying that because i really just enjoy having in the moment conversations with people i feel like we don't do it enough and podcasting is just like turned into such a passion because i genuinely enjoy talking to good people so thank you for always coming back on and now i'm like what the hell are we going to talk about another two years what's going to happen i don't know we'll probably i don't know i don't know This is probably it. You know, I thought to you about Craig a little bit last time. It is, it is hands down, like, look, fancy, like, and all this stuff is cool, and the new music is awesome.

But I just, we're in, like, the last couple rounds of edits of this 10 chapter book. And each chapter is a something. Like, it's a church, a bar, a dog, a Wednesday, a baby, a friend. And man, I was just going through it last night. We turned it in for a round of edits. And I was just bawling at just what, and it basically goes through the years I've known you. It's just from the moment I met Craig to what's going on. Now, we're actually neighbors now, Craig and I.

And for those, for people who don't know, Craig gave us a car when we only had one car and just sacrificially love my family and I, him and his wife, Laura. and his kids and anyway we're neighbors now and we're writing a book about my testimony and he shares the gospel in it and it's called glad you're here and it comes out early next summer and our spring and i am so jack it's so hard to write a book you've written a book right no but jason has and i know so many people that have and it's no joke like if you're writing it together like it's an everyday all day kind of thing that you have to put your heart and soul into it's crazy and and you forget you forget like have i already said this in the third chapter you know because you're a week

later and it's just it's tedious but as i read it last night and as it as i'm becoming more familiar with everything we've poured into it yeah man it just brings me to tears and i just really hope that uh people will be impacted about uh impacted from it and it's a it's a it's a it's a It's a, it's a, it's something I'm very passionate about. No, I'm so excited. So it'll come out early next spring? I think, I'm going to say May, but, you know, give or take a month or two, because I have a way of slowing things down.

I'm very slow, I'm slow writer. And, but, you know, it'll come out in God's time. And, and, and, but gosh, I mean, look, I, I, I love what I do. But I, there's just something magical about that. And I feel like all this other stuff. is leading to that in some way you ever you know you ever do a ton of things and you're like but i feel like it's it's aiming for that and um so yeah just i just i just can't wait to to share that and i really i perceive maybe me and crag kind of going to places and talking about it you know

and um i could see that yeah it just i'm i'm jacked about it so anyway you and craig have such a history and you've written a song about him and he essentially like changed a big part of your life. And so for you, too, to write a book together with what he's done for you and your writing and everything that could come together through that. And again, impact so many people. I'm really excited for the book. And where will people be able to buy it like everywhere that you can buy books? Oh, everywhere. Yeah. Yeah. We're with Moody publishing and they've, they had a huge book. So it was a love language book. Like that's their big dog. Yeah. So, but they have been so.

pleasant to work with and actually this is cool uh the band mercy me and i are recreating the song Craig oh cool yeah so we're we're gonna give the fans like a brand new version of that prior to the book and i don't know it's just you know how you you do things and you're like uh this is fun and i like this and i love that you're dancing i love you're laughing but you know this is this is the real message i would love to communicate and share so super jacked about that and then we also have a new song it's called aa and it will come out in november i've got to tell you so my dad has not missed an aa meeting in 30 years and he has become a mentor to so many people he's just a beautiful human being i'm just he's just a saint of a human and i told him about

your song the last beer in the fridge but yeah what's that song called beer in the fridge yeah he loves it now and i was talking to it and i was telling him about you and he just he's actually a was a big fan of yours without even knowing that that was you and i was like yeah yeah he's he's he's just such a big fan so yeah a a a is very important to me i don't go every night but actually the night, the day we buried Oakley, I had a real moment where I was like ready to just go fight somebody and just get plastered. I was two years sober and I drove to this bar and my wallet wasn't in my car. So I went home to get it. And when I came home, I just fell apart and I told Laney what I was going to do.

And she found me in AA meeting. So that's an example. A has saved my life many times. Just a place to go and admit I'm an idiot. And it's a special place to me. But yeah, this song is, it's an anthem. It's a fun song, believe it or not. Oh, good.

But it's a, I think your dad I like this one too. I'm excited. I'm excited to share it. Well, I'm just so excited for you. Everything you have going on, you deserve. And I love watching you and your family. it's really precious and inspirational and I'm just I'm truly proud of you thank you I appreciate it and back at you I need a I need a Caitlin Beanie so whenever you whenever you make the toboggins or the

tucks or whatever you call it I have a bucket hat out right now if you'd like one of those now I love that I love that let's get the bucket out but it's always always a pleasure thanks for having me I can't yeah it'll be fun who knows what we'll talk about next i've excited to find out and tell everyone where they can find you on tic-tok and all those oh yeah i think i don't i don't even remember if my handle is like walker hayes official i think it might be i was just looking at it yeah is it and then uh and then instagram is just walker hayes i feel like walker hay is official is that it it's the one with the blue check not to drop that blue check yeah it's just walker hayes oh no it's Walker Hayes official. You're right.

Gotcha. Yeah. So Walker Hayes official. And then, yeah, come on, come by and visit me. I respond to all my Insta stuff. Like, that's really me. So, yeah, bring it on. Right on. Well, good for you. And have fun at your show tonight. And maybe when you're back in Nashville, we can do a TikTok. Let's go. We got to do one, all right? We're getting better. I think we figured it out. I love it. I love you, y'all. You all have a good rest of your day. much for coming on talk to you soon i'm your host kately bristow i'll see you next tuesday thanks for listening to off the vine with kately bristow get new episodes every tuesday exclusively

on podcast one dot com the podcast one app and subscribe on apple podcasts