Celebrating the songwriters who have written the soundtracks to our lives - one thank you note at a time. Because greatness deserves gratitude. Hosted by Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO, Rusty Gaston.
Join us in celebrating the incredible art of songwriting and the talented people who bring our favorite songs to life. Thank a Songwriter is a heartfelt celebration of the craft, creativity, and stories behind the music.
Featuring acclaimed songwriter and producer Luke Laird, this special experience shines a light on the songwriting process, the inspiration behind unforgettable songs, and the people who help shape the music we love.
Come hear the stories, celebrate the craft, and take a moment to thank a songwriter for the songs that become part of our lives.
2 Sept 2026
Josh Osborne - Thank A Songwriter
In Episode 4 of Thank A Songwriter, we sit down with acclaimed hitmaker and New York Times “30 Best Songwriters” honoree Josh Osborne for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, collaboration, and longevity in modern songwriting.
Josh reflects on his standout work with some of country music’s most influential artists, including Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, and Carly Pearce—sharing the stories, sessions, and serendipitous moments that brought those songs to life.
Alongside host Rusty Gaston of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Rusty Gaston, the conversation explores the importance of long-term creative partnerships, writing alongside friends, and the discipline—and inspiration—it takes to keep showing up for the song.
It’s an honest, insightful look inside the relationships and routines that fuel great songwriting, and a celebration of the craft at its highest level.
15 Jul 2026
Bobby Braddock - Thank A Songwriter
We are honored to welcome legendary songwriter Bobby Braddock to Thank A Songwriter.
One of the most influential and celebrated writers in country music history, Bobby has penned some of the genre’s most iconic and enduring songs. In this heartfelt and candid conversation, he reflects on the remarkable stories behind the music, the unexpected turns that shaped his career, and the creative moments that defined a legacy few can match.
Joined by Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO and Thank A Songwriter host Rusty Gaston, Bobby shares a truthful, deeply personal look at his journey through six decades of songwriting excellence—offering rare insight into the craft, the industry, and the songs that continue to resonate across generations.
This episode marks an extraordinary milestone for Bobby—60 years of being signed with Sony Music Publishing as a songwriter; and is a powerful tribute to a living legend and a must-listen conversation for anyone who loves the art of songwriting.
1 Jul 2026
Kix Brooks - Thank A Songwriter
Join us in Episode 2 of Thank A Songwriter’s Season 2, with none other than the legendary Kix Brooks from Brooks & Dunn. Kix walks us through moving to Nashville, his long-term relationship with Sony Music Publishing, and his legacy moving forward. Alongside Rusty Gaston this episode is one you don’t want to miss.
10 Jun 2026
The Warren Brothers - Thank A Songwriter
We’re kicking off Season 2 with a powerful start, sitting down with acclaimed hitmakers The Warren Brothers for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about their remarkable journey in songwriting. From chart-topping success to the stories behind some of country music’s most recognizable songs, they reflect on the craft, the hustle, and the defining moments that shaped their career.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville's CEO Rusty Gaston hosts Thank A Songwriter, guiding the conversation with insight and perspective as he explores The Warren Brothers’ impact, legacy, and the ever-evolving landscape of the Nashville songwriting community.
It’s a deep dive into creativity, collaboration, and the voices behind the songs you know and love.
12 Nov 2025
Thank A Songwriter - Trannie Anderson Episode 9
Welcome to another episode of Thank A Songwriter, where we dive deep into the stories behind the songs and the legends who wrote them.
We are back with our guest, Trannie Anderson. This episode is special because we are discussing her songwriter project 'Heart Like A Songwriter' for the first time!
The first singles Heart Like A Truck (intro) & Heart Like A Truck (Songwriter Version) release on November 13, 2025.
5 Nov 2025
Thank A Songwriter - Trannie Anderson Episode 8
Welcome to another episode of Thank A Songwriter, where we dive deep into the stories behind the songs and the legends who wrote them.
We are so excited about this episode's guest, Trannie Anderson. If you have turned on country radio in the last few years, you've absolutely heard one of her songs. She's one of those writers who can take the simplest idea, and make it feel like your life story. Every lyric feels lived in, the hooks hit you in the gut, it's the kind of writing that reminds you why you fell in love with country music in the first place.
We talk about how she got here, how her faith and her friendships impact her writing, and what it's really like being part of this new wave of women shaping country music today.
1 Oct 2025
Thank A Songwriter - Bill Anderson Episode 7
Welcome to another episode of Thank A Songwriter, where we dive deep into the stories behind the songs and the legends who wrote them. Today’s guest needs no introduction in the world of country music, but I’m going to give him one anyway. Our guest is a true legend—a songwriter, an artist, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 64 years!
He’s written six #1 radio singles, both as an artist and a songwriter, and has more than three dozen Top 10 hits to his name. His songs have shaped country music for decades, from the timeless “City Lights” with Ray Price, to Connie Smith’s iconic “Once A Day,” to George Strait’s Grammy-winning “Give It Away,” co-written with Jamey Johnson and Buddy Cannon.
Bill Anderson is also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. If there’s a prestigious accolade in country music, he’s earned it.
In today’s episode, we’ll get into Bill’s incredible career, how he’s seen the genre evolve, and the stories behind some of his most unforgettable songs. Bill, we are so excited to have you on the show.
3 Sept 2025
Thank A Songwriter - Tom Douglas Episode 6
Today, we have the honor of interviewing Tom Douglas who has multiple radio #1s and 16 BMI Awards with songs including ‘Little Rock’ for Collin Raye, ‘Grown Men Don’t Cry’ for Tim McGraw, ‘I Run To You’ for Lady A, and many more.
In this episode, we talk with Tom about the journey it took for the world to finally hear ‘The House That Built Me’.
27 Aug 2025
Thank A Songwriter - Tom Douglas Episode 5
Today, we have the honor of interviewing Tom Douglas who has multiple radio #1s and 16 BMI Awards with songs including ‘Little Rock’ for Collin Raye, ‘Grown Men Don’t Cry’ for Tim McGraw, ‘I Run To You’ for Lady A, and many more.
Every songwriter’s journey is unique. In Tom’s first trip to Nashville, he didn’t achieve his dreams of a hit song. He packed up and left Nashville to follow another dream, and just as important of one, a family. And in the process of stepping away from Music City into Texas real estate, he fell back in love with songwriting. A real life story of hope and redemption.
In this episode, we discuss Tom’s journey from commercial real estate to songwriting, the stories behind his hit songs, and how he utilizes new dplatforms to bring his songs to life.
6 Aug 2025
Tim Nichols - Thank A Songwriter Episode 4
“Thank a Songwriter” — a podcast straight from SMP Nashville, celebrates the songwriters who have written the soundtrack to our lives.
We are honored to interview Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee, Tim Nichols — who has written hits you know and love including 'Live Like You Were Dying' for Tim McGraw, 'She Had Me At Heads Carolina' for Cole Swindell, and many more.
Hosted by CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Rusty Gaston, we dive into Tim and Rusty's shared history at TH!S Music.
30 Jul 2025
Tim Nichols - Thank A Songwriter Episode 3
“Thank a Songwriter” — a podcast straight from SMP Nashville, celebrates the songwriters who have written the soundtrack to our lives.
We are honored to interview Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee, Tim Nichols — who has written hits you know and love including 'Live Like You Were Dying' for Tim McGraw, 'She Had Me At Heads Carolina' for Cole Swindell, and many more.
Hosted by CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Rusty Gaston, we dive into Tim’s legendary career, his creative process, and the stories behind the hits you know and love.
Podcast Credits:
Videographer, Photographer & Director: Kamren Kennedy
Podcast Theme & Music: Rob McNelley
Audio Engineer & Editor: Zach Kuhlman, Jason Haag
Podcast Producers & Editors: Chelsea Kent & Lexie Strauss
23 Jun 2025
Ashley Gorley - Thank A Songwriter Episode 2
Ashley Gorley, a celebrated songwriter and Hall of Fame inductee, discusses his songwriting process and influences in this interview episode.
12 Jun 2025
Ashley Gorley - Thank A Songwriter Episode 1
Host Rusty Gaston interviews Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Ashley Gorley about his celebrated career, creative process, and the stories behind his hit songs in this episode.
10 Jun 2025
Meet The Host - Rusty Gaston
Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, introduces himself as the host of 'Thank A Songwriter' in this episode.
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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