The Chris & Sandy Show is your front-row seat to authentic conversations with the stars of the entertainment world. Hosted by Chris and Sandy Benton, this podcast goes beyond the surface to explore the real stories behind success. Through candid interviews with artists, musicians, actors, and entertainment industry professionals, each episode uncovers the passion, perseverance, and personal journeys that shape their careers.
With a focus on raw, meaningful dialogue, Chris and Sandy create a space where guests feel comfortable sharing their challenges, breakthroughs, and defining moments. Whether you're a fan, aspiring artist, or just love hearing real stories, The Chris Benton Show offers an inspiring look at the highs and lows of the entertainment industry—reminding you that behind every success is a story worth telling.
Tune in for genuine, unfiltered conversations that bring you closer to the heart of entertainment, one story at a time. https://www.ChrisBentonShow.com (https://www.ChrisBentonShow.com)
Karen Waldrup on The Voice, Faith, Finding Herself & Life Beyond Music
Country soul singer-songwriter and The Voice Season 25 Top 5 finalist Karen Waldrup joins Chris and Sandy for an inspiring, up-close-and-personal conversation about chasing dreams, overcoming challenges, and discovering what truly matters in life.
Karen opens up about the pressure she felt during her blind audition on The Voice, working with Dan + Shay, and the personal experiences that inspired her song "All That Mess." She shares valuable lessons about setting boundaries, learning to say no, and navigating the expectations that come with building a successful music career. She also reflects on the people behind her success, how a visit to Haiti changed her perspective on gratitude, and the important role faith plays in her life.
Beyond the music, Karen talks about her hopes for the future, her desire to preserve the innocence of the young woman who first arrived in Nashville with an acoustic guitar and a dream, and why her career will never be her entire identity. It's a heartfelt conversation about resilience, personal growth, and learning to build a life that's about more than accomplishments.
Connect with Karen Waldrup: https://karenwaldrup.com/ (https://karenwaldrup.com/)
Explore more interviews from The Chris & Sandy Show: https://www.chrissandyshow.com/top/interviews/ (https://www.chrissandyshow.com/top/interviews/)
31 Oct 2026
Caroline Owens on Low Flying Planes, Nashville & the Reality of Chasing Dreams
Bluegrass singer-songwriter Caroline Owens joins The Chris & Sandy Show for an Up Close & Personal conversation about her new album Low Flying Planes, the sacrifices behind pursuing a music career, finding confidence as an artist, and remembering where it all began.A North Carolina native and Billy Blue Records recording artist, Caroline has earned recognition as a three-time International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Vocalist of the Year nominee and multiple SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominee.But behind the growing recognition is a story about perseverance, family, and learning to navigate the realities of the music industry.During this October 30, 2026, interview, Caroline shares why she uprooted her life to move closer to Nashville, what inspired the title track of Low Flying Planes, and how she wrote approximately 150 to 200 songs during the album's development.She also reflects on discovering bluegrass through Alison Krauss as a teenager, working with The Isaacs, receiving a letter from Lainey Wilson, and watching childhood heroes become professional connections and friends.Beyond the music, Caroline opens up about the mental demands of touring, developing greater confidence in her artistic identity, handling negative social media comments, and the advice from her father that helps keep her grounded.
17 Oct 2026
Jesse Cole on the Grind Behind the Savannah Bananas, Taking Criticism & Dreaming Bigger
The Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball have grown from an unconventional idea in Savannah into packed stadiums, massive tours and an entertainment phenomenon—but Jesse Cole says they're just getting started.
Chris caught up with Jesse at Grayson Stadium during the 2027 Banana Ball World Tour City Selection Show for a quick conversation that went well beyond what cities and stadiums are coming next.
Jesse talks about the criticism that comes with doing something different, why creators have to keep trying even when the people around them don't understand the vision, and why he believes the world needs more people creating and fewer people simply consuming. He also shares Banana Ball's enormous goal of creating one billion fans, one fan at a time.
Then Chris asks one of The Chris & Sandy Show's longtime questions: People see the glory, but what don't they see about the grind?
Jesse's answer gets personal. He talks about sleepless nights, waking up thinking about problems that need solving, carrying responsibility for hundreds of employees and fans, raising three young children, and why his wife is the rock of both their family and the organization. Jesse Transcript
They also talk about questioning the way things have always been done, being willing to fail while attempting the impossible, and why—even after everything Banana Ball has already accomplished—Jesse believes “we're just getting started.”
This marks Chris's second conversation with Jesse Cole, roughly eight years after their first.
The Chris & Sandy Show — Same Show. New Chapter.
Who has been a guest on The Chris & Sandy Show
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sydney Mikayla
Lindsay Ell
Bonnie Keen
Jet Jurgensmeyer
Belles
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,723,730
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
94
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
Contact The Chris & Sandy Show
Guest appearances
Books guests
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