What Made You is a podcast about the moments that shape us — especially the ones no one sees coming.
Hosted by radio personality Deanna Marie, What Made You features honest, in-depth conversations with musicians and creatives about the winding road that led them to where they are today. From early struggles and career pivots to breakthrough moments and hard-earned wins, this podcast goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the real life behind the artist.
This is a continuation and evolution of Real Life Low Down with Deanna, diving deeper into the stories that don’t always make the press release — the doubts, the risks, the people, and the defining choices that truly make someone who they are.
These conversations aren’t rushed, scripted, or surface-level. They’re thoughtful, relaxed, and human — designed to give listeners a genuine connection to the guest and inspiration for their own journey, creative or otherwise.
Whether you’re a music fan, an artist chasing a dream, or someone navigating your own path, What Made You is a reminder that success isn’t a straight line — and every story is worth telling.
🎶 What made Arlis Albritton the songwriter and music community builder he is today?
From the moment the money hit his bank account after a song he wrote was cut by Diamond Rio, to watching the music industry evolve from CDs to iPods to streaming, Arlis has seen firsthand just how much this business can change.
As the force behind the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival, he’s also helping create opportunities for songwriters and bringing the stories behind the songs to the forefront.
We’re talking about the moments that make it all worth it, the changes that have shaped the industry, and the passion that keeps you going.
🎙️ Listen to the latest episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie!
#WhatMadeYou #DeannaMarie #ArlisAlbritton #Songwriting #MusicIndustry #DiamondRio #Songwriters
12 Oct 2026
BROOKE HAYNES
In this episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie, Brooke Haynes joins us for a conversation about the experiences, creative choices, and personal growth that shape an artist's journey. We get into the stories behind the songs, the realities of finding your voice in the music industry, and what it means to stay true to yourself while figuring out where you belong. It's an honest conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the moments that make us who we are.
🎧 Get to know the person behind the music in this episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie.
6 Oct 2026
TYSON HANES
Today’s guest is a Nashville musician who knows what it means to build a life around music—not just chase a career in it.
Tyson Hanes came to Nashville from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with a guitar, a dream, and a willingness to figure it out as he went. More than a decade later, he’s built a career as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and one of the many working musicians who make Nashville’s live-music scene what it is.
But Tyson isn’t just interested in playing the next gig. He’s become increasingly vocal about something that affects musicians all over this city: what it actually takes to make a sustainable living in the music business—and what happens when the people creating the music aren't treated fairly.
So today, we're talking about the leap that brought him to Nashville, the realities of life on Broadway, building and leading a band, and why Tyson decided it was important to use his voice not just to sing, but to advocate for the musicians standing beside him.
This is Tyson Hanes—and this is What Made You.
28 Sept 2026
JUSTINE BLANCHET
Canadian country artist and songwriter Justine Blanchet joins Deanna Marie to talk about the experiences that have shaped both her music and the person she is today.
Justine opens up about navigating the independent music industry, finding her place in Nashville, and how a deeper relationship with her faith began changing the direction of her life and career. She shares the internal struggle of deciding whether the songs from an earlier chapter of her life still belonged on streaming platforms—and what it means to honor where you’ve been while becoming someone new.
From songwriting and entrepreneurship to faith, identity, and redefining success, Justine shares an honest look at the choices, growing pains, and moments of clarity that continue to shape her journey.
This is What Made You with Deanna Marie.
14 Sept 2026
RANDY C MOORE
This week, we’re sitting down with singer-songwriter Randy C Moore for a conversation about a lifetime in music.
Randy takes us through the highs and unexpected turns of his career—from performing on the Grand Ole Opry at a young age and working alongside legendary artists, to navigating the ever-changing music industry and finding what keeps him inspired after decades of making music.
We talk songwriting, taking risks, the lessons that only come with experience, the moments that almost changed the course of his career, and what success looks like from the other side of the journey.
If you love music, Nashville, and the stories behind the songs, this is one you won't want to miss. Tune in and get to know the man behind the music.
31 Aug 2026
SAMMIE RAE
On this episode of What Made You with Deanna Marie, I sit down with singer-songwriter Sammi Rae to talk about the road that brought her from Texas to Nashville and the experiences that are shaping the artist she’s becoming.
We get into finding her sound, the stories behind her songwriting, navigating the realities of being an independent artist, and what she’s learned about herself along the way. Sammi also opens up about the inspiration behind her music, the evolution of her artistry, and what she hopes listeners take away from the songs she puts into the world.
It’s a conversation about taking chance
17 Aug 2026
THE TAYLORS DUO
This week on WMY, host Deanna Marie sits down with The Taylors Duo. This mother-daughter duo has been tearing up stages in Nashville, Tennessee for over a decade. Mom Paula Jo Taylor, coined by Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx as “The Viral Granny Guitarist," shreds on lead guitar and adds those close family harmonies, while daughter Amanda astounds you with her powerful vocals. We talked about the struggles of working with your family members, growing up surrounded by talent, personal connections with some of the greats, and what kind of magic happens when you're close enough to basically read each other's minds.
3 Aug 2026
JESUS HERNANDEZ
Jesus Hernandez has spent years chasing songs in all their forms. From writing joke songs as a kid inspired by Tenacious D and The Vandals, to playing lead guitar in punk bands, to eventually finding his own voice through deeply personal songwriting, his career has been defined by constant evolution. His music has spanned hardcore punk, melodic punk, and intimate acoustic storytelling, with songwriting credits in projects including Fat Judge, Pink Frosty, and A Really Bad Idea. Whether he's writing to process life's hardest moments or simply because a passing phrase won't leave his head, one thing has remained constant: he never really stops creating.
20 Jul 2026
BEN GRAVES
What does it really take to build a lasting career in Music City?
In this episode of What Made You, Deanna Marie sits down with singer-songwriter and guitarist Ben Graves for an honest conversation about the highs, the challenges, and the unexpected turns of life as a working musician. Ben shares stories from decades in the music industry, the lessons he's learned from collaborating with incredible artists, and why staying true to yourself matters more than chasing the spotlight.
Whether you're a songwriter, a music lover, or someone pursuing a dream of your own, this conversation is full of insight, authenticity, and plenty of Nashville stories you won't want to miss.
6 Jul 2026
JACOB MARTIN (THE BAND ANA)
Singer-songwriter Jacob Martin returns to What Made You with Deanna Marie for an honest conversation about the highs and lows of building a career in Nashville, staying authentic in an ever-changing music industry, and finding purpose through every chapter of his journey.
Jacob shares stories from his career, reflects on the songs that have shaped him, and opens up about embracing sobriety, and how it transformed his perspective on life and music.
From career pivots and creative growth to resilience and redemption, this episode offers an inspiring look at the man behind the music—and the lessons he's learned along the way.
22 Jun 2026
MOURNING COFFEE
This week on What Made You with Deanna Marie, I'm joined by Mourning Coffee, an indie folk project known for blending haunting melodies, raw emotion, and deeply personal storytelling. We dive into the inspiration behind the music, the healing power of songwriting, navigating life's darker moments through creativity, and the stories that shaped their artistic journey. If you've ever found comfort in a song that seemed to understand exactly what you were feeling, this conversation is for you.
8 Jun 2026
Tanner Gomes
Episode Summary
This week on What Made You, Deanna sits down with country singer-songwriter Tanner Gomes for an honest conversation about resilience, chasing dreams, and finding purpose through music. Best known for his breakout appearance on The Voice, where he earned a coveted multi-chair turn and joined Team Kelly Clarkson, Tanner shares the story behind the spotlight—including the challenges he faced growing up, the life-changing impact music had on him, and what it really takes to build a career in Nashville.
From his journey from Arizona to Music City, to the lessons learned from reality television and the realities of life as an independent artist, Tanner opens up about the highs, the setbacks, and the moments that shaped him into the artist he is today. This episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and a deeper look at the man behind the cowboy hat.
About Tanner Gomes
Tanner Gomes is a Nashville-based country singer-songwriter originally from Yuma, Arizona. He gained national recognition as a contestant on Season 19 of The Voice, earning a three-chair turn and joining Team Kelly Clarkson. Known for his authentic storytelling, powerful vocals, and heartfelt songwriting, Tanner continues to build a loyal fanbase through his music, live performances, and genuine connection with listeners. His songs draw from personal experiences, perseverance, and the belief that even life's toughest challenges can become part of a powerful story.
25 May 2026
PJ Ferguson and the Tennessee Strange
PJ & The Tennessee Strange are a Nashville-based rock band fronted by PJ Ferguson, blending classic rock swagger with modern alternative energy. Known for their electrifying live performances, big-band sound, and “Stay Strange” mentality, the group has built a loyal following through relentless touring, raw authenticity, and a sound inspired by legends of the ‘70s and ‘90s alike.
In this episode, PJ joins the show to talk about the grind behind the music, building a band in Nashville, the stories behind their debut album, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s music scene.
11 May 2026
Michael Isaak
Michael Isaak is an Egyptian American singer-songwriter whose music blends emotionally raw storytelling with modern pop and subtle Arabic influences. Drawing from his multicultural upbringing, Michael creates songs that feel deeply personal while resonating with universal themes of identity, love, vulnerability, and self-discovery. His distinctive sound reflects both his heritage and his ability to turn life’s most meaningful moments into music that connects on a profound level.
In this episode, Michael opens up about growing up between two cultures, how his Egyptian roots shape his artistry, and the personal experiences that inspire his songwriting. We also dive into the stories behind his music, the emotional honesty woven into his latest releases, and what he hopes listeners take away from his work.
27 Apr 2026
Mick Fury
Mick Fury is an emerging rock artist carving his own path with unfiltered storytelling and a sound that refuses to play it safe. His music reflects the real, often unglamorous journey of chasing something bigger—balancing passion, pressure, and everything in between.
13 Apr 2026
LoudLove
LOUD LOVE doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Fusing melodic hardcore with emo and punk influences, their music lives in the space between heartbreak and release—loud, honest, and unapologetically real. Their songs dig into the messy parts of life most people try to avoid, turning frustration, love, and uncertainty into something you can scream along to. Whether on stage or in the studio, Loud Love is all about feeling everything—and turning it all the way up.
30 Mar 2026
Snacktime
SNACKTIME is a high-energy, genre-blurring band out of Philadelphia that’s built a reputation for turning every performance into a full-blown experience. Known for their explosive live shows and infectious blend of funk, hip-hop, rock, and soul, the band doesn’t just play music—they create a party wherever they go. What started as impromptu jam sessions has grown into a movement, with a devoted fanbase drawn to their raw talent, tight musicianship, and undeniable chemistry.
In this episode, I sit down with Sam and Nico, members of Snacktime to talk about their journey from street performances to sold-out crowds, the grind behind the scenes, and the moments that tested their commitment to the band. Their honesty, humor, and resilience make this conversation as entertaining as it is inspiring.
16 Mar 2026
Crashing Atlas
Crashing Atlas is a modern rock band known for blending heavy riffs, cinematic production, and emotionally charged lyrics into a sound that feels both powerful and deeply personal. Drawing from alternative rock, electronic elements, and hard rock influences, the band has carved out a lane that resonates with fans who connect with music that’s both intense and introspective.
When you talk with Crashing Atlas, it’s clear their music comes from real experience. Their songs tackle themes like mental health, resilience, and personal growth — the kinds of topics that have helped them build a loyal and rapidly growing fan base.
On the podcast, that same honesty carries into the conversation. Douglas Jokerst brings a mix of humor, authenticity, and openness about the ups and downs of chasing music and life in the spotlight, making it a conversation that goes far beyond the typical band interview.
2 Mar 2026
Jamie Floyd
Welcome to ugly crying with Jamie Floyd. In all seriousness, Jamie opens up about not only the celebrations of her career thus far but the real fears that can creep into a creative brain when you begin to doubt yourself and why she never lets the fear take over.
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