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A shy songwriter from Blue Ridge, Georgia finds her voice in Nashville—and hears it on the radio for the very first time. We welcome Laurel Sabadosh for a candid, electric conversation about the long climb from private demos to a premiere spin of “Who’s Counting,” the unexpected tears that came with it, and the brand-new single “Leave,” a key chapter from her upcoming EP, Behind Closed Doors.

We dig into how Laurel writes idea-first and lyric-forward, shaping songs that read like truth-telling letters more than diary entries. She shares the queso-fueled night “Who’s Counting” fell out in one write, why the song never needed a second pass, and the line from “Leave” that hits like a door finally opening. If you’re curious about making music that actually helps people, Laurel’s approach—start with the real story, resist sanding off the edges—offers a clear roadmap. We also talk milestones that matter: CMT placements, first band shows, how radio still feels different from streaming, and the best way for new listeners to dive in with “You Ain’t a Cowboy” and “Up With God.”

In the final segment, we widen the lens to community and responsibility with an on-the-ground update from Globe, Arizona after devastating floods. You’ll hear how local schools, hotshot crews, businesses, and Cal Ranch teams mobilized—moving supplies, grabbing shovels, and proving how fast a town can rally when neighbors need help. The throughline is simple and strong: tell the truth, show up for each other, and let the music carry what words alone can’t.

If Laurel’s story resonated, follow along, add “Who’s Counting” and “Leave” to your playlist, and share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to bet on themselves. And if you enjoyed the show, subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your support helps more listeners find these voices.