“I didn’t want a backup plan. Because if I had one, I’d use it.” — Kenzie Cait

She left Belmont University. Signed a record deal. And built a music career from her bedroom. In this episode, rising artist Kenzie Cait opens up about the real reason she dropped out of a reputable music school, the heartbreak that lit her songwriting on fire, and the viral TikToks that changed everything.

From Buffalo to Nashville, from singing at recitals to playing headline shows in London, Kenzie shares the messy, magical, behind‑the‑scenes journey of a young pop star turning raw emotion into catchy music.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Kenzie left Belmont early and how it sparked her music career
• How embracing no backup plan helped her lean into her dream
• How heartbreak + dorm life + a $60 independent release launched her first songs
• The reality of virality, record deals, and building true staying power
• Why confidence is a work‑in‑progress, even on stage
• The unique challenges & joys of building your music career in the digital age

Whether you’re a fan, a future artist, or just need a reminder to follow your gut, this episode is your sign.

Connect & Stream:

• Spotify: Kenzie Cait Spotify
• Instagram: @kenziecait
• TikTok: @kenziecait
• YouTube: Kenzie Cait

Referenced Songs in This Episode:

• “someday, someone” – Listen on Spotify Spotify
• “that girl” – Listen on Spotify Spotify

Key Words: Kenzie Cait, Columbia Records, Belmont dropout, Nashville singer songwriter, TikTok artist, viral music, how to get signed, new pop artists 2025, Buffalo to Nashville, bedroom pop, heartbreak music, independent artist journey, women in music, self-taught musician, viral TikTok musician, Columbia Records artist, rising female artists, music industry behind the scenes, dropping out for music, building a music career, Nashville music sce

What does it really take to make it as a country music artist in Nashville in 2025?

In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Maura Streppa, whose journey from small-town beginnings to the stages of Music City is anything but ordinary. She’s self-taught. She’s relentless. And she’s not holding back.

We talk about the reality of building a career in music today — the open mics, the letdowns, the side jobs, the algorithms, the endless self-promotion.

Maura opens up about what it’s like to write your trauma, sing to empty rooms, and still find the fire to keep showing up.

This is not just about talent. It’s about stamina, strategy, and the guts to keep going when nobody’s watching.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a music lover, or just curious about how the industry really works, this episode will pull back the curtain on the hustle behind the highlight reel.

🔗 Follow Maura Streppa Instagram: @maurastreppamusic Facebook: Maura Streppa Music Website: maurastreppa.com Spotify: Listen Here

Tags: Nashville music, country music, music industry, singer songwriter, Maura Streppa, Music City, how to become a music artist, country music podcast, Nashville artist interview, up-and-coming artists

What does it mean to grow up female in Iran, where religion, war, and strict gender roles dictate every part of life?

My guest shares her story of getting out, navigating a male-dominated culture, pushing back against unfair marriage laws, and ultimately rewriting her own marriage contract to protect her freedom.

When she was 24, she managed to get out of Iran and move abroad. She quickly found her voice by launching a bilingual radio show in Poland, broadcasting in both Farsi and English which had never been done. From there, she grew her following to thousands, developed a marketing career and got married (in Iran!).

This episode is all about the courage it takes to turn silence and toxic gender norms into power. It's a reminder to live the life you truly know you deserve, despite all obstacles in your way.