Episodes

  • Pryor Baird: From Four-Chair Turns to Starting Over — A Country Climb Story
    Jul 3 2025

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    Pryor Baird's story unfolds like a country song itself—raw, authentic, and filled with both heartbreak and triumph. From the moment his three-year-old self watched his uncle play guitar and declared "that's exactly what I want to do," music claimed him completely. "You don't pick music, music picks you," Pryor reflects during our intimate conversation, a truth that has sustained him through remarkable highs and devastating lows.

    Growing up between divorced parents' homes provided Pryor a rich musical education—blues, jazz, and classical from his mother's house; country, rock, and bluegrass from his father's. By elementary school, he was performing publicly, and by 2011, he'd packed up for Nashville with unwavering determination. Before his breakthrough on The Voice in 2018, Pryor cut grass, roofed houses, and waited tables—whatever it took to keep his dream alive.

    His Voice journey resulted in a rare four-chair turn, placing him among only 25 contestants in the show's history to achieve this feat. The ultimate validation came when he stood in the sacred circle at the Grand Ole Opry earlier this year, earning two standing ovations in a profound full-circle moment that felt especially significant after his father's recent passing.

    Yet just when things seemed to be falling into place, Pryor found himself in a Tuesday afternoon meeting where he lost his record deal, publishing deal, and management—all at once. Rather than surrendering to defeat, he's embraced this unexpected freedom to release music on his own terms, including the three powerful, unreleased songs we premiere exclusively in this episode: "Hard Days Win," "Favorite Heartbreaker," and "Good Time Don't Care."

    "Hard things are hard because they're hard," Pryor philosophizes, "and if this was easy, everybody would be doing it." His standout lyric "Sometimes straight through is the only way around" serves as both personal mantra and universal truth for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Follow Pryor on social media and support his independent journey—this is an artist who embodies the very resilience his music celebrates.

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    34 mins
  • Grandma in a Bikini: Body Positivity or Just Inappropriate?
    Jul 2 2025

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    Body positivity takes center stage in this lively episode of the Morning Brew! We dive into a fascinating "Am I the Jerk Court" case featuring a 67-year-old grandmother who wore a two-piece bikini to her 19-year-old granddaughter's birthday pool party. When her daughter later called it "inappropriate," our listeners weighed in with their verdicts. The consensus? Age shouldn't dictate clothing choices when supporting loved ones' values - though maybe a cover-up wouldn't hurt!

    Regular caller Paul from Beaumont checks in from vacation, revealing pancakes, rainy weather, and a surprising confession about once sporting a man bun for seven months on a dare. We challenge Paul to two patriotic games - "Made in the USA or Nah" and "Are You Smarter Than a Redneck: 4th of July Edition" - where he demonstrates impressive knowledge about American manufacturing and Revolutionary War history.

    The excitement builds as we announce Chris Bennett's Comedy Birthday Bash happening July 26th at the Elks Lodge in Show Low. America's Got Talent finalist Ryan Neemiller headlines the event, bringing his unique brand of humor and perspective. In an exclusive interview clip, Neemiller shares valuable advice: "You've got to do it yourself. No one's gonna throw opportunities in your lap." We wrap things up with details about the upcoming Pinedale Chuckwagon Festival and Pies for Pinedale fundraiser on August 2nd - an event that sold out 81 homemade pies by noon last year!

    Join the fun at Chris Bennett's Comedy Birthday Bash on July 26th - get your tickets at chrisbennettcomedy.com before they're gone! With food, drinks, and top-tier comedy, this 21+ event promises to be the highlight of your summer.

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    16 mins
  • Drunk Rednecks and Pregnant Donkeys
    Jun 30 2025

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    Hangovers, mini-donkeys, and comedy gold? Just another Monday on The Morning Brew with Chris Bennett!

    Paul from Beaumont kicks things off with a legendary hangover and tales of hog hunting and tattoo mishaps before absolutely nailing our “Are You Smarter Than a Redneck” quiz on hangover cures (spoiler: he is).

    Then, America’s Got Talent finalist Ryan Niemiller joins Chris for an exclusive interview ahead of Chris Bennett’s Birthday Comedy Bash on July 26th! From their early days hustling on the Orange County open mic scene to Ryan’s meteoric rise on AGT, they talk about life on the road, parenting mid-set, and why small towns make the best audiences.

    Plus, Jineane's pregnant mini-donkey update, weekend grandkid chaos, and our motivational quote of the week:“If Joan of Arc could turn the tide of a war before 18, you can get out of bed.”

    🎟️ Grab your tickets now for the July 26th show at chrisbennettcomedy.com – full bar, Aliberto’s Food Truck, and some of the best comics in the country right here in Show Low!


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    16 mins
  • Every Song Has a Story: How Cole Bradford Turns Personal Loss Into Country Gold
    Jun 27 2025

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    Cole Bradford's path to country music stardom wasn't the typical Nashville story. While sitting down with Q Country 92.5, the former special education teacher and football coach reveals how his brother's Facebook Marketplace guitar purchase during the pandemic unexpectedly changed everything. "He said 'Cole, sit down, you're going to learn to play guitar,'" Bradford recalls with a laugh. "I had a guitar for about 10 years that I got for high school graduation and never learned to play."

    That brotherly nudge launched Bradford from the classroom to the songwriter's room, where his natural gift for storytelling flourished. Coming from Conyers, Georgia (the same hometown as Teddy Swims), Bradford brings a refreshing authenticity to his music, drawing from deeply personal experiences. His emotional single "For Sale By Owner" stands as testament to his songwriting prowess, a poignant tribute to his stepfather who passed away in October 2021. The song, approaching 50,000 streams in just one month, resonates with listeners through its portrayal of loss and the meaning of home.

    Bradford's versatility shines through his catalog, from the raw emotion of "For Sale By Owner" to the upbeat energy of "If Looks Could Kill." His upcoming release "Move On Too" (dropping July 3rd) promises yet another evolution in his sound. "Let's take a mixture of Teddy Swims, Drake White, Luke Combs...and let's run with it," Bradford explains about his newest creation. As a songwriter first, Bradford values the collaborative process, frequently working with trusted friends to bring his stories to life. "That's what I love about being a songwriter - being able to go and even take somebody else's story and help bring it to life."

    Follow Cole Bradford on all social platforms @ColeBradfordMusic or visit coleBradford.com to hear these stories for yourself. This is authentic country music for anyone who believes the best songs come from the heart.

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    29 mins
  • Relationship Economics: When $10 Reveals What's Really at Stake
    Jun 26 2025

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    Money reveals our deepest values and expectations in relationships. Today's episode dives into a fascinating case of financial imbalance where a small $10 request exposed potential relationship-ending concerns for a couple planning marriage.

    After four years together with the boyfriend covering 99% of all expenses, his girlfriend's request for a $10 reimbursement following his job resignation left him questioning their entire future. Our discussion explores how this seemingly minor incident might actually represent legitimate concerns from both perspectives - her worry about his financial stability after quitting without a plan, and his shock at her apparent lack of generosity after years of him covering everything. The situation perfectly illustrates why financial transparency and alignment must happen before marriage, not after.

    Beyond relationship dynamics, we welcomed Alma and Omar from Aliberto's Real Fresh Mexican Food to announce their Lotteria Night (Mexican bingo) happening tonight at their Taylor location. This free community event offers participants chances to win exciting prizes including D-backs tickets, a two-night staycation, and more. We had a blast during our "Lotteria or No Lotteria" segment with our regular caller Paul from Beaumont, whose hilarious attempts at Spanish pronunciation had everyone laughing. The episode wraps up with our beloved "Am I the Jerk Court" where our Aliberto's guests served as judges in a case involving friendship, dating apps, and realistic expectations.

    Whether you're navigating relationship finances or just looking for some community fun, this episode delivers insights, laughs, and practical advice. Check out Aliberto's Lotteria Night tonight from 6:00-7:30pm - and don't forget to play responsibly with your relationship finances!

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    16 mins
  • Theme Songs, Water Balloons, and Free Fun: A Quirky 4th Preview
    Jun 25 2025

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    Nothing says summer celebration like a small-town 4th of July extravaganza, and Show Low is pulling out all the stops this year! From parades and splash pads to live music and fireworks, this Independence Day promises unforgettable memories for the entire family—all completely free.

    The day kicks off at 9:00 AM with the annual parade themed "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." Grace from City of Show Low TV joins me as co-host for the live broadcast, available on both YouTube and Facebook. We'll be bringing you all the patriotic sights and sounds as the community comes together to celebrate. Once the parade wraps up around 10:30, head over to Frontier Field where the local fire department will create a splash zone for the kids to cool off while playing with footballs, nerf balls, and more.

    The celebration continues at Show Low High School with Freedom Fest starting at 3:00 PM. This family-friendly event features numerous food trucks, kids' zones, and live music throughout the evening. Local favorites The Brighter Still take the stage at 4:30, followed by more performances leading up to the headlining act—Zenora, a talented young band from Tucson. Weather permitting, the night culminates with a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to Zenora's electric guitar rendition of Jimi Hendrix's National Anthem.

    What makes this celebration truly special is that every single activity is completely free, reflecting Show Low's commitment to creating accessible community events where everyone can participate. Whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through, join us for this day-long celebration of independence, community, and summer fun. Follow City of Show Low and Show Low Parks and Rec on Facebook for any updates—we can't wait to celebrate with you!

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    13 mins
  • UFOs, Fairy Tales, and Cowboy Tales
    Jun 24 2025

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    Every morning across the White Mountains of Arizona, radios tune in to the familiar, friendly voice of Chris Bennett as he connects with locals, shares community news, and celebrates the unique character of rural mountain life.

    Today's Morning Brew showcases the authentic voices that make this region special. Virgil the Cowboy from Eager calls in with updates from his Flying V Ranch, casually mentioning UFO sightings while discussing branding season. The conversation weaves through time travel fantasies and concludes with a request for a patriotic Billy Ray Cyrus song – a perfect snapshot of the show's charm and unpredictability.

    Game-changing economic news arrives when Jineane Ford announces that Zenni Home is bringing approximately 250 manufacturing jobs to the old paper mill in Holbrook. With positions for plumbers, electricians, engineers and more – plus benefits and training opportunities – this development represents a significant boost for the local economy. A career fair scheduled for June 25th offers residents a chance to get in on the ground floor of this exciting opportunity.

    The community spirit continues with an announcement for the Chuckwagon Festival on August 2nd in Pinedale. This annual tradition features authentic Dutch oven cooking from 10-13 chuck wagons, with proceeds supporting the volunteer fire department. Between listener contests for Diamondbacks tickets, fairy tale trivia with regular caller "Paul from Beaumont," and promotion of AZ Native country artist Austin Burke's new music "I Missed The Boat", the Morning Brew demonstrates why it remains the heartbeat of White Mountains community life.

    Join us tomorrow morning as we continue celebrating the people, events, and stories that make our mountain home special. Call in to share your news, participate in our daily contests, or simply be part of the conversation!

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    14 mins