What do a country song and a truck have in common? In this deeply personal episode, we delve into the emotional journey of Lainey Wilson’s hit, "Heart Like a Truck," and how it resonates with our own life journeys. Uncover the raw emotions and self-belief that mirror our travels, navigating bumps and challenges with fierce determination. After four years of writing the book and ten months of producing this limited-edition podcast, we have come to an end. This week's song is a perfect...

"The Gambler," a timeless classic by Kenny Rogers, spins a tale of wisdom imparted during a chance encounter on a train. With its memorable opening line, "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em," the song transcends its country roots to offer universal life lessons.  The lyrics tell the story of a conversation between a seasoned gambler and a young man and delve into themes of risk, strategy, and resilience. Each verse encapsulates the essence of decision-making, teaching us...

Are you ready to defy the odds and reach for the stars? Then, this week's song will surely inspire you. "Footprints on the Moon" is more than just a country song; it's a powerful song about perseverance and ambition. This inspiring track encourages us to chase our dreams relentlessly, no matter the obstacles.  With lyrics that remind us that even the moon has footprints, Gabby Barrett delivers a message of hope and determination. She emphasizes that no dream is too big and no goal is out of...

Have you ever tried to convince someone you love to aspire for more, only to realize that simplicity makes them who they are?  In this heartwarming episode, Blu and I talk about the touching message of the country ballad "Your Kind of Love" by Ronnie Dunn. The song captures the essence of a heartfelt connection, emphasizing the singer's admiration and appreciation for his partner's unique kind of love. In the lyrics, the singer reflects on his deep and passionate love for his partner. He...

“Old Hippie” is a song by the Bellamy Brothers that pays tribute to the generation defined by a mandatory draft into the Vietnam War. The song resonated with many listeners who identified with the character's struggles and wistfulness.  The song represents a generation that experienced many changes and challenges. This chapter is about my time in the 1970s and my husband's latching on to that decade, even though he was ten years younger.  I invite you to listen to a retrospective look back...

Have you ever been lost in a relationship to the point where you forgot who you were, living according to someone else's standards and opinions? How did you regain your sense of self? “Miss Me More” is a song by American singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini, recorded for her second studio album. The song is about the pitfalls of putting other people's interests above your own.  Losing aspects of yourself in a relationship can be hard to detect at first. But at some point, you will realize that...

Have you ever had a relationship that had to end, but you cherish the times you spent in it? Have you ever pursued a passion that is no longer available to you?  “The Dance” is about the end of a passionate relationship and feeling blindsided that it could ever come to an end. It is also about remembering the good times in the face of the pain.  This song is about a relationship I passionately pursued, convincing the man he could not live without me, even though he was hesitant. We made a...

When you face a challenge, do you hang on for the ride or simply give up, no matter the danger of a worst-case outcome? This week's song was released in December 1964 by country music band Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Buck once said he got the idea for the song because he heard a slogan for Esso (gas station): "Put a tiger in your tank.” In the song, he’s dating a woman who is dragging him through life and running him absolutely...

Have you ever been tempted but knew your choice was not the best? How did you deal with it? Would you change a thing if it happened again?  This week's song describes a man who is tempted by a woman who tries to steal his heart. He is drawn in by the mystery in her eyes and can't resist her sweet kiss. He can't deny that he is tempted despite knowing he might get hurt. "Tempted" is a song co-written and recorded by Marty Stuart. It was released in August 1991 and reached #5 on the Billboard...

What memories do you have of your childhood or the special people in your life? How do you feel when you reach out to these memories? Memories give life color and richness as they unveil an interesting story. Some of our memories serve as a turning point in our lives. They act as a source of inspiration when we are faced with challenges. Today's award-winning song, “In Color,” recorded by Jamey Johnson, is about how a picture says a thousand words. In our memories, those snapshots can fade...

Do you have scars from past relationships? How do you move on from a heartbreak? Ending a relationship and letting go can be incredibly difficult, no matter how much you know the relationship has no future. Today's featured song, “Truth About You,” written by Mitchell Tenpenny, is about wanting to move on, tell the truth to yourself, and let go of toxic relationships. Mitchell admits that the song is about an ex, but it's also about the experiences his friends have gone through. Many of you...

Every parent, especially mamas, wants only the best for their children. They will give up so much to ensure her family is cared for. But no matter how hard they try, things may sometimes end up differently than they had hoped. “Mama Tried” is about a good woman who had never been out into the world. She wanted the same simple life for her son. But the son, Merle Haggard, wanted to go out on an adventure and got in a lot of trouble. We can't blame his mama. Today, Blu and I share how...

This week's song tells the tale of someone who has been rejected and, being heartbroken, can be in the movies and play the role of someone sad and lonely without knowing anything about acting–just “act naturally.” In essence, the song gives us hope that we can continue believing in ourselves even in the face of rejection, and one day, we will finally take center stage. I hope this song inspires you. So join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature...

Have you ever wondered why God created grandparents? I'm sure most of you have fond memories of your grandmas or grandpas. For many of us, we can’t possibly imagine our lives without them. This week, I pay respect to my mom's mom—grandma, a petite, powerful spit of a woman whose healer's hands kept the family fed and on the right path.  So join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs serve as the theme in every...

Welcome to the first episode of the I’m Just a Country Song podcast. I'm your host, country cowgirl Dr. D.  Joining me in each episode is Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, who is the voice behind each week's country song that guides the book chapter from my soon-to-be-published book, I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.  Today, Blu sings the song Happy Trails by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and then I share my life growing up as a country girl and what the song means...

Join Country Cowgirl, Dr. D, and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters for a very special 15-week series from the soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth. She's a country cowgirl first, but Dr. D is also double PhD, an educator, a positive psychologist, healer, certified business coach, yogini, former AM radio talk jock, and a sharer of inspiration in the form of red dirt wisdom. Her dear friend, Kat, better known as Nashville recording artist Blu...