In this episode, Tim sits down with Zebb Luster, Executive VP and Artist Manager at River House Artists, for a deep dive into artist development in today's music industry. Zebb shares his unlikely journey from an agricultural background in Florida to becoming one of the key figures behind River House's growth. Along the way, he discusses how building songwriter rounds helped him create relationships throughout Nashville, why songs remain the foundation of every successful artist career, and how River House has evolved into a full-service company spanning publishing, label services, and management. The conversation explores what artist development really means in 2026—from songwriting and branding to social media strategy, fan engagement, and long-term consistency. For artists trying to cut through the noise, Zebb offers practical advice on building a sustainable career rather than chasing overnight success.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Chris Kappy (manager of Luke Combs) for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations of the season. Kappy shares his unconventional path—from spending 15 years building fan-first experiences on cruise ship festivals to taking a massive risk at 42 years old to manage an unknown artist. What followed was a full leap of faith: no income, living on a couch, and doing every job imaginable—just to bet on Luke Combs. This episode is a masterclass in belief, partnership, and building a career the hard way. From grinding it out one fan at a time to developing one of the biggest artists in the world, Kappy breaks down what it really takes to win in this business—and why authenticity, fan connection, and relentless work ethic matter more than anything else.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Annie Ortmeier, co-president of Triple Tigers Records, for a deep dive into the evolution of the music business and what it takes to stay ahead of it. Annie shares her unconventional path into the industry, from early roles in e-commerce and digital marketing to helping shape the streaming era at a major label. Now at Triple Tigers, she’s helping lead one of the most successful label models in Nashville by bridging the gap between radio and digital strategy. The conversation covers everything from adapting to new technology, navigating industry resistance to change, and how data has transformed decision-making—while still respecting the power of radio. Annie also breaks down what it looks like to build an artist’s brand the right way, highlighted by the breakout success of Russell Dickerson and the importance of aligning identity with music.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Jessi Stevenson, founder of Perfect Game Creative, to talk about building a career in the music industry and what it really takes to develop talent. Jessi shares her journey from Belmont student to nearly a decade at Warner Chappell, and now stepping out to launch her own company. The conversation dives into writer development, the importance of relationships, and the often-overlooked traits that separate good from great, like work ethic, teachability, and patience.

In this Season 9 kickoff, Tim takes a step back from interviews to deliver a personal reset. Using his journey with drums as a metaphor, Tim explores how easy it is to drift away from the very thing that once brought joy—especially in a demanding industry like music. What starts as passion can slowly become pressure, comparison, and burnout. This episode is a reminder to reconnect with your why, embrace being a beginner again, and rediscover creativity as something playful, not performative.

In the season finale, Tim dives head-first into one of the most intense and fast-moving topics in the music industry: AI and copyright. This solo episode breaks down what’s legally happening right now, why human authorship is still the rule of law, how lawsuits and licensing deals are reshaping the future, and what songwriters, artists, and producers should — and should not — do with AI tools today.
 A must-listen for anyone protecting their catalog, writing songs, or navigating the next era of music creation.

In this mashup episode, Tim Hunze asks a simple but revealing question: “What’s your favorite office hack?” The guests deliver everything from essential tech tools to creative habits that keep their workflow sharp. Katie Kerkhover shares how exercise and her digital notebook keep her organized and in control of the day. Tim Reynolds breaks down the tech setup and apps he can’t live without. Randy Montana talks about the freedom of chasing silly (or dark) ideas in the writing room. Nikki Sanz reveals the email tool that changed her life. And Scott Hendricks, ever the studio tech, explains why his high-end headphones are non-negotiable. It’s a fun, fast-moving look at the small habits and tools that help some of the industry’s busiest creatives stay sane and productive.

In this final mashup of the season, Tim Hunze brings together a powerful collection of answers to one of his favorite questions: “What’s the best advice you would give?” From staying mentally grounded during career highs and lows, to understanding that A&R is ultimately a service job, to embracing discomfort, growth, and lifelong curiosity — each guest offers hard-earned wisdom shaped by their unique journeys. Featuring insights from Chris DuBois, Katie Kerkhover, Randy Montana, Nikki Sanz, and Tim Reynolds, this episode distills years of industry experience into one inspiring conversation. Whether you’re a songwriter, exec, creative, or just finding your way, these lessons will hit home.

In this special mashup episode, Tim Hunze brings together a collection of responses from past AIMP Pubcast guests, all answering one crucial question: How do you prevent burnout in the music industry? From hit songwriters to business managers, A&R leaders, and founders, each guest shares their personal strategies for staying balanced, motivated, and mentally healthy in a career that never slows down. Whether it’s physical fitness, setting boundaries, leaning on faith, or finding life outside the industry, this episode compiles the most honest and practical advice from across the season. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or overwhelmed by the grind, this conversation is a powerful reminder that even the most successful people need rest, balance, and intentional habits.

In this mashup edition of the AIMP Nashville Pubcast, Tim Hunze asks a single question to some of the industry's brightest minds: “When you look into the crystal ball, what do you see for the future of music?” From championing creator rights to a widening sonic landscape, renewed musicianship, and a surge of incredible new music, each guest brings a unique perspective on where the industry is headed. Featuring insights from Katie Kerkhover, Randy Montana, Dave Cohen, Scott Hendricks, and Tim Reynolds, this episode paints a hopeful and forward-looking picture of Nashville’s next chapter. Whether you're a songwriter, producer, publisher, or fan, these predictions offer both inspiration and clarity on what might come next.