Today’s guest is John Lucas - a singer/songwriter living in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina. Our conversation happened just 3 days after the debut of his full length record “The Bible Belt Sessions, Volume 2.” Lucas worked on a song with me in 2020 called “Hold On” and we’ve been friends ever since. He is kind, genuine, and gentle - this conversation sheds light on all of those qualities. We talked about the birth of his new daughter, the emotional toll of fundraising his album, and the importance of endurance in a world obsessed with efficiency. I hope you enjoy this episode of the mellow maniac podcast. 

 Today's guest is Zach Lupetin, front man of the Dustbowl Revival. This band is an example of grassroots growth over more than a decade of touring, recording, and releasing music. Dozens of YouTube videos accounting for over a million views, including sessions on Ditto TV and Jam in the Van are only a small part of what makes this band unique. Boasting a lineup of 7+ musicians on stage including a horns section guarantees listeners a live concert experience unlike any other.

Today’s guest is one of my favorite songwriters of all time, Chris Staples. In an age of micro-influencers and so many seemingly overnight success stories happening, Chris is an example of the wisdom that comes with a career of longevity. We talk about healthy habits, the music production approach, and everything in between.

Get a first look at the Mellow Maniac Podcast with Paul Whitacre. Follow @mellowmaniacpodcast or @paul.whitacre on Instagram to recommend future guest or submit questions to be featured on the show. We can't wait to see where this journey leads us and we're so glad to have you along for the ride!