Launching a Country Star – The Jim Dowell Story

In this episode of The Music Business Gameplan, we sit down with Jim Dowel—the man who discovered and managed country hitmaker Sammy Kershaw. From small-town Louisiana stages to major label record deals and platinum-selling albums, Jim shares the behind-the-scenes journey of launching one of country music’s most recognizable voices.

Hear how he spotted Sammy’s potential, the strategy behind his breakout success, and the hard lessons learned navigating the business side of the music industry. Whether you're an aspiring artist, manager, or music business pro, this conversation is packed with real-world insight, candid stories, and timeless advice from a manager who’s been in the trenches.

🎧 Tune in and discover what it really takes to build a career that lasts.

Mastering the Long Game with Jerry Kimbrough
Podcast: The Music Business Gameplan

In this episode, we sit down with one of Nashville’s most respected guitarists and educators—Jerry Kimbrough. From laying down tracks in the studio with top-tier artists to lighting up the stage with Ray Stevens, Jerry has built a multi-decade career on skill, strategy, and staying power.

We dive into the inner workings of session life in Music City, the dynamics of performing live, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career as a working musician. As an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt and MTSU, Jerry also shares what today’s students need to understand about the evolving music industry—from business fundamentals to creative resilience.

Whether you're a musician, manager, or aspiring artist, this episode is packed with wisdom, war stories, and a gameplan for thriving in today’s music business.

Behind the Beat with Dave McAfee: The Business of Touring with Toby Keith

In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Dave McAfee, longtime drummer and music director for Toby Keith, to uncover what really goes into running one of country music’s biggest touring machines. From building a powerhouse live band to managing logistics, budgets, and business decisions on the road, Dave shares what it takes to deliver a stadium-caliber show night after night.