Ed Werder's authoritative voice on all things Dallas Cowboys brings three decades of perspective to our deep dive into the franchise's most pressing issues. The veteran reporter, who began covering America's Team in 1989, doesn't mince words about the controversial Micah Parsons trade: "Almost nothing the Cowboys can do can justify trading Micah Parsons." Werder compares this move to the historic Herschel Walker deal but notes a crucial difference—Parsons is entering his prime at 26, while Walker was further along in his career.

The conversation shifts to a fascinating exploration of Jerry Jones' true motivations. Does the owner define success as Super Bowl victories or simply keeping the Cowboys at the center of the NFL conversation? Warder suggests the latter might be true, noting that while Jones claims he'd "write any check" for another championship, he refuses to make the one sacrifice that might matter most—relinquishing his general manager role. "He'll never do that," Warder states definitively.

We dive into the Netflix docuseries "America's Team," where Werder features prominently, sharing firsthand accounts of the dynasty years. He reveals the inside story of how he broke the news of Jimmy Johnson's firing after Jones personally told him, "I'm going to fire that MF-er." Thirty years later, the Jones-Johnson relationship remains fractured, with neither man having fully moved past their bitter split. Werder also provides sobering insights into Troy Aikman's playing career, revealing the quarterback suffered so many concussions he sometimes couldn't remember playing entire games—a stark reminder of how NFL player safety has evolved.

For Cowboys fans wondering what to expect this season, Werder offers a measured assessment of the team's prospects without Parsons, projecting around nine wins given their challenging schedule. His encyclopedic knowledge of the franchise brings historical context to current challenges, delivered with the candor and insight that has made him a trusted voice in sports journalism for decades.

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What drives someone to board a helicopter on what might be a one-way mission to take down the world's most wanted terrorist? In this gripping conversation with Navy SEAL Rob O'Neill, we dive deep into the mind of the man who killed Osama bin Laden and explore the extraordinary journey that led him there.

Rob's story begins unexpectedly in Butte, Montana, where a chance encounter with a Navy recruiter – and the absence of the Marine recruiter he'd actually come to see – set him on a path that would ultimately change history. With disarming honesty and unexpected humor, he reveals how he joined the Navy without even knowing how to swim properly, a decision that would lead him through the world's most grueling military training and eventually to SEAL Team 6.

The psychological framework that carried Rob through countless missions resonates far beyond military applications. "Long-term goals are achieved through short-term goals," he explains, breaking down how SEALs compartmentalize seemingly impossible challenges. His philosophy on quitting – "Never quit right now. That's emotion. Quit tomorrow" – offers profound wisdom for anyone facing adversity.

The heart of our conversation centers on the bin Laden raid – the 90-minute helicopter flight into Pakistan, the crash landing that threatened to derail the mission, and those fateful moments face-to-face with America's most notorious enemy. Rob's vivid recounting places you right beside him in that compound, experiencing the controlled chaos and split-second decisions that changed history.

What stays with you longest isn't the tactical details, but the humanity behind the mission. These weren't supermen, but ordinary Americans with extraordinary training, willing to sacrifice everything not for glory, but for the victims of 9/11 who never chose to be in the fight. As Rob poignantly reflects, "We're going for the single mom who jumped to her death out of a skyscraper because that's a better alternative than whatever was happening at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit."

Listen now to hear one of the most consequential military operations in American history told by the man who lived it. Then ask yourself: What challenges in your own life might benefit from a SEAL's mindset?

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
At e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect.

Ready to elevate your business? Book a tour today at espaces.com

From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

Original Brands

Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -

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The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co

Jana Kramer, the actress, singer, podcast host, and mother joins us to pull back the curtain on the entertainment industry's less glamorous realities and share how she's found her authentic voice through it all.

Jana's story begins with remarkable determination – handing her headshot to a soap opera actor while waitressing in Detroit, then convincing a casting director she lived in New York to land her first role. This fearlessness carried her through roles on Friday Night Lights and One Tree Hill before an unexpected pivot to country music during a writers' strike revealed another dimension of her talent.

What makes Jana's perspective so refreshing is her willingness to acknowledge both her strengths and limitations. "I don't have the Carrie Underwood voice," she admits, explaining how she instead leaned into emotional authenticity and stage presence. This honesty extends to her candid revelations about industry politics – from being told her CRS performance caused single failures to restrictions on her acting career while pursuing music. Her observations about women in country radio illuminate persistent gender disparities that continue despite the success of predecessors like Faith Hill and Shania Twain.

Beyond career insights, Jana opens up about personal growth through therapy, the challenges of balancing touring with Dancing with the Stars competition, and finding joy in her current focus on acting and podcasting. Her experience hosting multiple weekly podcast episodes echoes our own journey – navigating when to speak candidly versus holding back, and finding purpose in connecting with listeners despite occasional backlash.

Whether you're a longtime fan from her One Tree Hill days, discovered her through country radio hits like "I Got the Boy," or are new to her story, Jana's resilience and multifaceted career offer inspiration for anyone navigating creative industries while staying true to themselves. Listen now to this conversation that feels less like an interview and more like friends catching up over coffee – or perhaps a bottle of wine, as Jana would prefer.

The Try That in a Small Town Podcast is powered by e|spaces!

Redefining Coworking - Exceptional Office Space for Every Business
At e|spaces, we offer more than just office space - we provide premium private offices designed for focus and growth. Located in the heart of Music Row, our fully furnished offices, private suites, meeting rooms and podcast studio give you the perfect space to work, create and connect.

Ready to elevate your business? Book a tour today at espaces.com

From the Patriot Mobile studios:

Don’t get fooled by other cellular providers pretending to share your values or have the same coverage. They don’t and they can’t!

Go to PATRIOTMOBILE.COM/SMALLTOWN or call 972-PATRIOT

Right now, get a FREE MONTH when you use the offer code SMALLTOWN.

Original Brands

Original brands is starting a new era and American domestic premium beer, American made, American owned, Original glory.

Join the movement at www.drinkoriginalbrands.com

Follow/Rate/Share at www.trythatinasmalltown.com -

Browse the merch: https://trythatinasmalltown.com/collections/all -

For advertising inquiries, email info@trythatinasmalltown.com

The Try That In A Small Town Podcast is produced by Jim McCarthy and www.ItsYourShow.co