Ep. 09: The Art of Loosening Up with Jay Knowles
Ep. 09: The Art of Loosening Up with Jay Knowles
In the same way that a great melody is as much about space as it is about notes, Grammy nominated hit songwriter, Jay Knowles, has mastered emphasizing the things about songwriting that have nothing to do with the actual writing part.
He makes sense in nonsensical ways. He says more by saying less. He achieves by not trying to achieve.
I consider Jay Knowles a mentor of mine. He has taught me so much about creativity and lyric writing just by being in the room with him. No doubt, he is one of my favorite songwriters on the planet. Alan Jackson, George Strait, Harry Connick, Jr., Jack Ingram, Lainey Wilson and others agree because they’ve all cut songs written by Jay and made them hits that you probably sing along to in your car.
In Episode 9 of Happiest Hour, Jay dig in about his what it’s like to have hits by giant artists like George Strait, and I ask him some detailed questions about his writing process. If you are a songwriter, aspiring to be, or want to tap deeper into your creativity, this is absolutely a conversation you don’t want to miss.
We also cover:
His favorite song he’s written that others might not like
Why his Jack Ingram hit, “Love You,” almost never got recorded
What he feels like is his best asset as a songwriter and how he approaches new ideas
His hilarious and poignant Substack newsletter, Song Friends
How being at the GRAMMY Awards is an ego booster and an ego buster at the same time
Advice to aspiring songwriters
… and much more. In fact, our conversation got so deep that we will be rolling out a bonus episode with Jay about the particulars of songwriting. Click here to make sure you are receiving emails from me so that you can get alerted to when that episode rolls out!
As always, we pair this episode with 2 delicious recipes — because it’s not the Happiest Hour without great food to go with our great conversation, right?!
In true Jay Knowles fashion, he put his own quirky spin on how to make the best cup of black coffee… ever. And a nostalgic childhood favorite only the way his mom could make it: peanut butter and brown sugar sandwich. Keep reading to learn how to make these yummy recipes while you enjoy our conversation!
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Connect with Jay here!
Join Jay’s Song Friends community on Substack (seriously, if you are a creative — and everybody is whether you realize it or not — you don’t want to miss this)!
Listen to Jay’s discography of hits.
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The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!
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Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
Clever Coffee
Becky Knowles’ Peanut Butter & Brown Sugar Sandwich
More Happiest Hour…
S'mores Dip
No campfire needed! This quick S’mores Dip recipe could not be easier. Just throw a couple of ingredients into a skillet and bake!
Over Christmas break, my family met dear friends in Breckenridge for a joint family ski vacation. I made this dessert dip after dinner one night at the house and it was a HUGE hit! I mean, if a snow ski trip doesn’t make you think “S’mores,” I don’t know what will.
The best part, you don’t need a campfire to get your chocolate and marshmallow fix. This quick dessert recipe could not be easier. Just pour a few ingredients into a skillet, bake and you’re done!
I originally found a recipe similar to this on Pinterest years ago, but I’ve tweaked it slightly for a gooey, delicious treat every time.
Try the Drink…
Iced French Toast Latte
My guest in Ep. 08, Risa Binder, brought over this yummy French Toast Latte. It’s dairy free (although you can make it with any milk you’d like), and can be served cold or hot. We made an iced version and it was so delicious! The spicy cinnamon and creamy oat milk mixed with slightest sweetness from honey. Yes please. Get yourself this decadent drink here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 08 - Living with Purpose with Risa Binder
Iced French Toast Latte
Spicy cinnamon, creamy oat milk, a touch of honey — this dairy-free French Toast Latte is the drink your mornings have been missing. Serve it hot or iced. Risa Binder brought it to our kitchen and we've been making it ever since.
My guest on Ep. 8 of Happiest Hour, Risa Binder, brought in this delicious dairy-free recipe. Inspired by a local coffeeshop, Risa makes the French Toast Latte at her home all the time. I’m so glad she brought it to share with us!
A drizzle of honey adds a little sweetness to spicy cinnamon notes and rich espresso. You can make this latte with your milk of choice and serve hot or cold. We made an iced version together and it is a homerun!
Now you can make this iced latte at home!
Try the Dessert…
S’mores Dip
We paired this super simple dessert dip with the French Toast Latte on Ep. 8. I made this for friends over Christmas break and it was a huge hit. Just throw a couple of ingredients into a skillet and bake. Viola! No campfire needed! Get the recipe here.
Catch the episode!
Ep. 08 - Living with Purpose with Risa Binder
Happiest Hour Podcast
More Happiest Hour This Way…
Ep. 08: Living with Purpose with Risa Binder
The synchronicities abound with Risa. That’s not surprising once you meet her in our upbeat conversation and feel her good energy.
Risa Binder has opened for legends, such as James Taylor and Ronnie Milsap. She hosts her own YouTube series and podcast. She is a recording and touring artist, a songwriter and she is releasing brand new music this spring! Oh… and did I mention she is also a mom??
In Episode 08 of Happiest Hour, Risa shares with us what it means to live her purpose, how she balances being a creative entrepreneur and a mom, and so much more.
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!
Ep. 08: Living with Purpose with Risa Binder
I’ll never forget getting the call from my music publishers that a song I wrote called “Burning Down the Dark” was being cut by an artist named, Risa Binder. That song always felt special to me, so I was thrilled it found a home!
Fast forward, my publishers set Risa and I up to write. But before that date came around, I bumped into Risa in a church pew one Sunday morning. Then, we realized one of my co-writers of “Burning Down the Dark,” by complete coincidence, was from her hometown and they had mutual friends.
The synchronicities abound with Risa. That’s not surprising once you meet her in our upbeat conversation and feel her good energy.
Risa has opened for legends, such as James Taylor and Ronnie Milsap. She hosts her own YouTube series and podcast. She is a recording and touring artist, a songwriter and she is releasing brand new music this spring! Oh… and did I mention she is also a mom??
In the episode we talk about:
✨Her first experience at The Bluebird Cafe and falling in love with the songwriter’s heart
✨How her grandmothers and mom influenced her life philosophy
✨ How a broken heart lead her to a Mariachi band in a subway (that was a funny story! Around minute 11:03)
✨Why it’s important to “tell the story” as a creative
✨How she fulfills here heart’s desire while being a busy mom
✨Her favorite beauty products when she’s hitting the road on tour
✨ What she hopes to leave behind
That’s not all! My guests and I always pair each episode with 2 delicious recipes. You do NOT want to miss the incredible “French Toast Latte” Risa brought to this episode. Seriously, this latte is life-changing. I threw in my favorite S’mores hack you can make in any weather, sans campfire. I swear, it will be a go-to treat all year round in your home.
Scroll down to get them below!
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Connect with Risa here.
Listen to Risa’s music!
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The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!
--------------
Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓
Don’t Forget the Recipes!
We paired two delicious recipes with this episode. Get them below.
Cheers!
Iced French Toast Latte
S’mores Dip
More Happiest Hour…
Homemade Matcha Latte
When I asked my guest, Victoria Banks, to choose a recipe to pair with Episode 07, she suggested a homemade matcha latte.
Even though matcha has been a buzzy trend in the food world for a while now, I’ll be honest, I just never jumped on the train. No reason in particular. I just never ordered it or knew much about the green powder.
So, I was pleasantly surprised when Victoria made this warm, cozy, frothy deliciousness for us to enjoy while we chatted about all things music, mom life and overcoming perfectionism in Episode 07.
Whip you up this nourishes mug of tea and check out my conversation with Grammy nominated hit songwriter, Victoria Banks. The recipe card is below, and a link to Victoria’s episode is available if you keep scrolling down!
Try the Side Dish…
Sharon’s Classic Pimento Cheese
This classic recipe is a fan submission from Sharon. I love a good pimento cheese and I thought it would pair nicely with a hot cup of matcha latte while we wait out these cooler months. Get the pimento cheese recipe here!
Catch the episode!
Ep. 07 - From Guts to the GRAMMYs with Victoria Banks
Today, you see Cyndi Thomson's luxury jewelry dripping off superstars like Lizzo, Lauren Alaina, Natalie Hemby (of the Highwomen) and Kimberly Paisley. Did you know that Cyndi was on the verge of superstardom herself with a hit radio single and gold album, My World?
Cyndi made the difficult decision to walk away from the music business as her star was on the rise. In this episode, we talk about how walking away from one thing means walking towards something else. And what a beautiful, big life she walked into!
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch the live interview on YouTube!