Ready for a Good Story?
Welcome to Bluegrass Stories with Cody M., where we dig into the heart of what makes bluegrass... well, bluegrass.
This music is full of stories—some happy, some heartbreaking, and a whole lot of them somewhere in between.
Bluegrass music is a snapshot of life, packed with all the grit, humor, and truth you’d expect from something born in the hills.
I’ve spent years playing this music, meeting the folks who keep it alive, and hearing the stories that shaped their journeys.
In this podcast, we’re going to talk about all of it—the music, the people, and what keeps these stories so real.
So, whether you’re picking along or just listening in, I’m glad you’re here!
Episode #8 John Maher
John Maher is a musician from Dublin, Ireland.
John and I lived and worked in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as school teachers, and during our time in the country, teamed up and played countless shows as an Irish American duo in Saigon.
We talk about growing up in Ireland, avoiding death in Saigon traffic, and Irish Banshees.
Episode #7 Asheville, NC Area Music Shop Owners Featuring Restring Appalachia
In this podcast, I spotlight two incredible Asheville-area music stores partnering with a local organization, ReString Appalachia, to provide guitars to victims of Hurricane Helene. These guitars are helping restore music and hope in the lives of those affected by the disaster. Join us as we share the recipients' stories, the stores' generosity, and the music's power to heal and unite communities.
Episode #6 Meeting Wayne Henderson
In this podcast, I tell the story of running into one of the the most famed luthiers in all of bluegrass music on a flight from Atlanta to East Tennessee.
Wayne Henderson is a legendary luthier and musician from Grayson County, Virginia, renowned for his hand-crafted acoustic guitars. Known for their impeccable tone and craftsmanship, his guitars are highly sought after, with a years-long waiting list.
Episode #5 Ian Batey
Ian is a bluegrass instrumentalist and vocalist originally from Florida.
Ian shares stories of playing guitar and singing in the University of Tennessee’s Appalachian String Ensemble, college gigs, and t-shirt designs based off of classic bluegrass albums.
Listen/Watch Now!
Episode #4 Jaime Collins
Jaime is a bluegrass musician from Bristol, Tennessee. We were enrolled at the same time at ETSU’s Bluegrass and Old-Time Country Music Program (some years ago).
Jaime shares what bluegrass music means to her, as well as the process behind recording her full length album.
Listen/Watch Now!
Episode #3 JP Mathes and Fiddlin’ Leona
Stars of the Netflix series, Swapshop, I chat with two bluegrass veterans who I met ages ago at ETSU’s Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music Program.
Listen/Watch Now!
Episode #2 Danny Stewart - United States Navy Band Country Current
Petty Officer 1st Class Danny Stewart plays bass for the United States Navy Band Country Current.
We were classmates during out time at ETSU.
We talk about playing in a southern rock band, attending school at ETSU, and Danny’s experience playing with the U.S. Navy, and his business, Turtle Hill Banjos!
Episode #1 Aaron Jaxon
Aaron Jaxon is a long time friend and former band mate.
His online bluegrass and country chickin-pickin tutorials have garnered the attention of massive YouTubers like Rick Beato.
He’s a very talented guitar player, with a lot to say about bluegrass and country music.