Some interviews are about accomplishments.

Others are about the person behind them.

Our conversation with Mattie Pruitt turned into both.

At just 17 years old, Mattie has already gone from a small town in Tennessee to becoming a Top 7 finalist on American Idol. On paper, that’s the headline. That’s what gets attention.

But what stood out to us wasn’t just what she’s done…

It was how she thinks.

Catching an Artist Early in the Journey

One of the things we’ve always loved about The Chris & Sandy Show is catching people in moments like this.

Not after everything is fully established.
Not after the story is polished.

But right in the middle of it.

Mattie is still building. Still growing. Still figuring things out in real time.

And that’s what made this conversation special.

You can hear the excitement.
You can hear the hunger.
And you can hear the awareness that this opportunity isn’t something she’s taking lightly.

She’s Young, But She Knows Who She Is

A lot of people see her age first.

And she addressed that head-on.

She talked about how people sometimes assume that because she’s young, she’s somehow less experienced or less capable. But her mindset is already different.

She understands something many people don’t figure out until much later in life:

If you don’t know your worth, other people will define it for you.

And in an industry like entertainment, that can either build you, or break you.

The Side People Don’t See

We always talk about this on the show…

People see the stage.
They see the performances.
They see the success.

But they don’t see what it takes to get there.

Mattie opened up about the reality behind it all.

The physical preparation. Training her body to perform while singing.
The mental side. Staying grounded when plans constantly change.
And the emotional side, dealing with criticism in a world where anyone can say anything behind a screen.

At one point, she shared that she received a comment saying she shouldn’t even exist.

Think about that for a second.

At 16 years old, navigating that kind of negativity.

And yet, instead of letting it define her, she made a choice to understand it.

She recognized that most of those comments come from people who are hurting themselves.

That level of awareness at her age is rare.

The Sacrifices Nobody Talks About

Another moment that stood out was when she talked about sacrifice.

Because chasing something at this level comes with a cost.

She mentioned missing out on things like prom. Missing out on parts of what most people would call a “normal” teenage life.

And she didn’t say it with regret.

She said it with understanding.

Because she knows what she’s chasing.

And she’s made peace with what it takes to get there.

That’s something a lot of people struggle with.

They want the dream, but they don’t always want the cost that comes with it.

A Moment of Faith That Changed Everything

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation came when we talked about faith.

Mattie shared a moment from a church camp where she simply asked God to show her He was real.

And in that moment, she felt something she couldn’t explain.

Not something she was told.
Not something she read.

Something she experienced.

That moment became real for her.

And you can tell that it’s something that still grounds her today.

What Makes This Episode Different

This isn’t just an interview about American Idol.

It’s not just about music.

It’s about mindset.

It’s about identity.

It’s about what it looks like to start figuring out who you are, while the world is watching.

And that’s something a lot of people can relate to, whether they’re in entertainment or not.

Lessons From This Episode

There are a few takeaways that really stood out:

1. Know your worth early
If you don’t, the world will decide it for you.

2. You can’t half-chase a dream
If you’re going after something big, it’s going to cost you something.

3. Not all criticism deserves your attention
Some voices are just noise. Learn the difference.

4. Mindset matters as much as talent
Talent might open the door, but mindset keeps you in the room.

5. Stay grounded in who you are
No matter how big things get, don’t lose the people and the foundation that got you there.

Why You Should Watch or Listen

If you’re looking for a polished, media-trained interview with perfect answers…

That’s not this.

This is real.

This is a young artist in the middle of her journey, sharing honestly about what it’s like to chase something big before most people even know who they are yet.

And that’s exactly why this conversation matters.

Because years from now, when Mattie Pruitt is even bigger, this is the version people will wish they could go back and hear.

The beginning.

The post Mattie Pruitt: More Than American Idol, A 17-Year-Old With a Different Mindset appeared first on The Chris & Sandy Show.

Some interviews are just conversations.

Others stay with you.

Our recent interview with Magdalene Rose is one of those.

At first glance, people may see the music, the image, or the rising momentum in her career. But when you sit down and really hear her story, you realize this isn’t just about music. This is about survival, healing, and purpose.

Watch below:

What This Episode Is Really About

This conversation goes far deeper than her career.

We talked about:

• Her journey through depression and identity struggles
• A season where she felt completely lost and didn’t know who she was anymore
• The moment everything changed when she began to be honest with God
• How healing didn’t happen overnight, but through a real process
• The mission behind her music and why it matters

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when she shares how there was a time she didn’t even want to live and now she’s in a position where she gets to help others fight for their lives.

That shift alone tells you everything about the depth of her story.

Lessons That Stood Out

1. Healing isn’t always instant

We live in a world where people want quick fixes. But her story reminds us that sometimes healing is a process. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it takes time.

And that doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

2. You can be honest with God

One of the most real parts of the conversation was hearing her talk about being angry, confused, and questioning everything.

And instead of hiding that, she leaned into it.

That honesty became part of her healing.

3. Your darkest moments can become your purpose

Everything she went through, the depression, the confusion, the pain

That’s now the exact place she connects with people.

What once tried to break her is now being used to help others.

4. You never know who needs your story

She talked about people reaching out to her who are struggling with things like self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

And it’s a reminder that sharing your story isn’t about you

It’s about the person on the other side who feels less alone because of it.

5. Don’t give up in the middle of the fight

There was a point in her life where she could have quit.

If she had, she would have missed everything that came after.

That’s a powerful reminder for anyone going through something right now:
what you’re in today is not the end of your story

Why You Should Watch or Listen

This isn’t just another artist interview.

This is one of those conversations that:

• Makes you think
• Makes you reflect
• And reminds you that even in your darkest moments, there is still hope

If you’ve ever struggled
If you’ve ever questioned your purpose
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong

This episode is for you.

Final Thought

We say this a lot on our show, but this one really proves it…

People don’t just connect with success.

They connect with the story behind it.

And Magdalene Rose’s story is one that needs to be heard.

Listen below:

The post Finding Purpose in the Pain | Magdalene Rose Interview appeared first on The Chris & Sandy Show.

Some interviews are good.
Some are fun.
And then there are the ones where you can feel something shifting in real time.

This was one of those.

When Mary Kutter first joined The Chris & Sandy Show, she was already talented—you could hear it. You could feel it. But like she said in this episode, the “flower hadn’t bloomed yet.”

Now?

It’s starting to.

Since the last time we talked, Mary has signed her first record deal, started working on her debut album, and is stepping into a level of momentum that most artists spend years chasing.

But what stood out most in this conversation wasn’t the milestones…

It was how she got there.

This Isn’t an Overnight Story

From the outside, it might look like things are happening fast.

Viral songs.
Big opportunities.
Opening for Hank Williams Jr..
Fans singing her songs back to her—even the unreleased ones.

But when you hear her talk, you realize quickly…

None of this was accidental.

This is a story built on:

• Writing every single day
• Posting consistently—even when nothing “popped”
• Showing up long before the world started paying attention

There’s a moment in the interview where she talks about hearing fans sing her unreleased songs back to her live—and you can feel it. That shift from “numbers on a screen” to real people connecting.

That’s when it becomes real.

Lessons From This Episode

1. Consistency Beats Talent (If You Stick With It Long Enough)

Mary wrote hundreds of songs.
Posted daily.
Showed up whether anyone was watching or not.

Most people quit before momentum ever has a chance to build.

2. You Don’t Need Permission to Start

Her breakthrough didn’t begin with a label.

It started with:

• Posting songs online
• Letting people connect organically
• Building something real before anyone came knocking

By the time the industry showed up… she already had something.

3. Stay You—Even When the Industry Tries to Soften You

One of the most powerful parts of her story is choosing the right team.

Not the biggest offer.
Not the fastest deal.

The right fit.

A team that didn’t try to water her down—but elevate what was already there.

4. The “Big Moments” Hit Different When You’ve Earned Them

She talked about playing her first arena…

And how it wasn’t just exciting—it was everything she dreamed it would be.

Because she didn’t skip steps.

She lived the journey that made the moment mean something.

Why You Should Watch or Listen

This episode isn’t just about music.

It’s about:

• Building something from nothing
• Staying consistent when nobody’s watching
• Recognizing your moment when it finally comes

And maybe most importantly…

It’s about what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Mary Kutter isn’t just rising…

She’s stepping into something bigger.

And if you listen closely, you’ll hear it.

Watch or listen to the full episode of The Chris & Sandy Show and experience the conversation for yourself.

The post 🔥 Mary Kutter Returns And This Time, It Feels Different appeared first on The Chris & Sandy Show.

Some songs don’t just become hits…
They become part of culture.

And then there are songs like Wipe Out—a track that didn’t just define a moment, but helped launch an entire movement.

In this episode of The Chris & Sandy Show, we sat down with Bob Berryhill, founding member of The Surfaris, to uncover the real story behind one of the most recognizable songs in music history.

And what we found wasn’t just a story about music

It was a story about timing, passion, and living through moments you don’t even realize are defining your life.

The Song That Almost Wasn’t the Hit

Most people assume Wipe Out was always destined to be a hit.

It wasn’t.

In fact, it started as the B-side of a record.

It took a chain of unexpected moments—a DJ, a waitress, a late-night radio show—for the song to finally get noticed. And once it did…

Everything changed.

Within six months, the band went from unknown teenagers to chart-topping artists.

That kind of overnight success?
It’s rarely as simple as it looks.

Living History Without Knowing It

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation was hearing Bob talk about his age at the time.

He was just 15 years old when it all started.

Think about that.

While most teenagers are still figuring out who they are…
He was touring with legends like Roy Orbison and The Beach Boys.

But here’s the thing he made clear:

He didn’t realize what was happening.

Not yet.

Because sometimes, you don’t recognize the magnitude of a moment until years later.

The Grind Behind the Glory

It’s easy to look at a song like Wipe Out and think it was luck.

But behind that moment was something deeper:

Hours. Days. Years of preparation.

Bob talked about spending 4 to 6 hours a day practicing, studying other musicians, and developing his own sound.

Not because he had to…

But because he loved it.

That’s the part people don’t see.

The late nights.
The repetition.
The discipline.

The grind always comes before the breakthrough.

Legacy That Lives On

Today, Bob isn’t just performing the music…

He’s passing it down.

With his wife and sons now part of the band, The Surfaris have become more than a group—they’ve become a legacy.

And that’s what makes this story even more powerful.

Because success isn’t just about what you build…

It’s about what continues after you.

Lessons from This Episode

1. You might be in your defining moment right now

Bob lived through history before he even understood it.
Don’t wait for hindsight to recognize your moment.

2. What looks like overnight success is years in the making

Six months to the top… but years of preparation behind it.

3. Passion will carry you through the grind

When you love what you do, the hard work doesn’t feel like punishment—it feels like purpose.

4. Stay curious and keep learning

Bob didn’t just play music—he studied others, adapted, and created his own style.

5. Legacy is bigger than success

It’s not just about the hit song… it’s about what you pass on to the next generation.

Why You Should Watch or Listen to This Episode

If you love music, this is a must-listen.

But even beyond that…

This episode is for anyone chasing something bigger.

It’s for the person in the middle of the grind… wondering if it’s worth it.

It’s for the person who feels like their moment hasn’t come yet.

And it’s for the person who needs to be reminded that sometimes…

You’re already in the middle of your breakthrough—you just don’t see it yet.

Final Thought

Wipe Out didn’t just make history.

It reminds us of something deeper:

You don’t always get a warning before your life changes.

Sometimes it just happens…

And years later, you look back and realize—that was the moment everything shifted.

If you haven’t watched or listened yet…
This is one you don’t want to miss.

The post 🎸 From 15 Years Old to Music History: The Story Behind “Wipe Out” with Bob Berryhill appeared first on The Chris & Sandy Show.

Every once in a while, we have a guest on The Chris & Sandy Show that reminds us why we love doing this show so much. Not because of fame, awards, or chart positions, but because of the honesty behind the conversation.

Our recent interview with Lindsay Ell was one of those moments.

Lindsay has had the kind of career many artists dream about. She’s had number one songs, toured the world, played massive stages, and worked alongside legends like Shania Twain and Keith Urban. From the outside, it looks like the perfect life.

But as she shared with us during the interview, the real story behind the music is much deeper.

And that’s exactly why this episode is worth listening to.

A New Musical Era — And the Courage to Change

One of the biggest things Lindsay talked about was stepping into a new chapter of her career. After years of being known in country music, she’s now exploring a different sound and allowing herself to create music without being put into a box.

She talked about how freeing it feels to walk into the studio and make the music that’s truly in her heart instead of trying to fit into what the industry expects.

That takes courage.

Many people stay where they are comfortable because it feels safe, even when they know they’ve outgrown that season.

Lindsay’s story reminds us that growth often requires risk, and sometimes the only way forward is to trust yourself enough to change direction.

The Side of the Industry People Don’t See

One of the parts of the conversation that stood out the most was when we asked her about the side of entertainment that people don’t talk about enough.

The travel.
The missed holidays.
The lost friendships.
The pressure.
The financial stress.
The constant uncertainty.

She shared that even after having success, there were moments where she had to ask herself if she could keep going, especially when things got difficult behind the scenes.

That’s something a lot of people don’t realize.

Success doesn’t mean the struggle stops.
Sometimes it just means the struggle looks different.

Her honesty in that moment is one of the reasons this interview meant so much.

Success Always Comes With Sacrifice

One of the most powerful parts of the interview was when Lindsay talked about the real-life decisions that come with chasing a dream.

She shared that being in her 30s, she’s had to think about things like family, relationships, and what the future looks like — all while still building her career.

Those are the kinds of conversations most interviews never get into.

But they matter, because they show that even people living their dream still face hard choices.

Every path has a cost.

And the bigger the dream, the bigger the sacrifice usually is.

Why Balance Matters More Than Ever

Another lesson that came out of this conversation was the importance of balance.

Lindsay talked about a time when she was touring so much that she felt disconnected from herself and even from her music. She realized that being busy all the time isn’t always the same thing as being fulfilled.

That’s something a lot of people can relate to, whether they are in music, business, ministry, or everyday life.

We live in a world that tells us to go faster, do more, and never slow down.

But sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is step back, reset, and make sure you haven’t lost yourself along the way.

That perspective alone makes this episode worth listening to.

The Importance of Staying True to Who You Are

Another great moment in the interview came when Lindsay talked about advice for young artists.

She said one of the biggest mistakes she made early on was trying to please everyone around her instead of trusting her own instincts.

That’s a lesson that applies to more than music.

It applies to life.

When you try to be who everyone else wants you to be, you can lose the very thing that makes you unique.

And in the long run, being yourself is the only thing that lasts.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

This conversation isn’t just about music.

It’s about growth.
It’s about sacrifice.
It’s about courage.
It’s about learning who you are and having the strength to follow that path even when it’s hard.

That’s why this episode with Lindsay Ell is one of those interviews that sticks with you after it’s over.

If you’ve ever chased a dream…
If you’ve ever questioned your path…
If you’ve ever wondered if the struggle is worth it…

You’ll get something out of this conversation.

Listen to the full episode now on The Chris & Sandy Show.

The post Lindsay Ell on Reinventing Herself, The Sacrifices of the Music Industry, and Why Balance Matters appeared first on The Chris & Sandy Show.