Hanley Riggs Launches “Married to the Music” Podcast on iHeartPodcasts | Premiere Networks

Premiere Networks has officially launched a brand-new country music podcast that is already generating buzz across Nashville and beyond. Titled “Married to the Music,” the weekly series is hosted by Hanley Riggs, a Nashville-based iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks producer and well-known country music reporter.

The podcast debuts today (February 13) and will be distributed through iHeartPodcasts, making it available to millions of listeners worldwide through iHeartRadio and all major streaming platforms.

This new series promises something different from the typical artist interview format: it shifts the spotlight away from the stage and directly into the personal lives of country music’s most recognizable names—through the voices of the people who know them best.

Hanley Riggs Launches “Married to the Music” Podcast on iHeartPodcasts | Premiere Networks

Table of Contents

A Fresh Concept in Country Podcasting

While country music fans are used to hearing about tours, album releases, and chart success, “Married to the Music” takes a more personal and emotional route.

Instead of focusing solely on the artists, the podcast centers on:

According to Premiere Networks, the podcast explores the real challenges that come with building a relationship while living in an industry driven by late nights, constant travel, media pressure, and unpredictable schedules.

What “Married to the Music” Is All About

At its core, the show explores how love, ambition, and family survive in the high-pressure world of country entertainment.

Each episode features candid conversations about topics that country fans rarely hear discussed in public, including:

Key Themes the Podcast Will Cover

This angle makes the show especially timely, as more fans today crave authenticity and deeper emotional storytelling from the stars they follow.

Why This Podcast Could Become a Major Hit on iHeartPodcasts

Podcasts focusing on artists are common—but podcasts focusing on the partners behind the artists are far rarer, especially in country music.

Industry insiders say this concept could resonate strongly because country fans are uniquely invested in storytelling. They don’t just listen to songs—they connect with the narratives behind them.

“Married to the Music” taps into that same emotional curiosity by offering:

Debut Episode Features Sara Brice, Wife of Country Star Lee Brice

The podcast’s first episode kicks off with a high-interest guest: Sara Brice, who opens up about her life with country singer Lee Brice.

In the premiere episode, Sara discusses multiple aspects of her personal and professional journey, including:

Highlights From the Sara Brice Interview

Sara Brice also touches on the realities of being part of a marriage where both partners are deeply involved in creative careers—something many listeners can relate to even outside of the music industry.

A Podcast Spotlighting Women Who Keep Country Music’s Heartbeat Alive

One of the most notable aspects of the show is that it intentionally highlights the voices of women who often remain behind the curtain in the country music world.

Many of these spouses and partners are not just “supportive wives”—they are:

The show aims to reflect how modern relationships in entertainment have evolved, where both partners often carry major ambitions and professional goals.

Hanley Riggs Says the Idea Was Inspired by Years of Artist Storytelling

Host Hanley Riggs has spent years working inside iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks, where she has interviewed countless artists and witnessed firsthand how their stories shape public perception.

But as she explains, the more she learned about artists’ lives, the more she became curious about what happens away from the spotlight.

Riggs describes the podcast as a passion project rooted in real curiosity and admiration for the people who stand beside country stars every day.

Hanley Riggs on the Motivation Behind the Podcast

Riggs says her time at iHeart and Premiere inspired her to explore what life is like “beyond the stage lights.”

She emphasizes that the spouses and partners of today’s artists are often creators in their own right, and their stories deserve to be heard.

The podcast, she explains, is also a meaningful way for fans to understand their favorite stars from a more intimate perspective—through the eyes of the person who loves them most.

Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott Praises the Podcast’s Unique Storytelling Angle

Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks, believes the show fills a gap in the country entertainment world by bringing forward perspectives that are rarely centered.

Talbott says “Married to the Music” shines a light on women who help shape the emotional core of country music, sharing stories that are powerful, humorous, and deeply human.

The show is expected to offer listeners a fresh way to connect more personally with the artists they already follow.

Upcoming Guests Include Familiar Faces From the Country Music Community

Premiere Networks has already teased an impressive lineup of future guests, suggesting that “Married to the Music” is set to become a strong platform for country lifestyle storytelling.

Confirmed and Expected Guests Include:

With this range of guests, the podcast is expected to cover diverse experiences—from rising Nashville families to established country music households.

Why Country Music Fans Are Craving This Type of Content in 2026

In today’s media environment, audiences are increasingly drawn to content that feels personal and authentic. Fans no longer just want polished celebrity interviews—they want real stories.

Country music, in particular, has always been built on themes like:

This podcast naturally extends that tradition into the podcast space.

“Married to the Music” doesn’t just tell fans what their favorite artists are doing—it shows the emotional cost and joy behind their success.

The Real-Life Challenges of Being Married to a Touring Musician

One of the reasons this podcast is likely to resonate is because it touches on challenges that most people never fully consider.

Being married to a musician is often romanticized, but the reality can include:

Common Challenges Country Families Face

By giving spouses and partners the microphone, the podcast highlights the resilience required to maintain stability while living in an unstable industry.

A Modern Take on Love, Fame, and Identity

The podcast is also timely because it reflects a shift in modern relationships.

In earlier decades, spouses of stars were often portrayed as “supporting characters.” Today, many are building personal brands, businesses, and careers.

The podcast explores this reality by discussing:

For listeners, this is not only entertaining but also inspiring.

How “Married to the Music” Could Expand the Country Podcast Market

The country podcasting space has exploded in recent years, with major platforms investing heavily in artist-driven audio storytelling.

However, most shows still follow predictable formats:

“Married to the Music” breaks that mold by blending:

This crossover style could attract not only hardcore country fans but also general podcast listeners interested in love, marriage, and modern family life.

Podcast Availability: Where to Listen

“Married to the Music” is officially available starting today and can be streamed through:

Platforms Where the Podcast Will Be Available

With iHeartPodcasts distribution, the show is expected to receive strong promotional support and visibility across iHeart’s massive media network.

Why Google Discover Users May See This Podcast Trending

From an SEO and Discover perspective, this podcast announcement checks all the right boxes.

Google Discover tends to push content that is:

Country music remains one of the most searched and engaged genres in the United States, meaning this type of content has strong potential to trend across:

With the right headlines and image optimization, “Married to the Music” could quickly gain viral attention among fans.

What Makes Hanley Riggs the Right Host for This Podcast?

Hanley Riggs is not just a podcast host—she has years of experience as a producer and reporter in Nashville’s country media scene.

Her familiarity with the industry gives her a key advantage:

Strengths Riggs Brings to the Podcast

That credibility is critical for a show centered on intimate topics like marriage and parenting.

What Fans Can Expect From Upcoming Episodes

If the premiere episode is any indication, the podcast will deliver a mix of humor, honesty, and heartfelt storytelling.

Fans can likely expect future episodes to explore:

Episode Content That May Go Viral

This style of storytelling is highly shareable—especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook.

Premiere Networks Continues Expanding Podcast and Audio Strategy

The launch of “Married to the Music” also reflects a larger strategy by Premiere Networks and iHeartMedia to expand their podcast offerings in lifestyle and entertainment.

In recent years, iHeartPodcasts has grown into one of the most influential podcast networks globally, producing high-performing shows across:

This new show adds a unique “country lifestyle” category that could open doors for more niche series.

A Podcast That Humanizes Country Music Stardom

Perhaps the biggest reason “Married to the Music” is already gaining attention is because it humanizes stars.

Country music is filled with stadium tours and chart-topping singles, but behind every headline is a home life filled with:

This podcast makes those moments visible—and in doing so, makes the country music world feel more relatable.

Final Thoughts: “Married to the Music” Could Become a Must-Listen for Country Fans

With a fresh format, a strong host, and a powerful emotional concept, “Married to the Music” has the potential to become one of the most talked-about country lifestyle podcasts of the year.

By shifting attention toward the spouses and partners of artists, the show creates a new lane in country storytelling—one that feels modern, authentic, and deeply human.

For fans who want more than just the stage performance, this podcast offers something rare: a real look at the people who hold country music families together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is “Married to the Music” about?

It is a weekly podcast focusing on the spouses and partners of country music artists, discussing family life, relationships, and balancing career demands.

Who hosts the podcast?

The podcast is hosted by Hanley Riggs, a Nashville-based iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks producer and country music reporter.

When did the podcast premiere?

The podcast debuted on February 13.

Who is featured in the first episode?

The debut episode features Sara Brice, wife of country singer Lee Brice.

Where can listeners stream the podcast?

It is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.

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