Purdy Pickers Podcast

A long overdue update. After a little time away from the podcast, we’re finally back to share what’s been happening behind the scenes: Kikki’s departure, new life plans, and the exciting new direction we’re taking with the podcast.

Sadly, Dolly Parton passed away one day before this episode was recorded. But whose words could be better to tie it all together than hers? Through her music, her life, and the way she has navigated change, reinvention, and staying true to yourself, she has left us with more than just great songs. She’s given us some pretty valuable lessons about knowing when to let go, how to persevere, and how to find your own path.

So tune in for a very personal catch-up and a small tribute to the amazing Dolly Parton.

- We will always love you, Dolly.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!

Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say what you want, but the Chicks have ended up raising an entire generation of women who got into country music. The premise was clear: sing, have fun, don't be afraid to be a little rebellious and never take yourself too seriously. Join Carol and her dear guest Dee Ann in a two-parter episode that celebrates The Chicks’ legacy as musicians who challenged expectations, spoke their truth, and came back stronger than ever.

In the first part of this story, we dive into their roots in Dallas, TX as an up-and-coming Bluegrass and Western Swing act formed by sisters Martie McGuire & Emily Strayer (née Erwin) teamed up with Robin Macy and Laura Lynch (in memoriam).

In part two, we start off just before Natalie Maines joined the trio; a moment about to change their story forever. We break down the albums, the backlash that changed music history and their triumphant return.

Whether you danced the two-step to a live performance of "West Texas Wind" back in the good ol' days, have followed them since “Wide Open Spaces”, or discovered them through "Gaslighter", this episode is for you and is nothing but an ode to a band that refuses to be anything but fearless.

DISCLAIMER: At certain points in this series, we do refer to the band using their old name, "Dixie Chicks", mainly for clarity while discussing the early phase of the group. We do however fully support the band's decision to drop the word "Dixie" from its name.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!

Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this interview, Carol sits down with Courtney Hartman, one of the most gifted female guitarists in the folk and bluegrass world. Courtney is a flatpicker at heart, lining her melodies with graceful vocals of thoughtfully written words.

She speaks of life in seasons; and how growth, stillness and change shape both her personal journey and her relationship with music. On this episode, she shares deep insight into how she experiences music in an inspiring look at what it means to live a musical life with intention.

Throughout this conversation, we discuss her formative years, old and new albums, collaborations with some of the biggest names in folk and bluegrass, creative freedom and inspiring figures.

This episode is an invitation to listen closely: to the strings, the stories, and the seasons in between.


Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!

Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say what you want, but the Chicks have ended up raising an entire generation of women who got into country music. The premise was clear: sing, have fun, don't be afraid to be a little rebellious and never take yourself too seriously. Join Carol and her dear guest Dee Ann in a two-parter episode that celebrates The Chicks’ legacy as musicians who challenged expectations, spoke their truth, and came back stronger than ever.

In the first part of this story, we dive into their roots in Dallas, TX as an up-and-coming Bluegrass and Western Swing act formed by sisters Martie McGuire & Emily Strayer (née Erwin) teamed up with Robin Macy and Laura Lynch (in memoriam).

In part two, we start off just before Natalie Maines joined the trio; a moment about to change their story forever. We break down the albums, the backlash that changed music history and their triumphant return.

Whether you danced the two-step to a live performance of "West Texas Wind" back in the good ol' days, have followed them since “Wide Open Spaces”, or discovered them through "Gaslighter", this episode is for you and is nothing but an ode to a band that refuses to be anything but fearless.

DISCLAIMER: At certain points in this episode, we do refer to the band using their old name, "Dixie Chicks", mainly for clarity as we discuss the early phase of the group. We do however fully support the band's decision to drop the word "Dixie" from its name.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!

Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brennen writes, picks and sings with authenticity and style. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just discovering the beauty of western swing and bluegrass: chances are she will have written a song that you'll love. From incredible collaborations with Asleep at the Wheel, Melissa Carpenter and Noel McCay to her easygoing, tomato garden life in the Texan country, we'll go over her amazing career in a two-parter episode.

In this second section, Kikki reacts to an outrageous comment made under one of Brennen Leigh's interviews on Youtube - an epic roast dedicated to an internet bully. We go on discussing our Brennen Leigh songs, her songwriting highlights and some trivia on up she's been up to lately. Listening to part 1 first is highly recommended!
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!

Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.