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On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with visual artist Mary McNeill and music industry veteran Fluffy for a conversation that refuses to stay in one lane—in the best way.

Behind the scenes, they serve as Band Manager (Mary) and Tour Manager (Fluffy) for Tim Reynolds and TR3, bringing the music to life far beyond the stage.

From the raw and unexpected to the deeply spiritual, this episode dives into how creativity actually shows up in real life… not polished, not perfect, but built through experience, loss, reinvention, and everything in between.

Mary pulls us into her imaginative, almost otherworldly artistic space—where emotion, energy, and meaning live just beneath the surface. At the same time, Fluffy brings the stories most people never hear—the long nights, the road, the chaos, and the reality of what it takes to keep the music going.

Because every song you hear has a story—and a crew behind it grinding to make it happen. In this episode, you hear from two of those people—the ones in the vans, backstage, and behind the curtain. The ones carrying the weight, solving the problems, and keeping the show alive when no one’s watching.

Together, we get into the energy that connects it all—the seen, the unseen, and the moments that shape who we become as creators and as people.

To explore more of Mary’s work, visit: https://marymcneillart.com/

You can follow Mary on social media at:

FB at www.facebook.com/mary.mcneill.737

IG at https://www.instagram.com/marymcneillart/

Follow Fluffy on IG at www.instagram.com/fluffysucks

This one’s a little gritty, a little cosmic… and exactly what The Hook is all about.

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Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

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In Part 2 of our conversation with Grammy-nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer Will Kimbrough, we go even deeper—into the stories, the songs, and the legacy.

We dive into Will’s decades-long relationship with Jimmy Buffett, including what it was really like being part of the Coral Reefer Band and co-writing some of Buffett’s final songs—most notably the emotional and enduring “Bubbles Up.” From behind-the-scenes moments to the personal impact of those collaborations, this part of the conversation is as real as it gets.

We also explore Will’s songwriting process, the stories behind some of his most meaningful work, and how it feels to hear your songs carried into the world by other artists. Plus, we rewind all the way back to the beginning—how it all started, the moments that almost changed everything, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

This is the full-circle moment—where craft meets legacy, and where a lifetime of music comes into focus.

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and start there—you’ll want the full story.

Will's Core Collaborations / Major Mentions

• Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, John Prine & Guy Clark

Legendary / Industry Icons, Additional Artists & Collaborators , Musicians / Nashville & Session Legends, Writers / Producers / Key Figures Mentioned & Bands / Cultural References Mentioned

• Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix & Neil Young
• Toby Keith, Roger Waters, Jerry Jeff Walker, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton, Jerry Douglas, Luther Dickinson Alison Krauss & Yo-Yo Ma, Mac McAnally, Gary Green & Daniel Lanois, Little Feat, R.E.M., Allman Brothers Band

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Send Johni & Jess a text

On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and guitarist Will Kimbrough—an artist whose influence runs deep through the fabric of American music.

From touring the world to collaborating with legends like Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and Todd Snider, Will has spent decades shaping songs that resonate far beyond the stage. You may know his work on Buffett’s final album—including the powerful “Bubbles Up”—or through his own deeply personal and masterfully crafted catalog.

In Part 1, we dive into where Will is right now—his current projects, creative evolution, and what success, freedom, and fulfillment look like at this stage of his life. We also explore his work with SongwritingWith:Soldiers, helping veterans turn their stories into music, and what it means to create with purpose.

This is more than a conversation about music—it’s about growth, legacy, and the moments that shape a life in song.

Don’t miss Part 2, where we go deeper into his journey, his work with Jimmy Buffett, and the stories behind the songs.

Will's Core Collaborations / Major Mentions:

Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider, John Prine & Guy Clark

Legendary / Industry Icons, Additional Artists & Collaborators , Musicians / Nashville & Session Legends, Writers / Producers / Key Figures Mentioned & Bands / Cultural References Mentioned:

Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix & Neil Young, Toby Keith, Roger Waters, Jerry Jeff Walker, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton, Jerry Douglas, Luther Dickinson Alison Krauss & Yo-Yo Ma, Mac McAnally, Gary Green & Daniel Lanois, Little Feat, R.E.M.,

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

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From the Sunset Strip to the middle of the ocean, Scott Orchard has built a life fueled by music, risk, and saying yes to the moment.

In this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, Scott takes us back to growing up in Los Angeles—surrounded by stacks of 45s from his dad’s radio station—to sneaking out as a teenager to front rock bands on the iconic Sunset Strip. From wild nights at legendary venues to a career in radio and television across major markets, his journey is anything but ordinary.

We dive into his time performing alongside rising acts in the L.A. club scene, his transition into radio and television, and the unexpected pivot that led him to create a high-energy, audience-driven piano bar experience on cruise ships around the world.

Hear some crazy stories from Scott’s time on the Strip, including encounters with Warrant, Ratt, Mötley Crüe, and W.A.S.P., and playing legendary venues like The Troubadour, Whisky a Go Go, Gazarri’s, and Ozone Discotheque—plus more recent performances at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood.

Scott also shares unforgettable stories from life at sea—from outrageous crowd moments to the realities of performing night after night for audiences ready to sing along. He opens up about what it takes to truly connect with a crowd, how he’s built a repertoire of nearly 900 songs, and why audience engagement will always matter more than perfection.

We also feature clips of Scott performing, talk about the songs that bring every room together, and explore what continues to fuel his passion after decades in music.

Plus:
Our Reverse Cowgirl segment flips the script & a special Cruise Ship Speed Round

This episode is wild, nostalgic, hilarious, and full of heart.

🎧 Once you’re hooked… there’s no going back.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

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On this episode of The Hook, Johni & Jess sit down with reggae artist Mighty Joshua—joined by his guitarist Ian Hartman (aka Ian I)—for a conversation that goes far beyond the music.

From his early connection to the roots of reggae to building a sound that blends classic influence with global energy, Mighty Joshua shares the journey behind his artistry—and the purpose that fuels it—while Ian brings perspective from the stage, the sound, and the chemistry that makes it all come alive.

With his 2024 album DREADUCATION earning national recognition and GRAMMY® consideration, this episode dives into the stories, collaborations, and message behind the music.

But what makes this conversation hit differently? Mighty Joshua wasn’t just chasing music—he was simultaneously shaping young minds through education, creating a powerful intersection between purpose, platform, and impact.

You’ll hear about:

• The origins of his sound and spiritual connection to reggae
• Balancing a career in education while building a music movement
• The story behind DREADUCATION and working with legends like Junior Marvin
• What it really feels like to share stages with icons like Ziggy Marley and Steel Pulse
• The dynamic between artist and guitarist—and how that translates live
• His decades-long commitment to the Makindu Children’s Centre in Kenya

Plus, a live music moment featuring Mighty Joshua and Ian I that brings it all home—raw, real, and exactly what The Hook is all about.

This isn’t just an interview—it’s a conversation about music with meaning, living with intention, and what it really means to Stay Mighty.

If you’re a musician, artist, or creative… your website shouldn’t feel like an afterthought.

Your brand is your stage — and your website is often the first place people decide if you’re the real deal.

At River City Consulting, we build websites specifically for artists who need an online presence that actually matches their talent.

From branding to design to full website builds — we help you show up professionally, confidently, and ready for what’s next.

They’re al

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Send Johni & Jess a text

On this episode of The Hook, Johni and Jess sit down with Chef K—a chef, cookbook author, TV host, and culinary tour guide whose passion for food began in a small village in Northern Italy. What started as learning recipes from local grandmothers turned into a full-blown career that spans professional kitchens, television, and global culinary travel experiences. Chef K has two seasons on Eat This TV Network, and is filming a third season this year!

Chef K shares how those early lessons shaped her philosophy around cooking with intention, simplicity, and heart—and how she carried that into high-pressure New York City kitchens as an Executive Chef. The conversation dives into the realities of restaurant life, leadership in the kitchen, and the balance between speed and soul when creating food that truly nourishes.

From there, the story expands beyond the kitchen. Chef K talks about her transition into media with her show Chef K’s Kitchen, her appearances on national television, and the inspiration behind her cookbooks—each rooted in making cooking approachable, local, and meaningful.

Listeners will also get practical takeaways, including Chef K’s go-to “K Hacks” for creating flavorful meals on a budget, essential pantry staples, and common mistakes home cooks make (and how to avoid them).

But this episode isn’t just about cooking—it’s about experience. Chef K gives a behind-the-scenes look at her “Take Your Tastebuds Traveling” culinary tours, from regional Italian food journeys to upcoming adventures in Greece. She also previews an exciting Route 66 culinary trip planned for 2026, celebrating the iconic highway’s 100th anniversary through food, culture, and hidden gems across America.

This episode is a celebration of food, culture, and the stories that connect us—all served with a side of inspiration.

Learn more about Chef K:

Website: chefkcooking.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/chefkssoupersalads/?ref=bookmarks

IG: https://www.instagram.com/chefkcooking/

X: https://x.com/ChefKCooking

If you’re a musician, artist, or creative… your website shouldn’t feel like an afterthought.

Your brand is your stage — and your website is often the first place people decide if you’re the real deal.

At River City Consulting, we build websites specifically for artists who need an online presence that actually matches their talent.

From branding to design to full website builds — we help you show up professionally, confidently, and ready for what’s next.

They’re al

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Send Johni & Jess a text

On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with guitarist and songwriter Willie Williams, whose sound blends country, blues, and Southern jam rock into something both rooted and fresh.

We talk about his leap from corporate America to pursuing music full-time, the stories behind his debut album Trouble Follows Me, and the incredible musicians who helped bring the record to life — including Lee Roy Parnell, Steve Bassett, Bob Britt, Steve Hinson, Lynn Williams, Kevin McKendree, and Stewart Myers.

Willie also performs two live songs during the episode, including one that is premiering for the first time on The Hook.

Along the way we dive into songwriting, Nashville sessions, life on the road, and the influences that shaped his sound — plus a surprise Wolfman Jack connection that sends us down a wild radio rabbit hole.

If you love Southern rock, great guitar playing, and real music stories, this one’s for you.

To learn more about Willie and find out about future shows, go to:

Website: www.williewilliamsmusic.com

FB: facebook.com/WillieWilliamsMusic

IG: www.instagram.com/willie_williams_music

Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/willie-williams/2507299

Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1nE9ShJ83rM2Fx6Pt0wsSR

And a special thanks to Tod Weston Smith for sharing this incredible clip of your legendary Dad, 🎙️ Wolfman Jack. Learn more about Wolfman Jack Entertainment at: www.wjent.com

If you’re a musician, artist, or creative… your website shouldn’t feel like an afterthought.

Your brand is your stage — and your website is often the first place people decide if you’re the real deal.

At River City Consulting, we build websites specifically for artists who need an online presence that actually matches their talent.

From branding to design to full website builds — we help you show up professionally, confidently, and ready for what’s next.

They’re al

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Send Johni & Jess a text

On this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with Richmond artist, designer, and musician Sarah Frances Santamaria, the frontwoman of the band VEXINE, joined by VEXINE guitarist Paul Pearce.

Sarah shares the story behind her creative journey — from award-winning visual artist to songwriter and performer — and how art, music, fashion, design, and even cooking all connect in her creative world. Together, we talk about the origins of VEXINE, songwriting vulnerability, the beauty of imperfection in art, and the inspiration behind the band’s newest album The Light and the Dark in Everything.

It’s a conversation about creativity, interpretation, and living a life where art shows up in everything you do.

Keep up with VEXINE on their website www.vexine.net

Follow VEXINE on FB at: www.facebook.com/vexine

If you’re a musician, artist, or creative… your website shouldn’t feel like an afterthought.

Your brand is your stage — and your website is often the first place people decide if you’re the real deal.

At River City Consulting, we build websites specifically for artists who need an online presence that actually matches their talent.

From branding to design to full website builds — we help you show up professionally, confidently, and ready for what’s next.

They’re al

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.