What does it really take to build a lasting career in Music City?

In this episode of What Made You, Deanna Marie sits down with singer-songwriter and guitarist Ben Graves for an honest conversation about the highs, the challenges, and the unexpected turns of life as a working musician. Ben shares stories from decades in the music industry, the lessons he's learned from collaborating with incredible artists, and why staying true to yourself matters more than chasing the spotlight.

Whether you're a songwriter, a music lover, or someone pursuing a dream of your own, this conversation is full of insight, authenticity, and plenty of Nashville stories you won't want to miss.

Singer-songwriter Jacob Martin returns to What Made You with Deanna Marie for an honest conversation about the highs and lows of building a career in Nashville, staying authentic in an ever-changing music industry, and finding purpose through every chapter of his journey.

Jacob shares stories from his career, reflects on the songs that have shaped him, and opens up about embracing sobriety, and how it transformed his perspective on life and music.

From career pivots and creative growth to resilience and redemption, this episode offers an inspiring look at the man behind the music—and the lessons he's learned along the way.

This week on What Made You with Deanna Marie, I'm joined by Mourning Coffee, an indie folk project known for blending haunting melodies, raw emotion, and deeply personal storytelling. We dive into the inspiration behind the music, the healing power of songwriting, navigating life's darker moments through creativity, and the stories that shaped their artistic journey. If you've ever found comfort in a song that seemed to understand exactly what you were feeling, this conversation is for you.