The War and Treaty Are Done with Playing the Game

Brad Paisley may have written and recorded some of country music’s most humorous songs, but the West Virginia singer-guitarist is also one of its most serious voices. In a special episode of Nashville Now recorded at Paisley’s home studio, he speaks candidly about his song of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, “Same Here,” the opioid crisis in his native Appalachia, his opposition to a proposed Nashville data center, and his commitment to helping those in need with his charitable market, The Store. He also lets us into how he wrote a buzzy new song for South Park, shares his favorite memory of Dolly Parton, and reveals how he helped get William Shatner back into the studio for the actor’s new album Love & Other Mysteries. It’s a wide-ranging conversation with one of country music’s modern-day greats, only on Nashville Now.

Audrey Hobert joins senior writer Angie Martoccio in The Rolling Stone Studio at our New York office for a deep dive into her fantastic debut album ‘Who’s the Clown.’ Hobert reflects on the wild year she’s had since releasing the record, bringing her whimsical, energetic live shows all over the world, connecting with fans, and gaining her first Billboard Hot 100 entry with 'Sue Me'. The 27-year-old songwriter also discusses her love for Steve Martin and Nathan Fielder, her song “Phoebe” and how many times she’s been asked about watching ‘Friends,’ and her real-life friend, Gracie Abrams. She also touches on her relationship with social media, Grammys season, and opening for Charli XCX next year. Read more coverage on Audrey Hobert and ‘Who’s the Clown’ on rollingstone.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We go deep inside the making of one of the year's best album's, Madonna's Confessions II, with producer Stuart Price joining Brian Hiatt for the discussion. They also talk about Price's live work with Madonna, the history of their collaboration, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yes, Jeremy Allen White — former star of 'The Bear,' the Man Who Would Be Bruce, and extremely handsome actor — is on social media. No, he's not exactly hyped about it. White and Mikey Madison — the costars of 'The Social Reckoning,' Aaron Sorkin's return to the world of Facebook — stopped by the Rolling Stone Studio to talk about their new movie, where the subject of social media naturally came up. The 'Anora' Oscar-winner had Instagram and Facebook accounts when she was 13, she says, before deleting them;: "I think it just never stuck [with me]."

When Midland debuted in 2017 with their traditional country song “Drinkin’ Problem,” the Texas band stuck out like a sore thumb in Nashville. Now, the trio of Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, and Cameron Duddy look like trendsetters. All three singer-songwriters join us in the Nashville Now cabin to talk about their influence on today’s country music — you can hear Midland vibes in “Choosin’ Texas.” They also address the authenticity attacks they weathered early in their career, and take us inside their new album Stages, which includes the hits “Marlboro Man” and “Shooting Memories With Tequila.” It’s a particularly wild and loose episode of Nashville Now, hosted by deputy editor Joseph Hudak, who’s followed Midland’s career since the very beginning.