James sat down with Shane McAnally at CMA Fest, and somehow captured lightning in a bottle. We chased this interview for nearly a full year, and Shane did not disappoint. This is, by far, one of the most personal conversations we've had on this show.

Shane was just named the second greatest living country songwriter by Rolling Stone. But we start where it all began that week: his brand new one-man show, Hits & Giggles, which we caught at Zanies in Nashville. Shane talks about how the show came together, the nerves of hitting the road without a padded crowd, and why he insists on that piano being on stage.

From there it's pure songwriting. Learning to navigate Sam Hunt's train of thought writing style. How Kacey Musgraves showed him it was okay not to give a damn. The quiet sadness inside ”American Kids” that most people miss until someone points it out. And what song he'd play for his 2008 self if he could.

Shane also gets honest about losing the joy in his career chasing commercial success, and why he's fighting to get it back. That part, honestly, might be my personal favorite.

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