Have you ever met somebody who seemed to know, even as a child, exactly who they were meant to be?

Somebody who held onto a dream, not for the glory, not for the spotlight, but because it spoke to something deep and undeniable within him.

Brad Paisley is one of those people.

Brad Paisley is a three-time Grammy winner, a world-class guitarist, and a renowned songwriter

who has earned more than 20 number one hits, sold more than 11 million albums, and spent

more than 25 years creating music

that reflects exactly who he is. From his first chords in Glendale, West Virginia, to stages

around the world, Brad has stayed rooted in one guiding truth. Do what you love, say what you mean,

and let the art lead you. That simple idea has carried

him through the changing tides of country music and into work that reaches far beyond the stage,

using his voice to lift communities, support families, and stand with people who need hope the

most. Through it all, he has never lost sight of where he came from

or who he hoped to become. He built a life of love and purpose with his wife Kimberly and their two

sons, and he still believes that the most important things we do are often the quietest. In our conversation,

Brad reflects on the grandfather who placed music in his hands and

heart, the inspiration behind his new album's Snow Globe Town, and what it means to hold on to your

true self, even when the world gets loud. I'm Hoda Kotby, and this is my podcast, Making Space.

First of all, I'd like to give a shout out to Wild Wonderful West Virginia. Oh, really?

Uh-huh.

I grew up in Morgan Town.

No kidding.

Now, have we talked about this before? No, we've never talked about this. I didn't know that.

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