FRI PT 2: Dan + Shay Open Up About Insecurities, Fame And Also Share Personal 'Tell Me Something Good' Stories
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Dan + Shay sit down with Bobby Bones for an intimate and vulnerable conversation about fame, insecurities, and the emotional journey behind their new song 'Say So.' The duo opens up about their personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and the pressure of maintaining a long-standing musical partnership. They reveal that 'Say So' was written as a tribute to Ben Vaughn, a mentor who passed away, and was inspired by a serendipitous birthday coincidence. The song represents a turning point in their career—a shift from formulaic country hits to deeply personal, therapeutic music that prioritizes emotional honesty over commercial success. They discuss the fear of relevance in the age of AI, the importance of communication in their relationship, and the joy found in fatherhood and family life. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt 'Tell Me Something Good' segment, where both artists share personal joys: Shay celebrates his son's baseball achievements and the merging of his personal and professional lives, while Dan shares the resilience of their dog Joy, who has survived cancer. The episode closes with reflections on community, authenticity, and the enduring power of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
Prioritize emotional truth over commercial success in creative work—'Say So' was made not for charts, but to honor a mentor and help others.
Communication is the foundation of long-term creative partnerships; Dan + Shay credit their renewed connection to honest, ongoing dialogue.
Fatherhood transforms identity and purpose—Shay describes how raising two children has reconnected his personal life with his music.
Resilience and joy can be found in small, everyday moments—Dan’s dog Joy surviving cancer became a symbol of gratitude and hope.
In a world of fleeting attention spans and AI, the most valuable art comes from authenticity, vulnerability, and community.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Birth of 'Say So': A Tribute to Ben Vaughn
“We didn't know it was his birthday. The day we wrote that song, I pulled out my Facebook. Yes, I'm old. I still use Facebook, but I pulled it up and it was like, would you like to wish Ben a happy birthday? It would have been his 50th birthday that day. We had no idea when we wrote the song and I feel like that not to get too spiritual on it, but that's more than coincidence to me. That song was meant to be written that day.”
The Weight of Fame: Insecurities and the Fear of Being Forgotten
“Every time. Every time. That's a real fear where you're going, we've been out for a while. This is me, not you. Do people even care anymore? That's how I feel. I don't even know if I want to make myself that vulnerable.”
The Power of Communication and Emotional Honesty
“We learned, you know, back in, you know, at the end of 2021 that we really had to do that first and foremost and communicate and it's really what the essence of this song is. You know, obviously saying something when you're going through a tough time but also just communicating, making sure that you're talking to your friends and checking on them.”
Personal Joys: Fatherhood, Family, and the Dog Who Survived Cancer
“My six-year-old Ames got three hits the other day, live pitch and baseball. It's pretty huge. That's awesome. Huge news. Y'all can cover it in this sports segment if you'd like. I've got some videos.”
The Enduring Value of Community and Human Connection
The conversation closes with a reflection on the importance of real-world community in an age of digital isolation. Dan + Shay emphasize that no AI can replicate the depth of human connection, shared experiences, and emotional support. They express hope that their music continues to build bridges and foster belonging.
“We didn't know it was his birthday. The day we wrote that song, I pulled out my Facebook. Yes, I'm old. I still use Facebook, but I pulled it up and it was like, would you like to wish Ben a happy birthday? It would have been his 50th birthday that day. We had no idea when we wrote the song and I feel like that not to get too spiritual on it, but that's more than coincidence to me. That song was meant to be written that day.”
“We've finally gotten back to that place where it truly doesn't matter if this is our biggest song. We want it to be. Obviously, we're going to do everything we possibly can to make sure as many people can hear this song, especially because it's this message. And it's like if one person hears this and it changes their life, that truly was worth it.”
“Every time. Every time. That's a real fear where you're going, we've been out for a while. This is me, not you. Do people even care anymore? That's how I feel. I don't even know if I want to make myself that vulnerable.”
Host
Guest
Shay
person
Dan
person
Dan + Shay
other
Bobby Bones
person
Say So
media
Ben Vaughn
person
Joy
other
Ames
person
Warner Records Nashville
organization
Porter's Call
organization
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