The Vocal Lab Collective

This week's episode features Bret Green, AKA Dad Got Bars. From his early days in his high school cafeteria making beats on a table, to being nominated for an Emmy for his work in "The Inspectors," Bret has found a way to connect his passion for storytelling and music as a rapper to be a an honest voice sharing the real experiences women face in their everyday lives.

In this episode of The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby dive into the storm surrounding Timothée Chalamet’s recent town hall with Matthew McConaughey. Did the Marty Supreme star cross the line when he claimed "no one cares" about opera and ballet anymore, or was he just voicing a harsh reality about the struggle for cultural relevance? We’re breaking down whether this was a case of Hollywood "punching down" on vulnerable art forms—currently battling funding cuts and the rise of AI—or if the backlash is just a symptom of an industry in denial. From Misty Copeland’s p...

We’re bringing this fan-favorite back to the front of the feed! In this special RE-RELEASE of The Vocal Lab Podcast, hosts Shelby Rollins and Jason Catron sit down with hit songwriter Derrick Southerland to celebrate their milestone 50th episode. From his humble beginnings "scrubbing toilets" as a studio intern to opening the door for legends like John Legend and Ryan Tedder while working as a server, Derrick’s story is a masterclass in persistence. Tune in as he shares what it was like to pass on an idea from Vince Gill, the hilarious moment he tried to "take Nelly's...

In this episode of The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby tackle the inevitable—the aging voice. They break down the science of how your instrument changes over time and share must-know longevity tips for young artists who think they’re invincible. But the real star of the show is a piece of "transcendent" wisdom from producer Carlos, who graced the booth with the accidental comedy gold: "When you are young... you have youth." Tune in for the vocal science, but stay for the relentless teasing as Jason and Shelby try to uncover the hidden depths of the most obvious stateme...

In this episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason and Shelby are joined by Nashville’s own Sooner Routhier, a visionary production and lighting designer whose work has defined the visual identity of modern live music. As the CEO of The Playground, Sooner has earned prestigious accolades including multiple Parnelli Awards and the Live Design Achievement Award. She is the creative force behind some of the highest-grossing tours in history, notably serving as the lighting designer for Coldplay’s record-breaking Music of the Spheres World Tour and the co-production designer for The Lumineers' 2025 Automatic World Tour. Her portfolio spans genr...

Get ready for a masterclass in independent artistry! This week, Jason and Shelby are joined by the powerhouse herself, Jenny Teator.

Known for her soulful, "St. Louis-meets-Nashville" sound, Jenny dives deep into the creative journey behind her latest album release. But the conversation doesn’t stop at the studio—we’re exploring how her viral hit, "Rhinestone Rock,"became a certified elite line dance sensation, taking over dance floors across the country.

From surviving the freeze to the fallout of "Music’s Biggest Night," this week on The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby are diving deep into a Nashville ice storm that changed everything. While Shelby took advantage of the power outage to crush six books in a single week, Jason was busy hunkering down at a friend’s house, watching the city turn into a literal ice rink.

But the real storm? It was brewing at the 2026 Grammys. The duo breaks down:

In this soul-stirring episode of The Vocal Lab, hosts Jason Catron and Shelby Rollins sit down with the legendary Rita Springer. A pioneer in Christian music, Rita opens up about her humble beginnings and the unwavering conviction to keep her craft "not for sale." She dives deep into the delicate tension between navigating a professional music career and the visceral longing to see God’s power manifest in the lives of her listeners. It’s an honest, powerful conversation for any artist seeking to balance technical excellence with a pure, uncompromised heart.

Is your vocal coach a mentor or just a fan? Choosing a vocal coach is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your career, yet most singers go in blind. This week on The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby pull back the curtain on the hiring process. They’re sharing the exact 5-question litmus test you should use to separate the world-class mentors from the weekend hobbyists.

Tera Lynne joins The Vocal Lab Podcast to share her raw and honest journey as an artist navigating the path to self-discovery. In this episode, she discusses the internal work required to break through personal barriers and how her creative process serves as a tool for authentic expression. By exploring the intersection of her artistry and her voice, Tera offers a powerful look at what it truly means to show up as yourself in your music, shedding the weight of expectation to find a sound that is uniquely her own.

Ring in the New Year with The Vocal Lab Podcast as Jason and Shelby recap their NYE adventures, set bold goals, and dream up what’s next. From big aspirations to unexpected hobbies, anything’s possible in 2026. But the real question is—will Shelby take up pickleball, and is Jason actually fencing?

The Vocal Lab Podcast pulls back the curtain on life as a vocal coach. Jason, Shelby, and Carlos get real about the intangibles, the instincts, psychology, and emotional work that never make it into a lesson plan, along with the quirks, habits, and surprises that come with coaching real clients. Honest, funny, and deeply relatable, it’s a candid look at the voices behind the voices.

This week on The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason and Shelby trade vocal warm-ups for wild holiday facts as they dive into the strangest Christmas traditions around the world. 🎄

From Austria’s horned nightmare Krampus, to Spain’s infamous poop log, and other festive customs that make caroling seem tame nothing is off-limits.

It’s funny, slightly unhinged, and the perfect reminder that Christmas gets weird everywhere. Tune in and laugh along.

This week on The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby are joined by the always-inspiring Melinda Doolittle. She chats about her early start singing BGVs for CeCe Winans, reflects on her unforgettable American Idol journey, and shares the excitement behind her newest project—her debut novel, Tinsel Trouble.

It’s a joyful, uplifting conversation with plenty of heart. Tune in!

On this Thanksgiving episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason, Shelby, and Carlos gather around the mics to reflect on the year, share what they’re most thankful for, and look ahead with hope and excitement. And yes, Carlos is extra thankful this week after accidentally uploading the wrong episode last time (we forgive him… mostly).

From personal milestones to musical breakthroughs, they open up about the moments that shaped them and the dreams they’re carrying into the future. Pull up a chair, grab a slice of pie, and join the conversation. It’s a warm, honest...

On this episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason and Shelby are joined by the hilarious and brilliant Sophie Steele (@iambigsoph), someone who loves people deeply and loves making the numbers work for them.

They dive into who you are at your core, the power of genuine human connection, and why Sophie believes work and play should be woven together instead of kept apart. Her quick wit keeps the whole episode electric, and Jason and Shelby couldn’t stop laughing as she brought her humor and heart to every moment.

A fun, honest, and energizing conver...

This week on The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason and Shelby sit down with Ben Rodgers of Pivotol for a conversation that blends identity, creativity, and the unexpected.

From the shrimp boat–style lunch where Ben and Jason first connected to the deeper questions behind the real X-factor—do we truly know ourselves?—Ben explores why the Relational Economy may matter more than talent alone.

You’ll hear why choosing your “spot” is everything, how one decision can redirect a life, and why what’s meant for you somehow finds its way.

Plus, get a first look at the n...

This week on The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby are joined by Nashville-based makeup artist and creative force Charlie Boehm. Charlie shares how his journey surprisingly began in music, a path that shaped his eye for performance, presence, and storytelling long before he ever held a makeup brush.

He opens up about the pivotal moment when legendary artist Billy B stepped into his life and shifted everything, offering the inspiration and direction that helped Charlie step fully into his artistry.

From those early sparks to the surreal experience of working with Dolly Parton, Charlie talks abou...

his week, Jason and Shelby drop in for a quick checkup episode! Jason shares how watching the new Luther Vandross documentary sent him down a soulful rabbit hole — and somehow led to a real-life run-in with John Tesh. Hear how that unexpected meeting went, plus a little catch-up between the hosts you know and love.

It’s light, fun, and full of those “only on The Vocal Lab” moments. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

The Vocal Lab Podcast — This week, Jason, Shelby, and Carlos get a little salty about Southwest’s so-called “customer experience upgrades.” From luggage limits to seat shuffles, we’re not exactly buying the “friendly skies” vibe. Then we lighten it up (kind of) with Taylor and Travis’s engagement — and how Taylor’s once again proving she’s running the entire pop culture universe.

A little sass, a little shade, and a lot of laughs — only on The Vocal Lab Podcast.

This week, Jason and Shelby sit down with Michelle Garramone, classically trained vocalist turned artist development strategist, label founder, and mindset coach. Michelle shares her journey from performance to the business side—how she balanced artistry and strategy, building Mishi Records to empower indie artists with release planning, wellness, and sustainable growth. Whether you’ve got an album ready to drop or you’re pushing through creative blocks, this conversation is packed with tools, inspiration, and hard-won wisdom for every kind of artist.

This week, Jason and Shelby welcome rising country artist Holdyn Barder—the Newtown, PA native whose Eagles anthem “Go Birds” went viral and put Philly pride on the country map. Holdyn shares his journey from physics major to Nashville stages, opening for superstars like Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker, and the heart behind his upcoming debut album. Tune in for stories of hustle, hometown roots, and the voice carrying Philly country into the spotlight.

This week, Jason and Shelby are joined by Charity Baroni, a seasoned performer and movement coach whose career has spanned the worlds of music videos, live tours, and artist development. From dancing with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to empowering artists through movement coaching, Charity shares her journey and insights into the transformative power of performance. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on artistry, confidence, and the heart behind the movement.

🎙️ The Vocal Lab Podcast

This week, Jason, Shelby, and even Carlos dive into one of the biggest headlines in music: Higgsfield Records has officially signed its first AI artist, KION. What does this mean for singers, songwriters, and the industry at large? Is AI a threat, a tool, or the future of collaboration? We unpack the possibilities, the risks, and where human artistry still shines brightest.

Adam Levine’s new album Love Is Like has fans talking — his voice sounds noticeably different. In this episode, Jason and Shelby unpack why singers choose to change their voices, whether it’s a natural evolution or a risky experiment, and what it means for both artistry and audience expectations. Is changing your sound a smart move, or can it cost you your identity as a singer?

This week, Jason and Shelby are joined by Broadway’s own Allison Bailey, best known for her sparkling turn as Glinda in Wicked. She shares her journey from Florida stages to national tours, life on Broadway, and what it takes to bring such an iconic role to life night after night. Plus—her newest projects beyond Oz. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of musical theatre’s brightest voices!

On this episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, Jason, Shelby, and Carlos dive into Pavarotti’s famous claim that singers need 48 hours to recover after a performance. Was he exaggerating, or is there real science behind the millions of vocal fold collisions in a two-hour show? Join us as we explore the artistry, physiology, and recovery rituals that shape a singer’s first 48.

This week on The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby are joined by Blake Proehl—former Minnesota Viking, American Idol contestant, and breakout singer-songwriter. We dive into the heartwarming story of how a song for his nana went viral, the unexpected journey from football fields to recording studios, and his brand-new release Miss Carolina. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that proves sometimes the biggest wins happen off the field.

On this episode of The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby dig into Shaboozey’s historic feat—'A Bar Song (Tipsy)' just hit 27 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart, breaking the all-time record previously held by The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights. What does a run like that say about the state of radio, genre-bending hits, and the future of chart dominance? We’ll talk impact, influence, and of course, enjoy a flight of cupcakes while we celebrate.

This week, Jason and Shelby welcome Nashville country artist Conor Clemmons to the studio! From his Carolina roots to climbing the iTunes Country charts with his debut EP Left of Center, Conor has been carving out a sound full of heart, energy, and real storytelling. He’s opened for artists like Hunter Hayes, Gavin DeGraw, and Parmalee, and his latest singles—Good Ones, It Chose Me, and the reflective Growin’ To Do—showcase both his powerhouse vocals and his honest perspective on life. Plus, he’s fresh off the release of his summer anthem Double Standard.

Join us as Conor shar...

Jason and Shelby are kicking off a new chapter — a fresh studio, a fresh vibe, and... some very questionable ASMR experiments.

Is it soothing? Is it terrifying? Or is it both?

Join us as we celebrate new beginnings, spill behind-the-scenes stories, and tiptoe into the whispery world of audio that might just give you chills — for better or worse.

Jason and Shelby sit down with rising Nashville artist Garrett Adair, whose journey from college entrepreneur to viral singer-songwriter is anything but ordinary. Garrett opens up about his early love for music, the unexpected start of a gummy vitamin business in college, and how the pandemic reignited his passion for songwriting and performing. Now touring with artists like Jamie Miller and Mat Kearney, Garrett shares what it takes to chase your sound, stay grounded, and keep creating—even when the path looks nothing like you planned.

Join your hosts Jason and Shelby as they dish out the weirdest, wildest, and most deliciously dramatic meals from music legends. From Elvis’s peanut butter bacon bonanza to Taylor Swift’s cottagecore chicken tender and cinnamon rolls—it's music, munchies, and mayhem.

Because behind every icon... is a very questionable snack. 😏🎶

Jason and Shelby are joined by Micah Otano—multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and musician whose credits include Frank Ocean, Solange, Fantasia, and more. From touring with Solange to crafting Grammy-winning records, Micah shares insider stories, creative insights, and the journey behind his powerhouse career in music.

This week, Jason and Shelby welcome their first-ever international guest – rising Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Coles! 🌎✨

Join us as we dive into Alex’s journey from Toronto to the global stage, unpack his creative process behind hits like Bored Games and Act Natural, and explore how he’s connecting with a rapidly growing fanbase around the world.

From songwriting secrets to the challenges of carving out an authentic voice in today’s music scene, this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and inspiration for artists and music lovers alike.

This week on The Vocal Lab, Jason and Shelby sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Parker Mathews — one half of the rising alt-pop duo Nox Holloway. With a background in audio engineering and a knack for blending genres, Parker’s fingerprints are all over the band’s sound — from songwriting and production to live performance. Tune in as we dive into Parker’s creative process, the story behind Nox Holloway, and how he’s carving out a space in today’s evolving music landscape.

This week, Jason and Shelby uncover the wildest and weirdest singing laws across the U.S.—from humming in weird places to full-on bans in public spots. Why were these laws made? Are they real? And could you be breaking one without even knowing it? Tune in for laughs, legal oddities, and a whole lot of vocal disbelief.

🗣️ Hit play. You might be an outlaw… just for singing.

This week, Jason and Shelby are joined by worship leader and songwriter Bekah (White) Williams, the voice behind powerful worship anthems like "Rest On Us" and "Make Room."

From touring with Green Day and opening for Fergie, to laying it all down and finding her place in the local church, Bekah shares her raw, redemptive journey of faith. She opens up about how discovering whose she was in Christ unlocked her holy roar in worship—and changed everything.

This is a story of surrender, purpose, and the power of identity in Jesus. If you need inspiration...

This week, Jason and Shelby dive into the wildest stories from Coachella 2025 — think 12-hour waits just to enter, surprise twisters hitting the campgrounds at night, and fireworks gone very wrong.

But the real moment? When Shelby learns what really happened at Fyre Festival… and what Andy almost did to get those water bottles through customs 😳💧

In this episode, Jason and Shelby are joined by the radiant Ari (@arianevr)—celebrity makeup artist, hair stylist, and Nashville creative force. Ariane takes us behind the scenes of her journey from small-town beginnings to becoming a go-to glam expert for artists, brides, and red carpet regulars.

But just as things start to get real… Jason’s stomach makes a dramatic entrance. Will he recover in time to finish the episode? Will Shelby keep it together while Jason fights off an apparent snack-related crisis?