Payton Smith Talks Song-craft, Touring, and Why Jesus Is Enough

GodDog on Apple Podcast:https: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

GodDog on Spotify: https://spotify.link/UuPXa26iBXb

GodDog on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goddogbrand?_...

GodDog on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goddogbrand...

Country artist and elite guitarist Payton Smith joins the GodDog Podcast to talk growing up in Louisiana, moving to Nashville young, writing honest songs, and staying centered on Jesus through it all. We dig into his debut album The Bridge, his Opry moments, the early Big Machine breakout with “Like I Knew You Would,” and how comparison, calling, and surrender show up in real life. If you love heartfelt country, ripping guitar, and faith-first conversation—this one’s for you.

In this episode:
Starting in Nashville at 14 and learning fast
The Big Machine era & early streaming breakout
Crafting The Bridge and maturing as an artist
Guitar talk: tone, solos, and “another voice” in the song
Faith, family, and why “Jesus is enough”
Worship breaking out at a country show
Hunting, deer-stand Bible verses, and living it outside the church walls

Chapters
00:00 Opening prayer & setup
03:20 Louisiana roots → first Nashville doors open
10:04 Early momentum, touring, and perspective
17:20 Writing The Bridge & finding your voice
19:43 Guitar playing, solos, and studio approach
30:21 Faith upbringing & real-life discipleship
41:45 Worship moments on stage
1:04:50 Calling, comparison & surrender
1:24:05 Message to our younger selves

Connect with Payton Smith
Instagram: @paytonsmithmusic
Listen to The Bridge on your favorite platform
Featured songs mentioned: “Like I Knew You Would,” “Mountain on Fire,” “Enough for Me”

About GodDog
Candid conversations at the intersection of country music, faith, and real life. Subscribe for more artist stories & Jesus-centered talk.

👍 If this encouraged you, hit Like, drop a comment (“Jesus is enough”), and Subscribe.
🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss weekly episodes.