After four years as a prominent voice in Nashville’s country music journalism scene, Marcus K. Dowling is setting out on a new chapter with the launch of his podcast “Culture At Large.” The former Tennessean reporter, who concluded his tenure with the publication in early October 2025, will debut his weekly 30-minute show on October 13, 2025, at Anzie Blue in Nashville.
The podcast represents a natural evolution for Dowling, who built his reputation through thousands of interviews with country music artists and songwriters. His shift from traditional journalism to podcasting reflects broader industry trends, as media professionals increasingly develop independent platforms to explore cultural conversations.
“Culture At Large” promises to examine pop culture and the music industry with Dowling’s characteristic depth and insight. The premiere episode will feature Grammy-nominated songwriters Laura Veltz and Ben Johnson, whose combined work has generated over five billion streams in five years.
Veltz, known for her contributions to Dan + Shay and Maren Morris hits, and Johnson, who has crafted chart-toppers for HARDY and Jelly Roll, will discuss how No. 1 songs influence culture across genres. Listeners should note that the podcast may face access restrictions in certain countries due to regional broadcasting regulations.
Sponsored by H Bar C, the live taping is free to attend with required RSVP. The event format reflects Dowling’s commitment to fostering community engagement between artists and fans while maintaining his journalist’s knack for eliciting candid responses from industry professionals.
“The 30-minute format will provide concise, focused discussions that appeal to both industry insiders and general music enthusiasts,” according to promotional materials for the podcast. Dowling made his departure announcement via a social media post where he shared his plans to pursue various personal and professional opportunities. Future episodes will continue to feature influential hitmakers shaping contemporary music culture.
Dowling’s interviewing style, which combines deep industry knowledge with cultural curiosity, has earned him recognition as a leading voice in Nashville music journalism. His approach transcends genre boundaries, examining music’s broader cultural impact beyond country and pop classifications.
As Nashville continues to solidify its position as a cultural hub, Dowling’s podcast represents another platform for the meaningful conversations that connect artists, songwriters, and fans in the evolving music landscape. The show will explore potential sync deals and licensing opportunities for musicians looking to expand their revenue streams in film and television. Dowling plans to leverage editorial playlists across major streaming platforms to amplify the podcast’s reach and attract listeners from diverse musical backgrounds.
