Shane Profitt: Long Live Country, Grand Ole Opry & CMA Fest 2025

On this episode of Heart of the Gulch, host Tony Mendoza sits down with country artist Shane Profitt during CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

One of country music's fastest-rising traditional artists, Shane Profitt has earned a reputation for authentic songwriting, blue-collar values, and unforgettable live performances. Following the success of songs like How It Oughta Be and Long Live Country, the Columbia, Tennessee native continues to connect with fans by writing about the people, places, and experiences that shaped his life.

In one of the funniest interviews from CMA Fest 2025, Shane brings his signature personality and sense of humor while also sharing the deeper stories behind his music. He discusses the inspiration behind Long Live Country, explaining why the song serves as both a tribute to traditional country music and a celebration of small-town America, family values, and the everyday people who inspired his journey.

Tony and Shane also talk about growing up in Columbia, Tennessee, working for the city mowing ditches before pursuing music full-time, and why staying grounded has become one of the keys to his success. The conversation naturally wanders into SEC football, life on the road, hilarious fan interactions, and the moments that have made his career so memorable.

They also reflect on the incredible success of How It Oughta Be, sold-out performances at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, and the unforgettable experience of standing on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Shane shares what those milestones meant to him and why he still approaches every opportunity with gratitude and humility.

As one of Nashville's most authentic young artists, Shane Profitt continues to prove that honest songwriting, hard work, and staying true to your roots never go out of style.

If you love country music, traditional country, Tennessee artists, Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Big Machine Records, CMA Fest, blue-collar country music, and authentic Nashville conversations, this interview is one you won't want to miss.

About Tony Mendoza

Tony Mendoza is a Nashville-based media personality, television host, executive producer, journalist, podcast host, and digital strategist best known as the creator and host of Heart of the Gulch. Through hundreds of in-depth interviews with country music artists, entertainers, and industry leaders, Tony has become known for authentic long-form conversations that go beyond album promotion to uncover the stories behind today's biggest stars and tomorrow's breakout artists.

His work spans major country music events including CMA Fest, Country Radio Seminar (CRS), AmericanaFest, and exclusive Nashville studio sessions. As the founder of Heart of the Gulch, Tony oversees every aspect of production, including interviewing, creative direction, video production, editing, SEO strategy, and digital publishing.

Passionate about preserving country music's traditions while spotlighting its future, Tony also highlights independent artists, Latino voices in country music, and emerging talent helping shape the next generation of Nashville.

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