Show Notes

What happens when a song you wrote to encourage others becomes the song you need yourself?

On this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes country artist and songwriter Laura Bryna for a heartfelt conversation about music, family, perseverance, and connection.

Laura recalls growing up in rural Maryland and finding comfort in country music during her brother’s prolonged hospitalization. His recovery—and his decision to decline a Make-A-Wish wish so someone else could receive it—helped shape her lifelong commitment to giving back.

She shares the story behind “Rise” and how its meaning deepened through her father’s cancer journey and death, her mother’s breast cancer treatment, and the devastating loss of her brother and grandmother. She also remembers returning to the stage shortly after those losses, supported by her band and inspired by her brother’s love of life.

Alongside those emotional stories, Laura brings humor and energy to a discussion of independent artistry, her songwriting process, and the small-town connections that inspired “Drink in Town.” She also explains how online criticism inspired “I’m Her,” a song about embracing who you are.

In this episode:


Growing up in Maryland and following her country music dream to Nashville.


Her brother’s recovery and the roots of her Make-A-Wish involvement.


Building an independent career with a team that shares her vision.


Writing “Rise” and hearing how listeners found strength in it.


Navigating grief and finding connection through performing.


Celebrating small-town life with “Drink in Town.”


Turning criticism into a message of authenticity.


The sensitive person behind the confident performer.

Connect with Laura: laurabryna.com

Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the songs.

Show Notes
What happens when a song you wrote to encourage others becomes the song you need yourself?
On this episode of Almost Live Nashville, Tony Mantor welcomes country artist and songwriter Laura Bryna for a heartfelt conversation about music, family, perseverance, and connection.
Laura recalls growing up in rural Maryland and finding comfort in country music during her brother&rsquo;s prolonged hospitalization. His recovery&mdash;and his decision to decline a Make-A-Wish wish so someone else could receive it&mdash;helped shape her lifelong commitment to giving back.
She shares the story behind &ldquo;Rise&rdquo; and how its meaning deepened through her father&rsquo;s cancer journey and death, her mother&rsquo;s breast cancer treatment, and the devastating loss of her brother and grandmother. She also remembers returning to the stage shortly after those losses, supported by her band and inspired by her brother&rsquo;s love of life.
Alongside those emotional stories, Laura brings humor and energy to a discussion of independent artistry, her songwriting process, and the small-town connections that inspired &ldquo;Drink in Town.&rdquo; She also explains how online criticism inspired &ldquo;I&rsquo;m Her,&rdquo; a song about embracing who you are.
In this episode:
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Growing up in Maryland and following her country music dream to Nashville.
</li>
<li>
Her brother&rsquo;s recovery and the roots of her Make-A-Wish involvement.
</li>
<li>
Building an independent career with a team that shares her vision.
</li>
<li>
Writing &ldquo;Rise&rdquo; and hearing how listeners found strength in it.
</li>
<li>
Navigating grief and finding connection through performing.
</li>
<li>
Celebrating small-town life with &ldquo;Drink in Town.&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
Turning criticism into a message of authenticity.
</li>
<li>
The sensitive person behind the confident performer.
</li>
</ul>
Connect with Laura: <a href="https://laurabryna.com/">laurabryna.com</a>
Follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations about music, entertainment, and the people behind the songs.

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism & Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism &amp; Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

Country artist Laura Bryna joins Tony Mantor to share how family tragedy, small-town roots, and a passion for giving back shaped her music. From the deeply personal meaning of “Rise” to the playful spirit of “Drink in Town,” Laura opens up about resilience, songwriting, and the vulnerability behind her confident stage presence.

Laura Bryna: The Story Behind “Rise”—Music, Loss, and Finding Strength

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f3fa345e-a4ab-48ea-bb47-b4d9016b2c58/transcript