from the cutting room floor:

I’ve wanted to get these two stars together since I found out Chase shared how much of an Eric Church fan he was a few years back. I was really pumped about the setting when Eric invited us to his writing cabin outside of Nashville but I never expected I would be having this conversation after both Eric and Chase suffered major injuries in separate snow related accidents. The coolest part was that they were both still willing to do it and the conversation around those incidents helped spotlight the need for all of us to get away and unplug in the ways that fill us up. Eric and his wife Katherine were beyond hospitable and it was easy to see why so many of Eric’s songs are born on this land as we drove up the winding road to his cabin on the lake. This episode is an example of mutual admiration that brought to the surface so many interesting human connections. I loved when Eric jumped in to ask questions and I was moved by the fact those questions were focused on fatherhood. Chase’s Dad, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott watched from the background of our set (an added bonus to say hello as Chase shared how his fathers’ love of racing shaped his. The story Eric told about Taylor Swift replacing him on the Rascal Flats tour was epic as was the hospitality that day in Eric’s cabin. 

Podcast show notes:

In the inaugural episode of “Lunch with Lindsay,” Lindsay Czarniak sits down with country music singer-songwriter Eric Church and NASCAR racecar driver, Chase Elliott. Chase and Eric commiserate over their shared winter sports injuries. Chase discusses his recent snowboarding injury and how it’s impacted his NASCAR schedule and Eric Church shares how he broke his shoulder snowmobiling on his family’s latest vacation and carried his son, who was also in the accident, for several hours to ensure he was safe.

After swapping stories, Lindsay explores Eric and Chase’s personal outlets and the different ways they step away from the stage and the racetrack for their peace of mind and mental well-being. Chase reveals to Lindsay that Eric Church, well-known for his country song “Talladega,” is one of his favorite musicians and shares the connection he’s made with Eric’s lyrics, as well as his fascination with the country music songwriter’s creative process. But where these two really connect is in their relationship to fame.

Listen to the full episode of “Lunch with Lindsay” to learn even more about Eric Church’s appreciation of NASCAR, the state of ‘sponsor culture,’ in addition to Chase’s experience winning last year’s Talladega and what to expect from the rest of the season!

Be sure to subscribe to the “Lunch with Lindsay” podcast—an interview show with athletes, musicians, and celebrities dedicated to exploring how different personalities perform at the highest level—wherever you listen to podcasts.

Follow along with Lindsay below!