Culture at Large: A New Voice from Nashville Presented by H Bar C
H Bar C Ranchwear is proud to announce its partnership with award-winning journalist and storyteller Marcus K. Dowling as the presenting sponsor of his new podcast, Culture At Large. Recorded live in Nashville, the series pulls back the curtain on the artists, writers, and creators shaping modern American music, and the culture that moves alongside it.
Launching October 13 at Anzie Blue, Culture At Large brings together Nashville’s most influential voices for honest conversations about creativity, connection, and community. The premiere episode will feature GRAMMY-nominated songwriters Laura Veltz (The Bones, Speechless) and Ben Johnson (Truck Bed, Liar), who together have penned billions of streams’ worth of music that transcend genre.
A Storyteller of Culture, Not Just Sound
Marcus Dowling has spent nearly two decades chronicling the artists who define and defy Nashville’s boundaries. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Billboard, NPR, The FADER, and CMT, and he has been honored by the Country Music Association, Rolling Stone, and the National Headliner Awards. Known for his curiosity and candor, Marcus’s interviews reach far beyond the charts... uncovering the “why” behind the music.
“I’ve always believed that music doesn’t just soundtrack our lives...it explains them,” says Dowling. “Culture At Large is about pulling that thread, finding out how a song, an idea, or even a single lyric can capture what it means to live in this moment.”
Why H Bar C
For 127 years, H Bar C Ranchwear has been woven into the fabric of American culture, from Hollywood’s golden era to today’s country stages. Partnering with Marcus was a natural fit: both share a reverence for history and a drive to reimagine what Western means in the modern age.
“Marcus is one of those rare voices who understands that Nashville isn’t just a place... it’s a pulse,” says Rick Stahl, CEO of H Bar C. “His storytelling celebrates authenticity, craftsmanship, and community, which is exactly what H Bar C stands for. We’re proud to help bring Culture At Large to life.”
A Venue Rooted in Community
The podcast’s live tapings will take place at Anzie Blue, Nashville’s only woman-owned music venue. Co-helmed by music industry dealmaker Marcie Allen Van Mol and Derek Van Mol, AB has hosted hundreds of performances since opening its doors to live music in 2023, including sets by legends and rising stars such as Steve Earle, Grace Bowers, Dierks Bentley, Caitlyn Smith, and Joy Oladokun.
Nestled in the heart of Hillsboro Village across from the historic Belcourt Theatre, AB’s 4,000-square-foot space offers luxe speakeasy vibes, complete with a 28-foot marble bar, a custom 12-by-12-foot stage, and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and electric. Since transforming from the iconic Anzie Blue restaurant into a celebrated music and event space, AB has become a cornerstone of Nashville’s cultural life, hosting everything from drag showcases and AmericanaFest events to fundraisers, film premieres, and community block parties.
Behind the Music, Beyond the Spotlight
Each 30-minute episode of Culture At Large invites audiences into a live setting where conversations unfold unscripted, exploring how today’s artists are shaping identity, storytelling, and culture at large. Listeners can expect a mix of rising stars and established icons, all sharing their journeys from the studio to the stage, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
For H Bar C, the collaboration isn’t about advertising. It’s about connecting with the creative heartbeat of Nashville, the songwriters, stylists, and storytellers who embody the American spirit.
“This partnership allows us to celebrate the intersection of sound and style,” adds Rick. “When you see an artist walk on stage in H Bar C, you’re not just seeing a look...you’re seeing a legacy.”
Tune In
The debut taping of Culture At Large takes place Monday, October 13 at AB Hillsboro Village in Nashville. Admission is free with RSVP at cultureatlarge1anzieblue.
Follow along each week as Marcus Dowling sits down with the voices shaping country music’s next chapter...and defining the culture that surrounds