ESP Ep. 77 Matt Ranaudo

On this episode of Easier Said Podcast, Matt Ranaudo joins for a lighthearted yet powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and chasing your dreams. An accomplished musician, songwriter, and TV personality, Matt takes us back to his childhood, where both sports and music were deeply woven into his family life. From growing up with strong family bonds to discovering his natural musical talent, he shares how baseball first shaped his discipline and confidence, even while quietly wrestling with a passion for music he didn’t always feel free to embrace.

Matt opens up about the realities of his college baseball career, including the pressure, stress, and expectations of high-level competition, and the emotional toll of suppressing a creative side that was fighting to be heard. He discusses navigating identity and the life-altering accident that forced him to confront who he truly was beyond the game. That pivotal moment eventually led to the creation of his band Brother Stone & The Get Down and launched him into the music world, unexpected opportunities, and national television exposure.

The conversation also delves into his behind-the-scenes reality TV experience on The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart, from auditions and live filming to performing under pressure and facing public reaction online. Matt is candid about the highs, the dark side of internet criticism, and the disappointment of a canceled tour, while maintaining that your mindset ultimately determines growth and outcomes. The episode concludes with what’s next for his music career, the upcoming release of a new Christmas song, and the purpose he finds in using his story to inspire others navigating the space between comfort and calling. Enjoy!”

Chapters

• 0:00 Opening Remarks & Introduction
• 3:28 Baseball & Brotherly Bonds
• 5:07 Background & Growing Up
• 9:02 Music Mastery & Family Structure
• 16:22 Baseball Passion & Career
• 21:46 Bullying & Suppressing Musical Passion
• 26:26 College Baseball Career
• 29:01 Stress Management & Baseball
• 32:46 Accident & Life Changes
• 39:13 Origin: Brother Stone & the Get Down
• 40:51 Early Band Success & Music Producers
• 45:52 Avenues of Exposure
• 47:41 America's Got Talent & The Voice
• 49:03 Starting Successful Band: Hardest Part
• 54:31 Unexpected Opportunities
• 55:48 The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart
• 59:42 Audition & Process for Selection
• 1:04:47 Experience of Filming Live TV
• 1:10:02 Performing Under Pressure
• 1:12:27 Post Show Reaction
• 1:14:16 The Dark Side of the Internet
• 1:19:23 2020 Tour Canceled
• 1:20:12 Takeaways from the Show
• 1:22:15 Writing New Christmas Song
• 1:27:06 What’s Next?
• 1:29:30 Closing Remarks