Season Five Trailer
https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast
Apr 25, 2023•2 min
SongWriter
SongWriter turns stories into songs, ft. Questlove, Joyce Carol Oates, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), George Saunders, Steve Earle, Susan Orlean & David Sedaris
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
Blake Lemoine + Jonathan Mann
Former Google engineer Blake Lemoine ( @cajundiscordian ) describes how he came to the conclusion that LaMDA, an AI developed by Google, is sentient. Blake details what LaMDA is, how he tested its capabilities and limitations, and what LaMDA fears most. Songwriter Jonathan Mann ( @SongaDayMann) talks about writing a song every day for 14 years, some of his big hits, and about his wildly successful NFT project. Jonathan wrote a song inspired both by the ethics of engaging with LaMDA and one of hi...
Sep 06, 2022•35 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Questlove + Chris Pierce
Questlove (@Questlove) reads an excerpt from his critical history of modern America, Music is History , about songwriter Bill Withers. Songwriter Chris Pierce ( @ChrisPierce ) talks about his own interactions with Withers, and performs a multi-level tribute called “Just As I Am” https://SongWriterPodcast.com/Questlove-Chris-Pierce Twitter.com/SnogWriter Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Aug 23, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Mary Gauthier + Kelley McRae
Grammy Award-winning songwriter Mary Gauthier ( @MaryGauthier_ ) talks about her memoir Saved By a Song , and describes grappling with her history as an adopted child and the birth mother who refused to meet her. Songwriter Kelley McRae ( @KelleyMcRae ) talks about her long admiration for Mary’s art and philosophy, and her struggles with organized religion, and performs her song "What Do You Do?" https://SongWriterPodcast.com/Mary-Gauthier-Kelley-McRae Twitter.com/SnogWriter Facebook.com/SongWri...
Aug 09, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Jonathan Franzen + Wussy
Bestselling author Jonathan Franzen reads an excerpt from his newest novel, Crossroads, and talks about a band that he loves, Wussy ( @WussyMusic ). Franzen also speaks about his relationship with music, and reveals why marijuana is not a good drug for him. Lisa and Chuck from Wussy talk about their long collaborations, and about the song they wrote in response to Crossroads, called "All My Life." They also discuss the death of band member John Erhardt, and how they are trying to reimagine their...
Jul 26, 2022•39 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Ashley C. Ford + Be Steadwell
Bestselling author Ashley C. Ford ( @iSmashFizzle ) reads an excerpt from her memoir, Somebody's Daughter, about her complicated relationship with her mother, and some unforgettable advice about family from her grandmother. Filmmaker and songwriter Be Steadwell ( @BeSteadwell) performs a song constructed of sinuous vocal loops that speaks directly to Ashley, and Be describes the empathy she feels with Ashley's experience as a vulnerable Black child. https://SongWriterPodcast.com/Ashley-C-Ford-Be...
Jul 12, 2022•40 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Tom Franklin + Ben Glover
Southern author Tom Franklin reads two pieces of short fiction – including one about a visit to the beach near Chicago – and talks about his history in Mississippi. Irish songwriter Ben Glover ( @BenGloverMusic) recounts his journey to America, and the resonances he feels between Northern Ireland and the South. He also speaks about co-writing songs, including with Mary Gauthier. https://SongWriterPodcast.com/Tom-Franklin-Ben-Glover Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook....
Jun 28, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Laurie Woolever + Mike Ruffino
Author and former longtime “lieutenant” for Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever , ( @LaurieWoolever ) tells an exclusive story about a day in Sri Lanka when she fears that she would get killed over a bucket of fried chicken and a bottle of whiskey. Composer and songwriter Mike Ruffino ( @MRuffino ), who also worked with Bourdain for more than a decade, performs a song he wrote using inspiration and actual audio recorded during the shoot in Sri Lanka. https://SongWriterPodcast.com/Laurie-Woolever-M...
Jun 14, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Mike Nichols, told by Mark Harris + Anna Kline
Biographer and social historian Mark Harris ( @MarkHarris) tells the life story of Mike Nichols, one of the most influential directors of the 20th century. Anna Kline of the band Swift Silver ( @SwiftSilverBand) talks about her reaction to Mike’s story, and shares the genesis of her vintage-vibing song, “The Picture Show.” Anna also speaks about her mother’s dementia from Alzheimer’s, and connects her ongoing grief to Nichols’ experience of losing his father at a young age https://SongWriterPodc...
May 31, 2022•23 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Wright Thompson + Drew Holcomb
Author and journalist Wright Thompson reads a story about the death of his beloved uncle, and how time and place memorialize our lives. Songwriter Drew Holcomb ( @DrewHolcomb) talks about the loss of his brother at a young age, and performs his brand new song, “Slower Than the Highway.” https://SongWriterPodcast.com/Wright-Thompson-Drew-Holcomb Twitter.com/SnogWriter Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast...
May 17, 2022•23 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Halston, told by Ned Martel + Stephan Moccio
Ned Martel , a producer of the Netflix series Halston , tells the life story of the mononymous designer, who first came on the scene when he designed the iconic hat Jackie Kennedy wore to the inauguration of her husband. Composer, producer, and songwriter Stephan Moccio ( @StephanMoccio ) talks about his work with The Weeknd, Celine Dion, and Miley Cyrus, and about the genesis of the song he wrote in response to Halston’s triumphant-yet-tragic life story. Stephan also speaks about writing “Wreck...
May 03, 2022•24 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Zelda + Carsie Blanton
Hospice social worker Zelda (who asks that her given name not be used for privacy) talks about her time working as a stripper. She recounts moments both horrifying and sweet, and describes the many ways that the two jobs overlap. Songwriter Carsie Blanton ( @CarsieBlanton) talks about how she incorporates political content within the emotional framework of her songs, and draws parallels between what audiences ask of strippers and songwriters. Her brand new song is called “Into the Light.” Photos...
Apr 19, 2022•33 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Coal Country + Steve Earle
Playwrights Jessica Blank ( @JessicaCBlank ) and Erik Jensen ( @ErikJensen123 ) describe the genesis of their musical, Coal Country , a collaboration with Steve Earle ( @SteveEarle ). Steve talks about the role of empathy in songwriting, and plays his song “It’s About Blood,” which lists the names of the 29 miners killed in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster. The show runs at the Cherry Lane Theater in NYC until April 17, 2022. The project is a collaboration with @PublicTheaterNY and @AudibleT...
Apr 05, 2022•29 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Season Four Trailer
Delighted to announce the fourth season of SongWriter, which will feature stories from Questlove, Mary Gauthier, Anthony Doerr, and George Saunders, and songs from Carrie Brownstein, Drew Holcomb, and Steve Earle https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Mar 22, 2022•2 min
Joyce Carol Oates + Katie Melua
Legendary author Joyce Carol Oates reads her poem “Too Young to Marry, but Not Too Young to Die” at a live performance in San Francisco organized by Poets and Writers Magazine. International pop star Katie Melua shares a studio recording of a song she wrote in response called "Forever Sunlit," and talks about her evolving creative process. The poem is about how what seems romantic to a young person looks increasingly laughable - even asinine - as we get older, and the artists each talk about wha...
Oct 19, 2021•24 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Introducing Basic Folk
Basic Folk is one of my favorite podcasts, and in this episode host Cindy Howes talks to Wesley Schultz about the history of The Lumineers up to now and his solo debut album. About Basic Folk: Basic Folk is a podcast with honest conversations between musicians and Cindy Howes, a well-versed public radio host and music curator, and guest host Lizzie No , a talented singer/songwriter. Basic Folk approaches interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. This podcast fosters the folk commun...
Oct 18, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Jonathan Lethem + Tift Merritt
During a live online performance, bestselling author Jonathan Lethem reads from his recent “dystopian pastoral” novel, The Arrest, about a farming community dealing with the worldwide collapse of technology. Jonathan also speaks about his long history of writing lyrics for bands including They Might Be Giants and the Silos. Songwriter Tift Merritt shares a studio recording of a song called “Asylum in a Mad, Mad World” that she wrote in response to the story, but also reflecting the history of a ...
Sep 21, 2021•22 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Keith Rosson + Antje Duvekot
Author and artist Keith Rosson reads his story, "Forgive Me This," and songwriter Antje Duvekot shares a studio recording of her song written in response, "Lottery Ticket." Keith, who has illustrated covers for Green Day and the Goo Goo Dolls, talks about his design and art work, and how his partial blindness informs his approach. Antje talks about her strained relationship with her father, and describes the inspiration for her "confessional" song. https://SongWriterPodcast.com/Rosson Twitter.co...
Sep 07, 2021•33 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Jeremy Welch + Maia Sharp
Veteran Jeremy Welch talks about his experience as a soldier, and his struggles with addiction, suicidality, and depression. Songwriter Maia Sharp talks about meeting Jeremy at a Songwriting With: retreat, and they describe the process of writing their song, "These Boots." Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Aug 24, 2021•28 min•Season 3Ep. 10
George Saunders + Ben Arthur (Part 1)
Bestselling author and MacArthur genius George Saunders reads the first half of his story, "Tenth of December," about a man who wishes to spare his family from the suffering around his illness and impending death. George describes how he first thought of the story, and the several angles he tried before it came into focus. This is accompanied by a studio recording of a song written in response called "If You Need Me," by host Ben Arthur . For the second half of the story, and a brand new song by...
Aug 10, 2021•44 min•Season 3Ep. 8
George Saunders + Amanda Shires (Part 2)
Bestselling author and MacArthur genius George Saunders reads the second half of his story, "Tenth of December." George and Grammy Award-winning songwriter and fiddle player Amanda Shires (of The Highwomen ) discuss art, suffering, and love over a lifetime. Amanda talks about the process of writing a song in response to the story, and shares a studio recording of "You Don't Get to Go." This is part 2 of the story. For the first half you can listen to part 1 (episode 8). The song Amanda wrote for...
Aug 10, 2021•42 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Polly Samson + David Gilmour
Bestselling author Polly Samson reads an excerpt from her novel, A Theater for Dreamers , about a young woman's time on the Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s. Polly and her husband David Gilmour , of the band Pink Floyd , discuss their long collaborative relationship, and describe writing the song "Yes, I Have Ghosts" in response to a passage in the book. David also talks about the process of finding inspiration for new music he wrote for the audiobook , and about collaborating with his daughte...
Jul 27, 2021•29 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Lucia Berlin (read by Elizabeth Geoghegan) + Rebecca Rego
Lucia Berlin died years before her collection "A Manual for Cleaning Women" became an international bestseller. Berlin's friend and former student Elizabeth Geoghegan talks about her life, and reads her story, "Mama," and songwriter Rebecca Rego shares a studio recording of a song written in response. https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Jul 13, 2021•26 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Nicholson Baker + Rod Picott
Author Nicholson Baker reads an excerpt of The Anthologist , and songwriter Rod Picott performs a song written in response called "Losing Faith." The two friends also discuss cross-arts explorations, self-doubt, and the importance of a good sandwich. https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Jun 29, 2021•22 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Sarah Hepola + Matt the Electrician
Bestselling author Sarah Hepola reads an excerpt from her memoir "Blackout," and songwriter Matt the Electrician shares his own experiences with blackouts and studio recordings of TWO songs that he wrote in response. https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Jun 15, 2021•32 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Odie Lindsey + Mary Gauthier
Author and veteran Odie Lindsey reads an excerpt from his novel, "Some Go Home." Odie's friend, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Mary Gauthier , talks about how she came to know him, and shares a studio recording of her song, "Then Go Home," written in response. https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Jun 01, 2021•19 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Roxane Gay + Celisse + Toshi Reagon
Bestselling author Roxane Gay reads a piece called "Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You," about love in the pandemic, and making a home with her wife, Debbie Milman . Songwriter and actor Celisse Henderson talks about writing her song, and about properly understanding the work of rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharp. Songwriter, composer, and producer Toshi Reagon speaks about how she constructed her song, "You Belong," to echo the structure of Gay's piece, and about the connections ...
May 18, 2021•28 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Cheryl Strayed + Maia Sharp
Bestselling author Cheryl Strayed reads a very personal letter about her mother from her celebrated advice column "Dear Sugar," and songwriter Maia Sharp talks about a recent break-up and shares a studio recording of her song "It's Always Good to See You." https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
May 04, 2021•19 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Season 3 Trailer
Season three of SongWriter will feature stories from George Saunders, Cheryl Strayed , Roxane Gay , and Joyce Carol Oates , and brand new songs from Amanda Shires , Tift Merritt , Celisse Henderson , and Mary Gauthier .
Apr 20, 2021•3 min
Michael Ian Black + Victoria Jones
Actor, comedian, and bestselling author Michael Ian Black tells a true story about youth, privilege, and stealing, and songwriter Victoria Jones speaks on religious faith and on owning our mistakes. https://SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast...
Nov 24, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 13
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android