Singer-songwriter Kristina Murray joins Rhett to discuss the creative journey behind her new record Little Blue (New West Records), a project that was years in the making. From long nights in honky-tonks to building her own community of musicians and collaborators, Kristina’s story is one of grit, heart, and unwavering commitment to the work. She opens up about the lessons of patience, learning from and celebrating other women in music, and what it means to finally feel supported—while still doi...
Jun 25, 2025•28 min•Ep. 224
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Chris Trapper joins Rhett to talk about his winding, decades-long path through music—from lip-syncing Tom Jones as a kid to signing a major label deal with The Push Stars and building a solo career defined by resilience, honesty, and hustle. From his early days with The Push Stars to his recent solo album—written in the wake of personal loss—Chris opens up about creativity as therapy, the business of being an artist, and how a lack of a backup plan can sometime...
Jun 11, 2025•37 min•Ep. 223
Rhett is joined by multi-instrumentalist, folklorist, and genre-defying artist Jordan Wax to discuss his emotionally rich new album, The Heart Deciphers. With roots in Missouri and a home in rural New Mexico, Jordan brings a rare blend of intergenerational storytelling, Jewish diasporic heritage, and indie rock sensibility to his work. The two explore the complexities of honoring tradition while making art that feels alive in the present moment. Jordan opens up about the deeply personal nature o...
May 27, 2025•42 min
Rhett is joined by indie legend David Gedge, frontman of The Wedding Present and Cinerama, for an in-depth conversation that spans four decades of creativity, resilience, and evolution. David shares stories behind the band’s origin, his distinctive strumming style, and why he still writes songs after more than 300 under his belt. Rhett and David discuss what keeps him inspired—from his early love of music and DIY spirit to recent projects including a 40th anniversary retrospective, a new EP insp...
May 13, 2025•35 min•Ep. 221
Singer-songwriter Esther Rose joins Rhett to discuss her transformative new album WANT, her journey into music, and the evolution of her sound. Dialing in from Santa Fe, Esther shares why this record feels like her most personal yet, how she confronts anxiety through songwriting, and the importance of agency in art and life. Follow Esther @therealestherrose Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music...
Apr 30, 2025•34 min•Ep. 220
In this episode of Wheels Off, bestselling author Nathan Hill (The Nix, Wellness) joins Rhett for an open-hearted conversation about creativity, resilience, and the slow, surprising process of writing novels. From the trauma of losing three years of work in a car break-in to the lessons he learned from video games and Judy Blume, Nathan offers both practical advice and poetic metaphors—yes, slime is involved—for navigating the emotional highs and lows of the creative life. Follow Nathan @nathanh...
Apr 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 219
In this episode of Wheels Off, acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and activist Rebecca Martin joins Rhett for a candid conversation about her decades-long music career, her passion for water protection and civic engagement, and the release of her new acoustic album, She. Rebecca shares insights from her early days in New York's jazz scene to the deeply personal process behind her latest solo work. The two also discuss the intersection of music and activism, the value of creative solitude, raising c...
Apr 01, 2025•40 min•Ep. 218
Sigrid Nunez, one of our most celebrated literary voices, joins Rhett for a conversation about writing, adaptation, and the creative process. She shares her experience of seeing her novels adapted for the screen and reflects on how film adaptations, much like cover songs, bring a new vision to a writer's work. The two discuss her writing process, transition to short stories, and the unofficial trilogy formed by her last three novels, including "The Vulnerables." Drawing wisdom from her career an...
Mar 18, 2025•46 min•Ep. 217
Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, In the Name of the Father) joins Rhett for this week’s episode. Known for his compelling storytelling and focus on everyday heroes, Terry discusses his creative process, his background in journalism, and the real-life inspirations behind his work. He shares the stories behind his latest projects, including a play about a Northern Ireland prison escape, and his early days writing about The Pogues. Rhett and Terry reflect ...
Mar 04, 2025•39 min
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Jaffe joins Rhett for a conversation about artistic evolution, reinvention, and creative resilience. From her early days as an indie-folk sensation, she reflects on the twists and turns of her genre-defying career. Sarah and Rhett discuss the challenges of breaking creative ruts, navigating the process of songwriting and the pressure to finish a song in the moment. Sarah shares some of the lessons she’s learned over the years and explains why simply being a nice...
Feb 18, 2025•40 min•Ep. 215
Comedian, actor, and author Todd Barry joins Rhett to discuss his journey through the world of comedy—from his first appearance on Letterman at age 18 to launching his own crowd work tour following a successful Comedy Central special. They explore the personal experiences that shaped Todd’s comedic voice, Rhett shares a Todd Barry joke that became a family favorite, and Todd explains how ADHD can sometimes work to his advantage on stage. Todd Barry has released three one-hour stand-up specials, ...
Feb 04, 2025•37 min
Award-winning fashion designer Billy Reid joins Rhett to talk about the artistry that has shaped his iconic brand. From rebuilding after 9/11 to shaping modern American menswear, Billy reveals how gut instincts have guided his success, shares candid insights on transforming setbacks into opportunities, and explains why he likes to stay close to the design process. As Rhett says, Billy’s story is a masterclass in living a creative life. Billy Reid’s fashion journey began in Louisiana where his mo...
Jan 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 213
Moon Zappa Joins Rhett to talk about the the process of writing her book, Earth to Moon, and her unique upbringing as the daughter of Frank Zappa. The two discuss the impact of her memoir on her future fiction writing and Moon shares insights on navigating her identity within a patriarchal family, why she feels like a late bloomer, and what she means when she gives herself “no matter what” pep talks. Follow Moon @iammoonunitzappa Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhe...
Dec 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 212
Singer-songwriter Jeremie Albino is known for emotionally-nuanced storytelling and electrifying performances. From busking on the streets of Toronto, to sharing stages with artists like Orville Peck and Sierra Ferrell, Jeremie has embarked on his latest chapter with the release of Our Time In The Sun. He joins Rhett from his home in Ontario to talk about his evolution as a musician and what it took for him to accept his creative journey, shares the important lesson he learned from Dan Auerbach, ...
Dec 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 211
On this episode, Open Mike Eagle—Los Angeles-based emcee, musician, comedian, and podcaster—joins Rhett to talk about his latest projects and the creative process behind his work. He shares how discovering hip hop in the mid-90s and a supportive creative community helped him kickstart his career. The two discuss music’s shifting landscape, navigating the TV industry, and finding new strategies to tackle imposter syndrome. Open Mike Eagle website Follow Open Mike @open_mike_eagle Rhett Miller web...
Nov 26, 2024•42 min•Ep. 210
On this week’s episode Rhett welcomes Matthew Caws, frontman and founding member of the beloved alternative rock band Nada Surf. With hits like "Popular" and "Always Love," he has built a legacy of thoughtful, emotionally honest music that has captivated indie rock fans since the mid-90s. Matthew explains why living in Cambridge has deepened his connection to music history, shares insights into his songwriting process, and opens up about how meditation has become a crucial tool for managing anxi...
Nov 13, 2024•41 min•Ep. 209
Award-winning poet, author, editor and educator Maya C. Popa joins Rhett to explore the intricacies of the writing process, managing the artistic ego, and balancing one’s integrity with commercial pressures. They discuss the role of educators in nurturing talent, and Maya shares thoughts on the importance of taking creative work into your own hands and having faith in one's journey as a writer. Dr. Maya C. Popa is most recently the author of Wound is the Origin of Wonder, named one of the Guardi...
Oct 29, 2024•40 min•Ep. 208
Pat McGee, frontman of the Pat McGee Band and a celebrated solo artist, joins Rhett to unpack his career, from his roots as an independent musician in Virginia to his latest projects and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry. Pat opens up about his artistic growth, the challenges he's faced navigating the always-changing music business, and explains why fan connection continues to play a crucial role in his life. The Pat McGee Band is currently on tour. Follow Pat @patmcg...
Oct 15, 2024•35 min•Ep. 207
Singer-songwriter Mia Dyson joins Rhett from Los Angeles to talk about her new record Tender Heart, the evolution of her songwriting, and the pursuit of authenticity. Mia and Rhett discuss perseverance, the necessity of making mistakes, and how to get around the negative habit of comparison. Mia shares the story of how she learned to play guitar, and explains the role of discipline in her creative process. Mia Dyson is a multiple ARIA-nominated & award-winning artist from Melbourne Australia...
Oct 01, 2024•39 min•Ep. 206
Emmy-nominated comedian, cartoonist, writer, and actor Asher Perlman joins Rhett from Brooklyn to talk about his new book of cartoons, Well, This Is Me and the creative process behind his work. Asher shares insights on the significance of community, the importance of intuition, and the two discuss the importance of focusing on the daily practice of creativity rather than the end result. Asher Perlman is currently a writer/performer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a cartoonist at The New ...
Sep 17, 2024•47 min•Ep. 205
Musician and writer Mike Errico joins Rhett to talk about guitars, finding his voice as a musician, and his latest release, 'Shine’, which represents a shift towards more positive and uplifting music. Rhett and Mike break down the songwriting approach of artists like Taylor Swift and Max Martin, the role of teaching, and the importance of laughter in the creative process. New York-based recording artist, writer, and lecturing professor Mike Errico has built his name on the strength of critically...
Sep 03, 2024•52 min•Ep. 204
Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose joins Rhett from her home in Nashville to talk about her latest album, No One Gets Out Alive, the evolution of her sound, and how the pandemic influenced her songwriting. Maggie gives us a deep dive into her creative process and explains why her commitment to staying true to herself has finally paid off. Maggie and Rhett discuss why Nashville is still a great place to be a working musician, and the difficulty of balancing social media and artistic integrity. Maggie ...
Aug 20, 2024•37 min•Ep. 203
Singer-songwriter Alisa Amador joins Rhett to talk about her newly released album, Multitudes. She and Rhett discuss what she learned from making the album, her songwriting process, and the challenges of being a full-time musician. Alisa discusses the significance of sharing songs in Spanish, the importance of setting boundaries and advocating for herself, and she asks Rhett to divulge some of his own survival tips. Alisa Amador is a bilingual singer-songwriter and the winner of the 2022 NPR Tin...
Aug 07, 2024•45 min•Ep. 202
Kurt St. Thomas, filmmaker, author, and radio DJ. joins Rhett to talk about his fascinating career, including time at iconic radio stations and record labels, and his transition into filmmaking. Kurt shares stories from his career in the music industry, his encounters with legendary artists like John Doe and David Bowie, and his unique relationship with Kurt Cobain. The two discuss the effort it took to make his latest film “D.O.A”, and the importance of following your gut instinct. Kurt St. Tho...
Jul 23, 2024•55 min•Ep. 201
In this 200th episode, Rhett welcomes Jane Wiedlin, guitarist for The Go-Gos, acclaimed solo artist, actor, and writer. Jane talks about the early days of The Go-Gos, forming the band amidst the punk scene in LA, and surviving the workload that was required to achieve fame and success. Jane discusses her songwriting process, tells Rhett about the genesis of her band Elettrodomestico - who will be on the road supporting the OLD97s in September - and shares news that she’s writing a memoir. Follow...
Jul 09, 2024•35 min
Singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson joins Rhett from Brooklyn to talk about her new album After The Party, released this week, and the tour she’s about to embark on. Leslie talks about the musical collaborations that took place during the making of the record, including working with legendary producer Peter Asher. Rhett and Leslie discuss the value of feeling nervous when performing live, and Leslie emphasizes the importance of persistence and staying focused on the journey. A Grammy Award-nomina...
Jun 25, 2024•37 min•Ep. 199
Bestselling author Joe Abercrombie dials in from his home in Bath to talk to Rhett about his creative process, the challenges of being a full time writer, and his love for character-focused storytelling. The two discuss the importance of striking a balance between authenticity and narrative structure, pushing through procrastination, and Joe explains how his experience as a TV editor influenced his writing, particularly in terms of pacing and focus. Joe Abercrombie is the New York Times bestsell...
Jun 11, 2024•50 min•Ep. 198
Geraldine DeRuiter is an acclaimed author, world-renowned public speaker, and the voice behind the award-winning Everywhereist blog. She joins Rhett to talk about her latest book “If You Can't Take the Heat: Tales of Food, Feminism, and Fury”. The two discuss what it feels like to release your art into the world, the expectation of being creative on demand, and why the potential for failure feels high in the current media environment. Geraldine explains why staying true to oneself is essential, ...
May 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 197
Matthew Milia, frontman of Frontier Ruckus, joins Rhett to talk about the band’s latest album, On The Northline, and how his hometown of Detroit has influenced his writing throughout his career. Matthew tells Rhett about his decision to balance music with a corporate job in advertising, and the two discuss living through different generations of the music industry. Follow @matthewmilia Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Rhett Miller website Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive pro...
May 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 196
Grammy winning musician Clay Ross joins Rhett to discuss his powerful new project, American Patchwork Quartet and their mission to celebrate the immigrant soul of American music. Clay explains how the group of acclaimed musicians came together, the creative process behind the making of the record, and how the project reflects his own “patchwork” journey into music. The two discuss the challenges of being an independent artist, the power of collaboration, and Clay explains why being a DIY musicia...
Apr 30, 2024•38 min
