Wheels Off with Rhett Miller - podcast cover

Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

Rhett Millerrhettmiller.com
Rhett Miller, musician and frontman for the Old 97s, hosts “Wheels Off” a show about the messy reality of the creative life. Conversations with musicians, writers, artists, actors, and comedians about the pivotal moments that shaped their work, what it means to create in a digital age and grapple with the challenges, and the joy, of living a creative life.
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Episodes

045: World Cafe's RAINA DOURIS

Award-winning radio personality Raina Douris joins Rhett to talk about her career in radio, the interviewing techniques she’s learned over the years, and how she builds trust with her guests. Raina tells Rhett about her dalliance with acting, the time she interviewed Willie Nelson, and why interviewing helps her live in the moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 01, 202038 min

044: Singer-songwriter CHUCK PROPHET

From his home in San Francisco, singer-songwriter Chuck Prophet joins Rhett to talk about how he’s been spending his time during the pandemic, why songwriting shouldn’t be explained, and the story behind the artwork on his forthcoming album. The two discuss the overlap between comedy and music, and Chuck vividly recounts the early days of the San Francisco punk rock scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18, 202036 min

043: Singer-Songwriter Zach Rogue

In this episode, Rhett talks with indie rock singer-songwriter and leader of the band Rogue Wave, Zach Rogue. Zach tells Rhett about the new album he just finished and recalls the early days of his career when he went from a professional in the tech industry to a professional musician. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 04, 202048 min

042: The American Songster, Dom Flemons

In this episode of Wheels Off, Rhett chats with multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and music historian Dom Flemons. They talk about what went into the recent reissue of his album Prospect Hill, his deep knowledge of music history and why he’s mindful of the message behind music he performs. Dom tells Rhett about the experiences he had as a busker that taught him about attracting an audience, and why he advocates for “taking it easy” when you can. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Jul 21, 202036 min

041: Billions Showrunner Brian Koppleman

Writer and showrunner Brian Koppelman joins Rhett to talk about working in the music industry in his early 20’s and the breakthrough that led him to becoming a full time writer. He tells Rhett about his writing process, why meditation is so important to his creativity, and how songwriting has been his ‘salvation’ during the pandemic crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 07, 202041 min

040: Welcome to Hard Times: Singer-Songwriter Charley Crockett

From a truck parked in Austin, TX, singer-songwriter Charley Crockett chats with Rhett about the incredible life experiences that have led to his new album, the forthcoming Welcome to Hard Times. Charley tells Rhett about growing up in South Texas with a single mom, and the “broken road” that led to years of busking around the country, from the streets of New Orleans to the subways of New York City. They talk about what’s happened in the year since his heart surgery, how he’s coping with life du...

Jun 23, 202032 min

039: CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Conor Knighton

Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of the NY Times bestseller of "Leave Only Footprints" joins Rhett to talk about the pre-pandemic journey that led to his book, what happened when he had to reset his life, and how he overcomes procrastination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 09, 202036 min

038: Actress & Musician Tawny Newsome

In this episode, Rhett talks to actress, comedian and musician Tawny Newsome. Tawny is starring alongside Steve Carell in the Netflix comedy ‘Space Force’, which will be released on May 29. She tells Rhett about the projects she’s working on while under lockdown, writing songs remotely with other musicians, and the difference between acting and improv. The two also talk about managing anxiety and tension while working, and what work might really be like as things start to re-open. Hosted on Acas...

May 26, 202028 min

037: Guitarist Billy Strings

Billy Strings has been called one of the most important Bluegrass musicians of our time and in this episode, Rhett talks to the 27-year old virtuoso about his humble beginnings and incredible career (so far). Bill tells Rhett about growing up in rural Michigan, the move to Traverse City that changed his life, and kick starting his music career while working a day job (and studying Doc Watson videos on YouTube while on work breaks). They talk about what Billy did in order to graduate high school,...

May 12, 202036 min

036: Comedian and Musician Dave Hill

In this episode, Rhett chats with comedian and musician Dave Hill about all of his artistic endeavors - music, comedy, writing, and his passion for drawing. Dave tells Rhett about getting his start in music and comedy, growing up in Ohio, and that time his parents suggested that he get a life coach. Dave Hill is an American comedian, radio host, writer, musician and actor originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He is the host of The Goddamn Dave Hill Show on WFMU radio in Jersey City, New Jersey and al...

Apr 29, 202047 min

035 - Rhett Miller as guest on his own show

Producer Nick Ruffini turns the tables on Rhett, and interviews him. Rhett tells Nick what he misses about IRL while sheltering-in-place at his home in upstate New York, and what creative projects he’s working on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 202036 min

034 - Actor and Comedian Steve Agee

In this episode, Rhett visits Steve Agee in his trailer on the set of Suicide Squad during filming in Georgia. Steve tells Rhett about developing a love for stand up at an early age, explains how his photography skills are the result of being socially awkward, and why Sarah Silverman is a guardian angel. They discuss the band Oasis, mental health, and why meditation is a game changer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...

Mar 31, 202040 min

033 - Wheels Off with Dungeon Master Christopher Perkins

In this episode, Rhett sits down with preeminent Dungeon Master, game designer and adventure storyteller Christopher Perkins. Christopher tells Rhett about his determination to work in the world of D&D from a young age, and how he turned rejection from publishers into a game in order to break through. They talk about his approach to writing stories that inspire players to create their own adventures, and why he keeps his own bibliography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...

Mar 17, 202033 min

032 - Author and Illustrator Dan Santat

Rhett sits down with the illustrator of his children’s book “No More Poems”, Dan Santat. Dan and Rhett talk about embracing mistakes, the importance of optimism, and why being bored can be a pathway to creativity. Dan Santat is a #1 New York Times Best Selling Author author/illustrator of over one hundred titles which include “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” which won the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2015. Other titles include, Are We There Yet? and After the Fall (H...

Mar 03, 202047 min

031 - Comedian and Actress Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director originally from Mississippi. In this episode, Tig tells Rhett about getting her start in comedy after she dropped out of high school, what she learned from Sarah Silverman, her fierce independence as an artist, and why acting can make her feel like an imposter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18, 202037 min

029 - Kate Micucci

Rhett visits actress Kate Miccucci and the two reminisce about the magic of the old Largo in Hollywood, talk about the importance of in utero listening, and discuss the importance of putting yourself and your work out to the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 21, 202038 min

028 - Rainn Wilson

On the first 2020 episode of Wheels Off, Rhett speaks with his friend Rainn Wilson. The two discuss making art for art’s sake, overcoming ego and narcissism, and how Rainn has channeled his responsibility as a public figure into responsibility and keyboard activism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 07, 202056 min

027 - Rosanne Cash

In the final episode of 2019, Rhett talks about his journey with Wheels Off, what he’s learned though the conversations he’s had, no matter how well he knows the guests, the surprises we can expect in the 2020 season, and a replay of the first episode with guest Rosanne Cash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 31, 201942 min

026 - Ben Acker: Writer

On this episode, Rhett visits one of his favorite people and best friends, Ben Acker. From Ben's apartment in Los Feliz, the two discuss the joy in what connects us, how work can be play, and the importance of working on yourself. Special appearance by Stephen, Ben's dog whose name is not spelled with a "v." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 201950 min

024 - Harlan Coben: Award winning crime novelist

On this episode, Rhett goes to New Jersey to speak with award winning crime novelist Harlan Coben. The two discuss how every good writer thinks they are a bad writer, the distractions of modernity, and the magic power of Ubers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 12, 201943 min

023 - Carl Newman: New Pornographers

Rhett visits New Pornographers frontman Carl Newman's at his home in Woodstock, New York. Carl tells Rhett how he ended up becoming a lead singer, the importance of not letting personal happiness be contingent upon success, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29, 20191 hr 20 min

022 - Ted Leo: Singer, Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist

In this episode of Wheels Off, Ted Leo joins Rhett in the studio the day after the final show of an 8-city tour. The two talk about what they think about while on stage (not what you’d think), Ted's early beginnings playing hardcore, and his podcast "Th Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29, 201932 min

021 - Rachel Yamagata: Singer-Songwriter

In this episode, Rhett joins Rachael on the front porch of her home in Woodstock, NY. Against the sonic backdrop of crickets, Rachael tells Rhett about planning her upcoming tour while also writing a new record, balancing life as an artist and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 01, 201953 min

020 - Norbert Leo Butz Singer and Actor

Rhett finds actor, singer and two-time Tony Award winner, Norbert Leo Butz, in the midst of a home renovation following a nonstop year that included an Emmy-nominated television series, Broadway show, series of independent films, and a record release. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17, 201948 min

019 - Ryan Miller: Musician (Guster)

Rhett talks to the multitalented musician Ryan Miller, frontman of alternative band, Guster, and host of "Makin' Friends with Ryan Miller, a PBS series in which he travels around the state making friends with "high functioning weirdos”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 02, 201935 min

018 - Allison Moorer: Musician and Writer

In this episode, Rhett sits down with Allison Moorer in her home library to discuss her new memoir and companion EP, authentic storytelling and making sense (and art) of one’s ‘mess.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 201940 min

017 - Christopher Harris: Fantasy Football expert and novelist

Rhett sits down with Fantasy Football expert and novelist Chris Harris to talk about his latest project, a novel about quitting the internet. Chris discusses balancing his writing life with his football podcast life, and why the connection with the commun Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 06, 201942 min

016 - John Darnielle: Musician (Mountain Goats) and Novelist

John Darnielle is a musician and novelist best known as the primary member of the band the Mountain Goats. In this episode, Rhett sits down with John in Raleigh, NC. to talk about writing, the role-playing games that informed the new Mountain Goats album Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 23, 201955 min
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