Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

Emily Franklin: Love and Other Monsters, Writing 25 Books, and the Creative Life

Fri, 15 May 2026 14:01:00 -0000

Author Emily Franklin joins Rhett to talk about her 25th novel, Love and Other Monsters — the untold origin story of Frankenstein and the monsters we create on the page. They get into what it takes to sustain a prolific creative life. Emily also opens up about shedding critical inner voices, why poetry is the structural foundation of everything, and what it means to take bigger creative risks later in a career.

Emily Franklin is the bestselling author of twenty-five books including The Lioness of Boston, now in its eleventh printing and recently a Jeopardy! clue. Her fiction, poetry, and essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Kenyon Review, and JAMA, and been featured on NPR.

Follow Emily @emilyfranklinauthor

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer is Kirsten Cluthe, Studio Kairos. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

Watch the podcast on YouTube and Spotify, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, Lucinda Williams, Stewart Copeland, Jennifer Egan, Nick Hornby, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Anthony Horowitz: Why the World Needs a Good Whodunit

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:04:00 -0000

Anthony Horowitz, one of the world's most prolific and versatile storytellers, joins Rhett for a conversation about creativity, craft, and the enduring power of the mystery novel. Horowitz reflects on a career built from the most unlikely of beginnings: a miserable boarding school, a library that became a refuge, and a boy who learned to make friends by telling stories. The two discuss his new book A Deadly Episode, and what it was like to write a book about filming a TV episode while simultaneously writing the TV episode itself. Drawing on decades of experience across every storytelling medium, Horowitz makes a compelling case for why murder mysteries aren't mere entertainment — they're a meaningful antidote to a world increasingly short on truth.

Horowitz has written two highly acclaimed Sherlock Holmes novels, The House of Silk and Moriarty; three James Bond novels, Trigger Mortis, Forever and a Day, and With a Mind to Kill; the mystery novels featuring book editor Susan Ryeland: Magpie Murders, Moonflower Murders, and Marble Hall Murders, and the Detective Hawthorne novels: The Word is Murder, The Sentence is Death, A Line To Kill, The Twist of a Knife, Close to Death, and now A DEADLY EPISODE. He is also the author of the teen spy Alex Rider series, which has sold more than nineteen million copies worldwide and has become a hugely successful show on Amazon Prime TV. His breakthrough murder mystery, Magpie Murders, and the follow up Moonflower Murders, were both adapted for TV and aired on PBS – the Marble Hall Murders series will air in September 2026. He lives in London with his wife and dog.

A Deadly Episode is out now. More on Anthony at anthonyhorowitz.com.

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer is Kirsten Cluthe, Studio Kairos. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Alexis Krauss (Sleigh Bells): Creativity, Instinct, and the Long Game

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:48:00 -0000

Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells joins Rhett to talk about making music for 17+ years, trusting instinct over trends, and navigating anxiety, identity, and the pressures of the modern music industry.

Follow Alexis @alexiskrauss

Follow Sleigh Bells @sleighbells

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer is Kirsten Cluthe, Studio Kairos. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Watch the podcast on Spotify, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, Lucinda Williams, Stewart Copeland, Jennifer Egan, Nick Hornby, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Kevn Kinney: Songwriting, Sobriety, and 40 Years of Doing It His Way

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:03:00 -0000

Rhett catches up with Kevn Kinney, frontman of Atlanta roots-rock institution Drivin N' Cryin, one day after his 65th birthday and on the eve of a new album. Recorded while Rhett's the Old 97's are deep in sessions at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, the conversation is a warm, wide-ranging exchange between two lifers. Kevn talks about the new record (produced by former bandmate Sadler Vaden, with Peter Buck on guitars), why he's likely done making full albums after this one, five years of sobriety, and the philosophy that has kept him performing with genuine joy for four decades.

Pre-order the new Drivin n Cryin album here

Follow Kevn @kevnkinney312

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Jared Mezzocchi on Creativity, Grief, and Building “Impossible” Theater

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:05:00 -0000

Theater director, playwright, and multimedia artist Jared Mezzocchi joins Rhett for a conversation about what it means to make ambitious, technology-forward work without losing the human heart of the story.

Mezzocchi shares how he’s drawn to projects that seem “impossible” on paper—from a pandemic-era play about content moderation, to a site-specific production about the 1944 Hartford circus fire. He explains why impossibility isn’t a deterrent, but an opportunity for experimentation.

The conversation moves into the emotional reality of creative life: the grief of letting go after opening night, the dangerous pull of people-pleasing, and the long work of strengthening what Mezzocchi calls a “sense of self.” He reflects on losing his father at 19, how that shaped his relationship to theater and film, and why mortality, impermanence, and presence sit at the center of his work.

Rhett and Jared also talk about AI, technology anxiety, and why friction between machines and humanity may actually clarify what makes art—and people—matter.

Follow Jared @jaredmezzocchi

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

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Rodney Crowell on Intention, Patience, and the Long Game

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:20:00 -0000

Rodney Crowell, often called a “songwriter’s songwriter” and a foundational voice in Americana, joins Rhett for a conversation about intention, craft, and the long game of staying creatively alive.

Crowell shares hard-won lessons about process: how spending time on memoir pages puts him in a “workshop of words,” so that when he turns back to the guitar he’s already thinking in language. He talks about patience as the difference between forcing a song and letting it reveal itself, his approach to collaboration, the discipline of revision, and how creative confidence is built the unglamorous way: by showing up for the work, again and again.

His new album “Airline Highway” is available now. Follow Rodney @rodneyjcrowell

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

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Lizzie No on Folk Music, Protest, and Surviving the New Music Economy

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:53:00 -0000

Lizzie No makes music rooted in the traditions of blues, folk, and country, filtered through an indie sensibility that resists easy categorization. Often compared to Allison Russell, Rhiannon Giddens, and Adia Victoria, she moves easily between musical worlds, collaborating with artists including Brian Dunne, Pom Pom Squad, and Domino Kirke.

In this episode, Lizzie joins Rhett to talk about why folk music is a process rather than a style, and how songwriting, community, and organizing intersect in her work. She also gets practical: how she works through self-doubt, why making records is financially unsustainable for many artists, and how those constraints are pushing musicians back toward live, imperfect, human performances.

The conversation also touches on her latest album, Halfsies, an immersive, narrative-driven record that follows the character Miss Freedomland from isolation toward liberation, confronting personal grief alongside an increasingly volatile American political landscape.

LIzzie is on tour with the Old 97s beginning in March.

Follow Lizzie @lizzie.no

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Hayes Carll on Creativity as a Long Game

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:55:00 -0000

Hayes Carll joins Wheels Off for a wide-ranging, deeply reflective conversation about songwriting as a lifelong practice rather than a race. Speaking candidly about his early obsessiveness, creative doubt, and eventual comfort in his own voice, Carll traces the evolution of his process—from locking himself in a room chasing melodies to learning how to trust silence and timing.

The conversation explores how Carll writes songs today, why collaboration has become central to his creative life, and how working across different mediums has sharpened his instincts as a songwriter. He discusses the freedom that comes from not playing it safe, and the idea that creativity is not about speed or output, but about staying curious, present, and willing to be vulnerable.

Follow Hayes @hayescarll

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Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Will Johnson: Songwriting, Collaboration, and the Long Game

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:12:00 -0000

Will Johnson joins Wheels Off to talk about making Diamond City on a four-track cassette recorder, touring with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and building a creative life that spans music, painting, and writing. A conversation about patience, fearlessness, collaboration, and why the quiet stretches matter just as much as the work.

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe, Studio Kairos. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Watch the podcast on Spotify, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Clover County

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:51:00 -0000

Rhett sits down with singer-songwriter Clover County, whose debut record arrives after years of writing, refining, and navigating the rollercoaster of early adulthood in public. From her roots in Athens and Atlanta to discovering her home on the road, Clover talks candidly about identity, ambition, private versus public life, and how she’s learned to trust her instincts as her songs evolve.

She breaks down her writing process, shares the epiphany that pushed her out of accounting class and into a touring van, and reflects on the tension between vulnerability and expectation in Nashville’s creative ecosystem.

Clover County’s new album is available now

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Watch the podcast on Spotify, and listen wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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The Bones of J.R. Jones

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:28:00 -0000

Rhett welcomes Jonathon Linaberry, the creative force behind The Bones of J.R. Jones, for a conversation about music, artistic evolution, and the emotional realities of releasing work into the world. They discuss his new album Radio Waves, life in upstate New York, and the tension between creation and promotion.

Jonathon traces his unexpected path from punk bands and art school to becoming a one-man musical entity, reflects on anonymity and identity, and talks candidly about how writing, recording, and performing remain essential ways of processing the world.

Follow Jonathon @thebonesofjrjones

Out now! Listen to Rhett’s new album “A lifetime of riding by night” https://rhettmiller.com/

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Watch this episode and more on Wheels Off YouTube and Spotify, listen on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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David Fleming

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:06:00 -0000

Writer David Fleming joins Rhett to dig into craft, career pivots, and the true story behind A Big Mess in Texas—the wild rise-and-fall of the 1952 Dallas Texans (owned by Rhett’s grandfather). Fleming talks about finding meaning in real life, learning to “disappear” as a writer, managing deadlines without losing your mind, and why the work (not the label) is what matters. It’s a candid, funny, and generous conversation about storytelling, identity, and doing your best work—whether you call it sports writing or just great writing.

David Fleming is a Peabody-nominated correspondent for Meadowlark Media, longtime ESPN senior writer, author of Who's Your Founding Father?; Breaker Boys; Noah's Rainbow; and, A BIG MESS IN TEXAS - The Miraculous, Disastrous 1952 Dallas Texans and The Craziest Untold Story in NFL History.

Out now! Listen to Rhett’s new album “A lifetime of riding by night” https://rhettmiller.com/

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Listen to previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, Stewart Copeland, Lucinda Williams, and many more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Vicki Peterson

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:51:00 -0000

The Bangles’ lead guitarist talks about making a new record with John Cowsill, why she’s a “serial band member,” the magic of songwriting, imposter syndrome, and running your art like a business.

Vicki Peterson—lead guitarist and occasional lead singer of The Bangles—joins Rhett to unpack Long After the Fire, the new record with her husband John Cowsill, and a lifetime spent in bands. She talks writing alone vs. collaborating, owning covers you love, combating self-doubt, and why musicians should treat creativity like a job (with a 10 a.m. start time). She also shares what she unexpectedly learned from Paul McCartney.

Out now! Listen to Rhett’s new album “A lifetime of riding by night” https://rhettmiller.com/

Follow Vicki Peterson @vickiandjohnmusic

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Produced by Kirsten Cluthe, Studio Kairos. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Briscoe

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:16:00 -0000

Rhett sits down with Philip Lupton and Truett Heintzelman, the two young Texans behind Briscoe, a harmony-rich Americana duo making waves with their sophomore album, Heat of July.

Recorded in Nashville during AmericanaFest, the conversation covers the band’s early days at UT Austin, their musical roots, and their thoughtful approach to songwriting and performance. Rhett and Briscoe discuss the realities of being a young band in a fast-moving industry—balancing ambition with patience, dealing with imposter syndrome, and staying true to their craft.

Out now! Listen to Rhett’s new album “A lifetime of riding by night” https://rhettmiller.com/

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Murry Hammond

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:43:00 -0000

Rhett sits down with his longtime bandmate and creative partner, Murry Hammond for a conversation about their 35+ years of making music together—from early songwriting days in Dallas to their latest solo and collaborative albums.

Hammond opens up about the evolution of his creative process, the emotional weight that shapes his songwriting, and how depression, humor, and stubborn dedication all feed his art. It's an episode that captures the rare intimacy of two lifelong friends and collaborators reflecting on their shared creative journey, and the enduring partnership that fuels one of alternative country’s most beloved bands.

Out now! Listen to Rhett’s new album “A lifetime of riding by night” https://rhettmiller.com/

Listen to Murry’s latest release “Trail Songs of the Deep https://murryhammond.com/

Catch Rhett and Murry on tour this fall

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Amanda Shires

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:52:00 -0000

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter opens up about her new album, her journey from fiddle prodigy to songwriter, and how painting, practice, and persistence fuel her creative life.

Rhett Miller sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Amanda Shires during AmericanaFest in Nashville. The two reminisce about their lives in music, and Amanda reflects on the challenges of moving from sideman to frontwoman. She shares the personal discipline that keeps her grounded, and how her creativity spills across mediums—from songwriting to painting giant canvases. What starts as an interview quickly becomes a two-way conversation, as Amanda flips the script and asks Rhett questions of her own.

Listen to Rhett’s new single and pre-order his forthcoming album “A lifetime of riding by night” here

Get Amanda Shires’ new album “Nobody’s Girl” here

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Matt Nathanson

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:06:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson joins Rhett for a fast, funny, and candid conversation about craft and survival. They dig into the constant hum of the inner critic, and the strange mix of persistence and delusion it takes to stay in the game. From KISS posters and Pixies deep cuts to journaling, therapy, and squirrel jokes, Matt opens up about what it really takes to keep making art in a noisy world.

Follow Matt Nathanson @mattnathanson

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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James McMurtry

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:55:00 -0000

James McMurtry, hailed as one of our greatest living songwriters, joins Rhett for a candid conversation about the craft of songwriting, life on the road, and the realities of sustaining a career in music. Known for his sharp storytelling and uncompromising perspective, McMurtry opens up about his process, from finding inspiration in small details to shaping lyrics around the musicality of the human voice.

They discuss the making of his latest record, Black Dog and the Wandering Boy (New West Records), working with producer Don Dixon, and how the touring life remains both a necessity and a joy. McMurtry reflects on influences like Kris Kristofferson, lessons from decades in the business, and why persistence and endurance matter more than inspiration.

Follow James: jamesmcmurtry.com

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Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, Lucinda Williams, Stewart Copeland, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Samantha Fish

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:38:00 -0000

Fresh off the release of her new album Paper Doll, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Samantha Fish joins Rhett to discuss balancing life on the road with creative work, the vulnerability of songwriting, and her evolution as a guitarist. She opens up about overcoming shyness and stage anxiety, and reflects on the fine line between challenging yourself and staying true to who you are.

Follow Samantha @samanthafishmusic

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Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, Stewart Copeland, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Evan Felker

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000

This week on Wheels Off, Rhett welcomes longtime friend, collaborator, and Turnpike Troubadours frontman Evan Felker. Evan joins Rhett from his ranch in Oklahoma for a candid conversation about the Troubadours’ resurgence, his creative process, and why stepping away from the road made the band even more popular. The two dig into songwriting—where ideas come from, the discipline it takes to finish them, and why sometimes the best songs start with a line overheard in passing.

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Ray Benson

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:15:00 -0000

In this wide-ranging conversation, Rhett welcomes the legendary Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel to Wheels Off for a candid, wisdom-packed chat about music, longevity, and learning by doing. Ray shares stories from his early days as a folk-singing kid, reflects on collaborating with icons like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, and offers practical advice for young musicians navigating today’s music industry. From tuba lessons to Grammy wins, Ray reveals how staying open, curious, and grounded has shaped his remarkable creative life.

Follow Ray @raysroadhouse

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Josh Rouse

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:30:00 -0000

Rhett welcomes singer-songwriter Josh Rouse for a wide-ranging conversation about carving out a life in music. Josh reflects on coming of age in a different era of the music business—when CDs still mattered and labels took chances—and how the ground beneath that world has shifted. The two dive into fatherhood, the struggle to stay creatively motivated, and what it means to be a working musician in a culture obsessed with virality.

Follow Josh @ joshrouse.com

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Justin Thomas. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Kristina Murray

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:59:00 -0000

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 doing the heavy lifting herself.

Listen to her new album LIttle Blue

Follow Kristina @kristinamurray_

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Chris Trapper

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0000

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 sometimes be the best motivator. He shares the importance of optimism, the necessity of forgetting bad gigs, and the quiet power of sticking with it—even when there’s no backup plan.

Listen to his new album Watching Sparks Fly By

Follow Chris @christrapperofficial

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Wax

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:48:00 -0000

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 of his latest songs, sung partly in Yiddish, and the surprising universality of intimate, hyper-niche creative expression. He also shares what it's like to build music from micro-communities, how he wrestles with internal doubts, and why the best antidote to creative paralysis is showing up for your art—even when it's hard.

Listen Now: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and all major platforms.

Stream The Heart Deciphers wherever you listen to musicLearn more at jordanwax.com

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review

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David Gedge

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:14:00 -0000

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 inspired by Mini, and the continuing joy of songwriting.

Follow David @weddingpresent

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Esther Rose

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:16:00 -0000

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 by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nathan Hill

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:43:00 -0000

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 @nathanhillbooks

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Rebecca Martin

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:48:00 -0000

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 children in a creative household, and learning to let go of social media in favor of real connection.

SHE is available now.

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Sigrid Nunez

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:37:00 -0000

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 and the influences of writers like Toni Morrison and Virginia Woolf, she provides a candid look at what it takes to sustain a life in writing. When asked what advice she would give her 21-year-old self, her response is simple: keep writing.

Follow Sigrid Nunez https://sigridnunez.com

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Terry George

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:46:00 -0000

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 on how the film industry has evolved, the tricky business of translating history into compelling narratives, and the ever-present struggle of turning raw ideas into art.

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Jaffe

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:30:00 -0000

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 person is a game-changer.

Follow Sarah @sayjaffe

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Todd Barry

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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, including The Crowd Work Tour and his latest, Spicy Honey, for Netflix. A favorite on late-night TV, he has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed 2017 travel memoir Thank You for Coming to Hattiesburg.

Follow Todd @toddbarry

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Billy Reid

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 13:22:00 -0000

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 mother had a boutique in the hospitable environs of his grandmother’s former home. He studied at The Art Institute of Dallas and cut his chops at Saks Fifth Avenue, later with Reebok. After launching his namesake collections in 1998, he established the Billy Reid brand in 2004. The company now operates from New York City and Alabama headquarters, with 13 domestic retail shops and international luxury boutique distribution.

Follow Billy Reid @billy_reid

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Moon Zappa

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:58:11 -0000

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

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This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremie Albino

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:01:00 -0000

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, and explains why trusting yourself is key to overcoming self-doubt.

Follow Jeremie @jeremiealbino

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This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Open Mike Eagle

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:25:00 -0000

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 website

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Caws

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:22:07 -0000

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 anxiety and nurturing his creativity.

Nada Surf’s new record Moon Mirror is out now

Follow Matthew @matthewcaws

Rhett Miller website

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maya C. Popa

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000

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 Guardian’s Best Books of Poetry. American Faith was runner-up in the Kathryn A. Morton Prize judged by Ocean Vuong and was awarded the North American Book Prize in 2020. She is previously the author of three chapbooks and has received numerous awards, including from the Poetry Foundation and the Oxford Poetry Society. Her writing has been commissioned by The United Nations and other institutions, and her poetry has been featured on a Louis Vuitton trunk for the Visionaries campaign, as well as in the Van Cleef & Arpels Spring Festival. Popa is the Poetry Reviews Editor at Publishers Weekly and teaches poetry at NYU. She works closely with established and emerging writers through Conscious Writers Collective, her online writing platform and community designed to help writers identify and meet their writing and publishing goals.

Follow Maya @mayacpopa

Read Maya’s Substack newsletter

Rhett Miller website

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pat McGee

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0000

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 @patmcgeeband

Rhett Miller website

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mia Dyson

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:20:00 -0000

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, with a powerful grit and gravel voice and guitar-playing prowess landing her voted amongst the top 25 Australian guitarists of all time. Releasing 6 critically-acclaimed albums and touring the world with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt and Eric Clapton, Mia has cemented her place as one of the great Australian troubadours.

Follow Mia @miadyson

Rhett Miller website

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Asher Perlman

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0000

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 Yorker, and a performer with the Improvised Shakespeare Company. His award-winning short film, “Accountabilibuddies,” was an official selection at the Just For Laughs Film Festival in Vancouver. He has appeared on Comedy Central, CBS , and Pop TV, as well as several national commercials. He has written humor for The New Yorker, The Onion Labs, and McSweeneys. His book Well, This Is Me, is available now.

Follow Asher Perlman

Rhett Miller website

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Errico

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0000

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 acclaimed releases and extensive composition for film and TV. He teaches songwriting at universities including Yale, Wesleyan, the New School, and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. He was nominated for 2019’s David Payne-Carter Award for Excellence in Teaching, and taught the 2022 GRAMMY® Museum’s inaugural Summer Sessions in New York City. In addition to his performing and teaching careers, Errico’s opinions and insights have appeared in publications including The New York Times, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and many others.

His latest musical release is “Shine”.

Follow Mike Errico @mikeerrico

Rhett Miller website

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Maggie Rose

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:40:00 -0000

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 has been hailed for her passionate individualism and influences spanning rock, soul, Americana, folk and funk. Rolling Stone declared No One Gets Out Alive one of the best albums of 2024, and NPR Music has called her a “multi-genre powerhouse”. A respected fixture of the Nashville community, she has carved out a unique path for herself, refusing to be pigeonholed in any one genre. A true road warrior, she has shared the stage with an impressive array of artists including Kelly Clarkson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Heart, Joan Jett, Eric Church, Gov’t Mule, The Mavericks, Fitz & The Tantrums, and The Revivalists to name a few.

Follow Maggie @iammaggierose

Listen to Maggie’s podcast Salute The Songbird

Rhett Miller website

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Alisa Amador

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:35:00 -0000

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 Tiny Desk Contest. Alisa Amador’s music is a synthesis of the many styles she’s voraciously absorbed: rock, jazz, funk, and alternative folk, all wrapped in the spirit of the Latin music she grew up with. Alisa has opened for artists including Hozier, Lake Street Dive, Madison Cunningham, Watchhouse, Hiss Golden Messenger, and countless others. Her soulful singing, poetically incisive lyrics, and syncopated rhythms are likely to make you cry, laugh, and dance all within one set.

Follow Alisa @alisaamador

Rhett Miller website

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kurt St. Thomas

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:30:00 -0000

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. Thomas is known for his pioneering work at Boston's WFNX radio station, where he made history by being the first to play Nirvana's "Nevermind" on the air. His contributions to the music industry extend to co-authoring "Nirvana: The Chosen Rejects" and producing the interview album "Nevermind It's an Interview." His latest film, "D.O.A.," is available for viewing now.

Follow Kurt @kurtstthomas

Rhett Miller website

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Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Jane Wiedlin

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0000

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 Jane @janewiedlin

Rhett Miller website

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Leslie Mendelson

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:15:00 -0000

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-nominated artist, Mendelson returns this summer with her fourth studio album, After The Party. Throughout After The Party’s ten tracks, Mendelson crafts a distinctive folk-rock, pop-Americana flavor, evoking the sounds of Laurel Canyon, but with the downtown grit and sharp wit of Brooklyn, the city she has called home for over two decades now.

After The Party is available now.

Leslie Mendelson website

Follow Leslie @lesliemendelson

Rhett Miller website

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Abercrombie

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:30:00 -0000

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 bestselling author of Half a King, Half the World, Red Country and the First Law trilogy: The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings. He spent ten years as a freelance film editor, and is now a full-time writer who lives in Bath, England, with his wife, two daughters, and son.

His forthcoming book, The Devils, will be published in May 2025.

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Geraldine DeRuiter

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:45:00 -0000

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, and shares what she learned about her own creative process from Bruce Springsteen.

Geraldine’s book If You Can't Take the Heat:Tales of Food, Feminism, and Fury is available now

Follow Geraldine at The Everywhereist

Rhett Miller website

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Matthew Milia

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:00:00 -0000

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

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Rhett Miller website

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Clay Ross

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:30:00 -0000

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 musician provides the fuel to keep going.

Clay Ross is a multi-Grammy winning artist and the founder of the band Ranky Tanky. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Gregory Porter, Snarky Puppy, and Bobby McFerrin. He is a teaching artist and the co-founder of Compose Your Career, an online course that teaches musicians how to create a sustainable career in the performing arts.

American Patchwork Quartet

Clay Ross website

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Jon Dee Graham

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:47:09 -0000

Jon Dee Graham is a guitarist and songwriter best known for his critically acclaimed solo records. He joins Rhett to talk about his latest album, what it means to get a major label deal on the cusp of turning 65, and shares stories about his upbringing that led to his decision to become a musician.

Jon Dee Graham is a three-time inductee into the Austin Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Skunks, the True Believers, and a solo artist. He has played guitar with acts such as John Doe (X, The Knitters), Exene Cervenka (X), Michelle Shocked, Alejandro Escovedo, Kelly Willis, and The Gourds and has had his songs covered by many artists, including Patty Smythe, Patty Griffin and James McMurtry.

His latest record, Only Dead For A Little While, is available now.

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Alejandro Escovedo

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0000

Alejandro Escovedo, one of the most critically acclaimed artists in contemporary music, joins Rhett to talk about his musical evolution, from his early days in punk band The Nuns to Austin-based rock band The True Believers, to the making of his new album, Echo Dancing. He tells Rhett about the creative process behind the song selection on the new record and the decision to revisit and reshape some of his earlier work. The two discuss the moment when Alejandro committed to being a songwriter, and he explains why each phase of life brings an opportunity to discover new ways to tell a story.

Echo Dancing is available now.

Follow Alejando Escovedo and @alejandro_escovedo

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This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Tim DeLaughter

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:30:00 -0000

Tim DeLaughter, the creative force behind The Polyphonic Spree, joins Rhett to discuss his journey as an artist and the challenges he faced that led to the creation of their latest record “Salvage Enterprise”. Tim tells the story behind the album’s title, discusses the importance of visuals in performance, and shares the epiphany moment he had when his teacher played an Emerson, Lake, and Palmer album in music class.

Tim DeLaughter is an Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter, performer, and producer of The Polyphonic Spree. Their latest release is 2023’s Salvage Enterprise.

The Polyphonic Spree

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Juliana Hatfield

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:50:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter, musician, and indie rock icon Juliana Hatfield joins Rhett to discuss her creative process, the music she’s working on, and the balance between work and artistry. The two talk about trusting your instincts, allowing songs to develop naturally, and Juliana reflects on what her dream day job would be if she decided to do something other than music.

Juliana Hatfield’s inimitable 35-year career has seen her an underground darling, a cultural emblem and a time-tested veteran whose tender singing and exemplary guitar playing is an iconic and enduring pinnacle of indie and alternative rock. In 1986, she co-founded beloved Boston indie-rock trio the Blake Babies with Freda Love and John Strohm. Since then, she has released 16 solo albums of stirring originals and imaginative covers, delving further into her love of melodic pop and rock frameworks, and fine-tuning her unmatched vision. Juliana Hatfield sings ELO was released in 2023, and the vinyl re-release of her album Bed is available for pre-order now.

Juliana Hatfield website

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Adam Weiner

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:40:00 -0000

Rhett welcomes Adam Weiner, the driving force behind Low Cut Connie, for a conversation about the creative projects he’s been working on, the early days of his career, and what prompted him to start his own record label. Adam tells Rhett about the lessons he learned from having a theater background, emphasizes the need for artists to create their own opportunities, and explains why honing one’s craft is essential for success.

Low Cut Connie has become the alter ego for frontman, pianist, and songwriter Adam Weiner, the band's only constant member since its formation. Beginning as an impromptu recording session in 2010, Low Cut Connie gradually evolved into a vehicle for Weiner's songwriting and his distinctive onstage persona. The band has earned praise for its high-energy live performances, which Los Angeles Weekly described as "unmatched in all of rock right now." NPR Music describes Weiner as “masterfully fluent in the foundational languages of Western pop.”

Low Cut Connie website

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you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Dar Williams

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Dar Williams joins Rhett to talk about the process of writing songs that matter, the importance of finding a supportive community, and tells Rhett about the music she’s currently writing. The two discuss prioritizing authenticity over algorithmic success in today’s creative environment, and Dar offers sage advice for aspiring musicians.

Dar Williams was always in the right place at the right time for the success she’s had over a 25+-year career. She rose out of the vibrant mid-90’s Boston scene, inspired by the eclectic influences of alt-rockers, Berklee jazz musicians, slam poets, and folk artists, like Patty Griffith, Melissa Ferrick, the Throwing Muses, Vance Gilbert, and Jonatha Brooke. After a year of touring non-stop with her first album, The Honesty Room, in 1994, she was invited by Joan Baez to tour in Europe and The United States. Her most recent album is 2021’s I’ll Meet You Here.

Her book, How To Write A Song That Matters is available now.

Dar Williams website

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Jaime Wyatt

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Jaime Wyatt joins Rhett to talk about her latest album “Feel Good”, working with Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada, and the process of exploring new sounds during the making of the record. Jaime talks about her growth as an artist, why she practices radical self care, and the two discuss the concept of authenticity in music.

Hailed by Pitchfork as one of the “most exciting and skillful storytellers” working today, Jaime Wyatt is the kind of generational talent whose raw, honest lyricism is matched only by the power of her huge, unmistakable voice. Her album, Feel Good, takes Wyatt to new heights. Feel Good is bold and ecstatic, built on tight, intoxicating grooves that belie the songs’ substantial emotional stakes.

Listen to Feel Good

Jaime Wyatt website

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Gavin Rossdale

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Gavin Rossdale, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the legendary rock band Bush, joins Rhett to talk about his writing process, the new music that he’s working on, and what he's learned from working with some of music’s most talented producers. Gavin tells Rhett about the moment when he discovered punk rock, and explains why authenticity and individuality are the secret to living a creative life.

After three decades, well over 20 million records sold, a GRAMMY® Award nomination, 1 billion streams, and a procession of #1 hits, Bush stand tall as rock outliers whose imprint only widens as the years pass. Their catalog spans the platinum The Science of Things [1999] through Black and White Rainbows [2017]. Thus far, they have notched 25 straight Top 40 hits on the Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts, earning seven #1 entries - most recently, 2022's "More Than Machines" off 2022’s The Art of Survival.

Their latest release is Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023.

Bush Official website

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M.C. Taylor

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 14:18:01 -0000

M.C. Taylor, singer-songwriter and frontman for Hiss Golden Messenger, joins Rhett from Durham to talk about the latest record, “Jump For Joy”. M.C. tells Rhett about finding his musical voice, the importance of having a creative practice, and the two discuss why it's important to maintain some mystery around the meaning of a song.

Describing the Durham-based Hiss Golden Messenger is like trying to grasp a forgotten word: It’s always on the tip of your tongue, but hard to speak. Songwriter and bandleader M.C. Taylor’s music is at once familiar, yet impossible to categorize: Elements from the American songbook—the steady, churning acoustic guitar and mandolin, the gospel emotion, the eerie steel guitar tracings, the bobbing and weaving organ and electric piano—provide the bedrock for Taylor’s existential ruminations about parenthood, joy, hope, and loneliness—our delicate, tightrope balance of dark and light—that offer fully engaged contemporary commentary on the present. And then there’s an indescribable spirit and movement: Hiss Golden Messenger’s music grooves. There’s nothing else quite like it.

Hiss Golden Messenger website

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Lucinda Williams

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Lucinda Williams, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of her generation, joins Rhett to talk about writing her memoir, the moment she realized she wanted to write music, and learning to understand the difference between songwriting and poetry. Lucinda recalls some of the first songs she wrote and goes into depth about her songwriting process, using a song that she’s currently working on as an example. She shares an important piece of advice that her dad gave her, and explains why digging deep is the key to songwriting.

Lucinda Williams’ music has gotten her through her darkest days. It’s been that way since growing up amid family chaos in the Deep South, as she recounts in her candid new memoir, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You (a NY Times Top 5 Best Seller). Over the past two years, it’s been the force driving her recovery from a debilitating stroke she suffered on November 17, 2020, at age 67. Her masterful, multi-Grammy-winning songwriting has never deserted her. To wit, her stunning, sixteenth studio album, Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart, brims over with some of the best work of her career. And though Williams can no longer play her beloved guitar – a constant companion since age 12 – her distinctive vocals sound better than ever. The past year has seen Williams honored by BMI for her songwriting, her induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame, and a Grammy Week tribute at the Troubadour, with her songs performed by a diversity of Americana artists. Lucinda will be touring the U.S. in January - February 2024.

Listen to Stories From A Rock n Roll Heart

Order her memoir Don’t Tell Anybody The Stories I Told You

Lucinda Williams website

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Devon Gilfillian

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Singer songwriter Devon Gilfillian joins Rhett from his home in Nashville to talk about the many musical influences that have inspired his career, how he found his voice as a singer, and what he does to keep himself creatively healthy. Devon explains how he’s maintained a positive outlook throughout his life, and the importance of using his platform for good.

Love You Anyway, the new album from Devon Gilfillian, is an intoxicating, genre-blasting game changer spanning soul, hip-hop, R&B and rock, all under the banner of Black joy. With an incisive eye and unassuming swagger, Gilfillian re-imagines modern soul music by redefining its possibilities. A captivating can’t-miss live performer, the Philadelphia-born, Nashville based singer-songwriter regularly commands club, theater, and festival stages around the world. On Love You Anyway, Gilfillian conjures the raw, sexy emotions of his predecessors and the next-level grooves of his contemporaries, taking soul music into an exciting and restorative new future.

Devon Gilfillian website

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Zach Williams

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:30:00 -0000

Zach Williams is best known as ⅓ of the Nashville-based supergroup The Lone Bellow. He joins Rhett on this episode to discuss the twist of fate that led him to Brooklyn, where his musical journey began, why he took a break from songwriting to try his hand at long form fiction, and the conversation with Jim James that changed his perspective. Zach tells Rhett about The War of Art, a book he turns to when he needs help moving through the inner resistance to create, and the two discuss the very personal process of releasing a song into the world.

All born in the South, the three members of The Lone Bellow met while living in Brooklyn and quickly found that in addition to having commonality in their upbringing, they all had wildly potent voices, a knack for harmonies and a desire to write in the great Southern story-telling tradition - songs about heartbreak and struggles and the human condition. Their most recent releases are The Lone Bellow Live and Love Songs For Losers.

The Lone Bellow

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John McCauley

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:30:00 -0000

John McCauley, singer-songwriter and the frontman of band Deer Tick, joins Rhett to talk about getting back on the road with the band post-lockdown and balancing his on stage persona with his life offstage. The two discuss John’s evolution as a songwriter and desire to become a better musician, and John explains why his band continues to push themselves creatively with each new record.

Founded by John McCauley in 2004, Deer Tick’s sound blends elements of folk, rock, country, and punk, creating a distinctive and eclectic musical style. Known for his distinctive gravelly voice, introspective lyrics, and intense live performances, McCauley’s musical contributions often reflect personal experiences, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Emotional Contracts, the latest full-length release from Deer Tick, catalogs all the existential casualties that accompany the passing of time, instilling each song with the irresistibly reckless spirit that’s defined the band for nearly two decades.

Listen to the new album Emotional Contracts here

Follow @deertickmusic

Rhett Miller website

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer is Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Brandon Decker

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Sedona, AZ based songwriter Brandon Decker (aka decker.) joins Rhett to talk about the making of his 8th studio album, Ouroboros. Described as a fusion of poetry and chaos, Decker explains the stories behind the music, which arose out of the grief he felt during his father’s illness. Decker discusses the side hustle he created during the pandemic, his approach to healing, and the importance of spending time in nature to help him navigate through life’s challenges.

His latest album, Ouroboros, is available now.

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Brennen Leigh

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 03:12:12 -0000

Brennen Leigh is an American songwriter, guitar player, mandolin player and singer whose to-the-point storytelling style has elevated her to cult status around the world. On this episode, she joins Rhett to talk about her new album, Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet, being an artist in the age of digital, and the sacrifices that touring musicians make. Brennen explains how she gained confidence as an artist, and shares insight into her songwriting process, including how she determines whether a song is good enough for people to hear.

Brenne Leigh’s songs have been recorded by Lee Ann Womack, Rodney Crowell, Sunny Sweeney, Charley Crockett, and many others. As renowned for her musicianship as for her writing, it’s easy to see how Leigh caught the ear of greats like Guy Clark and David Olney. Awash in full-throttle fiddle, weeping steel guitar, a sprinkling of heavenly backing vocals, and anchored by her warm, expressive vocals, her latest album is an emotion-packed revelation.

Brennen Leigh website

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Mike Gordon

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 14:30:00 -0000

Mike Gordon, bassist and co-founder of the seminal improvisational rock band Phish, joins Rhett to talk about his solo album Flying Games and the long, adventurous process of finishing the record. Mike and Rhett discuss grappling with creative roadblocks, what the “Ten-Thousand-Hour” rule really means, and the role that mindfulness and meditation play in songwriting. Mike reflects on the early days of Phish and explains how he transfers the creative flow he feels while performing with the band to other projects. It’s a jam-packed episode full of great stories and useful insight on the songwriting process and living a creative life.

Flying Games is Gordon's sixth solo album. It was self-produced and recorded by longtime collaborator Jared Slomoff, and mixed by GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, The War on Drugs). You can buy or stream it here.

Mike Gordon website

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Josh Crutchmer

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:39:00 -0000

After telling the story of the musicians who shaped his Oklahoma roots in his 2020 book Red Dirt, journalist and author Josh Crutchmer saw an opportunity to dig deeper into the artists that shaped independent roots music. His second book, The Motel Cowboy Show, is about the Americana music in the American West that began with cowboy poetry and lives on today in artists like Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motorcars, and Ned LeDoux. A New York Times editor by day, Crutchmer also spent three years chronicling the return of the Turnpike Troubadours to the stage and studio for Rolling Stone, as well as the final concert for Robert Earl Keen.

In this episode, he joins Rhett to talk about the path that led him to writing, how he approaches his role as a storyteller, and the personal obstacle he uncovered while working on his latest book.

The Motel Cowboy Show and Red Dirt are available here.

Josh Crutchmer's website

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Rhett Miller website

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive produced by Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils and Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

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Grace Potter

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:30:00 -0000

Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and musician Grace Potter joins Rhett on this episode to talk about her latest release, Mother Road, and the journey that inspired the music. Grace tells Rhett about finding her voice at a young age, building characters and worlds around her songs, and why she’s more driven now than she ever was.

Back in summer 2021, Grace Potter took off on a solo cross-country road trip that would soon bring a life-saving reconnection with her most unbridled self. Heading out on Route 66 from her home in Topanga Canyon, the Vermont-born artist spent the coming weeks crashing in roadside motels and taking time each night to deliriously transcribe the song ideas she’d dreamed up behind the wheel, often scrawling those notes onto the backs of postcards and motel notepads. The result is Mother Road, an album that marks the start of a thrilling new era of Grace’s career.

Mother Road is available here.

Grace Potter website

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Stewart Copeland

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:30:00 -0000

Stewart Copeland is perhaps best known as the drummer for The Police, but he’s also had a successful solo career as a composer, authoring a prolific series of film and television scores, video game soundtracks, opera, and ballet. His latest project is Police Beyond Borders, a reinterpretation of the seminal 80s band’s classic songs with diverse interpretations and artist representation from South Africa, India, Japan, China, Canada, the U.K., and more. Stewart joins Rhett from his studio in Los Angeles to talk about working in service of art, his career with The Police, and what it feels like to ride the top of the wave. Stewart and Rhett talk about life as a working musician in the age of AI, and why selling out isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Police Beyond Borders will be released on August 18. Pre-save the album here.

Stewart Copeland

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Rhett Miller website

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive produced by Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes!

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Alan Paul

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:10:00 -0000

Alan Paul is an author, journalist and musician. His fourth book, BROTHERS AND SISTERS: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the 70s, out today, is a deep dive into the time before and after the 1973 album. Alan joins Rhett to talk about his career as a music journalist and unexpected turn as a touring musician. Alan shares the lessons he learned while playing in a band in China, and why it’s important to “know your helpers” when you’re living a creative life.

Paul’s last two books have been instant New York Times bestsellers: Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan and One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band. His first book, Big in China: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a Family, Playing the Blues and Becoming a Star in Beijing is about his experiences raising three American children in Beijing and Paul’s unlikely journey to becoming a Chinese music star, fronting the blues band Woodie Alan.

Alan Paul website

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Brian Dunne

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:30:44 -0000

In this episode, singer songwriter Brian Dunne joins Rhett from Brooklyn. He talks to Rhett about his newly released album Loser On The Ropes, his songwriting process, and what success as an artist means to him. Brian and Rhett also bust a few rock and roll myths, and talk about why being a working musician doesn’t have an expiration date.

Loser On The Ropes, Dunne’s entrancing new album and debut release for the storied Kill Rock Stars label was recorded in Athens, GA, with producer Drew Vandenberg.

Brian Dunne website

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Ben Harper

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:30:12 -0000

Ben Harper is a 3x Grammy winner who has amassed international praise for his genre-traversing body of work. He joins Rhett on this episode to talk about his life as a young musician, the creative projects he’s currently working on, and shares the advice he would give his 21-year old self. The two dive into the craft of songwriting and Ben tells Rhett about the time that Leonard Cohen visited his family’s music store.

Ben Harper has produced albums by Mavis Staples, Rickie Lee Jones, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Natalie Maines, Ziggy Marley, and others. An inveterate collaborator, Harper has also recorded with a diverse span of artists ranging from John Lee Hooker, Charlie Musselwhite, to Ringo Starr, Keith Richards and, most recently, Harry Styles, to contribute his signature guitar work to the superstar’s chart-topping album, HARRY’S HOUSE. Harper joined Styles for an astounding 12 nights of performances at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles this past fall.

His critically acclaimed album, WIDE OPEN LIGHT, is out now.

Ben Harper website

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The Milk Carton Kids

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:15:46 -0000

Founded in 2011, indie-folk duo The Milk Carton Kids swiftly emerged as a major force in the American folk tradition, blending ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship with a uniquely powerful brand of contemporary songcraft. On this episode, Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan, the musicians behind the Grammy-nominated band, join Rhett to talk about their personal creative journeys as well as their collective journey, and the months-long project that resulted in their newest release, I Only See The Moon. Kenneth and Joey share some of the wisdom they’ve collected over the years, and explain why staying true to oneself is the most important thing an artist can do.

Listen to their new release, I Only See The Moon, here.

Milk Carton Kids website: https://themilkcartonkids.komi.io/

The Milk Carton Kids on IG @themilkcartonkids

Rhett Miller website: Rhettmiller.com

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Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils and Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. Find Rhett's podcast #WheelsOff and other music-powered shows on @Osirispod

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Jacqueline Holland

Tue, 30 May 2023 16:00:00 -0000

Jacqueline Holland’s first novel, The God Of Endings, weaves a story of love, family, history, and myth as seen through the eyes of one immortal woman. In this episode, Jacqueline joins Rhett to talk about the new books she’s working on, how she found her voice as a novelist, and she offers some valuable advice on the process of writing. The two dive into the impact that ChatGPT could have on creativity, and Jacqueline explains why a little bit of hubris can be a useful tool when you’re first starting out.

More about The God Of Endings

JacquelineHolland.com

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Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils and Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Layng Martine Jr.

Tue, 16 May 2023 15:15:00 -0000

In this podcast episode, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Layng Martine Jr. joins Rhett to talk about the process behind his latest album “Music Man”, a long-time dream project instigated by his son Tucker Martine, who is a producer. Layng and Rhett discuss the incredible lineup of musicians who participated in the making of the record and Layng shares stories behind the songs, which cover a 50-year period of his career. Layng dives into his songwriting process, explains how his life has changed as he’s gotten older, and the two talk about the importance of not turning your back on your art.

Layng Martine's songwriting prowess is exemplified by his impressive catalog of hits, which have been recorded by some of the biggest names in the business. From country legends like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Reba McEntire to pop icons such as The Pointer Sisters and Barry Manilow, his songs have touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

Listen to music from Layng’s new album here.

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Bob Schneider

Tue, 02 May 2023 14:30:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter, author, and artist Bob Schneider joins Rhett from Austin to talk about the evolution of his musical career, and the story behind his new graphic novel, FAYM. Rhett and Bob discuss the realization that success doesn’t necessarily change your life, why names are important, and agree that calculation can kill creativity.

Bob Schneider is one of the most celebrated musicians in Austin, Texas. Combining elements of funk, country, rock, and folk with a more traditional singer-songwriter aesthetic, Schneider’s talent defies genres, and his powerful lyrics tackle tough subjects like alienation, drug addiction, and lost romance. Schneider has won more than 58 Austin Music Awards, including awards for Album of the Year, Musician of the Year, Best Songwriter, and Best Male Vocals, making him the most decorated artist in Austin music history.

bobschneider.com

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Bill Janovitz

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:55:03 -0000

On this week’s episode, Rhett welcomes singer, guitarist, and songwriter Bill Janovitz, best known as the frontman of the alt-rock band Buffalo Tom. The two discuss the inspiration and effort behind Bill’s new book, Leon Russell, the Master of Space and Time's Journey Through Rock and Roll History. Bill and Rhett also discuss dealing with industry obstacles in the early days of his career, how he transitioned into becoming an author who specializes in writing about music, and why the idea for the Leon Russell book arrived at the perfect time.

Bill Janovitz website

Bill Janovitz on IG: @billjanovitz

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Queen Esther

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:45:57 -0000

Musician, songwriter, actor and playwright Queen Esther joins Rhett from her home in Harlem to talk about her extraordinary multi-hyphenate career, which currently includes two new albums (to be released this year), and a play, which will culminate in an off-Broadway run. There’s no shortage of wisdom and inspiration in this conversation, as Queen Esther discusses the importance of following the creative spirit, what it means to plug into one’s own uniqueness, and why imposter syndrome is off the table.

Queen Esther’s most recent work includes a performance with her western swing collective The Black Rose of Texas at Lincoln Center’s 2022 Summer for the City. Her critically acclaimed 2021 Black Americana album Gild The Black Lily is the fourth release on her imprint EL Recordings – and her 2018 TED Talk about the true origins of country and bluegrass continues to reverberate throughout the Americana community. Coming in 2023: Rona, an EP of rangy alt-Americana songs written in Harlem during the early months of the pandemic lockdown and Things Are Looking Up, a jazz album of original songs and Lady Day's lost classics.

Queen Esther website

Queen Esther on IG @thisisqueenesther

Rhett on IG @rhettmiller

Rhett Miller website

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils and Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. Find Rhett's podcast #WheelsOff and other music-powered shows on @Osirispod

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Joe Reyes

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:00:57 -0000

Grammy winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe Reyes joins Rhett from San Antonio to talk about his impressive career, which includes a Latin Grammy award nomination and a Grammy award win. Reyes discusses the upcoming Buttercup release, explains why he decided to get a degree despite his career in music, and shares some of the wisdom that he imparts to his music students.

Joe Reyes has recorded with Buttercup, Mitch Webb and The Swindles, Marcus Rubio, Cartographers and The Cheats. He was nominated for a Latin Grammy for his work with Lara & Reyes and won a Grammy award for his work with Freddy Fender. He currently performs as a solo artist and with Buttercup, Mitch Webb, Salim Nourallah, Hilary York and Patricia Vonne.

Joe Reyes on IG @joereyesmusic

Joe Reyes website: http://joereyes.com/

Rhett on IG @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

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Owen King

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:15:19 -0000

Owen King is the author of Double Feature, and We’re All in This Together: A Novella and Stories. He is the coauthor of Sleeping Beauties and Intro to Alien Invasion and the coeditor of Who Can Save Us Now? Brand-New Superheroes and Their Amazing (Short) Stories.

Owen joins Rhett to talk about how he built the world that The Curator takes place in and what it means to capture the “sound” of a novel. The two discuss the value of early reader feedback, recognizing work-life balance, and Owen shares a story about the time when he had to dig the galleys for his first book out of a snowstorm, along with the Fedex guy who was delivering them.

His new novel, The Curator, is out today and available here

Owen King website

Owen on IG @owenkingauthor

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

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Cassandra Lewis

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Cassandra Lewis performed her first real show at a retirement home when she was eight years old. She joins Rhett to talk about that experience and what’s happened in between, the new album she’s working on, and the co-songwriting scene that she’s become part of since moving to Nashville. The two discuss the trope of needing to suffer in order to be creative, and Cassandra explains what she means when she says she’s a ‘trash artist’.

Cassandra Lewis is a cosmic blend of classic country, Americana and psychedelic soul. She’ll call you into her journey of self-discovery, addiction, love affairs, and a fever dream of in-betweens. Think Dolly Parton, Etta James, and Jeff Buckley at Woodstock 69’, then sprinkle it with something otherworldly. Her massive voice, real talk, and wild storyteller’s wit will leave you feeling raw and reeling in the dreamiest way.

Cassandra Lewis on IG: @cassandralewismusic

Cassandra Lewis website

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Rhett Miller website

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here

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Sam Quartin

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:00:42 -0000

Sam Quartin is an actor, activist, and frontwoman for The Bobby Lees, which she founded after discovering her future bandmates at a music school in upstate New York. The two discuss her recent role in Candy Land, a film about the underground world of truck stop sex workers. Sam tells Rhett about the impact that Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way had on her life, shares her process for boosting self-confidence, and explains why she’s opted out of having a digital profile.

A band that proves it pays to think young, the Bobby Lees are a frantic garage punk act from Woodstock, New York, whose sound is fast, fresh, energetic, and filled with a snotty sense of fun. Boasting a revved-up attitude and a level of precision that matches the tempos without making them sound stiff, the Bobby Lees made a bracing debut on their 2018 album Beauty Pageant. They got tighter, speedier, and rowdier on 2020's Skin Suit, produced by Jon Spencer, and they developed a more polished but no less powerful approach for their third LP, 2022's Bellevue.

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here

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Julia Cameron

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 14:00:05 -0000

Bestselling author Julia Cameron joins Rhett once again to talk about her new book Write for Life, in which she turns to one of the subjects closest to her heart: the art and practice of writing. This episode is full of wisdom, as Julia gives Rhett a peek into her own creative process and shares some of the best practices she’s developed over the last two decades. Julia and Rhett discuss how to manage your inner critic, what it means to be authentic, and why she is an advocate of writing by hand.

Hailed by the New York Times as “The Queen of Change,” JULIA CAMERON is credited with starting a movement in 1992 that has brought creativity into the mainstream conversation—in the arts, in business, and in everyday life. She is the best-selling author of more than forty books, fiction and nonfiction; a poet, songwriter, filmmaker and playwright. Commonly referred to as “The Godmother” or “High Priestess” of creativity, her tools are based in practice, not theory, and she considers herself “the floor sample of her own toolkit.” The Artist’s Way has been translated into forty languages and sold over five million copies to date.

Order Julia’s new book, Write For Life, here.

Julia Cameron website

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jeff Tweedy, Glen Philips, and more. Find Rhett's podcast #WheelsOff and other music-powered shows on @Osirispod

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Salim Nourallah

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:46:54 -0000

Salim Nourallah is a musician and award-winning producer who has worked with OLD97s and Marty Wilson-Piper of The Church. He’s also the co-founder of indie label Palo Santo Records, and this week he joins Rhett to talk about balancing his role as musician, producer, and businessman. The two discuss the new projects he’s working on, what it means to be successful, and why Salim believes it’s important to stay in touch with one’s inner child.

Learn more about Salim’s new album A Nuclear Winter here

Salim Nourallah website

Salim on IG: @salimnourallah

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here

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Anthony D'Amato

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 10:19:55 -0000

“You're much more productive when you actually feel like getting out of bed for the day. And I just think that you don't have to be in a dark place to write a dark song. And realizing that has opened up a lot of opportunities for me to live a more healthy life.” - Anthony D’Amato

Singer Songwriter Anthony D’Amato joins Rhett on this episode to talk about going from publicity intern to client at Shore Fire Media, and what he learned by coming up on the business side of the music industry. Anthony shares the story of working on a St Vincent publicity campaign, explains why the idea of being a sellout has gone out the window, and the two discuss Fantastic Cat, his side project that is “something of a supergroup”.

Anthony D’Amato first rose to international attention with the ‘The Shipwreck From The Shore,’ his 2014 debut for New West Records. Inspired in part by time spent studying with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet Paul Muldoon, the album garnered rave reviews on both sides of the pond. Along the way, D’Amato toured extensively across the US and Europe, sharing bills with the likes of Ben Folds, Valerie June, Keb’ Mo’, The Felice Brothers, American Aquarium, and many more. Most recently, D’Amato headed west for his new album, At First There Was Nothing, marking his first first full-length release in six years.

LIsten to Anthony’s new album At First There Was Nothing here

Anthony on IG @anthonydamatomusic

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

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Elizabeth Nelson

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:30:23 -0000

The Paranoid Style is a garage-punk-pop outfit built around singer songwriter Elizabeth Nelson. Elizabeth joins Rhett this week to talk about their new album, “For Executive Meeting”, as well as the many other creative projects she’s involved in, like an upcoming piece about Springsteen’s “Nebraska”. Elizabeth and Rhett discuss what it means to be a musician and a published music critic, the process she employs to get a multitude of things done, and why it’s important to take a compliment. Plus, she explains the origin of the unique name of her band.

Elizabeth Nelson is singer-songwriter for the Washington, DC–based garage-punk band the Paranoid Style, a civil servant in the field of education policy, and a regular contributor to The Ringer, Oxford American, The New York Times Magazine, and Pitchfork, among other publications. In 2020, Spin Magazine ranked the Paranoid Style the 27th best rock & roll band currently working, thereby adding 26 names to her renowned Enemies List.

Listen to For Executive Meeting

Paranoid Style on IG @paranoid_style

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

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Glen Phillips

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 14:30:00 -0000

During his years as lead singer and main songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips helped to create the band’s elegant folk/pop sound with honest, introspective lyrics that forged a close bond with their fans. He joins Rhett on this episode of Wheels Off for a deep dive into the inspiration behind his music and the playful approach he took in the making of his new solo record, There Is So Much Here. Glen shares stories of his life with Toad, discusses what it means to be creatively curious, and explains how the practice of community singing helps him realize a life of gratitude.

Get Glen’s new album here

Glen Phillips website

Glen on IG: @glenphillipsmusic

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here

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Amy Ray

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:30:00 -0000

Amy Ray joins Rhett from her home in Georgia to talk about her recently released solo album and the new music she’s working on for an Indigo Girls project. Amy and Rhett discuss the epiphany moment she had when she first sang with Indigo Girls co-founder Emily Saliers, the headiness of achieving success early in her career, and why her activism and support of emerging artists helps her navigate the challenges of self-doubt.

Listen to Amy’s new album If It All Goes South

Amy Ray website

Amy on IG @amyraymusic

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here

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Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:00:40 -0000

Authors Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble join Rhett from Seattle to talk about their new book, which was inspired by their D&D podcast Dragon Talk. The book highlights the ways in which people are using Dungeons & Dragons to fuel creative endeavors, explore identity, deal with addiction, and process trauma. Shelly and Greg discuss how the game has evolved and explain why it’s still so popular after 50 years, as it continues to find new players with each generation.

Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble are authors of Welcome to Dragon Talk: Inspiring Conversations about Dungeons & Dragons and the People Who Love to Play It, which will be available on December 5. Pre-order the book here.

Shelly Mazzanoble is author of Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress: A Girl’s Guide to the Dungeons & Dragons Game. Greg Tito is an author, screenwriter, and former standup comic.

Listen to the Dragon Talk podcast

For more D&D, listen to Rhett’s interview with D&D Dungeon Master and game designer Chris Perkins here

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here

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Terre Roche

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 13:00:26 -0000

Terre Roche, singer-songwriter and founding member of The Roches joins Rhett to talk about her new album and book Kin Ya See That Sun! The book chronicles the time when she and her sister Maggie traveled around the country as teenagers to perform on the college coffee house circuit, and the accompanying album includes live, unreleased recordings from the tour. Terre discusses the relationship she had with her sister Maggie and their unexpected yet notable career. Terre and Rhett talk about her capacity for visual learning and the drawings she created for the band’s set lists, and why The Roches’ music still resonates with young people today.

Terre Roche website

Terre on IG: @terre_roche

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here.

Wheels Off: Conversations About Creativity is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Adrian Quesada

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 17:04:57 -0000

Grammy-winning musician and producer Adrian Quesada joins Rhett from Austin to talk about the creative whims that guide his work, life as a “working class” musician, and how he harnesses his competitive spirit.

The brand new album by GRAMMY-winning guitarist, producer and Black Pumas co-founder, Adrian Quesada, serves as a celebration of the super funky, slightly delirious and deeply soulful sounds that transcended the cultural boundaries of Latin America throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Pre-order Jaguar Sound here

Follow Adrian on IG: @adrianmquesada

Follow Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

See Rhett on tour! Dates are here.

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Lauren Hoffman

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:00:06 -0000

Singer-songwriter Lauren Hoffman joins Rhett to talk about her unique journey through the music industry and shares her perspective on the impact that technology has on the creative process. The two discuss the meditative qualities of songwriting, the difficulties of being an emerging artist in the 90s, and why it’s critical to prioritize your peace of mind. Lauren is based in Los Angeles and is currently working on her seventh album.

Lauren Hoffman website

Lauren on IG @laurenhoffmanmusic

Lauren Hoffman on Spotify

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. Find Rhett's podcast #WheelsOff and other music-powered shows on @Osirispod

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Cory Branan

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:00:31 -0000

Singer-songwriter Cory Branan joins Rhett from the road to talk about his approach to writing and the creative process behind his new record, When I Go I Ghost. Cory tells Rhett about learning to record, mix, and master during lockdown, which resulted in five direct-to-fan cover records that included some surprise cover song requests; and, the importance of being able to connect directly to fans.

Over the last two decades Cory Branan has released five albums to much critical acclaim from NPR, Pitchfork and Rolling Stone among others, who called him, “A country boy with a punk-rock heart.” He has toured extensively, appearing on stages from Letterman and the Ryman to your town’s shittiest punk bar.

Order his latest release When I Go I Ghost here

Cory Branan website

Cory on IG: @corybranan

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here.

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Caitlin Rose

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:30:08 -0000

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose joins Rhett to talk about the making of her forthcoming album CAZIMI, her first release in nearly a decade. Caitlin explains why the album is a “Pee Wee’s Playhouse situation”, plus the two discuss her passion for poetry, why she was ‘cosmically pushed’ to become an artist, and what it’s like to navigate the music industry after spending time away.

Pre-order Caitlin’s new album CAZIMI

Caitlin Rose website: https://www.caitlinrose.com/

Caitlin on Twitter: @thecaitlinrose

Caitlin on IG: @mscaitlinrose

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here.

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Courtney Jaye

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:30:00 -0000

Musician, songwriter, and artist Courtney Jaye joins Rhett this week to talk about her ambitious new album, Hymns and Hallucinations. Courtney tells Rhett about why she’s chosen a nomadic lifestyle, shares an important lesson she learned when opening for John Mayer, and explains why the best stuff is the unexpected stuff.

Hymns and Hallucinations is available now

Courtney on IG: @tropicalijaye

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here.

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Tim Burgess

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:00:12 -0000

Tim Burgess, frontman for The Charlatans joins Rhett from Manchester to talk about his new solo album Typical Music, how he unexpectedly created an online music community with his now-beloved Twitter Listening Party, and why he still considers himself lucky, even after 33 years of success in the music industry.

Tim Burgess is a proper polymath, a hyperactive multi-talent whose long remarkable career encompasses over three decades as lead singer and frontman of The Charlatans, five diverse solo albums, three unique memoirs, the foundation of the prismatic O Genesis label, and more than 1000 installments of Tim’s Twitter Listening Party.

Typical Music is available now

Tim Burgess on Tik Tok: @timburgess535

Website: https://www.timburgessofficial.com/

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

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Kathleen Edwards

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:15:48 -0000

Kathleen Edwards joins Rhett from Florida to talk about taking time away from music to get “big perspective time”, what she learned about her approach to songwriting from Bryan Adams, and shares the advice she often gives emerging artists.

Edwards released Total Freedom, her fifth studio album, on August 14th via Dualtone Records. Written and recorded in Canada and Nashville with longtime collaborator/guitarist, Jim Bryson, and Grammy-winning songwriter/producer, Fitchuk, Total Freedom is both a return to form and a “hard reset,” one that empowered Edwards to write and perform entirely on her terms.

Total Freedom is available now.

Kathleen Edwards on IG: @kittythefool

Website: https://kathleenedwards.com

Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller

Website: Rhettmiller.com

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Crossover Episode: Too Much Effing Perspective

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 13:15:00 -0000

This week we have a special episode for you: Rhett on the podcast Too Much Effing Perspective.

Every performer who's ever been on the road has at least one bizarro story that could have been pulled straight from the iconic music mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. Co-hosts Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann delve deep into their guests’ harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap Moments uncovering universal truths along the way.

Rhett shares his own stories of mishaps and misunderstandings - like the time he was recording with Waylon Jennings and had to correct Waylon, his hero, on the way he pronounced a word in the song. Or the time he accidentally insulted a member of The Kids In The Hall, one of his favorite comedy groups. It’s a look back at some of the funny, sometimes absurd, moments that happen when you live a creative life.

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Sam Cohen

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0000

Sam Cohen is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose credits include albums with Kevin Morby, Curtis Harding, Alexandria Savior, and many others. He’s also the producer of Rhett’s new solo album, The Misfit. Sam joins Rhett to talk about the making of the record and how he approaches his work, helping artists when things get difficult in the studio, and why the secret to success is letting go of one’s ego.

A multi-talented musician and producer, Sam released his first solo album, Cool It, in 2016. As the man behind the psychedelic-rock band Yellowbirds, Cohen released The Color in 2011 and Songs from the Vanished Frontier in 2013. Most recently, he has produced Kevin Morby‘s album, Singing Saw, Benjamin Booker‘s sophomore release, Witness, Curtis Harding‘s, Face Your Fear, and Resistance Radio: The Man in the High Castle Album (co-produced with Danger Mouse), a companion piece to the eponymous Amazon series, which features Beck, Norah Jones, Karen O, Sharon Van Etten, Michael Kiwanuka and many more.

Order your copy of The Misfit here.

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Ryan Cronin and Saliou Diop

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:30:52 -0000

New York-based visual artist Ryan Cronin joins Rhett from Tambacounda, Senegal, where he is developing a collaboration with Tambacounda-based artist Saliou Diop. Ryan discusses how he got started as an artist, the creative process behind his work, and why a combination of patience and persistence leads to success. Later in the episode, Rhett is joined by Saliou Diop and his translator, who discuss Saliou’s creative approach and how a strong belief in the work helps him navigate any obstacles.

When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, almost childlike appearance of his work belies his reflective underlying vision. He delights in unexpected or enigmatic juxtapositions in terms of both theme and placement and often brings a sense of humor to bear on troubling contemporary issues. This sensibility, combined with quick, instinctive brushstrokes and a vibrant palette, result in striking images that can simultaneously disturb and entertain.

Learn more about Ryan Cronin here and more about Saliou Diop here. The organization they are working with in Senegal is Le Korsa.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Best of Wheels Off: Ashley Longshore

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 21:00:00 -0000

This week, we’re revisiting an episode with one of our favorite guests from 2021: New Orleans-based artist Ashley Longshore. Ashley recently created the album artwork for Rhett’s forthcoming solo record, The Misfit (used here in the episode graphic). The album drops on September 16, which makes it a perfect time to revisit Ashley's brilliant creative spirit.

Pre-order Rhett's new album, The Misfit, here.

“You could decide to start a creative journey or find yourself when you're sixty years old. I think that really happens when you decide you're going to be your own best friend and your own biggest cheerleader.” - Ashley Longshore

Pop artist Ashley Longshore joins Rhett in this episode to talk about growing up in Alabama, discovering her path and how she approaches the business side of being an artist. Ashley and Rhett talk about the things that inspire their work, and how to handle the fear and anxiety that comes with living a creative life.

Ashley Longshore is a New Orleans-based, self taught artist. She has built an empire in the art world and challenges the traditional business model of art galleries. As a powerhouse artist and pioneer in social media marketing, she has exploded into a global brand and uses her platform to encourage positivity and authenticity. Longshore aspires to “Have a career like Andy Warhol and leave a legacy like Peggy Guggenheim.”

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include musician David Wax, composer/playwright Masi Asare, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, and more.

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller, Kirsten Cluthe, and Nick Ruffini. Editing by Matt Dwyer and Justin Thomas. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Butch Walker

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:00:42 -0000

Superstar producer, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Butch Walker joins Rhett from his studio in Nashville to talk about Glenn, his new album centered around an alter ego who is a rock n roll balladeer. Butch tells Rhett about the moment when he decided to pursue a life in music, what it was like to perform in Atlanta clubs as a high schooler and the ups and downs of pursuing band life in L.A. Butch discusses his many successes and failures, how he manages anxiety, and why he thinks that right now is an exciting time to be in music.

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Butch Walker was as a member of the bands SouthGang and The Marvelous 3. He has produced hit records by a staggering number of acclaimed artists including Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Pink, Katy Perry, Panic! At the Disco, Dashboard Confessional, Pete Yorn, Avril Lavigne and many others. Butch has been called “One of America’s best songwriters” by Rolling Stone. His latest album, Glenn, is available now.

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Dave Simonett

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:30:04 -0000

Dave Simonett joins Rhett from Minneapolis to talk about the latest Trampled By Turtles record, which was produced by Jeff Tweedy. Dave explains his writing process, which is dictated by the seasons, the creative exercises he employs to get out of his comfort zone, and the magic that happens when someone is learning a song for the first time. Dave and Rhett discuss the importance of humanity in art and why adhering to a routine while on the road helps manage stress.

Listen to music from their forthcoming album, Alpenglow, here and pre-order it here.

Dave Simonett has spent almost two decades as the lead singer, guitar player and songwriter for the widely popular and beloved roots band, Trampled By Turtles. He also fronts Dead Man Winter, a bull-bodied, emotionally resonant brand of Americana-infused indie rock band. He now boldly steps forward with a shining collection of new solo material for the first time under his own name called Red Tail. While Dead Man Winter's Furnace was a much-needed cathartic experience for Simonett during a dark time, he is not connecting these songs on Red Tail to his own life as he prefers to allow listeners to develop their own interpretations. The conversational and poetic style in which Simonett writes lends itself to this perfectly, inspired by the spacious and stark Northern woods of Minnesota, where he's from. Drawing from the outdoors, Simonett uses light, weather and imagery to paint introspective, cinematic scenes that are easy to lose yourself in.

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Danny Clinch

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 14:00:08 -0000

Legendary photographer Danny Clinch joins Rhett from his home on the Jersey Shore to share some stories from the early days of his career and the little moments that led to his status as one of the top rock photographers in the world. Danny talks about the growth of his gallery, Transparent Clinch, explains how he developed his distinctive style, and shares the story of shooting Bruce Springsteen for the cover of The Rising, then years later in New York for the cover of Letter To You.

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BJ Barham

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:22:09 -0000

American Aquarium’s BJ Barham joins Rhett from Philadelphia while on tour to talk about their new record Chicamacomico, and what it feels like to finally be back out on the road. BJ discusses his songwriting process, music as a way to help people through trauma, and how he turns negativity into a creative superpower.

North Carolina alt-country outfit American Aquarium rose to prominence in the late 2000s with a sound that mixed twang, grit, and some straight-ahead rock & roll. Focused around the songs of frontman B.J. Barham, the group had already recorded four records and gone on countless tours before finding more widespread acclaim with 2012's Burn.Flicker.Die. Over the years, Barham has retooled his lineup a number of times and became more politically outspoken on later releases like 2020's poetic Lamentations. In 2021, the band offered up a two-volume covers project of '90s/early-2000s country songs under the title Slappers, Bangers, and Certified Twangers, before returning to studio and completing their latest album, 2022's Chicamacomico.

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Jennifer Egan

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 12:00:55 -0000

Pulitzer-prize winning author Jennifer Egan joins Rhett for an enlightening conversation about writing and making art. Jennifer shares useful insight on how she works, explains why reading aloud helps her understand a story better, and discusses the role that genre plays in her writing. She and Rhett talk about the importance of persistence and why trial and error is a great tool for creativity. Jennifer also gives us a preview of ideas she’s kicking around for future projects.

Her new book, The Candy House, is available now.

Jennifer Egan is the author of several novels and a short story collection. Her 2017 novel, Manhattan Beach, a New York Times bestseller, was awarded the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and was chosen as New York City’s One Book One New York read. Her previous novel, A Visit From the Goon Squad, won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Los Angeles Times book prize, and was recently named one of the best books of the decade by Time Magazine and Entertainment Weekly. Also a journalist, she has written frequently in the New York Times Magazine, and she recently completed a term as President of PEN America. Her new novel, The Candy House, a sibling to A Visit From the Goon Squad, was published in April, 2022.

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Craig Finn

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 13:00:38 -0000

Craig Finn is a Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter based in New York City, best known as the singer of The Hold Steady. He joins Rhett to talk about his podcast, That’s How I Remember It, which is about the connection between memory and creativity. Craig and Rhett discuss the inspiration behind the podcast as well as Craig’s songwriting process, the importance of a band’s first record, and why he feels that albums have ‘seasons’. Craig shares the tricks he uses every day to dispel anxiety, depression, and remove any self generated obstacles.

Finn spent the ’90's leading Minneapolis indie band Lifter Puller, which released 3 albums and an EP. After relocating to New York, he joined with Lifter Puller member Tad Kubler to form The Hold Steady in 2003. The Hold Steady quickly achieved critical acclaim and a worldwide fanbase with their unique pairing of dense lyrical narratives with big rock guitars. Pitchfork has described Finn as “a born storyteller, who has chosen rock as his medium.” When performing his solo material live, Craig Finn is joined by a dynamic group of musicians called The Uptown Controllers.

Craig’s latest album, A Legacy Of Rentals, is available now.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

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Taylor Goldsmith

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:47:16 -0000

Taylor Goldsmith joins Rhett from his home in Pasadena, CA to discuss the making of Dawes’ new album and the challenges of pushing himself and the band artistically to create something new. Taylor explains why he doesn’t adhere to the ‘rules’ of the music business when it comes to songwriting, how he pushes through negativity, and shares the insight he would give to his 21-year old self.

Taylor Goldsmith is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He is the frontman for the band Dawes, which he formed with his younger brother in 2009. Taylor has also been involved in several side projects over the years, including Middle Brother (2010) and New Basement Tapes (2014), and performed as a session artist for singers including Jackson Browne, John Fogerty and more.

“Misadventures of Doomscroller”, the new album from Dawes, will be released this month.

And, don't miss Rhett's new single "Follow You Home".

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Richard Edwards

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 14:30:00 -0000

Richard Edwards is a producer, mixologist, and musician who has been making music professionally for over 15 years. In this episode, Richard discusses the many projects he’s working on, including a new album and a book. Richard and Rhett talk about the challenges of being an independent artist, how the marketing and consumption of music has changed and Richard recalls his early ambition to be a director. He shares the story of the promoter in New York City who gave him the confidence to pursue his career, and why being a parent ‘resides comfortably’ next to his identity as a songwriter.

Much of Richard’s music was made under the stage name of Margot & the Nuclear So and So's, but in 2017 he released his first solo album, Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset. At the height of the pandemic, he released a new solo album, The Soft Ache and the Moon, a piano-driven collection of songs that he describes as the third in a trilogy (after 2017’s Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset and 2018’s Verdugo). His latest release, Richard Edwards Sings the Margot & Nuclear so and so’s Songbook in Quarantine (Vol 2) is available now.

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Vance Powell

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:00:27 -0000

Six-time Grammy award winning producer, engineer and mixer Vance Powell joins Rhett to talk about the world of making records, his approach to producing, and how he’s chosen his projects over a 40-year career. Vance shares a few war stories, explains what he means when he says “get your 10,000 hours in”, and why he would tell his 21-year old self to be more musical.

Vance studied electrical engineering in Missouri and started his career as a front-of-house engineer. In 2002, he moved to Nashville and became studio manager and chief engineer at the legendary Black Bird studios. In 2006, he co-founded Sputnik studios along with Grammy-winning engineer Mitch Dane. Powell has won 6 Grammy awards working with rock artists such as The Raconteurs, Kings of Leon, Jack White, Pearl Jam, The White Stripes, The Dead Weather and more. He produced the OLD 97's Twelfth, released in 2020.

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John Doe

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 13:00:12 -0000

Singer-songwriter, actor, and poet John Doe joins Rhett from Austin, TX to talk about the concept record he just released about the pre-industrial U.S., why he enjoys writing high-stakes tales, and the importance of getting bad songs out of the way early in one’s songwriting career. John also discusses the importance of not sweating the “small stuff,” how gratitude helps him find balance, and the life lessons he learns from horses.

John Doe is a musician, actor, and poet from Illinois best known as the co-founder of the LA punk band X. He has also released 14 solo records and has acted in dozens of TV shows and several movies. His band X is considered to be one of the most influential bands of the 80’s and early 90’s, and in this episode you’ll hear all about John’s exciting and versatile career.

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Jenny O

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:00:16 -0000

Singer-songwriter Jenny O joins Rhett from Los Angeles to talk about her upcoming record, her songwriting process, and the moment she realized her musical power. Jenny and Rhett talk about the importance of taking time when finalizing lyrics, the very real demand for more female musicians, and the complicated variables of social interaction.

Jenny O is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Long Island, NY best known for her captivating studio records and her honest and poignant songwriting. She’s toured with all-time great songwriters like Ben Harper, Leon Russell, and Father John Misty, and her music has appeared in commercials for world-renowned brands including Coca-Cola, Toyota, and Subaru. Jenny is in the process of completing her fourth full-length album, which she and Rhett discuss in the episode.

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Delbert McClinton

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:00:47 -0000

The godfather of Americana music, Delbert McClinton, joins Rhett from Nashville, TN to discuss his 27th studio album, why writing music still feels great after 60 years, and well-kept secrets about artistic longevity. Delbert shares some advice on songwriting and gives us an insightful look back on his fruitful career in music, while optimistically looking forward to all of the music he’s yet to play.

Delbert McClinton is a four-time Grammy Award winner best known for his extensive solo discography. Delbert is an Americana legend and a preacher of the blues, and the 25+ studio albums that he’s recorded over the course of his career cement him as a crucial member of the lineage of Americana musicians. His recent release, Outdated Emotion, which he and Rhett discuss in the episode, brings Delbert full circle to the songs that started it all.

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Lauren Calve

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Lauren Calve joins Rhett this week to talk about the making of her debut album, the importance of finding “quiet” in music, and . Lauren tells Rhett about how religion affected her musical development, and shares a story about the moment Nina Simone changed her perception of singing.

Lauren Calve is a singer and songwriter from Virginia. While she has found her ground in the sounds of blues and Americana, her true strength lies in her ability to defy tradition. Lauren daringly explores innovative melodies, structures, and arrangements that collectively define her originality. She released her debut EP, Between the Creek and the Tracks, in 2014, for which she earned a Washington Area Music Association nomination for Best Roots Rock Vocalist.

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Raymond Pettibon

Tue, 31 May 2022 15:30:00 -0000

Raymond Pettibon is recognized for his early work created in the midst of the Southern California punk rock scene in the late 1970s-early 80s, most notably his hand drawn concert flyers and logo design for his brother’s band, Black Flag. On this week’s episode of Wheels Off, he joins Rhett to talk about his creating his own place in the art world and the DIY approach that he continues to maintain. Raymond and Rhett discuss the unique way he combines art with words in his work, and why it’s important to stay grounded in the work itself.

Raymond Pettibon emerged from Southern California DIY culture and its punk-rock sensibility, and his work still embraces a youthful edginess and sense of political engagement. Drawing from disparate cultural sources—which range from Marcel Proust and William Blake to the Bible—the artist makes cartoon-inspired ink drawings on paper which evoke the aesthetics of fanzines and concert flyers. Baseball players, trains, crashing waves, political figures, and comic book characters make frequent appearances, often accompanied by cryptic, ironic snippets of handwritten text. Pettibon has been the subject of solo shows at the New Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and the Kunsthalle Wien. Alongside his fine-art practice, Pettibon has illustrated album art for Sonic Youth and Black Flag, among other musical acts.

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Jillian Medoff

Tue, 24 May 2022 09:25:35 -0000

Writer Jillian Medoff joins Rhett to discuss her upcoming book release, balancing her career with the creative obstacles of being a writer, and persevering through adversity. Jillian shares the story behind becoming a writer, and explains why her work is a ‘life-sustaining force’.

Jillian Medoff is the author of four (soon to be 5) acclaimed novels including Hunger Point, which was made into an original movie in 2003. A former fellow at MacDowell, Blue Mountain Center, VCCA and Fundacion Valparaiso in Spain, Jillian has been taught by some of the best, and received her MFA from NYU. She studied with Mona Simpson and Jonathan Dee, and took master classes with Toni Morrison, Grace Paley, and Joyce Carol Oates. In addition to writing novels, Jillian has a long career in corporate consulting, advising clients on communication strategies for all aspects of the employee experience.

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Marco Benevento

Tue, 17 May 2022 13:00:01 -0000

Keyboard wizard Marco Benevento joins Rhett from his newly-renovated studio in Woodstock, NY to talk about his upcoming record. Marco tells Rhett about learning to unlock the artist within, the importance of practicing without taking any shortcuts, and the musical relationship that deepened his understanding of simplicity.

Marco Benevento is a pianist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his solo work as well as his playing in the Benevento/Russo Duo and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. Marco has been a fixture of the New York experimental music rock and jazz scene since 1999, and has collaborated with legendary musicians including Trey Anastasio, Andrew Barr, Phil Lesh, and Joe Russo. He has released 7 studio albums, and his eighth, titled Benevento, will be released on June 10th. You can pre-save Benevento here.

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Michaela Anne

Tue, 10 May 2022 13:00:16 -0000

Singer-songwriter Michaela Anne joins Rhett from her home in Nashville, TN to talk about her new record, converting lyrics into children’s books, and why being a new mother doesn’t give her the time or energy to feed into negativity. Michaela explains how she found her lane,, and why you don’t need to fit into the country music mold to be a country musician.

Michaela Anne is a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, NY who currently lives in Nashville, TN. Her music incorporates elements of country, pop, indie rock, and Honky Tonk, and she has released four albums since officially launching her career in 2014. Her fifth album, Oh to Be That Free, comes out on June 10, and will add another breathtaking installment to her discography of dazzlingly unique Americana sounds.

Pre-save her upcoming album, Oh To Be That Free, here.

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Eric Pulido

Tue, 03 May 2022 12:00:55 -0000

Eric Pulido, front man for indie rock pioneers Midlake, joins Rhett on this episode to talk about celebrating failure, finding balance while grappling with ambition, and recognizing the moment when you have to take a leap of faith. Eric tells Rhett about the inspiration behind their song Bethel Woods, and shares the advice he would give to his younger self.

Indie Folk Rock pioneers Midlake formed in Denton, Texas, in 1999. Currently comprised of Eric Pulido, McKenzie Smith, Eric Nichelson, Jesse Chandler, and Joey McClellan, the band’s 5th studio album For the Sake of Bethel Woods was released on March 18th, 2022. Produced to layered, loving perfection by John Congleton, For the Sake of Bethel Woods is an album of immersive warmth and mystery from a band of ardent seekers, one of our generation’s finest: a band once feared lost themselves by fans, perhaps, but here revivified with freshness and constancy of intent.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Walter Martin

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:00:50 -0000

Walter Martin is a multi-award-winning songwriter first known for his work with New York rock 'n' roll bands The Walkmen and Jonathan Fire*Eater. In this episode, Walt joins Rhett to talk about his prolific and varied songwriting career, the importance of separating art and commerce, and the creative freedom he enjoys as an independent artist.

In 2014 Martin launched a solo career and has subsequently released five studio albums: two Parents’ Choice award winning family albums (2014's We're All Young Together and 2017's My Kinda Music) and three critically acclaimed albums for adults (2016's Arts & Leisure, 2018's Reminisce Bar & Grill and 2020’s The World at Night. In March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world, Martin released two collections of unreleased songs (Common Prayers; Green Beans & Tangerines).

A much anticipated new album, The Bear, was released on March 25, 2022.

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Kristin Hersh

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:30:00 -0000

Songwriter, guitarist and singer, Kristin Hersh joins Rhett from her home in Rhode Island to talk about recording with 50FOOTWAVE, a musical collective she founded in 2004 under the theory that ‘music doesn’t belong in the music industry’. Kristin shares stories from her days as a young artist in the Boston music scene, grappling with the pressures of the industry, and what it means to lose yourself in the work. The two discuss the difference between creating art for art’s sake versus selling your art as a product, and being humbled by the complexity of humanity.

Kristin Hersh’s prolific career has seen her heralded queen of the alternative release. Songwriter, guitarist and singer, Kristin Hersh has released over 20 records solo, with Throwing Muses and 50FOOTWAVE. She released her tenth studio album, 'Possible Dust Clouds' in 2018.

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Hillary Grace Fretland

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:30:56 -0000

This week Hillary Fretland joins Rhett to talk about her band, Fretland, and the making of their latest album, Could Have Loved You. You’ll hear Hillary and Rhett discuss being gentle with the lessons you learn along the way, breaking the rules in music, and Hillary does a deep dive on her fan-favorite song “Do You Think of Me” from Fretland’s last album.

Hillary Fretland is the leader of the sensational Americana band, Fretland, whose sound mixes fragile alt-country with passionate gushes of indie rock. From Snohomish, WA, Hillary was inspired by her mother to play music when she was young, and 10+ years of playing and writing songs has led to two exceptional albums for Fretland in just two years. Fretland has racked up more than a million streams with their aching ballads, leaf-strewn sound, and gently spun secrets, and in this episode you’ll hear all about the creative process of their front woman.

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Ketch Secor

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:00:46 -0000

Frontman and fiddler for Old Crow Medicine Show, Ketch Secor, joins Rhett from his longtime home of Nashville to talk about the upcoming Old Crow Medicine Show album, the difficulty of writing songs about social and political issues, and why there are so many things to sing about today that make the heart heavy. Ketch explains why moving around a lot as a kid helped to shape him as an artist, and discusses his incredible career in one of the top Americana acts of the last 20 years.

Ketch Secor is a founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show, a Grammy Award—winning group that has been inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2017 and 2018, Old Crow Medicine Show released three critically acclaimed albums: Best of Old Crow Medicine Show (Nettwerk), 50 Years of Blonde On Blonde (Columbia Nashville), a reimagined version of Bob Dylan's classic Blonde on Blonde album, and Volunteer (Sony Music Nashville).

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Jack Torrey

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:00:23 -0000

Jack Torrey, one half of the indie band The Cactus Blossoms, joins Rhett from his home in Minneapolis to talk about getting back on the road, writing and recording a new record during the pandemic, and why he was content to not have a plan other than playing music. Jack tells Rhett about the impact that Bob Dylan had on his writing, and explains what he means when he says he’s the “eye of the storm”.

“Hey baby, do you wanna take a trip with me? / I’ve got a feeling there might be a silver lining all around.” So begins One Day, the captivating new album from critically acclaimed Minneapolis duo The Cactus Blossoms. Written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the record explores the tension between optimism and despair that’s defined much of the past few years of American life, examining the power (or naïveté, depending on your perspective) of positive thinking in the face of chaos and uncertainty. The songs here are tender and timeless, with straightforward arrangements centered around brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum’s air tight harmonies, and the performances are warm and intimate to match, delivered with a soulful, ’70s-inspired palette of playful Wurlitzer, breezy guitars, and muscular percussion.

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Paz Lenchantin

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:00:02 -0000

Paz Lenchantin is an Argentinian-American musician who has played bass for The Pixies since 2014. She joins Rhett to talk about recording the latest Pixies album, writing music for film, and why she feels that there are more opportunities for female artists now that ever before. Paz explains why she likes to switch things up musically when she’s home by returning to the violin; and, why she thinks that social media is detrimental to the artistic process.

Paz Lenchantin has been the bass guitarist, vocalist and violinist of the alternative rock band Pixies since 2014. She has also played bass and strings with various bands, including Entrance, A Perfect Circle, Silver Jews, and Zwan.

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Duquette Johnston

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:00:04 -0000

Duquette Johnston, a founding member of the breakout 90s indie band Verbena and now an acclaimed solo artist, joins Rhett from Birmingham, AL. to talk about his new album, Social Animals, and the road to his creative life. Duq explains the evolution of his creative process, why he’s never had a Plan B, and how he eventually worked through the fear of success that was holding him back.

By his own admission Duquette Johnston has lived a "wild, incredible life," but even that might be underselling the three-act 25-year journey that's led to the Alabama musician's new album The Social Animals. In bringing the new album to life, Johnston drew from his indie rock past to unite a remarkable group of collaborators. This team included producer John Agnello - known for his work with Dinosaur Jr as well as recent albums from Hop Along, Waxahatchee, Twin Peaks and Kurt Vile - and a band anchored by longtime Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley. Through their spiraling guitars and cavernous beats, Johnston shares deeply-learned messages on the common theme that "we can lift each other up. We can change things, if we keep our hearts in the right place.”

Be sure to listen to Rhett’s interview with David Wax, the other half of David Wax Museum.

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Scott Metzger

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:23 -0000

Guitarist Scott Metzger joins Rhett from his home in Brooklyn to talk about his forthcoming album Too Close To Reason, which is his first solo effort. Scott tells Rhett about his early days as a sideman and shares the story of meeting James Brown, which was a pivotal moment in his career. The two discuss The Alexander Technique and why being aware of your body can help you navigate through stress, and Scott tells Rhett why it’s cool to be uncool.

Scott Metzger has performed, recorded, and toured with artists including: John Mayer, John Scofield, Warren Haynes, Nels Cline, Anders Osborne, Phil Lesh & many others from a variety of genres. He is a full time member of the critically acclaimed, increasingly popular Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. His various part time projects include the Gypsy Jazz influenced The Showdown Kids, and WOLF! (Royal Potato Family Records), an instrumental guitar trio whose music has been featured on the hit television series Z-Nation. In addition, Scott has made various appearances on national television, including appearances on Good Day New York and a featured duet with Nicole Atkins on the season 1 finale of Cameron Crowe’s Showtime series ‘Roadies.’

Pre-order Scott’s new album Too Close To Reason here.

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Suz Slezak

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:30:50 -0000

Musician Suz Slezak joins Rhett from her home in Charlottesville, VA to talk about her new solo album, the moment when she realized that she could make a living as a musician, and talks about her struggle with bipolar disorder. The two discuss managing one’s self critic and why it’s important to remember that your fantasies might come true.

Suz Slezak is a fiddle player and one half of the pioneering folk duo David Wax Museum. Our Wings May Be Featherless is the debut solo album from Suz Slezak, co-founder of the pioneering indie folk band David Wax Museum. The nine-track album was produced by Anthony da Costa (Joy Williams, Yola, Sarah Jarosz) and recorded throughout 2020 in Nashville and in Slezak’s homebase of Charlottesville, VA. It is a stunning and poignant collection of songs, an emotional tour de force, displaying the artist’s breathtaking lyricism, multi-instrumental breadth, and her ability to weave some of life's most difficult moments – traumatic childbirth, a best friend's suicide, and her own public struggle with bipolar disorder – into an Americana masterpiece. Available on March 4.

Be sure to listen to Rhett’s interview with David Wax, the other half of David Wax Museum.

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John Poveromo

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:00:48 -0000

Comedian John Poveromo joins Rhett from the Jersey Shore to talk about the road that led to his stand-up career and why his podcast, Dystopia Tonight, was a saving grace during the pandemic. Poveromo discusses opening for Jimmy Fallon, why comedy can help in the midst of disaster, and the innate curiosity that helped him navigate through depression.

John Poveromo is a nationally touring comedian, cartoonist, writer, actor, and the host of Dystopia Tonight with John Poveromo on TwitchTV, ApplePodcasts, Spotify and YouTube. John has been seen on FXX’s Gotham Live, FoxTv’s The Q, VH1, MTV, and has a short film on Amazon Prime that he both co-wrote and starred in titled, Duppet. He has been critically acclaimed by numerous major publications.

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Margo Price

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:00:42 -0000

Singer-songwriter Margo Price joins Rhett from her home in Tennessee to talk about finishing up the memoir that she’s been writing, the challenges of the process, and what she learned from the experience. The two discuss her uniquely heartfelt musical style, benefitting from a healthy lifestyle, and what it will take for the music industry to turn things around.

Margo Price is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and producer who is originally from Illinois. Her debut solo album, Midwest Farmer's Daughter, was released on Third Man Records in 2016 and was considered to be one of the best records of the year by many music critics. She has gained recognition for her work by winning several prestigious music awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2018.

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Steve Poltz

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 15:20:37 -0000

Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz joins Rhett from Portland, ME (in the middle of his tour with the Wood Brothers) to tell wild stories from the early days of his career, growing from failed performances, and his morning routine. You’ll hear Steve tell Rhett about a practical lesson that helps him eliminate internally-generated negativity, making less money from performances after destroying venues, and much more.

Steve Poltz is a musician from Nova Scotia who grew up in San Diego, CA. He gained initial recognition for co-founding the Rugburns, who released 6 exciting albums in the late 80s and early 90s, and toured nationally. Steve co-wrote the multi-platinum “You Were Meant For Me” with Jewel, and has also written songs with other legendary artists including Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, Nicki Bluhm, Oliver Wood and even Mojo Nixon. In this episode you’ll hear all about his wild ride on the rock n’ roll rollercoaster, and you won’t want to miss what he has to say!

Steve’s new record, Stardust and Satellites, comes out on February 18. Pre-save it here and check out the single from the album, “Conveyor Belt” on Apple Music or Spotify

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Special Encore Episode: Liz Phair

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:00:06 -0000

An encore episode: Liz Phair. In this episode, singer-songwriter Liz Phair joins Rhett from her home in LA to talk about her creative journey as a musician. The two discuss how being home during the pandemic has changed their lives, why social interaction is crucial for creative inspiration, and dig into her memoir Horror Stories. Liz explains why you “just have to go for the ride” in order to conquer feelings of self-doubt and shares a few other savvy insights gleaned from her extraordinary career.

Liz Phair is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Chicago who came to prominence in the early 90’s, thanks to the emotional authenticity of her lyrics and the lo-fi instrumentation in her music. She has been a recording artist and touring performer for over twenty-five years, paving the way for countless music artists, particularly women, who cite her among their major influences. Her 1993 debut studio album, Exile in Guyville, is ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Noah Hawley

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 14:30:40 -0000

Television and film director Noah Hawley joins Rhett from his home in Austin, TX to discuss his circuitous journey of writing three novels before his first novel sold, Kurt Vonnegut’s impactful influence on his creativity, and growing up in a household of artists. Noah and Rhett discuss the making of the final season of Fargo, and Noah walks us through a conceptual trick that he used in the first season of the show.

Noah Hawley is a television director, producer, and author from New York City. He created and wrote the FX television series Fargo and Legion, and has also written five novels. Noah previously worked on the television shows Bones, The Unusuals, and My Generation. He is set to create a new television series based on the Alien film franchise, which he discusses with Rhett in this episode.

Noah’s new book Anthem is out now, check it out here.

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Special Encore Episode: Jeff Tweedy

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 14:00:55 -0000

An encore episode of one of the most popular episodes of 2021. Grammy-winning musician Jeff Tweedy joins Rhett to talk about his new book and what the process of writing music has been like during the pandemic. The two discuss songwriting as a reaction to stress, how he discerns between imposter syndrome and anxiety, and why the power of observation is a useful writing trick. Jeff explains his above-average music consumption habit and the sense of awe he experiences when discovering a new album.

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Special Encore Episode: Julia Cameron

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:00:17 -0000

An encore presentation of one of the top episodes of 2021. Bestselling author Julia Cameron joins Rhett from her home in Santa Fe to talk about channeling creativity during the pandemic, what it means to ‘step past your inner censor' and why her book, The Artist’s Way, caught on. Julia tells Rhett about the critic that’s been with her since she was 18, and what she learned when she decided to become a teacher.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Special Encore Episode: Paget Brewster

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:00:30 -0000

An encore presentation of one of the top episodes of 2021. Rhett welcomes actress Paget Brewster to talk about her career as an actor, and the immense gratitude she holds for the artistic journey she’s on. Paget and Rhett talk about why voice excites her, how pre-performance nerves are a blessing in disguise, why it’s fun to die in a movie as an actor, and much more. Paget is incredibly thoughtful in the way she analyzes her work, and her exuberance about her art is refreshing and inspiring.

Paget Brewster is an actor, voice actor, and singer from Concord, Massachusetts. She gained initial recognition for her recurring role as Kathy on the fourth season of Friends, and broke through to widespread acclaim when she played Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds. Paget currently voices Birdgirl on the Adult Swim comedy series Birdgirl, which she and Rhett discuss in the episode.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Jesse Dayton

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 14:00:33 -0000

Musician, actor, and record producer Jesse Dayton joins Rhett fresh off of the road to talk about his recent acoustic tour, revisiting his life through writing a memoir, and playing music with his heroes. You’ll also hear the two friends discuss Chuck Berry’s lyricism, lifestyle changes that Jesse made in order to improve his health, and the importance of loving yourself.

Jesse Dayton is best known for his guitar contributions to albums by country musicians including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. He is also notable for his collaborations with horror film director Rob Zombie, who has commissioned Dayton to record music for his films. Jesse just released his memoir, Beaumonster, and you can check it out here.

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Laura Stevenson

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Laura Stevenson joins Rhett to talk about releasing an album during the pandemic, finding value in not having a plan, and the darker moments that occur during the creative process. They discuss Laura’s new album and why she can’t wait to start writing new music.

Laura Stevenson is a singer-songwriter from Long Island, NY. She made her recording debut in 2009 and was a keyboard player for the musical collective Bomb the Music Industry! In 2016, Stevenson released her first live album, recorded at Vera Club, and donated all of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood. Her sixth solo album, simply titled Laura Stevenson, was released in August 2021.

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Nicole Atkins

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:15:00 -0000

Nicole Atkins joins Rhett from her home in Nashville to talk about the new album that she’s working on, accidentally getting a record deal, and writing songs about Twitter. You’ll hear the two old friends (and songwriting partners) discuss her most recent record, Memphis Ice, why shyness is a waste of time when you’re a musician, and how “doing the work” is the only thing that you can control.

Nicole Atkins is a singer-songwriter from Neptune, NJ. Her style combines 50s-style crooning with psychedelia, soul, and 80’s punk, rendering a stunningly unique and infectious sound. She has released 6 stellar studio albums, and has collaborated with extraordinary artists including Scott Walker, The Avett Brothers, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. In this episode she shares fascinating insights about her flourishing musical life with listeners, and you won’t want to miss what she has to say!

Check out Nicole’s new album, Memphis Ice, on Apple Music or Spotify.

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Chris Shiflett

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Chris Shiflett joins Rhett from his home in LA to talk about his quarantine recording project, the conceptual differences between albums and singles in today’s music world, and holding grudges against your own songs. The two longtime friends also discuss the pros and cons of social media relevance, and what an audience truly wants in a live performance.

Chris Shiflett is a musician from Santa Barbara, California, best known for his role as the lead guitarist in the Foo Fighters. He was also a member of the punk rock bands No Use for a Name, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Chris has released two solo albums, and hosts a podcast called Walking the Floor. In this episode he sits down with his good friend to talk about what he’s learned throughout his career that spans almost four decades.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

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Robby Krieger

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Legendary rock guitarist Robby Krieger of the Doors joins Rhett from his home in Los Angeles for a fascinating conversation about writing music with Jim Morrison, Robby’s upcoming instrumental reggae album, and why he’s glad that he never learned to read music. You’ll also hear the two discuss Robby’s new book, Set the Night on Fire, the power of meditation, and writing “Light My Fire” when Robby was only 19 years old.

Robby Krieger is a guitarist and songwriter from Los Angeles best known for his work with the Doors. Robby co-wrote many of the Doors' most famous songs, including hits like "Light My Fire," "Love Me Two Times," "Touch Me," and "Love Her Madly." He is listed as one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone, and he has continued his productive musical career long after the group went their separate ways.

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Neal Francis

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 13:30:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Neal Francis joins Rhett from Chicago to talk about his album, In Plain Sight, and why he had to step away from the album once it was finished in order to actualize the music he’d created. Neal tells Rhett about starting out as a sideman and how he learned to accept that a career in music could be possible. The two discuss the powerful combination of mindfulness, meditation, and sobriety; and why songwriting is like architecture.

Neal Francis is a singer and songwriter from Oak Park, IL. “From a very early age, I was playing late into the night in a very stream-of-consciousness kind of way,” Neal has said, while citing influences ranging from ragtime to gospel soul to The Who. With a prodigy-like gift for piano, he sat in with a dozen different blues acts in Chicago clubs as a teenager, and formed a widely beloved funk band called The Heard before going solo. His new album, In Plain Sight, is a portrait of profound upheaval and weary resilience, presented in a kaleidoscopic sound that’s endlessly absorbing. Listen to the new album on Spotify or Apple Music.

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Jung Yun

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:30:10 -0000

Jung Yun joins Rhett from Baltimore, MD to talk about the making of her recently-released second novel, O Beautiful, and actualizing her vision to live a creative life. Jung and Rhett also discuss the journey that led to her publishing her first book at age 43, growing up without the understanding that she could make art for a living, and why everything happens in due time.

Jung Yun is a writer from Seoul, South Korea who grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. She studied at Vassar College, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Her work has appeared in Tin House, The Massachusetts Review, The Indiana Review, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Review of Books, among others. She currently lives in Baltimore with her husband and is an assistant professor of English at George Washington University.

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The Kernal (Joe Garner)

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0000

The Kernal, also known as Joe Garner, joins Rhett from his home in Jackson, TN to talk about the making of his new record Listen To The Blood, why he enjoys writing short stories, and the importance of having fun while playing music. Joe tells Rhett the story behind the red suit that started The Kernal, and the songwriting process that brings his soulful, classic sound to life.

Joe Garner is a singer-songwriter from Jackson, Tennessee who performs under the moniker The Kernal. With a storyteller's eye and sly sense of humor, The Kernal's unique country flavor delves deep into everything from family dysfunction, to road trips, to matters of the heart. He has released three studio albums and one live album. His latest release, Listen To The Blood, will be released in January 2022.

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Dan + Claudia Zanes

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Husband and wife creative duo Dan + Claudia Zanes join Rhett to talk about the making of their new record, Let Love Be Your Guide, which was created during the pandemic. They tell Rhett about the tension of working in a competitive society while sticking to their values, music as a unifying force, and what they would tell their 21-year old selves.

Dan and Claudia Zanes have been making music together since the day they met in 2016. Dan Zane was a member of the 1980s band The Del Fuegos and is now the front man of the Grammy-winning group Dan Zanes and Friends. Claudia Zanes is a Haitian-American Vocalist and Music Therapist, and a graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Together, they created Night Train 57: A Sensory Friendly Comic Folk Opera, a theater piece which premiered in October 2017, as well as an award-winning songbook titled Dan Zanes’ House Party: A Family Roots Music Treasury. Claudia also runs her own skin care business called CLEO Soaps, and Dan works with Constructive White Conversations, an anti-racist organization he co-founded in 2011.

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Rosanne Cash

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 16:00:00 -0000

Rosanne Cash, Rhett’s very first guest on Wheels Off, returns to the podcast to help celebrate episode 100. The two discuss what they’ve learned since episode 1 (in 2018), how the pandemic has affected her creatively, and what she’s looking forward to as she returns to performing live. Rosanne tells Rhett about the new music she’s written, including songs she co-wrote with Matt Berninger of The National and “The Killing Fields”, a powerful and personal song about reconciling issues of race, racism, and privilege.

Rosanne Cash is a singer-songwriter and author from Memphis, Tennessee. The eldest daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash, Rosanne took after her father’s musical intuition, but blazed her own trail as an artist. Her unique flavor of country music draws from rock, blues, Americana, and folk to create genuine and heartfelt soundscapes that contain powerful messages. She has released over a dozen studio albums and won four Grammy Awards.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Mara Wilson

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 13:45:00 -0000

Actress and writer Mara Wilson joins Rhett to talk about why she enjoys writing dialogue, how her childhood pointed her in the direction of becoming a storyteller, and effective ways to overcome mental health struggles. Mara also dives deep on why she values social ties in the context of creation, and tells Rhett about how her work becomes more clear to her as time passes.

Mara Wilson, known for her childhood roles in Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda, is a writer and actor living in Los Angeles. Recently, she has appeared on Welcome to Night Vale, Broad City, and Bojack Horseman. Her writing has appeared on Elle.com, McSweeney’s, Reductress, and Cracked. She also publishes a newsletter of her writing with Substack, 'Shan't We Call the Vicar?' and Mara's first book, Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame, is available from Penguin Random House.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Rainn Wilson, Nick Hornby, Pete Yorn, Liz Phair, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Paul Scheer

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0000

This week actor, comedian, and podcast host Paul Scheer joins Rhett to talk about creative ways to gain attention as a young artist and discusses some of the major shows he has worked on, including Veep and Parks and Recreation. Paul explains why new experiences validate his artistic growth, digs into some of his performance philosophies, and tells Rhett why authenticity is of the highest importance.

Paul Scheer is an actor, comedian, writer, and podcast host from Huntington, N.Y. He is best known for starring on the FX series The League, and as the co-creator and one of the stars of the MTV sketch comedy series Human Giant. He is also a co-host of the popular film discussion podcast How Did This Get Made?, and has appeared on television shows including Veep, Parks and Recreation, Bob’s Burgers, and Workaholics.

Listen to Paul’s podcasts: How Did This Get Made? and Unspooled

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Grey Delisle-Griffin

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Voice actor, comedian, and singer-songwriter Grey DeLisle joins Rhett from Glendale to discuss her accomplished career, how she maintains her positive and enthusiastic energy, and why songwriting is comparable to giving birth. You’ll also hear Grey provide a few incredible vocal imitations, and tell Rhett why she had no choice but to be an artist.

Grey DeLisle is an American voice actress, comedian and singer-songwriter. She has voiced countless characters in critically-acclaimed films, animated productions, and video games including The Fairly OddParents, Scooby-Doo!, and The Simpsons. In 2018, she released her debut comedy act, titled "My First Comedy Special," and in this episode she shares her whimsical, vibrant enthusiasm with listeners.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Ben Greenman

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 13:30:00 -0000

Author Ben Greenman joins Rhett from his home in New Jersey to talk about the two books that Ben is releasing next month with Questlove and Steven Van Zandt, his approach to success, and why fear of failure can be a good thing. The two compare the process of writing books with the process of songwriting, and how creative output changes as you get older.

Ben Greenman has written both fiction and non-fiction books, as well as many collaborations with musicians including Questlove, George Clinton, Brian Wilson, Gene Simmons, and others. Ben served as an editor at The New Yorker from 2000 to 2014, and as a writer he’s amassed an incredible oeuvre of novels, short stories, and other descriptive works over the span of his career.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Joe Pug

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0000

In this special, double-whammy episode of Wheels Off, singer-songwriter and podcast host Joe Pug joins Rhett from Prince George's County, Maryland to talk about his creative pursuits as a musician, the importance of staying present as a young artist, and how to save the world through beauty. Joe tells Rhett about the inspiration for starting his podcast, and what he would tell his 21-year old self about being a musician. After the Wheels Off interview, we transition to Joe’s podcast, The Working Songwriter, where Rhett tells Joe about his life as a musician, and details his own path of inspiration.

Joe Pug is a singer-songwriter from Greenbelt, Maryland. His lyrics echo the aura of all-time great songwriters such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Warren Zevon, and his 5 studio albums have all received favorable reviews. Pug also hosts a podcast, The Working Songwriter, which allows him to talk in-depth with some of the greatest songwriters of this era. He’s talked with Marcus King, Oliver Wood, Hiss Golden Messenger, and many other talented artists on the show, and in this conversation with Rhett he explains the genesis of the idea.

Check out Joe’s podcast, The Working Songwriter, here.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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John Ross Bowie

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:15:10 -0000

Actor, comedian, and podcast host John Ross Bowie joins Rhett from his home in Los Angeles to talk about his new podcast Household Faces, and his creative development over the course of his career. John shares the story about how improv changed his outlook on acting, the professional ups and downs he's experienced, and he and Rhett talk about why they enjoy being “middle class” artists.

John Ross Bowie is an actor, comedian, and podcast host best known for playing Barry Kripke on The Big Bang Theory and Jimmy DiMeo on Speechless. John has made guest appearances on shows such as Reno 911!, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Glee, and Good Luck Charlie, and he’s a regular standup comedy performer in New York City and Los Angeles. Besides his extensive resume in film and TV, John also hosts a podcast called Household Faces, which he launched in August. The podcast consists of in-depth interviews with some of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors, where they impart listeners with wisdom about their craft.

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Dessa

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa joins Rhett from her apartment in Manhattan to talk about how the pandemic has affected her life, the trope of the troubled artist, and touring in the age of COVID. Dessa explains why science is so important to her work, and delivers an unexpected response to the question of what she would tell her 21-year old self.

Dessa has made a career of bucking genres and defying expectations—her résumé as a musician includes performances at Lollapalooza and Glastonbury, co-compositions for 100-voice choir, performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, and top-200 entries on the Billboard charts. She contributed to the #1 album The Hamilton Mixtape: her track, “Congratulations,” has notched over 16 million streams. She’s been published by The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler, broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio, and published a memoir-in-essays (My Own Devices, 2018) in addition to two literary collections. She’s also delivered a TED Talk about her science experiment on how to fall out of love.

Dessa is the host of Deeply Human, a podcast created by the BBC and American Public Media. You can find the NY Times article referenced in the episode. “5 Notes From a Quiet Year: How Music Survived The Pandemic” here.

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Shannon McNally

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Shannon McNally joins Rhett from Austin, Texas to talk about her life as a songwriter, and her recent collaboration with Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band. Shannon tells Rhett about her songwriting process, and the new methods of collaboration that she’s enjoyed through writing with a full band. You’ll also hear about a transformative experience that she had when she was 15 at a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert, her “unreasonable standard for guitar playing,” and why it’s a good thing that it’s become harder to make money as a musician.

Shannon McNally is a singer-songwriter from Hempstead, New York. She has released 9 studio albums and contributed valuable additions to many others, including records with Dr. John, Neal Casal, Luther Dickinson, and many more talented musicians. In this episode you’ll hear about some of those collaborations, and about her unique path as an artist. She recently released an album titled The Waylon Sessions, which is now available on all streaming platforms.

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Nick Hornby

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:00:43 -0000

Author Nick Hornby joins Rhett from Islington, North London to talk about the book that he’s currently working on, which happens to be about Charles Dickens (the writer) and Prince (the artist). Nick and Rhett discuss Nick’s evolution as a writer, his unique ability to write about music in a realistic way, and why the secret to success is doing the work and getting something done every day.

Nick Hornby is an English writer and lyricist best known for his memoir Fever Pitch, and novels High Fidelity and About a Boy. Much of his writing is centered around sports, music, and the aimless and obsessive nature of his characters. His books have sold over 5 million copies worldwide and in 2004, BBC named Nick the 29th most influential person in British culture. He’s also written several screenplays, and some of his books have even been adapted into films, musicals, and television shows.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Kelly McCartney

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0000

This week, Kelly McCartney joins Rhett from Upstate New York to talk about her multifaceted career as a journalist and broadcaster, her show Record Bin Radio and why it’s “the dreamiest gig ever,” and why she thinks it’s important to trust your gut, while still trusting in the universe. You’ll also hear Kelly discuss her time as a personal assistant to Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles, and the various grant funds that she’s started including Rainey Day Fund, which provides grants to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled roots music artists.

Kelly McCartney is a music journalist, broadcaster, playwright, and activist born in Louisiana. She’s worked a variety of jobs in the music industry ranging from processing copyrights, to booking live shows, to writing album reviews, to serving as an assistant for artists. She has hosted several podcasts, and currently hosts Record Bin Radio on Apple Music. On top of her work in music, she also devotes her time to organizations that help support marginalized artists, including Rainey Day Fund, Color Me Country, and Rosetta Fund.

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Sam Hollander

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0000

One of the most renowned songwriters and producers in the music industry, Sam Hollander joins Rhett to talk about “failing his way up the charts” and the intense creative process that’s led to his success. Sam tells Rhett why a conversation between his parents and Nile Rogers led to his career path, and shares a life lesson from basketball’s Steve Nash that changed how he approaches his work.

Sam has had multi-platinum success writing and producing for the likes of Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, Train, blink-182, Banners and Gym Class Heroes amongst many others. To date, he’s achieved 22 US Top 40 Hits, as well as 10 Number 1's, 10 top fives, and 87 Top 10 chart positions globally. His songs have been streamed over 5 billion times, and in 2019, he held the #1 position on the Billboard Rock Songwriters Chart for nine weeks, a year-end record. Sam has also been chosen to be on Variety's Hitmakers list, as well as being named Rolling Stone's Hot List Producer of the Year.

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Erika Wennerstrom

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Erika Wennerstrom joins Rhett from Mount Hood, Oregon to talk about the latest Heartless Bastards record, the intricacies of her creative process, and the concept of “music as medicine”. They discuss the importance of self-awareness and challenging oneself, and Erika shares the details of writing the epic, powerfully soulful song “Revolution”.

Erika Wennerstrom is a singer-songwriter from Dayton, Ohio. She is the leader of the Ohio-based band Heartless Bastards, and she also has a career as a solo artist. Heartless Bastards have released six studio albums since they formed in 2003, and Erika released her debut album Sweet Unknown in 2018. She’s currently working on a follow-up. The upcoming Heartless Bastards album, A Beautiful Life, comes out on September 10th and you can pre-save it here.

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Sarah Hepola

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Author Sarah Hepola joins Rhett from her home in Dallas, Texas to talk about her writing career, which began unofficially when she wrote a Shawshank Redemption-inspired story in 7th grade and sold a copy to a fellow classmate. Sarah tells Rhett about the importance of freeing her mind in order to be creative, and what she does to achieve the meditative state that allows her to write. The two discuss struggling with one’s inner monologue and whether self-doubt can be a useful tool, and Sarah’s got some wardrobe advice for her 21-year old self.

Sarah Hepola is the author of the New York Times bestseller, Blackout, an unblinkingly honest memoir about her past history with alcohol. She has written articles and essays for the New York Times Magazine, Elle, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Guardian, Salon, and Texas Monthly. She also contributes short personal essays to NPR’s Fresh Air. Sarah is currently working on a podcast for Texas Monthly about the cultural impact of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which will be released this fall.

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Nidhi Chanani

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Wheels Off, illustrator and author Nidhi Chanani joins Rhett from her home in San Francisco to talk about the creative projects that she’s currently working on, and her career as an artist. You’ll hear Nidhi talk about the inspiration behind her new graphic novel Jukebox, why freelance work suits her artistic style and allows her to balance multiple projects at once, the connection between art and nature, and much more. Nidhi shares the story of how she untethered herself from her academically regimented adolescence, and when she realized that being an artist was a viable career path.

Nidhi Chanani is a freelance artist, author, and illustrator from Kolkata, India. She moved to Southern California when she was 4 months old, and received her degree in literature from the UC Santa Cruz. After that she attended art school for a year and a half, but dropped out after feeling artistically limited by instruction methods. She’s gone on to illustrate and author a multitude of children's books, many of which depict everyday familial problems and showcase female characters of color dealing with issues of identity. Her inspiring and empowering work has won her several awards, and earned her a Netflix adaptation of her best selling graphic novel Pashmina.

Her most recent book, Jukebox, is available here. She also created a Jukebox Playlist for the episode, which you can listen to on Spotify.

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Ida Mae

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 13:30:00 -0000

This week, musicians Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean of the Delta-blues inspired duo Ida Mae join Rhett to talk about their upcoming album, Click Click Domino. Phoning in from the English countryside, you’ll hear them talk about touring in America, the duality behind their songwriting process, and why Chris thinks that their latest album contains some of the best songs that they’ve ever written. They also discuss meeting when they were college students, how their agreeable musical tastes translate into their songwriting, and when they knew that their voices “clicked” when they started singing together.

Ida Mae is an acoustic alt-folk duo consisting of husband and wife Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean. Hailing from Norfolk, U.K., the group creates Americana and blues-influenced music saturated with deep textures, and overlaid with gorgeous vocal harmonies. After extensively touring in support of their 2019 debut LP, Chasing Lights, the group finished up Click Click Domino during lockdown. In this conversation you’ll hear them talk about the process of writing and recording during the pandemic, and working together as a team to create music that they love.

Click Click Domino will be available on July 16th, and you can pre-save it here.

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Songwriter/Producer Jeff Barry

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode of Wheels Off, legendary songwriter and record producer Jeff Barry joins Rhett from his home in Laurel Canyon for a captivating conversation filled with wonderful nuggets of songwriting advice. Jeff and Rhett discuss Jeff’s simplified songwriting formula, the early days of his career as a songwriter, how he learned to write great material, the sky-high success of Red Bird Records, and much more. Jeff shares the riveting story of providing the music for Sam Cooke’s first single with RCA, and reveals fantastic tips for songwriters that only a master could articulate.

Jeff Barry is a singer, songwriter, and record producer from Brooklyn, best known for his songwriting and production work with all-time great acts including The Monkees, The Shangri-Las, and Neil Diamond. He has written timeless classics with his former wife Ellie Greenwich and fellow songwriting partner Phil Spector, and together the three helped define the “Girl Group” sound. They produced hits like “Be My Baby,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” "Do Wah Diddy Diddy," "River Deep - Mountain High," and many other chart-topping tunes. Jeff went on to compose for T.V. and movies, and wrote the theme songs for One Day at a Time and The Jeffersons, as well as the score for the movie The Idolmaker.

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Allison Russell

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:30:33 -0000

This week on Wheels Off, talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Allison Russell joins Rhett from her new home in Nashville to talk about her debut solo album Outside Child, which was released in May. Allison reflects on taking the leap to release a solo album, and why she felt compelled to tell her own story. She discusses the transformative experience of raising her daughter, Ida, and recalls one of her “clearest and first memories” - a deep expression of love through her mother’s piano playing.

Allison Russell is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from Montreal. She is a founding member of the acclaimed groups Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters, the latter of which she discusses in-depth with Rhett. Allison's first ever solo album, Outside Child, is a musical and thematic wonder that explores beautifully genuine sonic textures, and heartfelt subject matter that points towards healing, compassion, and empowerment.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include producer & songwriter Jeff Barry, musical duo Ida Mae, and more. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Paget Brewster

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Actress Paget Brewster joins Rhett from her home in Los Angeles to talk about her career as an actor, and the immense gratitude she holds for the artistic journey she’s on. Paget and Rhett talk about why voice excites her, how pre-performance nerves are a blessing in disguise, why it’s fun to die in a movie as an actor, and much more. Paget is incredibly thoughtful in the way she analyzes her work, and her exuberance about her art is refreshing and inspiring.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include singer-songwriter Allison Russell, producer & songwriter Jeff Barry, musical duo Ida Mae, and more. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

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Author Lily Brooks-Dalton

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0000

This week on Wheels Off, author Lily Brooks-Dalton joins Rhett from her home in Los Angeles to talk about her creative endeavors as a writer. Lily and Rhett discuss adapting her books into film, the experience of releasing a memoir when she was just 25 years old, and memorizing her favorite books before she even knew how to read. Lily tells Rhett about the unique method she uses to get inside the minds of her favorite authors, and shares some advice for aspiring writers.

Lily Brooks Dalton's novel, Good Morning, Midnight (Random House, 2016), has been translated into 17 languages and is the inspiration for the film adaptation, The Midnight Sky. Her memoir, Motorcycles I’ve Loved (Riverhead, 2014), was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include actress Paget Brewster, singer-songwriter Allison Russell, producer & songwriter Jeff Barry, and more. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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John Densmore

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0000

This week, legendary drummer John Densmore joins Rhett to talk about his life with The Doors - “we had a kamikaze maniac as a lead singer” - and the other characters he’s written about in his new book The Seekers: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists). Rhett and John discuss the importance of silence, the wonders of transcendental meditation, and talk about the house that Rhett lived in that may have had some Doors magic in the air.

John Densmore is a musician, songwriter, author and actor from Los Angeles, California, best known as the rhythmic engine of The Doors. Responsible for some of the most famous beats in rock history, Densmore founded the rock band and was the drummer from 1965 to 1973. In fact, he was the only drummer in the Doors’ history and appeared on every recording made by the band. Densmore is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has also written three books, and explored avenues of creativity in filmmaking and acting. Densmore’s latest book, The Seekers, is available here.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include author Lily Brooks-Dalton, actress Paget Brewster, singer-songwriter Allison Russell, producer & songwriter Jeff Barry, and more.Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please leave us a rating & review on iTunes.

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Liz Phair

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Wheels Off with Rhett Miller, singer-songwriter Liz Phair joins Rhett from her home in LA to talk about her creative journey as a musician. The two discuss how being home during the pandemic has changed their lives, why social interaction is crucial for creative inspiration, and dig into her memoir Horror Stories. Liz explains why you “just have to go for the ride” in order to conquer feelings of self-doubt and shares a few other savvy insights gleaned from her extraordinary career.

Liz Phair is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Chicago who came to prominence in the early 90’s, thanks to the emotional authenticity of her lyrics and the lo-fi instrumentation in her music. She has been a recording artist and touring performer for over twenty-five years, paving the way for countless music artists, particularly women, who cite her among their major influences. Her 1993 debut studio album, Exile in Guyville, is ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Her 7th studio album, Soberish, will be released on Friday, June 4.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include The Doors’ John Densmore, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, actress Paget Brewster, and more. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

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Ben Schneider

Tue, 25 May 2021 12:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Ben Schneider, guitarist and singer for the critically acclaimed indie band Lord Huron, joins Rhett from his studio in Los Angeles. Ben tells Rhett about the early days of his career and the moment he realized that he wanted to play in a band. He explains why living in Los Angeles helps him push through creative obstacles, the impact that nature has on his writing, and the importance of collaboration in his creative endeavors.

Lord Huron broke out in 2015 with their hit song “The Night We Met,” which has been streamed over 700 million times. Their intimate take on indie-folk borrows influences from lap steel-laced desert-country, while retaining a modern sound that’s well ahead of the curve. Ben Schneider is at the helm of their efforts, providing authentic and rich textures in his singing and guitar playing. Their latest album “Long Lost”, is available now.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing byJustin Thomas (Revoice Media). Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Pete Yorn

Tue, 18 May 2021 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, singer and multi-instrumentalist Pete Yorn joins Rhett to talk about his lifelong journey as an artist. The two discuss the harsh realities behind signing a record deal, grappling with the demons that present creative obstacles, and they reminisce over the excitement of hearing their songs mixed for the first time. Pete tells Rhett about the wisdom of his grandfather and the lessons he’s learned that carry him forward.

Pete Yorn has released over a dozen albums as a solo act. Yorn gained recognition around the world after releasing his debut album Musicforthemorningafter in 2001, which has gone on to sell over half a million copies. His latest release, New Rooftop EP (20 years of musicforthemorningafter) was released earlier this month in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his seminal debut LP. It includes four tracks: “Rooftop,” an unreleased outtake from the musicforthemorningafter sessions and three live versions of tracks from the album including Smiths cover “Panic”, “Life On A Chain” and “Lose You”, the latter of which is an emotionally charged performance delivered on his childhood piano.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include The Doors’ John Densmore, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, Lord Huron’s Ben Schneider, Liz Phair, and more. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing byJustin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Tony Weaver Jr.

Tue, 11 May 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Writer Tony Weaver Jr. joins Rhett from his home in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss the creative projects that he’s working on, including a new graphic novel series called “Weirdo.” Tony tells Rhett about his intent to provide hope and guidance for young people through his storytelling, and how stumbling into poetry convinced him to become a writer. The two discuss navigating times of uncertainty, optimizing for mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance.

Tony Weaver, Jr. is an award winning writer and educator creating diverse stories that make young people feel seen and valued. After recognizing the impact that media stereotypes had on students in his community, Tony embarked on a journey to create new media narratives that would challenge the status quo.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing byJustin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include The Doors’ John Densmore, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, Lord Huron’s Ben Schneider, Liz Phair, Pete Yorn, and more. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Pandora, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Zibby Owens

Tue, 04 May 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Author and podcaster Zibby Owens joins Rhett from her home in New York City to talk about her uninhibited creative process, her detailed approach to research and the importance of trying new things. Libby explains the genesis of “Moms Don’t Have Time To…” and why you will probably have to invent your dream job.

Zibby Owens is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books. Zibby, named “NYC’s Most Powerful Book-fluencer” by New York Magazine’s Vulture, conducts warm, inquisitive conversations with authors, making her show a top literary podcast as selected by Oprah.com in 2019 and 2020. She also created the Moms Don’t Have Time to Lose Weight community and hosts the accompanying podcast. Zibby is the Editor-in-Chief of Moms Don’t Have Time to Write, a Medium.com publication.

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Masi Asare

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Masi Asare is a composer, lyricist, and a musical theatre professor at Northwestern University. She has provided music for theatre productions including The Family Resemblance, Rishvor, Monsoon Wedding, Mirror of Most Value, and many others. In this episode Asare and Rhett talk about finding your voice of expression in art, “collective imagining” amongst theatre audience members, staying creative when inspiration feels elusive, and much more. Rhett relates his musical experience to Asare’s despite the two being from completely different musical realms, and Asare provides experienced, battle-tested insights for young musicians.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include author Zibby Owens, writer Tony Weaver Jr., The Doors’ John Densmore, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, Lord Huron’s Ben Schneider, Liz Phair, and more.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller, Kirsten Cluthe, and Nick Ruffini. Editing by Justin Thomas. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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David Wax

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 12:00:00 -0000

David Wax is one half of the duo David Wax Museum, which he formed in 2008 with his wife Suz Slezak. He joins Rhett from his home in Charlottesville, VA. to talk about how the pandemic enabled him to build a studio and dig into the process of home recording, and the two discuss why music is more important than ever right now. David explains how he handles self doubt by finding opportunity in crisis, and tells Rhett about the time they blindfolded an audience during a live performance. The new David Wax Museum album Euphoric Ouroboric is out now.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include composer/playwright Masi Asare, writer Tony Weaver Jr., The Doors’ John Densmore, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, author Zibby Owens, and more.

Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Ashley Longshore

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0000

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include musician David Wax, composer/playwright Masi Asare, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, and more. Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller, Kirsten Cluthe, and Nick Ruffini. Editing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

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Parker Millsap

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, singer-songwriter Parker Millsap joins Rhett from his home in Tennessee to talk about his new album Be Here Instead, what he’s been listening to for inspiration, and discusses his latest single, “Vulnerable”. The two geek out over how to play a major 2 chord, and Parker explains his process for writing through creative obstacles.

Parker Millsap is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who plays a blend of blues, country, rock, Americana, and folk music. Named one of Americana Music Association's 2014 Emerging Artists of the Year after the release of his eponymous album, Millsap garnered attention with his song "Truck Stop Gospel". His musical style has drawn comparisons to early Elvis Presley. In addition to singing, he plays guitar, harmonica and banjo. His latest album Be Here Instead drops on April 9.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include artist Ashley Longshore, musician David Wax, composer/playwright Masi Asare, author Lily Brooks-Dalton, and more.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller, Kirsten Cluthe, and Nick Ruffini. Editing by Justin Thomas (Revoice Media). Music by OLD 97's Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Jenny Turner Hall

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, award-winning writer/director Jenny Turner Hall joins Rhett from her home in Maplewood, NJ to talk about the creative projects she’s working on, including a scripted series inspired by New York’s infamous Brill Building. Jenny tells Rhett about growing up in a family of storytellers, why she prefers collaboration, and that time she ran an artist’s speakeasy out of her basement. Jenny and Rhett reminisce about being a young creative in New York City and Jenny reads a letter that she wrote to her 21-year old self.

Jenny Turner Hall is a Peabody Award Winner and a Writer/Director at the forefront of multi-platform storytelling. She has projects in film, television, podcasting, immersive theater, and fiction. With her friend Marcy Thompson, Jenny writes and produces for STUDIO B, a home for experimental theater, live performance, and hybrid art.

Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted by Rhett Miller. Produced by Rhett Miller, Kirsten Cluthe, and Nick Ruffini. Production assistance by Revoice Media. Music by Rhett Miller. Show logo by Tim Skirven.

Upcoming episodes of Wheels Off include artist Ashley Longshore, singer-songwriter Parker Milsap, composer/playwright Masi Asare, musician David Wax, and more.Revisit Season One of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Will Forte, Lydia Loveless, Allison Moorer, Ted Leo, Paul F. Tompkins, Jen Kirkman, and more.

This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this podcast, please leave us a rating or review on iTunes.

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Robert Ellis

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0000

Singer-songwriter Robert Ellis joins Rhett from his home in Fort Worth, TX. to talk about life in the music business, the struggle of self-promotion, and his recent pivot to producing music. Robert explains why he tells his students to make an audio mood board when writing music, and tells Rhett about moving a piano to the top of a mountain to get the cover shot for his album, Texas Piano Man.

Robert Ellis is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who blends country, pop music and jazz. His most recent album is Texas Piano Man (2019).

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Lauren Groff

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Author Lauren Groff joins Rhett from her home in Gainesville, FL. to talk about her creative process, facing her fears through writing, and how she handles the pressure of publishing her work. Lauren explains what she learns from reading poetry, what it means to ‘allow failure’ into your writing, and why index cards are one of her go-to writing tools.

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Patterson Hood

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0000

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Julia Cameron

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Bestselling author Julia Cameron joins Rhett from her home in Santa Fe to talk about channeling creativity during the pandemic, what it means to ‘step past your inner censor’, and why her book The Artist’s Way caught on. Julia tells Rhett about the critic that’s been with her since she was 18, and what she learned when she decided to become a teacher.

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Calvin Watkins

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Sportswriter Calvin Watkins joins Rhett from his home in Plano, TX. to talk about his career, the lessons he learned as a young writer, and what it’s like to cover major sports activities, like the NFL draft, during COVID. Calvin Watkins covers the Dallas Cowboys for the Dallas Morning News.

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Karen Kilgariff

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Writer and comedian Karen Kilgariff joins Rhett this week to talk about why she pivoted from acting to writing, creating her podcast network, Exactly Right, and tells Rhett about the moment she realized she wanted to be in show business. Rhett and Karen talk about the understated brilliance of Elliott Smith and Fiona Apple, the importance of appreciating your uniqueness as an artist, and why you shouldn’t judge your own work.

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Ben Nichols

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Lucero front man Ben Nichols joins Rhett from his home in Ohio to discuss learning how to create graphic novels, writing music through the pandemic, and the work ethic that is the engine behind his band’s success. Ben describes the band’s early days in Memphis and the pivotal moment when keyboardist Rick Steff joined the band.

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Norah Jones

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Norah joins Rhett from her home in New York to talk about her writing process, finding quiet time to be creative, and how she learned how to navigate through the early success of her career.

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David Daley

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Rhett welcomes author David Daley, whose new book "Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy" documents nationwide grassroots efforts to make democracy more inclusive.

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Dan Wilson

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Grammy-winning musician Dan Wilson joins Rhett to talk about creating his deck of cards, “Words & Music in 6 Seconds”, learning how to live an artistic life, and what it’s like to write songs with some of his musical heroes. Dan Wilson is a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and visual artist. He is the leader of the band Semisonic.

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Jeff Tweedy

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Grammy-winning musician Jeff Tweedy joins Rhett to talk about his new book and what the process of writing music has been like during the pandemic. The two discuss songwriting as a reaction to stress, how he discerns between imposter syndrome and anxiety, and why the power of observation is a useful writing trick. Jeff explains his above-average music consumption habit and the sense of awe he experiences when discovering a new album.

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Kathy Valentine

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Kathy Valentine, acclaimed musician, songwriter and author, joins Rhett from her home in Austin to discuss her new book, her career with The Go-Gos, and what it means to be a woman in music. Kathy describes the moment when she realized that she wanted to be in a band, what she learned from Joan Jett, and getting through tough times with humor and bravery. The two reflect on the magical moments that only seem to happen in LA, and that time when Kathy’s band became the wedding band to the stars.

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Big Thief's Buck Meek

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Buck Meek, lead guitarist for Big Thief and accomplished solo artist, joins Rhett from his home in Topanga Canyon, CA. to talk about how he’s been spending his time during the pandemic, including creating new music with Big Thief. Buck tells Rhett about learning guitar from local players while growing up in Texas, and the impact that the Kerrville Folk Festival had on his musical education before he went to Berklee. The two talk about removing the obstacle of self-reflection during the recording process, and the importance of trusting yourself as an artist.

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Chef Silvia Barban

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000

This week, chef Silvia Barban joins Rhett to spread some positive energy and share the story about how she learned to cook the food that would make her a culinary star. Silvia tells Rhett about spending time in the kitchen with her Grandmother in Italy, and the moment when she realized that she wanted to make everyone feel good with her food. The two discuss why creating food is like creating art, Silvia explains her approach of “transporting people” through meals she makes, and why her family called her “Earthquake” when she was a kid.

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055: Singer-songwriter Suzanne Santo

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Suzanne Santo joins Rhett from her home in Los Angeles to talk about focusing on self-care during the pandemic, the pressure to create, and how the forced downtime for the music industry could result in a new and improved model. The two wax ecstatic about Ohio, discuss live streaming and Zoom performances, and Suzanne recalls the time she sang “River” for Joni Mitchell.

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054: Screenwriter Jack Burditt

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:35:52 -0000

Jack Burditt is an American producer and screenwriter who has worked on television shows like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Frasier, Modern Family, 30 Rock, and The Mindy Project. He joins Rhett from his home in California to talk about getting his start with a spec script for Seinfeld, balancing creative bravery with the need to pay the bills, and how staying away from social media (and television) finally allowed him to finish his novel. He tells Rhett about what he’s learned from writing sitcoms, and the two reminisce about that time he convinced Rhett (and friends) to appear on an episode of 30 Rock.

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053: Musician Emily Wolfe

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Emily Wolfe joins Rhett from her hometown of Austin to talk about writing music for her next record, why she was drawn to the guitar at a very young age, and where she developed her strong work ethic. The two discuss why the music industry is more challenging now than for previous generations, the enormous power of her live performances, and the unstoppable drive that keeps her going.

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052: Comedian Wyatt Cenac

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000

This week, comedian Wyatt Cenac joins Rhett to talk about figuring out his next creative project while adjusting to a new normal, what it feels like to perform online, and recalls the days when he was an intern at SNL. Wyatt tells Rhett about that time he took a test to determine what career path he should take, the unexpected impact of his “Happy Hour Record Club” (Instagram), and what it really means to be persistent.

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051: Poet Maggie Smith

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Poet and author Maggie Smith joins Rhett from her home outside of Columbus, OH. to talk about getting naked emotionally and how her new book, Keep Moving, came together through a series of notes she was writing to herself. The two talk about finding silver linings during the pandemic, and Maggie explains why it’s important to bring a sense of wonder to your work.

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050: Singer-Songwriter, Kevin Morby

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:17:04 -0000

In this episode, Rhett chats with musician Kevin Morby about his latest album, Sundowner, and what he’s been up to creatively since the album’s release. Kevin tells Rhett about growing up in the midwest, his early influences and the impact that a particular Nick Cave performance had on him, and what happened when he sent Jon Hamm an email.

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049: Pixies Guitarist Joey Santiago

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Joey Santiago, composer and lead guitarist for The Pixies, joins Rhett to talk about what he’s been up to during the pandemic, his renowned career and friendship with Pixies lead Charles Thompson, aka Frank Black. Joey tells Rhett about the first time he saw a live guitar performance and why it inspired him to learn to play. They discuss the benefits of seeing cover bands and that time at Largo when Joey was due to perform with Rhett (but didn’t show up).

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048: Musician Joe Pernice

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Musician, writer, and actor Joe Pernice joins Rhett from his home in Toronto to talk about his career in music, which began when he joined the Scud Mountain Boys while in grad school. Joe tells Rhett about the complex musicality of Barry Manilow songs, which he covers on his new album, what he does to clear his head, and the importance of replacing ‘micro-damaging things’ with micro positive things.

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047: Gordy Quist from Band of Heathens

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Gordy Quist, singer-songwriter and guitarist for the Band of Heathens, joins Rhett from his studio in Austin to talk about how he went from being a linebacker at Dartmouth to a successful “middle class” musician, the sense of brotherhood he gets from being in a band, and why being an independent artist has given Band of Heathens longevity.

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046: Duane Betts from The Allman Betts Band

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 14:26:21 -0000

Duane Betts is a singer-songwriter and guitarist for The Allman Betts Band. Duane joins Rhett to talk about recording the new Allman Betts album “Bless Your Heart” and what he’s been up to while quarantined in Wyoming. Duane tells Rhett why he originally wanted to be a drummer, how he manages stress and the feeling of imposter syndrome, and shares some of the lessons he learned from his father, musician Dickey Betts.

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045: World Cafe's RAINA DOURIS

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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044: Singer-songwriter CHUCK PROPHET

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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043: Singer-Songwriter Zach Rogue

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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042: The American Songster, Dom Flemons

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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041: Billions Showrunner Brian Koppleman

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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 during the pandemic, and why “2020 is the year of clear vision.”

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039: CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Conor Knighton

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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038: Actress & Musician Tawny Newsome

Tue, 26 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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037: Guitarist Billy Strings

Tue, 12 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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, how he thinks about his place in the music industry, and what he’s doing while sheltering-in-place during the COVID-19 quarantine

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036: Comedian and Musician Dave Hill

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 21:01:54 -0000

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 also the host of Dave Hill's Podcasting Incident, a podcast recorded in Hill's living room. Dave’s new record “The Pride of Cleveland” was released on April 24 and is available now.

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035 - Rhett Miller as guest on his own show

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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034 - Actor and Comedian Steve Agee

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 16:45:42 -0000

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.

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033 - Wheels Off with Dungeon Master Christopher Perkins

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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032 - Author and Illustrator Dan Santat

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:05:25 -0000

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 (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) He is also the creator of the Disney animated hit, The Replacements. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and various pets.

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031 - Comedian and Actress Tig Notaro

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0000

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.

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030 - DIY Punk Rock Magician Michael Casey

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0000

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029 - Kate Micucci

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0000

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.

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028 - Rainn Wilson

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0000

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.

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027 - Rosanne Cash

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0000

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.

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026 - Ben Acker: Writer

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0000

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."

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025 - Gordon Keith: Writer and Broadcaster

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 13:35:27 -0000

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024 - Harlan Coben: Award winning crime novelist

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 15:47:46 -0000

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.

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023 - Carl Newman: New Pornographers

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 07:00:00 -0000

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.

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

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 07:00:00 -0000

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

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021 - Rachel Yamagata: Singer-Songwriter

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 01:54:12 -0000

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.

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020 - Norbert Leo Butz Singer and Actor

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:38:38 -0000

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.

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019 - Ryan Miller: Musician (Guster)

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 23:51:00 -0000

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”.

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018 - Allison Moorer: Musician and Writer

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 06:31:19 -0000

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.’

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017 - Christopher Harris: Fantasy Football expert and novelist

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 01:09:42 -0000

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

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

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 16:44:58 -0000

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

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015 - Greg Behrendt: Comedian, Musician and Writer

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 21:29:26 -0000

In this episode of Wheels Off, Rhett sits down with comedian Greg Behrendt in Durham, NC. to talk about the difficulty of monetizing art, what he does at 4:30 every morning to spark creativity, and the fallacy of authenticity.

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014 - Jen Kirkman: Stand-up Comedian, Writer, and Author

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 18:41:52 -0000

Jen Kirkman is a stand-up comedian, writer, and author. In this episode, Rhett and Jen talk about playing Dungeons and Dragons as an adult, why it's important to keep track of what you wore on stage, and why you shouldn't brand yourself.

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013 - Paul F. Tompkins: Writer and Comedian

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 02:21:29 -0000

Rhett sits down with comedian Paul F. Tompkins while in L.A. to talk about writing, what he learned when he did improv with Jane Fonda, and why it’s important to try everything, even if it scares you.

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012 - Michael Chabon: Pulitzer-prize winning author

Mon, 27 May 2019 20:46:08 -0000

Rhett sits down with Pulitzer-prize winning author Michael Chabon at Chabon's home office in Berkeley, CA. to talk about writing, why imitation is key to finding your own voice, and the importance of working without the distraction of technology.

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011 - Trapper Schoepp: Singer-Songwriter

Tue, 14 May 2019 00:18:05 -0000

Rhett sat down with singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp at Schoepp’s home in Milwaukee to talk about “Primetime Illusion”, his latest album. Schoepp explains the story behind “On Wisconsin”, the song he co-wrote with Bob Dylan.

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010 - Kyle Kinane: Comedian and Actor

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 03:59:50 -0000

Kyle Kinane, comedian and actor, joins Rhett in Pioneertown, CA to discuss his career as a stand up comic, dealing with writer’s block, staying humble, and zigzagging your way to success.

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009 - Lydia Loveless: Singer | Songwriter

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:35:32 -0000

Lydia Loveless ia a singer-songwriter from Ohio known for her “blast it to the back of the room” voice. She sat with Rhett while in Boston to talk about her early life as a musician, grappling with writer’s block and self-imposed obstacles, and that time she tried stand up comedy. She’s been writing and playing music since she was 14, and at the tender age of 28, is learning how to slow down and get comfortable with herself.

Lydia has toured with artists such as the Old 97s, Supersuckers, Jason Isbell, Iron & Wine, and Drive-By-Truckers. Her music has been praised by Rolling Stone, NPR, Pitchfork, SPIN, Stereogum, Chicago Tribune, and more. She was the subject of the 2016 documentary Who Is Lydia Loveless?, directed by Gorman Bechard.

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008 - John McCrea: Founder, Lead Singer, and Songwriter for the band Cake

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 03:56:28 -0000

John McCrea is the founder, lead singer, and songwriter for the band Cake. He’s also an activist and the Vice President of the Content Creators Coalition, an artist-run advocacy organization for musicians dedicated to working with songwriters, performers, and musicians for equity in the digital world. John sits down with Rhett to talk about the mathematics of mixing, new music from Cake, and how he keeps his creativity going after years of being an active musician. Rhett asks what advice he’d give his 21-year old self and John determines that he believes you’re supposed to have problems. The two talk about how that applies to parenting, and why it’s important to just figure things out for yourself.

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007 - Brian Anderson: Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, NBA, NCAA and PGA Golf Sportscaster

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 04:36:25 -0000

Brian Anderson is a sportscaster, recognized for his work calling Milwaukee Brewers games as well as postseason MLB games, NBA and NCAA tournament games, and PGA Golf. In the middle of NCAA season, he sat down with Rhett to talk about calling sporting events for a living.

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006 - Eric Howk - Grammy Winning Guitarist: Portugal. The Man

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 01:05:39 -0000

Rhett met up in Eric’s adopted hometown of Seattle to record this episode, and the two discuss writing accidental hits, how to combat insecurity, and the “secret sleeper towns” they find while on tour.

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005 - Aaron Draplin: Graphic Designer, Author, and Founder of Draplin Design Co.

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 17:54:47 -0000

Famed designer Aaron Drapler sits down with Rhett to discuss his hustle, intense work ethic, humility, and why hardship is great for us.

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004 - Will Forte: Emmy-Nominated Actor, Comedian, Writer and Producer

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 02:11:10 -0000

Comedian, actor, writer, and producer Will Forte joins Rhett in Los Angeles to talk about his life as a comedian, and the insanity that living a creative life can bring.

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003 - Rob Thomas: (Matchbox 20) Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer and Multi-Instrumentalist,

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 21:27:04 -0000

Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas on that one time he didn’t get to meet Prince, being recognized in the supermarket, and what it means to release a record in the digital age.

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002 - Fred Armisen: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer and Musician

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 21:23:58 -0000

Comedian Fred Armisen on being funny in Spanish, lucky breaks, and why failing when you’re young can serve you well.

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001 - Rosanne Cash: Singer-Songwriter and Author

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 21:20:25 -0000

Grammy winning artist Rosanne Cash on writing, wrestling with imposter syndrome, the importance of persistence, and the freedom to let yourself fall apart.

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Introduction to Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 01:18:15 -0000

Old 97s frontman Rhett Miller interviews musicians, actors, comics, writers and artists from all disciplines about the messy reality behind the creative life.

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