Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

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...

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,...

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast....

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)...

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. Hosted on Ac...

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...

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

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

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 wh...

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 thing...

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

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, mu...

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

From his home in San Francisco, singer-songwriter Chuck Prophet joins Rhett to talk about how he’s been spending his time during the pandemic, why songwriting shouldn’t be explained, and the story behind the artwork on his forthcoming album. The two discuss the overlap between comedy and music, and Chuck vividly recounts the early days of the San Francisco punk rock scene. Hosted on Acast. See aca...

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

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...

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

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 Cit...

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

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...

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 video...

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...

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

In this episode, Rhett visits Steve Agee in his trailer on the set of Suicide Squad during filming in Georgia. Steve tells Rhett about developing a love for stand up at an early age, explains how his photography skills are the result of being socially awkward, and why Sarah Silverman is a guardian angel. They discuss the band Oasis, mental health, and why meditation is a game changer. Hosted on Ac...

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 adventur...