Perfectly Good Podcast - John Hiatt from A to Z

Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are joined by returning special guest Judy Groth Smith (aka Sylvan's mom) for our discussion of this song from John Hiatt's 1995 album Walk On. Before diving into the lyrics, we share memories of the time this song was released, including one wild weekend when the Groth girls stalked John Hiatt through a snow storm and the start of their shared fan project, Slo...

Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth discuss the first John Hiatt song in the N's of our A to Z countdown. Join us as we look back at the history surrounding "Nagging Dark" a song from the album Beneath This Gruff Exterior. This episode (and the song) deals with themes of mental health and addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is many resources for help, including dialing 988....

It's been a wonderful letter! Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth look back at the Perfectly Good Podcast episodes for both M songs and the calendar year 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode of our M-songs, Jesse and Sylvan discuss the song "Mystic Pinball." They review the technicalities that allow this song to be part of season one, though some Hiatt fans may not consider it part of any of John Hiatt's official albums. Sylvan shares some quotes from John Hiatt about the inspiration and the two fans discuss the lyrics before rating the song on our 5-star scale....

Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth discuss the John Hiatt song "My Sweet Girl" from 1997's Little Head. The two fans break down the lyrics and rate on our 1 to 5 star scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are joined by special guest John Cote to tackle this nostalgic song from John Hiatt's Tiki Bar is Open. We hear about how John come to know Hiatt's music from a radio show in Maine and Sylvan and John compare concert notes. The trio then break down the lyrics of "My Old Friend" before rating this song on our five-star scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Perhaps hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are still in the minor leagues of analyzing John Hiatt songs, because there's a lot of questions they both have about "My Edge of the Razor" from the 1983 album, All of a Sudden. Are you sharper than us, and how would you rate this ballad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dog lovers Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth take a shamefully biased view about John Hiatt's song "My Dog and Me" from 2005's Beneath This Gruff Exterior. Join us as we share stories about how our own pooches have impacted our families and our lives and a few anecdotes from John Hiatt's live performances of this song. We also breakdown all the lyrics and share how you can join the podcast. Learn mor...

In this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast, Jesse and Sylvan discuss the song "My Business" from John Hiatt's Mystic Pinball Album. They talk about the production and review the lyrics, then rate on the Hiatt scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join hosts Sylvan Groth and Jesse Jackson in this episode of the Perfectly Good Podcast as they dive into John Hiatt's song 'My Baby Blue.' They share insights and personal reflections on the song, discussing its lyrics and the nostalgia it evokes. They also touch on the song's background, its radio play, and various covers. Tune in for an engaging discussion on another gem from John Hiatt's exten...

Welcome to a new episode of Perfectly Good Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth dive deep into John Hiatt's song 'My Baby' from the album 'The Open Road'. They discuss the song's history, its lyrical evolution from early drafts to the final release, and interesting anecdotes from John Hiatt himself. The hosts praise the song for its vivid imagery and memorable lines while...

Join hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth in this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast as they discuss 'The Music is Hot' from John Hiatt's album 'Leftover Feelings'. They share their thoughts on the song's profound lyrics, storytelling, and musical composition, as well as personal anecdotes that relate to the themes of simple country living and the power of music. Special mentions include various co...

Join hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth in this heartfelt episode of the Perfectly Good Podcast, where they delve into the emotional depths of John Hiatt's song 'Mr. Stanley.' Through personal anecdotes and profound discussions, they explore the song's themes of loss, love, and the influence of father figures. Special guest Darren Watson also shares his insights and connection to the song. Liste...

In today's episode, Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groff explore 'Moving On' from John Hiatt's 2010 album 'The Open Road.' They discuss the song's nostalgic lyrics, emotional resonance, and personal connections to Hiatt's life. Tune in for heartfelt anecdotes, lyrical analysis, and more! 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 03:06 Podcast Setup and Scheduling 03:42 Bruce Springsteen Movie Discussion 05:15 In...

In this episode of the "Perfectly Good Podcast," hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth discuss the John Hiatt song 'Motorboat to Heaven' from his second album, Overcoats. Reflecting on the memories and emotions tied to this period of Hiatt's career, the hosts critique the lyrics, the musical arrangement, and its place within Hiatt’s oeuvre. They consider the metaphor of water skiing to discuss the...

In this episode of 'Perfectly Good Podcast,' hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth discuss one of John Hiatt's evocative tracks, 'The Most Unoriginal Sin.' They dive into the lyrics' rich metaphors and religious imagery, thematic ties to temptation and infidelity, and the song's unique blend of poetry and melody. While exploring interpretations and various cover versions, especially praising Willie...

In today's episode, Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth welcome Josh Bennett Johnson to discuss John Hiatt's song 'Mississippi Phone Booth' from the 'Leftover Feelings' album. Josh shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and the poignant parallels with the song's lyrics. Join us for an in-depth discussion on music, redemption, and the transformative power of seeking help. Don't miss this he...

In this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast, hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth delve into the song 'Missing Pieces' by John Hiatt. They explore the song's lyrics, themes, and emotional impact, highlighting the intimacy and storytelling prowess of Hiatt’s music. Jesse shares his recent experiences watching Bruce Springsteen perform live and interviewing musician Jake Thistle. Sylvan recalls attend...

In this episode of the 'Perfectly Good Podcast,' hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Cro delve into the hidden track 'Mile High' from John Hiatt's 1995 album 'Walk On.' They discuss its song's origins, its unique placement as a hidden track, and its distinct stylistic departure from the rest of the album. The episode features a detailed breakdown of the lyrics, comparisons to other artists' work, and t...

Join hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth as they embark on an exhilarating journey through John Hiatt's iconic song 'Memphis in the Meantime.' In this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast, they break down the lyrics, discuss its significance in Hiatt’s career, and share personal anecdotes and fun facts. From the song's recording history to its many covers by various artists, this episode dives deep...

Join Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth in this episode of the Perfectly Good Podcast as they discuss the song 'Maybe Baby, Say You Do' from John Hiatt's first album, 'Hanging Around the Observatory'. They share intriguing facts about the song, its recording background, and its place in Hiatt's early career. With insights into Hiatt's youthful creativity and fun lyrical play, this episode is a delight...

In this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast, hosts Jesse and Sylvan welcome filmmaker Bram van Splunteren to discuss his extensive career in music journalism and filmmaking. Bram shares his journey from working as a radio show producer to making music documentaries, with a particular focus on his acclaimed documentary about musician John Hiatt. The conversation covers Bram's early influences, his ex...

Join hosts Sylvan Groth and Jesse Jackson in a special episode of Perfectly Good Podcast recorded on August 20th, John Hiatt's birthday. In this episode, they delve into the song 'Master of Disaster' from Hiatt's 2005 album of the same name. Discussing the song's themes, lyrical depth, and various covers, Sylvan and Jesse celebrate the artist's impact on music. They also reflect on Hiatt's legacy,...

In this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast, hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth delve into the song 'Marlene' from John Hiatt's 2014 album 'Terms of My Surrender.' The episode takes place on the 41st anniversary of his sobriety. The hosts discuss the significance of Hiatt's sobriety journey and its impact on his music, expressing gratitude for his contributions. They also talk about the Cumberland...

🎸🎙️ Dive into the world of John Hiatt with us as we explore the fascinating story behind "Marianne" in our latest @PerfectlyGoodPod episode! What’s your favorite Hiatt song? Let us know! #JohnHiatt #MusicPodcast #NewEpisode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices