Podsongs

"You're in despair. You just don't know you're in despair." — Peter Rollins On this episode of Podsongs, John Kunkel of The New Division takes the guest-host chair to interview Northern Irish writer, philosopher and theologian Peter Rollins as inspiration for a brand new song. John opens up on his influences — Depeche Mode, New Order, Echo & the Bunnymen, Duran Duran — be...

Australian singer-songwriter William Crighton joins host Jack Stafford for a remarkable conversation with legendary explorer, anthropologist and ethnobotanist Wade Davis — bestselling author of The Serpent and the Rainbow and one of the world’s leading voices on indigenous cultures, psychedelics, anthropology and human consciousness. Recorded on Wade Davis’ 70th birthday, this episode explores Abo...

Chad Kultgen — novelist, screenwriter, co-creator of Game of Roses (a.k.a. Bachelor Clues), co-host of Dudesy, and host of YouTube's The Necessary Conversation — joins Podsongs for a 90-minute interview with guest host Robin Dann of the Toronto art-pop band Bernice. Robin is a two-time Polaris Music Prize nominee with Bernice, and on this episode she steps into the host seat to dig into the id...

Songwriter Leroy Stagger speaks with writer Alistair McIntosh about the mental-health strain many experienced during COVID, the need for community, and how the “pause” helped Leroy slow down, reconnect with spirituality, and better understand his purpose as a touring musician. Leroy credits Alistair’s books, especially Soil and Soul and Poacher’s Pilgrimage, along with authors and artists like Pat...

In this episode of Podsongs, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June sits down with world-renowned mindfulness teacher and author Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).Together, they explore mindfulness, meditation, breath, creativity and music as practices of awareness and connection. Valerie shares how meditation has shaped her daily life and artistic proce...

⁠Alastair Campbell⁠ joins host ⁠Jack Stafford⁠ and musician ⁠Allman Brown⁠ for a rare and deeply human conversation on Podsongs. Known for his central role in New Labour and his openness about mental health, Campbell reflects on vulnerability, resilience and leadership under pressure. The discussion moves from mental health in politics and the emotional weight of decision-making to Brexit, legacy...

Jay Malinowski (Bedouin Soundclash) meets renowned Irish philosopher Richard Kearney for an extraordinary conversation on anatheism, spirituality, doubt, imagination, and the power of music. This Podsongs episode blends philosophy, music, creativity, and spiritual insight—and it all leads to an original song inspired by the interview. If you’re interested in deep conversations, faith and doubt, th...

Can you optimise this text for wild foraging: Musician Griffin William Sherry on Hunting, Foraging, and Creative Writing with Jenna Rozelle | Pod Songs Interview In this episode of Pod Songs, host Jack Stafford brings together Griffin William Sherry, lead singer of Ghost of Paul Revere, and Maine-based forager, writer, and wild foods educator Jenna Rozelle. They dive into a captivating discussion...

In this 14th 'Track by Track' episode of Podsongs, host Jack Stafford, and musicians Maurizio Sanicola and Luigi Falcione reflect on their inspiring musical journey across the last 12 episodes. They discuss collaborations with diverse artists like Atlas, EMA, and The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band, inspired by fascinating interviews with guests such as dog trainer Linda Michaels, writer Oc...

Belgian guitarist Quentin Dujardin joins pro climber Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll on Podsongs to explore the link between music, creativity, and the art of rock climbing. From life lessons on Greenland’s big walls to finding rhythm on uncharted rock faces, this conversation dives deep into what it means to balance risk, artistry, and adventure. Stream the song that resulted from the interview: https...

In this special episode of Podsongs, musician Ceschi Ramos sits down with award-winning writer Ocean Vuong (On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Night Sky with Exit Wounds) for a raw, deeply personal conversation about art, identity, music, and grief. This is the kind of conversation that only results when two artists at the same level, but in different disciplines, can really judge and appreciate one...

In this deeply reflective episode of Podsongs, musical duo Samana (www.samanaroad.com) — Rebecca Rose Harris and Franklin Mockett — engage in a soulful and thought-provoking dialogue with award-winning poet and novelist Anne Michaels, author of Fugitive Pieces (www.annemichaels.ca). Topics Covered: The role of solitude in the creative process Art as ritual , healing, and transcendence The subconsc...

In this thought-provoking episode of Pod Songs , host Jack Stafford sits down with Icelandic singer-songwriter Svavar Knútur and Neil and Sarah from the YouTube channel Leftist Cooks for a wide-ranging conversation on empathy, activism, and the fight to preserve cultural identity through language and music . Together, they explore how streaming platforms like Spotify contribute to the erosion of m...

In this emotional and inspiring episode of Podsongs, host Jack Stafford brings together acclaimed author Cheryl Strayed (Tiny Beautiful Things, Wild) and beloved indie folk musician May Erlewine for a rare conversation on creativity, courage, and vulnerability. May shares how Cheryl’s deeply human writing shaped her latest album, and the two explore the connection between music and literature, emo...

Join us in this heartwarming episode of Podsongs where musician Reverend Peyton interviews the legendary American actor and director LeVar Burton. From the transformative impact of 'Roots' and 'Reading Rainbow' to his role as Geordi LaForge in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', LeVar Burton's inspirational journey is laid bare. Reverend Peyton shares personal anecdotes on how Burton shaped his life...

In this episode of Podsongs, acclaimed musician Raul Midon ( https://www.raulmidon.com/) sits down with legendary radio producer Thomas Lopez to explore the art of audio storytelling. And to get inspiration for a brand new song https://ffm.to/timeisariver Together, they dive into the world of binaural sound and its transformative role in creating immersive radio dramas. Thomas shares insights from...

In this episode of Podsongs , musician Corey Kilgannon interviews acclaimed journalist and author Johann Hari to explore the deeper causes of depression and anxiety. Drawing from Johann’s groundbreaking book Lost Connections , they discuss mental health solutions that go beyond traditional treatments, focusing on the power of social connections, meaningful work, and community building. LOST CONNEC...

Get ready for a journey into Ancient Mysteries and the world of Psychedelics, all in the search for inspiration for a new song. Guy Keltner of the band Acid Tongue sits down with renowned author and researcher Graham Hancock. Together, they explore a wide array of fascinating topics, including ancient civilizations, psychedelics, and Hancock’s groundbreaking theories on human consciousness and his...

Dr Claudia Welch delves into the holistic health benefits of Ayurveda, focusing on stress relief, pregnancy nourishment, and balancing modern life with ancient wisdom. She shares personal experiences and expert insights on the interplay between physical, mental, and spiritual health. We explore topics ranging from the importance of a balanced lifestyle to managing thyroid issues and enhancing lact...

What is a Partnership Society? What is the difference between partnership and Domination societies? Musician EMA interviews author and scientist Rianne Eisler, and creates a song inspired by Eisler's work on Partnerism and Domination cultures, aiming to bring about societal change on gender politics through music, called "Riane: Made for love" Stream the song: https://ffm.to/riane What is the Domi...

In this special episode of Podsongs, we take a journey through a season full of diverse musical inspirations and intriguing interviews. Hosts Luigi Falcione, Maurizio Sanicola, and Massimino Vozza reflect on their creative process and share tracks inspired by guests from various fields, including physicist Alan Lightman, jazz musician Sidron, chef Martin O'Dell, and Dire Straits' David Knopfler. W...

In this episode of Podsongs, host Jack Stafford is joined by the band ATLYS to discuss their project inspired by renowned dog trainer Linda Michaels. They delve into the unique, innovative methods of Linda, emphasizing her force-free dog training techniques and the development of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs. The conversation covers the band's classical roots, their evolution, and their boundary...

Creating hope with every brushstroke, Max Frieder goes into refugee camps around the world to bring light into the darkest corners. Working with children who have experienced terrible trauma, to anyone with any doubt he shows that Art can change the world. In this inspiring and engaging episode, he talks to the musician Zea Stallings form the band The Copper Children. They discuss their shared his...

In an extraordinary dialogue between rising music talent Milo Gore and acclaimed actor Robert Carlyle, Episode 151 of Podsongs unveils the raw essence of the creative process, navigating through the highs and lows that define the artistic journey. Hosted by Jack Stafford, this episode takes listeners on an introspective dive into the minds of two prolific creators, exploring the symbiosis between...

Podsongs is the unique podcast where musicians interview inspirational people as inspiration for a new song. This episode, with writer James Nestor and the musical duo Lowland Hum, covers an expansive range of topics including the significant roles of breathing in enhancing both physical and mental health as advocated by Nestor, the creative and transformative journey of artists, and the deep intr...