Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

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 Na...

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 fo...

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 importan...

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, comed...

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...

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...

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...

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 def...

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...

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.     Ni...

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...

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...

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 Dayto...

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 discu...

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 connect...

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. T...

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 Re...

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 reca...

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...

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...

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 li...

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 c...

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 importa...

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 lesso...

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, opt...