Why We Write with Kim Ruehl

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Danielle Howle talks about the intersection of songwriting, humor, and spirituality. Thanks for listening!

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Chris Pierce talks about working with Sunny War, touring with Neil Young, and what he’s learned across three decades of songwriting.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Chris Pierce talks about working with Sunny War, touring with Neil Young, and what he’s learned across three decades of songwriting.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' David Wilcox talks about the “communication between heart and mind” that’s at the center of his songwriting.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Lori McKenna talks about trusting the process, being a Nashville songwriter who doesn’t live in Nashville, and her new album '1988.'

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Aaron Burdett and Graham Sharp of Steep Canyon Rangers discuss how Burdett’s addition to the group has influenced their songwriting.

This episode of 'Why We Write' features another round of Folk Debate Club. Panelists, including special guests Milk Carton Kids, discuss the relationship between soul and career.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Garrison Starr and Sean McConnell talk about how their duo, My Sister, My Brother, began at a songwriting retreat and what they have learned from each other.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Tim O’Brien talks about collaborating with Darrell Scott, Tom Paxton, and how writing songs can be like watching grass grow.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Rachel Baiman talks about the influence of Gillian Welch, her journey with bipolar disorder, and writing songs on the fiddle.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' the Milk Carton Kids are back to talk about their new album, little league baseball, Bob Dylan, Bill Withers, and more.

On this 50th episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Vance Gilbert talks about the influence of Loudon Wainwright, Duke Ellington, and what he gained from failure.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Drew Holcomb talks about fatherhood, John Prine, Anne Lamott, and how to masterfully write any kind of song.

It’s Folk Debate Club time again, as 'Why We Write' host Kim Ruehl joins Basic Folk co-hosts Cindy Howes and Lizzie No, multi-instrumentalist Isa Burke, and folksinger Willi Carlisle to discuss authenticity.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Ellis Paul talks about the Boston songwriter scene, a special gift he got from Patty Griffin, and what he’s learned from 30 years writing songs.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Eilen Jewell talks about divorce, Buddhism, hiking alone, and how songwriting has accompanied her through all of it.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Tom Paxton and Cathy Fink discuss topical songs, personal songs, and what they’ve learned from each other.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Joy Clark talks about New Orleans, how music is her ministry, and what she learned backstage at the Grammys.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Oliver Wood explores the intersection of jazz and blues, the importance of improvisation, and how craft can sometimes get in the way of magic.

On this episode of 'Why We Write,' Kim Ruehl joins with Basic Folk podcasters Cindy Howes and Lizzie No—and special guest Isa Burke—to debate lyrics versus melody. We call it Folk Debate Club.