Perfectly Good Podcast - John Hiatt from A to Z cover art

Perfectly Good Podcast - John Hiatt from A to Z

Perfectly Good Podcast - John Hiatt from A to Z

By: Jesse Jackson
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About this listen

A podcast dedicated to discussing every John Hiatt song in alphabetical order featuring Sylvan Groth and Jesse Jackson. John Robert Hiatt (born August 20, 1952) is an American singer-songwriter.[ Hiatt has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards. He has released 22 studio albums, two compilation albums and one live album.His songs have been covered by Bonnie Raitt (Thing called Love), Bob Dylan (The Usual), Have a Little Faith in Me (Joe Cocker, Jewel, Mandy Moore & Bon Jovi) , Memphis in the Meantime (Carl Perkins, Greg Allman) Angel Eyes (Jeff Healey Band) to name just a few. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.2022-2023 Music
Episodes
  • John Hiatt's Mississippi Phone Booth & Stories of Redemption
    Oct 13 2025
    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 heartfelt and insightful episode of Perfectly Good Podcast. ⁠https://www.jbj-counseling.com⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jbjcounseling⁠ Email: ⁠jbj.counseling@gmail.com 00:00 Welcome to Perfectly Good Podcast 00:24 Introducing Special Guest: Josh Bennett Johnson 01:05 Josh's Journey: High School Memories and Substance Struggles 09:29 The Turning Point: Robbing a Bank and Seeking Help 12:39 Rehabilitation and Redemption 16:31 The Healing Power of Music and Connection 25:34 Discovering John Hiatt and Musical Influences 27:27 Discussing 'Mississippi Phone Booth' 43:12 Heartfelt Gratitude and Personal Connections 43:42 Analyzing 'Mississippi Phone Booth' Lyrics 44:21 Loneliness and Existential Reflections 45:24 Darkness and Isolation in Rural America 48:27 Desperation and Seeking Help 52:40 The Tradition of Phone Booth Songs 54:48 The Symbolism of the 84 Camaro 57:47 Rock Bottom and the Call for Change 01:08:09 Rating the Song and Final Thoughts 01:14:11 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Color TV's, Missing Arms and a Leaf - Missing Pieces
    Oct 6 2025
    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 attending a Pete Droge concert and discusses the significance of following artists over the years. They ponder over the song's meaning, the metaphorical sense of 'missing pieces,' and the life of a traveling musician. The episode rounds up with a discussion on the song’s rating. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:09 Jesse's New Jersey Adventure 02:55 Jake Thistle and Guitar Addiction 04:44 Sylvan's Concert Experience 06:15 Discussing 'Missing Pieces' 06:27 Just the Facts: 'Missing Pieces' 11:26 Songwriting and Personal Reflections 19:44 Analyzing the Lyrics: A Deep Dive 21:08 Interpreting Emotional Scars 22:24 The Complexity of Memories 23:21 The Chorus and Its Impact 25:08 Comparing to Classic Songs 30:23 Rating the Song 34:46 Connecting with the Audience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Exploring John Hiatt's 'Mile High': A Hidden Gem
    Sep 29 2025
    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 touches on the technology of the era that allowed such hidden tracks to exist. 00:00 Opening Remarks and Introduction 02:08 Welcome to Perfectly Good Podcast 02:39 Podcast Format and Song Introduction 03:13 Background on 'Mile High' 06:10 Discussion on Hidden Tracks and Technology 07:01 Break and Transition 07:14 Initial Reactions to 'Mile High' 08:09 Lyrics Analysis and Interpretation 16:07 Comparisons and Musical Context 24:01 Final Thoughts and Ratings 25:39 Contact Information and Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
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