Episodes

  • Season Eight Announcement!

    Season Eight Announcement!
    Jan 2 2026

    Strong Songs Season Eight will kick off on Friday, January 16!

    If you want to listen a week early, get monthly "Inside the Episode" bonuses, and support the creation of Strong Songs, go sign up for the Patreon. We're running a sale for the whole month of January - use the code STRONG8 when signing up, and your first month will be just $1.

    See you in a couple weeks for the season premiere!

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    🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
    Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music

    🎨 SHOW ART:
    Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
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    5 mins
  • The Jazz Pianist's Perspective, with Peter Martin

    The Jazz Pianist's Perspective, with Peter Martin
    Nov 28 2025
    Kirk sits down with jazz piano legend Peter Martin to talk about Peter's musical background, his momentous early encounters with Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland, the jazz scene of the 1990s, how the Suzuki method works, and why jazz students today should be less shy about talking to their heroes. Check out Peter's online jazz education program Open Studio, as well as You'll Hear It, the music podcast he co-hosts with Adam Maness. DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:“Variations Sur ‘Le Carnaval de Venise” feat. Wynton Marsalis and the Eastman Wind Ensemble from Carnival, 1987“Path Adjacent” Peter Martin w/ Gregory Hutchinson, Sarah Hanahan & Reuben Rogers from Generation S, 2023“Bag’s Groove” by Milt Jackson from Miles Davis, Bag’s Groove, 1967“Tea For Two” by Youmans/Ceasar, played by Art Tatum from Piano Starts Here, 1968“Broad Way Blues” by Ornette Coleman from New York Is Now, 1968“Swingin’ at the Haven” by Branford Marsalis from Royal Garden Blues, 1986“Now’s The Time/Billie’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker from Jamey Aebersold Vol. 6: All Bird“Naima’s Love Song” by Betty Carter from I_t’s Not About The Melody_, 1992“Mental Phrasing” by Roy Hargrove live w/ Joshua Redman, Ron Blake, Peter Martin, Rodney Whitaker, Greg Hutchinson“Turnaround” by Joshua Redman w/ Pat Metheny from Wish, 1993“Jig-A-Jug” by Joshua Redman and “St. Thomas” by Sonny Rollins” from Spirit of the Moment: Live at the Village Vanguard, 1995“Cat Battles” and “One Shining Soul” by Joshua Redman from Freedom in the Groove, 1996“The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner” intro and “Mind and Body” from Solo, Live in New York, 2015“Why Approach Chords Matter” - Adam Maness for Open Studio on YouTube, 2025“2 Down & 2 Across,” “Sing a Song of Song,” “Before It’s Time to Say Goodbye” by Kenny Garrett feat. Kenny Kirkland from Songbook, 1997“Phyrzzinian Man” by Wynton Marsalis from Black Codes from the Underground, 1985“Necessary Evil” by Elvin Jones and “Whatever Possessed Me” by Chet Baker feat. Pat LaBarbera (Tenor) and Kenny Kirkland from Brother John, 1982“Stella by Starlight” by Hoagy Carmichael, performed by the Miles Davis Quintet on My Funny Valentine: In Concert, 1965--------------------NOVEMBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Julie Rowe – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rich Fish – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheranNOVEMBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Kress – Alan Maass – Alex – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Andrew Knutson – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas – Brian Rinckenberger – Brian John Peter – Bruno Gaeta – Carlos Lerner – Caro Field – Catherine Clause – Cbalmain – Charles McGee – Cheryl Wilke – Chris K – Christian Hessmann – Christopher Selby Spink – Clare Holberton – Claudia Carty – Clint McElroy – Colin Hodo – Dallas Hockley – Dan Cutter – Dani – Daniel Kaberon – Daniel Markoff – Daniel Nervo – Dave Douglass – Dave Kolas – Dave Malloy – Dave Sharpe – David – David Futter – David Joske – David Noah – Deebs – Dent Earl – Dermot Crowley – Dhu Wik – Diane Hughes – Diane Turner – Dick Morgan – Donald Mackie – Doreen Carlson – Doug Belew – Douglas H. Frazer – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Dubmarine – E. Margaret Warton – Edward Steen – Eoin De Burca – Eric Helm – Eric Prestemon – Eric Sp – Eric Stone – Erik – Ethan Bauman – Ethan Laser – Freddy Freeman – Gary Pierce – Gavin Doig – Geraldine Butler – Glenn Jackson – Grettir Asmundarson – Heather J – Henry Mindlin – HiddenJester – Ian Karmel – Ian Pidd – Inmar Givoni – Irritable – James – James – James Johnson – James McMurry – Jamie – Janice Berry – Jason Pratt – Jeff – Jeff Ulm – Jeffrey Bean – Jeffrey Olson – Jennifer Bush – Jez – Jim Sellers – Joe Gallo – John Berry – John Domina – John Halpin – Jonathan Daniels – Jordan Gatenby – Joseph Romero – Josh Singer – Joshua Hill – JRRJ ...
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad

    The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad
    Nov 14 2025
    Writer, composer, and Peabody Award-winning podcaster Jad Abumrad joins Kirk to talk about Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, his new 12-part series on the life, music, and legacy of Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti.DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:“Miryea’s Death” by Jack Nitzche from Revenge, 1990“Prologue” by Alexandre Desplat from Birth, 2004Excerpt from Port(al), music by Paola Prestini and Jad Abumrad, performed by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus“It’s Highlife Time” and “Amaechi’s Blues” by Fela Kuti and his Koola Lobitos, ca. 1963-69“Jeun Ko Ku,” “Eko Ile,” and “Je’nwi Temi” by Fela Kuti from Afrodesiac, 1973“Zombie” by Fela Kuti from Zombie, 1976“The Great Curve” by Talking Heads from Remain in Light, 1980“Life During Wartime” and “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads from Stop Making Sense, 1984“The Prince We Never Knew“ - Sasha Weiss’ essential New York Times feature on Ezra Edelman’s unreleased Prince documentary“RITUAL” by Jon Hopkins from Ritual, 2024“Open Eye Signal” by Jon Hopkins from Immunity, 2013“A Quiet Glow” by Siavash Amini from Songs for Sad Poets, 2022“In The Dust of This Planet” - 2014 Radiolab Episode featuring the poetry of Eugene Thacker“The Right Man (Daniele Baldelli & Marco Dionigi Cosmic Remix)” from The Units - Connections, 2011“quiero sentirme bien” by Kali Uchis from Sin Miedo, 2020“Looking for Love” by The Tallest Man On Earth from Henry St., 2023“Sweet Surrender” by Sarah McLachlan from Mirrorball, 1999--------------------OCTOBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheran OCTOBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Aaron Wilson – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Kress – Alan Maass – Alex – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas – Brian Rinckenberger – Brian John Peter – Bruno Gaeta – Carlos Lerner – Caro Field – Catherine Clause – Cbalmain – Charles McGee – Cheryl Wilke – Chris K – Chris Remo – Christian Hessmann – Christopher Selby Spink – Clare Holberton – Claudia Carty – Clint McElroy – Colin Hodo – Dallas Hockley – Dan Cutter – Dani – Daniel Kaberon – Daniel Markoff – Daniel Nervo – Dave Douglass – Dave Kolas – Dave Malloy – Dave Sharpe – David – David – David – David Futter – David Joske – David Noah – David Stroud – Deebs – Dent Earl – Dermot Crowley – Dhu Wik – Diane Hughes – Diane Turner – Dick Morgan – Donald Mackie – Doreen Carlson – Doug Belew – Douglas H. Frazer – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – E. Margaret Warton – Edward Steen – Eoin De Burca – Eric Helm – Eric Prestemon – Eric Sp – Eric Stone – Erik – Ethan Bauman – Ethan Laser – Freddy Freeman – Gary Pierce – Gavin Doig – Geraldine Butler – Glenn Jackson – Grettir Asmundarson – Henry Mindlin – HiddenJester – Ian Karmel – Ian Pidd – Inmar Givoni – Irritable – James – James Johnson – James McMurry – Jamie – Janice Berry – Jason Pratt – Jeff – Jeff Ulm – Jeffrey Bean – Jeffrey Olson – Jennifer Bush – Jez – Jim Sellers – Joe Gallo – John Berry – John Halpin – Jonathan Daniels – Jordan Gatenby – Joseph Romero – Josh Singer – Joshua Hill – JRRJ – Julie Kellman – Justin McElroy – Karma Jay – Kaya Woodall – Kayla Russell – Kellen Steffen – Kelli Brockington – KenIsWearingAHat – Kenneth Jung – Kevin Marcelo – Kevin Potter – Kevin Stafford – Kym Griffith – Lauren Knotts – Lauren Reay – Lawrence – Lee R. – LG – Linda Duffy – Lisa Turner – Lottie Aron – Luigi Boccia – M. Shane Borders – Margaret McReynolds – Martín Salías – Mathias Schmidt – Matt Betzel – Matthew Jones – Max – Max Barnes – Melanie Stivers – Melissa Kuhns – Melmaniac – Merv Adrian – Meryl Allison – Michael – Michael Berman – Michael Casner – Michael Singer – Michael Wisnosky – Michelle Laughran – Mino Capossela – Misty Haisfield – MJS – Monica St. Angelo – Mordok’s ...
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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • Super Mario Bros: Koji Kondo's 8-Bit Masterpiece [Twenty Thousand Hertz]

    Super Mario Bros: Koji Kondo's 8-Bit Masterpiece [Twenty Thousand Hertz]
    Oct 31 2025

    This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz originally ran in August 2025.

    Kirk's 2020 episode of Strong Songs about the music of Super Mario

    TWENTY THOUSAND HERTZ SHOW NOTES:

    This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling.

    From the springy jump sound to the iconic Overworld Theme, the sound of Super Mario Bros. is instantly recognizable. With just five lo-fi audio channels and 40 kilobytes of space, composer Koji Kondo created a soundscape full of unforgettable melodies. In this episode, we explore how Kondo’s playful instincts, rhythmic trickery, and love of jazz fusion defined the sound of Mario. Featuring Kirk Hamilton of Strong Songs and Thomas of Thomas Game Docs.

    MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE

    Rocker Jr. - Shake [B]IT
    DJARTMUSIC - 8 Bit Console from My Childhood
    moodmode - Game 8-Bit On
    XtremeFreddy - Bit Beats 1
    moodmode - Level VII
    Wesley Slover - Analog Jam 1103
    Space_Cat - Light It Up
    moodmode - Level VI
    William Benckert - Dance of the Pixel Birds

    Subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see our new video series.

    If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Support the show and get ad-free episodes at ⁠⁠⁠20k.org/plus⁠⁠⁠.

    Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Join our community on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Follow Kirk Hamilton’s podcasts ⁠Strong Songs⁠ and ⁠Triple Click⁠.

    Subscribe to Thomas’ Youtube channel, ⁠Thomas Game Docs⁠.

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    💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
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    👚 MERCH

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    🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
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    🎨 SHOW ART:
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    33 mins
  • Our Favorite TV Themes, with Leigh Sales

    Our Favorite TV Themes, with Leigh Sales
    Oct 17 2025
    It's fun to talk about TV theme songs, so that's what Kirk and special guest Leigh Sales did. Does this episode need any more introduction than that? Probably not.Check out Leigh's wonderful podcast Chat 10 Looks 3A YouTube Playlist of many of the themes discussed (and some they didn't get to)DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:The Office Theme - “Handbags and Gladrags” - 1967 by Mike D’Abo, perf. Big George Webley -US theme 2005 by Jay FergusonParks & Recreation - 2009, by Gaby Moreno and Vincent JonesWelcome Back Kotter - by John Sebastian (1974 - 1979)“Suicide is Painless” by Johnny Mandel, from MA_S_HThe Nanny Theme by Ann Hampton CallawayThe Brady Bunch theme by Frank De Vol & Sherwood SchwartzGilligan’s Island theme by Sherwood Schwartz (lyrics) & George Wyle (music)Beverley Hillbillies theme by Paul Hennig feat. Lester Flatt & Earl ScruggsMoney For Nothing/Beverley Hillbillies by Weird Al Yankovic from UHF, 1988"Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits from Brothers in Arms, 1985The Americans theme by Nathan Barr"Do Ya Wanna Taste It" by Wig Wam from Peacemaker, 2021The Pi Song from AsapSCIENCESymphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759 by Franz Schubert“Green Acres Theme” by Vic Mizzy“Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3, from The Sopranos"A Beautiful Mine" from Mad Men by RJD2“Sex and the City Theme” by Douglas J. CuomoSix Feet Under theme by Thomas NewmanBreaking Bad theme by Dave PorterHouse of Cards Theme by Jeff BealTank! by Yoko Kanno and SeatbeltsLEIGH'S MUSIC PICKS:Frank Sinatra Live at the Sands, ‘66 with the Count Basie Orchestra conducted by Quincy JonesINXS - Kick, 1987The Villagers - Becoming a Jackal, 2010--------------------OCTOBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheranOCTOBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Aaron Wilson – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Kress – Alan Maass – Alex – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas – Brian Rinckenberger – Brian John Peter – Bruno Gaeta – Carlos Lerner – Caro Field – Catherine Clause – Cbalmain – Charles McGee – Cheryl Wilke – Chris K – Chris Remo – Christian Hessmann – Christopher Selby Spink – Clare Holberton – Claudia Carty – Clint McElroy – Colin Hodo – Dallas Hockley – Dan Cutter – Dani – Daniel Kaberon – Daniel Markoff – Daniel Nervo – Dave Douglass – Dave Kolas – Dave Malloy – Dave Sharpe – David – David – David – David Futter – David Joske – David Noah – David Stroud – Deebs – Dent Earl – Dermot Crowley – Dhu Wik – Diane Hughes – Diane Turner – Dick Morgan – Donald Mackie – Doreen Carlson – Doug Belew – Douglas H. Frazer – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – E. Margaret Warton – Edward Steen – Eoin de Burca – Eric Helm – Eric Prestemon – Eric Sp – Eric Stone – Erik – Ethan Bauman – Ethan Laser – Freddy Freeman – Gary Pierce – Gavin Doig – Geraldine Butler – Glenn Jackson – Grettir Asmundarson – Henry Mindlin – Hidden Jester – Ian Karmel – Ian Pidd – Inmar Givoni – Irritable – James – James Johnson – James McMurry – Jamie – Janice Berry – Jason Pratt – Jeff – Jeff Ulm – Jeffrey Bean – Jeffrey Olson – Jennifer Bush – Jez – Jim Sellers – Joe Gallo – John Berry – John Halpin – Jonathan Daniels – Jordan Gatenby – Joseph Romero – Josh Singer – Joshua Hill – JRRJ – Julie Kellman – Justin McElroy – Karma Jay – Kaya Woodall – Kayla Russell – Kellen Steffen – Kelli Brockington – KenIsWearingAHat – Kenneth Jung – Kevin Marcelo – Kevin Potter – Kevin Stafford – Kym Griffith – Lauren Knotts – Lauren Reay – Lawrence – Lee R. – LG – Linda Duffy – Lisa Turner – Lottie Aron – Luigi Boccia – M. Shane Borders – Margaret McReynolds – Martín Salías – Mathias Schmidt – Matt Betzel – Matthew Jones – Max – Max Barnes – Melanie Stivers – Melissa Kuhns – Melmaniac – Merv Adrian – Meryl Allison – Michael – Michael Berman – Michael Casner – Michael Singer –...
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Strong TV Songs: HBO Edition [Recast]

    Strong TV Songs: HBO Edition [Recast]
    Oct 3 2025
    Originally Aired October 20, 2020The Wildlings are south of the wall, the robots are rising up, Seventh Kavalry's on the move, and two percent of the world's population has vanished. Time for another edition of Strong TV Songs!This time around the focus is on HBO, a network that has defined much of the broader TV landscape over the past couple of decades. So let's dig into a bunch of great music from a bunch of good shows, with themes for Dothraki raiders, Alethiometers, robot farmgirls, nuns with guns, monstrous moguls, and lost souls.Special thanks to the key of C minor for making this episode possible.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3 from Exile on Coldharbour Lane, 1997“Six Feet Under” by Thomas Newman, 2001“Deadwood” by David Schwartz, 2004“Way Down In The Hole” by Tom Waits from Franks Wild Years, 1987. Performed by Waits, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Neville Brothers, DoMaJe, and Steve Earle“Game of Thrones” by Ramin Djawadi, 2011"Game of F***in' Thrones" by Anamanaguchi, 2012“Pacific Rim” by Ramin Djawadi feat. Tom Morello from Pacific Rim, 2013“Doom Patrol” by Clint Mansell and Kevin Kiner, 2019“His Dark Materials” by Lorne Balfe, 2019“Westworld” and “Sweetwater” by Ramin Djawadi, 2016“Ezio’s Family” by Jesper Kyd from Assassin’s Creed II, 2009"How The West Was Really Won,” “Nun With a Motherf***ing Gun,” and “Children of Krypton” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, 2019“Succession” by Nicholas Britell, 2018"Kiss from Daddy" by Demi Adejuyigbe, 2019“The Departure” and “Dona Nobis Pacem” by Max Richter from The Leftovers, 2014OUTRO SOLOIST: Luke PriceThis episode's outro soloist is Portland fiddle player Luke Price. When he's not working as a side man in a variety of killer bands, Luke joins his wife Rachael to form the excellent songwriting duo DEAN!. You can follow them on Instagram and listen to some of their stuff on their website, wearedean.com.--------------------SEPTEMBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheranSEPTEMBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Aaron Wilson – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Maass – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas – Brian Rinckenberger – Brian John Peter – Bruno Gaeta – Carlos Lerner – Caro Field – Catherine Clause – Cbalmain – Charles McGee – Cheryl Wilke – Chris K – Chris Remo – Christian Hessmann – Christopher Selby Spink – Clare Holberton – Claudia Carty – Clint McElroy – Colin Hodo – Dallas Hockley – Dan Cutter – Dan Elias – Dani – Daniel Kaberon – Daniel Markoff – Daniel Nervo – Dave Douglass – Dave Kolas – Dave Malloy – Dave Sharpe – David – David – David – David Futter – David Joske – David Noah – David Stroud – Deebs – Dent Earl – Dermot Crowley – Dhu Wik – Diane Hughes – Diane Turner – Dick Morgan – Donald Mackie – Doreen Carlson – Doug Belew – Douglas H. Frazer – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – E. Margaret Warton – Edward Steen – Eoin de Burca – Eric Helm – Eric Prestemon – Eric Sp – Erik – Ethan Bauman – Ethan Laser – Freddy Freeman – Gary Pierce – Gavin Doig – Geraldine Butler – Glenn Jackson – Grettir Asmundarson – Henry Mindlin – Hidden Jester – Ian Karmel – Ian Pidd – Ian Steding – Inmar Givoni – Irritable – James – James Johnson – James McMurry – Jamie – Janice Berry – Jason Gerry – Jason Pratt – Jeff – Jeff Ulm – Jeffrey Bean – Jeffrey Olson – Jennifer Bush – Jez – Joe Gallo – John Bauman – John Berry – John Halpin – Jonathan Daniels – Jordan Gatenby – Joseph Romero – Josh Singer – Joshua Hill – JRRJ – Julie Kellman – Justin McElroy – Kaya Woodall – Kayla Russell – Kellen Steffen – Kelli Brockington – KenIsWearingAHat – Kenneth Jung – Kevin Marcelo – Kevin Potter – Kevin Stafford – Kym Griffith – Lauren Knotts – Lauren Reay – Lawrence – Lee R. – LG – Linda Duffy – Lisa Turner – ...
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • A Bob Dylan Beginner's Guide, with Matt Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell

    A Bob Dylan Beginner's Guide, with Matt Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell
    Sep 19 2025
    With so many dozens of albums over so many wildly disparate eras, it can take a lifetime to truly get your arms around Bob Dylan. On this episode, Kirk is joined by two guests who have spent their lifetimes doing exactly that. Matt Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell, in addition to co-hosting the terrific political history podcast Know Your Enemy, are both lifelong Dylan fans. This spring, they came on the show to give listeners a tour of Dylan's many eras, and to give newcomers a place, or places, they might start getting to know him better.DYLAN SONGS DISCUSSED, IN RELEASE CHRONOLOGY“Blowin in the Wind” and “Corrina, Corrina” from Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963 (and as sung by Peter, Paul and Mary)“Like A Rolling Stone,” “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,” “From a Buick 6” from Highway 61 Revisisted, 1965“Subterranean Homesick Blues,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and “Outlaw Blues” from Bringing it All Back Home, 1965“Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” and “Pledging My Time” from Blonde on Blonde, 1966“All Along the Watchtower” and “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” from John Wesley Harding, 1967“Lay, Lady, Lay” and “Girl from the North Country” (with Johnny Cash) from Nashville Skyline, 1969“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” from Pat Garret & Billy The Kid Original Soundtrack, 1973“Forever Young” from Planet Waves, 1974“Tangled Up in Blue” from Blood On The Tracks, 1975“Hurricane” and “Romance in Durango” from Desire, 1976“Changing of the Guards” from Street-Legal, 1978“Serve Somebody,” and “Do Right to Me Baby (Do Unto Others)” from Slow Train Coming, 1979“Saved” from Saved, 1980“The Groom’s Still Waiting At the Alter” and “Lenny Bruce” from Shot of Love, 1981“Pressing On” and "Solid Rock" live in Toronto, 1980“Neighborhood Bully,” “Jokerman,” “Sweetheart Like You” from Infidels, 1983“Dark Eyes” from _Empire Burlesqu_e, 1985“Brownsville Girl” from Knocked Out and Loaded, 1986“Sylvio” from Down In The Groove, 1988“Everything Is Broken” and “Most of the Time” from Oh Mercy, 1989“Hard Times” from Good As I Been to You, 1992“Train of Love,” Johnny Cash tribute, 1999“Pay In Blood” from Tempest, 2012“I’m A Fool To Want You“ by Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf, and Joel Herron from Shadows in the Night, 2015, and as recorded by Frank Sinatra“Polka Dots and Moonbeams” by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke, from Fallen Angels, 2016“How Deep is the Ocean” by Irving Berlin from Triplicate, 2017“I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You” from Rough and Rowdy Ways, 2020ALSO DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:The Know Your Enemy episode about Dylan's The Philosophy of Modern Song"Moonlight Mind" by Will Epstein and High Water from Crush, 2016"Lonely Woman" by Ornette Coleman from The Shape of Jazz to Come, 1959"Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" as recorded by Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersSam’s review of A Complete Unknown in The NationBob Dylan: Expecting Rain websiteEpisode one, "Weather”, from Dylan’s radio show Theme Time Radio Hour, featuring Muddy Waters on "Blow Wind, Blow”Audio from D.A. Pennebaker’s 1967 documentary Bob Dylan: Don’t Look BackAudio from Scorses’s 2005 documentary No Direction Home: Bob DylanGUEST MUSIC PICKS:Sam: Lucinda Wiliams, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, 1998Matt: Willie Nelson, Across the Borderline, 1993--------------------SEPTEMBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheran SEPTEMBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Aaron Wilson – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Maass – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas – Brian Rinckenberger – Brian John Peter – Bruno Gaeta – Carlos Lerner – Caro Field – Catherine Clause – Cbalmain – Charles McGee – Cheryl Wilke – Chris K. – Chris Remo – Christian Hessmann – Christopher Selby Spink – Clare Holberton – Claudia Carty – Clint McElroy – Colin Hodo – Dallas Hockley – Dan Cutter – Dan Elias – Dani – Daniel Kaberon – Daniel Markoff ...
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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • Singing and Songwriting, with The Wailin' Jennys

    Singing and Songwriting, with The Wailin' Jennys
    Sep 5 2025
    The Wailin' Jennys have been singing together for more than two decades - recording albums, touring the world, and filling venues large and small. After all these years, the trio—Ruth Moody, Heather Masse, and Nicky Mehta—have reached both a plateau and an inflection point. What's it like for a musical group that's been together for that long; for singers who've found such perfect vocal harmony for one another? How do they each think of songwriting, and of creative work in general? On their recent west coast tour, they stopped by the studio for a chat about those things and more.THE WAILIN' JENNYS ARE:Ruth Moody - Banjo, Guitar, VocalsNicky Mehta - Guitar, Drums, VocalsHeather Masse - Bass, VocalsFeaturing excerpts from the Jennys' albums Bright Morning Stars, iTunes Session - EP, 40 Days, and FirecrackerFEATURED/DISCUSSED:"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Jim Steinman, sung by Bonnie Tyler and Rory Dodd"Paradise by the Dashboard Light," "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)," "Objects in the Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are" - by Jim Steinman sung by Meat Loaf"Closer To Fine" and "Love's Recovery" by Indigo Girls from Indigo Girls, 1989Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, 2016Kirk's essay on creativity, "Follow The Spark"Jeff Tweedy talking songwriting on The Ezra Klein Show"What Am I Here For" by Jade BirdMUSIC PICKS:Heather: Bonny Light Horseman, Keep Me On Your Mind/Set You Free, 2024Ruth: Aaron Neville, "Louisiana 1927"Nicky: Afghan Whigs, Black Love --------------------AUGUST 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSMelissa Lucas – Thomas McIlheran – Andy – Lisa Crotty – Rick Keeler – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey AUGUST 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONSMathias Schmidt – Erik – Freddy Freeman – Adam Clark – Stephen – Brendan McLeod – Zach Putnam – Ian Karmel – Steve B – Worcester – Jim – Jez – Alex Miller – Lottie Aron – RsP – Michael Wisnosky – Brian Rinckenberger – Dan Elias – Hidden Jester – Betsy Barre – Ian Steding – Margaret McReynolds – Alison Dugan – Princess of Whales – Dave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – TB – Daniel Kaberon – Wiggy Hash – Whit Sidener – Julie Kellman – Simon Hellman – Bea – Claudia Carty – Dani – Glenn Jackson – Christopher Selby Spink – Philip Kelly – Daniel Nervo – Kevin Stafford – Lawrence – Sy Jacobs – Irritable – Ian Pidd – Andrew Hofer – Jordan Gatenby – Melissa Kuhns – Ashley – Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble – Kevin Marcelo – James – Michael – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz – Clint McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Michael York – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Lee R. – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Grettir Asmundarson – Sean Murphy – Randal Vegter – Kellen Steffen – Kaya Woodall – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Alan Maass – Douglas H. Frazer – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Kayla Russell – John Bauman – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Tim Sheehan – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat – Aaron Wade – Jeff Ulm – David Futter – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Richard Sneddon – Christian Hessmann – Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jeffrey Bean – JRRJ – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Josh Singer – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Donald Mackie – David Joske – Bernard Khoo – Robert Heuer – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Jason Pratt – Abbie Berg – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Linda Duffy – Bonnie Prinsen – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Dallas Hockley – Jason Gerry – Nell Morse – Nathan Gouwens – Lauren Reay – Eric ...
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    1 hr and 11 mins