Wild Card with Rachel Martin Brandi Carlile
8 snips
Oct 30, 2025 
Brandi Carlile, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her emotive folk-rock, discusses her latest album, *Returning to Myself*. She reflects on the importance of community and belonging, revealing how her large household and band relationships shape her identity. The conversation also touches on her transformative experience of finding her half-sister, balancing her performer and private selves, and her emotional tribute to Joni Mitchell. Brandi shares insights on aging, love as an action, and the joy of singing in front of an audience.
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Finding A Hidden Sister
- Brandi discovered an older sister she never knew about and invited her to stay for a week.
- The reunion integrated the stranger into the family while Brandi kept her eldest-child identity.
Coming Out With A Haircut
- As a teen, Brandi cut her hair and came out around the time Ellen came out, marking her first real claim of self.
- The haircut symbolized her separation even though it didn't make her immediately popular in a small town.
Reinvent Yourself To Stay Authentic
- Brandi Carlile intentionally
