Rob looks back at the first band he ever interviewed in his hometown while diving into Green Day’s rise to stardom.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Hanif AbdurraqibProducer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Jonathan KermahAdditional Production Support: Abou Kamara Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delve into Tracy Chapman's musical impact, from her iconic song 'Give Me One Reason' to her deep connection with Ohio. Learn why Ohio breeds great writers like Chapman and how she defied mainstream culture. Explore her powerful messages, Grammy appearances, and potential comeback. Discover the influence of Ohio on creativity and the enduring legacy of Chapman's emotional storytelling in the '80s and '90s.

Rob explores the 1992 jangle-rock hit “Hey Jealousy” and how it integrates the darkness of its lyrical content into its bright sonic framework.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Hanif AbdurraqibProducer: Isaac Lee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Poet Hanif Abdurraqib discusses how losing his mother and close friends shaped his spirituality. He explores the role of music in connecting with memories of loved ones and finding solace in daily life. Abdurraqib also shares his experiences dealing with depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of spirituality in facing grief.

Hanif Abdurraqib, a poet and cultural critic from Columbus, reflects on the intertwining of music and personal memory. He shares how Journey’s 'Don’t Stop Believin’' serves as a backdrop to his childhood experiences of grief and growth. The conversation reveals the transformative power of music during nostalgic moments and its ability to enhance emotional connections with family and friends. Abdurraqib emphasizes how melodies can heal, offering a fresh perspective on loss and the bonds that shape our lives.

Kelly Clarkson, singer-songwriter, discusses her recent divorce and the process of writing about it. Hanif Abdurraqib, a music writer, talks about the craft of songwriting. They explore the challenges of writing about divorce for a well-known celebrity and the relatability of music artists during difficult times. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Robert Samuels, shares his love for figure skating as a metaphor for life and writing.

Guest Hanif Abdurraqib, a writer and poet, discusses maintaining inspiration and perspective in creative outlets. Topics include incorporating source material, the role of living in the creative process, returning to a story for depth, and podcast recommendations.

Hanif Abdurraqib, a New York Times best-selling author and MacArthur Fellow, explores themes of mortality through his latest book, which transcends basketball to delve into personal growth. He reflects on growing up during LeBron James' rise, revealing how local narratives shape our understanding of success. The discussion also touches on the 2014 Spurs vs. Heat Finals, highlighting the beauty of strategy in basketball. Additionally, Abdurraqib connects music and writing, showcasing the University of Texas Press’s efforts to promote diverse literary voices.

Hanif Abdurraqib, an award-winning poet and cultural critic from Columbus, dives deep into what it truly means to 'make it' in a world rife with inequality. He candidly shares his own financial struggles, including a harrowing eviction experience, and the weight of moral judgments tied to success. The conversation shifts to the importance of community, the impact of grief on creativity, and redefining success beyond materialism. Hanif also emphasizes the power of storytelling to celebrate resilience in marginalized communities.

Hanif Abdurraqib, poet and essayist, discusses classic soul, sports, and sound with musicologist Nate Sloan. They explore the significance of 'My Girl' covers, the nostalgic sound of basketball sneakers, and the harmonies between basketball and music.