Brandi Carlile uplifts musicians she admires like Joni Mitchell and produced an EP for talented 18-year-old Tish Melton. They discuss their creative partnership, Brandi's upcoming monumental collaboration album, and the potential impact of Beyonce on country music.

Natalia Lafourcade talks about her evolution as an artist, drawing inspiration from a hummingbird, and the challenges of recording her latest album to tape. She reflects on interpreting classic songs from Latin America, her songwriting process, and the emotional journey behind her music.

Janelle Monàe and Nate Wonder discuss creating joyful music for black love, community, and non-binary individuals. They delve into their collaborative process, the impact of their music on personal growth, and their artistic inspirations from iconic figures like David Bowie. The conversation emphasizes the healing power of music, spreading positivity, and the importance of nurturing relationships within a close-knit community.

Kim Gordon, of Sonic Youth fame, is exploring her abrasive side with a new solo album produced by Justin Raisen. She opens up about her split with Thurston Moore and feeling like an outsider in NYC's art scene. Plus, she reminisces about touring with Neil Young in the '90s.

PJ Harvey, a legendary songwriter, and John Parish talk about their collaborative journey, creative process, and influences. They discuss creating music inspired by war histories, recording in a church, and the emotional power of communal rituals. Their trip to Afghanistan also inspired a record, showcasing their unique creative partnership.

Explore Sonny Rollins' iconic jazz career spanning eight decades, reflections on pivotal figures like Charlie Parker, and interactions with music icons like the Rolling Stones. Reflect on his journey to sobriety after playing with Miles Davis and Charlie Parker in 1956, and remember the tragic passing of jazz musicians Clifford and Richie Powell. Sonny Rollins shares his passion for music, gratitude, and insights into American music history.

Jason Isbell discusses his Grammy win, film with Scorsese, personal struggles, and songwriting challenges. He reflects on his marriage dissolution, acting opposite DiCaprio, and difficulty in writing rock songs. The podcast also explores his artistic evolution, character complexity, and unique perspectives in movies.

Rhiannon Giddens discusses Beyonce's country album, genre diversity, and gatekeeping in music. She reflects on her career as a black banjo player in Americana. Collaborating with Beyonce, she hits number one on the country chart.

Joe Talbot and Mark Bowen from IDLES discuss their creative partnership, Joe's disdain for England's monarchy, and the band's bombastic sound blending joy and chaos. They talk about their latest album TANGK produced by Mark, Kenny Beats, and Nigel Godrich, and the influences behind their music.

Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley, discusses the cultural influence of Jamaica and his father over the last half a century. They touch on topics such as the spiritual side of music, the political climate in Jamaica in the 70s, and Bob Marley's alignment with the Rasta Farai movement.