Best Small Town Poets Podcasts (2025)

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Kathleen Edwards: Making up for 30 Years of No Tears, ep. 328 1:07:00

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6d ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Kathleen Edwards claims that she's now a pretty frequent crier after not crying for the first 30 years of her life. One reason for this change is the connectedness she has been feeling since leaving music and starting her coffee shop, Quitters. In our Basic Folk conversation, Edwards tears up talking about the cover of her new album 'Billionaire,' …

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121 Silage - Watusi 1:31:38

6d ago1:31:38

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Jay and Clifton wonder whether Silage’s Watusi is a ska album, rap-rock album, or even just an elaborate youth group prank.By Clifton Stuckey

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Episode 18 Punk Rock, Guitars And Girls featuring a live session from KING CEDAR 1:23:27

8d ago1:23:27

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Send us a text featuring live session from KING CEDAR.... Also tracks from Broncos, A.N.J.A., The Inflatable Dolls, Goon Squad, Los Reyes, Cavalier Attitude, Paul Archer, The Groundlings, Moonlanding, No Matter, Somehow Sentient, HudD, 3D Shark, Fluxion, Crackhead Control, The Bonnevilles, Stage B and Stop Stop Start Again.…

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Peter Rowan: The Bluegrass Buddha's Tex-Mex Roots, ep. 327 1:08:54

20d ago1:08:54

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Legendary Massachusetts-born, California-based musician Peter Rowan is best known for his bluegrass roots. A practicing Buddhist, he did time in Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys as well as in the short-lived and epically important Old & In the Way with Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. However, his latest album 'Tales of the Free Mexican Airforce' celeb…

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120 Petra - No Doubt 1:25:44

21d ago1:25:44

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Jay and Clifton battle fatigue, confusion, and surprisingly funky bass lines as they revisit Petra’s 14th studio album, No Doubt.By Clifton Stuckey

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Rissi Palmer & Miko Marks: "Buckle Bunny," No Cringe, and My Black Country, ep. 326 1:07:02

1M ago1:07:02

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This time on Basic Folk, we are checking in with country singer-songwriter and Color Me Country radio host Rissi Palmer and Americana country artist Miko Marks. The two close friends both came up as Black women in country music in the early part of the 21st century where they experienced gatekeepers and discrimination in the industry, but undeniabl…

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119 Puller - Roadside Monument Split EP 1:24:40

1M ago1:24:40

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk_xuO48oAI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI7LO5vONRs&t=1505s&ab_channel=slint https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://calmcollapse.bandcamp.com/album/mirrored-nature https://calmcollapse.bandcamp.com/album/mirrored-natureBy Clifton Stuckey

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Vibe Coaches: Maya de Vitry, Ethan Jodziewicz, Joel Timmons, & Shelby Means, ep. 325 1:12:09

1M ago1:12:09

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Maya de Vitry, Ethan Jodziewicz, Joel Timmons, and Shelby Means are on Basic Folk today talking about their new collaborations. Maya produced both Shelby and Joel's debut solo albums this year; Joel and Ethan play in Maya's band; and the two couples (Joel & Shelby are married and Ethan & Maya are partners) are all very close friends. They met in Na…

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Episode 17 IT'S A BIG SMALL WORLD Featuring a live session from THE SUBWAY POETS 1:31:05

2M ago1:31:05

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Send us a text This months session features The Subway Poets Also featured tracks from The Sabrejets, A.N.J.A., Muck Savage, King Cedar, The Bonnevilles, Invader Band, Cavalier Attitude, Rose Fatale, HudD, Paul Archer, Mouse, Moonlanding, St Vitus Dance, Goon Squad, Virgins, Lunatic Fringe, No Matter, Cupboard 55, Protex, Crackhead Control and Bria…

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118 Noggin Toboggan - Snapcase 1:45:57

2M ago1:45:57

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Jay and Clifton get swept off in a sugar-crashing rush by Noggin Toboggan’s Snapcase, a record that asks: what if MXPX had no oversight except a youth pastor?Also check out our appearance on the Jesus Stole Our Movies podcast, with former guests Donovan and Zac, where we discuss The Last Temptation of Christ!…

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Paul Brady on Tina Turner, Irish Music and Not Being Too Famous, ep. 324 54:33

2M ago54:33

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Bob Dylan once called Paul Brady a "secret hero" and meant it as a compliment. The Irish songwriting legend has not been bothered by the fact that his profile has not risen as high as some of his peers. Starting off in the world of traditional Irish music, Brady spent time in the hugely influential Irish group Planxty until they disbanded in 1975. …

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Everyone Has a Friend in Joe K. Walsh, ep. 323 49:59

2M ago49:59

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Originally from northern Minnesota, Joe K. Walsh grew up in Duluth and became enthralled with the mandolin (his primary focus, currently) after hearing the first David Grisman Quintet record. His dad got the young Joe his own mando. He ended up getting very serious about the instrument and found himself studying at Berklee College of Music in Bosto…

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Everyone Belongs at the Olive Klug show, ep. 322 52:36

2M ago52:36

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Olive Klug and I (Cindy) recorded this interview in my closet while they were in Portland, Maine to play a show. They stayed along with their band Cori, Haley, and Payton and it was a real pleasure to be around them for a few days. You can tell that Olive is at their best around their band and it is a true collaboration on stage. Shoutout to the wh…

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117 This Train - You're Soaking In It 1:14:21

2M ago1:14:21

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Jay and Clifton get lured in by a punky Amy Grant cover, only to wake up in a double wide with pink flamingos, Mr. Rogers, and some surprisingly solid songwriting.By Clifton Stuckey

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Gina Chavez: From Choir Kid to Latin Grammy Nominee, ep. 321 1:05:37

2M ago1:05:37

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New bestie Gina Chavez speaks about her journey in music, her deep love for connecting with people, and the influence of her mixed cultural background on Basic Folk. Her parents are of Mexican and Swiss-German descent. Her father, although second generation Mexican-American, was not raised with Spanish language or any Mexican culture. Gina discusse…

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EPISODE 16 All We Wanna Do Is Rock N Roll featuring a session from STAGE B 1:35:38

2M ago1:35:38

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Send us a text This episodes session features STAGE B Also includes Cavalier Attitude, The Phobics, Protex, Goon Squad, The Bonnevilles, Paul Archer, Gush, Ben McDonald, No Matter, The Groundlings, Vera, Mouse Has Spoken, HudD, A.N.J.A., Crackhead Control, King Cedar, Dirt Byrds, St Vitus Dance and Jerkin Crocus.…

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Tony Kamel Believes in Life and You Should Too, ep. 320 41:34

3M ago41:34

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You may recognize the voice, face, and vibe of wonderful human being Tony Kamel from his acclaimed bluegrass group, Wood & Wire. But Tony is on Basic Folk today to talk about his wonderful solo albums, including his latest, 'We're All Gonna Live.' The album, which just came out, is a realist-optimist's guide to navigating a complex and often heartb…

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Kora Feder is the Future of Political Folk Songwriting, but also Has Too Many Craft Projects, ep. 319 41:53

3M ago41:53

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On this episode of Basic Folk, Kora Feder talks about her new album, 'Some Kind of Truth,' as well as reflecting on the incredible changes and growth she's experienced since we last spoke in February 2020. One of the impacts of the pandemic on her music career was the necessity of exploring other artistic ventures like crafting hats and lino-cuttin…

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116 Slick Shoes - Rusty 2:23:54

3M ago2:23:54

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Jay and Clifton return to Clifton's favorite punk band, Slick Shoes, for their debut album, Rusty!By Clifton Stuckey

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Tami Neilson: On Taking Wynonna's Call, Her Scary Near-Death Experience, and Willie Nelson, ep. 318 1:13:32

3M ago1:13:32

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In recent years, Tami Neilson has been learning to carry both great joy and great sorrow simultaneously. The New Zealand-based, Canada-born powerhouse's new album, 'Neon Cowgirl,' is named after the towering electric figure on a sign that's overlooked Broadway in Nashville, watching over Tami's career since she was 16 years old. The songs were born…

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Indigo Girls: Activism Through Fashion and Community Through Food (REISSUE), ep. 317 57:13

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(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the past several weeks, Basic Folk has been digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. This is our last Reissue for now, so please enjoy! This episode featuring separate interviews with The Indi…

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Episode 15 " Belfast Town" featuring a session from Paul Archer 1:26:59

3M ago1:26:59

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Send us a text This months session comes from from Paul Archer Also 3D Shark, Goon Squad, Cavalier Attitude, Dirt Byrds, Vera, Ruefrex, Livingstone, The Phobics, The Bonnevilles, Crown Remains, Leslie Rich And The Rocket Soul Choir, Thu Hidebehinds, Mouse Has Spoken, A.N.J.A., The Defects, Crackhead Control and Protex.…

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Joy Oladokun Writes Worship Music for Youth Group Rejects (REISSUE), ep. 316 51:18

3M ago51:18

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(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the past several weeks, Basic Folk has been digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy! This episode featuring Lizzie No interviewing Joy Oladokun, was originally posted on February 24, 20…

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115 Buck - Buck 2:33:05

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https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL272A23B9EAABAC03 https://www.facebook.com/buckdetroit/ https://downthelinezine.com/cue/buck_enterprises https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/2021/06/13/buck-ska-is-the-limit/ https://www.christianmusicarchive.com/album/buck https://www.amazon.com/Logic-Enemy-Out-Time/dp/B000OYCGYA https://www.youtub…

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Watchhouse in Conversation with Jacob Sharp (Mipso) (Bonus) 45:55

4M ago45:55

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(Editor's Note: Oh, WOW! A bonus, surprise episode with Watchhouse? Yes! And it is a treat. We are pleased to have Jacob Sharp of Mipso as our guest host in conversation with his friends Andrew Marlin and Emily Franz of Watchhouse, talking about their new studio album, 'Rituals.' The record was co-produced with Ryan Gustafson of The Dead Tongues. T…

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Chris Thile: Calvin and Hobbes, Classical Music, and Curiosity (REISSUE), ep. 315 1:21:20

4M ago1:21:20

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(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy! This episode featuring Cindy Howes interviewing Chris Thile was originally posted on September 9, 2021 aft…

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Dar Williams: Music was Decided for Me (REISSUE), ep. 314 1:03:07

4M ago1:03:07

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(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. This episode featuring Lizzie No interviewing Dar Williams originally posted on October 14, 2021. Enjoy!) Dar Williams…

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114 Steve Taylor - Squint 2:38:34

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https://www.instagram.com/excompod/ https://open.spotify.com/show/5WYfTqA2EK48nfcdC1PL8S?si=507d06949fe24d29By Clifton Stuckey

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John Hiatt is Actually Not Scared to Talk about His Feelings (REISSUE), ep. 313 51:06

4M ago51:06

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(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy!) This episode featuring Cindy Howes interviewing John Hiatt originally posted on August 5, 2021. In 2021, …

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Episode 14 Read All About It In The Belfast Telegraph 1:33:10

4M ago1:33:10

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Send us a text This months session is from local band Shock Treatment Also tracks from The Bonnevilles, Cavalier Attitude, Ben McDonald, Cupboard 55, Muck Savage, Hades Whores, Lunatic Fringe, Jerkin Crocus, Stop Stop Start Again, Rose Fatale, The Tigersharks, Stratford Rise, No Matter, HudD, Gush, Halt Catch Fire, Protex, Crackhead Control and Mik…

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Anaïs Mitchell: 2019 Pre-Broadway interview on Hadestown, Lamb Rearing, and Untangling Third Wave Feminism (REISSUE), ep. 312 51:22

4M ago51:22

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(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy!) Listening back, I feel like this 2018 interview with Anaïs Mitchell holds up. Originally published on Jan…

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113 Disciple - My Daddy Can Whip Your Daddy 1:35:35

4M ago1:35:35

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We did it! After a long, slow descent into Christian music-induced madness, we've finally found where the sea floor drops off into oblivion thanks to an album so aggressively dull, so devoid of anything resembling intrigue or artistic value, that it’s left us staring into the yawning void of our own psychosis. Congratulations to Christian music’s c…

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Morgan Toney on Circles, Elders, and Phil Collins, ep. 311 1:00:58

5M ago1:00:58

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Circles have played a huge role in fiddler and singer Morgan Toney's life thus far: from drum circles, to talking circles, to the Earth itself (a circle!). In our Basic Folk conversation, Morgan talks about his L'nu (also known as Mi'kmaq) heritage and growing up on what's now called Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where his ancestors have lived since ti…

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Kris Delmhorst: Inching Forward through Sleepless Nights, ep. 310 52:20

5M ago52:20

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Kris Delmhorst is not a good sleeper. The Western Massachusetts songwriter is usually awake from 2 or 3 am to about 4 or 5am. Sometimes it feels nice and floaty, but other times she is wide awake worrying about anything her brain can get a hold of. This is similar to a feeling with which she ended her tenth record, 'Ghosts in the Garden,' with the …

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112 Black Cherry Soda - Grin 1:28:18

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https://youtu.be/kbQKs3dV-yE?si=uITkyNhR6IzR1bS_ https://cmnexus.org/profiles/Black_Cherry_Soda https://downthelinezine.com/cue/black_cherry_soda https://www.discogs.com/release/2285596-Black-Cherry-Soda-Grin https://boottohead.com/bth101.html https://palmbeachbookery.com/products/black-cherry-soda-grin https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.co…

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fuck Spotify 1:32

5M ago1:32

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If you listen to our podcast on Spotify, it might be time to change thatBy Clifton Stuckey

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Sara Watkins on I'm With Her's Witchy AF New Record, ep. 309 54:09

5M ago54:09

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Sara Watkins joins Basic Folk to talk about 'Wild and Clear and Blue,' the new album from I'm With Her, her band with Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan. The new LP was inspired by looking back on your life in order to move forward, with a very witchy manner of speaking that encompasses the ancient, mysterious, and spiritual. Sara shares insights int…

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Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris on THE Three Shoes, Alchemy and Weeding out Baddies, ep. 308 57:54

5M ago57:54

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Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris talk to Lizzie and Cindy for Basic Folk on-board the Cayamo cruise in front of a live audience. We get down to business in addressing NICE things by asking Mary what kind of shoes she's wearing – as she has a reputation for enjoying the good stuff, especially on her feet. After that, we asked and Jaimee Harris enthus…

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111 Puller - Sugarless 2:00:41

5M ago2:00:41

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https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://open.spotify.com/artist/234Gp7UTsuxdJxNsusLSE8?si=QiEoXHPoSZqwM_q-R6Na4A https://youtu.be/nvIWChfB66U?si=14dxXQ6wtGMNLjms https://youtu.be/-uQ89CgBLhU?si=lnuOYxLIbaR-uHip https://tenkillermusic.com/pages/meet-the-band https://web.archive.org/web/20010811220029/http://www.pullerrock.com/history.…

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Susan Werner on Defining Hard Work, Paid Vacations, and Relaxing as Indie Musician, ep. 307 46:29

6M ago46:29

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The dynamic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Susan Werner talks to us onboard the Cayamo cruise, which she describes as a "paid vacation." Reflecting on her upbringing on a working farm, Susan discusses the hard work that shaped her, but also how she’s learning to embrace rest and relaxation. With humor and insight, she navigates the balance be…

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Episode 13 " Cold Dead Hand " Live Session from Virgins 1:15:12

6M ago1:15:12

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Send us a text This episode features a live session from VIRGINS. Also includes music fromMuck Savage, Jude, The Lunatic Fringe, Vera, Goon Squad, Protex, The Detonators, Mouse Has Spoken, Cavalier Attitude, Ben MC Donald, The Defects, The Phobics, The Crown Remains, HudD, Crackhead Control, A.N.J.A. and Gush…

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Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 34:55

6M ago34:55

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Originally from the village of Mutungo, Uganda (near the country's capital of Kampala), Jon Muq's journey to his current life of touring with an Austin, Texas home-base has been unconventional. Onboard the Cayamo cruise earlier this year, we talked to Jon about his childhood experiences, including fetching water with friends and "We Are the World,"…

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110 Hokus Pick - Brothers From Different Mothers 1:21:35

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https://web.archive.org/web/19980206194618/http://www.hokuspick.com/bio.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_z-9zlmuhE&ab_channel=RagamuffinArchive https://www.bezartshub.com/events-calendar/2024/9/27/hokus-pick?fbclid=IwY2xjawJWZllleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaOsUJORDm7EhfFvCTFrZp4T2FEQs1t7D86wEPgH-sDn2PutEQG25TXeEA_aem_VPMIVEQI47cx2S5okeC8Cw https://www.f…

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Ani DiFranco & Carsie Blanton: Menopause, The Wild Child, and Naps to fight Capitalism, ep. 305 43:44

6M ago43:44

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Basic Folk is making trouble at sea with Ani DiFranco and Carsie Blanton! Hosts Lizzie and Cindy had the opportunity to speak with the two like-minded radical songwriters aboard the 2025 edition of Cayamo, a roots music cruise. Our conversation kicks off with Ani sharing her transformative experience performing as Persephone in the Broadway show 'H…

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Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304 46:20

6M ago46:20

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The legendary Loudon Wainwright III, whose career has spanned over five decades, is known for his deeply personal songwriting and sharp wit – and oversharing. The patriarch of the Wainwright folk dynasty (which includes Rufus, Martha, their late mother Kate McGarrigle, as well as Lucy and her mother Suzzy Roche), Loudon reflects on the balance betw…

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109 Freeto Boat - Hindsight 20/20 1:41:38

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https://ehrmanblog.org/did-christians-invent-charity/ https://freetoboat.bandcamp.com/ https://web.archive.org/web/20001012122144/http://www.freetoboat.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-Nw8cPqEoE https://www.discogs.com/artist/3445734-Freeto-Boat https://unleaded.tripod.com/freeto.html https://www.indievisionmusic.com/news/freeto-boat-are-back…

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Episode 12 "Listen" live session from Muck Savage 1:16:47

7M ago1:16:47

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Send us a text This episode features a live session from MUCK SAVAGE Also tracks from The Defects, Cavalier Attitude, Goon Squad, The Phobics, The Dollybyrds, Virgins, Mouse Has Spoken, Protex, The Lunatic Fringe, A.N.J.A. , Emily Ryder, Ben McDonald, Gush, Crackhead Control, HudD, Tramp and Deja VuBy Time To Be Proud

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Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303 1:01:14

7M ago1:01:14

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Olivia Ellen Lloyd's latest album, 'Do It Myself,' sees the West Virginia-born Brooklyn-based songwriter reflecting on the powerful imagery of water. She shares how it has been a source of grounding and calmness in her life, from childhood memories spent on the Potomac River to her current love for the ocean, these elements have shaped her artistic…

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Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302 1:04:32

7M ago1:04:32

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Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has led an illustrious, sometimes mysterious career which has spanned decades and genres. Hailing from and still living in Louisville, KY, in our Basic Folk conversation Will reflects on his journey from a young artist struggling to find his place in the music world to a seasoned musician who embrac…

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108 Blenderhead - Prime Candidate for Burnout 2:44:21

7M ago2:44:21

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https://punklottopod.simplecast.com/ https://billypower.com/By Clifton Stuckey