Best Song Exploder Podcasts (2025)

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Air - Playground Love (feat. Gordon Tracks) 24:50

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1h ago24:50

24:50

The band Air is a duo from Versailles, France. Their first EP came out in 1995, followed by their critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Moon Safari,' which was an international hit. Then they made the music for the film ‘The Virgin Suicides,‘ which was written and directed by Oscar-winner Sofia Coppola, based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides. The mov…

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Hrishikesh Hirway (from Song Exploder) 54:36

16d ago54:36

54:36

Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder) swaps Christmas songs with Arnie. Their lists are VERY different. Songs from the Vienna Boy’s Choir, Dr. Dog, a “witch house” band and more. Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or send an Email the show at [email protected] Guest: Hrishikesh Hirway Hrishi's Home Cooking podcas…

1
The Price of Music Christmas Quiz 2025! 39:27

3h ago39:27

39:27

Here it is! The long awaited, much feared Great Price of Music Christmas Quiz 2025 – which sees Steve pitted against Stu in a battle for the ages, as both vie to be crowned QUIZ CHAMP 2025. Our daring duo face questions about the show, band names, and each other – as well as especially tricky questions submitted by our Patreon Superfans, plus one q…

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Ep. 270 - MIKE REID ("I Can't Make You Love Me") 1:26:22

20h ago1:26:22

1:26:22

GRAMMY winner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Mike Reid chats about his remarkable musical life. PART ONE Scott and Paul talk about the sports games and so much more PART TWO Our in depth conversation with Mike Reid ABOUT MIKE REID Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Mike Reid has written twelve #1 country songs and has had his work recorde…

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Paul F Tompkins and Janet Varney 1:06:44

2h ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Paul F Tompkins and Janet Varney swap Christmas songs with Arnie. Songs from T Rex, John Prine, the Everly Brothers and more. Also a Christmas mystery from Janet. Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or send an Email the show at [email protected] Guests: Paul F Tompkins More info on seeing Paul live with Variet…

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#285 - S*x, Power, Epstein, and the Crown: The Prince Andrew COVERUP | Andrew Lownie 2:01:00

4d ago2:01:00

2:01:00

Investigative biographer Andrew Lownie joins the show to unpack the rise and fall of Prince Andrew, from his troubled childhood and war-hero image to financial corruption, Epstein, and royal protection at the highest levels. We explore Andrew’s marriage to Sarah Ferguson, the Trade Envoy scandals, intelligence entanglements, the Virginia Giuffre ca…

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Key Change: Rian Johnson on Wagner's 'Das Rheingold' 23:24

2d ago23:24

23:24

My guest today is director Rian Johnson, which is exciting for me, because I’ve been a huge fan of his ever since seeing his first feature film, ‘Brick,' in 2006. Since then, he’s made six more feature films, including ‘Looper‘ in 2012; ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi‘ in 2017; the murder mystery ‘Knives Out‘ in 2019; and his most recent movie, another i…

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Los Campesinos! share their streaming money data (and it's... sobering); Could a new budget policy be "the death knell for small venues"?; And what are Steve & Stu's Spotify Wrapped 'listening ages'? 45:34

8d ago45:34

45:34

Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. In this week’s episode of The Price of Music, Steve and Stu get stuck into a late-year flurry of big news: "This could be the death knell for small venues" – enormous increases in business rates are coming for UK venues – Steve has a lot to say about how a seemingly-innocuous business rates p…

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Songcraft Classic: ELVIS COSTELLO ("Pump It Up") 1:34:05

8d ago1:34:05

1:34:05

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with Elvis Costello. ABOUT ELVIS COSTELLO Released between 1977 and 1979, Elvis Costello’s first three albums—My Aim is True, This Year’s Model, and Armed Forces—were all includ…

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Eurovangelists (Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée) 1:24:09

9d ago1:24:09

1:24:09

The hosts of the Eurovangelists podcast (Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée) swap Christmas songs with Arnie. Warning: This episode has an Explicit tag for strong language during the last two songs. That said, there is a warning in the episode when those songs come up. Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or…

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#191 After 2 Beers: Escaped Chimp at the Indianapolis Zoo, Bayou Bodies, And Bear Warnings 1:01:30

14d ago1:01:30

1:01:30

A chimp wanders a public path at the Indianapolis Zoo, two endangered tortoises vanish in the night...also at the Indy Zoo, and a city pulls 189 bodies from its bayous. We start with laughs and local love—bourbon drops, sweet wine, and sponsor shoutouts—then dive headlong into the gritty questions beneath the headlines: what do zoos owe the animals…

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Jessie Reyez - Goliath 23:03

2d ago23:03

23:03

Jessie Reyez is a singer and songwriter originally from Toronto. She's won two of Canada's Juno awards, and she's been nominated for a Grammy. In addition to writing her own music, Jessie's been a songwriter on tracks by Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, Eminem, and many others. You're probably aware that there are songwriters and producers whose…

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Spotify Wrapped is here (and why is it a big deal?); Why aren't there any matinee gigs?; Olivia Dean takes on Ticketmaster; and Jorja Smith takes on AI clones 37:34

15d ago37:34

37:34

Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. In this week’s episode of The Price of Music, Steve and Stu pull on their Santa hats and get stuck in to: Spotify Wrapped 2025 has just launched (and has now taken over your social feeds) But why is it such a big deal this year? Steve answers a great listener question: "why don’t more bands a…

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Ep. 269 - JOE HENRY ("Don't Tell Me") 1:29:54

15d ago1:29:54

1:29:54

Grammy-winning producer and singer-songwriter Joe Henry gives us insight into his multi-faceted career PART ONE Paul and Scott chat about their music-themed road trip and say R.I.P. to MTV. PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Joe Henry ABOUT JOE HENRY Joe Henry is a singer-songwriter who became a record producer as a protege of T Bone Burnett. …

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#284 - The Great EPSTEIN FILES Fallout: Mossad, Michael Wolff, Missing Cameras, & Trump Knew? 30:27

16d ago30:27

30:27

In this episode of The Zach Show, we break down the most explosive new Jeffrey Epstein revelations following the release of 20,000+ estate documents and Trump’s order to disclose government files. We cover claims that Trump “knew about the girls,” secret emails showing journalist Michael Wolff advising Epstein on Trump strategy, and FBI footage tha…

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#190 After 2 Beers: When A Chick-Fil-A Opening Becomes A Parade And Other Wild News You Won’t Believe 1:02:40

20d ago1:02:40

1:02:40

A marching band at a fast-food opening, a box of severed arms on a doorstep, and a “mobile clinic” promising upgrades from the backseat of a 90s Toyota—welcome to the wildest hour you’ll hear all week. We crack open some cans, tip our caps to the folks who keep our lights on, and jump into the stories that made us laugh, cringe, and question what c…

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Exploding toilet cancels gig - but will the band and fans get their money back?; Is Spotify putting up prices again?; and yet more Baby Shark news 29:34

22d ago29:34

29:34

Get more TPOM in the post-show "lock-in" – try it for FREE!: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thepriceofmusic/membership⁠ ==== Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. In this week’s episode of The Price of Music, Steve and Stu unwrap the week's music biz goings-on: An exploding toilet caused a gig cancellation – but what now for the ban…

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Songcraft Classic: TODD SNIDER ("Alright Guy") 1:07:02

23d ago1:07:02

1:07:02

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with the late Todd Snider. ABOUT TODD SNIDER Celebrated singer-songwriter Todd Snider has continued the troubadour legacy of mentors like John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Ramb…

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Zach Reino and Jess McKenna (from Off Book: The Improvised Musical) 1:07:36

23d ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Musical improvisers Zach and Jess swap Christmas songs with Arnie. Songs from Justin Bieber, the Chieftains, Kermit the frog and more. Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or send an Email the show at [email protected] Guests: Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino Listen to Off Book: The Improvised Musical or check ou…

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Why don't venues advertise set times for gigs?; Ticket resale prices capped in the UK; Megadeth brew beer; How many people are already listening to "All I Want For Christmas Is You"?; & much more... 35:16

29d ago35:16

35:16

One more round? The post-show "lock-in" is just for our ⁠⁠Patreon Superfans⁠⁠ - try it for FREE!: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thepriceofmusic/membership ==== Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. In this week’s episode of The Price of Music, Steve and Stu pour a couple of foaming pints of: Stu’s Big Number is 10 million – but how …

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Key Change: Demi Adejuyigbe on The Strokes 24:01

16d ago24:01

24:01

My guest today is Demi Adejuyigbe. One of the things that makes Demi so special is how hard it is to summarize him in an intro like this, because he has so many talents and applies them in so many different ways. He is a standup comedian, with a brand new one-hour special out on Dropout TV. He co-hosted the podcasts Gilmore Guys and Punch Up the Ja…

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Mega Ran 51:38

26d ago51:38

51:38

Rapper Mega Ran swaps Christmas songs with Arnie to see what makes his playlist. Songs from Outkast, Run DMC, Weird Al and more. Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or send an Email the show at [email protected] Guest: Mega Ran Producer and Editor: Garrett Schultz Artwork: Allard Laban Opening Theme Music: And…

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Ep. 268 - BOOTSY COLLINS ("Flash Light") 55:59

1M ago55:59

55:59

Number one Funkateer Bootsy Collins takes us to Funk University! From his days in James Brown's group, to his work with Parliament/Funkadelic and Booty's Rubber Band, to his recent single that raises awareness about domestic violence, "the world's only rhinestone rock-star doll" tears the roof off the sucker and breaks it all down for us. Songcraft…

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#283 - Scott Carney: How The Wellness Boom Became A GRIFTER Factory | EXPOSING The Griftoverse 49:33

1M ago49:33

49:33

Investigative journalist Scott Carney joins Zach to trace his wild path from exposing India’s organ and human-remains trade to uncovering the dark psychology behind modern wellness gurus. Carney recounts the tragic death of a student who believed she’d achieved enlightenment, revealing how spiritual seeking can slide into psychosis. He explains how…

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Clipse - The Birds Don't Sing 26:30

1M ago26:30

26:30

Clipse was formed in 1994 by two brothers: Gene Thornton Jr, aka Malice, and his younger brother Terrence Thornton, aka Pusha T. From the beginning, they’ve worked with producer Pharrell Williams, originally as part of the acclaimed production duo, The Neptunes. But then, there was a 16 year gap between the third Clipse album, which came out in 200…

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Why have The 1975 deleted a song? Can YOU tell the difference between AI music & real music (Answer: no.); An answer to why Fleetwood Mac are still popular; And music made £8bn for the UK in 2024… 34:03

1M ago34:03

34:03

Have you heard the now-legendary post-show "lock-in" section, just for our ⁠Patreon Superfans⁠? Try it for FREE!: https://www.patreon.com/c/thepriceofmusic/membership ======= Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. In this week’s episode of The Price of Music, our dynamic duo Steve and Stu grapple with the following: Stu’s Big Numb…

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Songcraft Classic: RICHARD MARX ("Right Here Waiting") 1:12:03

1M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, we're revisiting our 2021 conversation with Richard Marx. ABOUT RICHARD MARX: Grammy-winning performer Richard Marx has sold more than 30 million albums as an artist, but if you only know him from late 1980s ballads …

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Jonathan Coulton and Paul and Storm 1:04:36

1M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Musicians Jonathan Coulton and Paul and Storm swap Christmas songs with Arnie to see what makes his playlist. Songs from Aimee Mann, Louis Armstrong, Eagles and more. Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or send an Email the show at [email protected] Guests: Jonathan Coulton and Paul and Storm Get info and tick…

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Major label Universal to make AI-music service with Udio; How did Billie Eilish annoy Billionaires?; Spotify under fire over controversial ICE ads; Why are there no rap tracks in the US Top 40? 31:16

1M ago31:16

31:16

Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. And in this week’s episode of The Price of Music, Steve and Stu grapple with: Stu's Big Number is 11.5 million – but what does it have to do with Billie Eilish and a room full of billionaires? One AI-music company is working on a new service with the world’s biggest major label... so will be …

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Helen Zaltzman 1:00:01

1M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Arnie and Helen Zaltzman (The Allusionist, Answer Me This) swap Christmas songs to see what does and doesn’t go on their Christmas playlists. We discuss how American and UK Christmas music is different. And at least one of Arnie’s song choices makes Helen say, “Why?” Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or send an Emai…

1
Justin McElroy 57:24

1M ago57:24

57:24

Arnie and Justin McElroy (My Brother My Brother & Me, The Adventure Zone) swap Christmas songs to see what does and doesn’t go on their Christmas playlists. Songs from Pearl Baily, Ariana Grande, Bill Murray and more. Creator and Host: Arnie Niekamp Follow him on Bluesky or Instagram or send an Email the show at [email protected] Guest: Jus…

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Ep. 267 - STEVE MARTIN & ALISON BROWN ("Foggy Mountain Breaking") 1:08:47

1M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

From "King Tut" to the top of the bluegrass charts! Grammy and IBMA award-winning banjoists and songwriters Steve Martin and Alison Brown join us to chat about their respective careers and their first full-length collaborative album, Safe, Sensible and Sane. PART ONE Paul and Scott chat about how impressed they are with all the various hats Alison …

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#282 - The HIDDEN History Of The Werewolf: Cursed Lovers, Serial Killers, & Twilight Heartthrobs 1:21:20

2M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

From ancient Mesopotamia to Twilight, the werewolf has evolved from cursed lovers and cannibals to tragic heroes and pop icons. In this Halloween deep dive, Zach and Dr. Julie Labau trace 4,000 years of transformation, from gods punishing desire to colonizers weaponizing myths. The werewolf isn’t just a monster, it’s a mirror reflecting what every …

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Fans First: Lord Kevin Brennan on fixing live music from the ground up - Bonus Episode 39:21

1M ago39:21

39:21

Bonus episode! Steve is joined by Lord Kevin Brennan, the ex-MP – and now member of the UK's House of Lords – who is also a musician, and has been described as “a writer of songs and a righter of wrongs.” He talks to Steve about his leadership of the UK parliament’s new fan-led review of live and electronic music, with the aim of improving the sust…

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#189 After 2 Beers: Flying Mummies, Minor Leagues, Major Laughs 59:48

2M ago59:48

59:48

A small-town team name shouldn’t spark this much chaos—but “Flying Mummies” does exactly that. We kick off with Richmond’s new wooden-bat league squad and tumble into a spirited roast of the home uniform pants, why minor league branding matters, and how a clever identity can pull a whole community together. It’s fun, fast, and surprisingly tender a…

1
Buckingham Nicks - Frozen Love 35:19

2M ago35:19

35:19

On September 5, 1973, the first and only Buckingham Nicks album was released. It wasn’t a huge hit, but it was how the world was first introduced to the music of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, before they went on to become members of Fleetwood Mac. Their time together in Fleetwood Mac led to some of the best-selling, most critically acclaimed…