Best Andrew McDiarmid Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 94: James Clerk Maxwell: The Scottish Mind Behind Modern Physics 36:18

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4h ago36:18

36:18

He’s one of the most significant scientists of the nineteenth century, and his work laid the foundation for modern physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity. Scottish physicist and mathematician James Clerk Maxwell is a pivotal figure in the history of modern science. On this episode, host Andrew McDiarmid speaks with mathematics educator, curricu…

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Episode 93: The Night Before Christmas in Scotland 21:47

11M ago21:47

21:47

"Twis th' nicht afore Christmas whin aw aboot th' hoose, nae creature wis stirrin', no even a moose. Th' stockings wur hung by th' auld lum wi care in hopes that ol' Santae soon wid be there..." On this episode, Scottish author Kirsty Strange reads her Scots translation of the famous Christmas poem "The Night Before Christmas." Plus, listen to a Hi…

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Episode 92: Westering Home: Scottish Poetry & Song, pt. 4 20:11

1+ y ago20:11

20:11

Need a song or a poem to brighten your day? In the 4th installment of our Poetry & Song series, enjoy inspiring verse from Scottish national poet Kathleen Jamie, World War I poet David Mackie, and composer Hugh Roberton. Plus brand new music from trad fusion band DLU, a lovely rendition of the famous Highland air "Westering Home" from the Highland …

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Episode 91: A Simply Scottish Christmas 30:43

2y ago30:43

30:43

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're celebrating the season Scottish-style! Enjoy a great selection of Scottish Christmas music, including bagpipes, Celtic hymns, and a brand new Christmas single from popular Scottish band Deacon Blue. We'll discuss what the phrase "Simply Scottish" means, and you'll hear from Andrew's father Andrew …

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Episode 90: Planning Your Trip to Scotland 31:26

2y ago31:26

31:26

On this episode, Andrew shares 11 top experiences you'll want to add to your own Scottish itinerary! From the summit of Arthur's Seat and the peak of Ben Nevis to the villages along the North Coast 500 and the fresh cuisine on the Isle of Skye, be inspired by these memorable places and activities. Plus, enjoy music from newcomer Katie McFarlane, pi…

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Episode 89: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 3 26:28

2+ y ago26:28

26:28

On this episode of Simply Scottish, journey with us to two Edinburgh landmarks as Andrew shares more memories of his childhood in the Athens of the North. Today, The Meadows is a beautiful city park. Discover how the space has been used across the centuries by locals, from drinking water and war garden to derby soccer and the world's fair. Andrew a…

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Episode 88: Finding John Muir, pt. 1 19:59

2+ y ago19:59

19:59

Journey with us in the footsteps of Scottish-American naturalist, conservationist, and inventor John Muir! Host Andrew reports on an extraordinary experience visiting the Muir Papers and exhibit at the University of the Pacific in California. Hear what it's like to open and examine boxes of Muir's original papers, letters, and fragments. Plus, a se…

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Episode 87: Soul of Freedom: How Robert Burns Inspired America 38:54

3y ago38:54

38:54

Scotland's national poet Robert Burns has had a profound impact on the United States since the early years of the republic. On this episode, Andrew talks to nationally syndicated radio host and fellow Scot Janet Parshall on how Burns inspired countless Americans, including two leaders instrumental in America's fight to end slavery: abolitionist Fre…

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Episode 86: Living the Braveheart Life, pt. 2 36:53

3y ago36:53

36:53

Enjoy the second half of our interview with Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Learn how to live the Braveheart life as we unpack the lessons Randall shares in his book Living the Braveheart Life. Topics include the importance of mentors, why we all need an Uncle Argyle in our lives, and how we can live out the spirit of f…

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Episode 85: Living the Braveheart Life: A Conversation with Randall Wallace, pt. 1 35:10

3y ago35:10

35:10

On this episode, Andrew interviews Braveheart writer and Academy Award nominee Randall Wallace! Hear about the trip to Scotland that introduced Randall to the story of Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace. Discover how Randall learned to be a master storyteller and go on to write and direct several box office hit movies, including We Were Soldi…

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Episode 84: Edinburgh In Its Golden Age 38:41

3y ago38:41

38:41

In this second installment of our Off The Shelf series, host Andrew dusts off a splendid wee book from the 1960s that brings to life the people and places of Edinburgh in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. You get to imagine you're visiting a friend in the majestic Old Town as well as the beautiful New Town. Learn what it was like to live in S…

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Episode 83: Tracing Your Scottish Roots, pt. 1 (Wee Yin #9) 23:21

3y ago23:21

23:21

On the latest Wee Yin episode, Andrew kicks off a new occasional series designed to help you trace your Scottish roots. Learn the basics, like where to turn to start your search and what types of information are out there. Also, find out how you can unlock bonus episodes and other content by becoming a supporter of Simply Scottish. Plus, how to get…

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Episode 82: Queen Elizabeth II (Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 6) 33:02

3y ago33:02

33:02

In the latest installment of our popular Six Degrees of Scotland series, we pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by exploring her connections to Scotland and its people. Discover Balmoral Castle, the queen’s paradise in the Scottish highlands. Learn why Elizabeth II was often more popular among Scots than the monarchy itself. And we’ll look at how the…

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Episode 81: Growing Up in Scotland's Capital, pt. 2 (Wee Yin #8) 20:50

3y ago20:50

20:50

We're taking you back to Scotland in the 80s! Join host Andrew McDiarmid as he shares more memories of his childhood in Scotland's capital city Edinburgh. Learn about Edinburgh's Italian connection through Tino Luca and his amazing ice-cream business, as well as business partners Alfonso and Sam and their 50-year legacy of cutting the hair of celeb…

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Episode 80: Profiles: Elsie Inglis and Sir Harry Lauder (Radio Archive #85) 38:34

3+ y ago38:34

38:34

On this episode, we're dusting off selections from a radio episode of Simply Scottish that originally aired in April 2000! Hear Andrew Jr and his father Andrew Sr. profile two courageous Scots - medical pioneer Elsie Inglis and performing legend Sir Harry Lauder. You'll also hear Andrew's dad share a funny story from his tour of the Scottish Highla…

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Episode 79: All About the Music, Vol. 1 34:00

3+ y ago34:00

34:00

On this episode of Simply Scottish, it's all about the music! Enjoy a mix of classic songs and brand new tracks, handpicked by host Andrew McDiarmid. Featuring Deacon Blue, Capercaillie, Eddi Reader, Salsa Celtica, Iain Fraser, Simon Thoumire, and David McGuinness. Warning: the music contained in this episode may cause toe tapping, smiling, daydrea…

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Episode 78: John Muir and the Grand Canyon 33:20

3+ y ago33:20

33:20

You've probably heard of Scottish naturalist and conservationist John Muir, but did you know he almost lost his eyesight in an accident that changed the course of his life? Find out what happened, and listen as we share some stirring passages from Muir's essay describing the magnificence and wonder of the Grand Canyon. Plus, enjoy a mix of brand ne…

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Episode 77: Basketball & Books: James Naismith and Lucy Maud Montgomery (Wee Yin #7) 21:54

3+ y ago21:54

21:54

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can play anytime, anywhere! In this latest entry in our Six Degrees of Scotland series, learn the Scottish and spiritual roots of basketball as we profile minister and athlete James Naismith. And we'll look at fellow Scottish-Canadian Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the popular children's novel A…

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Episode 76: Covenanter: Scotland's Battle for Religious Freedom 35:34

3+ y ago35:34

35:34

To fully appreciate our freedoms today, we have to understand the history behind them. In this episode of Simply Scottish, we take you back to 17th century Scotland to tell the story of the Covenanters, brave men and women who put God before kings and fought for the freedom to worship according to their conscience and conviction. We'll also look at…

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Episode 75: Ronald Reagan's Scottish Roots (Wee Yin #6) 15:59

4y ago15:59

15:59

Did you know that former U.S. president Ronald Reagan is related to a radical weaver from Paisley? On our latest Wee Yin, we look at Reagan's Scottish ancestry to see where he might have gotten the tenacious spirit that launched him into Hollywood stardom and the White House. Enjoy tunes along the way from Jenn Butterworth and Laura-Beth Salter, as…

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Episode 74: Why We Need Robert Burns in 2022 26:29

4y ago26:29

26:29

In this episode of Simply Scottish, learn why we need Scottish poet Robert Burns now more than ever before! He's been dead over two centuries but his catchy songs and verse championing liberty, equality, and democracy are alive and well. See how Burns helped to unite Americans during the Civil War and discover three ways he can unite us again in 20…

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Episode 73: The Scottish Merchant Navy and Radar Technology Pioneer Robert Watson-Watt (Radio Archive #129) 34:39

4y ago34:39

34:39

Before it was a podcast, it was a weekly radio show! On this episode of Simply Scottish from our radio archives, hear co-host and co-founder Andrew McDiarmid Sr. teach us about the Scottish merchant navy, as well as share his humorous stories of almost meeting one of Scotland's most famous sons, Sean Connery. Plus, Andrew Jr. on Sir Robert Watson-W…

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Episode 72: Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 5: The Founding Scots 24:25

4y ago24:25

24:25

Episode #72 continues our series exploring Scotland's connections with the world! Although at least a third of the signatories of America's Declaration of Independence were Scots by birth or descent, three in particular deserve mention. This is the story of Charles Thomson, James Wilson, and Thomas Jefferson himself and their uniquely Scottish cont…

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Episode 71: Off/Script: Father's Day, Sean Connery, Scotland at EURO 2020, and More 41:05

4+ y ago41:05

41:05

In this special un-scripted episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew McDiarmid talks about the first father's day without his father, watching Sean Connery on the big screen again, Scotland's short-lived EURO 2020 football campaign, and how to live life off-script and make the most of life's tests and challenges. Plus, new music from Project Smok, I…

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Episode 70: The Battle for Culloden 36:30

4+ y ago36:30

36:30

On this episode marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, an interview with site operations manager Raoul Curtis Machin. Learn how the famous war grave is at risk from developers and what's being done to protect it. Plus, enjoy great new music from Iona Fyfe, James Duncan Mackenzie, and Calum Mckenzie Jones.…

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Episode 69: Simply Scottish in South Texas (Wee Yin #5) 21:29

4+ y ago21:29

21:29

It's another Wee Yin, a nugget of Scottishness you can enjoy anywhere, anytime! On this episode, learn about the Texan roots of your favorite Scottish podcast. Hear father and son duo Andrew Jr. and Sr. chat with Scottish radio station Central FM twenty years ago about bringing Scotland to South Texas. Enjoy brand new tunes from James Lindsay and G…

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Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 4: Joan Baez, Uncle Sam, and Jack Daniel 28:33

5y ago28:33

28:33

In the latest of our Six Degrees of Scotland series, we profile three American legends of Scottish descent: singer and activist Joan Baez, Samuel "Uncle Sam" Wilson, and the one and only Jack Daniel of Tennessee! Pour yourself a dram and enjoy an amazing all-Gaelic musical lineup with songs from Brian O hEadhra and Fiona Mackenzie, Talisk, and Cape…

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Peace in the Pandemic: Scottish Music, Poetry, and Wisdom to Encourage and Inspire 29:30

5+ y ago29:30

29:30

On this episode of Simply Scottish, get a dose of encouragement and inspiration to help you navigate the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Find out what advice yer Scottish granny would give you with our selection of pithy quotes and sayings. You'll also hear some inspiring lines of poetry and enjoy stirring new music from Jenna Reid, Ross Ainslie, …

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148- Amy Miller 2 1:36:51

5+ y ago1:36:51

1:36:51

148- Amy Miller 2. While Amy is in Cincinnati for a stand up comedy engagement, she and Yoni get together at Yoni’s house for a talk about religion, the road, changing with age and age discrimination.Go to Patreon.com/thewanderingwolf to support.By THE WANDERING WOLF

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Tea and a Blether: Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh Castle 32:40

5+ y ago32:40

32:40

Join us for a hot cup of tea, a biscuit, and some good conversation! On this episode of Simply Scottish, host Andrew and his wife Amy recall their amazing homecoming trip to Scotland, including highlights of Melrose Abbey and Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, they share some great new Scottish music with you, with songs from the Tom Orr Band, Kim Ca…

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147- Smut (Taylor & Andrew) 1:13:57

6y ago1:13:57

1:13:57

147- Smut (Taylor & Andrew). Two members of Cincinnati rock band, Smut, head over to Yoni’s house one evening for a chat. They discuss eyeglasses conspiracies, staying with strangers on tour, performing as a local band vs. as a touring band, keeping your voice as a singer on tour, how Andrew and Taylor met, Smut’s collaborative writing process, mus…

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Dunfermline: Scotland's Historic Capital (Wee Yin #4) 15:03

6y ago15:03

15:03

Wee Yins are shorter episodes of Simply Scottish you can enjoy anywhere and anytime! Learn more about the ancient royal burgh of Dunfermline as well as the city's enduring connection with Scotland's famous king Robert the Bruce. Enjoy music from Gillebride MacMillan and CARA too!

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146- Barrie (Lindsay) 1:15:02

6y ago1:15:02

1:15:02

146- Barrie (Lindsay). On the tail end of a 6 week North American tour they did together, Barrie and Yoni sit down backstage at the Fine Line in Minneapolis for a talk. They discuss touring, writing in DAWs vs. on a single instrument, the songwriting and recording process, Barrie’s early music days, mixing, and her future plans and aspirations.To s…

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145- Miles Joris-Peyrafitte 1:41:51

6y ago1:41:51

1:41:51

145- Miles Joris-Peyrafitte (Film Maker). While Yoni is in Brooklyn on tour, he and Miles get together at Yoni’s Airbnb for a talk. With Yoni’s partner Grace, they discuss what Miles has been up to lately, directing as the writer vs. directing with another person as writer, working on his most recent feature, Dreamland, Yoni’s current existential c…

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The Legacy of Carnegie's Libraries 35:16

6y ago35:16

35:16

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we profile Scotland's Carnegie libraries a century later. Are these gifts from steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie still a valuable community resource or have they fallen victim to modernity and the digital age? Hear from historian Kenneth Breisch and enjoy new music from James Lindsay, Claire Gullan…

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144- Christian Lee Hutson 1:22:01

6+ y ago1:22:01

1:22:01

144- Christian Lee Hutson. While Christian is in southwest Ohio to visit his father, he and Yoni take a moment to get to know each other at a city park in Cincinnati. They talk about Bob Dylan, career longevity, quantity vs. quality, Christian’s drug-fueled youth, living with his dad in a motel in Venice Beach, working with Conor Oberst and Phoebe …

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143- R.A.P. Ferreira (FKA milo) 1:39:59

6+ y ago1:39:59

1:39:59

143- R.A.P. Ferreira (FKA milo). While Rory (R.A.P.) is in Cincinnati on tour, he stops by Yoni’s house for a convo. They talk about social media privacy for children, the rap hustle, Rory changing names from milo to R.A.P. Ferreira and why, production value in concerts vs. making a proper living, Rory’s writing process, being a rapper vs. a differ…

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142- Undertaker Katie 1:02:57

6+ y ago1:02:57

1:02:57

142- Undertaker Katie. Yoni heads over to Katie’s Cincinnati apartment for a chat about her relatively new career as an undertaker. They talk about the responsibilities of Katie’s job, her reasons for going into mortuary science, putting make up on her dead grandmother when she was a teenager, Katie tells some gruesome stories from the field, some …

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141- Fog (Andrew Broder) 1:16:03

6+ y ago1:16:03

1:16:03

141- Fog (Andrew Broder). Andrew flies Yoni to Minneapolis for a benefit series he puts on there. They spend some time together and have a talk at Yoni’s Airbnb. They discuss the themes for the residency, socioeconomic philosophies, the problems of our time, Andrew interviewing homeless people in a Minneapolis tent city, being an aging white guy in…

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139- Frankie Cosmos (Greta) 1:58:55

7y ago1:58:55

1:58:55

139- Frankie Cosmos (Greta). While Yoni is on a trip to NYC, after an afternoon boardgame hang, he and Greta Kline get together for a chat at her Brooklyn apartment. They discuss the emotional labor of touring and if it is a desirable activity, Greta’s ambivalence about her music being out there widely spreading, her early Bandcamp recordings, dog …

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138- Told Slant (Felix) 1:20:58

7y ago1:20:58

1:20:58

138- Told Slant (Felix). During a tour they are on together, Yoni, his brother Josiah and Felix Walworth get together for a talk at a Richmond, Virginia Airbnb. They discuss different ways of touring, Felix playing in their own project, Told Slant, versus playing in other peoples’ bands, capitalism and the built environment, Felix’s high school exp…

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Six Degrees of Scotland, pt. 3: Famous Scottish Americans (Dickson, Garland, Irving) 27:40

7y ago27:40

27:40

On this episode of Simply Scottish, we continue exploring Scotland's global reach with three more profiles of Scottish Americans. We'll look at inventor William Kennedy Dickson, actress and singer Judy Garland, and author Washington Irving. Plus, great music from Cruinn, Calum Stewart, Iona Fyfe, and others!…

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137- Daphne Jo (Cam Girl) 1:47:16

7y ago1:47:16

1:47:16

137- Daphne Jo (Cam Girl). While Yoni is in Denver on tour, he and Daphne meet up for a talk. They discuss how she discovered Yoni’s music on a Unicorns message board in 2003, how Daphne became a cam girl after a major accident, how camming works for the lay person, making gobs and gobs of money, spending time irl with her clients, her romantic lif…

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136- Hobo Johnson (Frank Lopes) 1:17:22

7y ago1:17:22

1:17:22

136- Hobo Johnson (Frank Lopes). Yoni and Frank sneak into the University of Cincinnati art school and find a quiet room to talk in. They discuss Frank’s early influences, how he got started making music, living in his car as a teenager, rap style, the writing process, Frank’s parents, performing, Twitter haters, Frank’s arrests, recording, dealing…

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135- Har Adonai (Adam Rosenfeld) 1:25:24

7y ago1:25:24

1:25:24

135- Har Adonai (Adam Rosenfeld). While Yoni and his brother, Josiah, are in Israel to play Meteor Festival, they hang with their childhood friend Adam and decide to have a chat on tape. They talk about Christian non-Jews living in Israel, how having a big family of 8 kids has changed Adam’s outlook on life, Adam’s profound and sudden hearing loss,…

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134- Totemo (Rotem Or) 1:02:34

7y ago1:02:34

1:02:34

134- Totemo (Rotem Or). After playing Meteor Festival in northern Israel, Yoni meets up with Rotem in the hotel courtyard. They discuss festivals, touring, performance vs. recording, working within constraints, working with a producer, Rotem’s upbringing, her successful battle with breast cancer, working on music while also having a day job, song w…

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133- Hop Along (Frances Quinlan) 1:20:52

7y ago1:20:52

1:20:52

133- Hop Along (Frances Quinlan). When Hop Along play Cincinnati, Yoni takes the opportunity to do a podcast with singer/songwriter Frances. They talk about touring, the Philly scene, Frances’ early musical interests, a 2008 WHY? and Hop Along show at a Michigan Quiznos, working with Saddle Creek, the band’s career trajectory, their working process…

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132- Japanese Breakfast 1:02:49

7y ago1:02:49

1:02:49

132- Japanese Breakfast. When Japanese Breakfast come to Cincinnati to play, Yoni takes the opportunity to meet up with song writer/producer, Michelle Zauner at the venue. They discuss Michelle’s recording history as Japanese Breakfast, as well as with her band Little Big League, career longevity, her time working at a big ad agency, her video game…

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131- Half Waif 1:04:51

7+ y ago1:04:51

1:04:51

131- Half Waif. Half Waif (Nandi Rose Plunkett) comes through Cincinnati to play a show. Yoni takes the opportunity to talk to Nandi. They discuss Nandi’s career trajectory thus far, her upbringing— musically and otherwise, the power of music, paper making, how to stay sane and creative in the face of touring and music industry bullshit, Half Waif’…

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130- Lala Lala 1:26:01

7+ y ago1:26:01

1:26:01

130- Lala Lala. Yoni heads down to Nashville to the Frankie Cosmos, Florist, Lala Lala show. He and Lillie West (Lala Lala) step aside for a chat. They talk about extracurricular tour activities, rock climbing, bike riding, karaoke, Lillie’s musical genesis, sobriety, antidepressants, Lala recording process, collaboration, and beyond.Support the po…