Best Jacob Collier Podcasts (2026)

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Perfect Pitch: Unlocking Jacob Collier’s musical brilliance 32:24

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19d ago32:24

32:24

We’re very pleased to bring you this episode, and more to come in the future, thanks to our friends at Twenty Thousand Hertz, a podcast that tells the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. People with perfect or “absolute” pitch hear every single sound as precise musical notes. Is this extraordinary talent a blessing …

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Revisited: The Beautiful Brilliance of Boredom with Creative Polymath Elle Cordova 1:03:10

5d ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Team Simon is revisiting some of the episodes you helped make our favorites of the year until A Bit of Optimism returns on January 27, 2026, with brand-new episodes. We’re rewinding back to August, when talented polymath Elle Cordova joined the show and unpacked how we’re all wired to chase the next spark. We scroll, swipe, refresh, and repeat—but …

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ReThinking: Overcoming status anxiety with Alain de Botton and RaQuel Hopkins 35:17

2h ago35:17

35:17

Alain de Botton is a philosopher, bestselling author, and cofounder of The School of Life, known for his fearless engagement with the complexity of human existence. In this special episode, Adam co-hosts alongside former guest RaQuel Hopkins, a therapist, social media star, and fan of Alain’s work. They discuss the roots of and remedies for status …

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215. Scott Dudelson Discusses Dillard & Clark, The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark 47:40

2d ago47:40

47:40

Send us a text For the final YMAAA episode of 2025, music photographer, podcaster, entrepreneur and record collector Scott Dudelson introduces Al to Dillard & Clark’s 1968 debut album The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark. Scott talks about how he first encountered the album, why it had special significance for him during an important time in…

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Revisited: Your Unhappy Brain Needs Some Assistance with Happiness Expert Mo Gawdat 1:30:38

12d ago1:30:38

1:30:38

Team Simon here! Thank you for being part of such an incredible year—and for helping us grow the podcast through your support, sharing it with others, and showing up week after week. We love seeing your comments and hearing what resonates with you. A Bit of Optimism returns on January 27, 2026, with brand-new episodes we think you’re really going t…

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A Bit of Optimism Will Return in the New Year 2:37

12d ago2:37

2:37

Team Simon here! As the year comes to a close, A Bit of Optimism is pressing pause for a short winter break. The show will return on January 27, 2026 and we can’t wait to be back with you. But before we go, we want to say thank you. Truly. This show exists because of you—the listeners who show up every week, share episodes and clips, leave thoughtf…

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ReThinking: Raising a new generation of readers with Shannon Hale 39:43

2d ago39:43

39:43

Shannon Hale is the author of more than 50 books for all ages, including the Princess Academy series and her graphic novel memoirs. In this episode, Adam and his daughter Joanna (a longtime fan of Shannon’s books) talk to Shannon about the powerful lessons books teach us about empathy, and take a closer look at how stories can either reinforce or d…

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Season 10 Year in Review 30:17

10d ago30:17

30:17

We revisit conversations from our tenth season of the FDNY Pro Podcast with host FDNY Deputy Chief Michael Barvels. As we reflect on this milestone season, we remain honored to share these operational stories and training tips with all of you. Thank you to all the members who contributed their expertise and experience.…

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Prepare for the Life You’re Meant to Live With Chaplain John Fox 1:07:31

18d ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Often the biggest transformations we undergo don’t arrive as lightning bolts, but as quiet shifts we’ve been preparing for all along. For John Fox, the transformation from a 25-year career in high finance to becoming a chaplain wasn’t sudden at all. It was a slow burn—shaped by loss, reflection, community, and a deep desire to live a more meaningfu…

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ReThinking: Margaret Atwood on what AI can’t replace 42:41

9d ago42:41

42:41

Margaret Atwood is best known as the author of The Handmaid’s Tale, and she’s won a slew of awards for her novels, poetry collections, and children’s books. Now, at the age of 86, she’s written her first memoir, The Book of Lives. In this episode, Adam and Margaret break down her perspective on what creative jobs AI will and won’t threaten and disc…

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214. Madison Cunningham Discusses Silver Apples, self-titled 1:04:56

19d ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Send us a text Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Madison Cunningham joins Al to introduce him to the 1968 debut album by Silver Apples, Madison talks about how she became acquainted with the album, the unusual way the album was made and why it has become a meaningful album for her personally. She and Al highlight their favorite tracks a…

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How Losing Everything Taught Her to Help Everyone: Joan Howard’s Story 51:08

25d ago51:08

51:08

Life can change in an instant. One day you’re shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, and the next you’re sitting in your car with everything you own, and everyone you love, wondering what happens now. Joan Howard grew up in Beverly Hills with every advantage until a series of crises left her homeless and living in her car with her mother and three dogs. Wh…

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ReThinking: Busting longevity myths with Eric Topol 39:14

16d ago39:14

39:14

Slowing the process of aging is something many people are interested in—and there’s a lot of pseudoscience out there about how to do it. Eric Topol is a cardiologist at Scripps and a prolific researcher on the genetics of longevity. In this episode, Eric debunks some common myths about how to live a longer life and shares his surprising findings ab…

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A Rebel With a Cause (and a Cone) with Jeni’s Ice Cream Founder Jeni Britton 53:19

1M ago53:19

53:19

What if a great business was built like a handmade mixtape? A lovingly crafted experience that is as much a love letter from its founder as it is custom-tailored to its audience. Before Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams became a household name, Jeni Britton was a 22-year-old art school dropout scooping her ice cream creations at a farmers market in Ohio. …

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ReThinking: Building confidence with mentalist Oz Pearlman 32:50

25d ago32:50

32:50

Oz Pearlman has been called the World’s Greatest Mentalist—he’s performed for some of the world’s top celebrities and made it to the finals on America’s Got Talent. In this episode, Oz joins Adam live at Authors@Wharton to show off his tricks and discuss the real skills behind his rise to success. The two reflect on Oz’s time working on Wall Street…

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213. Jack Cooper Discusses Michael Head Introducing The Strands, The Magical World of the Strands 59:15

24d ago59:15

59:15

Send us a text On this episode, UK-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Jack Cooper of Modern Nature introduces Al to the 1997 Michael Head Introducing The Strands album The Magical World of the Strands. Jack talks about how and when he first learned about Head’s work and how he eventually became familiar with The Magical World of the Strands. …

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Divers in the Water with FDNY Battalion Chief Thor Johannessen, Captain Frederick Ill and Firefighter Jacob Dutton 55:32

1M ago55:32

55:32

On the morning of November 12, 2023, FDNY members in Manhattan executed a dramatic dive rescue in the Hudson River. As initial FDNY units arrived, a witness reported that a man had climbed over the railing and fallen backward into the water. After a brief struggle, he disappeared beneath the surface. Within moments, FDNY surface swimmers and a SCUB…

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The Culture That Converts Even the Biggest Cynics with former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge 56:55

1M ago56:55

56:55

Who would’ve guessed that one of the world’s best company cultures was hiding behind a can of WD-40? Of all the places to find a leadership masterclass, the blue-and-yellow can in your garage probably wasn’t on your list - but it’s time to put it there. Garry Ridge - an Australian who brought his charm and curiosity across the Pacific - joined WD-4…

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ReThinking: Why are people acting like everything’s fine? with Rahaf Harfoush 41:21

1M ago41:21

41:21

In our rapidly changing world, it might make you feel crazy to look around and see others going about life as usual. There’s actually a term for this phenomenon: hypernormalization. In this episode, Adam talks with Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist and expert on toxic productivity culture, about the immense pressures of living through “unpre…

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A Scoring Notes holiday shopping trip 1:02:11

1M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

‘Tis the season to be thankful for all of the products and services in the world of music notation software and related technology, and for the Scoring Notes audience who tunes in to hear us opine on them! We show our appreciation by bearing good tidings and do a little shopping to find some Black Friday deals and make a few recommendations for fun…

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212. Wreckless Eric Discusses Tom Petty, Full Moon Fever 1:38:31

1M ago1:38:31

1:38:31

Send us a text On this episode, English alternative rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and engineer Wreckless Eric talks to Al about Tom Petty’s 1989 multi-Platinum solo debut Full Moon Fever. Eric explains how he was belatedly introduced to the album, and what he loves and doesn’t love about it. He also makes the case for Full Moon Fever…

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Choose Your Seven Humans Wisely with author Fredrik Backman 58:07

2M ago58:07

58:07

What if great friendships aren’t found by luck but built through effort? Bestselling novelist Fredrik Backman, the mind behind A Man Called Ove (adapted into the Tom Hanks film A Man Called Otto), Anxious People, and the beloved Beartown series, has spent his career writing about the quiet power of ordinary people. But in his real life, he learned …

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ReThinking: Talking people out of hate with Daryl Davis and former neo-Nazi Jeff Schoep 41:39

1M ago41:39

41:39

The Ku Klux Klan is one of the tightest-knit White supremacist groups in America—once someone joins, they’re usually in for life. But since the 1980s, over 200 members have renounced their affiliation, and all give credit to the same man: a Black jazz musician named Daryl Davis. In this episode, Adam is joined by Daryl and Jeff Schoep, a former lea…

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The Smartest Way To Be Stupid with comedian Matthew Broussard 1:04:53

2M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

If you feel stupid while learning something new, you’re doing it right. But if you keep doing the same thing over and over hoping it’ll suddenly make sense - that’s on you. The trick isn’t to push harder; it’s to find a new teacher, a new explanation, a new way in. That’s exactly how Matthew Broussard approaches comedy - and everything else. A stan…

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ReThinking: Living each day like it’s your first with Suleika Jaouad 42:01

1M ago42:01

42:01

Suleika Jaouad is the author of the memoir Between Two Kingdoms and the new Book of Alchemy—she’s also a lifelong journaler. In this episode, Adam and Suleika reflect on how Suleika’s journaling practice has helped her through cancer, discuss the art and science of journaling, and brainstorm creative ways to incorporate it into reflection and relat…

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211. Emma Swift Discusses Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago (see notes re: TW) 1:16:48

2M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Send us a text On this episode, Nashville-based, Australian-born singer-songwriter Emma Swift introduces Al to Bon Iver’s 2007 album For Emma, Forever Ago. Emma talks about how she first learned about Bon Iver and this particular album as a DJ in Sydney. She explains what drew her to Justin Vernon’s music and what set him apart from other indie art…

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The Man Who Proved Me Right with CEO Bob Chapman and the Barry-Wehmiller Team 1:12:07

2M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

I’ve long imagined a world where people wake each morning inspired, feel safe wherever they work, and return home fulfilled by what they’ve created. That vision once felt like a dream - until I met Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, who quietly built it into reality. Over five decades, Bob has grown a humble Midwestern manufacturing company into …

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ReThinking: Malala Yousafzai on redefining resilience and prioritizing joy 44:13

2M ago44:13

44:13

Malala Yousafzai is an activist for girls’ education and women’s empowerment, and the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate in history. In her new book, Finding My Way, is her effort to take control of her story after becoming a public figure at a young age. In this episode, Malala and Adam talk about the pressures of childhood fame, Malala’s struggles wit…

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Cleo Huggins, the designer of the first music font [encore] 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

We talk a lot about fonts on the Scoring Notes podcast. But there was a time when there were no music fonts. And then, there was one. Cleo Huggins, on the staff of Adobe in 1986, designed Sonata, the very first music font. It’s hard to imagine today, but it was revolutionary at the time, and a leading industry publication called it the “Music Produ…

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Complex high-rise firefighting operations in New York City with FDNY Captain Chris Collier, and Lieutenants Dan Gordon and James Pirot 43:05

2M ago43:05

43:05

New York City is home to thousands of high-rise buildings, from legacy skyscrapers to modern glass towers. Their heights can range from seven stories to more than 100 stories, with vastly different interiors. The FDNY responds to fires and emergencies in all of them. Over the years, the FDNY has developed proven strategies and tactics but continues…

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210. Andrea Walker Discusses Fleetwood Mac, Tango in the Night 1:09:17

2M ago1:09:17

1:09:17

Send us a text Andrea Walker, co-founder, primary songwriter and guitarist for the Portland-based indie rock band Glitterfox, visits YMAAA to talk about Fleetwood Mac’s 1987 album Tango in the Night. Andrea discusses how she got into Fleetwood Mac, and this album in particular, through learning and performing the songs, and how playing Fleetwood Ma…

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ReThinking: Permission to play with Jacob Collier 43:28

2M ago43:28

43:28

Jacob Collier is a Grammy-winning musician, an exceptional teacher and communicator, and a rousing innovator onstage. Jacob joins Adam in front of a live audience at TED to give an interactive performance and share his perspective on audience participation, his insights on communication, and his unconventional approach to making music that defies g…

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209. Leanne Butkovic and Angie Boylan of Freezing Cold Discuss No Doubt, Tragic Kingdom 1:05:52

2M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Send us a text Leanne Butkovic and Angie Boylan, who comprise the rhythm section of the New York-based indie rock trio Freezing Cold, join Al to discuss No Doubt’s 1995 breakthrough album Tragic Kingdom. Leanne and Angie each talk about how the album was formative for them, why they still enjoy it and why being a fan of the band—and of Gwen Stefani…

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ReThinking: The art of the interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin 36:41

2M ago36:41

36:41

As a business journalist, Andrew Ross Sorkin writes for the New York Times DealBook, which he founded, and co-anchors Squawk Box on CNBC. In this episode, Adam and Andrew riff on what makes a great conversation and compare notes on their best and worst interviews—including when Elon Musk told Bob Iger to f*** off. They also investigate what Andrew …

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208. Will Paquin Discusses Paulinho Nogueira, O Fino do Violão 58:24

2M ago58:24

58:24

Send us a text Nashville-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Will Paquin joins Al to introduce him to Paulinho Nogueira’s 1965 album O Fino do Violão. Will talks about how he got into Brazilian guitar, why he didn’t tell anyone about the music he discovered and why he has a particular affinity for Nogueira’s music. Will also highlights some of…

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ReThinking: What being a lawyer taught John Grisham about writing novels 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

John Grisham is the author of over 50 #1 bestselling novels, including A Time To Kill and The Pelican Brief—but before he became the preeminent writer of legal thrillers, he had a tumultuous career as a lawyer. Adam and John discuss how John’s experience in the courtroom inspires his fiction, and how it has continued to shape his perspective on sto…

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207. Caro Kelley Discusses Jacob Collier, Djesse Vol. 4 53:00

3M ago53:00

53:00

Send us a text Munich-based soul-pop artist Caro Kelley joins Al to talk about Jacob Collier’s 2024 album Djesse Vol. 4. Caro revisits her first encounter with the album—and why it led her to go on an extended housecleaning binge—and she explains why she loved the album instantly. Caro also explains why she thinks the album’s eclecticism suits it w…

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ReThinking: What we’re getting wrong about mental health with RaQuel Hopkins 33:53

3M ago33:53

33:53

RaQuel Hopkins is a therapist and HR professional whose hot takes on growth and well-being have challenged how many people talk and think about mental health. In this episode, Adam and RaQuel explore how some people use mental health labels as a crutch, discuss ways to expand our capacity instead of simply coping with emotional wounds, and address …