Best Basic Folk Podcasts (2025)

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

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1d ago1:21:20

1:21:20

(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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104. It’s Hot in Miami, Turn On Your AC 59:09

1d ago59:09

59:09

Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, the Traitors cast drops, and the Bravolebs include Dorinda, Rinna, Porsha, Candiace, Stanbury, and Kristen Kish. WWHL is renewed through 2027, and Kristen and Luke welcome baby Kaia. In Atlanta, Kelli and Shamea are new besties, and…

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They got real | They got raw |GilithiGreams like you’ve never heard before | Tab to listen. 48:45

1d ago48:45

48:45

In this powerful episode, we sit down with GilithiGreams—the first-ever pop girl group from Arunachal Pradesh. From viral dance routines to soul-touching Nyishi lyrics, the girls talk openly about what it takes to build something that’s never been done before. They didn’t hold back—this conversation is raw, emotional, and unfiltered. We dive into: …

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Unfiltered with Kon Jarbin — Laughter, Jet Lag & the Road to Aturto 32:43

3d ago32:43

32:43

In this episode of Smalltalk with Koko, we sat down with Kon Jarbin just hours after he landed — jet-lagged, but still walked in with a bouquet, a handwritten note, and all the warmth in the world. We recorded this right before his explosive win at ATURTO 3.0: Dirang Dominance, where he made his professional MMA debut with a 2-minute TKO victory ov…

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103. Bravo Exits, Douchebags in the City, and Dark Times at Britt’s 53:07

8d ago53:07

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Nia and Danny welcomed their new baby, Carl is not leaving Summer House but Lexi is, Brynn announced her departure from RHONY, and RHOM premieres! The Atlanta housewives are in Grenada, and Brit is public enemy number 1. In the Love…

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

10d ago1:03:07

1:03:07

(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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102. The Next Gen in NYC, Karens in The Valley, and Peaches in Grenada 1:07:07

15d ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Paige announced her departure from Summer House, the RHOC trailer dropped, and BravoCon tickets go on sale. The ladies of Atlanta are off to Grenada, and everyone is over Drew’s mess. In the Love Hotel, friends and family join the l…

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

17d ago51:06

51:06

(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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101. Craig is a Gem, Below Deck Sails On, & Summer Comes to an End 44:48

22d ago44:48

44:48

Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Below Deck and Next Gen NYC premiere next week, part 1 of the Summer House reunion is airing, RHOP is on a cast trip in the West Indies, and rumors about an Erika Jayne and Jesse Solomon hook-up. In Atlanta, Brit throws a pre-launch…

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

24d ago51:22

51:22

(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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100. Happy 100 Episodes! 55:15

29d ago55:15

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, it’s our 100th episode!!! Dolores will be a friend-of for the housewives of Rhode Island, Housewives join Family Feud, and Sonja left a Florida restaurant in an ambulance. In Atlanta, Shamea and Porsha talk about friendship, and Ang…

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

1M 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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99. New Shows, Old Summer House Folks, and a Whole Lot of Valley Chaos 47:51

1M ago47:51

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Bravo announced four new shows, BravoCon tickets go on sale 6/6, Emmy and Will got engaged, and The Valley filmed the reunion. In Atlanta, Shamea and Porsha get into it over their friendship, but not before having dinner with Ralph.…

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

1M 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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Sara Watkins on I'm With Her's Witchy AF New Record, ep. 309 54:09

1M 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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98. Getting Loose at the Love Hotel, Miami Heat, & Literal Summer House Snooze Fest 43:05

2M ago43:05

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, RHOM returns on 6/11, Dorit filed for divorce after PK was seen kissing another woman, and the Summer House reunion filmed. In the Summer House, the bed bugs throw a Snooze Fest, and Lexi calls Jesse out. On RHOA, Drew makes her uni…

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

2M 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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97. Almost Blocked by Jax, Never Ending Below Deck, and Nasal Minaj 46:36

2M ago46:36

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Mia is leaving RHOP, The Valley is getting a reunion, Love Hotel premieres on Sunday, and trailers for Below Deck and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives dropped. On RHOA, the ladies head to Nashville for Porsha’s birthday trip, and Drew p…

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

2M 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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96. Welcome Back to The Valley, Bye Bye Bev Hills, and SLC Ruuuumors 1:04:41

2M ago1:04:41

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, RHOSLC and Below Deck is filming a crossover episode, RHOM teaser dropped, and Taylor Ann Green is leaving Southern Charm. In Atlanta, the women are dealing with the fallout from Kenya’s poster presentation. On BDDU, Wihan and Johnn…

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

2M 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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95. Reunion Season; Bravo Next Gen; and a Scumbag Abroad 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to boujee. In Bravo news, The Valley is back next week, Next Gen NYC drops 6/3, and Gael and Nathan are expecting a Below Deck baby! On the Southern Charm Reunion, JT’s lying, Craig’s catching heat, and Leva shows up just to translate. Over in Atlanta, Brit’s threaten…

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

2M 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

3M 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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94. Carnival Finale, More Than a Toe, & Bad Bosun Behavior 1:05:27

3M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Garcelle announced her departure from RHOBH, Leva is leaving Southern Charm, Jen Shah’s sentence is reduced again, and RHOM could return in June. The Southern Charm finale kicks off with a Summer Soiree and Ventia and Leva confront …

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

3M 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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93. Pirates of Summer, Notes Down Under, and a Georgierton Finale 52:35

3M ago52:35

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, everyone is announcing podcasts, Love Hotel is coming in April, and Vanderpump Villa returns with Stassi and MomTok. On Southern Charm, Ryan comes for JT over what he heard at the barber. On RHOA, Porsha calls out Drew for wanting t…

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

3M 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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92. Traitors Finale, the Peaches are Back, and Sutton’s Been a Bad Girl 1:09:13

3M ago1:09:13

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, The Valley is back on 4/15, Tamra quits(?) RHOC, RHOSLC is filming, and Pump Rules will start filming in April. The Traitors finale had Dolo, Gabby, Ivar, and Dylan stepping into the winner’s circle. On Southern Charm, a chaotic din…

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Rose Cousins & Edie Carey: Bast Friendship, Music, and the Art of Spatula-ing Life, ep. 301 1:25:31

3M ago1:25:31

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Rose Cousins and Edie Carey's friendship has blossomed for over two decades. On the occasion of Rose releasing her new album, 'Conditions of Love - Vol 1,' the pair appear on Basic Folk to discuss the new music. They reflect on their early days and their first meeting as well as the ways they’ve influenced each other's careers and personal growth. …

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91. Hacked But Back, DUI Deflection, & Sustainable Kathy Hilton 58:31

4M ago58:31

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Jax Taylor shares his cocaine addiction, Salley and Craig go on a date, and the Atlanta Peaches return on Sunday. On Traitors, Tom is murdered, and Britney becomes a Traitor. The Southern Charm group is still in the Bahamas and Sien…

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Sierra Hull: Mandolin Magic and Small Town Roots, ep. 300 1:06:40

4M ago1:06:40

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When mandolinist Sierra Hull was little, her dad told her she was really good "for a ten year old." The older Hull knew Sierra had a fiery passion for the instrument and he knew exactly how to motivate his daughter. He went on to say that if she wanted to go to jams and porch-play for the rest of her life, she'd learned enough. He gave her realisti…

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Basic Folk Presents: Folk Files: Shady Grove 25:27

4M ago25:27

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Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! Folk Files is a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music through the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music th…

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90. Clankity Clank & Classless Caviar 1:01:50

4M ago1:01:50

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Karen Huger was sentenced to 2 years with 1 year suspended; a new lawsuit about the sexual misconduct allegations towards Gary King; Frankie Jr. is engaged, and Kroy filed for divorce…again. On Traitors, Sam is murdered, and Daniell…

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Gary Louris talks to Mark Erelli on Songwriting, Late in Life Love, and Technology, ep. 299 1:01:02

4M ago1:01:02

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You probably know Gary Louris as the leader of The Jayhawks – or as they refer to themselves, “a band from Minnesota.” The Jayhawks are pioneers of roots rock, alt-country, and Americana. Whatever you wanna call it, they’ve been making records where rock, pop, country, and other forms of American roots music overlap since the mid-1980s. But Louris’…

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Chum Darang – The Most Real Personality of Bigg Boss | Smalltalk with Koko 28:33

4M ago28:33

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Description: In this episode, I sit down with Chum Darang, who recently made waves in Bigg Boss and earned recognition as one of the most real and authentic personalities on the show. She has made a name for herself in the industry, and it was great having her as a guest on Smalltalk with Koko. This is a short and sweet conversation, but I hope you…

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89. Summer House Heat, Fireworks at Dorit’s, and Sandoval’s Comeback 1:04:00

4M ago1:04:00

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Ashley Darby’s divorce is official, unconfirmed reports on RHONJ casting, and our Craig content was featured on the Tamron Hall show. On Traitors, Chrishell is murdered, and Ciara is banished at the Round Table. The gang from Southe…

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Lilly Hiatt: Driving Tunes and Life Lessons, ep. 297 44:50

4M ago44:50

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Singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt has an interesting way of working melodies and a down to earth way of telling stories about her life and about how she sees the world. All of her albums have cool, crunchy guitar parts that take folk songwriting to a new rockin' level. On her new album 'Forever,' Hiatt's diverse influences are woven into songs that tou…

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Bonus Mary Sue Twohy: From Folk Roots to Radio Waves 41:12

4M ago41:12

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SiriusXM's folk radio programmer Mary Sue Twohy has not had a straight career path, but it's certainly been adventurous. Mary Sue, who is about to be inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame, has held many different jobs over her life, most notably as a touring singer songwriter and as a beloved folk radio programmer, host and active community member…

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88. Blocked by Paige, Cheffy Trouble Down Under, and Trauma Dumping in BH 51:02

4M ago51:02

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we break down all the Bravo tea from basic to boujee. In Bravo news, more details about Paige and Craig’s breakup are emerging, the RHONJ announcement is coming soon, and Ashley Darby has finalized her divorce. On The Traitors, Derrick is murdered, and Rob’s shady gameplay gets him banished. On Southern C…

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Sam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds, ep. 296 58:25

4M ago58:25

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Although the ever-enigmatic Sam Moss is not a great swimmer, he named his latest album 'Swimming.' The folk singer with a gentle demeanor is back with thoughtful songs and captivating melodies. Hailing from New England, Sam has carved out a unique niche in the folk world, blending naturalistic themes with an introspective approach to songwriting. W…

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87. Reunion Flops, Pick Me Bitches, and a New Baby Down South 58:34

4M ago58:34

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Madison is pregnant, Denise Richards and Her Wild Things premieres 3/4, Love Hotel is coming soon, Summer House is back next Wednesday, and Marcus Jordan was arrested. On Traitors, Wes’ messy gameplay gets him banished. On Southern …

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Covered in Moss: Anna B Savage's World of Folk, Birds and Ireland, ep. 295 57:32

5M ago57:32

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Anna B Savage is down to earth and witchy as hell at the same time. Over her three albums, she's cultivated a memorizing sound and epic image – like David Bowie, Bjork, Kate Bush, etc. – that's gained her a god-like reputation. A reputation which preceded the actual human being behind the art, leaving some to wonder what it would be like to speak t…

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86. It’s Reunion Season, the Peach Trailer Drops, and an Old Orange Returns to the OC 1:02:50

5M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, the RHOA trailer dropped, Gretchen got her orange back, and Karen’s sentencing was postponed to 2/26. On Traitors, Robyn gets murdered, and Nikki Bella is banished. On Southern Charm, Taylor loses her cool after JT brings up Gaston.…

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Carolyn Kendrick's Devilish Detour: Satan's Folk Music, Moral Panic and the Color Red, ep. 294 1:07:30

5M ago1:07:30

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Carolyn Kendrick's latest project explores complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil (AKA Satan, AKA Lucifer). The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album, 'Each Machine,' which is accompanied by a thought-provoking zine. In our Basic Folk conversation, she discusses the significance of the co…

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85. Everybody is a LIAR 1:02:27

5M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Karen got a new lawyer for her sentencing, Ally and James are officially done, and lots of Housewives cruises are on the horizon. On Traitors, Boston Rob comes for Bob the Drag Queen and doesn’t miss. The Southern Charm group gets t…

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Josh Kaufman: Imperfect Folk Music & Backstage Snacks, ep. 293 1:02:56

5M ago1:02:56

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Multi-talented musician and producer Josh Kaufman is known for his work with Josh Ritter, The National, and his band Bonny Light Horseman. I've known Josh for many years, after meeting him in Pittsburgh while he was on tour with Dawn Landes. I felt instant friendship with him (and honestly with the entire Dawn Landes band that day). We haven't seen…

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84. Reservation for 8 Lisas, Hunting for Housewives, and Reunion Attire 1:09:00

5M ago1:09:00

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Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Karen is seeking treatment, Paige was spotted at an Eagles game with a mystery man, and Kim and Kroy sold the house. The first 3 episodes of Traitors dropped, and we said goodbye to Dorinda, Wells, Chanel Ayan, and Tony. On Southern…

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Lutalo: Hip Hop Roots and Folk Future(s), ep. 292 50:22

5M ago50:22

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In 2024, Vermont's Lutalo released their debut album, The Academy. In this episode of Basic Folk, they share the profound influence of their father, whose deep love for artistry and creativity laid the foundation for Lutalo's musical path. We delve into the broad variety of their influences, from underground hip-hop to African drumming classes, eac…

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83. We're Baaaaaaack! 1:01:41

5M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Welcome back to Boujee Bravo Bitches, where we talk all that Bravo tea from basic to Boujee. In Bravo news this week, Craig and Paige have called it quits, Karen Huger is a no-show for the RHOP reunion, Jen Aydin has beef with an airport Jersey Mike’s, and Below Deck Down Under is back on 2/3. On Southern Charm, Austen tells Craig that he’s changed…