Best How Hard Is It To Be A Songwriter Podcasts (2025)

1
Erykah Badu Interview! On D’Angelo, Radical Empathy, Love & Hip-Hop 1:04:26

Play Pause

4d ago1:04:26

1:04:26

The singer and songwriter on her reign as one of music’s most idiosyncratic, spiritual figures and where her creative impulses are headed next. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore pod…

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Slow Walking Back to Songwriting with Katie Harder 1:06:33

4d ago1:06:33

1:06:33

When life becomes full and creativity starts to slip through the cracks, it can feel hard to find your way back to songwriting. But as songwriter and artist Katie Harder reminds us, returning to your creative flow doesn’t require perfect conditions — it simply asks for presence, trust, and a bit of structure. About Katie: Katie Harder, a singer-son…

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Remembering D’Angelo, A Classicist Who Moved Us Forward 1:12:21

6d ago1:12:21

1:12:21

A conversation about the casual virtuosity of D’Angelo’s too-brief career with a pair of journalists who each interviewed him twice. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and n…

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Why Is Taylor Swift So Polarizing Now? A ‘Showgirl’ Roundtable + Listener Mailbag! 1:31:23

17d ago1:31:23

1:31:23

Our team of Swift experts debate her blockbuster new album and take questions about its themes and controversies. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and narrated articles, d…

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From Writer’s Block to The Greatest of All Time with Findlay Napier 1:24:20

18d ago1:24:20

1:24:20

Even the most seasoned songwriters hit creative walls and Scottish singer-songwriter Findlay Napier knows that feeling all too well. In this candid and funny conversation, Findlay opens up about how perfectionism once stalled his songwriting and how leaning into play, co-writing, and community helped him rediscover the joy of creating. We talk abou…

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Breaking Down Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ 1:03:49

23d ago1:03:49

1:03:49

For a rapid-response episode, Jon and Joe journey track-by-track through the pop star’s new album, assessing the highs, lows and hot gossip. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcas…

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Hayley Williams Interview! On the State of Paramore, Going Solo & Touring With Taylor Swift 1:29:25

26d ago1:29:25

1:29:25

The Paramore frontwoman goes deep on how the drama and evolution of her beloved, long-running band — now independent after two decades on a major label — has shaped her third solo release, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” and what might come next. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe vi…

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Win the Day - Turning Tiny Victories into Timeless Songs with Donna Lynn Caskey 1:01:15

1M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Donna Lynn Caskey blends banjo-driven folk with a no-frills songwriting process to capture what’s real. In this episode, she and Francesca dig into how writing fast and often helped shape her album Tiny Victories—and how “Win the Day” rose from a rough voice memo to a defining track. About Donna: Donna Lynn Caskey, the youngest of ten children from…

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Ed Sheeran Interview! On Overcoming Grief, Fighting for His Songwriting & A Career Full of Hits 1:17:19

1M ago1:17:19

1:17:19

The superstar singer-songwriter discusses overcoming personal and professional turmoil ahead of his new album, “Play.” Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and narrated articl…

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Life Insurance, Goldilocks & Indie Rock: The Imaginative World of Songwriter Joel Riley 1:06:57

2M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

What happens when you commit to writing one song a week for 100 weeks? For songwriter and producer Joel Riley, it led to his debut album The Fruits of Labour. In this episode, Joel takes us inside his imaginative practice. He shares how consistency built his confidence, how feedback helped him hear his songs differently and how living in Dubbo insp…

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What Was the Song of This Summer? Amelia Dimoldenberg, Zohran Mamdani, Questlove & More Share Their Picks 49:43

2M ago49:43

49:43

Is there a universally agreed-upon song of the summer? These days, not really! So we asked some notable cultural figures for their personal favorites. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Form…

1
Cephalopods, Songwriting, and the Beauty in the Mess: A Conversation with Elana Stone 1:08:10

2M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Elana Stone shares the joyful chaos of a creative life. A double ARIA Award-winner, Stone blends folk, electronica, indie pop and balladry with lyrical vulnerability and melodic flair. From writing songs between baby naps to performing with Missy Higgins, in this episode she reflects on how staying true …

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Earl Sweatshirt Interview! On ‘Live Laugh Love,’ Growing Up in Odd Future & Becoming a Dad 1:08:12

2M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

The cult rapper, who broke out at 16, discusses his new album, his relationship with Tyler, the Creator and how he cut his own path around fame and into fatherhood. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=po…

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Anticipating Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ 35:14

2M ago35:14

35:14

The singer’s twelfth album is being teased as a pivot back to pop bangers. We break down why (and why she announced it the way she did). Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts a…

1
BigXthaPlug Interview! From Solitary Confinement to Nashville’s Favorite Rapper 1:15:11

2M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

The Dallas M.C. traces his journey from high school football star to petty criminal to country music’s go-to collaborator, ahead of a new album featuring Luke Combs, Shaboozey, Jelly Roll and Ella Langley. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.ny…

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Under the Streetlights: Andrew McCrorie-Shand on Writing from Image, Emotion and Imagination 1:12:06

2M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

Award-nominated composer Andrew McCrorie-Shand joins Francesca de Valence to share a songwriting journey shaped by curiosity, cinematic vision, and emotional depth. From hit TV themes like Teletubbies to reflective solo work, Andy’s decades-spanning career reveals the power of imagination and storytelling in music. About Andrew: Andy is a multi-ins…

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MGK Interview! On Bob Dylan, Megan Fox, Rehab & His New Pop Album 1:11:29

3M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

The polarizing rapper-turned-singer discusses making rock legends into fans, blowing up his life, the harrowing abuse that shaped him and his latest musical pivot, "Lost Americana." Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-acces…

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From the Top End to the Studio: Crystal Robins on the Journey of Songwriting and Resilience 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

Darwin-based songwriter and music therapist Crystal Robins shares how her connection to place and her work in music therapy shaped her debut album Moonflower, and explains how a weekly songwriting prompt led her to the powerful, fully produced track “Where This Heart’s Been”. About Crystal: Crystal Robins is a songwriter living on Larrakia country …

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Ethel Cain Interview! On Knowing When to Apologize & When to Stand Firm 1:18:29

3M ago1:18:29

1:18:29

The singer discusses returning to the spotlight following a successful debut, an ambient detour and some recent controversy. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and narrated …

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Justin Bieber’s Experimental ‘Swag’ Resurgence 48:31

3M ago48:31

48:31

Discussing the era-defining pop singer’s most idiosyncratic and musically adventurous release to date. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and narrated articles, download The…

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If You Give Her Lemons: Jaime Jackett’s Art of Reinvention 54:33

3M ago54:33

54:33

Genre-fluid pop artist Jaime Jackett shares the creative journey behind her debut album Reinvention, and how a single songwriting prompt led to the playful, percussive track Lemonade. From beatboxing and found sounds to multiple live arrangements, Jaime reveals how reinvention is both her process and her power. About Jaime: Jaime Jackett is a power…

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Does Lorde Still Want to Be a Star? Our ‘Virgin’ Feelings 59:11

4M ago59:11

59:11

The beloved pop singer’s new album once again ponders whether being famous and obsessed over is all it’s cracked up to be. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and narrated ar…

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Reacting to the Diddy Verdict 32:26

4M ago32:26

32:26

A conversation, immediately following the jury's decision on Wednesday, about how and why the music mogul was acquitted of the most serious charges at his sex trafficking trial. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/au…

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What’s Your Money Story? 12:47

4M ago12:47

12:47

Before taking a pause for the Summer, Carl revisits moments with recent guests Austin Kleon, Debbie Millman, Tom Fishburne, and Gretchen Rubin to pulling together common threads about the hidden stories we tell ourselves about money. Ask yourself the following questions while listening: Where does your money come from and what does it cost you? Wha…

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Golden Lover, Silver Song: Pat Tierney on Writing with Heart 57:20

4M ago57:20

57:20

Roots troubadour Pat Tierney joins Francesca to reflect on a decade of songwriting, the power of creative community, and the process behind his latest album Lost in the Haze. From songwriting as self-expression to turning a weekly challenge into a lead single, this episode explores the beauty of showing up and staying true to your voice. About Pat:…

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The Cost Of Making Things With Austin Kleon 57:53

4M ago57:53

57:53

Austin Kleon has built a life around making art—and making choices. In this candid conversation, the bestselling author of Steal Like an Artist opens up about the cost of creativity, the pressure of success, and the freedom that comes from knowing what’s enough. From turning down life-changing sums of money to driving an old Honda with pride, Austi…

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Clipse Interview! Pusha T & Malice Speak on Kanye, Kendrick, Travis + Music Industry Mess 1:12:57

4M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

The duo of brothers discuss “Let God Sort Em Out,” its first album since 2009, and all the drama along the way. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and narrated articles, dow…

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How a New Mum and Dad Made an Album While the Baby Slept - Mardi Lumsden on Making Slow Emotion 1:00:15

4M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Award-winning Brisbane synth-pop artist Mardi Lumsden has long been known for her ethereal songwriting and shimmering sonic landscapes. But her sophomore album Slow Emotion came to life in a way that was as delicate and intimate as its title suggests—written asynchronously and collaboratively with her husband and producer, Pennay, in the quiet hour…

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The Magic of Songwriting Season 8 1:30

4M ago1:30

1:30

Francesca introduces the podcast theme for Season 8: turning consistent creative practice into a powerful body of work. She shares how members of I Heart Songwriting Club—from remote communities to bustling cities—have written full albums inside the Club. Each episode this season includes a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, sharing a …

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Meaningful Work Done On Purpose With Tom Fishburne 1:06:35

4M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

Cartoonist and former brand manager Tom Fishburne—best known as the creator of Marketoonist—joins Carl for a conversation that flips the script on what it means to take risks. From leaving a stable job with a Harvard MBA to becoming a full-time cartoonist, Tom shares what looked like “career suicide” from the outside became his most stable and fulf…

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Remembering Sly Stone & Brian Wilson 1:03:48

5M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

A wide-ranging conversation about two pop visionaries whose lives, careers and legacies only grew more complex over time. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts andSpotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app herehttps://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Formore podcasts and narrated art…

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What Money Can’t Fix with Debbie Milman 1:04:12

5M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Debbie Millman is a celebrated designer, writer, educator, and host of the long-running podcast Design Matters. In this conversation, Debbie opens up about a subject she rarely discusses publicly: her lifelong relationship with money. Together with Carl, she traces the roots of scarcity, shame, and control that shaped her childhood and career decis…

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Spending Your Money Now with Oliver Burkeman 1:04:57

5M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

"You Actually Miss Your Life While You're Trying to Protect It". That’s the provocative idea at the heart of this episode with bestselling author Oliver Burkeman (Four Thousand Weeks). Oliver reflects on how class, money, and time shape our identity and our illusions of control. From childhood popsicle enterprises to awkward dinner bills and the ha…

How Hard Is It To Be A Songwriter Podcasts

1
The Magic of Songwriting with Francesca de Valence

I Heart Songwriting Club, Francesca de Valence

1
Popcast

The New York Times

1
50 Fires: Money and Meaning with Carl Richards

Blind Nil Audio

1
Erykah Badu Interview! On D’Angelo, Radical Empathy, Love & Hip-Hop 1:04:26

1
Slow Walking Back to Songwriting with Katie Harder 1:06:33

1
Remembering D’Angelo, A Classicist Who Moved Us Forward 1:12:21

1
Why Is Taylor Swift So Polarizing Now? A ‘Showgirl’ Roundtable + Listener Mailbag! 1:31:23

1
From Writer’s Block to The Greatest of All Time with Findlay Napier 1:24:20

1
Breaking Down Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ 1:03:49

1
Hayley Williams Interview! On the State of Paramore, Going Solo & Touring With Taylor Swift 1:29:25

1
Win the Day - Turning Tiny Victories into Timeless Songs with Donna Lynn Caskey 1:01:15

1
Ed Sheeran Interview! On Overcoming Grief, Fighting for His Songwriting & A Career Full of Hits 1:17:19

1
Life Insurance, Goldilocks & Indie Rock: The Imaginative World of Songwriter Joel Riley 1:06:57

1
What Was the Song of This Summer? Amelia Dimoldenberg, Zohran Mamdani, Questlove & More Share Their Picks 49:43

1
Cephalopods, Songwriting, and the Beauty in the Mess: A Conversation with Elana Stone 1:08:10

1
Earl Sweatshirt Interview! On ‘Live Laugh Love,’ Growing Up in Odd Future & Becoming a Dad 1:08:12

1
Anticipating Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ 35:14

1
BigXthaPlug Interview! From Solitary Confinement to Nashville’s Favorite Rapper 1:15:11

1
Under the Streetlights: Andrew McCrorie-Shand on Writing from Image, Emotion and Imagination 1:12:06

1
MGK Interview! On Bob Dylan, Megan Fox, Rehab & His New Pop Album 1:11:29

1
From the Top End to the Studio: Crystal Robins on the Journey of Songwriting and Resilience 50:59

1
Ethel Cain Interview! On Knowing When to Apologize & When to Stand Firm 1:18:29

1
Justin Bieber’s Experimental ‘Swag’ Resurgence 48:31

1
If You Give Her Lemons: Jaime Jackett’s Art of Reinvention 54:33

1
Does Lorde Still Want to Be a Star? Our ‘Virgin’ Feelings 59:11

1
Reacting to the Diddy Verdict 32:26

1
What’s Your Money Story? 12:47

1
Golden Lover, Silver Song: Pat Tierney on Writing with Heart 57:20

1
The Cost Of Making Things With Austin Kleon 57:53

1
Clipse Interview! Pusha T & Malice Speak on Kanye, Kendrick, Travis + Music Industry Mess 1:12:57

1
How a New Mum and Dad Made an Album While the Baby Slept - Mardi Lumsden on Making Slow Emotion 1:00:15

1
The Magic of Songwriting Season 8 1:30

1
Meaningful Work Done On Purpose With Tom Fishburne 1:06:35

1
Remembering Sly Stone & Brian Wilson 1:03:48

1
What Money Can’t Fix with Debbie Milman 1:04:12

1
Spending Your Money Now with Oliver Burkeman 1:04:57