Best Songtalk Podcasts (2026)

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Songcraft Classic: WALTER AFANASIEFF ("All I Want for Christmas Is You") 1:09:51

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12d ago1:09:51

1:09:51

We've been celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. Today, for our final "classic episode" of 2025, we're revisiting our 2020 conversation with "All I Want for Christmas" co-writer Walter Afanasieff. Happy holidays and thanks for a great year of looking back together as…

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

19d 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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Songcraft Classic: ELVIS COSTELLO ("Pump It Up") 1:34:05

26d 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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Ep. 269 - JOE HENRY ("Don't Tell Me") 1:29:54

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

1M 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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Ep. 268 - BOOTSY COLLINS ("Flash Light") 55:59

2M 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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Songcraft Classic: RICHARD MARX ("Right Here Waiting") 1:12:03

2M 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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Ep. 267 - STEVE MARTIN & ALISON BROWN ("Foggy Mountain Breaking") 1:08:47

2M 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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Songcraft Classic: DAVID PORTER ("Soul Man") 1:26:10

2M ago1:26:10

1:26:10

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 Stax legend David Porter. ABOUT DAVID PORTER Named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time,” Porter is best known for his songwriting partners…

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Ep. 266 - SHAWN CAMP ("Two Pina Coladas") 1:13:03

2M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Shawn Camp pulls back the curtain on his varied career, including his latest album of songs that were composed with the legendary Guy Clark. PART ONE Scott and Paul talk about how technology is changing the songwriting game, and other old man complaints. PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Shawn Camp ABOUT SHAWN…

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Songcraft Classic: EMILY SALIERS of Indigo Girls 1:21:38

3M ago1:21:38

1:21:38

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 2019 conversation with Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls. ABOUT EMILY SALIERS Singer-songwriter Emily Saliers is best known as one half of Indigo Girls, which NPR called “one of the finest folk duos …

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Ep. 265 - Whitney Phillips ("Stuck with U") 1:04:19

3M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

By Whitney Phillips, Paul Duncan, Scott B. Bomar

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Songcraft Classic: ROLAND ORAZBAL of Tears for Fears ("Shout!") 1:16:16

3M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

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 2022 conversation with Roland Orzabal. ABOUT ROLAND ORZABAL AND TEARS FOR FEARS: Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith formed Tears for Fears in Bath, England, in 1981 and have gone on to sell 30 million…

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Songcraft Classic: CROSBY & NASH 2:00:56

4M ago2:00:56

2:00:56

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 David Crosby and our 2023 conversation with Graham Nash. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of perso…

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Ep. 264 - HAYES CARLL ("The Love That We Need") 1:17:29

4M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Americana Award winner and Grammy nominee Hayes Carll chats about the development of his songwriting and the highly personal nature of his latest album, We're Only Human. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about the unfortunate history of songs about rock & roll. PART TWO Scott's in-depth conversation with Hayes Carll ABOUT HAYES CARLL Singer, songwriter…

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Songcraft Classic: DAN WILSON ("Someone Like You") 1:26:25

4M ago1:26:25

1:26:25

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 Dan Wilson. ABOUT DAN WILSON Songwriter, singer, musician, producer and acclaimed visual artist Dan Wilson is a Minnesota native and Harvard graduate who launched his music…

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Ep. 263 - MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER ("Down at the Twist and Shout") 1:14:59

4M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

Five-time Grammy winner, ACM Poet's Award honoree, and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Mary Chapin Carpenter opens up about her process and reflects on her approach to the craft. PART ONE: Paul and Scott geek out hard on Elvis and legendary songwriter Doc Pomus. PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with Mary Chapin Carpenter ABOUT MARY CHAPIN CA…

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Songcraft Classic: VINCE GILL ("Go Rest High on That Mountain") 1:14:26

5M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

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 2017 conversation with Vince Gill. ABOUT VINCE GILL Multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Vince Gill launched his solo career in the mid-1980s, hitting the Top 10 on Billboard’s country s…

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Ep. 262 - TYSON RITTER of The All-American Rejects ("Dirty Little Secret") 53:46

5M ago53:46

53:46

The All-American Rejects frontman discusses the evolution of his songwriting process and what it means for him to embrace his art. PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about their upcoming music-themed road trip. PART TWO Our in-depth interview with Tyson Ritter of The All-American Rejects ABOUT TYSON RITTER Tyson Ritter is best known as the lead vocalist,…

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Songcraft Classic: VALERIE SIMPSON ("I'm Every Woman") 1:16:02

5M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

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 2019 conversation with Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson. ABOUT VALERIE SIMPSON Six-time Grammy nominee Valerie Simpson is best known as one half of the songwriting, production and performing …

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Ep. 261 - PATTY GRIFFIN ("Heavenly Day") 1:15:23

5M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

Two-time Grammy winner and songwriting superhero Patty Griffin joins us for a wide-ranging discussion about her craft PART ONE Reflecting on the lives of recently-departed songwriters Alan Bergman and Ozzy Osbourne, which might be the only time those two were discussed in the same conversation! PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Patty Griffin …

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Songcraft Classic: ROBERT DE LEO of Stone Temple Pilots ("Interstate Love Song") 1:09:03

5M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

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 2023 conversation with Robert De Leo of Stone Temple Pilots. ABOUT ROBERT DE LEO Robert De Leo is best known for his work in Stone Temple Pilots. Collaborating with lyricist and vocalist Scott We…

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Ep. 260 - DAVE MASON ("Feelin' Alright?") 1:04:17

6M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason chats about his early days in Traffic, writing the classic "Feelin' Alright?", working with Delaney & Bonnie, and so much more. PART ONE Scott and Paul chat about Dave Mason's unique role in the rock & roll pantheon. PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Dave Mason. ABOUT DAVE MASON After recording background …

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Songcraft Classic: MIKE STOLLER ("Hound Dog") 1:31:39

6M ago1:31:39

1:31:39

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 2016 conversation with Mike Stoller. ABOUT MIKE STOLLER Mike Stoller has written more than 60 songs that have appeared on the Billboard charts, including the #1 hits “Hound Dog,” “Kansas City,” “…

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Ep. 259 - NORMAN GREENBAUM ("Spirit in the Sky") 1:10:29

6M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Norman Greenbaum gave the world "Spirit in the Sky," one of the greatest records ever made. He chats with us about his iconic classic, as well as other musical adventures and misadventures over the last few decades. PART ONE: Paul and Scott chat about Instagram, artist accessibility, and what the heck Norman Greenbaum looks like. PART TWO: Our in-d…

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Songcraft Classic: ANI DIFRANCO ("32 Flavors") 1:30:32

6M ago1:30:32

1:30:32

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 Ani DiFranco. ABOUT ANI DIFRANCO Singer, songwriter, musician, producer, poet, author, spoken-word artist, activist and entrepreneur Ani DiFranco has released more than 20 …

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Ep. 258 - WESLEY SCHULTZ of The Lumineers ("Ho Hey") 1:18:39

7M ago1:18:39

1:18:39

Lumineers front man and two-time Grammy nominee Wesley Schultz goes deep on his passion for songwriting. PART ONE: Paul and Scott tell the harrowing tale of the Wesley Schultz interview that almost didn't happen. Plus, do you have a question for Patty Griffin, Dave Mason, or Mary Chapin Carpenter? Share it with us and you just might hear your name …

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Songcraft Classic: JIMMY WEBB ("Wichita Lineman") 1:16:05

7M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

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 2017 conversation with Jimmy Webb. ABOUT JIMMY WEBB Jimmy Webb emerged as a superstar songwriter and arranger in 1967 when two of his songs – The 5th Dimension’s “Up, Up and Away” and Glen Campbe…

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Ep. 257 - DAVE PIRNER of Soul Asylum ("Runaway Train") 1:11:12

7M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Grammy-winning songwriter and Soul Asylum frontman Dave Pirner chats about his process, from the earliest days of the band to to the most recent album, Slowly But Shirley PART ONE: Paul and Scott talk about movie soundtracks, music discovery, and how technology changes but the power of music endures. PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with Dave Pi…

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Songcraft Classic: STEVE PERRY ("Don't Stop Believing") 1:09:59

7M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

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 Steve Perry. ABOUT STEVE PERRY One of the most iconic voices in rock music history, Steve Perry is best known as the lead singer of the band Journey during the group’s most…

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Ep. 256 - SUZANNE VEGA ("Luka") 1:14:03

8M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

GRAMMY winner Suzanne Vega talks "Luka," "Tom's Diner," her first studio album in more than a decade, and much more! PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about the pop culture museum in Seattle, as well as Nirvana, Soundgarden, the diner in Seinfeld, canned green beans, and other important stuff. PART TWO Scott's in-depth conversation with Suzanne Vega ABO…

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Songcraft Classic: JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS ("Rhythm Nation") 1:20:32

8M ago1:20:32

1:20:32

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 Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. ABOUT JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS With 26 Billboard #1 R&B hits and 16 Billboard #1 pop hits to their credit, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are perhaps the…

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Ep. 255 - ADAM DURITZ of Counting Crows ("Mr. Jones") 1:14:18

8M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz explains how his songwriting process has changed over the years, and offers insights into some of his songs, from early classics to recent compositions. PART ONE: Paul and Scott discuss judging a book by its cover and their possible status as idiots. PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with Adam Duritz ABOUT ADAM…

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Songcraft Classic: Peter Frampton ("Do You Feel Like We Do?") 1:22:16

8M ago1:22:16

1:22:16

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 Peter Frampton. ABOUT THIS BONUS EPISODE The exceedingly generous and gentlemanly Peter Frampton talks about David Bowie giving him his very first job; Bill Wyman of the Ro…

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Ep. 254 - PATTERSON HOOD of Drive-By Truckers 1:11:13

9M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

Drive-By Truckers co-founder Patterson Hood chats about his band, the evolution of his songwriting process, and his most recent solo album. PART ONE Water. Bed. Rock!!! PART TWO Our in-depth conversation with Patterson Hood ABOUT PATTERSON HOOD Muscle Shoals, Alabama, native Patterson Hood is best known, along with Mike Cooley, as the co-founder of…

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Songcraft Classic: SWAMP DOGG ("She's All I Got") 1:32:37

9M ago1:32:37

1:32:37

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 2015 conversation with Swamp Dogg. ABOUT SWAMP DOGG R&B cult favorite Jerry “Swamp Dogg” Williams is best known as the co-writer, with Gary U.S. Bonds, of the cross-genre classic, “She’s All I Go…

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Ep. 253 - DAVID PAICH of Toto ("Africa") 1:16:31

9M ago1:16:31

1:16:31

Six-time Grammy winner and Toto co-founder David Paich joins us to talk about his life as a hit songwriter for his own band and others. PART ONE: Scott and Paul talk about their visit with David Paich and other bits of tomfoolery. PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with David Paich ABOUT DAVID PAICH: David Paich is best known as one of the foundin…

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Songcraft Classic: LINDA PERRY ("Beautiful") 1:15:29

9M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

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 Linda Perry. ABOUT LINDA PERRY Singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Linda Perry first made her mark as an artist, serving as lead v…

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Ep. 252 - JIM JAMES of My Morning Jacket 1:12:42

9M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

Three-time Grammy nominee and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James joins us to talk about the evolution of his songwriting and the band's new album, Is. PART ONE: Paul and Scott chat about ideal song length and extend an invitation to Taylor Swift PART TWO: Our in-depth conversation with Jim James ABOUT JIM JAMES: Jim James is best known as the fro…

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Songcraft Classic: BILL WITHERS ("Lean on Me") 1:04:16

10M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

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 2015 conversation with Bill Withers. ABOUT BILL WITHERS Pop and R&B legend Bill Withers released nine albums between 1971 and 1985 that included such classic songs as “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Suns…

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Ep. 251 - RYAN MILLER of Guster 1:06:37

10M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Guster's Ryan Miller discusses his songwriting process before Scott, Paul, and Ryan go totally off the rails on 80s pop songs, Sebastian Bach, and other random stuff. One of the most fun interviews we've had in a while! PART ONE: Paul and Scott chat about the time Paul opened for Guster, their friend who met his wife thanks to Guster fandom, and th…

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Songcraft Classic: DAN NIGRO ("drivers license") 1:15:49

10M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

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 Dan Nigro. ABOUT DAN NIGRO: Dan Nigro is a record producer and songwriter who has produced and written songs for and with Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Sky Ferreira, Joe J…

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Ep. 250 - BØRNS ("Electric Love") 1:11:56

10M ago1:11:56

1:11:56

Best known for his song "Electric Love" (with nearly 2 BILLION streams on Spotify!), BØRNS took some time off and has now reinvented his sound with a fantastic new EP. PART ONE: Paul and Scott talk about Omnivore Recordings, a new Buck Owens LP, who they wouldn't want to invite over to Songcraft world headquarters, and other random stuff. PART TWO:…

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Songcraft Classic: LUCINDA WILLIAMS ("Passionate Kisses") 1:35:47

11M ago1:35:47

1:35:47

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 Lucinda Williams. ABOUT LUCINDA WILLIAMS One of the most revered songwriters on the face of the earth, Lucinda Williams was once crowned “America’s Best Songwriter” by Peop…

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Ep. 249 - GLEN BALLARD ("Man in the Mirror") 1:05:17

11M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Six-time Grammy winner, Academy Award nominee, and Songwriters Hall of Famer Glen Ballard joins us to talk about his work with Michael Jackson, Alanis Morrisette, Dave Matthews, and many others! PART ONE Paul and Scott talk about the awesomeness that is Omnivore Recordings, dig into the Fire Aid concert, and talk about their '90s music geekery. PAR…

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Songcraft Classic: LAMONT DOZIER ("How Sweet It Is") 1:56:14

11M ago1:56:14

1:56:14

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 milestone 100th episode with the legendary Lamont Dozier! ABOUT LAMONT DOZIER Lamont Dozier, along with brothers Eddie and Brian Holland, wrote and produced more than 20 consecutive singles recor…

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Ep. 248 - TAYLOR GOLDSMITH of Dawes 1:16:44

11M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes joins us to talk about the evolution of humor in his songwriting, why he's transparent with his fans, and maybe the most Bob Dylan of Bob Dylan stories we've ever heard. PART ONE: Paul and Scott address the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, and encourage people to help make a difference by considering a donation th…

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Songcraft Classic: JIM PETERIK ("Eye of the Tiger") 1:04:31

12M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

We're celebrating our 10th anniversary all year by digging in the vaults to re-present classic episodes with fresh commentary. What better way to kick things off than where it all began? Here's a look back at episode one and our conversation with Jim Peterik. ABOUT JIM PETERIK Singer, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist Jim Peterik is best known…

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Ep. 247 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY EPISODE! 1:21:31

12M ago1:21:31

1:21:31

Songcraft celebrates ten years with a look back at episode highlights and behind-the-scenes stories from our first decade! Plus, a few announcements about what's new in 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

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Ep. 246 - AMY GRANT ("Tennessee Christmas") 1:13:31

1y ago1:13:31

1:13:31

Six-time Grammy winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer, and Kennedy Center honoree Amy Grant joins us to chat about the pursuit of honesty in songwriting, the stories behind some of her songs, and her catalog of modern day Christmas classics. PART ONE Paul and Scott chat about the idea of a "definitive" version of a Christmas song, discuss the…