Best Why Is Songwriting So Hard Podcasts (2025)

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#1011 - Eliezer Yudkowsky - Why Superhuman AI Would Kill Us All 1:37:08

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20h ago1:37:08

1:37:08

Eliezer Yudkowsky is an AI researcher, decision theorist, and founder of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute. Is AI our greatest hope or our final mistake? For all its promise to revolutionize human life, there’s a growing fear that artificial intelligence could end it altogether. How grounded are these fears, how close are we to losing con…

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

3d 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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#1010 - Bernie Sanders - Who Actually Runs the US Government? 1:09:03

3d ago1:09:03

1:09:03

Bernie Sanders is a US Senator, former presidential candidate, political activist and an author. What happened to the Democratic Party? After a brutal defeat to Trump in 2024, the Left looks lost, divided, leaderless, and unsure of its future. Bernie Sanders breaks down what went wrong, how Democrats are trying to recover, and whether they’ve learn…

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

3d 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

5d 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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#1009 - Bugzy Malone - Harsh Lessons in Unorthodox Strategy 2:31:35

6d ago2:31:35

2:31:35

Bugzy Malone is a British rapper, actor, and entrepreneur from Manchester, England. From gang life to greatness, Bugzy Malone’s rise is a story of struggle, survival, and self-belief. As one of the most defining voices in UK rap, his journey is equal parts pain and power. Expect to learn why being a role model takes it’s toll on some people, the li…

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#1008 - Angelo Somers - Why Life Feels So Pointless (and what to do) 2:13:25

8d ago2:13:25

2:13:25

Angelo Somers is a content creator, YouTuber, and author. Why does life sometimes feel like it’s lost its meaning? Everyone hits moments where optimism fades and the world starts to look a little darker. You’re not broken for feeling that way; it happens to the best of us. But why does this quiet pessimism seem to be growing, and how do we find our…

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#1007 - Dr K HealthyGamer - The Toxic Fuel That’s Destroying Your Motivation 2:53:41

10d ago2:53:41

2:53:41

Dr K is a psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School instructor, co-founder of Healthy GamerGG, Twitch streamer and a YouTuber. Why are we driven by what destroys us? Using anger or jealousy can spark our motivation, but when it goes too far, it consumes us. What are healthier ways to stay motivated, and how do we find peace instead of pressure Expect to…

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#1006 - Chris Bumstead - Life After Olympia: Fatherhood, TRT & Finding Purpose 2:00:05

13d ago2:00:05

2:00:05

Chris Bumstead is a professional bodybuilder, 6x Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title holder, and a business owner. From 6× Mr. Olympia to full-time business owner and stay-at-home dad, it’s safe to say Chris Bumstead’s been enjoying retired life. So what’s he been up to this past year, what’s changed most for him, and what’s he looking forward to ne…

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#1005 - Warren Smith - J.K. Rowling & The Cost of Speaking Freely 1:15:28

15d ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Warren Smith is a filmmaker, educator, and host of the “Secret Scholar Society” YouTube channel. If freedom of speech can be shouted down, does it really exist? When every debate turns into partisan noise, what does honest discourse even look like? If we can’t talk about our problems without resorting to anger or violence, how can we ever solve the…

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

15d 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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#1004 - Sam Corcos - Inside DOGE, The IRS & How to Scam the US Government 2:56:09

17d ago2:56:09

2:56:09

Sam Corcos is an entrepreneur, CEO of Levels, and a special advisor to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). What’s really happening inside the U.S. government? For the first time, a DOGE insider exposes the chaos, corruption, and dysfunction plaguing Washington. How did America’s most powerful system lose its way, and can we climb out of…

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

17d 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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#1003 - Konstantin Kisin - The Forces Behind Britain's Downfall 2:17:56

20d ago2:17:56

2:17:56

Konstantin Kisin is a podcaster, a speaker and an author. Is the UK facing its breaking point? Once the world’s greatest empire, the UK now finds itself engulfed in political chaos and cultural upheaval. From leadership crises to deep divisions, what’s really happening on the front lines, and can Britain be saved from itself? Expect to learn why th…

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

22d 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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#1002 - Andrew Doyle - Political Violence & The Lunatics of Your Own Side 2:33:01

22d ago2:33:01

2:33:01

Andrew Doyle is Titania McGrath, host of GB News, a comedian and a writer. The world has shifted dramatically over the past few years, and the pace of change has only accelerated in recent months. Ideas that once lived outside the mainstream have quickly entered the Overton Window, while others have been pushed out. So what does the future hold for…

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#1001 - Ryan Holiday - Stoicism’s Lessons on Becoming Wise 1:52:43

24d ago1:52:43

1:52:43

Ryan Holiday is a podcaster, marketer and an author.If intelligence were enough, the smartest among us would also be the wisest. Yet time and again, they stumble over life’s simplest lessons. Wisdom isn’t about knowing more; it’s about seeing deeper. So how do we shed the illusion of being ‘smart,’ and actually grow into wisdom?Expect to learn what…

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

25d 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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#1000 - Matthew McConaughey - The Art of Living a Courageous Life 1:58:00

26d ago1:58:00

1:58:00

Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award-winning actor, producer and an author. Expect to learn why Matthew says life often “rhymes”, why it’s okay if you do everything right and still not get the result you want, how Matthew views the role courage plays in his life, how to learn to deal with failure, the difference between a nice guy and a good man…

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#999 - 21 Lessons from 999 Episodes - Naval Ravikant, Roger Federer & Vincent van Gogh 1:55:05

29d ago1:55:05

1:55:05

To celebrate 999, almost 1000, episodes of Modern Wisdom, I broke down some of my favourite lessons, insights and quotes from the last hundred episodes. Expect to learn how 999 episodes of Modern Wisdom have reshaped my understanding of happiness, success and relationships, what i've learned on losing points from Naval Ravikant & Roger Federer, the…

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#998 - Zack Telander - Everything You Want Is On The Other Side Of Cringe 1:47:33

1M ago1:47:33

1:47:33

Zack Telander is a musician, weightlifter, coach & YouTuber. Why are we so afraid of being cringe? If being cringe online is the price of success, why don’t more people pay it? So how do you train yourself past criticism and actually do what needs to be done in your life, whether people are watching you or not? Expect to learn why getting over bein…

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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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#997 - Bonnie Blue & Louise Perry - The Modern Sex Work Debate 2:13:37

1M ago2:13:37

2:13:37

Louise Perry is a writer, Press Officer for the campaign group We Can’t Consent To This and an author. Bonnie Blue is a British pornographic actress and online content creator. Louise is the author of The Case Against The Sexual Revolution and Bonnie is the world’s most extreme example of the sexual revolution in action, so I figured it might make …

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#996 - Stephen J. Shaw - Why Population Collapse is Closer Than You Think 2:53:10

1M ago2:53:10

2:53:10

Stephen J. Shaw is a data scientist and filmmaker. Birth rates in Western countries are collapsing, a trend even Elon Musk calls an existential threat. But what’s the true cause? Is it economics, fear of the future, cultural shifts, or something deeper? And more importantly, can anything actually reverse the decline? Sponsors: See me on tour in Ame…

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#995 - Lionel Page - Born to Lie: How Humans Deceive Ourselves & Others 1:43:13

1M ago1:43:13

1:43:13

Lionel Page is a professor at the University of Queensland and an author. Why is human communication so complicated? For something we rely on every day, you’d think it would be simple, but language, tone, and context make it one of the most complex skills we have. So what makes communication so difficult, and what are some practical ways to get bet…

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#994 - Sam Sulek - The Endless Pursuit of Progress 2:10:19

1M ago2:10:19

2:10:19

Sam Sulek is a professional bodybuilder and YouTuber. From zero to millions of fans, Sam Sulek’s rise has been nothing short of explosive. In just a few years, he’s become one of social media’s most-watched and talked-about creators. Sit back as we dive into the story of the man behind some of the internet’s most beloved vlogs, fueled by hefty scoo…

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#993 - Katie Herzog - A Controversial New Cure for Alcohol Dependence 1:35:35

1M ago1:35:35

1:35:35

Katie Herzog is a journalist, podcaster, and writer. What does it take to get sober in today’s world? From traditional paths like AA to the grit of going cold turkey, the old methods of sobriety may no longer be enough. But what if counterintuitive, cutting-edge approaches, backed by modern science, offer new ways to manage alcohol use? And what do…

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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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#992 - Dr Sarah Hill - The Period Brain: How Hormones Change Women’s Behaviour 1:39:28

1M ago1:39:28

1:39:28

Dr Sarah Hill is a professor at TCU, a research psychologist, expert in women’s hormones and brain science, and an author. Each month, women experience hormonal changes that go far beyond the clichés of PMS. These shifts can influence mood, stress response, and even how women relate to others. So how can recognizing these patterns make it easier fo…

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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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#991 - Dr John Delony - The Blueprint for Better Relationships & a Peaceful Life 1:48:10

2M ago1:48:10

1:48:10

Dr. John Delony is a mental health expert, author, YouTuber, and speaker. How you we build a thriving relationship in the modern world? With constant distractions and endless options at our fingertips, trust between partners can feel harder than ever. So what does it really take to create a relationship rooted in trust, intimacy, and growth in toda…

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#990 - Dr Tara Swart - How to Use Your Intuition as a Superpower 1:24:39

2M ago1:24:39

1:24:39

Dr Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, and an author. What is intuition? We’ve all heard the phrase “trust your gut,” but where does that feeling actually come from? Is it grounded in neuroscience or something more mysterious? And most importantly, can you rely on it, and how do you get better at listening to it? Expect to…

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#989 - James Kimmel Jr. - Why Violence & Revenge Fantasies Feel Good 1:38:57

2M ago1:38:57

1:38:57

James Kimmel Jr. is a professor at Yale, a psychiatrist, and an author. Why are we drawn to revenge? From playground grudges to epic betrayals, the urge to strike back is universal. But is it a survival mechanism, or an ancient drive that no longer fits the modern age? Expect to learn why the feeling of revenge exists and how it is adaptive, what t…

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#988 - Dr Rahul Jandial - Brain Surgeon: Inside The Dreaming Brain 2:05:09

2M ago2:05:09

2:05:09

Dr Rahul Jandial is a brain surgeon, neuroscientist, and an author. Why do we dream? For centuries, people have debated their meaning. Are they hidden messages, random brain activity, or something else entirely? Today, modern neuroscience is uncovering how the brain creates, processes, and remembers dreams, and what they may reveal about the inner …

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#987 - Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett - The New Science Of Emotions, Anxiety & Brain Health 1:29:07

2M ago1:29:07

1:29:07

Lisa Feldman Barrett is a professor at Northeastern University, psychologist, and a neuroscientist. Why do we feel emotions? From happiness and joy to anger, anxiety, and sorrow, emotions shape how we experience life. But what purpose do they serve, and how can we learn to manage them more effectively? Expect to learn the unique way each of us expe…

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#986 - Esther Perel - How Love Dies: The Psychology of Cheating & Attraction 1:24:50

2M ago1:24:50

1:24:50

Esther Perel is a psychotherapist, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author. Why do modern relationships feel so difficult? Even the happiest couples on the outside often hide unspoken rules and silent expectations that slowly erode intimacy. Resentment grows, trust fractures, and love feels harder to sustain. So how can men and women build…

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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…

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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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#985 - Dr David Spiegel - Hypnosis, Brain Hacking, & Mental Mastery 1:33:36

2M ago1:33:36

1:33:36

Dr. David Spiegel is a psychiatrist, Stanford professor, and leading authority on hypnosis and stress-related health. What exactly is hypnosis? Most of us picture it as a magician’s trick, when someone dangles a watch, your eyes get heavy, and suddenly you’re suggestible. But that barely scratches the surface. The real question is, what’s the true …

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#984 - Coltan Scrivner - Why We’re Drawn to Death, Crime, & Danger 1:06:47

2M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Coltan Scrivner is a behavioral scientist, an expert on morbid curiosity in horror and true‑crime media, and an author. Why are humans so curious about death? From car accidents to scary stories, roller coasters, and horror movies, some people are fascinated while others are repulsed. What draws us toward the very things we should naturally want to…

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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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#983 - Gay Hendricks - Deeply Connected Relationships 1:32:04

2M ago1:32:04

1:32:04

Gay Hendricks is a psychologist, teacher, and an author renowned for his work on relationship transformation. Conscious loving is about more than just romance, it’s about clarity, commitment, and growth. With endless advice on the internet on how to optimize your love life, what if the real answer is aligning your expectations and evolving together…