Best Let S Talk Wild Podcasts (2025)

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3. Why Did I Give Up My Creativity for Career? 10:08

6d ago10:08

10:08

Today on Sapphic Rising™, you'll hear about this morning's reflections while I was sitting with a cup of tea. The question, "Did I stifle my creative muse because I was too focused on other things like career and not wanting to be a 'starving artist?' Let's get this Sapphic party started to unlock our creativity through authentic living and sacred …

1
Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris on THE Three Shoes, Alchemy and Weeding out Baddies, ep. 308 57:54

6d ago57:54

57:54

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…

1
#509 - New Achievement! 52:04

13d ago52:04

52:04

We wrap up Dungeon Crawler Carl, including our horrible imitations of Jeff Hays. Plus, we announce the next pick for May and ponder data-driven determinations of the best SFF books of Tom’s life.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

1
Susan Werner on Defining Hard Work, Paid Vacations, and Relaxing as Indie Musician, ep. 307 46:29

13d ago46:29

46:29

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…

1
Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 34:55

20d ago34:55

34:55

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,"…

1
2. Embracing the Ego in Writing 8:32

26d ago8:32

8:32

Today on Sapphic Rising™, you'll hear a story about how I had to face my own ego after self-publishing while embracing my unique path and navigating how creators often have to be their own cheerleaders. Community and like-hearted folks will get you through those tough moments, too, so remember you're not alone on your creative journey. There are pl…

1
Ani DiFranco & Carsie Blanton: Menopause, The Wild Child, and Naps to fight Capitalism, ep. 305 43:44

27d ago43:44

43:44

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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#508 - Sexy, Sexy, Mind Palace 54:00

28d ago54:00

54:00

We have Murderbot trailer! And we like it! Plus, the Hugo nominees are out and we wrap up our thoughts on The City and the City and begin our April dungeon crawl.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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1. The Podcast Reboot: Welcome! 7:32

1M ago7:32

7:32

Today on Sapphic Rising™, you'll find encouragement to embrace a creative reboot, get out of a creative rut, and move forward with confidence. When you launch your business, start freelancing, or begin to ponder how you'd like to share your creative talents, just know there is probably a 99% chance that you'll need to pause and reflect at some poin…

1
Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304 46:20

1M ago46:20

46:20

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…

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

1M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

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…

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

2M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

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 Lexington, 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 embrace…

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

2M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

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. …

1
#507 - Book Goblin 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

Tom forgot to write the intro to the show this week, so you’re stuck with the Veronica Edition. March is still full of madness, which makes sense because it’s a full moon eclipse coming up and Venus is in retrograde. Or something! We check in on The City and The City by China Miéville, and we see and unsee your perspectives on the book thus far.…

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

2M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

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

2M ago25:27

25:27

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

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

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’…

1
#506 - SECs Unit 58:30

2M ago58:30

58:30

March Madness has begun, so get your votes in now. Plus do we like Alexander Skarsgard as Murderbot? And our final thoughts on Will of the Many and non-spoiler intro to The City and the City.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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

3M ago44:50

44:50

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

3M ago41:12

41:12

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…

1
Sam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds, ep. 296 58:25

3M ago58:25

58:25

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…

1
#505 - The Roman Empire is My Roman Empire 50:35

3M ago50:35

50:35

The nominations have begun for our March Tournament! Why do we care if eBooks and print books are the same? And our first thoughts on The Will of the Many.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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

3M ago57:32

57:32

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

3M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

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…

1
#504 - The Miéville Effect 58:58

3M ago58:58

58:58

We have the best 25 books coming out in the next six months and the best 25 books of the last 25 years. Goodbye to the Science Fiction Book Club, our final thoughts on The Ministry of Time, and we kick off our read of The Will of the Many.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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

3M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

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

4M ago50:22

50:22

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…

1
#503 - Tapeworms and Time Travel 46:01

4M ago46:01

46:01

Tom is safe. Stephen has had three New Years, and we all love Graham Gore. But the best part of the show is Veronica's parade of diseases.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

1
Jerry Douglas: From Steel Mills to Dobro Thrills, ep. 291 57:50

4M ago57:50

57:50

Jerry Douglas is widely regarded as the best Dobro player in the world. Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and James Taylor are counted among his many collaborators and his four-decade career has earned him 16 GRAMMY Awards and numerous other accolades. In our Basic Folk conversation, he shares stories about his upbringing in Warren, Ohio, where his fa…

1
#502 - Rhubarb Abercrumble 48:12

4M ago48:12

48:12

We kick off our January read, wrap up Akata Witch, and welcome in new public domain characters. There's a new Lord of the Rings movie this year. Yay! Plus, Veronica had a rhubarb cider, and Joe Abercrombie looks great for 50!By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Basic Folk: An Official Bluegrass Situation Production 5:06

4M ago5:06

5:06

Basic Folk features honest conversations with folk musicians hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No. We approach interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have. You’ll hear interviews from Three-time Grammy-winning…

1
#501 - One Missed S-Call-Zi 42:06

5M ago42:06

42:06

It's end-of-year book list time! And we have a list of our favorite end-of-year lists. Plus, our initial thoughts on Akata Witch!By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Year-End Reflections with Cindy & Lizzie: A Wild 2024 Ride, ep. 290 1:11:13

5M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

It's 2024 recap time on Basic Folk! Cindy & Lizzie dive into a most special year-end reflection, featuring highlights from our honest conversations with folk musicians. We revisit THE top episode of the year, Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin's insightful discussion on navigating artistic challenges and living a simple life. Cindy shares her favorite epi…

1
Nature Calls for Trampled by Turtles' Dave Simonett: Music, Hunting and Home, ep. 289 1:00:14

5M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Dave Simonett, lead singer and songwriter of the bluegrass-adjacent Trampled by Turtles, is a talented musician AND a great outdoorsman. From the small town of Mankato, Minnesota, to the vibrant music scenes of Duluth and Minneapolis, Simonett shares his upbringing in a musically-inclined, nature-loving family, shaped by the sounds of church hymns …

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Wrapping Up Season 2: Let's Check-In Together 6:50

5M ago6:50

6:50

Welcome to episode 28, where you do business with less hustle, more alignment, and simplicity. Bring on your soul's magic, my friend, without the burnout! ✨ Let's talk today about recentering before Winter comes --> this is our Season 2 wrap-up!✨ ~ Show Yourself Some Love and Empowerment: Money isn't just currency, it's your divine inheritance. Emb…

1
#500 - 500 Gargle Blasters! 1:00:54

5M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

We celebrate our 500th episode in the best way we know how—by asking ChatGPT to get our stats wrong. PLUS, announcing the book pick for December and sharing our final thoughts on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Becca Stevens on Grief, Spiritual Co-Writing and Connection, ep. 288 58:17

6M ago58:17

58:17

I (lizzie) first came across Becca Stevens via her collaboration with string group The Attica Quartet. Her new album, Maple to Paper, is really different from her previous releases. If you think you know everything that there is to know about Becca Stevens as a singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, you are wrong. And you are going to be so am…

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Twisted Pines' Kathleen Parks Secret Polka Past, ep. 287 1:19:48

6M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

Hot off the heels of Twisted Pines' latest release, Love Your Mind, Kathleen Parks is here to dig into her uncelebrated polka origins. Daughter of renowned trumpetist Eric Parks, the younger Parks grew up in New York's Hudson Valley in a very creative family (her mother was also a dancer and the one who made Kathleen practice all the time). She sta…

1
#499 - Hugs for Your Ears 39:49

6M ago39:49

39:49

We decided to take a break from the usual format and recommend some BIPOC and LGBTQIA authors. Plus, we kick off The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in case you need some comic relief.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Edie Carey & Sarah Sample: remain Cool despite Comfort, Cajons and Dream Catchers, ep. 286 1:08:26

6M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Friends and collaborators, Edie Carey & Sarah Sample teamed up in 2014 for their first album Til the Morning: Lullabies and Songs of Comfort. The pair both had babies and were wanting to do a project that centered around calming music for both children and adults. They were shocked at the album's reception by adults (aka non-babies) who listened af…

1
The Sound of Women's Voices: A Shorty Bonus on a Weird Ass Day 16:34

6M ago16:34

16:34

I woke up today and my wife told me the news. I went for a walk in the woods and found myself thinking about We Shall Overcome and singing it by myself surrounded by fallen leaves and pine trees. I put on Dawn Landes’ new album: The Liberated Woman’s Songbook, I thought about women of the past and how they found their strength. I started posting cl…

1
Your Aligned Money Awaits 3:24

6M ago3:24

3:24

Welcome to episode 27, where you do business with less hustle, more alignment, and simplicity. Bring on your soul's magic, my friend, without the burnout! ✨ Let's talk today about aligned money, because your divine inheritance matters and you deserve it, my fellow businesswomen! ✨ I'd love for you to check it out and try it out, not for me to make …

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From Songwriting to Sobriety: Kasey Anderson's Journey to His Final Album, ep. 285 1:11:41

6M ago1:11:41

1:11:41

We're starting with the end in our conversation with Kasey Anderson. On the pod, we've covered a lot of firsts; debut album, origin stories and the beginnings. Ever since I (lizzie) have known Kasey, his social media bio has been "gradually retiring songwriter." I'm always teasing him about "What does that mean? When are you going to retire?" Offic…

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Riffing on Life: Chuck Prophet talks Music, Surfing, and Storytelling with Mark Erelli, EP. 284 1:16:09

7M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

Editor’s note: For this episode, we invited our friend Mark Erelli to interview Chuck Prophet. The two are familiar with each other's work through songwriting together for Mark's latest album Lay Your Darkness Down (2023). We're thrilled to welcome Mark back as guest host! Chuck Prophet has been a mainstay on the indie and Americana music scenes si…

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Resilience Through Rising above Adversity: Embracing Strength and Kindness to Inspire and Uplift and give purpose to the journey 10:40

7M ago10:40

10:40

Send us a text What happens when life's toughest challenges become the very foundation of one's strength and purpose? As your host, Tracy, I invite you to join me on an intimate exploration of my journey through chronic health battles, including living with a urostomy, grappling with fibromyalgia, and surviving cancer. This episode of the Inspire t…

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Ep. 93: Oddity and Smile 2! 19:49

7M ago19:49

19:49

Join me back at the Grizzly Cave where on this episode, I’m giving my thoughts on Oddity and Smile 2! Is the hype real? Or are they both overhyped? Find out by listening now! And Remember… I’M JOE GRIZZLY BITCH!!! Music in the video/episode is from Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio! PLEASE check out and subscribe to his channel! He’s truly a synthwave m…

1
Be a Better Founder: Remember This 4:47

7M ago4:47

4:47

Welcome to episode 26, where you do business with less hustle, more alignment, and simplicity. Bring on your soul's magic, my friend, without the burnout! ✨ Let's talk today about stifling our businesses... I've seen founders suffocate progress because they were too worried about losing control, morale, or their authority. Here are the main talking…

1
#498 - Weird Things With Burritos 43:25

7M ago43:25

43:25

We wrap up our thoughts on A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny. Tom lays down some very obscure hints about the next pick. And why we’re glad Andy Weir got fired.By Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

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Liv Greene on Finding her Tender Little Queer Heart, ep. 283 55:32

7M ago55:32

55:32

Oh how I've longed to talk to Liv Greene. Every once in a while you come across a young artist that seems older and wiser than her 26 years. Liv's been giving me that impression since I met her in 2019 when she was at Club Passim waiting tables and breaking hearts on the stage at just 21 years. Ok enough about being young. Liv's been writing, study…

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Ep. 92: V/H/S: Beyond and Terrifier 3! 35:29

7M ago35:29

35:29

I’m back at the Grizzly Cave with my review of two the biggest horror releases of October, V/H/S: Beyond and Terrifier 3! Is V/H/S: Beyond the best of the franchise? Does Terrifier 3 top the gruesome Kills of its predecessor? Do either of them live up to the hype?! Listen now to find out! And Remember… I’M JOE GRIZZLY BITCH!!! Music in the video/ep…

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Let S Talk Wild Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen