Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
A podcast about the messy reality of living a creative life, hosted by musician and frontman for the Old 97’s.
All Episodes
from Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 28, 2023
- 2:00 am UTC
Singer songwriter Devon Gilfillian joins Rhett from his home in Nashville to talk about the many musical influences that have inspired his career, how he found his voice as a singer, and what he does to keep himself creatively healthy. Devon explains how he’s maintained a positive outlook throughout his life, and the importance of…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 14, 2023
- 6:30 am UTC
Zach Williams is best known as ⅓ of the Nashville-based supergroup The Lone Bellow. He joins Rhett on this episode to discuss the twist of fate that led him to Brooklyn, where his musical journey began, why he took a break from songwriting to try his hand at long form fiction, and the conversation with…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 31, 2023
- 6:30 am UTC
John McCauley, singer-songwriter and the frontman of band Deer Tick, joins Rhett to talk about getting back on the road with the band post-lockdown and balancing his on stage persona with his life offstage. The two discuss John’s evolution as a songwriter and desire to become a better musician, and John explains why his band…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 17, 2023
- 5:00 am UTC
Sedona, AZ based songwriter Brandon Decker (aka decker.) joins Rhett to talk about the making of his 8th studio album, Ouroboros. Described as a fusion of poetry and chaos, Decker explains the stories behind the music, which arose out of the grief he felt during his father’s illness. Decker discusses the side hustle he created…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 3, 2023
- 8:12 pm UTC
Brennen Leigh is an American songwriter, guitar player, mandolin player and singer whose to-the-point storytelling style has elevated her to cult status around the world. On this episode, she joins Rhett to talk about her new album, Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet, being an artist in the age of digital, and the sacrifices that touring…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 19, 2023
- 7:30 am UTC
Mike Gordon, bassist and co-founder of the seminal improvisational rock band Phish, joins Rhett to talk about his solo album Flying Games and the long, adventurous process of finishing the record. Mike and Rhett discuss grappling with creative roadblocks, what the “Ten-Thousand-Hour” rule really means, and the role that mindfulness and meditation play in songwriting.…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 6, 2023
- 6:39 am UTC
After telling the story of the musicians who shaped his Oklahoma roots in his 2020 book Red Dirt, journalist and author Josh Crutchmer saw an opportunity to dig deeper into the artists that shaped independent roots music. His second book, The Motel Cowboy Show, is about the Americana music in the American West that began…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 22, 2023
- 6:30 am UTC
Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and musician Grace Potter joins Rhett on this episode to talk about her latest release, Mother Road, and the journey that inspired the music. Grace tells Rhett about finding her voice at a young age, building characters and worlds around her songs, and why she’s more driven now than she ever was.…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 8, 2023
- 6:30 am UTC
Stewart Copeland is perhaps best known as the drummer for The Police, but he’s also had a successful solo career as a composer, authoring a prolific series of film and television scores, video game soundtracks, opera, and ballet. His latest project is Police Beyond Borders, a reinterpretation of the seminal 80s band’s classic songs with…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 25, 2023
- 10:10 am UTC
Alan Paul is an author, journalist and musician. His fourth book, BROTHERS AND SISTERS: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the 70s, out today, is a deep dive into the time before and after the 1973 album. Alan joins Rhett to talk about his career as a music…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 12, 2023
- 9:30 am UTC
In this episode, singer songwriter Brian Dunne joins Rhett from Brooklyn. He talks to Rhett about his newly released album Loser On The Ropes, his songwriting process, and what success as an artist means to him. Brian and Rhett also bust a few rock and roll myths, and talk about why being a working musician…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 27, 2023
- 7:30 am UTC
Ben Harper is a 3x Grammy winner who has amassed international praise for his genre-traversing body of work. He joins Rhett on this episode to talk about his life as a young musician, the creative projects he’s currently working on, and shares the advice he would give his 21-year old self. The two dive into…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 13, 2023
- 4:15 am UTC
Founded in 2011, indie-folk duo The Milk Carton Kids swiftly emerged as a major force in the American folk tradition, blending ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship with a uniquely powerful brand of contemporary songcraft. On this episode, Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan, the musicians behind the Grammy-nominated band, join Rhett to talk about their personal…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 30, 2023
- 9:00 am UTC
Jacqueline Holland’s first novel, The God Of Endings, weaves a story of love, family, history, and myth as seen through the eyes of one immortal woman. In this episode, Jacqueline joins Rhett to talk about the new books she’s working on, how she found her voice as a novelist, and she offers some valuable advice…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 16, 2023
- 8:15 am UTC
In this podcast episode, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Layng Martine Jr. joins Rhett to talk about the process behind his latest album “Music Man”, a long-time dream project instigated by his son Tucker Martine, who is a producer. Layng and Rhett discuss the incredible lineup of musicians who participated in the making of the…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 2, 2023
- 7:30 am UTC
Singer-songwriter, author, and artist Bob Schneider joins Rhett from Austin to talk about the evolution of his musical career, and the story behind his new graphic novel, FAYM. Rhett and Bob discuss the realization that success doesn’t necessarily change your life, why names are important, and agree that calculation can kill creativity. Bob Schneider is one…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 18, 2023
- 7:55 am UTC
On this week’s episode, Rhett welcomes singer, guitarist, and songwriter Bill Janovitz, best known as the frontman of the alt-rock band Buffalo Tom. The two discuss the inspiration and effort behind Bill’s new book, Leon Russell, the Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock and Roll History. Bill and Rhett also discuss dealing with…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 4, 2023
- 6:45 am UTC
Musician, songwriter, actor and playwright Queen Esther joins Rhett from her home in Harlem to talk about her extraordinary multi-hyphenate career, which currently includes two new albums (to be released this year), and a play, which will culminate in an off-Broadway run. There’s no shortage of wisdom and inspiration in this conversation, as Queen Esther…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 21, 2023
- 6:00 am UTC
Grammy winning producer, songwriter, and guitarist Joe Reyes joins Rhett from San Antonio to talk about his impressive career, which includes a Latin Grammy award nomination and a Grammy award win. Reyes discusses the upcoming Buttercup release, explains why he decided to get a degree despite his career in music, and shares some of the…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 7, 2023
- 6:15 am UTC
Owen King is the author of Double Feature, and We’re All in This Together: A Novella and Stories. He is the coauthor of Sleeping Beauties and Intro to Alien Invasion and the coeditor of Who Can Save Us Now? Brand-New Superheroes and Their Amazing (Short) Stories.Owen joins Rhett to talk about how he built the…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jan 24, 2023
- 6:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Cassandra Lewis performed her first real show at a retirement home when she was eight years old. She joins Rhett to talk about that experience and what’s happened in between, the new album she’s working on, and the co-songwriting scene that she’s become part of since moving to Nashville. The two discuss the trope…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jan 17, 2023
- 6:00 am UTC
Sam Quartin is an actor, activist, and frontwoman for The Bobby Lees, which she founded after discovering her future bandmates at a music school in upstate New York. The two discuss her recent role in Candy Land, a film about the underground world of truck stop sex workers. Sam tells Rhett about the impact that Julia…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jan 3, 2023
- 6:46 am UTC
Salim Nourallah is a musician and award-winning producer who has worked with the OLD97s and Marty Wilson-Piper of The Church. He’s also the co-founder of indie label Palo Santo Records, and this week he joins Rhett to talk about balancing his role as musician, producer, and businessman. The two discuss the new projects he’s working…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 27, 2022
- 2:19 am UTC
“You’re much more productive when you actually feel like getting out of bed for the day. And I just think that you don’t have to be in a dark place to write a dark song. And realizing that has opened up a lot of opportunities for me to live a more healthy life.” – Anthony…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 20, 2022
- 7:30 am UTC
The Paranoid Style is a garage-punk-pop outfit built around singer songwriter Elizabeth Nelson. Elizabeth joins Rhett this week to talk about their new album, “For Executive Meeting”, as well as the many other creative projects she’s involved in, like an upcoming piece about Springsteen’s “Nebraska”. Elizabeth and Rhett discuss what it means to be a…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 13, 2022
- 6:30 am UTC
During his years as lead singer and main songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips helped to create the band’s elegant folk/pop sound with honest, introspective lyrics that forged a close bond with their fans. He joins Rhett on this episode of Wheels Off for a deep dive into the inspiration behind his music and the…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 6, 2022
- 6:30 am UTC
Amy Ray joins Rhett from her home in Georgia to talk about her recently released solo album and the new music she’s working on for an Indigo Girls project. Amy and Rhett discuss the epiphany moment she had when she first sang with Indigo Girls co-founder Emily Saliers, the headiness of achieving success early in…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 29, 2022
- 8:00 am UTC
Authors Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble join Rhett from Seattle to talk about their new book, which was inspired by their D&D podcast Dragon Talk. The book highlights the ways in which people are using Dungeons & Dragons to fuel creative endeavors, explore identity, deal with addiction, and process trauma. Shelly and Greg discuss how…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 22, 2022
- 5:00 am UTC
Terre Roche, singer-songwriter and founding member of The Roches joins Rhett to talk about her new album and book Kin Ya See That Sun! The book chronicles the time when she and her sister Maggie traveled around the country as teenagers to perform on the college coffee house circuit, and the accompanying album includes live,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 22, 2022
- 5:00 am UTC
Terre Roche, singer-songwriter and founding member of The Roches joins Rhett to talk about her new album and book Kin Ya See That Sun! The book chronicles the time when she and her sister Maggie traveled around the country as teenagers to perform on the college coffee house circuit, and the accompanying album includes live,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 15, 2022
- 9:04 am UTC
Grammy-winning musician and producer Adrian Quesada joins Rhett from Austin to talk about the creative whims that guide his work, life as a “working class” musician, and how he harnesses his competitive spirit.The brand new album by GRAMMY-winning guitarist, producer and Black Pumas co-founder, Adrian Quesada, serves as a celebration of the super funky, slightly…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 8, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Lauren Hoffman joins Rhett to talk about her unique journey through the music industry and shares her perspective on the impact that technology has on the creative process. The two discuss the meditative qualities of songwriting, the difficulties of being an emerging artist in the 90s, and why it’s critical to prioritize your peace…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 1, 2022
- 8:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Cory Branan joins Rhett from the road to talk about his approach to writing and the creative process behind his new record, When I Go I Ghost. Cory tells Rhett about learning to record, mix, and master during lockdown, which resulted in five direct-to-fan cover records that included some surprise cover song requests; and,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 25, 2022
- 7:30 am UTC
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose joins Rhett to talk about the making of her forthcoming album CAZIMI, her first release in nearly a decade. Caitlin explains why the album is a “Pee Wee’s Playhouse situation”, plus the two discuss her passion for poetry, why she was ‘cosmically pushed’ to become an artist, and what it’s like…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 18, 2022
- 6:30 am UTC
Musician, songwriter, and artist Courtney Jaye joins Rhett this week to talk about her ambitious new album, Hymns and Hallucinations. Courtney tells Rhett about why she’s chosen a nomadic lifestyle, shares an important lesson she learned when opening for John Mayer, and explains why the best stuff is the unexpected stuff.Hymns and Hallucinations is available…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 11, 2022
- 7:00 am UTC
Tim Burgess, frontman for The Charlatans joins Rhett from Manchester to talk about his new solo album Typical Music, how he unexpectedly created an online music community with his now-beloved Twitter Listening Party, and why he still considers himself lucky, even after 33 years of success in the music industry.Tim Burgess is a proper polymath,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 4, 2022
- 8:15 am UTC
Kathleen Edwards joins Rhett from Florida to talk about taking time away from music to get “big perspective time”, what she learned about her approach to songwriting from Bryan Adams, and shares the advice she often gives emerging artists. Edwards released Total Freedom, her fifth studio album, on August 14th via Dualtone Records. Written and recorded…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 27, 2022
- 6:15 am UTC
This week we have a special episode for you: Rhett on the podcast Too Much Effing Perspective. Every performer who’s ever been on the road has at least one bizarro story that could have been pulled straight from the iconic music mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. Co-hosts Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann delve deep into their…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 20, 2022
- 8:00 am UTC
Sam Cohen is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose credits include albums with Norah Jones, Kevin Morby, and Shakira. He’s also the producer of Rhett’s new solo album, The Misfit, and he joins Rhett this week to talk about the making of the record and how he approaches his work. Sam discusses the evolution of…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 13, 2022
- 7:30 am UTC
New York-based visual artist Ryan Cronin joins Rhett from Tambacounda, Senegal, where he is developing a collaboration with Tambacounda-based artist Saliou Diop. Ryan discusses how he got started as an artist, the creative process behind his work, and why a combination of patience and persistence leads to success. Later in the episode, Rhett is joined…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 7, 2022
- 2:00 pm UTC
This week, we’re revisiting an episode with one of our favorite guests from 2021: New Orleans-based artist Ashley Longshore. Ashley recently created the album artwork for Rhett’s forthcoming solo record, The Misfit (used here in the episode graphic). The album drops on September 16, which makes it a perfect time to revisit Ashley’s brilliant creative…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 30, 2022
- 7:00 am UTC
Superstar producer, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Butch Walker joins Rhett from his studio in Nashville to talk about Glenn, his new album centered around an alter ego who is a rock n roll balladeer. Butch tells Rhett about the moment when he decided to pursue a life in music, what it was like to perform in…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 23, 2022
- 7:30 am UTC
Dave Simonett joins Rhett from Minneapolis to talk about the latest Trampled By Turtles record, which was produced by Jeff Tweedy. Dave explains his writing process, which is dictated by the seasons, the creative exercises he employs to get out of his comfort zone, and the magic that happens when someone is learning a song…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 16, 2022
- 7:00 am UTC
Legendary photographer Danny Clinch joins Rhett from his home on the Jersey Shore to share some stories from the early days of his career and the little moments that led to his status as one of the top rock photographers in the world. Danny talks about the growth of his gallery, Transparent Clinch, explains how…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 9, 2022
- 6:22 am UTC
American Aquarium’s BJ Barham joins Rhett from Philadelphia while on tour to talk about their new record Chicamacomico, and what it feels like to finally be back out on the road. BJ discusses his songwriting process, music as a way to help people through trauma, and how he turns negativity into a creative superpower. North Carolina…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 2, 2022
- 5:00 am UTC
Pulitzer-prize winning author Jennifer Egan joins Rhett for an enlightening conversation about writing and making art. Jennifer shares useful insight on how she works, explains why reading aloud helps her understand a story better, and discusses the role that genre plays in her writing. She and Rhett talk about the importance of persistence and why…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 26, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
Craig Finn is a Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter based in New York City, best known as the singer of The Hold Steady. He joins Rhett to talk about his podcast, That’s How I Remember It, which is about the connection between memory and creativity. Craig and Rhett discuss the inspiration behind the podcast as well as Craig’s…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 19, 2022
- 5:47 am UTC
Taylor Goldsmith joins Rhett from his home in Pasadena, CA to discuss the making of Dawes’ new album and the challenges of pushing himself and the band artistically to create something new. Taylor explains why he doesn’t adhere to the ‘rules’ of the music business when it comes to songwriting, how he pushes through negativity,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 12, 2022
- 7:30 am UTC
Richard Edwards is a producer, mixologist, and musician who has been making music professionally for over 15 years. In this episode, Richard discusses the many projects he’s working on, including a new album and a book. Richard and Rhett talk about the challenges of being an independent artist, how the marketing and consumption of music…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 6, 2022
- 4:00 am UTC
Six-time Grammy award winning producer, engineer and mixer Vance Powell joins Rhett to talk about the world of making records, his approach to producing, and how he’s chosen his projects over a 40-year career. Vance shares a few war stories, explains what he means when he says “get your 10,000 hours in”, and why he…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 28, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter, actor, and poet John Doe joins Rhett from Austin, TX to talk about the concept record he just released about the pre-industrial U.S., why he enjoys writing high-stakes tales, and the importance of getting bad songs out of the way early in one’s songwriting career. John also discusses the importance of not sweating the…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 21, 2022
- 2:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Jenny O joins Rhett from Los Angeles to talk about her upcoming record, her songwriting process, and the moment she realized her musical power. Jenny and Rhett talk about the importance of taking time when finalizing lyrics, the very real demand for more female musicians, and the complicated variables of social interaction. Jenny O is…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 14, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
The godfather of Americana music, Delbert McClinton, joins Rhett from Nashville, TN to discuss his 27th studio album, why writing music still feels great after 60 years, and well-kept secrets about artistic longevity. Delbert shares some advice on songwriting and gives us an insightful look back on his fruitful career in music, while optimistically looking…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 7, 2022
- 7:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Lauren Calve joins Rhett this week to talk about the making of her debut album, the importance of finding “quiet” in music, and . Lauren tells Rhett about how religion affected her musical development, and shares a story about the moment Nina Simone changed her perception of singing.Lauren Calve is a singer and songwriter…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 31, 2022
- 8:30 am UTC
Raymond Pettibon is recognized for his early work created in the midst of the Southern California punk rock scene in the late 1970s-early 80s, most notably his hand drawn concert flyers and logo design for his brother’s band, Black Flag. On this week’s episode of Wheels Off, he joins Rhett to talk about his creating…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 24, 2022
- 2:25 am UTC
Writer Jillian Medoff joins Rhett to discuss her upcoming book release, balancing her career with the creative obstacles of being a writer, and persevering through adversity. Jillian shares the story behind becoming a writer, and explains why her work is a ‘life-sustaining force’. Jillian Medoff is the author of four (soon to be 5) acclaimed novels…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 17, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
Keyboard wizard Marco Benevento joins Rhett from his newly-renovated studio in Woodstock, NY to talk about his upcoming record. Marco tells Rhett about learning to unlock the artist within, the importance of practicing without taking any shortcuts, and the musical relationship that deepened his understanding of simplicity. Marco Benevento is a pianist, songwriter, and producer, best…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 10, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Michaela Anne joins Rhett from her home in Nashville, TN to talk about her new record, converting lyrics into children’s books, and why being a new mother doesn’t give her the time or energy to feed into negativity. Michaela explains how she found her lane,, and why you don’t need to fit into the…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 3, 2022
- 5:00 am UTC
Eric Pulido, front man for indie rock pioneers Midlake, joins Rhett on this episode to talk about celebrating failure, finding balance while grappling with ambition, and recognizing the moment when you have to take a leap of faith. Eric tells Rhett about the inspiration behind their song Bethel Woods, and shares the advice he would…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 26, 2022
- 7:00 am UTC
Walter Martin is a multi-award-winning songwriter first known for his work with New York rock ‘n’ roll bands The Walkmen and Jonathan Fire*Eater. In this episode, Walt joins Rhett to talk about his prolific and varied songwriting career, the importance of separating art and commerce, and the creative freedom he enjoys as an independent artist. In…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 19, 2022
- 7:30 am UTC
Songwriter, guitarist and singer, Kristin Hersh joins Rhett from her home in Rhode Island to talk about recording with 50FOOTWAVE, a musical collective she founded in 2004 under the theory that ‘music doesn’t belong in the music industry’. Kristin shares stories from her days as a young artist in the Boston music scene, grappling with…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 12, 2022
- 5:30 am UTC
This week Hillary Fretland joins Rhett to talk about her band, Fretland, and the making of their latest album, Could Have Loved You. You’ll hear Hillary and Rhett discuss being gentle with the lessons you learn along the way, breaking the rules in music, and Hillary does a deep dive on her fan-favorite song “Do…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 5, 2022
- 7:00 am UTC
Frontman and fiddler for Old Crow Medicine Show, Ketch Secor, joins Rhett from his longtime home of Nashville to talk about the upcoming Old Crow Medicine Show album, the difficulty of writing songs about social and political issues, and why there are so many things to sing about today that make the heart heavy. Ketch…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 29, 2022
- 5:00 am UTC
Jack Torrey, one half of the indie band The Cactus Blossoms, joins Rhett from his home in Minneapolis to talk about getting back on the road, writing and recording a new record during the pandemic, and why he was content to not have a plan other than playing music. Jack tells Rhett about the impact…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 22, 2022
- 5:00 am UTC
Paz Lenchantin is an Argentinian-American musician who has played bass for The Pixies since 2014. She joins Rhett to talk about recording the latest Pixies album, writing music for film, and why she feels that there are more opportunities for female artists now that ever before. Paz explains why she likes to switch things up…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 15, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
Duquette Johnston, a founding member of the breakout 90s indie band Verbena and now an acclaimed solo artist, joins Rhett from Birmingham, AL. to talk about his new album, Social Animals, and the road to his creative life. Duq explains the evolution of his creative process, why he’s never had a Plan B, and how…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 8, 2022
- 4:00 am UTC
Guitarist Scott Metzger joins Rhett from his home in Brooklyn to talk about his forthcoming album Too Close To Reason, which is his first solo effort. Scott tells Rhett about his early days as a sideman and shares the story of meeting James Brown, which was a pivotal moment in his career. The two discuss…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 1, 2022
- 4:30 am UTC
Musician Suz Slezak joins Rhett from her home in Charlottesville, VA to talk about her new solo album, the moment when she realized that she could make a living as a musician, and talks about her struggle with bipolar disorder. The two discuss managing one’s self critic and why it’s important to remember that your…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Feb 22, 2022
- 12:00 am UTC
Comedian John Poveromo joins Rhett from the Jersey Shore to talk about the road that led to his stand-up career and why his podcast, Dystopia Tonight, was a saving grace during the pandemic. Poveromo discusses opening for Jimmy Fallon, why comedy can help in the midst of disaster, and the innate curiosity that helped him…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Feb 15, 2022
- 8:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Margo Price joins Rhett from her home in Tennessee to talk about finishing up the memoir that she’s been writing, the challenges of the process, and what she learned from the experience. The two discuss her uniquely heartfelt musical style, benefitting from a healthy lifestyle, and what it will take for the music industry…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Feb 8, 2022
- 7:20 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz joins Rhett from Portland, ME (in the middle of his tour with the Wood Brothers) to tell wild stories from the early days of his career, growing from failed performances, and his morning routine. You’ll hear Steve tell Rhett about a practical lesson that helps him eliminate internally-generated negativity, making less money…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Feb 1, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
An encore episode: Liz Phair. In this episode, singer-songwriter Liz Phair joins Rhett from her home in LA to talk about her creative journey as a musician. The two discuss how being home during the pandemic has changed their lives, why social interaction is crucial for creative inspiration, and dig into her memoir Horror Stories. Liz…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jan 25, 2022
- 6:30 am UTC
Television and film director Noah Hawley joins Rhett from his home in Austin, TX to discuss his circuitous journey of writing three novels before his first novel sold, Kurt Vonnegut’s impactful influence on his creativity, and growing up in a household of artists. Noah and Rhett discuss the making of the final season of Fargo,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jan 18, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
An encore episode of one of the most popular episodes of 2021. Grammy-winning musician Jeff Tweedy joins Rhett to talk about his new book and what the process of writing music has been like during the pandemic. The two discuss songwriting as a reaction to stress, how he discerns between imposter syndrome and anxiety, and…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jan 11, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
An encore presentation of one of the top episodes of 2021. Bestselling author Julia Cameron joins Rhett from her home in Santa Fe to talk about channeling creativity during the pandemic, what it means to ‘step past your inner censor’ and why her book, The Artist’s Way, caught on. Julia tells Rhett about the critic that’s…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jan 4, 2022
- 6:00 am UTC
An encore presentation of one of the top episodes of 2021. Rhett welcomes actress Paget Brewster to talk about her career as an actor, and the immense gratitude she holds for the artistic journey she’s on. Paget and Rhett talk about why voice excites her, how pre-performance nerves are a blessing in disguise, why it’s…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 28, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Musician, actor, and record producer Jesse Dayton joins Rhett fresh off of the road to talk about his recent acoustic tour, revisiting his life through writing a memoir, and playing music with his heroes. You’ll also hear the two friends discuss Chuck Berry’s lyricism, lifestyle changes that Jesse made in order to improve his health,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 21, 2021
- 7:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Laura Stevenson joins Rhett to talk about releasing an album during the pandemic, finding value in not having a plan, and the darker moments that occur during the creative process. They discuss Laura’s new album and why she can’t wait to start writing new music.Laura Stevenson is a singer-songwriter from Long Island, NY. She…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 14, 2021
- 6:15 am UTC
Nicole Atkins joins Rhett from her home in Nashville to talk about the new album that she’s working on, accidentally getting a record deal, and writing songs about Twitter. You’ll hear the two old friends (and songwriting partners) discuss her most recent record, Memphis Ice, why shyness is a waste of time when you’re a musician,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Dec 7, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Chris Shiflett joins Rhett from his home in LA to talk about his quarantine recording project, the conceptual differences between albums and singles in today’s music world, and holding grudges against your own songs. The two longtime friends also discuss the pros and cons of social media relevance, and what an audience truly wants in…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 30, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Legendary rock guitarist Robby Krieger of the Doors joins Rhett from his home in Los Angeles for a fascinating conversation about writing music with Jim Morrison, Robby’s upcoming instrumental reggae album, and why he’s glad that he never learned to read music. You’ll also hear the two discuss Robby’s new book, Set the Night on…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 23, 2021
- 5:30 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Neal Francis joins Rhett from Chicago to talk about his album, In Plain Sight, and why he had to step away from the album once it was finished in order to actualize the music he’d created. Neal tells Rhett about starting out as a sideman and how he learned to accept that a career…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 16, 2021
- 7:30 am UTC
Jung Yun joins Rhett from Baltimore, MD to talk about the making of her recently-released second novel, O Beautiful, and actualizing her vision to live a creative life. Jung and Rhett also discuss the journey that led to her publishing her first book at age 43, growing up without the understanding that she could make…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 9, 2021
- 9:00 am UTC
The Kernal, also known as Joe Garner, joins Rhett from his home in Jackson, TN to talk about the making of his new record Listen To The Blood, why he enjoys writing short stories, and the importance of having fun while playing music. Joe tells Rhett the story behind the red suit that started The…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Nov 2, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Husband and wife creative duo Dan + Claudia Zanes join Rhett to talk about the making of their new record, Let Love Be Your Guide, which was created during the pandemic. They tell Rhett about the tension of working in a competitive society while sticking to their values, music as a unifying force, and what…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 26, 2021
- 9:00 am UTC
Rosanne Cash, Rhett’s very first guest on Wheels Off, returns to the podcast to help celebrate episode 100. The two discuss what they’ve learned since episode 1 (in 2018), how the pandemic has affected her creatively, and what she’s looking forward to as she returns to performing live. Rosanne tells Rhett about the new music…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 19, 2021
- 6:45 am UTC
Actress and writer Mara Wilson joins Rhett to talk about why she enjoys writing dialogue, how her childhood pointed her in the direction of becoming a storyteller, and effective ways to overcome mental health struggles. Mara also dives deep on why she values social ties in the context of creation, and tells Rhett about how…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 12, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
This week actor, comedian, and podcast host Paul Scheer joins Rhett to talk about creative ways to gain attention as a young artist and discusses some of the major shows he has worked on, including Veep and Parks and Recreation. Paul explains why new experiences validate his artistic growth, digs into some of his performance…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Oct 5, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Voice actor, comedian, and singer-songwriter Grey DeLisle joins Rhett from Glendale to discuss her accomplished career, how she maintains her positive and enthusiastic energy, and why songwriting is comparable to giving birth. You’ll also hear Grey provide a few incredible vocal imitations, and tell Rhett why she had no choice but to be an artist. Grey…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 28, 2021
- 6:30 am UTC
Author Ben Greenman joins Rhett from his home in New Jersey to talk about the two books that Ben is releasing next month with Questlove and Steven Van Zandt, his approach to success, and why fear of failure can be a good thing. The two compare the process of writing books with the process of…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 21, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
In this special, double-whammy episode of Wheels Off, singer-songwriter and podcast host Joe Pug joins Rhett from Prince George’s County, Maryland to talk about his creative pursuits as a musician, the importance of staying present as a young artist, and how to save the world through beauty. Joe tells Rhett about the inspiration for starting…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 14, 2021
- 8:15 am UTC
Actor, comedian, and podcast host John Ross Bowie joins Rhett from his home in Los Angeles to talk about his new podcast Household Faces, and his creative development over the course of his career. John shares the story about how improv changed his outlook on acting, the professional ups and downs he’s experienced, and he…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Sep 7, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa joins Rhett from her apartment in Manhattan to talk about how the pandemic has affected her life, the trope of the troubled artist, and touring in the age of COVID. Dessa explains why science is so important to her work, and delivers an unexpected response to the question of what…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 31, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Shannon McNally joins Rhett from Austin, Texas to talk about her life as a songwriter, and her recent collaboration with Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band. Shannon tells Rhett about her songwriting process, and the new methods of collaboration that she’s enjoyed through writing with a full band. You’ll also hear about a…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 24, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
Author Nick Hornby joins Rhett from Islington, North London to talk about the book that he’s currently working on, which happens to be about Charles Dickens (the writer) and Prince (the artist). Nick and Rhett discuss Nick’s evolution as a writer, his unique ability to write about music in a realistic way, and why the…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 17, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
This week, Kelly McCartney joins Rhett from Upstate New York to talk about her multifaceted career as a journalist and broadcaster, her show Record Bin Radio and why it’s “the dreamiest gig ever,” and why she thinks it’s important to trust your gut, while still trusting in the universe. You’ll also hear Kelly discuss her time…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 10, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
One of the most renowned songwriters and producers in the music industry, Sam Hollander joins Rhett to talk about “failing his way up the charts” and the intense creative process that’s led to his success. Sam tells Rhett why a conversation between his parents and Nile Rogers led to his career path, and shares a…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Aug 3, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
Erika Wennerstrom joins Rhett from Mount Hood, Oregon to talk about the latest Heartless Bastards record, the intricacies of her creative process, and the concept of “music as medicine”. They discuss the importance of self-awareness and challenging oneself, and Erika shares the details of writing the epic, powerfully soulful song “Revolution”. Erika Wennerstrom is a singer-songwriter…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 26, 2021
- 9:00 pm UTC
Author Sarah Hepola joins Rhett from her home in Dallas, Texas to talk about her writing career, which began unofficially when she wrote a Shawshank Redemption-inspired story in 7th grade and sold a copy to a fellow classmate. Sarah tells Rhett about the importance of freeing her mind in order to be creative, and what…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 20, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
In this episode of Wheels Off, illustrator and author Nidhi Chanani joins Rhett from her home in San Francisco to talk about the creative projects that she’s currently working on, and her career as an artist. You’ll hear Nidhi talk about the inspiration behind her new graphic novel Jukebox, why freelance work suits her artistic style…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 13, 2021
- 6:30 am UTC
This week, musicians Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean of the Delta-blues inspired duo Ida Mae join Rhett to talk about their upcoming album, Click Click Domino. Phoning in from the English countryside, you’ll hear them talk about touring in America, the duality behind their songwriting process, and why Chris thinks that their latest album contains some…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jul 6, 2021
- 6:00 am UTC
In this week’s episode of Wheels Off, legendary songwriter and record producer Jeff Barry joins Rhett from his home in Laurel Canyon for a captivating conversation filled with wonderful nuggets of songwriting advice. Jeff and Rhett discuss Jeff’s simplified songwriting formula, the early days of his career as a songwriter, how he learned to write…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 29, 2021
- 4:30 am UTC
This week on Wheels Off, talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Allison Russell joins Rhett from her new home in Nashville to talk about her debut solo album Outside Child, released in May. Allison reflects on taking the leap to release a solo album, and why she felt compelled to tell her own story. She discusses the transformative…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 22, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
Actress Paget Brewster joins Rhett from her home in Los Angeles to talk about her career as an actor, and the immense gratitude she holds for the artistic journey she’s on. Paget and Rhett talk about why voice excites her, how pre-performance nerves are a blessing in disguise, why it’s fun to die in a…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 15, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
This week on Wheels Off, author Lily Brooks-Dalton joins Rhett from her home in Los Angeles to talk about her creative endeavors as a writer. Lily and Rhett discuss adapting her books into film, the experience of releasing a memoir when she was just 25 years old, and memorizing her favorite books before she even knew…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 8, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
This week, legendary drummer John Densmore joins Rhett to talk about his life with The Doors – “we had a kamikaze maniac as a lead singer” – and the other characters he’s written about in his new book The Seekers: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists). Rhett and John discuss the importance of silence,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Jun 1, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
In this episode of Wheels Off with Rhett Miller, singer-songwriter Liz Phair joins Rhett from her home in LA to talk about her creative journey as a musician. The two discuss how being home during the pandemic has changed their lives, why social interaction is crucial for creative inspiration, and dig into her memoir Horror…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 25, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
In this episode, Ben Schneider, guitarist and singer for the critically acclaimed indie band Lord Huron, joins Rhett from his studio in Los Angeles. Ben tells Rhett about the early days of his career and the moment he realized that he wanted to play in a band. He explains why living in Los Angeles helps…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 18, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
In this episode, singer and multi-instrumentalist Pete Yorn joins Rhett to talk about his lifelong journey as an artist. The two discuss the harsh realities behind signing a record deal, grappling with the demons that present creative obstacles, and they reminisce over the excitement of hearing their songs mixed for the first time. Pete tells…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 11, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
Writer Tony Weaver Jr. joins Rhett from his home in Atlanta, Georgia to discuss the creative projects that he’s working on, including a new graphic novel series called “Weirdo.” Tony tells Rhett about his intent to provide hope and guidance for young people through his storytelling, and how stumbling into poetry convinced him to become…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- May 4, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
Author and podcaster Zibby Owens joins Rhett from her home in New York City to talk about her uninhibited creative process, her detailed approach to research and the importance of trying new things. Libby explains the genesis of “Moms Don’t Have Time To…” and why you will probably have to invent your dream job. Zibby Owens…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 27, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
Masi Asare is a composer, lyricist, and a musical theatre professor at Northwestern University. She has provided music for theatre productions including The Family Resemblance, Rishvor, Monsoon Wedding, Mirror of Most Value, and many others. In this episode Asare and Rhett talk about finding your voice of expression in art, “collective imagining” amongst theatre audience members,…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 20, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
David Wax is one half of the duo David Wax Museum, which he formed in 2008 with his wife Suz Slezak. He joins Rhett from his home in Charlottesville, VA. to talk about how the pandemic enabled him to build a studio and dig into the process of home recording, and the two discuss why…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 13, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
Pop artist Ashley Longshore joins Rhett in this episode to talk about growing up in Alabama, discovering her path and how she approaches the business side of being an artist. Ashley and Rhett talk about the things that inspire their work, and how to handle the fear and anxiety that comes with living a creative…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 6, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
In this episode, singer-songwriter Parker Millsap joins Rhett from his home in Tennessee to talk about his new album Be Here Instead, what he’s been listening to for inspiration, and discusses his latest single, “Vulnerable”. The two geek out over how to play a major 2 chord, and Parker explains his process for writing through…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Apr 6, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
In this episode, singer-songwriter Parker Millsap joins Rhett from his home in Tennessee to talk about his new album Be Here Instead, what he’s been listening to for inspiration, and discusses his latest single, “Vulnerable”. The two geek out over how to play a major 2 chord, and Parker explains his process for writing through…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 30, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
In this episode, award-winning writer/director Jenny Turner Hall joins Rhett from her home in Maplewood, NJ to talk about the creative projects she’s working on, including a scripted series inspired by New York’s infamous Brill Building. Jenny tells Rhett about growing up in a family of storytellers, why she prefers collaboration, and that time she…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 30, 2021
- 4:00 am UTC
In this episode, award-winning writer/director Jenny Turner Hall joins Rhett from her home in Maplewood, NJ to talk about the creative projects she’s working on, including a scripted series inspired by New York’s infamous Brill Building. Jenny tells Rhett about growing up in a family of storytellers, why she prefers collaboration, and that time she…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 23, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Robert Ellis joins Rhett from his home in Fort Worth, TX. to talk about life in the music business, the struggle of self-promotion, and his recent pivot to producing music. Robert explains why he tells his students to make an audio mood board when writing music, and tells Rhett about moving a piano to…
- Wheels Off with Rhett Miller
- Mar 23, 2021
- 5:00 am UTC
Singer-songwriter Robert Ellis joins Rhett from his home in Fort Worth, TX. to talk about life in the music business, the struggle of self-promotion, and his recent pivot to producing music. Robert explains why he tells his students to make an audio mood board when writing music, and tells Rhett about moving a piano to…