Best Basic Folk Podcasts (2024)

1
John Smith is Finding Harmony in Chaos, ep. 271 55:10

1h ago55:10

55:10

Originally from Devon, the English singer-songwriter John Smith got his start playing bars and clubs in Liverpool, both with his own songs and as a side player for artists like Lianne La Havas, Lisa Hannigan and David Gray. Growing up with folk music and guitar music influences from Eric Clapton to Maria Callas to Nick Drake, John’s sensitivity as …

1
Peggy Seeger spills Folk Feminist Tea with Dawn Landes, ep. 270 1:10:30

26m ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Editor's note: For this episode, we invited our friend Dawn Landes to interview Peggy Seeger. Dawn was the perfect choice to interview the feminist folk icon. She recently joined us on a special episode with Aoife O'Donovan to discuss their feminist-themed new albums. We're thrilled to welcome Dawn back as guest host! I can’t believe it took me 40 …

1
Ana Egge on Dream-Writing, the Truth, and Sinead O'Connor, ep. 269 1:06:06

7d ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Folk music singer Ana Egge's 13th album Sharing in the Spirit came out of the musician one song at a time. She didn't even think about moving onto a new song before the writing and production of each song was complete. Working with her friend and collaborator Lorenzo Wolff, the songwriting process and music production plan was to just work on a han…

1
Soundcheck Stories and Life Lessons: Chris Smither and Peter Mulvey, ep. 268 1:01:23

9d ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Chris Smither has been Peter Mulvey's mentor since back in 1993, when the young Mulvey opened for the already seasoned Smither. The blues and folk legend liked what he heard and enjoyed the similarities in creativity and quirks and he took that young man on the road with him. Their musical partnership has crossed paths and outlasted the digital age…

1
Steve Poltz Wants to Listen to The Grateful Dead, Watch Laugh-In and Write a Song Together, ep. 267 1:18:43

21d ago1:18:43

1:18:43

If you're looking for recommendations for desserts, might I suggest asking folk music and comedy savant Steve Poltz? This man loves gluten and carb-heavy deserts. He also loves collaborations, camaraderie, creativity and using humor in music. It all began for Poltz, or Poltzy as his friends call him, in his birthplace of Halifax Nova Scotia, making…

1
Basic Folk Presents: Only Vans 29:52

18d ago29:52

29:52

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! I am awestruck with the charm and charisma of Texas Country Musician Bri Bagwell - most impressively demonstrated on her podcast Only Vans, where she talks to her friends in her van (actually she recently upgraded to an…

1
Archiving the Heart: Greg Brown on Music, Family, and Throwing Out Old Notebooks, ep. 266 44:27

23d ago44:27

44:27

Iowa folk music icon Greg Brown is living that retired life. After playing his farewell retirement concert in 2023, he's returned with a new book: Ring Around The Moon: A Songbook, which highlights a song selection personally picked by the songwriter himself, as well as family photos, personal anecdotes and self-penned drawings. The book features a…

1
The Reckoning of Montreal Banjo-Witch Kaïa Kater, ep. 265 1:23:59

1M ago1:23:59

1:23:59

After banjo player Kaïa Kater attended Americana Fest in 2016, the music industry started telling her she was a part of the genre, which encompasses all kinds of roots music, acoustic music, folk music, singer-songwriter and alternative country music. She was singing about heavy themes like historical trauma, her cultural heritage (her father is fr…

1
Guster is a Place, ep. 264 59:03

1M ago59:03

59:03

Frontman Ryan Miller joins us to talk about all things Guster. From their tried and true collaborative writing process to the theatrical delights of their recent "We Also Have Eras" tour, to what it really looks like to make environmental sustainability a priority on tour. Guster has just released their 9…

1
Finding Freedom in a Flip Phone: John Moreland's Quest for a Simple Life, ep. 263 59:05

1M ago59:05

59:05

I hate surprises. However, Oklahoma's pride and joy John Moreland surprised us with his latest album Visitor and I guess I'm okay with it. Moreland's gone back to a sparse acoustic instrumentation, unlike the electronic sound (which I also loved) on his previous release, 2022's Birds in the Ceiling. Recently, he took a page from his wife Pearl Rach…

1
Claps, Covers, and Come Ons: Inside Barnstar!'s Musical Mischief, ep. 262 57:49

2M ago57:49

57:49

Barnstar!, Boston's premiere kinda bluegrass and definitely bombastic band, has released their new album Furious Kindness and we're #blessed to welcome Mark Erelli and Zachariah Hickman to the pod. Originally a fun side hustle and bluegrass vehicle for Zack, the group, which also includes Charlie Rose and Taylor and Jake Armerding, started very cas…

1
Fran & Flora Are Reimagining Traditional Yiddish Folk Music, ep. 261 1:07:36

2M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Two long-time collaborators, cellist Francesa Ter-Berg and violinist Flora Curazon, Fran & Flora, have bonded over their obsession with ancient music, rooted in Eastern European and Jewish culture, for over a dozen years. Together and separately, the English musicians have been studying with teachers of ethnomusicology in places like Transylvania a…

1
Relevant, Radical & ROTFL: Billy Bragg, Folk Music's Political Poet, ep. 260 1:04:52

2M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Billy Bragg joins lizzie and Cindy on-board Cayamo to talk about songwriting, social justice, punk rock and, of course, The Little Guy (Bragg's nickname for Woody Guthrie). In our interview we talked about using humor as a way to connect to his audience, so that he can bring up his political activism like fighting for transgender rights, the import…

1
Leyla McCalla's Joyful Rebellion: Sun Without Heat and the Freedom of Play, ep. 259 1:21:36

2M ago1:21:36

1:21:36

Singer-songwriter Leyla McCalla and her band (bassist Pete Olynciw, drummer Shawn Meyers and guitarist Nahum Zdybel) join us onboard the Cayamo cruise to go through their incredible, righteous and fun new record Sun Without Heat. It is a Leyla McCalla solo album but no solo artist is an island! Once we saw Leyla perform with her band, with whom she…

1
Humbird: From Dinner Table Singing to Dismantling White Supremacy, ep. 258 1:05:00

3M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Siri Undlin, better known as Humbird, is a talented singer-songwriter from the Twin Cities with deep roots in Minnesota music and the land that surrounds her. Growing up, she was a true cold weather kid who loved hockey during winter In Minnesota, but also loved music and feeding her vivid imagination. Her love of music was nurtured by her parents,…

1
Navigating the Waters of Folk Music: Community vs Capitalism, ep. 257 48:40

3M ago48:40

48:40

We're live at sea! lizzie and Cindy recorded this episode onboard Cayamo, which is a singer/songwriter cruise that's been sailing yearly since 2008 and is one of the best music festivals we've attended. AND it's another edition of FOLK DEBATE CLUB. This time it's Community vs Capitalism! Our panel features Jenny Owen Youngs (musician and co-host of…

1
Jontavious Willis Says Blues Music is for The Kids, ep. 256 49:38

3M ago49:38

49:38

Originally from Greenville Georgia, musician Jontavious Willis is a Blues music phenom. When we talk about the Blues, the phrase or the word "torchbearer" comes up a lot when it comes to young, new Blues artists. I think of that word as a double edged sword. When you think of a torchbearer, you think about someone who's carrying on a flame that was…

1
Aoife O'Donovan and Dawn Landes Surf All the Feminist Waves, ep. 255 1:12:02

3M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

Coincidentally, long-time friends Aoife O'Donovan and Dawn Landes both have new albums with strong feminist themes, so I (Cindy) wanted to interview them together and talk about WOMEN. Aoife's album, All My Friends, is specifically centered around Carrie Chapman Catt, a prominent leader in the Suffragist Movement, and her work in the fight for the …

1
Appalachian Bluegrasser Missy Raines Explains The West Virginia Thing, ep. 254 1:07:58

4M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

Acclaimed bluegrass musician Missy Raines is also a very cool and funny lady originally from West Virginia, not far from the Maryland border and the city of Cumberland. First of all, I had questions for her about why people from West Virginia are SO into their state. She gets into that and also the influence of the rich tapestry of bluegrass music …

1
138- "Mackin' & Chilling" 2:16:38

4M ago2:16:38

2:16:38

We talking women with makeup, plastic surgery, James Bond and more!!! Pull up and join the convo!Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6625665805975552 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh…

1
139- "Back 2 Basics" 1:33:01

4M ago1:33:01

1:33:01

This week we return to just reacting to vids and giving our commentary...Pull up and let's laugh, joke, get life lessons, and just vibe witcha boys! Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6625665805975552 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport…

1
Bob Hillman's Rock and Roll Return: From Beach Volleyball to Marketing to Musician, ep. 253 55:21

4M ago55:21

55:21

Bob Hillman had a real thing going on in the early 2000's. He had made waves in New York City rubbing shoulders with some of the finest songwriters of the era at places like the open mic, Fast Folk and The Living Room, the singer-songwriter was creatively fulfilled, but not gaining the momentum in order to experience strategic growth in folk music.…

1
Joe Pug Will Not Ossify, ep. 252 58:11

4M ago58:11

58:11

Joe Pug will not engage in the Left-Brained Vs Right-Brained debate. His artistry and pragmatic business sense have lived in actual parallel through his music career. His songwriting and creativity are fueled by passion and result in dramatic and exciting songs, as on his new album Sketch of a Promised Departure. He also has stayed ahead of the cur…

1
137- "Big Back Conspiracy" 1:41:19

4M ago1:41:19

1:41:19

The full squad is back this week as we discuss Reesa Teesa, Joe Rogan and Katt, Donnell Rawlings and Corey Holcomb, and much more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/support

1
Hannah Connolly is Finding Her Happy Little Emo Heart Again, ep. 251 57:59

4M ago57:59

57:59

Singer songwriter Hannah Connolly, originally from Eau Claire, WI (same as Justin Vernon and the Bon Iver crew!) has just released her second solo album, Shadowboxing. Written to reflect musical and life transitions, it was recorded in beautiful Idyllwild, CA, just outside of her new hometown of Los Angeles. While in the mountain town, Hannah recon…

1
136- "It's Our Fault" 1:13:12

4M ago1:13:12

1:13:12

We talking Can Newton throwing grown men around, relationship lessons, and much more! Pull up and join the conversation!Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6625665805975552 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcas…

1
Lizzie No: the GOAT on Gender, Tiaras and Leveling Up, ep. 250 1:13:22

5M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

Bestie Lizzie No has just released their career-defining new record Halfsies and we are 100% here for it on our 250th episode!! lizzie, who co-hosts Basic Folk, put her entire being, identity and creativity into this project. There's a lot going on with their main character, the avatar Miss Freedomland, and we're getting to the bottom of it in our …

1
135- "That Went Left” 2:02:49

5M ago2:02:49

2:02:49

Pull up and join The Podnas as we talk past relationships! Join us as we reminisce about past girlfriends and situations! Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6625665805975552 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podc…

1
eGFR or ESTIMATED GLOMERULO FILTRATION RATE 2:32

5M ago2:32

2:32

Many people have been asking me what eGFR means. So I decided to record an easy to understand explanation of the kidney test called eGFR. Hope you find it useful. I request you to share this podcast with your friends and families so that someone can benefit from this information. All my podcasts are made with only one intent: To help remove the con…

1
LECTINS 1:31

5M ago1:31

1:31

Lectins have a notorious reputation. I explain what it is in an easy to understand, bite size talk.

1
Dinty Child Dreams Up Tunes on Island Time, ep. 249 50:18

5M ago50:18

50:18

Dinty Child, founding member of Session Americana, the beloved Boston roots music collective, who've accidentally been a band for twenty years, has just released his second solo album, Letting the Lions In. The new songs feature co-writing on all tracks between Dinty and Boston area songwriters like Mark Erelli, Kris Delmhorst and Dave Godowsky. A …

1
134- "USHERing In A New Day" 1:57:36

5M ago1:57:36

1:57:36

This week we talking the Usher Bowl, Logic and his dad, Shannon Sharpe vs Mike Epps, and much more! Pull up for the convo with the bros!Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6625665805975552 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast…

1
Tyrone Cotton: The Louisville Legend You Must Hear 34:22

5M ago34:22

34:22

Tyrone Cotton, a decades-long mainstay of the Louisville, KY music scene just released his 2023 debut album, "Man Like Me." A quick listen to these songs reveals an artist who has spent decades steeped in roots music. Lizzie No spoke with Tyrone and Ray Rizzo, one of the album’s producers, about Tyrone’s journey as an artist and the making of ‘Man …

1
133- "Truth & Consequences" 1:59:48

5M ago1:59:48

1:59:48

This week we talking sharing boos, mental iunstitutiions, conspiracy theories, Monique, and much much more! Pull up and join the conversation live!Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6625665805975552 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport t…

1
Radio Waves to Musical Bliss: Talia Schlanger's Harmonious Journey, ep. 248 1:02:06

5M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Canada's Talia Schlanger is best known for her work in broadcasting; guest-hosting Q with Tom Power on CBC and Alec Baldwin's "Here's the Thing" podcast, as well as taking over for David Dye on NPR Music's World Cafe in Philadelphia. Before all that, Talia was an actor and singer in many theater productions including Mamma Mia, Queen's We Will Rock…

1
132- "Tiz Was a Menace!" ft. Chewy 2:50:49

5M ago2:50:49

2:50:49

This week we talking Corey Holcomb disowning his daughter, Royal Rumble 2024, Nicki Minaj vs Meg Thee Stallion, and much much more!! We even were joined by our boy Chewy who has been down with the squad for over 20 years! Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6625665805975552 --- Send in a voice m…

1
Elise Leavy is the Faerie Kid of Folk, ep. 247 51:08

5M ago51:08

51:08

Dive into the enchanting world of Elise Leavy, a musician hailing from the picturesque Monterey, California through her latest album A Little Longer. Elise's artistic journey is steeped in the influence of her magical surroundings and a childhood filled with music, thanks to her mom's painting and stepdad's musical talents. Growing up with a deep a…

1
131- "Real Talk" 2:01:10

6M ago2:01:10

2:01:10

We talking social media dating, the effects of social media on kids, troll culture, and much more! Join the convo and give us your thoughts! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/support…

1
Strings of Support: Sarah Jarosz's Mentors and Co-Writing Magic, ep. 246 59:34

6M ago59:34

59:34

Sarah Jarosz is what happens when young women are taken seriously. A huge part of the mandolinist’s story is that she had supportive male mentors and that has added to her confidence. We all know the age old story of “Young woman shows promise, gets exploited by the patriarchy and it affects her work.” We need to hear stories like this. Starting in…

1
130- "The Internet is Undefeated" ft. Last Call 3:11:47

6M ago3:11:47

3:11:47

This week went live and reacted to random vids from the internet. We were joined by long time subscriber and friend of the show, Last Call who added amazing insight and a new dynamic. We also got our first chat troll to join which was interesting. Join the show and let's talk about it! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod…

1
Imaginary People Chronicles: Viv & Riley's Tradition and Innovation, ep. 245 1:02:00

6M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno, known as Viv & Riley, dive deep into the nuances of old-time music, folk influences, and the process behind their album, Imaginary People. The duo, who met at a music camp in Port Townsend, Washington, trace their roots from Riley's disciplined musical practice to Viv's intuitive approach. The two found insp…

1
129- "Podcasting 'Bout Podcasts" 1:43:00

6M ago1:43:00

1:43:00

In this week's episode we discuss whether celebrities should be filmed when they are not actually performing, Katt Williams on Willie D's podcast, whether podcasts have an obligation to vet their guests, and much more! Pull up and join the conversation! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport t…

1
Rachael Kilgour's Tribute to her Extraordinary Ordinary Dad, ep. 244 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

Rachael Kilgour unravels the layers of her late father on the album, "My Father Loved Me." Recorded in the cold of Toronto and produced by Rose Cousins (who also joins us for this conversation), this album carries the essence of Canadian roots and is a profound exploration of family heritage through the lens of an ordinary, hard working and humble …

1
128- "2024" 3:13:46

6M ago3:13:46

3:13:46

This one was epic! We talk Umar Johnson going on the JBP, Katt Williams destroying the internet, the fallout from Diddy's scandal, and much much more!!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/support…

1
127- "These Celebrities Are NASTY!" 1:59:48

6M ago1:59:48

1:59:48

This week one our oldest friends joins us to catch up, we discuss DIddy and the nastiness of celebrity culture, and we even get introduced to a new classic song! You don't wanna miss this one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podn…

1
126- "We Old" 1:51:23

6M ago1:51:23

1:51:23

Join The Podnas as we discuss culture shifting, being out of date, the latest current events, ond more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/support

1
125- "Weeeeeee Baaaaaccccckkkkkk!" 1:55:10

6M ago1:55:10

1:55:10

We back from hiatus and ready to talk this ish! We gonna catch up on all the F---ery we missed! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-podnas/support

1
124- "Clones, Boats, Hats, & Chairs" 1:53:23

7M ago1:53:23

1:53:23

We back!!!! This week The Podnas are going live to give our reactions and thoughts on "They Cloned Tyrone"...so many levels to this movie and we are gonna try to get through them all....also, we dive into the Alabama Boat Brawl and peel back the layers of racial and comedic elements… and we talk our normal ish too! #TheyClonedTyrone #ThePodnas #Ala…

1
Crying in Music: Darrell Scott's Honest Artistry, ep. 243 1:16:39

6M ago1:16:39

1:16:39

The cover of Darrell Scott's latest album, Old Cane Back Rocker, immediately sets the tone for your listening experience. The inclusion of the names of the Darrell Scott String Band (Bryn Davies, Matt Flinner and Shad Cobb) lets you know right off the bat that this recording is a band effort. The photo on the album cover gives a visual of Scotts' f…

1
Folk Legacy: Celebrating 25 Years of Club Passim's campfire. Festival 1:00:49

7M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Let's get folking special! We're closing out 2023 with an exclusive live recording from folk mothership Club Passim, the historic folk venue located in Cambridge, MA, celebrating the bi-annual festival campfire. and its remarkable 25th anniversary. It started as a way for the club to book a slow holiday weekend and now 25 years later, campfire. is …

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