Best Dj Fran Podcasts (2024)

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

2h 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 Wolf, the songwriting process and music production plan was to just work on a hand…

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

6d 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

13d 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

15d 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

20d 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
Drummer & Voddy Swiller with BIF NAKED Drummer Chiko Misomali 34:59

23d ago34:59

34:59

Feel the drumbeats of life's great symphony with the rhythm maestro, Chiko Misomali as he joins me on the latest Music Junkies episode. As someone whose musical heartbeat has fueled the likes of Biff Naked and resonated in games and commercials, Chiko brings a playlist that's the soundtrack to his life's milestones. We kick off reminiscing about ou…

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

27d 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
Nightmare Dates: Avoiding the Dating Disaster with Mss Francois 1:06:49

30d ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Ever wondered how losing your job could be the best thing that ever happened to you? Today on Music Junkies, we have the hilarious Ms. Francois sharing her unique perspective on social media fame and unconventional careers, including her uproarious take on getting fired and the unexpected twist of using Instagram to gain sympathy and followers. We …

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
Behind the sense a Hollywood love story with Brianne Davis 58:04

1M ago58:04

58:04

If the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, combined with the raw undertones of sex, love, and addiction intrigue you, then you're in the right place. Today, we're thrilled to have the entertainment industry's dynamo, Brianne Davis, in our musical hot seat. She's on board to peel back the curtains on her journey, from creating a playlist for her bestsel…

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
Leather, Lace and Fire. The Tales of Raw Love 55:25

1M ago55:25

55:25

When the pulsating beats of DJ Raw Love first filled my ears, I knew we were in for an electrifying journey. Chrisanna a New York Times bestselling author turned pro bodybuilder, now spinning the decks with a flair that's hard to ignore, graces our show with tales of her leap into the music scene. Her hit song, a beacon of her love story, reflects …

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
Rockin Out: Freeman's Iron Maiden Obsession and Unconventional Skills 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

Ever thought of the wild stories that lie behind the making of a music playlist? Hold on to your headphones as we embark on a sonic roller-coaster ride with Freeman, the ultimate Iron Maiden fanatic. We kick off with a hilarious tale of a pub encounter, a man smitten by Freeman's hair, and a band playing at an absurdly early hour. From amusing misu…

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
From "Fade to Black" to Podcast Crack: with Chuck Shute 1:08:40

2M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Ever find yourself wistfully thinking back to the music that scored your youth, or the songs that became the soundtrack to your most cherished memories? Chuck and I, Annette Smith, take you on a sentimental journey through our shared love for music, storytelling, and the art of the interview. As Chuck Shoot graces the Music Junkies podcast, we unea…

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
Striking a Chord: with the 7-Foot Flute Player Brent Tyler 1:09:13

2M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Ever thought about how a towering height could influence a person's music career? Well, put on your headphones, and let's meet Brent Tyler, who stands tall at seven feet, not just in height but also in his passion for music. Brent generously shares the captivating journey of his life, beautifully interwoven with music, basketball, and knee surgerie…

1
Creative Focus through Music & How to 'Work Backwards' with Tim Duggan, Author 1:04:37

2M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

In this episode, Tim Duggan discusses his latest book, 'Work Backwards,' and the creative process behind writing. He shares his experience of separating his identity from the company he co-founded, Junkie Media, and the personal challenges he faced during that time. Tim also talks about his research process, including conducting interviews with exp…

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
Church Choirs to Crotch Splitting with Tim Steinruck 1:04:13

2M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Get ready for an exhilarating ride through the world of rock and roll with Tim Steinruck lead vocalist and guitarist of The Mighty One. Our conversation dives deep into Tim's musical journey, tracing his evolution from a young music enthusiast to a seasoned songwriter and performer. Listen in as we dissect the complexities of his creative process, …

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
"Rocking Legends: Lorraine Lewis and the Legacy of Vixen and Femme Fatale" 1:16:46

3M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

Step up and get ready to be swept off your feet by the whirlwind tales of rock 'n' roll royalty, Lorraine Lewis. The iconic Vixen lead vocalist and casting producer takes center stage as she recounts the electric days of her musical journey, from high school dreams to the legendary Sunset Strip. Her voice carries the wisdom of the ages, yet pulses …

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
Highs of hockey glory and the anthems of '80s rock with Derrick Germain 1:10:13

3M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

This week on Music Junkies, I’m thrilled to have my good old buddy, Derrick Germain, onboard. We'll be swapping stories - from wild high school experiences to his heartwarming love saga with his wife, Tracy, and their journey through four failed date attempts before finally hitting the sweet spot. Our friendly debate on the significance of flexibil…

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
Pranks, Playlists and, Illusions with Stand-Up Comedian and Magician Danny Whitson 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

When comedy and magic collide, the result is a spectacle of humor and surprise that captivates audiences. This podcast episode introduces us to the remarkable Danny Winston, whose journey through comedy, illusion, and music is as multifaceted as it is fascinating. Host Annette Smith engages Danny in a conversation that is both enlightening and ente…

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
Goth Metal, Grit, and Glam with Glenn from Two Shadows 58:20

3M ago58:20

58:20

Slip into the shadows with us as Glenn from Two Shadows unravels the tapestry of goth metal melodies and the raw emotion behind their chart-topping hit "Scratchin' Out the Surface." It's not every day that you get to steal glimpses into an artist's soul. Still, Glenn lays it bare, recounting the transformative studio journey, the tug-of-war with re…

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

3M 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
Chords of Change: From Rock Bottom to Mosh Pit Miracles with Kevin Hellestad 1:03:54

4M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

When Kevin, a fervent music aficionado, shares his life-altering odyssey through the realms of rock and metal, you can't help but feel the electric charge in the air. Our latest episode features his tale of salvation through sound, a narrative that spans from the solace he found in music during his darkest times to the explosive energy of mosh pits…

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
Mixtape Memories: Comedy, Crushes, and Carmen Lynch 1:06:02

4M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Picture yourself rummaging through old mixtapes and stumbling upon the soundtrack of your youth. That's where we kick things off with Carmen Lynch, a strikingly hilarious New York City comedian who joins me to reminisce about the power of music and its uncanny ability to teleport us back to the days of high school dances and first crushes. We unpac…

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
Guitar Strings and Heartbreak: The Ballad of Chancy Grife 1:18:13

4M ago1:18:13

1:18:13

When Chancy strums the strings of his custom Frankenstein-style guitar, it's like unlocking a treasure trove of stories and emotions woven into each note. In this episode of Music Junkies, prepare for a captivating symphony of heartfelt narratives as our guest, a passionate music and movie aficionado, paints a vivid picture of his life's soundtrack…

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
Rockin' the Dirty Edge: A Metal Journey Unleashed 1:05:43

4M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Get ready to rock as I, Annette Smith, unleash the electrifying energy of London's metal masters, Prodigal, straight into your eardrums. Stan, George, Johnny, and Louis peel back the layers of their wild journey, from jamming in the schoolyard to dominating the stages they command today. Our conversation is a no-holds-barred exploration of the elem…

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

4M 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
Ice, Beats, and Chuckles: with Lori "ICE" Fetrick from American Gladiators 1:22:15

4M ago1:22:15

1:22:15

Ever found yourself lost in the beats of your childhood, each song a thread in the tapestry of your memory? Lori Fetrick 'Ice' from American Gladiators joins me, Annette Smith, for a session that's as much a concert of nostalgia as it is a symposium on the sheer force of music in our lives. We trace Lori's journey from country classics that echoed …

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
Karate Moves, Cruise Upgrades, and Acid Wash Jeans: with Jane and Deklan 1:04:59

5M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Ever found yourself gripping the steering wheel, with Eminem blasting through the speakers, as you navigate a snowstorm? That's just a sliver of what we unpack with Jane and Deklan from the brutal, bizarre, and boozy podcast on this episode of Music Junkies. Our conversation traverses the emotional landscapes music creates, from s Deklan's breakup …

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
Strings, Songs, and Sinful Stories: Rocking Out with Matthew Holtby 1:20:41

5M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

Have you ever been whisked back in time by a single guitar riff? Singer-songwriter Matthew Holtby joins us on Music Junkies to share his symphony of life—an auditory tale that dances through his vibrant solo career and the tracks that define it. Our conversation is a mixtape of moments, from the Anne Murray show that started it all, to the punk roc…

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
Retro Rambles: Hip Hits & Shoulder Pad Misadventures! with Harvey Laguerre 1:06:03

5M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Ever wondered how a stroll down memory lane with 80s music could stir up more than just fond recollections? Join me, Annette Smith, as I sit down with Harvey, the charismatic voice behind "Love is Black" and "Men Are the Prize," for a vivid trek back to the era of synthesizers, leg warmers, and MTV. We tap into the pulse of a decade that revolution…

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
Beats, Blunders, and Blazing Truths: with Joelle Gilmour 1:09:33

5M ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Looking to discover how the magic of music can shape our lives, relationships, and personal growth? Join us for an enlightening conversation with our extraordinary guest, Joelle Gilmour who shares her intimate journey with music. We dive into the depths of our shared love for music, discussing its profound influence on our lives and how it connects…

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
From Vinyl to Van Halen: Rocking Ron Coolen's Dirty Musical Memoirs! 1:05:45

6M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Can you remember your first concert or the thrill of buying your first album? Our guest for this episode, the self-taught musician and radio personality, Ron Coolen, takes us down memory lane to his early experiences with music. He shares his affinity for heavy metal music, sparked off by his first album purchase, Boston's "Don't Look Back." A resi…

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…

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Dj Fran Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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