The Working Songwriter

1,606
Music #184Music Interviews #32

Joe Pug hosts a weekly conversation with one of today's best songwriters. The latest 100 episodes are always free... all catalog episodes available to stream in the Nation of Heat Vault. Visit joepugmusic.com/vault

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Recent Reviews
  • Russell Christian
    Always a great listen!
    Joe has a great conversational approach that is easy to listen to and his production is top notch. Easily one of the best podcasts out there today.
  • Thecoolcatholiccat444
    Excellent for Songwriters!!
    I’ve been introduced to so many amazing new songs through this podcast and you can absorb good advice it you know how to listen! As a songwriter, this is my favorite podcast. It always inspires me.
  • Lotechie Mo
    Nice Guy - Good Insight
    I am not a songwriter, but I love hearing about the process. Joe does a great job of connecting with interesting artists.
  • Big Waves and Bonfires
    Inspired in Minnesota
    I love every episode! This podcast is so inspiring for songwriters, performers and music lovers. The conversational approach makes it feel like your sitting at a table with music friends. Thanks Joe!
  • lemoneek
    You Made Me Laugh …
    … and I thank you. From Toni with an ‘i’ because that’s how girls and women named Toni spell our names.
  • firecrackerheart
    i always learn somethin’ .. .
    i cannot say enough great things about joe pug’s songwriter interviews, and this here podcast. a revolving door of who’s who in the world of song craft keeps me entertained and smiling, and inspires me to put the pen to paper and write on!
  • Ppp head
    Always Engaging
    This is a well put together thoughtful podcast that a songwriter from any genre can appreciate. Joe curates great interviews and information in the perfect portion size. The presentation is down to earth, not pretentious and always Informative. Thanks for the insights.
  • ShortieGeorge
    Excellent show
    In my opinion the best show of its kind. Conversations are always insightful and interesting and pertinent to any songwriter in any genre. Often I’m unfamiliar with the guest going into the episode and though I do check their music out, I’ve also found it is often not my particular cup of tea—nonetheless I love the conversations and the stories every single time. Plus there are plenty of guests I am a fan of. TWS is just plain and good, old fashioned insight into the creative career of songwriting and all its nuance and characters.
  • Midnight Perry
    Todd Snider interview is an all-timer
    And now I’m in love with this show - thanks Joe!
  • Applepiemable
    Great show
    Really great show with interesting guests and insightful questions. Great job, Joe.
  • hessianhobs
    Questions answered.
    I was looking for consulting on approaching musicians about something I wrote. I think if I listen enough here, I’ll find out how to do it.
  • Stockwood71
    Superb
    Love this guy’s music, love his pod. Joe is good at this interviewing thing. Future guest suggestion: Lee Bains III. A thoughtful guy with an upcoming new album. Zero doubts you’d have a great conversation. Make it happen.
  • jerry arboretum
    Always great insights
    Love how Joe goes deep on process with his guests. The listener really gets to know the guest and how they approach their craft.
  • FuzzBuzz17
    Incredible
    I love Joe’s music, but he might be the best interviewer from the last half century.
  • ridley eliot
    Wendell Berry
    Loved the WB poem
  • lilaclane
    Favorite Show Ever!
    I absolutely love this show!👏👏As a songwriter myself, I’m always mesmerized by the interviews.. mainly because Joe Pug asks the perfect questions! And then he follows up with more questions, going deeper, and leading to fascinating conversations that never seem cliche. He also has a great sense of humor, and makes me laugh. Highly recommend!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✏️🎤📖
  • Waiting 47/$;83!
    Excellent!
    My 2nd review because you’re so good Joe. I started out looking for writing insights. And heard many. But after so many episodes, now just can’t wait to hear Joe’s kickoff jokes, humorous insights & observations, and the curated poems, so apt and inspiring. In addition to your prodigious musical talents, you have superb talent as a congenial host and conversationalist. Always happy when I see new episodes in my feed, like an old friend arriving at the door. Thanks for making this show. Cheers! ✌🏼🤟🏼🤘🏼🎶
  • OCMs
    What a find!
    I heard a song by Joe Pug on my favorite Radio Station (WUMB❤️) and loved it instantly. From there, I went to his website which is how I ended up finding the podcast! Listened to the Nickie Blum episode and loved it. Joe, not only are you a gifted musician, you’re also a fantastic interviewer. Can’t wait to listen to some more episodes-right after I check out Nickie Bluhm!
  • W MC
    So good!
    Joe Pug approaches these interviews with other songwriters with such interest and curiosity. You can’t help but be drawn into the conversation. Not only is Joe a talented musician and songwriter, he is an incredibly thoughtful. I hope he continues these interviews for many years to come!
  • apslf
    Long Time Listener, First Time Reviewer.
    I love this podcast, always a great conversation with a great artist who have great things to talk about. If you haven’t subscribed to his monthly newsletter its a really nice thing to see in your inbox. Also, great speaking voice, soothes my soul.
  • no cheap horses
    James McMurty
    Awesome podcast
  • Ray Holmes
    Excellence
    Such an awesome and inspiring show. Joe is a great interviewer who gets amazing insights and stories out of his guests each episode. Thanks for making this show, Joe!
  • Lena Marie Schiffer
    Inspiring way to put off songwriting!
    Great interviews, inspiring to listen to with my band while traveling on the road :)
  • Eddie Freddie
    Awesome!
    Thanks Joe! You’ve been very inspiring.
  • Colo boy 0228
    Finally!
    Finally a podcast with a working, touring musician interviewing the same! Just love Joe's interviewing style. He's a very good listener and his questions are a breath of fresh air to anyone loves music and knows what a 57 is. Two "Picks" up!
  • Rhubarbranch
    Joe Pug is an unknown treasure
    Joe Pug is probably the greatest songwriter of his generation, yet is largely unknown and unrecognized. This is a travesty. I can think of nothing I would rather do than listen to him talk to other great songwriters about songwriting. Obviously, well worth your time.
  • RealJman87
    A dream for music lovers, musicians and songwriters!
    Just found this podcast and listened to the John Flansburgh, but I already can’t wait for more! For all the music junkies, amateur and pro musicians and composers out there, this is for you!
  • Allie-Styles
    The best of its kind
    I got to see Joe play live this past fall in Levon Helm’s studio, and he was great. But that was a one-time thing. Knowing that I can look forward to a new show each week, in which Joe invariably takes his guest along for a deep dive into the mystical / mythical world of songwriting, is invaluable. My advice to every aspiring songwriter in the universe (yes, I number myself one): LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST!
  • wassup, cool game
    Great Stuff
    Fantastic insight into the world of songwriters, with a real focus on the process. You don’t find that alot, so it’s definitely worth a listen!
  • Andrea32:)
    Worth the investment
    Valuable information for writers and musicians, entertaining and just plain stocked with a list of talented artists. I’m pretty amazed that Joe puts the effort into this songwriting podcast for free. I’ve learned a bunch and love to jump over to pull up the artists music if I haven’t heard them before . All The Working Songwriter listeners should go over to Patreon and give Joe at least a couple of bucks! It’s the first time I did but I would like him to keep going with this!.. Andrea in Alaska
  • MissyK312
    Respect
    Joe is clearly respected by his interviewees and conducts the interviews with professionalism and care. Thanks, Joe! Missy Chicago, IL
  • Pure Nonsense Band
    My favorite music podcast.
    As a lifelong musician I listen to a lot of music podcasts. There are some good ones and a lot of bad ones. Working Songwriter is my favorite. Joe is a really good interviewer.
  • CuttheCrapandTelltheTruth
    Best Podcast Out There
    We don’t deserve Joe, but I’m glad he’s here. Great interviewer - prepared, knowledgeable, funny, philosophical, and empathetic. Listen to this! You’ll fall in love with it.
  • Pilgrim1959
    Great Podcast
    Super interesting and enjoyable. I love to listen to good music but am the farthest thing from a musician or songwriter. Joe is a great interviewer and his interactions with his guests provide a view into the songwriting process and the songwriter’s life that’s quite enlightening.
  • Lil Star Lord
    very very very very great
    one of few podcasts on the interwaves with any real substance. worth a listen
  • JamieMarie77
    Relevant
    Great content for writers and musicians!
  • Ben42AZ
    I never miss it
    Joe Pug is wonderful. I love his music and this podcast. He asks great questions and it’s great hearing his thoughts and those of the fantastic songwriters he has as guests.
  • TVinso
    Thank You
    Thank you Joe for this podcast. You’ve introduced me to the music of many wonderful artists as you raise the curtain on their processes. Along the way, you give us glimpses into your own musical path. Also love the poetry breaks in mid-podcasts almost as much as your creative Bandzoogle ads!
  • Two Cent Revival
    Fantastic
    I just discovered this fantastic podcast, and have enjoyed and learned from every episode I’ve listened to - highly recommended!
  • Josiah Whitleys newest fan
    The best songwriting podcast
    This is the best podcast on songwriting. Joe brings great guests and the conversation is always intriguing. I look forward every week to hear this. His only weakness is his fear of being shown in dad shorts, and obviously, kryptonite. Regardless, his podcast is worth the subscription and I encourage you to donate to the podcast.
  • ian van ornum
    This is the only podcast I listen to
    This is the only podcast I listen to
  • cj brute
    Brute Force
    I don’t remember who the guest was, but he talked about “belonging in the room.” Joe said, “And the only way to get there is brute force. No shortcuts, no hacks.” That’s good stuff.
  • jibberjib
    Thank you
    What a great conversation! Joe I first saw you in Ann Arbor Michigan just by Luck , I was intending to see mandolin orange but they had sold out so we ended up at the blind pig. One of my favorite show stories; where a frat boy burped so loud you actually stopped singing and said “ Jesus dude”. Jeffery is an amazing song writer and have seen him play several times. I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with him. Many blessings to you. What a fantastic conversation.
  • Whizwith
    Amazing Interviews, Keep Em Coming!
    As a longtime podcast host I know how difficult it can be to conduct interviews, particularly with artists who are used to being in front of the mic and answering questions. Joe does an incredible job of creating thoughtful and original conversations while pulling out key insights for songwriters at every level. Just joined the Patreon and hope to see Joe live when the pandemic ends. Joe, you gotta come to Oslo! One of my all time favorite pods and a MUST listen for music fans!
  • Wily Trax
    One of my go to podcasts
    Pug is a good interviewer and he picks some really good guests.
  • Stonberg1
    Love this show!!
    "Reverb is not a song."
  • Jon Beyle
    My favorite podcast!
    A fantastic interviewer with some amazing interviewees!
  • MCMetscher
    Song, Story, and Conversation
    As far as I’m concerned, Joe Pug won the pandemic.
  • Easy Hero
    My personal favorite
    The Working Songwriter is my personal favorite songwriting podcast. The most literate and enjoyable conversations I’ve heard about songwriting and life on the road.
  • Drum_head32
    Interesting convos
    Joe does a great job picking the brains of songwriters and musicians. I find myself not only being entertained by the stories and anecdotes these artist’s tell about being on the road and in the studio, but also gleaning little tidbits of wisdom to inject into my own music career. One of my fave pods. Highly recommend.
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