Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Cowboy Poets Andy Hedges and Brenn Hill Talk the Music and Culture of The West!

The history and culture of the West is alive and well. There has been a resurgence over the last few decades of artists throughout the West celebrating Cowboy Culture. It is much more diverse and fascinating than many people think. Poetry, music, storytelling, saddle making, it's incredible what there is to see. The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a place where artists of the West gather each year to share this diverse culture, and that's where I became familiar with Andy and Brenn. I got to sit down with them before a show in Reno last year to chat with them about this topic and I bring it to you this week! 

A Shoutout To My Listeners!

I had an idea last week that I'd really like to use this podcast to connect with people on a human level. So I made a video and put it on my social media. I told all the people who interacted with that would get mentioned in a special "shoutout" episode of my podcast. So here it is! Thanks to everyone who listens, and follows along with me on this journey. I genuinely appreciate it. I plan on doing this again, I thought it was fun. Hope you dig it! 

Making of a Folk Hero: Jesse James and Luigi Mangione

What goes into the making of a folk hero? There has been a lot of discussion about the killing of a United Healthcare CEO and Luigi Mangione. There is a history of making figures like this into folk heroes through music. Jesse James is a great example. Woody Guthrie and other sang about him. And now the same thing is happening with Luigi. Today we take a look at this phenomenon and what goes into the making of a folk hero. 

The Girlies Are Taking Over: Americana Pt. 2

Last week we took a look at modern Americana/Roots artists who are changing the game. The list was too long to fit them into one episode! So this week we're taking a look at another group of insanely talented women. This week all the artists were featured in a group called Our Native Daughters which is made up of black women banjo players. Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Allison Russell, and Leyla McCalla. Join me as we take a look at this incredible players who are changing the game! 

The Girlies Are Taking Over: Americana Pt. 1

I've been noticing a trend over the last few years, women in music are absolutely killing it! I wanted to do a breakdown of the women I see making incredible music and changing the game in their own ways. This is the first part of two episodes I'll be doing on the world of Americana and Folk music. Today we take a look at Sierra Ferrell, Amanda Shires, Molly Tuttle, and Margo Price. I hope you dig it! 

Is Bob Dylan overrated? Today we take a look at the hype around Bob Dylan and whether or not it is well deserved.

The new biopic of Bob Dylan is out and people are once again talking about him. However I wonder, does he get more credit than he really deserves? With so many other incredible folk artists, why is he the only one we talk about? Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Ramblin' Jack, there are so many. So why does he get all the credit? And why is he venerated like a saint? Join me as I take a look at this question! 

Best of 2024! On today's episode I do a breakdown of the best roots music of 2024. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

There has been so much good music this year. Beyonce, Waxahatchee, Sierra Ferrell. So many great artists put out records. So join me for a breakdown of the best music of this last year. Happy New Year y'all! 

Roots Rewind: Emmit Otter's Jugband Christmas!

Emmitt Otter's Jugband Christmas is a certified banger of a Christmas movie. I've been watching this since I was a kid, it's one of my favorite movies to watch in the Christmas season. Enjoy my breakdown of this holiday favorite that has all the feels. 

Dolly Parton Explores her family history in Smoky Mountain DNA!

Dolly Parton has had a one-of-a-kind career. She recently put out a record that explores her families vast musical legacy on this release. It's an incredible look into her family history. Any fan of Dolly is going to love this record. I take a deep dive on this episode and explore Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain DNA! 

Tom Petty's Wildflowers Pt. 2

This is part two of my series on Tom Petty's Wildflowers. The album turns 30 this year and it is every bit as relevant today as when it came out. Just a absolute classic record. On this episode I take a look at the second half of the album and explore it's incredible tunes. Enjoy!