The Bret Saunders Podcast

As she prepares to perform at New York's historic Apollo Theater, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dionne Warwick calls in to talk about winning over the audience there and playing Red Rocks in the '60s. Now, go and listen to her spectacular records from that era and be overwhelmed with emotion!

Molly Tuttle is great at everything she does: guitarist, singer, songwriter, bandleader...she's the future of Americana music! She and her band stopped by to perform in KBCO Studio C - we can't play the music for you, but the conversation is effervescent!

Tom Turcich is the author of THE WORLD WALK: 7 Years. 28,000 Miles. 6 Continents. Why did he do it? How many shoes did he wear out? Let's find out!

The dynamic singer-songwriter-actor called Bret from Tennessee to discuss changes in his life and music, why people should express themselves politically and his next big screen appearance.

The blues guitar titan teams up with the legendary Bobby Rush for a new album, YOUNG FASHIONED WAYS. What does this music mean to Kenny Wayne Shepherd? Let's find out.

KBCO listeners love the Canadian powerhouse group Barenaked Ladies! Drummer Tyler Stewart called Bret to discuss tensions between Canada and the US as well as the big bucks the band has received from the theme song from The Big Bang Theory.

From boygenius and beyond, Lucy Dacus just released a stellar album, FOREVER IS A FEELING. She joined Bret on Zoom to talk about Red Rocks and poker.

Bassist Ben McKee joins Bret to talk about Imagine Dragons: Live From The Hollywood Bowl (with the LA Film Orchestra). Which is the better venue, The Hollywood Bowl or Red Rocks? And what happened with that Imagine Dragons song that was supposed to be broadcast from the moon?

Justin Vernon's Bon Iver project returms with a new album, SABLE, fABLE, on April 11. Justin Zoomed in with Bret to talk about his songwriting process and to sing the praises of filmmaker Miranda July.

Comedian Kevin Nealon performs at the Boulder Theater on March 23. He's one delightful dude. He joined Bret to talk about the 50th anniversary of SNL, trophies and getting his son to call him "dad."

Singer-songwriter Bebe Stockwell is only 23 - but she's been at this for a long time! The rising artist Zoomed in to meet Bret's cat, discuss her dad pushing her to perform from an early age, and collaborating with Caamp.

This gent made a fine documentary about the early days of Led Zeppelin. Bret and Bernard talk about unearthing archival footage and why Robert Plant had so much penicillin in those heady times.

The Lumineers co-founders Jeremiah Fraites and Wesley Schultz joined Bret at a secret location to discuss their new album AUTOMATIC. They also discussed parenthood. And sushi.

Lisa Simpson is the voice of sanity in the world of The Simpsons - and in ours, too. Yeardley Smith has been voicing Lisa since the show's beginning. She called in to tell Bret about the SMALL TOWN DICKS podcast, which will be recording at Denver's Summit club on February 13. Also, can anything stop The Simpsons? Find out what she has to say...

Comedian Beth Stelling dropped by the KBCO studios to talk about the fire devastation in Los Angeles and the thrill of working as a "punch up" writer on other people's scripts.

He has one of the most recognizable faces in comedy! Brian Posehn stopped by to chat with Bret about Southern California, heavy metal, and a possible BIG BANG THEORY spinoff featuring himself.

Colorado's Josh Blue is hilarious, and his new special, "Freak Accident" is on YouTube. He talks with Bret about his process and 2024 highlights.

This dude is funny! Raised in Colorado, Sam Tallent is taking the comedy world by storm with his often absurd wit! See him at Comedy Works in Downtown Denver this weekend!

Shaw just released a fine new album, TAKE A LOOK INSIDE. He joined Bret in KBCO Studio C to talk about dressing up like a mime and how parenthood has influenced the record.

Great name, fine band with consistently engaging guitar riffs and introspective lyrics. Frontman Ben Bridwell called Bret to talk about Band Of Horses' upcoming NYE show in Denver and delivering pizzas.

Kathy Griffin is not afraid of anything. She and Bret discuss her personal odyssey, as well as what she thinks of Jerry Seinfeld. 

KBCO Listener Favorite The Head And The Heart magically appeared in KBCO Studio C to promote their excellent new song, "Arrow." Band members Charity Rose Thielen, Matty Gervais and Kenny Hensley sat down with Bret to talk about Colorado's love for THATH and taking the kids to Red Rocks.

The highly respected singer-songwriter checks in with Bret to discuss his new album, SMALL CHANGES, the uplifting power of music and how difficult it can be to make a living out on the road. 

The singer-songwriter-model-actress-whatever called Bret to discuss her new album, MEMOIR OF A SPARKLEMUFFIN, her cool label Sub Pop and Taylor Swift.

Now, this is a powerhouse quartet I love! The Breeders have been making excellent music for decades. Guitarist Kelley Deal and bassist Josephine Wiggs called in to talk about what makes their music stand out, learning tp play the guitar and touring with Olivia Rodrigo.

Colorado-based Investigative journalist (and Oscar nominee) David Sirota joins Bret to talk about the excellent new podcast series about government corruption, MASTER PLAN.

Before her show at Boulder's Macky Auditorium September 14, The acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams speaks with Bret about the aftermath of her life-altering stroke and the tour where she's sharing intimate details of her life.

You want to meet a funny, intelligent dude? Look no further than Moshe Kasher, in town to perform standup at Comedy Works Larimer Square August 22-24! Kasher joined Bret to discuss politics, religion and other non-controversial topics.

Billy Bragg has been creating smart, opinionated music for decades. He's playing Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder October 3. Bret talks with Billy about getting through the door to put his audition tape in the hands of record label executives, causes that are important to him, and artists to cover when the audience turns on you.

I didn't see this one coming! There's a new biopic about the trials of the pop group Milli Vanilli, GIRL YOU KNOW IT'S TRUE. Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus found themselves embroiled in an early '90s scandal when it was revealed they weren't actually singing on their albums! The aftermath was devastating. Listen to Fab's side of the story...

The charismatic Isaac Slade has done it all! After serving as lead vocalist for The Fray, Slade has settled into the quiet life of record store ownership on an island near Seattle. He's back in Colorado to help with a Take Note Colorado benefit on August 18 in Arvada. Will he return to music as a career? Listen to find out...

Hey, The Fray, you multiple platinum selling Colorado Folk...where have you been? Bret talks with founding members Joe King, David Welsh and Ben Wysocki about playing live again and new music.

Writer-podcaster Daniel Ralston called Bret to discuss his excellent new podcast series, THE TRUE STORY OF THE FAKE ZOMBIES. When the underrated British '60s band broke up, some enterprising gents in Michigan decided to employ two phony versions of the band and sent them out on tour. It's an entertaining tale. Listen to THE TRUE STORY OF THE FAKE ZOMBIES on iHeartRadio.

Denver's Josh Blue popped by to discuss his upcoming Comedy Works South shows July 5 and 6. The topic of parenting is also brought up.

Singer-songwriter Eric Burton from the Austin, TX group Black Pumas stopped by KBCO Studio C to talk about dogs and music. What's better than that?

Comedian Kevin James is known to everyone from his long-running sitcom KING OF QUEENS. He's bringing his standup to Denver's Bellco Theatre June 28. Kevin and Bret talk about bombing on stage and portraying Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton in 2022's HOME TEAM.

Did you know the East Coast jam band Goose has roots in Colorado? It's true! Guitarist Rick Mitarotonda checks in with Bret before Goose takes to the stage of Fiddler's Green June 7 and 8.

Conor Hall is the ultimate Colorado citizen. He's been involved with various state-related causes for years, and Conor is part of a group putting together the Outside Festival in Denver's Civic Center Park June 1 and 2, 2024. Find out more about the festival at KBCO.com.

Jack Antonoff leads the band Bleachers, and is beloved around the world for his produciton work with artists like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. Is there anything Jack Antonoff can't do? He spoke with Bret about making music, Red Rocks, and attack dog equipment.

The incredible Booker T. Jones, keyboardist for Booker T. & M.G.'s joined Bret to talk about the excellent new HBO docuseries, "STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A." premiering May 20. Is this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and producer also the leader of the single greatest rock and soul band of all time? Maybe!

Colorado's Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats play Red Rocks August 20-21, and trust me, you don't want to miss that. There's a new album, too: SOUTH OF HERE. It's powerful stuff!

Colin Quinn is a brilliant guy, and hilarious, too. He'll appear at the legendary Stanley Hotel in Colorado's Estes Park Saturday, April 27. 

The singer-songwriter-guitarist-bandleader Gary Clark Jr. just released a stunning new album, "JPEG Raw." What does JPEG Raw mean? Let's meet Gary Clark Jr.!

Do we solve all of Colorado's problems in less than 20 minutes? Not quite, but the AG does bring up some good points.

Michael Franti is a singular life force and leader of Michael Franti and Spearhead. He'll bring his eternal love for the world to Red Rocks May 31. Franti talks to Bret about music, world peace...you know...the things we need.

Why haven't we ever released this conversation? Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan stopped by our studios in 2022, prior to becoming the huge headliner he is today. This was an excellent conversation. Noah's a real, funny dude!

The Lumineers' keyboardist, drummer, etc. joins Bret to talk about his new solo album, PIANO PIANO 2, and soundtrack aspirations. 

You know his work from the inspiring film A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT.John Dietsch is one of our premier fly fisherpeople! He's also a calming presence in this tumultuous world. On this episode, John talks with Bret about the mental health benefits of fly fishing and more. The Fly Fishing Film Tour arrives at Denver's Oriental Theater March 28 and the Boulder Theater March 31.

This is a tough one. I was very fond of Richard Lewis, who passed away this week at 76. He was, first and foremost, hilarious. He also happened to be a very kind individual who even followed me on social media and was always encouraging. Here's a short conversation from the KBCO archives.

Colt 45 Malt Liquor! BRIAN'S SONG! THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK! Billy Dee Williams is the best, and he's just released his memoir, WHAT HAVE WE HERE?

Crow was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! The KBCO listener favorite joined Bret to talk about that, her new album EVOLUTION, and AI.