The Working Songwriter

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Joe Pug hosts a monthly conversation with one of today's best songwriters.

Joe Pug


    • Jun 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 308 EPISODES

    4.9 from 1,621 ratings Listeners of The Working Songwriter that love the show mention: pug, joe asks, craft of songwriting, thanks joe, anais, podcast for songwriters, ely, great job joe, singer songwriters, todd snider, reverb, favorite songwriters, clad, touring musician, many of my favorite, heard of joe, joe is one, writing songs, steve earle, joe's.


    Ivy Insights

    The Working Songwriter podcast, hosted by Joe Pug, is a gem in the world of music podcasts. Pug brings on a revolving door of talented songwriters from various genres, providing listeners with insightful and entertaining conversations about the craft of songwriting. As a songwriter myself, I cannot say enough great things about this podcast. Pug curates excellent interviews and information in perfect-sized portions, making it accessible and enjoyable for songwriters from all backgrounds.

    One of the best aspects of The Working Songwriter is its thoughtful and down-to-earth presentation. Pug has a knack for creating a relaxed atmosphere where guests feel comfortable sharing their stories and insights. The conversations are always insightful and interesting, applicable to songwriters in any genre. Even if I am unfamiliar with the guest's music prior to listening, I still find value in the conversations and gain new perspectives on the creative process.

    In terms of shortcomings, there are few to mention regarding The Working Songwriter podcast. Occasionally, there may be episodes where the guest's music may not align with my personal taste. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the podcast or the engaging nature of the conversations. Pug's interviewing skills shine through regardless of musical preferences.

    In conclusion, The Working Songwriter with Joe Pug is undoubtedly one of the best podcasts in its genre. It offers valuable insights into the creative career of songwriting while introducing listeners to a wide range of talented artists. Pug's congenial hosting style and genuine interest in his guests make each episode feel like a conversation among friends. Whether you are an aspiring songwriter or simply interested in learning about the intricacies of crafting music, this podcast is worth tuning into for an enriching experience.



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    Latest episodes from The Working Songwriter

    Jerry Douglas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 67:33


    This Grammy award winning instrumentalist is considered the contemporary master of the dobro.  He's played with everyone from Ray Charles to Billy Strings over the course of his decades long career.

    Phillip Lammonds

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 47:05


    This journeyman songwriter has written for Hoottie & the Blowfish, Lee Brice, Josh Turner, Craig Morgan and many others.  He has stepped into the spotlight with an album of his own entitled "Cowboy Things".

    Magic Nothing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 41:09


    Zack Fischmann is a musician who makes outsider folk music under the name Marmalade Mountain, but he has also built a music marketing consulting company that is supremely useful to independent artists.

    Leslie Mendelson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 43:00


    This Grammy nominated singer-songwriter has worked with luminaries such as Jackson Browne, The Who and The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, all the while maintaining her fruitful solo career.

    Charlie Peacock

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 71:10


    This Grammy award winning producer, songwriter, and author joins the show to discuss his lengthy career that has included collaborations with The Civil Wars, Chris Cornell, and the Lone Bellow.

    Peter Holsapple

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 64:09


    This artist has spent a lifetime helming influential bands like The dB's and contributing to major bands such as REM.      

    Announcing The Working Songwriter Forum!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 2:17


    A weekend of intensive songwriting workshops, podcasts, and concerts at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL May 23-25, 2025.  Tickets available now.  Visit joepugmusic.com/tour for more details!

    Mondo Cozmo

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 52:39


    Josh Ostrander is the creative force behind this beloved indie rock band.  They've toured with Spoon, Muse, and Vance Joy.  And their tunes have racked up tens of millions of downloads on Spotify.

    Adam Doleac

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 47:33


    This native of Mississippi has written for Darius Rucker and Kane Brown, and toured with Carrie Underwood, Old Dominion and many others.  His songs have amassed nearly 300 million streams on Spotify and his latest single features country heavyweight Thomas Rhett.

    Steve Louw

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 52:40


    This award winning South African songwriter has crafted an indelible career over decades with his bands All Night Radio and Big Sky, along with his acclaimed solo work.

    My Brightest Diamond

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 50:15


    Shara Nova is the creative force behind this hugely influential indie pop solo project.  She as worked with Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, and Laurie Anderson.

    Stephen Kellogg

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 56:03


    This journeyman roots music artist has toured with Steve Earle, Adam Duritz and many others.  He's recorded for Universal Music and Vanguard Records.  And he's become one of the torch bearers for American songwriting over the last 25 years.

    Fruition

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 55:07


    This group from Portland, Oregon tours the country with a novel blend of American roots music that features show-stopping vocal harmonies.

    Chuck Prophet

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 65:03


    This legendary songwriter has toured with Lucinda Williams and Alejandro Escovedo, and collaborated with Warren Zevon.

    Mindy Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 41:54


    This celebrated songwriter stops by the show to discuss her years touring with Dolly Parton, singing with Kenny Chesney, and releasing albums that were mainstays on country radio.

    Fastball

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 51:05


    One of the founders of this legendary Austin band, Miles Zuniga, stops by the show to talk about their chart-topping hit songs, and the musical legacy that continues with their new album "Sonic Ranch".

    Silverada

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 55:45


    Mike Harmeier is the leader of this beloved Texas country music band that's been traveling the country and releasing records for nearly 18 years.  They've appeared at ACL, Stagecoach, and the Grand Ole Opry.

    Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 54:09


    The founder of this profoundly influential group talks about their early days in Los Angeles, touring with REM and U2, and his recently published memoir.

    Twanguero

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 52:21


    Diego Garcia is the guitar virtuoso and creative force behind this project that has toured the world, garnering acclaim and awards.

    Michelle Malone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 60:53


    This artist is on the third decade of a career that his included collaborations with Indigo Girls, John Mayer, Gregg Allman, KT Tunstall, and many others.

    Kishi Bashi

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 70:15


    This songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has toured with Regina Spektor, of Montreal, and many others.  He's recorded for Joyful Noise records and has built a largely grassroots following all over the globe.

    Medium Build

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 51:39


    Nicholas Carpenter is the creative force behind this band that hails from Alaska, which has toured with FINNEAS and Tyler Chiders, and recorded for Island Records.

    Iain Matthews

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 59:09


    This troubadour was a founding member of the legendary British folk group, Fairport Convention, and has gone on to have solo recording career that has spanned six decades.

    Andrea Von Kampen

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 46:53


    This songwriter from Nebraska has toured with Ron Pope and Tallest Man on Earth, in addition to recording for Fantasy Records.

    Yarn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 60:17


    Blake Christiana is the creative force behind this relentlessly touring band that has shared the stage with Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart, and Allison Krauss.

    "Crescent Bridge" - Live at the Old Town School of Folk Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 5:00


    Listen to the first single from my forthcoming album "Joe Pug - Live at the Old Town School of Folk Music".  Thanks for supporting the podcast and my tunes as well!

    Sadler Vaden

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 59:35


    During a career that has featured stints with Drivn' and Cryin' and Jason Isbell's 400 Unit, this guitar hero has lately been spreading his wings with a critically acclaimed solo project.

    jason isbell cryin sadler vaden
    Ben Sollee

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 59:31


    This native of Kentucky is an accomplished songwriter, cellist, and film scorer who has collaborated with Abigail Washburn, Bela Fleck and Jim James of My Morning Jacket.

    Kim Richey

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 57:27


    This native of Ohio has carved out a 30 year career in Nashville with songs cut by Trisha Yearwood, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Radney Foster.  And her sought-after voice has appeared on albums by Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams.

    The Red Pears

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 43:15


    This young rock group out of Los Angeles has played Coachella twice and toured with Interpol, Chicano Batman, and many others.

    Annie Bosko

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 47:33


    This native Californian moved to Nashville and went on to write songs recorded by Willie Nelson and Jessica Simpson.  She's collaborated with Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill, and many more.

    Cody Dickinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 56:47


    This drummer, songwriter, producer and filmmaker got his start by founding the North Mississippi All Stars with his brother Luther.  He has since gone onto a career that has encompassed Grammies, supergroups, and film scores.

    Blitzen Trapper

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 45:17


    Eric Earley is the songwriter behind this PNW roots music mainstay that has toured with Pavement, Drive By Truckers, Dawes and many others.

    Blind Pilot

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 43:47


    Israel Nebecker is the the creative force behind this influential acoustic band from Astoria, OR.  He stops by the show to discuss living in a tree house in their early years, recording with Tucker Martine, and finding inspiration after a significant hiatus between albums.

    Bonnie Light Horseman returns!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 43:41


    The folk supergroup composed of Anais Mitchell (Hadestown), Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats), and Josh Kauffman (Josh Ritter, Bob Weir), returns to the show to discuss their latest album which was recorded in a century-old pub in Cork County Ireland.

    Ashe

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 62:19


    This Berklee College of Music grad discusses her years writing songs for other artists such as Demi Lovato, and her meteoric rise as an artist in her own right over the last five years.

    Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 52:21


    This luminary of American roots music discusses his years on the road with Leftover Salmon, Great American Taxi, and The High Hawks.

    Steve Cropper

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 38:33


    This legendary musician and songwriter was integral to the Staxx Records sound, and has writing credits on "Green Onions" and "Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay".

    Mat Kearney

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 61:39


    This Oregon native has toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crowe and Train.  He's also recorded for Columbia and Universal Republic records over the course of his remarkable career over two decades.

    train columbia john mayer mat kearney sheryl crowe universal republic
    Guster

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 60:55


    This legendary band from New England has toured with everyone from Phish to John Mayer to Dave Matthews Band.  They've experience underground success and Gold singles.  Their creative leader Ryan Miller stops by the show to discuss their long journey in music.

    Steep Canyon Rangers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 58:41


    This Grammy award winning bluegrass band from North Carolina has been active for nearly a quarter century.  They stop by the show to discuss their years as a group, including their auspicious collaboration with the legendary comedian Steve Martin.

    Save Ferris

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 49:46


    Monique Powell is the lead singer of this legendary ska punk band from Orange County CA, who have been blazing their on trail in music for three decades now.

    Patrick Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 55:47


    This American songwriter and producer has written for and with Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Jewel, Pat Green and Guy Clark.  He joins the show to discuss his career of writing for himself and for other artists.

    Collective Soul

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 41:07


    Ed Roland is the creative force behind this legendary American rock band, he stops by the show to discuss the unlikely way that the band broke and their three decade career thereafter.

    K Flay

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 62:17


    This songwriter has recorded for RCA and Interscope Records, and toured with AWOLNATION, Third Eye Blind, and Dashboard Confessional.  Recently, she has had to navigate the unexpected medical condition of sudden hearing loss.  An inspirational story from an inspirational artist.

    Lawrence Gowan of Styx

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 48:59


    This native of Ontario has written and recorded platinum singles of his own, while also remaining a contributing member of the legendary rock band Styx.

    Bridget Kearney

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 60:03


    This founding member of the wildly popular group Lake Street Dive joins the show to discuss her new solo project, her early years learning the upright bass, and composing with a group.

    lake street dive bridget kearney
    Josh Radnor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 50:49


    This celebrated film and television actor who spent nine seasons on How I Met Your Mother on CBS, is well on his way to establishing his career as a recording artist.

    Kitchen Dwellers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 58:22


    This celebrated young bluegrass outfit from Montana has toured with Goose, Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass and many others.

    Maia Friedman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 47:28


    This California native pulled a stint in Dirty Projectors, and then formed the band Coco before striking out on her own.

    Josh Abbott Band

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 50:04


    This bandleader recounts their humble origins in Lubbock, having their song "Taste" take off on local radio, and their wild musical journey ever since.

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