World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

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WXPN's live performance and interview program featuring music and conversation from a variety of important musicians

NPR

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    • Jan 16, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 763 EPISODES

    4.2 from 330 ratings Listeners of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN that love the show mention: live performances, delicate, music podcast, npr, great music, songs, otherwise, interviews, full, show, favorite, awesome, thanks, like, love, world cafe.


    Ivy Insights

    The World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN podcast is an absolute gem for music lovers. Hosted by talented interviewers, the show offers listeners a unique view into the world of music and musicians. With each new episode, I find myself eagerly looking forward to discovering new artists that I can now follow and explore further. The hosts are exceptional interviewers, delving deep into the creative process of their guests and providing insightful conversations that give listeners a deeper understanding of the music.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the diversity of guests that are featured. From well-known musicians like Sting, John Mayer, and Steve Jones to up-and-coming artists like Waxahatchee, there is always something for everyone. The interviews are informative and introspective, offering a different perspective on these artists that you won't find elsewhere. Additionally, the live performances included in each episode are a real treat. They showcase the talent and artistry of the musicians in a unique way that adds another layer to the listening experience.

    However, one minor drawback of this podcast is the frequency with which one of the hosts identifies herself throughout each interview. While it's not a major issue, it can be slightly annoying and disrupts the flow of conversation at times. It would be better if she took a step back and allowed the focus to remain on the artist being interviewed.

    In conclusion, The World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN podcast is an awesome resource for any music lover. It provides a wealth of knowledge about various artists and genres while also offering unique live performances that showcase incredible talent. Despite a minor annoyance with host identification, this podcast remains highly recommended for its engaging interviews and diverse range of guests.



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    Latest episodes from World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

    'It's a very Irish thing': CMAT on why making country pop felt inevitable

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 50:27


    On Euro-Country, the Dublin-born artist draws on country music's knack for storytelling to revisit her memories of Ireland's economic crash in the 2000s.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    On his latest album, William Prince writes his way back to Peguis First Nation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 29:45


    The Canadian songwriter reflects on home and ambition as his sound grows bolder on Further from the Country.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The unsung classic that helped define hip-hop's golden age

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 12:04


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison joins us to talk about why the East Coast rap group Main Source deserves a spot as one of the best hip-hop groups of the '90s.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Jazz obsession fuels Hether's genre-bending album, 'Holy Water'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 21:34


    Guitarist and producer Paul Castelluzzo channels jazz foundations and years of pop studio work into Holy Water.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The song Josh Ritter was nervous to share and more stories from his catalog

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 35:18


    The singer-songwriter joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking, where musicians revisit songs from their back catalog that have shaped their careers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Forged in isolation, Couch is ready for the big stage on 'Big Talk'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 28:42


    The 7-piece Boston outfit performs live in the World Cafe studio.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a Sharon Van Etten mini-concert

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 20:05


    Listen to Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    KIRBY's Mississippi roots echo through 'Miss Black America'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 37:53


    Kirby Lauryen Dockery has written for stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé, but her latest album centers her own creative legacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Deftones bet against Y2K nostalgia. The move paid off on 'private music'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 29:06


    Frontman Chino Moreno says the alternative rock band has defied expectations at every turn. Their Grammy-nominated 10th studio album is no different.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Happy holidays from Old Crow Medicine Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 35:02


    The Americana band join us to talk about their first-ever holiday album, OCMS Xmas.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Jake Shimabukuro rings in the holidays with 'Tis The Season'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 19:51


    The Hawaiian ukulele marvel is joined by Yo-Yo Ma and Michael McDonald on his new holiday album, Tis The Season.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Cut Copy on their latest album, 'Moments'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 18:28


    The Australian synth-pop band decamped to scenic Byron Bay to record their latest album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Kathleen Edwards on her latest album, 'Billionaire'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 52:31


    The Canadian singer-songwriter talks about working with Jason Isbell, plus Edwards performs songs from Billionaire live.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Saint Etienne go out with a big party on 'International'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 19:06


    The English pop band says their latest album will be their last.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Acadiana Music Showcase: Leyla McCalla & Louis Michot

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 13:44


    The Louisiana musicians team up for a set that includes a Haitian folk classic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Celebrating 50 years of Parliament's 'Mothership Connection'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 9:09


    The American funk band, led by George Clinton, made more than just music — they had a revolutionary vision including stage performance, art and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How Jeff Tweedy's sons gave 'Twilight Override' an extra layer of trust

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 34:26


    The making of Tweedy's massive triple album was a family affair, with his sons providing percussion, vocals and synthesizer work to the record.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Amy Millan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 15:05


    The Canadian indie rock musician performs music from her latest album, I Went to Find You.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How living 'by the signs' led S.G. Goodman to her latest album

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 37:57


    The Kentucky-born musician's latest album, Planting by the Signs, ruminates on the Appalachian traditions she grew up with.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How Robert Plant's new band 'saved his sanity'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 39:22


    Plant's band, Saving Grace, and singer Suzi Dian helped the rock legend access the "backwoods" of his musical inspiration.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tom Skinner pushes his compositional skills on 'Kaleidoscopic Visions'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 30:05


    The English percussionist is best known for his work with The Smile and Sons of Kemet, but Skinner refines his own voice on his latest solo album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Courtney Barnett

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 20:44


    The Australian musician performs a set recorded at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    In 1985, the smooth sound of Sade's 'Promise' stood out

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 13:34


    The mid-'80s were loud and bombastic. World Cafe correspondent John Morrison says that's exactly why the smooth R&B of Sade stood out.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Why My Morning Jacket wrote an elegy and other stories from their back catalog

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 20:42


    Frontman Jim James, of My Morning Jacket, joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Acadiana Music Showcase: Dustin Dale Gaspard

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 12:27


    He made a splash on The Voice, but Gaspard has been a longtime part of Louisiana's Cajun and swamp pop music scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Nate Smith on his latest album, 'LIVE-ACTION'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 52:20


    The drummer and jazz bandleader turns his seventh album into a party, including Snarky Puppy's Michael League, guitarist Charlie Hunter and singer Lalah Hathaway.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    David Byrne on his latest album, 'Who Is the Sky?'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 42:54


    The Scottish-American rock star teams up with New York's Ghost Train Orchestra.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Lukas Nelson on his debut solo album, 'American Romance'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 14:23


    The country singer's record has been nominated for a Grammy Award for best traditional country album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Michigander

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 21:12


    The Michigan musician performs a set recorded at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    PUP on their latest LP, 'Who Will Look After the Dogs?'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 43:31


    The Toronto punk band pared down their creative process with help from producer John Congleton.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    At first, Amanda Shires wasn't sure she wanted to write about her divorce

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 42:22


    On Nobody's Girl, the singer-songwriter offers her perspective on her high-profile split from Jason Isbell.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Richard Thompson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 24:43


    Listen to the English songwriter and guitarist perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sports Team change up their sound on 'Boys These Days'

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 44:21


    The British rock band talks about life on the road and making their third album in Norway.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with The Happy Fits

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 14:30


    The four piece treats you to group harmonies and a fuller sound on their new album, Lovesick.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The Mountain Goats' new record weaves a tale fit for Broadway

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 37:39


    The indie folk band enlisted Lin-Manuel Miranda to tell the story of a shipwrecked crew on Through This Fire Across from Peter Balkan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Mae Martin talks about their debut album, 'I'm A TV'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 27:37


    The Canadian comic and actor joins World Cafe to talk about their debut album, I'm A TV.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    tv canadian debut albums mae martin world cafe
    For Brandi Carlile, solitude is overrated

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 41:34


    The singer-songwriter decamped to Aaron Dessner's Long Pond Studio in upstate New York to record her new album, Returning to Myself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Blues phenom Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram on his latest album, 'Hard Road'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 33:08


    The blues musician from Clarksdale, Miss., also talks about his new record label and searching for the next generation of blues talent.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Celebrating 45 years of Talking Heads' 'Remain in Light'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 10:46


    On their fourth album, the American rock band refined their innovative sound, which had long been inspired by Black music traditions.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Acadiana Music Showcase: Jeffery Broussard & The Nighttime Syndicate

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 16:39


    Zydeco veteran Jeffery Broussard teamed up with members of the New Orleans TBC Brass Band and a swing band's rhythm section for Bayou Moonlight, a blend of zydeco, R&B and blues.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    'It was never taped': There's a missing piece to Montreal's jazz history

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 14:29


    Historian Dorothy Williams explains why Montreal became a center for jazz music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    montreal missing piece taped jazz history
    How Elisapie turned 10 classic rock hits into ‘true Inuit songs'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 19:06


    The Juno Award-winning Inuit musician, based in Montreal, imbued her favorite childhood songs with new meaning on her covers project, Inuktitut.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    songs hits montreal inuit classic rock juno awards inuktitut elisapie

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