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

The rising country act from Alabama went from performing covers in the Navy to sharing stages with Wyatt Flores and Jelly Roll.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This Canadian folk singer-songwriter has strong ties to Southern Louisiana.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Welsh songwriter channeled a sense of calmness to create the lush world of Michelangelo Dying.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Lead vocalist Charlie Steen talks about the band's fourth studio album, plus Shame performs live.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On the final installment of World Cafe's Black History Month series, John Morrison talks about what's happening today in Black music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Nashville musician performs a live set, recorded at the Xponential Music Festival in Camden.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The record producer, director and composer talks jazz, being in the room with stars like Willie Nelson and Paul Simon, and we find out the backstory of one of the most curious albums of the 90's.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison shares another segment exploring the music of the African diaspora. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Canadian mockumentary sitcom series hits the silver screen. Show creators Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol join us for a brand new segment called "Personal Records." Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Americana icon talks about the songs that played a special role in her career in World Cafe's latest edition of Backtracking. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Hear live versions of songs from The Life You Save, the latest album from Jenn Wasner's solo project.Set List"Long After Midnight""Keep Me In The Dark""Defeat""The Enemy"This episode of World Cafe was produced by Will Loftus. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our senior producer is Kimberly Junod.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison explores the cultural exchange between different musical communities.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For his latest album, Nate Amos rerecorded songs from across his catalog, plus This Is Lorelei performs live for World Cafe.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

For Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison kicks off a weekly series with a deep dive into the history of "call and response."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Musician Abdu Ali and DJ Ducky Dynamo reflect on the rise of Baltimore club music and the efforts to preserve its history in the city where it began.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The electronic musician talks about building a life and a career in the city that gave him room to experiment.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Baltimore Rock Opera Society creates original productions powered by DIY spectacle and a love of the unconventional.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The World Cafe team heads to Charm City for our latest Sense of Place series.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Once a month, this group of seasoned musicians from Lafayette, La., gather to help support aging and retired musicians.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Los Angeles-based group joins World Cafe in the studio for an otherworldly set of improvisational music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The country star breathes new life into long-forgotten recordings on Here You Are.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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