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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    • Oct 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 730 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    '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

    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

    Take a tour of Leonard Cohen's Montreal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 13:19


    Expert guide Ruby Roy has given countless tours of the city for Cohen's fans.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Montreal is home, but Pierre Kwenders' heart is in Kinshasa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 16:40


    Kwenders is the co-founder of Moonshine, a Montreal-based collective that spotlights the culture and music of the African diaspora.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Meet the producer behind some of Montreal's finest records

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 25:52


    Howard Bilerman went from taping punk shows as a teen to co-founding Hotel2Tango, one of Montreal's most iconic recording studios.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    'DIY will never die': No Joy remembers the heyday of Montreal's Mile End

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 13:26


    Jasamine White-Gluz takes us back to the early aughts, when the city was experiencing a boom of DIY music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    'Have I gone too far?': Sarah McLachlan faces her toughest critic on new album

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 38:16


    The Grammy Award-winning musician is used to playing for big crowds, but there was one person whose opinion mattered more than anyone else's: her eldest daughter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Expect a lot of Puerto Rican pride at Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 13:48


    Days before Bad Bunny's Super Bowl announcement, World Cafe spoke to Alt.Latino hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras about his 31-date residency in Puerto Rico.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Kassa Overall connects the dots between jazz and hip-hop on 'CREAM'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 39:20


    The jazz musician reimagines hip-hop classics by The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Little Dragon's Yukimi embraces the feminine on 'For You'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 21:09


    The Swedish musician branches out into jazz and soul on her debut solo album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    'I don't feel like getting up': Spinal Tap gets real about rocking into your 70s

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 18:59


    David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel, of the legendary rock band, talk about their long-awaited reunion, plus what they really think about Paul McCartney.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Adrian Sherwood ponders 'The Collapse of Everything'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 25:20


    The British record producer talks about releasing his first non-collaborative album in 12 years, plus Sherwood looks back on the U.K.'s electrifying dub scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The Culture Corner: Santana's 'Abraxas' was a blend of musical traditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 11:23


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison revisits the rock band's chart-topping sophomore album from 1970.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    How Stephen King helped The Beths' Liz Stokes write again

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 31:21


    Lead vocalist and songwriter Liz Stokes took pointers from Stephen King's On Writing to get the New Zealand band's creative energy flowing.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Pulp returns with 'More'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 48:49


    The British rock band talks about their latest album, More.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    World Cafe: Watchhouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 25:49


    The folk duo's new album is about lowering your defenses in a post-pandemic world.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Acadiana Music Showcase: Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 14:13


    What started as a three-hour concert in 1974 has grown into three-day event celebrating Southern Louisiana's music and culture.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Lord Huron explores 'the big mysteries' on the band's latest album

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 32:55


    Lord Huron frontman Ben Schneider talks about the band's latest album, The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1. Plus, the band performs live.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Kokoroko's set for World Cafe made heartbeats bounce

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 37:48


    The London-based septet perform songs from their latest album, Tuff Times Never Last.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    The jams just keep flowing on Goose's 'Chain Yer Dragon'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 46:24


    Just like Phish and the Grateful Dead before them, rising jam band stars Goose have inspired a very passionate fan following. Plus, they perform songs from their surprise album, Chain Yer Dragon.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Friedberg on their debut album, 'Hardcore Workout Queen'

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 27:39


    Anna F. of Friedberg joins us to talk about the band's debut album, Hardcore Workout Queen, and why the cowbell is her favorite instrument. Plus, Friedberg performs live.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    World Cafe: Samantha Crain

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 29:05


    The Choctaw Nation singer-songwriter talks about embracing a community mindset on her latest album, plus Crain performs live.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    What exactly is butt rock? It depends on who you ask

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 13:33


    The once-pejorative label for a subgenre of rock has divided World Cafe along generational lines.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Acadiana Music Showcase: Babineaux Sisters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 11:37


    Gracie and Julie Babineaux have been making Cajun music for over a decade, writing and performing in Louisiana French. Their new album, Sans Soulier, is due out in October.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    British funk band Cymande are finally getting their flowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 17:12


    Originally ignored by fans in the U.K., the psychedelic funk band was later embraced by hip-hop groups like De La Soul and The Fugees.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Living Colour's 'Time's Up' was a reclamation of rock music's Black roots

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 12:36


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison talks about the impact of the American hard rock band's sophomore album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Natalie Bergman is looking at the world for the first time

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 33:19


    Natalie Bergman discusses how her latest album, My Home is Not in This World, was sparked by new beginnings, including becoming a mother. Plus, she performs live in the studio.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    this world my home natalie bergman
    The sound of ‘cosmic country,' according to its architect, Daniel Donato

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 41:12


    The 30-year-old musician blends country, jam and rock into an out-of-this-world sound.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    After a breakout year, Self Esteem is learning that confidence isn't a given

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 38:18


    Self Esteem has become one of the most irreverent voices in pop music since going solo in 2017. Today, Rebecca Lucy Taylor joins World Cafe to talk about her latest album, A Complicated Woman.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Where can bluegrass go next? Molly Tuttle has an idea

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 35:59


    Molly Tuttle talks about writing her latest album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, with her partner Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show; meeting Ringo Starr; and about growing up with alopecia.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    World Cafe: TOKiMONSTA

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 23:29


    The Grammy-nominated producer and DJ talks about how her latest album, Eternal Reverie, became a tribute to her best friend and tour manager, who died of cancer in 2024.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    World Cafe: Personal Trainer Mini-Concert

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 21:57


    Amsterdam-based band Personal Trainer perform songs from their latest album, Still Willing, live in an exclusive mini-concert for World Cafe.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    After a stormy album cycle, The Black Keys bounce right back with a new LP

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 28:59


    The Black Keys made headlines in 2024 when they cancelled their tour. Then they split with their management. But instead of taking a break, the duo recorded their latest album, No Rain, No Flowers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    Hamilton Leithauser on his latest album, 'This Side of the Island'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 24:26


    On the next World Cafe, Hamilton Leithauser joins us from his Brooklyn studio to discuss his latest solo album, This Side of the Island. He reflects on working with Aaron Dessner of The National and his longtime friendship with the late musician Richard Swift.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

    'Forever Howlong' is a new frontier for Black Country, New Road

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 20:26


    After the departure of frontman Isaac Wood, the English rock band reconfigured and uncovered exciting new sounds in the process.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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