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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    • Jun 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 673 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

    Sense of Place: Ludovico Einaudi is one of the most streamed composers of all time

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 24:09


    The Italian pianist and composer returns to his childhood in Turin on his latest album, The Summer Portraits.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sense of Place: Born in Rome, Laila Al Habash had to leave to find her voice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 34:39


    The Milan-based musician draws on both her mother's Italian side of the family and her father's Palestinian heritage.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sense of Place: This psych-rock band is fostering an indie rock scene in Rome

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 29:54


    Weird Bloom's music is psychedelic and catchy, and it kind of sounds like T. rex.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sense of Place: This Roman record label works to preserve 'B movie' scores

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 11:32


    Four Flies Records founder Pier de Sanctis explains what makes these increasingly rare soundtracks so special.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How a copyright strike helped d4vd go supernova in the pop world

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 30:11


    Following a string of viral hits, the 20-year-old musician hones his sound on his debut album, Withered.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The Culture Corner: 40 years ago, Boyz II Men flipped the script on R&B

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 17:28


    In his new book, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison digs into how the Philadelphia group updated the old-school R&B vocal group archetype for the hip-hop generation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Miya Folick

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 18:01


    The Los Angeles-based musician performs songs from her latest album, Erotica Veronica.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Gigi Perez sails past her viral moment on her debut album

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 41:55


    The singer-songwriter went viral in 2024 with her queer ballad, "Sailor Song." Her debut album, At The Beach, In Every Life, builds a world beyond her hit.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Let Uwade take you on a walk through the flowers of her mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 38:36


    The North Carolina singer-songwriter joins us to talk about her debut album, Florilegium.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Patterson Hood mined strange childhood memories for his latest solo record

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 33:15


    The Drive-By Truckers co-founder talks about his latest solo album, Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Grief strengthened Ben Kweller's song on his first album since his son's death

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 37:40


    The Texas singer-songwriter reflects on reconnecting with his musical spirit after losing his teenage son.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    For The Weather Station, there's power in our shared humanity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 36:37


    Musician and climate activist Tamara Lindeman talks about the Canadian folk band's latest record, Humanhood.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How Hannah Cohen found a muse in the Catskill Mountains

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 34:05


    The singer-songwriter talks about her latest record, Earthstar Mountain.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Acadiana Music Showcase: Feufollet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 12:20


    Led by the late Christopher Stafford, this Cajun band became a staple of the Lafayette music scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The Culture Corner: The record that made Tricky a legend

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 16:23


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison digs into the U.K. artist's Angels With Dirty Faces.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    To make their country record, Julien Baker and Torres had to lean on each other

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 30:33


    Both raised in the South, the duo tapped into a familiar sound for Send a Prayer My Way.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Benjamin Booker isn't afraid to sit in discomfort on 'LOWER'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 18:29


    Booker examines racism, gun violence and the dark side of human nature on his first album in eight years.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    For songwriter Amy Allen, 'quality time' is the key to writing a hit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 29:08


    The songwriter talks about writing chart-toppers for stars like Sabrina Carpenter, plus releasing her own, self-titled album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Wilco guitarist Nels Cline on his latest solo record, 'Consentrik Quartet'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 29:17


    For his experimental jazz album, Cline teamed up with saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, drummer Tom Rainey and double-bassist Chris Lightcap.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sierra Hull's confidence is palpable on 'A Tip Toe High Wire'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 29:06


    The mandolin sensation talks about releasing her first independent record, plus an in-studio performance.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Adrian Younge on the final installment in his 'Something About April' trilogy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 39:22


    The producer and multi-instrumentalist's latest record explores hip hop and jazz in Brazil.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    For Polish band Trupa Trupa, remembering our history is paramount

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 35:22


    The Polish rock band talks about their latest project, Mourners.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Neal Francis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 18:30


    The Chicago singer-songwriter performs songs from his latest album, Return To Zero.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    For Laura Marling, parenthood was a boon of creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 30:39


    The English musician talks about making her latest album, Patterns in Repeat.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How Palmyra tapped into a true collaborative spirit on 'Restless'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 30:14


    Plus, the Virigina trio perform songs from their latest record.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Jordana rekindles an old affair on 'Lively Premonition'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 34:18


    A trained violinist, the Los Angeles-based musician explains why she brought it back for her latest record.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The Culture Corner: Revisiting Prince's 'Around the World in a Day'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 14:35


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison looks back on Prince's daring left turn following the success of Purple Rain.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Acadiana Music Showcase: Good Prblms

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 15:02


    The hip-hop collective have made inroads in Lafayette's music scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Noeline Hofmann's debut EP is a vision of Wild Rose Country

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 29:05


    The singer-songwriter from Alberta, Canada, performs songs from her debut EP, Purple Gas.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Momma's latest album chronicles life on the road

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 19:09


    The Brooklyn band perform songs from Welcome to My Blue Sky.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    For Yasmin Williams, every pluck of the guitar matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 33:10


    The 27-year-old guitarist talks about her latest album, Acadia, plus she performs in front of a live audience.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Don't call it spam. Matt Farley's huge catalog is for the love of the game

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 35:41


    The musician has recorded over 25,000 songs about pretty much everything.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Chuck Prophet takes a crack at cumbia on 'Wake the Dead'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 31:12


    The California musician enlisted cumbia urbana group ¿Qiensave? to record his latest album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Gold Connections

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 15:46


    Inspired by their move to New Orleans, Fortune is a conversation between the indie rock band's past and present.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Keith Urban's game-changing love song and more stories from his back catalog

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 38:07


    The country star talks about his latest record, High, and he revisits some of his biggest hits.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tim Heidecker's latest album is a humble vision of a world 'Slipping Away'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 30:01


    The musician and comedian weaves post-apocalyptic tales involving fatherhood and baseball on his latest studio album.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Everything Is Recorded explores the softer side of electronica on 'Temporary'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 27:13


    The head of XL Recordings talks about his third studio album as Everything Is Recorded.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Lucy Dacus explores the full spectrum of love on 'Forever is a Feeling'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 21:19


    The new album from the Virginia singer-songwriter and boygenius member was heavily inspired by classical art.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Leif Vollebekk on his latest album, 'Revelation'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 36:51


    Plus, the Canadian singer-songwriter performs in front of a live audience in Philadelphia.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Acadiana Music Showcase: Major Handy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 13:14


    Hear a performance from a fixture in the Louisiana blues and zydeco scene.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tamino comes into his own on 'Every Dawn's a Mountain'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 30:01


    The singer-songwriter talks about crafting his third studio album, plus Tamino performs live.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The Lumineers explore the ups and downs of lifelong friendship on 'Automatic'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 42:21


    The Colorado band performs songs from their latest album, Automatic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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