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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    • Jul 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 689 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

    '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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    Mereba on her latest album, 'The Breeze Grew a Fire'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 23:16


    From Addis Ababa and Atlanta to Los Angeles, Mereba's sophomore album is a love letter to the past and the present.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How a Nina Simone cover helped Lady Blackbird take flight

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 30:22


    The musician joins us to talk about her latest album, Slang Spirituals.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    The Culture Corner: 25 years ago, Jill Scott introduced herself to the world

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 12:27


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison joins us to explain the legacy of Scott's debut album, Who Is Jill Scott?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    How Nigerian British pop star Obongjayar found his voice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 29:44


    The musician joins us to talk about his new album, Paradise Now.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 2:01


    Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Duckwrth released his latest project with help from a bold alter ego

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 23:55


    The rapper and producer talks about his latest album, All American F*ckboy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Lucius create a world all their own on their latest record

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 40:27


    Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius join us to talk about their fifth, self-titled album, plus they perform live.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Southern Avenue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 17:51


    The Memphis band performs songs from their new album, Family.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    60 years in, folk legend Jim Kweskin is still a faithful student of his craft

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 21:31


    A central figure in the folk revival of the '60s, Kweskin has a brand new album out called Doing Things Right.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Two of New Orleans' heavy-hitters unite on 'Audience With the Queen'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 18:57


    Funk band Galactic teams up with Irma Thomas, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," for a new record of original material.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Tune in to a mini-concert with Ichiko Aoba

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 16:43


    The Japanese singer-songwriter traveled captured field recordings for her latest album, Luminescent Creatures.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sense of Place: Italian singer-songwriter Ariete has her sights set on stardom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 40:57


    After a spot on the Italian version of The X Factor didn't help her as much as she'd hoped, the singer-songwriter took matters into her own hands.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sense of Place: Finger-style guitar is king at this Tuscan music venue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 18:52


    Six Bars Jail, a small club located just outside of Florence, Italy, was founded in 2006.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sense of Place: Black Snake Moan is inspired by his ancient Italian home

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 34:01


    Marco Contestabile makes psychedelic blues music influenced by Tarquinia, where he grew up.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    Sense of Place: Step inside the Roman studio where Ennio Morricone made magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 10:30


    Some of the Italian composer's most memorable film scores were recorded at Forum Studios in Rome's Parioli neighborhood.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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    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


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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


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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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    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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