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 17, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 838 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

    Mon Rovîa traces his path from Liberia to the U.S. on 'Bloodline'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 36:50


    Growing up in Chattanooga, Tenn., Janjay Lowe tried to forget his early life in Liberia, but survivor's guilt caught up with him.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    How Jesse Welles' folk protests songs struck a chord with millions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 43:06


    The Arkansas musician talks about his latest album, Masks Off.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Personal Records: Tatiana Maslany

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 36:00


    The Emmy Award-winning actor sits down with World Cafe's Raina Douris to share some of the songs that have defined her story so far.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Tune in to a mini-concert with Brigitte Calls Me Baby

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 15:57


    The Chicago indie rock band performs songs from its sophomore album, Irreversible.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Boy Golden on his latest album, 'Best of Our Possible Lives'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 29:25


    The Canadian songwriter's new record was inspired by suffering and its ability to connect us.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    What was the soundtrack of the American Revolution?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 23:33


    World Cafe took a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia to discover the conflict's musical history.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Honoring Philly's rock history with The Hooters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2026 20:55


    It's a historic weekend in Philadelphia. We're celebrating with some local veterans who've been playing together for 35 years. The Hooters at World Cafe Live:"All You Zombies""One Of Us""Time After Time""And We Danced"This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez. Our senior producer is Kimberly Junod and our engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    World Cafe: DJ Jazzy Jeff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 29:04


    The DJ and producer recounts his early days in West Philadelphia and musical partnership with Will Smith.  See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    No one rings in the new year quite like Philadelphia's Mummers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 14:59


    Step inside a Philly clubhouse, where the Woodland String Band is preparing for the next Mummer's Day Parade.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    For Philly's DIY music scene, the spirit is 'do it together'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2026 16:03


    World Cafe hears from members of the city's ever-changing DIY music scene, both past and present.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Todd Rundgren remembers his formative years in Philly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 29:07


    The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree looks back at his childhood influences and early musical projects that preceded his ascent to stardom.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Master bassist Stanley Clarke's 'quest in life' is simple: Sound great

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 21:26


    World Cafe sits down with a Grammy Award-winning jazz master as part of its Sense of Place: Philadelphia series.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Record producer Will Yip says Philly is the 'center of indie rock music'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 16:34


    World Cafe steps inside the Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer's new studio in South Philly as part of its latest Sense of Place series.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    There's no part of the music industry Dyana Williams hasn't touched

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 43:06


    The radio DJ, journalist and activist shares tales from her storied career for the first installment of our series, Sense of Place: Philadelphia.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Acadiana Music Showcase: Dwight James & the Royals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 14:29


    The Lafayette, La., band channels the spirit of classic soul, blues and R&B with a sound that is as timeless as it is fresh.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Hiss Golden Messenger doesn't want to throw in the towel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 30:59


    Frontman MC Taylor talks about infusing the band's latest album, I'm People, with a sense of hope.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Personal Records: Michael Imperioli

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 25:15


    The Emmy Award-winning actor sits down with World Cafe's Raina Douris to share some of the songs that have defined his story so far.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    On his latest album, Rostam asks what it means to be American

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 37:37


    The musician, producer and Vampire Weekend cofounder shares musical insights from American Stories.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Tune in to a mini-concert with Sotomayor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 17:31


    The Mexico City duo performs songs from their latest album, WABI SABI.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    How Courtney Barnett's meeting with a mantis led to 'Creature of Habit'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 33:50


    The Australian musician's search for meaning amid a sea of change in Southern California set the backdrop for her new album.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Say She She on their latest album, 'Cut & Rewind'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 34:26


    Piya Malik, Nya Brown and Sabrina Cunningham join us to talk about their third studio album.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why did José González use generative AI on his latest album?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 25:44


    The Swedish songwriter and humanist says Against the Dying of the Light is "an urgent call to preserve the light of humanity."See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Jazz guitar legend Bill Frisell looks back on his 40-year career

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 27:14


    Bill Frisell performs a song made famous by Barbra Streisand, live for World Cafe.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Joshua Ray Walker on his latest album, 'Ain't Dead Yet'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 46:44


    Following a cancer diagnosis, the Dallas country musician confronts mortality on his latest record.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Jack Antonoff on Bleachers' new album, 'everyone for ten minutes'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 34:51


    The Bleachers frontman and record producer talks about making everyone for ten minutes.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Tune in to a mini-concert with The Belair Lip Bombs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 15:00


    The Australian indie rock band performs songs from their latest album, Again.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    In 1971, Aretha Franklin captured the energy of the counterculture movement

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 11:40


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison reflects on the legacy of Aretha Live at Fillmore West.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Genesis Owusu on his latest album, 'Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 28:36


    The Australian musician's third studio album reflects on the social and political turbulence of modern times.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Acadiana Music Showcase: Corey Ledet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 16:41


    The Grammy Award-nominated zydeco musician performs songs from his latest album, Live in Alaska.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Tune in to a mini-concert with Julianna Riolino

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 21:03


    The Ontario musician performs songs from her sophomore album, Echo in the Dust.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Sally Baby's Silver Dollars pours their heart into every performance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 38:01


    The New Orleans band performs songs from their new self-titled debut EP.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    MUNA makes 'all-consuming limerence' sound so good on new album

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 20:24


    The Los Angeles trio joins World Cafe to talk about their fourth studio album, Dancing on the Wall.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Amy Grant returns with 'The Me That Remains'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 32:11


    The Christian pop mainstay's latest record is her first in 13 years.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Samm Henshaw on his latest album, 'It Could Be Worse'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 33:30


    The English musician joins World Cafe to talk about his second studio album.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Kacey Musgraves is having the time of her life in the 'Middle of Nowhere'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 29:27


    Following a trip back to her Texas hometown, Musgraves imbued her new album with a traditional country sound, plus features from Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert and more.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Tune in to a mini-concert with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 20:13


    Since their formation almost two decades ago, this Baltimore group has become one of the premier attractions in the jam band world.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Beverly and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland are facing mortality with unadulterated joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 40:23


    Glenn-Copeland and his wife worked together on Laughter in Summer, a record that contends with the electronic music pioneer's recent diagnosis with a major cognitive disorder.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Acadiana Music Showcase: Grand Nathaniel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 12:36


    Grand Nathaniel, a fixture in the Lafayette, La., scene for over 30 years, performs songs from his latest album, Lonely Wanderer.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Squeeze closes the loop on songs they first started writing as teens

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 19:50


    The English rock band's latest album, Trixies, consists of material Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook wrote when they were 19 and 16 years old.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Jessie Ware dances toward something deeper on 'Superbloom'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 27:18


    On her sixth studio album, the English singer crafts a place where pleasure, joy and real connection commingle.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    How Rage Against the Machine's 'Evil Empire' unified the masses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 11:44


    World Cafe correspondent John Morrison says the rock band's second studio album was "one of the most inspired, quintessential mainstream rock records of the '90s."See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Billy Idol has lived to tell his tale

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 38:05


    The rock icon is the subject of a documentary called Billy Idol Should Be Dead. He's also among 2026's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees.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.NPR Privacy Policy

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