Podsongs – Details, episodes & analysis

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Podsongs

Jack Stafford

Music

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 191

Musicians interview inspirational people as inspiration for a new song.

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Data updated on 18/07/2026

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Peter Rollins on the Tyranny of Happiness | The New Division (John Kunkel)

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • Duration 01:44:04

"You're in despair. You just don't know you're in despair." — Peter Rollins

On this episode of Podsongs, John Kunkel of The New Division takes the guest-host chair to interview Northern Irish writer, philosopher and theologian Peter Rollins as inspiration for a brand new song. John opens up on his influences — Depeche Mode, New Order, Echo & the Bunnymen, Duran Duran — before the conversation turns to Rollins' work: questioning certainty, exposing the contradictions we live by, and finding freedom from the relentless "tyranny of happiness," with Los Angeles cast as a spiritual "Mecca" selling wholeness to anyone who can afford it. Along the way Rollins unpacks desire, sacrifice, work and alienation, ideology, AI and the unconscious, the films that shaped him, and the parables behind his "pyrotheology" — and the talk becomes the seed of "Idols," a song about the things we all end up worshipping, good and bad.

New single "Idols" by The New Division — out 26 June. Stream/pre-save: https://ffm.to/tnd_idols

TOPICS

Peter Rollins on desire, contradiction, and ideology
The tyranny of happiness and the demand to enjoy
Los Angeles as a spiritual marketplace
Lacanian psychoanalysis and the unconscious
Why desire needs obstacles
Sacrifice, meaning, and fulfillment
AI, consciousness, and the technological singularity
Films, storytelling, and creative inspiration
John Kunkel’s influences: Depeche Mode, New Order, Echo & the Bunnymen, Duran Duran
Writing a song live on the podcast

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro: welcome to Podsongs
01:29 Why UK music hits different (New Order, Depeche Mode, Echo & the Bunnymen)
04:45 Keeping new wave alive
06:18 Moving abroad: music logistics
09:47 Writing 150 song demos
14:41 Who is Peter Rollins?
28:17 Peter joins the call
31:50 LA and the demand to enjoy
37:01 The tyranny of happiness
38:35 The superego's demand to enjoy
40:19 Why fulfilling your dreams can backfire
41:53 The enjoyment hidden in sacrifice
44:33 Why desire needs obstacles
47:39 The unconscious and Lacan's "object a"
52:56 Filmmaking and prohibition
57:43 Negative universality and politics
01:01:16 The church of contradiction
01:05:29 AI, singularity and the unconscious
01:12:42 Music tastes and influences
01:14:08 Film picks: They Live and ideology
01:19:49 Who inspires Peter now
01:20:34 Writing the song live
01:21:20 The Vegas parable and unknowing
01:26:02 Where to find Peter Rollins
01:28:43 The profane temple and lack
01:34:51 Post-interview debrief
01:39:07 "Idols" — song outro

GUEST & MUSICIAN

Peter Rollins: https://peterrollins.com

The New Division: https://www.newdivisionmusic.com

Get the newsletter, support the show, and download the song for just €/$1:
https://podsongs.com

Website: https://podsongs.com
Podcast Episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodes
Music: https://podsongs.com/music

Instagram: https://instagram.com/podsongs
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/podsongs
Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

#PeterRollins #JohnKunkel #NewDivision #Philosophy #Theology #Psychoanalysis #Lacan #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Consciousness #Ideology #Desire #Happiness #Spirituality #Songwriting #SynthPop #NewWave #PostPunk #Podsongs #JackStafford

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Explorer who investigated Zombies warns against modern despair - Wade Davis & William Crighton

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 01:36:06

Australian singer-songwriter William Crighton joins host Jack Stafford for a remarkable conversation with legendary explorer, anthropologist and ethnobotanist Wade Davis — bestselling author of The Serpent and the Rainbow and one of the world’s leading voices on indigenous cultures, psychedelics, anthropology and human consciousness.

Recorded on Wade Davis’ 70th birthday, this episode explores Aboriginal songlines, Dreamtime, psychedelics, race, optimism, creativity, music as trance, fatherhood, indigenous wisdom and the modern crisis of meaning.

Before Wade joins the conversation, William discusses his evolving sound, his acclaimed album Water and Dust, collaborations with William Barton and Jeff Lang, touring in Canada and China, his prison songwriting programme and his focus on lower-carbon solo touring.

During the episode, Wade says:

“Despair is an insult to the imagination.”

Later:

“Give your destiny time to find you.”

That line inspired William to write a brand new original song called Destiny, which closes the episode.

Podsongs is the podcast where musicians interview inspiring non-musical guests as inspiration for a new song.

Timestamps:

00:00 Show Intro

00:34 William Crighton’s Sound Journey

04:30 Authenticity, Art & Service

05:32 Why William Chose Wade Davis

08:57 Wade Davis Stories & 70th Birthday

10:58 Touring Canada & Musical Roots

12:53 Australia, Landscape & History

14:43 China, Walkabout & The New Album

20:00 COVID Lockdowns & The Birth of Podsongs

22:11 Wade Davis Joins The Call

The Man Who Turned The Bachelor Into a Sport | Chad Kultgen (Game of Roses) w/ Robin Dann

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 01:36:54

Chad Kultgen — novelist, screenwriter, co-creator of Game of Roses (a.k.a. Bachelor Clues), co-host of Dudesy, and host of YouTube's The Necessary Conversation — joins Podsongs for a 90-minute interview with guest host Robin Dann of the Toronto art-pop band Bernice. Robin is a two-time Polaris Music Prize nominee with Bernice, and on this episode she steps into the host seat to dig into the ideas driving Chad's work: kayfabe, reality TV as sport, AI, and the politics of nihilism.The conversation covers kayfabe in professional wrestling and how the same logic now shapes The Bachelor, reality TV at large, social media, and American politics — including villain edits, engineered viral trends, and the "four audiences" framework from Game of Roses. They discuss the primary world shifting onto screens, what AR, Neuralink-style tech, and AI tools like Suno mean for art, labor, and music, and whether AI music will disrupt songwriting the way AI has disrupted comedy on Dudesy.Chad opens up about his nihilistic worldview, his position on free will, and how he navigates political conversations with his MAGA-supporting parents on The Necessary Conversation. The episode also gets into his day-to-day creative grind, his musical background and regrets about not studying music formally, his Logic production setup, his obsession with Mormon influencer culture, and the producer mindset he learned from Elon Gale. Robin talks about her own musical roots — jazz studies, Paris, a master's at Goldsmiths — the Toronto scene, Bernice's work in Italy, and her ASMR obsession. The two close by agreeing to collaborate on a song drawn from the interview.The song that came out of this conversation, "Let's Go Supernova," was written by Robin Dann and is released May 1.Guests:Chad Kultgen (Bachelor Clues, Game of Roses, Dudesy, The Necessary Conversation) — https://www.youtube.com/@TheNecessaryConversationRobin Dann (Bernice) — https://bernicemusic.comSong:"Let's Go Supernova" — written by Robin Dann. Pre-save: https://ffm.to/gosupernovaPodsongs:https://podsongs.com00:00 Welcome and Guests00:34 Meet Robin Dan03:20 Musical Roots and Training03:48 Paris London and Goldsmiths05:07 Awards Scene and Touring06:52 Italy Grants and Logistics09:04 ASMR Obsession Explained11:29 Bachelor as Sport15:30 Who Is Chad Colchin22:10 Chad Joins the Call25:57 Kayfabe and Reality36:03 Doodsy and AI Comedy39:44 Parasocial Primary World41:59 AR Future and Art Labor50:07 AI Music Disruption50:27 Suno AI Songmaking51:38 Mormon Influencer Obsession53:51 Cracks in Kayfabe55:04 Engineered Viral Trends57:47 Nihilism With Humor01:01:19 Parents Politics No Free Will01:03:49 Day in the Life Grind01:05:15 Weed and Creativity01:06:41 Ultimate Goal Reality01:09:56 Music Roots and Regrets01:13:47 Theme Song Looping01:16:16 Reality TV Spy Secrets01:20:36 Four Audiences Explained01:21:34 Pit Dwellers Community01:23:15 John Wilson Edit Kayfabe01:24:37 Pitching The Bracket01:25:59 Elon Gale Producer Mindset01:28:01 Goodbyes and Collab Plans01:31:05 Post Interview Debrief01:32:36 Saint Berenice Plug01:33:28 Final Song Playback// SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Newsletter, donations and download the song for €/$1 @ https://podsongs.com// LINKS //Website: https://podsongs.comPodcast episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodesSongs: https://podsongs.com/musicSpotify artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32FYyRx1y1ex3jHHAgLMC7?si=4Nv7WW85SbSPZvCsj1o7IgSpotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sN1viy82HPiNTVX2YBxpq?si=1b84c2b9bdea4656// SOCIAL //Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsongsInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsongsFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

Alastair McIntosh & Leeroy Stagger on Soil and Soul, COVID’s Pause & the Bardic Tradition

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • Duration 01:12:19

Songwriter Leroy Stagger speaks with writer Alistair McIntosh about the mental-health strain many experienced during COVID, the need for community, and how the “pause” helped Leroy slow down, reconnect with spirituality, and better understand his purpose as a touring musician. Leroy credits Alistair’s books, especially Soil and Soul and Poacher’s Pilgrimage, along with authors and artists like Patti Smith, Nick Cave, and others, for shaping his thinking about kindness, poetry, and a “divine inner reality.” Alistair discusses the Scottish bardic tradition, the “carrying stream,” mentoring through people, visions, and dreams, and the idea that spiritual insight is a gift of grace rather than willpower. They explore prayer as “holding others in God,” the dark night of the soul, interconnectedness, and keeping “one eye on the ground and the other on the stars,” then close with plans for Leroy to write a song inspired by the conversation.

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/carryme-ls00:00 Welcome and Apology01:03 Mental Health and Modern Life02:11 COVID Pause and Self Discovery05:03 Books That Sparked Spirituality07:30 Patti Smith and Communal Faith13:58 Finding the Bardic Calling18:09 Origins of a Writer22:44 Carrying Stream and Fairy Hill25:17 Second Sight Story32:57 Divine Inner Reality36:07 Community Love and Beauty41:30 Grace and Dark Night44:18 God Come to My Heart46:50 Mantra and Grace47:38 Interfaith Mountain Paths49:48 Prayer in Torture54:06 God Carry Me56:34 Grounded and Starbound59:19 Aftershow and Next Guests01:02:30 Studio Talk and Songwriting01:07:56 Closing Song Snippet

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How Mindfulness Shapes Music: Valerie June in Conversation with Jon Kabat-Zinn

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 • Duration 01:55:20

In this episode of Podsongs, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June sits down with world-renowned mindfulness teacher and author Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).Together, they explore mindfulness, meditation, breath, creativity and music as practices of awareness and connection. Valerie shares how meditation has shaped her daily life and artistic process, while Jon reflects on the philosophy of mindfulness, the idea of “the story of me,” and why presence matters more than ever in a fast-paced, overstimulated world.This deep, wide-ranging conversation touches on music as meditation, spiritual experience, activism, environmental responsibility, and the power of small, conscious actions. The interview also lays the groundwork for a new song, A Rest Between Breaths, written in direct response to the insights shared during the conversation.Whether you’re interested in mindfulness meditation, breathwork, conscious creativity, or the intersection of music and spirituality, this episode offers rare depth, warmth and practical wisdom.Listen to the song inspired by this episode:A Rest Between Breaths – Valerie JuneSpotify pre-save: https://ffm.to/arestbetweenbreathsAbout PodsongsPodsongs is a unique podcast created and hosted by Jack Stafford, pairing musicians with thinkers, writers and cultural figures they admire. Each episode begins with a long-form conversation and ends with an original song inspired by the exchange. Podsongs was recorded at Goldmine Records in Vallo della Lucania, Italy.More information:Podsongs: https://podsongs.com/Valerie June: https://www.valeriejune.comJon Kabat-Zinn: https://jonkabat-zinn.com/Chapters00:00 Valerie June & Jon Kabat-Zinn on Podsongs00:55 Creativity, music and inspiration02:46 Mindfulness in everyday life04:14 Breath, meditation and awareness07:54 Valerie June’s mindfulness journey09:10 Music as meditation15:21 Spiritual experience and presence17:48 Introducing Jon Kabat-Zinn26:06 Mindfulness, music and meaning53:54 Memory, family and tradition54:26 Mindfulness and liberation55:47 Activism and small actions57:06 Meditation and global awareness59:20 Generational responsibility and the environment01:00:26 The simplicity of meditation01:01:19 Human interconnectedness01:08:30 Art, science and mindfulness01:29:08 Breath in yoga and meditation01:42:36 Final reflectionsSubscribe for more conversations on mindfulness, music, creativity and change.

Alastair Campbell on Mental Health, Politics and Finding Strength Through Music w/Allman Brown

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 • Duration 01:39:36

⁠Alastair Campbell⁠ joins host ⁠Jack Stafford⁠ and musician ⁠Allman Brown⁠ for a rare and deeply human conversation on Podsongs.

Known for his central role in New Labour and his openness about mental health, Campbell reflects on vulnerability, resilience and leadership under pressure. The discussion moves from mental health in politics and the emotional weight of decision-making to Brexit, legacy and comparisons between past and present political leaders. Music weaves throughout the episode, offering insight into creativity, survival and Campbell’s lifelong love of sound — including an unexpected passion for bagpipes.A thoughtful, wide-ranging podcast episode exploring politics, mental health and the power of music to shape who we become.

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/livingbetter

00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:10 Discussing Alistair Campbell's Inspiration01:45 Mental Health and Vulnerability02:51 The Impact of Podcasts03:46 Music Industry Challenges11:10 Boarding School Experiences15:08 Songwriting and Creative Process24:53 Alistair Campbell Joins the Conversation31:46 Defining Bravery and Personal Growth34:05 Political Vulnerability and Empathy37:52 Mental Health in Politics48:40 Creative Processes and Inspirations01:00:30 Legacy and Historical Impact01:09:22 Tony Blair's Legacy Beyond Iraq01:10:15 Angela Merkel and the Fluidity of Legacy01:11:34 Emotionality in Politics: Blair vs. Modern Leaders01:12:30 Keir Starmer and the Modern Political Landscape01:13:40 The Weight of Leadership Decisions01:16:58 Understanding Brexit and Political Discontent01:26:19 The British Empire and Education01:28:10 Reflections on Global Political Shifts01:30:36 Podcast Wrap-Up and Future Plans// SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Newsletter, donations and download the song for €/$1 @ https://podsongs.com// LINKS //Website: https://podsongs.comPodcast episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodesSongs: https://podsongs.com/musicSpotify artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32FYyRx1y1ex3jHHAgLMC7?si=4Nv7WW85SbSPZvCsj1o7IgSpotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sN1viy82HPiNTVX2YBxpq?si=1b84c2b9bdea4656// SOCIAL //Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsongsInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsongsFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

A musician asks a Philosopher about God… the answer rocks his world.

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 • Duration 01:46:49

Jay Malinowski (Bedouin Soundclash) meets renowned Irish philosopher Richard Kearney for an extraordinary conversation on anatheism, spirituality, doubt, imagination, and the power of music.This Podsongs episode blends philosophy, music, creativity, and spiritual insight—and it all leads to an original song inspired by the interview.If you’re interested in deep conversations, faith and doubt, the human experience, Canadian indie music, Irish philosophy, or the creative process, this is one of the most inspiring episodes we’ve recorded.Jay Malinowski opens up about his artistic journey, life between Victoria and LA, and how philosophy shapes his songwriting with Bedouin Soundclash. Richard Kearney breaks down anatheism, the role of the stranger, interfaith dialogue, humour, hospitality, and why sacredness can be found in ordinary life.👉 A must-watch for fans of meaningful conversations, spiritual seekers, and musicians who love exploring the deeper layers of creativity.Stream the song: https://ffm.to/dogsofgod⁠http://www.jaymalinowski.com⁠⁠https://richardmkearney.com⁠00:00 Welcome to Podsongs: Meet Jay Malinowski01:39 Jay Malinowski's Journey and Inspirations03:35 The Intersection of Music and Philosophy03:55 Exploring Bedouin Soundclash's Evolution05:28 The Influence of UK Music on Bedouin Soundclash08:19 The Role of Canadian Support in Music10:06 Life in Victoria and Balancing LA11:53 Philosophical Influences in Jay's Music18:30 Introducing Richard Kearney22:37 Understanding Anatheism28:25 The Role of Doubt in Faith and Art35:09 The Concept of the Stranger39:59 Anatheism in Practice50:30 Uncompromising Hospitality and Real-World Challenges57:43 The Good Friday Agreement and Narrative Exchange58:56 The Power of Touch and Vulnerability59:59 Humor and Imagination in Conflict Resolution01:03:21 Interfaith Dialogue and the Role of Humor01:13:13 The Sacredness of the Ordinary01:20:43 The Spiritual Connection with Animals01:30:03 Reflections on Spiritual Beliefs and Practices// SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Newsletter, donations and download the song for €/$1 @ https://podsongs.com// LINKS //Website: https://podsongs.comPodcast episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodesSongs: https://podsongs.com/musicSpotify artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32FYyRx1y1ex3jHHAgLMC7?si=4Nv7WW85SbSPZvCsj1o7IgSpotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sN1viy82HPiNTVX2YBxpq?si=1b84c2b9bdea4656// SOCIAL //Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsongsInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsongsFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

Forager & MeatEater writer Jenna Rozelle on Wild Food, Hunting & Poetry (w/ Griffin William Sherry)

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • Duration 01:44:34

Can you optimise this text for wild foraging: Musician Griffin William Sherry on Hunting, Foraging, and Creative Writing with Jenna Rozelle | Pod Songs Interview

In this episode of Pod Songs, host Jack Stafford brings together Griffin William Sherry, lead singer of Ghost of Paul Revere, and Maine-based forager, writer, and wild foods educator Jenna Rozelle. They dive into a captivating discussion on their love for the outdoors, the impact of the pandemic, transitioning from band life, and the intersections between hunting, foraging, creative writing, and poetry. Griffin shares insights about his music career and new solo project while Jenna reflects on her Substack, 'Appetites,' and the inspiration behind her poetry. Tune in to hear an enriching conversation that beautifully blends themes of nature, food, creativity, and artistic collaboration. Stay till the end for a song inspired by their discussion!

00:00 Welcome to Podsongs

01:49 Meet Griffin William Sherry

02:59 Life After Ghost of Paul Revere

04:36 Exploring New Interests

08:03 Jenna Rozelle: A Unique Guest

22:19 Jenna's Background and Inspirations

30:04 The Art of Revision

31:15 Growing Up on a Homestead

32:05 Discovering Hunting and Fishing

33:08 The Learning Curve of Hunting

35:30 Creative Thrills and Writing

39:38 Dreams as a Source of Inspiration

41:58 The Power of Natural Sounds

44:07 Respect for the Natural World

01:04:37 The Intersection of Cooking and Writing

01:10:22 Reflecting on Routine and Creativity

Track-by-Track Commentary on Podsongs Volume 14

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 • Duration 55:44

In this 14th 'Track by Track' episode of Podsongs, host Jack Stafford, and musicians Maurizio Sanicola and Luigi Falcione reflect on their inspiring musical journey across the last 12 episodes. They discuss collaborations with diverse artists like Atlas, EMA, and The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band, inspired by fascinating interviews with guests such as dog trainer Linda Michaels, writer Ocean Vuong, and climber Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive songs that blend various genres and unique instrumentation. Join the ride through memory lane and get insights into the creative process behind these impactful albums.

// SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL //Newsletter, donations and download the song for €/$1 @ https://podsongs.com// LINKS //Website: https://podsongs.comPodcast episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodesSongs: https://podsongs.com/musicSpotify artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/32FYyRx1y1ex3jHHAgLMC7?si=4Nv7WW85SbSPZvCsj1o7IgSpotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sN1viy82HPiNTVX2YBxpq?si=1b84c2b9bdea4656// SOCIAL //Twitter: https://twitter.com/podsongsInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsongsFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

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BIG WALL TALK: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll on Music, Creativity & Rock Climbing with Quentin Dujardin

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 • Duration 01:42:20

Belgian guitarist Quentin Dujardin joins pro climber Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll on Podsongs to explore the link between music, creativity, and the art of rock climbing. From life lessons on Greenland’s big walls to finding rhythm on uncharted rock faces, this conversation dives deep into what it means to balance risk, artistry, and adventure.

Stream the song that resulted from the interview: https://ffm.to/verticalbreath

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Podsongs – Details, episodes & analysis

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Podsongs – Details, episodes & analysis

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