Explore every episode of the podcast The Other 22 Hours
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Victore on radical integrity, questioning authority, and getting paid $20,000 to shut up. | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:46:14 | |
James Victore is an Emmy Award-winning artist and author whose work is held in the permanent collection of the Louvre and has been exhibited many times at MoMA (NYC). Victore has shaped the visual language of institutions from 'The New York Times' to the City of New York. In this conversation, we explore the spiritual gravity of "staying in the pool" when creativity gets hard, discuss the incubation time of the soul, the environmental and creative toll of our want of ease, and the quiet, daily discipline of living consciously in a world designed to keep us asleep. In This Episode:
Go Deeper:
The Hosts: The Other 22 Hours is hosted by Aaron Shafer-Haiss (Producer/Mixer) and Michaela Anne (Songwriter/Creative Coach).
Credits: Produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Original music written, performed and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Part of the Bluegrass Situation Podcast Network. | |||
| S.G. Goodman on scarcity mindset, manual labor, and the art of letting go. | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:48:38 | |
Singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman has earned critical acclaim, award nominations, and has worked with legends like Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, and Jim James of My Morning Jacket. In this episode, we discuss the grueling physical and mental requirements of "making it." From working manual labor to stay afloat while not on the road to navigating the complex realities of running a bona fide business, S.G. opens up about scarcity, OCD, and the hard-won wisdom of learning to drive the lawnmower instead of letting it drive you. In This Episode: Go Deeper:
The Hosts: The Other 22 Hours is hosted by Aaron Shafer-Haiss (Producer/Mixer) and Michaela Anne (Songwriter/Creative Coach).
Credits: Produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Original music written, performed and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Part of the Bluegrass Situation Podcast Network. | |||
| Kris Delmhorst on invisible work, trusting slow seasons, and the myth of being seen. | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:45:53 | |
Kris Delmhorst has released 12+ records independently and via Signature Sounds, has written/performed and recorded with Mary Gauthier, Lori McKenna, Grant Lee Phillips, Peter Wolf (lead singer of J. Geils Band), and more, is critically acclaimed by The Boston Globe, LA Times, Pop Matters, and all your favorite songwriters, and has written for tv & film, as well as countless festivals all over the world. We talk with Kris about creative cycles, retreating, and the necessity of disappearing to make real art, trusting your career through slow seasons, motherhood versus touring, sustaining a two-songwriter household, reframing art as a service rather than ego, and so much more. Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media:
All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Robert Ellis on present consciousness, getting back to having fun, and perceptions. | 29 Nov 2023 | 01:02:18 | |
Robert Ellis is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has put out 6 albums both self-released and on New West Records, and having worked on records by Jamestown Revival, White Denim, Khruangbin, Nicole Atkins and others. We chat about the many benefits of mindfulness and being in the present moment, using adversity and tough times to return to having fun creating, parenting and perceptions, sobriety, and just saying f*ck it let's try something new! Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Samantha Crain on asking questions, self advocacy, and growing in a non-music city. | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:55:45 | |
Samantha Crain has released 8 records, started touring at 19, eventually supporting artists such as The Avett Brothers, Neutral Milk Hotel, Brandi Carlile, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Gregory Alan Isakov, The Mountain Goats, and MANY others, as well as joining First Aid Kit for an appearance on 'Conan', and self-producing many of her own records, as well as records for other artists. We explore the power of asking questions, both as a way to learn more in craft and business and as a means of self-advocacy in business dealings, we talk about the positives and negatives of growing a substantial career in a non-music town (Norman, OK in her instance), the many benefits of a meditation practice, and much more in this wide-ranging conversation. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| John Craigie on the art of storytelling, the optics fallacy, and horticulture. | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:44:39 | |
John Craigie is a singer-songwriter based out of Portland OR but who spent years living on the road, has released 12+ albums, and toured with the likes of Jack Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, Shawn Colvin, Sean Hayes and more. Craigie is known for his engaging live show that weaves a hefty dose of storytelling - in the vein of Arlo Gutherie - as well as comedy between his songs, so we send a lot of time talking about the art of storytelling and it's place in a concert, comedy, how he sustains such an intense tour schedule, drawing inspiration from communities of other artists such as painters and architects, debunking the optics fallacy and how finding the right venue for your show is much more powerful. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Joe Henry on the creative stream, daily aesthetics, and the musicality of language. | 08 Nov 2023 | 01:06:32 | |
Joe Henry is a songwriter, producer, and writer who has released over 15 solo records on labels such as A&M and Anti-, and has produced records for a long list of artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke, Allen Toussaint, Rodney Crowell, Aimee Mann, Ani Difranco, Teddy Thompson, John Doe, and more. We have a diverse conversation about keeping yourself in the creative stream, knowing when to step away, acceptance, and much surrounding the Tom Waits quote, "How you do anything is how you do everything." Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| John Doe on embracing your role, identifying ego, and butterfly nets. | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:48:51 | |
John Doe is the co-founder and longtime member of the legendary LA punk band X, he's released numerous solo records, he stars in the recently released film DOA, as well as movies such as Boogie Nights, Roadhouse, Great Balls of Fire, and Brokedown Palace and TV shows such as Roswell, One Tree Hill and Law & Order, and is co-author of the book 'Under the Big Black Sun' with Tom DeSavia, chronicling the LA punk scene. Needless to say we talk about sustaining and foster a diverse set of creative endeavors, identifying ones own ego to make for smoother relationships, embracing your role as a creator and sticking to it, the creative pitfalls of major label deals, longevity, and quite a bit more. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| David Wax Museum on artistic ecosystems, creating in partnership, and pollinators. | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:53:00 | |
David Wax Museum is a critically-acclaimed indie folk band lead by husband/wife duo David Wax and Suz Slezak, who have been praised by NPR, Tiny Desk, the New York Times, Newport Folk, and even had a song featured at Pete Buttigieg's wedding. We talk about how they built and have grown a strong, enduring, grassroots community around their music that helps them remain independent, how and what they've learned about both creating and recharging together and separately as a couple, positive discoveries of the pandemic times that have reshaped their career, mental health and it's impact on their schedules, and creating entire artistic ecosystems. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Madame Gandhi on quieting self doubt, optimizing for joy, and sampling glaciers. | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:45:14 | |
Madame Gandhi is an incredibly diverse guest: she is an award winning producer, composer, and drummer for M.I.A., a member of Forbes' 30 Under 30, has given several TED talks, has an MBA from Harvard and a Masters in Music Science & Tech from Stanford, and famously ran the 2015 London Marathon while menstruating freely to combat menstrual stigma. We talk about how she tackles both self doubt and imposter syndrome in her many creative endeavors, her concept of optimizing for joy in our passions to foster sustainability, post-show rituals, and so much more. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Dylan LeBlanc on magnetic intentions, second chances, and red hot frying pans. | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:55:17 | |
Dylan LeBlanc has released records on Rough Trade Records, ATO, and Single Lock records, and has toured with Lucinda Williams, Bruce Springsteen, First Aid Kit and more. We talk about how having a big first record at a young age effected his headspace, career, and life, navigating many tough ups and downs since then, sobriety and intentions, and Michaela and Dylan discuss the (drastically different) reactions of each of their teams when they told them they were expecting their first children. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| The Watson Twins on touring sustainably, collaboration vs individualization, and van pillows. | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:55:45 | |
The Watson Twins have released multiple records, including their latest 'Holler' produced by Butch Walker, as well as being featured on Jenny Lewis' Rabbit Fur Coat and recording/touring with the likes of Kings of Leon, Foster the People, The Shins, Harry Connick Jr, Willie Nelson, and Jenny Lewis. We go deep on sustainable and enduring touring practices and logistics that they've both observed as sidewomen, and developed themselves as bandleaders, as well collaboration vs individualization and using your talents and skillsets developed in the music industry to launch other businesses (they own and run three event spaces in Nashville). Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Paris Carney on finding your unique outlet, creating for others, and family bands. | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:49:10 | |
Paris Carney is a songwriter who has had cuts with the likes of Nick Jonas, King, Adam Lambert, Maggie Lindemann, and Joseph, as well as a background singer with The Jonas Brothers, Hailee Stanfield, Lykke Li. We talk about her start on Interscope Records with her brothers' band Carney, the ups and downs of years trying to find her unique path, creative diversification, and having a variety of mental health practices in your toolkit. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Will Hoge on speaking up, creative responsibility, and poking the bear. | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:45:03 | |
Will Hoge has released 13+ albums both independently and on major labels (Atlantic), has been nominated for Grammy, ACM, and CMA awards, and has toured with NEEDTOBREATHE, Jason Isbell, Lisa Loeb, Sugarland, Michelle Branch and others. We talk to Will about the emotional and professional fallout of writing politically charged songs, the role of parenting in shaping artistic courage and empathy, the difference between surviving the industry and making meaningful art, burnout, staying human, and a whole lot more. Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media:
All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| William Prince on joyful presence, intergenerational trauma, and humor. | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:51:09 | |
William Prince is from the Peguis First Nation - in what is now Manitoba Canada - and a Juno and Canadian Folk Award winning singer-songwriter, who has toured with Neil Young, and Yola, and worked with producer Dave Cobb. We talk about the experience and realities of his people, the generational trauma that is present, how that effects and informs his art and his creativity, and how he sees his role in his community as a public figure, and father. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Ezinma on viral moments, continually educating, and scuba diving. | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:50:04 | |
Ezinma is a violinist, artist, film composer, and educator who became a viral sensation from her performance videos, has released records on Universal Records, performed with Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar, Khalid, Joshua Bell and Yo Yo Ma to name a few, composed the score for numerous films, and founded a non-profit that brings classical music education to underserved communities. We talk about how having viral moments changed and challenged her creativity, how she grew from that as a person and an artist, her lifelong pursuit of educating herself (she has multiple masters degrees) as well as being an educator herself, the power of music education, and it goes on. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Duquette Johnston on incarcerated creativity, human design, and scents. | 06 Sep 2023 | 01:04:33 | |
Duquette Johnston was a member of 90s rock band Verbana, touring with the Foo Fighters and releasing records on Merge and Setanta Records, has released a handful of solo records on labels such as Single Lock Records, owns the clothing and goods shop Club Duquette in Birmingham AL, and also spent time in Etowah County jail. We talk about how that incarceration changed his creative process, his entire outlook on his career, and also launched his solo career, as well as his interest in human design, and quest for human connection through music. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Jamie Kent on community impact, legislation, plus a live Q&A. | 30 Aug 2023 | 00:53:13 | |
This is a special live episode taped on stage at Mile of Music Festival in Appleton, WI featuring Jamie Kent - a Billboard charting singer songwriter, entrepreneur, arts advocate, and co-founder of Musicians for a Smoke Free Tennessee, where he worked as a lobbyist to usher through legislation that allows municipalities in TN to ban smoking in public places (such as bars and music venues). We talk about legislative action to aid musicians, coalition building as it relates to making an impact as well as a music career, and then we also take time for all three of us to answer questions from the audience in a really special first-time Q&A session. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| The Wood Brothers on the illusion of control, enjoyment, and remembering to remember. | 23 Aug 2023 | 00:59:59 | |
The Wood Brothers are a Grammy-nominated band that have released 12 records on labels such as Blue Note, Southern Ground, Easy Eye Sound, and their own imprint. We have a wide ranging conversation on mental well-being and sustaining a decades-long career, all circling around mindfulness, presence, the illusion of control, and what Chris aptly points out - remembering to remember. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Mary Gauthier on patience in art, persistence in business, and losing with John Prine. | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:48:34 | |
Mary Gauthier is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and author, who's songs have been recorded by everyone from Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton, to Boy George and Jimmy Buffett. We talk about sobriety, how owning and running restaurants has influenced her music career, writing with veterans, battling homophobia, and so much more, all with a wise dose of patience, and persistence. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Katie Pruitt on patience, emotional language, and archery. | 09 Aug 2023 | 00:47:36 | |
Katie Pruitt is a singer-songwriter on Rounder Records, NPR & NY Times acclaimed, americana award-nominated, and also the host of The Recovering Catholic podcast. We talk about how she navigated, learned, and grew from releasing her much anticipated debut record 1 month before the pandemic started, navigating the pressure to always have output, and the tools she uses to be able to explore heavy personal and emotional topics in her songs. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Kaia Kater on the power of shared experiences, speaking out in integrity, and grants. | 02 Aug 2023 | 00:54:39 | |
Kaia Kater is a Juno and Polaris prize-nominated songwriter from Canada, who also won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Original Song in the BET series 'The Porter'. We talk about how a government-support grant system for the arts effects creativity, the importance of speaking out in integrity, the power in finding communities with shared experiences, and owning vulnerability. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Ron Pope & Blair Clark on staying independent, calculated risks, and letting things pass. | 26 Jul 2023 | 00:56:42 | |
Ron Pope is a platinum selling independent artist, Blair Clark is CEO and Director of Marketing & Strategy at the independent record label they own - Brooklyn Basement Records - as well as an artist manager, and they are also married. In this special episode we get both the artist's point of view, and the "business" point of view on some of the tools to maintain sanity, and inspiration while building a long and sustainable career around your art. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Adia Victoria on keeping a sense of self, being in the body, and the forest. | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:47:08 | |
Adia Victoria is a blues, southern gothic, rock artist who has released 3 records via Atlantic Records, and worked with producers such as Aaron Dessner and T-Bone Burnett. We talk about losing and regaining your sense of self after years of endless touring, writing in motion, the major role of nature in her life and upbringing and much more. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Malin Pettersen on cultural duality, impermanence, and privilege. | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:50:40 | |
Malin Pettersen is a Norwegian singer-songwriter and Spellemannprisen winner (Norwegian Grammy), who has released multiple solo records as well as records with her band, Lucky Lips, has toured extensively throughout Europe and America, and has been acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Forbes, No Depression, Paste and even Iris Dement is a fan. We talk with Malin about the illusion of success, cultural duality between Norway and America, the Norwegian government's support for artists, embracing uncertainty, doubt, and struggle, and so much more. Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media:
All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Caroline Spence, Erin Rae, Kelsey Waldon & Michaela Anne on competition, community, and cross-stitching. | 12 Jul 2023 | 00:52:49 | |
This is a special group episode - Caroline Spence, Erin Rae, Kelsey Waldon & Michaela Anne are all acclaimed singer-songwriters having individually played everywhere from The Grand Ol' Opry to Carnegie Hall to Bonnaroo and all over the world. Though they perform independently, they are in constant contact via a long-lasting (5+ year) text thread - forming a tight-knit community which is the basis for our conversation today on how that impacts their their mindsets, their creativity, their mental health and decision making, and just about every other facet of their career. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Alice Gerrard on how to teach yourself, longevity, and authenticity. | 05 Jul 2023 | 00:45:17 | |
Alice Gerrard, a member of the bluegrass hall of fame, released her first record in 1965 as part of her groundbreaking bluegrass duo with Hazel Dickens, and is still touring and releasing records today at the age of 89! We talk with her about her incredible longevity, how she has taught herself about bluegrass and old-time music, and about becoming such an integral part of the fabric of American folk music and it's strong community. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| David Moore (Bing & Ruth) on interconnectedness, evolving processes, and chefs. | 28 Jun 2023 | 00:48:05 | |
David Moore is a pianist, composer, and songwriter with many creative outlets, most notably his minimalist/ambient ensemble Bing & Ruth, which has put out records on 4AD and received praise from Pitchfork to Thom Yorke. We talk about his diverse creative appetites, writing retreats, the interconnectedness of everything, and embracing inevitable change in your creative processes as time passes. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Mary Bragg on perceptions, rewrites, and dating your creativity. | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:58:15 | |
Mary Bragg is an acclaimed songwriter, producer, coach, and on faculty at Berklee School of Music. We go deep on her songwriting process, cowriting dynamics, and how coming out opened up her creativity. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Hiss Golden Messenger on omnivorous listening, tidal creativity, and the dead. | 14 Jun 2023 | 00:50:19 | |
Hiss Golden Messenger - the pseudonym for M.C. Taylor - has put out 14+ records since 2009 both independently and via Merge Records, including a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Record in 2019. We chat about the idea of creativity being tidal with ebbs and flows, how exercise and physical activity helps sustain creativity and touring stamina, and artists from The Grateful Dead to Public Enemy and De La Soul. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Elizabeth Cook on living creatively, diversification, and fairy tales. | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:50:01 | |
Elizabeth Cook has released 7 records, played the Grand Ole Opry 400+ times, hosts Apron Strings on Outlaw Country Sirius XM and Upstream on Circle TV, and is an occasional character on Squidbillies on adult swim (as Tammi). We talk to Elizabeth about her incredible diversity in her creative endeavors, her approach to creating in every facet of life, coming up in the Music Row publishing world and a whole lot more. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Rodney Crowell on failure, knowing when it's done, and vision quests. | 31 May 2023 | 00:56:57 | |
Rodney Crowell is the definition of a legendary songwriter - he has multiple Grammys, 15 #1 singles (5 from 1 record), and everyone from Emmylou Harris to Bob Seger, Waylon Jennings, and George Strait have recorded his songs. He is also incredibly wise, and generous with his insights - we talk with him about failures, using vision quests to reset and recenter, defining success, and how Guy Clark taught him when to know a song is done. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Osei Essed on being open, composing vs songwriting, and defining the language. | 24 May 2023 | 00:46:21 | |
Osei Essed is a film composer and songwriter who has scored films such as Crater (Disney), Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo (HBO), The Lincoln Project (Showtime), and Period. End of Sentence (Oscar winner) as well as writing and fronting Brooklyn-based bands The Woes, and Big Hands Rhythm & Blues Band (Ropeadope Records). We talk about having goals and ambition but not being attached to the specific outcome, the similarities and differences between writing for stage (songwriting) and composing for film, and some of the tools Osei uses to stay grounded and focused while facing daunting deadlines from multiple projects at once. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Mark Erelli on the ritual, learning from others, and choosing daily. | 17 May 2023 | 00:55:42 | |
Mark Erelli has released over 16 albums, as well as being an in-demand sideman with the likes of Lori McKenna, Josh Ritter, Paula Cole, Amy Helm and others. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from how Mark reaffirms his commitment every day, to leaning on the combination of all of your experiences to get through tough situations, to how he learns from everyone he performs with, to the ritual of live music. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Becca Mancari on owning your creative process, validation vs affirmation, and coping. | 10 May 2023 | 00:56:07 | |
Becca Mancari is an indie folk artist who releases her own records and plays in Bermuda Triangle with Britney Howard (Alabama Shakes), as well as with Hayley Williams (Paramore). We explore the evolution of coping mechanisms, including changing your view of simple self-care as being weak, as well as the power of owning your entire creative process, and how shifting the language you use inwardly can be a catalyst for monumental change. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Jillian Jacqueline on identity, motherhood, and creative renewal. | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:56:43 | |
Jillian Jacqueline has released 4+ records/EPs on both major and independent labels, she started performing at 8 years old, had a charting song at 12 (with Billy Dean and Suzie Bogguss), has worked with Vince Gill, Suzy Bogguss, Richard Marx, Keith Urban, and Shane McAnally, played the Grand Ole Opry, and toured all over the world. We talk to Jillian about redefining success, industry expectations, motherhood and artistry, maintaining integrity, building community, challenging your identity, and a whole lot more. Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here.
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media:
All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Leyla McCalla on artistic lives as societal change, inspiration from academia, and parenthood. | 03 May 2023 | 00:45:39 | |
Leyla McCalla is a Haitian-American artist who releases records on Anti- Records, is a member of Our Native Daughters, and has been commissioned to create music in conjunction with research at Duke University. We talk about how living an artistic life, and demonstrating that to a younger generation, is a strong form of societal change, how she juggles immense projects as a mother of three, and how she weaves history and academia into her writing and creative process. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Lucius on continual reinvention, building a team, and chores. | 26 Apr 2023 | 00:42:49 | |
Lucius have released 4 records of their own, as well as appearing on records with the likes of Roger Waters, Jackson Browne, The War On Drugs, Brandi Carlile, John Prine, Sheryl Crow, to name a FEW. We talk about how they juggle this insane schedule, partnership and collaboration, how they've constantly morphed and reinvented all while (and because of) keeping a loyal team behind them, co-writing for the first time, and the rejuvenating power in simple mundane chores. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Joe Pug on prioritizing what's fruitful, tracking data, and Dante's Inferno. | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:45:53 | |
Joe Pug sold 20,000 copies of his first record after handing out free sampler CDs, and has gone on to be a DIY champion with multiple records and a successful podcast - The Working Songwriter. We talk intricacies of running a business as a creative, prioritizing your time and attention throughout the creative process, career longevity, and the lessons in Dante's Inferno. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Lola Kirke on multiple creative careers, compare despair, and understanding lineage. | 12 Apr 2023 | 00:39:32 | |
Lola Kirke is an actress/musician who was in Mozart in the Jungle, Winning time and others, and who's latest record "Woman for Sale" is out on Third Man Records. We talk about staying sane while juggling 2 different creative careers, how art is about giving not receiving, and what is counterculture. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Melanie Charles on the importance of exploration, curiosity, and living your artistic message. | 05 Apr 2023 | 01:00:28 | |
Melanie Charles is a genre bending artist/songwriter/producer who's performed with artists from Wynton Marsalis to SZA. We talk about artist freedom, the power of curiosity and exploration, balancing advocacy and self-care, and solitude in your creative practice. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| BJ Barham on imposter syndrome, longevity, and reinventing yourself. | 29 Mar 2023 | 01:15:12 | |
BJ Barham releases music as American Aquarium. We go deep on the power of sticking to it, mining the depths as inspiration, sobriety, and keeping everything in-house. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Andrew Combs on challenging stereotypes, creating as healing, and meditation. | 22 Mar 2023 | 00:47:07 | |
Andrew Combs is an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Nashville via Dallas, with records released via New West, Loose Music (EU) and independently, and has toured with Shovels & Rope, Caitlin Rose, and NPR's Tiny Desk. We discuss how common stereotypes of artists are wrong and even detrimental, the healing and rejuvenating power of simply creating for the sake of creating, meditation, and sobriety in the music industry. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| The Milk Carton Kids on knowing what you want, positive boundaries, and the internet. | 15 Mar 2023 | 01:14:05 | |
The Milk Carton Kids are a Grammy-nominated duo who have released 6+ records. We talk about defining what success looks like on your own terms, setting boundaries to open doors, record making, and plenty of tangents and laughs. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Aaron Lee Tasjan on inner voices, slowing down, and alternate creative outlets. | 15 Mar 2023 | 01:00:40 | |
Aaron Lee Tasjan is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, multi-record artist, and former member of bands such as The New York Dolls, Semi Precious Weapons, and Drivin n' Cryin. Here we talk about slowing down to do less more meaningfully, inspiration from finding alternate outlets for your creativity, and weathering tough seasons in life. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube.
Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Kyshona on holding energy, mission statements, and saying no. | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:50:16 | |
Kyshona is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, music therapist, and session singer. We talk about the importance of listening to yourself, carving out down-time for yourself, and the power of mission/artistic statements. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Flyte on commodification, British repression, and conveyer belts. | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:42:34 | |
Flyte are the British duo of songwriters Will Taylor and Nicolas Hill, who started creating together in grade school before signing to a major label (Island Records), leaving that for indie labels (Nettwerk), working with producers such as Ethan Johns, and collaborating with the likes of The Staves, Laura Marling, and Madison Cunningham. We talk with them about a lot of the inner workings of their songwriting practice and approach to record making, classic British emotional repression, coping, creative confusion, commodification, and a whole lot more. Get more access and support this show by subscribing to our Patreon, right here. Links:
Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media:
All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Shovels & Rope on intentional creative time, creative vulnerability, and touring with a family. | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:59:47 | |
Shovels & Rope have released 9+ records, including collaborations with Brandi Carlile, Sharon Van Etten and more, have numerous late-night appearances and awards, and also started and curate High Water Festival. We talk with them about carving out time to be creative, having, growing and touring with a family, and the the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of creating in a partnership. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Emily Scott Robinson on validation addiction, avoiding shoulds, and the power of staying grounded. | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:49:52 | |
Emily Scott Robinson is a singer-songwriter with multiple records on John Prine's Oh Boy Records, and is a former social worker. Here we talk about the power of staying grounded in yourself and your needs, the endless hustle and grind culture of the business, validation addiction, mental health, and more. Links: Click here to watch this conversation on YouTube. Social Media: All music written, performed, and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more. | |||
| Trailer | 02 Mar 2023 | 00:02:17 | |
Podcast launches on March 15th with 5 episodes, and then continues weekly after that. Follow us on your social media of choice - @TheOther22Hours - for sneak peaks and guest announcements. Become a subscribing member on our Patreon to gain more inside access
including exclusive content, workshops, the chance to have your
questions answered by our upcoming guests, and more.
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