Wheels Off With Rhett Miller

Owen King is the author of Double Feature, and We’re All in This Together: A Novella and Stories. He is the coauthor of Sleeping Beauties and Intro to Alien Invasion and the coeditor of Who Can Save Us Now? Brand-New Superheroes and Their Amazing (Short) Stories. Owen joins Rhett to talk about how he built the world that The Curator takes place in and what it means to capture the “sound” of a novel. The two discuss the value of early reader feedback, recognizing work-life balance, and Owen shares a story about the time when he had to dig the galleys for his first book out of a snowstorm, along with the Fedex guy who was delivering them. His new novel, The Curator, is out today and available here Owen King website Owen on IG @owenkingauthor Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by

Singer-songwriter Cassandra Lewis performed her first real show at a retirement home when she was eight years old. She joins Rhett to talk about that experience and what’s happened in between, the new album she’s working on, and the co-songwriting scene that she’s become part of since moving to Nashville. The two discuss the trope of needing to suffer in order to be creative, and Cassandra explains what she means when she says she’s a ‘trash artist’. Cassandra Lewis is a cosmic blend of classic country, Americana and psychedelic soul. She’ll call you into her journey of self-discovery, addiction, love affairs, and a fever dream of in-betweens. Think Dolly Parton, Etta James, and Jeff Buckley at Woodstock 69’, then sprinkle it with something otherworldly. Her massive voice, real talk, and wild storyteller’s wit will leave you feeling raw and reeling in the dreamiest way. Cassandra Lewis on IG: @cassandralewismusic Cassandra Lewis website Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Rhett Miller website Go see a show! Rhett’s tou

Sam Quartin is an actor, activist, and frontwoman for The Bobby Lees, which she founded after discovering her future bandmates at a music school in upstate New York. The two discuss her recent role in Candy Land, a film about the underground world of truck stop sex workers. Sam tells Rhett about the impact that Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way had on her life, shares her process for boosting self-confidence, and explains why she’s opted out of having a digital profile. A band that proves it pays to think young, the Bobby Lees are a frantic garage punk act from Woodstock, New York, whose sound is fast, fresh, energetic, and filled with a snotty sense of fun. Boasting a revved-up attitude and a level of precision that matches the tempos without making them sound stiff, the Bobby Lees made a bracing debut on their 2018 album Beauty Pageant. They got tighter, speedier, and rowdier on 2020's Skin Suit, produced by Jon Spencer, and they developed a more polished but no less powerful approach for their third LP, 202

Bestselling author Julia Cameron joins Rhett once again to talk about her new book Write for Life, in which she turns to one of the subjects closest to her heart: the art and practice of writing. This episode is full of wisdom, as Julia gives Rhett a peek into her own creative process and shares some of the best practices she’s developed over the last two decades. Julia and Rhett discuss how to manage your inner critic, what it means to be authentic, and why she is an advocate of writing by hand.   Hailed by the New York Times as “The Queen of Change,” JULIA CAMERON is credited with starting a movement in 1992 that has brought creativity into the mainstream conversation—in the arts, in business, and in everyday life. She is the best-selling author of more than forty books, fiction and nonfiction; a poet, songwriter, filmmaker and playwright. Commonly referred to as “The Godmother” or “High Priestess” of creativity, her tools are based in practice, not theory, and she considers herself “the floor sample of her

Salim Nourallah is a musician and award-winning producer who has worked with OLD97s and Marty Wilson-Piper of The Church. He’s also the co-founder of indie label Palo Santo Records, and this week he joins Rhett to talk about balancing his role as musician, producer, and businessman. The two discuss the new projects he’s working on, what it means to be successful, and why Salim believes it’s important to stay in touch with one’s inner child. Learn more about Salim’s new album A Nuclear Winter here Salim Nourallah website Salim on IG: @salimnourallah Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.    This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You

“You're much more productive when you actually feel like getting out of bed for the day. And I just think that you don't have to be in a dark place to write a dark song. And realizing that has opened up a lot of opportunities for me to live a more healthy life.” - Anthony D’Amato Singer Songwriter Anthony D’Amato joins Rhett on this episode to talk about going from publicity intern to client at Shore Fire Media, and what he learned by coming up on the business side of the music industry. Anthony shares the story of working on a St Vincent publicity campaign, explains why the idea of being a sellout has gone out the window, and the two discuss Fantastic Cat, his side project that is “something of a supergroup”. Anthony D’Amato first rose to international attention with the ‘The Shipwreck From The Shore,’ his 2014 debut for New West Records. Inspired in part by time spent studying with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet Paul Muldoon, the album garnered rave reviews on both sides of the pond. Along the way, D

The Paranoid Style is a garage-punk-pop outfit built around singer songwriter Elizabeth Nelson. Elizabeth joins Rhett this week to talk about their new album, “For Executive Meeting”, as well as the many other creative projects she’s involved in, like an upcoming piece about Springsteen’s “Nebraska”. Elizabeth and Rhett discuss what it means to be a musician and a published music critic, the process she employs to get a multitude of things done, and why it’s important to take a compliment. Plus, she explains the origin of the unique name of her band. Elizabeth Nelson is singer-songwriter for the Washington, DC–based garage-punk band the Paranoid Style, a civil servant in the field of education policy, and a regular contributor to The Ringer, Oxford American, The New York Times Magazine, and Pitchfork, among other publications. In 2020, Spin Magazine ranked the Paranoid Style the 27th best rock & roll band currently working, thereby adding 26 names to her renowned Enemies List. Listen to For Executive Meeting

During his years as lead singer and main songwriter of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips helped to create the band’s elegant folk/pop sound with honest, introspective lyrics that forged a close bond with their fans. He joins Rhett on this episode of Wheels Off for a deep dive into the inspiration behind his music and the playful approach he took in the making of his new solo record, There Is So Much Here. Glen shares stories of his life with Toad, discusses what it means to be creatively curious, and explains how the practice of community singing helps him realize a life of gratitude. Get Glen’s new album here Glen Phillips website Glen on IG: @glenphillipsmusic Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by

Amy Ray joins Rhett from her home in Georgia to talk about her recently released solo album and the new music she’s working on for an Indigo Girls project. Amy and Rhett discuss the epiphany moment she had when she first sang with Indigo Girls co-founder Emily Saliers, the headiness of achieving success early in her career, and why her activism and support of emerging artists helps her navigate the challenges of self-doubt. Listen to Amy’s new album If It All Goes South Amy Ray website Amy on IG @amyraymusic Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.    This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave

Authors Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble join Rhett from Seattle to talk about their new book, which was inspired by their D&D podcast Dragon Talk. The book highlights the ways in which people are using Dungeons & Dragons to fuel creative endeavors, explore identity, deal with addiction, and process trauma. Shelly and Greg discuss how the game has evolved and explain why it’s still so popular after 50 years, as it continues to find new players with each generation. Greg Tito and Shelly Mazzanoble are authors of Welcome to Dragon Talk: Inspiring Conversations about Dungeons & Dragons and the People Who Love to Play It, which will be available on December 5. Pre-order the book here. Shelly Mazzanoble is author of Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress: A Girl’s Guide to the Dungeons & Dragons Game. Greg Tito is an author, screenwriter, and former standup comic.  Listen to the Dragon Talk podcast For more D&D, listen to Rhett’s interview with D&D Dungeon Master and game designer Chris Perkins here Rhett on IG: @rhe

Terre Roche, singer-songwriter and founding member of The Roches joins Rhett to talk about her new album and book Kin Ya See That Sun! The book chronicles the time when she and her sister Maggie traveled around the country as teenagers to perform on the college coffee house circuit, and the accompanying album includes live, unreleased recordings from the tour. Terre discusses the relationship she had with her sister Maggie and their unexpected yet notable career. Terre and Rhett talk about her capacity for visual learning and the drawings she created for the band’s set lists, and why The Roches’ music still resonates with young people today.   Terre Roche website Terre on IG: @terre_roche Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here. Wheels Off: Conversations About Creativity is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD

Grammy-winning musician and producer Adrian Quesada joins Rhett from Austin to talk about the creative whims that guide his work, life as a “working class” musician, and how he harnesses his competitive spirit. The brand new album by GRAMMY-winning guitarist, producer and Black Pumas co-founder, Adrian Quesada, serves as a celebration of the super funky, slightly delirious and deeply soulful sounds that transcended the cultural boundaries of Latin America throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.     Pre-order Jaguar Sound here Follow Adrian on IG: @adrianmquesada Follow Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com See Rhett on tour! Dates are here.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.    This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get you

Singer-songwriter Lauren Hoffman joins Rhett to talk about her unique journey through the music industry and shares her perspective on the impact that technology has on the creative process. The two discuss the meditative qualities of songwriting, the difficulties of being an emerging artist in the 90s, and why it’s critical to prioritize your peace of mind. Lauren is based in Los Angeles and is currently working on her seventh album.    Lauren Hoffman website Lauren on IG @laurenhoffmanmusic Lauren Hoffman on Spotify    Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. P

Singer-songwriter Cory Branan joins Rhett from the road to talk about his approach to writing and the creative process behind his new record, When I Go I Ghost. Cory tells Rhett about learning to record, mix, and master during lockdown, which resulted in five direct-to-fan cover records that included some surprise cover song requests; and, the importance of being able to connect directly to fans. Over the last two decades Cory Branan has released five albums to much critical acclaim from NPR, Pitchfork and Rolling Stone among others, who called him, “A country boy with a punk-rock heart.” He has toured extensively, appearing on stages from Letterman and the Ryman to your town’s shittiest punk bar.  Order his latest release When I Go I Ghost here Cory Branan website Cory on IG: @corybranan   Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose joins Rhett to talk about the making of her forthcoming album CAZIMI, her first release in nearly a decade. Caitlin explains why the album is a “Pee Wee’s Playhouse situation”, plus the two discuss her passion for poetry, why she was ‘cosmically pushed’ to become an artist, and what it’s like to navigate the music industry after spending time away. Pre-order Caitlin’s new album CAZIMI Caitlin Rose website: https://www.caitlinrose.com/ Caitlin on Twitter: @thecaitlinrose Caitlin on IG: @mscaitlinrose   Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can

Musician, songwriter, and artist Courtney Jaye joins Rhett this week to talk about her ambitious new album, Hymns and Hallucinations. Courtney tells Rhett about why she’s chosen a nomadic lifestyle, shares an important lesson she learned when opening for John Mayer, and explains why the best stuff is the unexpected stuff. Hymns and Hallucinations is available now Courtney on IG: @tropicalijaye Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Go see a show! Rhett’s tour dates are here. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it. Please leave us a rating or review on iTunes. Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with R

Tim Burgess, frontman for The Charlatans joins Rhett from Manchester to talk about his new solo album Typical Music, how he unexpectedly created an online music community with his now-beloved Twitter Listening Party, and why he still considers himself lucky, even after 33 years of success in the music industry. Tim Burgess is a proper polymath, a hyperactive multi-talent whose long remarkable career encompasses over three decades as lead singer and frontman of The Charlatans, five diverse solo albums, three unique memoirs, the foundation of the prismatic O Genesis label, and more than 1000 installments of Tim’s Twitter Listening Party. Typical Music is available now Tim Burgess on Tik Tok: @timburgess535 Website: https://www.timburgessofficial.com/   Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by M

Kathleen Edwards joins Rhett from Florida to talk about taking time away from music to get “big perspective time”, what she learned about her approach to songwriting from Bryan Adams, and shares the advice she often gives emerging artists.  Edwards released Total Freedom, her fifth studio album, on  August 14th via Dualtone Records. Written and recorded in Canada and Nashville with longtime collaborator/guitarist, Jim Bryson, and Grammy-winning songwriter/producer, Fitchuk, Total Freedom is both a return to form and a “hard reset,” one that empowered Edwards to write and perform entirely on her terms. Total Freedom is available now.  Kathleen Edwards on IG: @kittythefool Website: https://kathleenedwards.com   Rhett on IG: @rhettmiller Website: Rhettmiller.com Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dwyer. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode art

This week we have a special episode for you: Rhett on the podcast Too Much Effing Perspective.  Every performer who's ever been on the road has at least one bizarro story that could have been pulled straight from the iconic music mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. Co-hosts Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann delve deep into their guests’ harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap Moments uncovering universal truths along the way.  Rhett shares his own stories of mishaps and misunderstandings - like the time he was recording with Waylon Jennings and had to correct Waylon, his hero, on the way he pronounced a word in the song. Or the time he accidentally insulted a member of The Kids In The Hall, one of his favorite comedy groups. It’s a look back at some of the funny, sometimes absurd, moments that happen when you live a creative life. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Matt Dw

Sam Cohen is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose credits include albums with Kevin Morby, Curtis Harding, Alexandria Savior, and many others. He’s also the producer of Rhett’s new solo album, The Misfit. Sam joins Rhett to talk about the making of the record and how he approaches his work, helping artists when things get difficult in the studio, and why the secret to success is letting go of one’s ego. A multi-talented musician and producer, Sam released his first solo album, Cool It, in 2016. As the man behind the psychedelic-rock band Yellowbirds, Cohen released The Color in 2011 and Songs from the Vanished Frontier in 2013. Most recently, he has produced Kevin Morby‘s album, Singing Saw, Benjamin Booker‘s sophomore release, Witness, Curtis Harding‘s, Face Your Fear, and Resistance Radio: The Man in the High Castle Album (co-produced with Danger Mouse), a companion piece to the eponymous Amazon series, which features Beck, Norah Jones, Karen O, Sharon Van Etten, Michael Kiwanuka and man