Clover County on Songwriting, Authenticity, and the Creative Life Behind Her Debut Album

The Bones of J.R. Jones: Creativity, Identity & the Art of Reinvention

David Fleming on disappearing prose, deadline discipline, and the story behind A Big Mess in Texas—plus why the work matters more than the label.

Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) on “Long After the Fire,” making music with John Cowsill, band life, creativity, and songwriting — Wheels Off with Rhett Miller

Briscoe on Building Harmony, Humility, and Songs That Last

Rhett sits down with his longtime bandmate and creative partner, Murry Hammond for a conversation about their 35+ years of making music together—from early songwriting days in Dallas to their latest solo and collaborative albums. Hammond opens up about the evolution of his creative process, the emotional weight that shapes his songwriting, and how depression, humor, and stubborn dedication all feed his art. It's an episode that captures the rare intimacy of two lifelong friends and collaborators reflecting on their shared creative journey, and the enduring partnership that fuels one of alternative country’s most beloved bands. Out now! Listen to Rhett’s new album “A lifetime of riding by night” https://rhettmiller.com/ Listen to Murry’s latest release “Trail Songs of the Deep ​​https://murryhammond.com/ Catch Rhett and Murry on tour this fall Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda Shires on Fiddle, Songwriting, and Finding Magic Beyond Music

Matt Nathanson on Songwriting, Self-Doubt, and the Relentless Joy of Creating

Americana legend James McMurtry opens up about his songwriting process, storytelling craft, and the realities of life on the road.

Samantha Fish on Paper Doll, Songwriting, and Life on the Road

The Turnpike Troubadours frontman opens up about creativity, collaboration, and the road back to music.

Ray Benson on Lifelong Hustle, Imperfection, and the Power of Hanging Out

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Josh Rouse opens up about navigating the industry’s evolution while staying connected to what matters most.

The Nashville-based singer-songwriter talks about her acclaimed new album Little Blue, surviving the hustle, building community, and trusting the long road.

Chris Trapper on Resilience, Grief, and the Long Game of Music

Rhett is joined by multi-instrumentalist, folklorist, and genre-defying artist Jordan Wax to discuss his emotionally rich new album, The Heart Deciphers. With roots in Missouri and a home in rural New Mexico, Jordan brings a rare blend of intergenerational storytelling, Jewish diasporic heritage, and indie rock sensibility to his work. The two explore the complexities of honoring tradition while making art that feels alive in the present moment. Jordan opens up about the deeply personal nature of his latest songs, sung partly in Yiddish, and the surprising universality of intimate, hyper-niche creative expression. He also shares what it's like to build music from micro-communities, how he wrestles with internal doubts, and why the best antidote to creative paralysis is showing up for your art—even when it's hard. Listen Now: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and all major platforms. Stream The Heart Deciphers wherever you listen to musicLearn more at jordanwax.com Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven.  Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Gedge on 40 Years of Indie Rock, Songwriting Joy, and The Wedding Present’s Legacy

Singer-songwriter Esther Rose joins Rhett to discuss her transformative new album WANT, her journey into music, and the evolution of her sound. Dialing in from Santa Fe, Esther shares why this record feels like her most personal yet, how she confronts anxiety through songwriting, and the importance of agency in art and life. Follow Esther @therealestherrose Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. 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.   Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nathan Hill on Slime, Sincerity, and the Long Game of Writing

Rebecca Martin: On Music, Advocacy, and Creative Wisdom