Americana Podcast

Episod

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  Rodeo Sunsets and Silver Screens | Ryan Bingham 21.07.2026 57min

  On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter, actor, and Academy Award winner Ryan Bingham for a conversation recorded at the legendary Continental Club in Austin, Texas. Before Hollywood recognition and Yellowstone fame, Bingham's life was shaped by the realities of the American West—rodeo circuits, ranch work, and years spent writing songs rooted in lived experience rather than romanticized myth. That authenticity became the foundation of a career that began with his breakthrough album Mescalito and led to an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy for "The Weary Kind" from Crazy Heart. Bingham joins REK to discuss his long-awaited return with They Call Us the Lucky Ones, his first studio album in seven years. Created alongside longtime collaborators The Texas Gentlemen, the record emerged from relaxed jam sessions rather than meticulously planned studio work, resulting in an album that feels both spontaneous and deeply personal. Together, REK and Bingham explore songwriting, growing up in the American West, finding an authentic creative voice, and the experiences that continue to shape Bingham's music. It's a conversation about resilience, gratitude, and why the most enduring songs are often the ones that simply tell the truth.
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  Take Me to Church | Meat Church with Matt Pittman 14.04.2026 53min

  On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, Robert Earl Keen sits down with Meat Church founder Matt Pittman to explore the rhythm, tradition, and storytelling behind barbecue. From backyard beginnings to a global brand, Pittman shares how patience, repetition, and instinct shape both great food and meaningful craft.
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  REMASTERED: Billy Strings | From The Big Bang to Bluegrass 10.03.2026 1j 1min

  In celebration of Billy Strings' recent Grammy win, Americana Podcast is proud to present a remastered version of this episode. Join us today as our host, Robert Earl Keen, speaks with Billy Strings about learning to play, the skill of songwriting, and looking up Americana music.
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  Blue Delta Jeans | The Threads of Life 11.02.2026 46min

  Robert Earl Keen visits Oxford, Mississippi, to talk with Blue Delta Jeans co-founders Josh West and Nick Weaver. The trio discusses growing up in the Mississippi Delta, Blue Delta’s craftsmanship-driven approach to bespoke denim, and the company’s COVID-era pivot to PPE. They also explore the broader culture of Mississippi makers and their own past collaborations with Keen. It’s “a music story that doesn’t start on the stage”—a look at how authenticity and craft shape both denim and Americana.
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  James McMurtry | A Man of Many Worlds 07.01.2026 50min

  Robert Earl Keen sits down with James McMurtry for an intimate look at the songwriter’s lifelong commitment to honest, character-driven storytelling. They trace McMurtry’s path from his Texas roots through his early years on the road and into a career defined by sharp observation and endurance. From Too Long in the Wasteland to The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy, McMurtry reflects on craft, influence, and what it means to tell the truth in song.
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  Our Alright Guy | Todd Snider Revisited 03.12.2025 1j 7min

  This special rerun honors the late Todd Snider, whose passing left a deep void. Revisiting this conversation reminds us of the warmth, wit, and singular storytelling that made Todd’s presence unforgettable. His humor, honesty, and crooked-smile perspective linger in every song and story he shared. We return to this episode in gratitude, celebrating the lasting imprint of his voice and the light he brought into the world.
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  Terry Allen & Jo Harvey | Lubbock and Life (On Everything) - Part 2 28.10.2025 38min

  The journey continues in part two of Robert Earl Keen’s conversation with Terry and Jo Harvey Allen, through decades of art, adventure, and enduring love. From their West Texas roots to the creative frontiers of California and New Mexico, the Allens trace a life spent in pursuit of story and song—where every project becomes a new chapter in a shared artistic odyssey. Together, they reveal how chance, courage, and devotion have shaped a partnership as boundless as the landscapes that inspire them.
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  Terry Allen & Jo Harvey | Lubbock and Life (On Everything) - Part 1 23.09.2025 37min

  Terry and Jo Harvey Allen join host Robert Earl Keen for a wide-ranging conversation on art, love, and the West Texas spirit. From songwriting and performance to painting, film, and storytelling, the two share how a lifetime of creation—together and apart—has shaped their place in Americana. Part one of a special two-episode series, this is an intimate look at two iconoclastic artists whose work is as fearless as it is timeless.
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  Evan Felker | Worth More Than the Price of Admission 29.07.2025 52min

  Turnpike Troubadours frontman Evan Felker joins host Robert Earl Keen to talk songwriting, staying grounded, and the road back to the stage. From Oklahoma roots to national resonance, it’s a deep dive into the heart of Red Dirt music and the stories that make it real.
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  Shooter Jennings | Bridging the Gap and Producing the Future 30.06.2025 54min

  In this episode, Robert Earl Keen sits down with Shooter Jennings to explore the roots and evolution of Americana and Country music from Nashville to California. They discuss Shooter's unique role as a producer, his musical legacy, and the upcoming release of unreleased Waylon Jennings tracks.
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  Cheiffalo Americana | A Foray into Fashion 27.05.2025 47min

  In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, we step beyond the soundwaves and into the world of style to explore how fashion shapes—and is shaped by—Americana culture. Host Robert Earl Keen sits down with Roger and Jackie Chieffalo, the founders of Chieffalo Americana, a Fort Worth-based western outfitter that’s rewriting the rules of heritage fashion. Their brand fuses vintage western roots with a modern, urban sensibility, creating garments that speak with the same soul and intention as a well-crafted song. As Roger and Jackie share their journey, listeners will discover how Chieffalo Americana came to life—not overnight, but through a slow-build of shared passion, deliberate craftsmanship, and a deep respect for tradition. This conversation weaves together stories of design, identity, and cultural influence, proving that in Americana, every movement has its merchandise—and every great outfit tells a story.
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  Steve Poltz | Santa Cruz, Saul Bellow, and Kidnapping John Prine 29.04.2025 52min

  In this episode of Americana Podcast, singer-songwriter Steve Poltz is spotlighted for his unique blend of storytelling, humor, and unpredictability that challenges the boundaries of American roots music. Known for co-writing Jewel’s hit You Were Meant for Me, Poltz’s career spans decades and defies easy categorization, blending folk traditions with playful innovation. The episode also features a live performance and delves into how Poltz bridges DIY folk-punk with Americana’s narrative legacy
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  Archival and Revival 25.03.2025 48min

  As Robert Earl Keen & team look forward to more touring, a new record, and a new season of the Americana Podcast, join us as we take a moment to look back, in order to look forward for what’s to come. This episode contains the previous season’s best-of moments from the 51st State. Hear conversation clips from bluegrass genre-bender Billy Strings (01:41), American Aquarium's BJ Barham (08:56), modern day troubadour Brent Cobb (14:45), REK’s good friend and touring pal Elizabeth Cook (18:23), zen-master and songsmith Jim Lauderdale (21:54), the everywoman wonderwoman Lori McKenna (29:38), wild and wonderful Todd Snider (33:21) , and the unmistakable baritone of Jake Smith aka White Buffalo (43:17). We also have insight from Will Vogt (41:28), long-time friend, contributor, and supporter of Americana Podcast. Consider this 5-Year Anniversary recap as your “CliffNotes”, something to study up on before we begin to release next season’s episodes in April 2025, which will feature more of what you’ve come to expect and love about the podcast: in-depth and candid conversations about the craft of songwriting within the greater Americana genre with our trusted and time-tested host, Robert Earl Keen. As well as a very exciting sneak peek from Robert himself about the future of Americana Podcast, and where we are growing and evolving with the genre for the future!! - Billy Strings (01:41) o    BJ Barham (08:56) o    Brent Cobb (14:45) o    Elizabeth Cook (18:23) o    Hiss Golden Messenger (21:48) o    Jim Lauderdale (24:54) o    Lori McKenna (29:38) o    Todd Snider (33:21) o    Vince Herman (37:50) o    Will Vogt (41:28) o    White Buffalo (43:17)
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  Ray Wylie Hubbard (Live from KNBT) | A Five Year Anniversary of Rednecks and Radio 30.04.2024 1j 44min

  Americana Podcast celebrates 5 years with a special live show from KNBT with Ray Wylie Hubbard, Mattson Rainer and Robert Earl Keen. From live performances of the songs you know and love to the stories about how they came to be- this episode is worth celebrating!
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  Hiss Golden Messenger | The Art of Interpretation 16.01.2024 59min

  In this episode of Americana Podcast, host Clara Rose welcomes listeners to a new year and a special show featuring Hiss Golden Messenger. Hiss Golden Messenger, a California native and North Carolina resident, is recognized for his unique blend of soul, rhythmic rock, blues, and experiential lyricism. Celebrating the release of his new record M.C. Taylor (Hiss) talks about the Americana punk continuum, finding space in the studio and much more. The episode also marks a significant milestone, harking back to the early days of the podcast when long-time contributor Will Vogt first introduced the works of M.C. Taylor, aka Hiss Golden Messenger to the show.
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  Gretchen Peters | The Write Place and Time 27.10.2023 1j 11min

  Having recently retired from touring, it’s time to take stock of Gretchen Peters' immeasurable impact on music. Her dedication to storytelling has earned her a place among the most revered songwriters of our time. So join us today as we speak with Gretchen Peters about her serendipitous career, women’s music in country and americana, and whether or not there really is a difference between being a songwriter and being a performer. I’m your producer and host, Clara Rose- and this is Americana Podcast, the 51st State
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  Americana Podcast LIVE | State of Americana Panel 01.05.2023 1j 5min

  It's time to break out the party hats and pop the champagne because the Americana Podcast is celebrating its 4th anniversary! For the past four years, this podcast has been a leading voice in the Americana music scene, sharing interviews, stories, and music from some of the genre's most talented artists. And in our tireless efforts to promote and celebrate the diverse range of sounds and styles, we’ve made plenty of memories and laughter along the way. We’ve strived to provide insights into the creative process, the challenges of the music industry, and share the rich history and culture that inspires Americana music. In order to celebrate this fun little birthday of ours, I’m very pleased to invite you to a live panel recording we did at the Arcadia Live in Kerrville Texas!
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  John R. Miller and Chloe Edmonstone | Shakedown from Shenandoah 01.03.2023 1j 1min

  Join us on this episode of Americana Podcast as our host Robert Earl Keen speaks with John R. Miller and Chloe Edmonstone about songwriting, fiddle tunes, and more
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  Lonestar Lineup | The Voices of Red Dirt and Texas Country 31.01.2023 1j 22min

  Americana Podcast speaks with the artists who possibly have the most pertinent opinions on the state of Red Dirt and Texas Country and their weight in the views of Americana music. On this episode we have musical and actual giant Ray Benson from Asleep at The Wheel. Defender of the Dance Hall Randy Rogers, Okie not from Muskogee Jason Boland of Jason Boland and the stragglers, young blood William Beckmann, whip smart Wade Bowan, and philanthropist at heart Josh Abbott. Saddle up and enjoy the show.
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  Vince Herman | Salmon and Solos 22.11.2022 1j 10min

  So join this episode as our host, Robert Earl Keen goes song by song with Vince Herman. Exploring the parts that make up a musical life and identity.