Best Folkmusic Podcasts (2025)

1
The End 5:51

2y ago5:51

5:51

060 This is the final Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast episode. Thanks to David Massengill for taking us out with On The Road to Fairfax County.By Patricia Delich & Wayne Jiang

1
Dulcimer Originals 21:29

2y ago21:29

21:29

059 In this episode we’re playing originals composed and performed on the mountain dulcimer by the artists themselves. You’ll be hearing music from dulcimer players Gary Gallier, Leo Kretzner, Mary Giger, Aubrey Atwater, Neal Walters, Christine Shoemaker, Holly Tannen, and Ken Bloom.By Patricia Delich & Wayne Jiang

1
Ashley Ernst, Publisher and Owner of Dulcimer Players News 31:46

2+ y ago31:46

31:46

058 In this episode we’re featuring our conversation with Ashley Ernst, the owner and publisher of Dulcimer Players News. DPN has been the quarterly magazine for mountain and hammered dulcimer players since 1975. With music from both hammered and mountain dulcimer musicians.By Patricia Delich & Wayne Jiang

1
Black Blind Light Mixtape 1:06:16

2+ y ago1:06:16

1:06:16

A new mix of acoustic and lysergic folk music. Tracklist: Thomas Mera Gartz - En Lycklig Sång Poor Richard - The Gulls Amory Kane - Four Ravens (single version) Yellow Autumn - Energy Spilld Mjölk - Glasverandan Glenn Saiger - Dark Side of the Moon Art Gee - Tea Gardens All That the Name Implies - Black Tuesday Chris Rawlings - Song of Creation Rab…

1
New York, New York 45:33

2+ y ago45:33

45:33

057 We spoke with people born and raised in New York City in the 1950s and 60s who have become well-known dulcimer players. With Joellen Lapidus, Holly Tannen, Doug Berch, and Rob Brereton.By Patricia Delich & Wayne Jiang

1
Ep. 145: Zartonk Academy with Anna and Artyom 31:20

3y ago31:20

31:20

Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Guests: Anna S. Demerjian and Artyom Manukyan In this episode we talk about Zartonk Academy with Anna and Artyom. Anna is the Development Director of Zartonk Academy and Artyom is a cellist, composer, and rapper who will be teaching at the academy. This year, the Academy will be based in Artsakh with…

1
Early Music and the Mountain Dulcimer 34:24

3y ago34:24

34:24

056 In this episode we’re exploring Early Music on the mountain dulcimer. Although the mountain dulcimer didn’t exist until centuries after the Early Music time frame, its tonality fits perfectly with the temperament of Early Music. With music from Howie Mitchell, Holly Tannen, and Jessica Comeau.By Patricia Delich & Wayne Jiang

1
A Winter Miracle 3:04

3+ y ago3:04

3:04

055 Special announcement from Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast.By Patricia Delich & Wayne Jiang

1
Fiddle Tune Stories with The Bach and Beethoven Experience 30:49

3+ y ago30:49

30:49

054 In our final episode, we bring you the Chicago-based group The Bach and Beethoven Experience sharing stories behind some of the fiddle tunes they played on their album An Appalachian Summer. We spoke with fiddler Brandi Berry Benson and dulcimer player Keith Collins, who have their feet firmly grounded in the classical and traditional music wor…

1
Legacy: Interview with Lee Houskeeper 1:18:44

3+ y ago1:18:44

1:18:44

Legacy episodes focus on the enduring impact that Phil Ochs has had on those who knew him, on his fans, and on folk music as a whole. In this episode, I speak to Lee Houskeeper, a very close friend of Phil Ochs, who first met him on the night of his infamous gold suit concert at Carnegie Hall in 1970. Houskeeper is a dazzling storyteller who is sur…

1
Fiddle Tune Stories with Pam Weeks 15:13

3+ y ago15:13

15:13

053 If you’re a mountain dulcimer player, chances are you know how to play more than a few fiddle tunes on your dulcimer. Each tune has its own origin story. These stories are often attached to specific places, events, or people. In this and the next episode, we’ll bring you the backstories of some of these fiddle tunes.…

1
Lyke Wake Dirge // Martin Green - pt 2 1:16:06

3+ y ago1:16:06

1:16:06

We’re back with Martin Green to chat through your fantastic takes of Lyke Wake Dirge, an ancient funeral poem detailing a soul's journey through purgatory into the beyond. If you haven’t already, definitely go and check out part one of this episode where we introduce the song. Listen: Part 1 of Lyke Wake Dirge Also, check out Martin on tour with La…

1
Legacy: Interview with SONiA (disappear fear) 1:12:19

3+ y ago1:12:19

1:12:19

Legacy episodes focus on the enduring impact that Phil Ochs has had on those who knew him, on his fans, and on folk music as a whole. In this episode, we sit down with SONiA, aka Sonia Rutstein of disappear fear, to talk about the impact Phil Ochs had on her life and her music. Learn even more about SONiA at her website: https://www.soniadisappearf…

1
Grant Olson Dulcimer Explorer 25:39

3+ y ago25:39

25:39

052 We spoke with the talented young dulcimer player Grant Olson from Minnesota. In 2019 at the age of 17, Grant won the coveted first place in the Mountain Dulcimer National Championship at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas. In addition to playing the dulcimer, Grant also composes his own music.…

1
Lyke Wake Dirge // Martin Green - pt 1 55:45

3+ y ago55:45

55:45

This episode we're joined by Martin Green who is challenging you to reimagine Lyke Wake Dirge, an ancient funeral chant about the soul’s journey through purgatory. Martin is a multi-award winning musician and composer who has collaborated with many artists and musicians including the likes of Eliza Carthy, Joan Baez, Anais Mitchell and Aidan Moffat…

1
Iwe Kiko // Olugbenga Adelekan - pt 2 57:58

3+ y ago57:58

57:58

We’re joined once again by Olugbenga Adelekan to listen through your incredible takes of Iwe Kiko, a traditional Yoruba children’s song about remembering tradition in a modernised world. If you haven't already, we really recommend you go and listen to part one where Olugbenga introduces the tune to us. Listen: Part 1 of Iwe Kiko Also, check out Olu…

1
Iwe Kiko // Olugbenga Adelekan - pt 1 53:48

3+ y ago53:48

53:48

This episode we're joined by Olugbenga Adelekan who is asking you to reimagine Iwe Kiko, a traditional Yoruba song about agriculture and remembering tradition in an increasingly urbanised world. Olugbenga is a Brighton based DJ, producer and musician, perhaps best known as the bassist in Metronomy and a one half of 'sleek, sci-fi influenced pop' du…

1
Child Owlet // Debbie Armour - pt 2 1:19:54

3+ y ago1:19:54

1:19:54

Debbie is back again as we listen through your brilliant takes of Child Owlet, a harrowing tale of a hapless lad’s grisly execution at the hands of the jaded Lady Erskine and Lord Ronald. If you haven't already, we recommend you go and listen to part one where Debbie introduces the tune to us. Listen: Part 1 of Child Owlet /// YOUR TAKES /// Listen…

1
Child Owlet // Debbie Armour - pt 1 49:59

3+ y ago49:59

49:59

This episode we're joined by Debbie Armour who is asking you to reimagine the dark tale of Child Owlet, with themes of incest, cuckoldry and grisly execution. Debbie is a Glasgow based musician, working primarily with traditional song. Broadly, her work is motivated by ideas of persistence, resonance and deep cultural roots. In her primary project,…

1
Willie O' Winsbury // Stewart Lee - pt 2 1:19:30

4y ago1:19:30

1:19:30

Stewart Lee joins us again to listen through your takes of Willie O' Winsbury. This story sees a king return from prison to find his daughter pregnant and after throwing a bit of a wobble, unexpectedly takes something of a shine to her dashing suitor. If you haven't already, we recommend you go and listen to part one where Stewart introduces the tu…

1
The Sweet Harmonies of Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly 52:00

4y ago52:00

52:00

051 In this episode we feature the stories and music of Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, a husband and wife musical duo based in Warren, Rhode Island. They’re well known for their blend of gorgeous vocals as well as being multi-instrumentalists. The amazing array of instruments they play include old-time banjo, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin, har…

1
Willie O' Winsbury // Stewart Lee - pt 1 53:53

4y ago53:53

53:53

This episode we're joined by the comedian Stewart Lee who is asking you to reimagine Willie of Winsbury, an odd tale of illicit love, a pansexual ghost, and denunciation of property rights. Stewart unpicks some of the rich symbolism at the heart of this beguiling popular folk song and we explore how one man’s accident in the mid-20th century may (o…

1
The Wife of Usher's Well // Anna RG - pt 2 1:05:04

4y ago1:05:04

1:05:04

We’re back with Anna Roberts-Gevalt to listen through your takes. Anna set us the challenge of interpreting The Wife of Usher’s Well, a ghostly story of a mother’s grief as she’s visited by her three departed sons. If you haven’t already, we recommend you listen to part 1 where she introduces the tune and the major themes. Listen: Part 1 of The Wif…

1
Legacy: Interview with Sonny Ochs 1:27:17

4y ago1:27:17

1:27:17

While God Help The Troubadour's regular episodes are on hiatus, we will periodically be releasing bonus content. We've decided to call these "Legacy" episodes, as they will focus on the enduring impact that Phil Ochs has had on those who knew him, on his fans, and on folk music as a whole. In this installment, we had the pleasure of interviewing So…

1
Part Two: I Ain't Marching Anymore 1:43:49

4y ago1:43:49

1:43:49

Part two defines the meaning of the term "hootenanny," reluctantly explores our hero's relationship with another little-known songwriter, and leads us into the release of Phil's second record. After the biography portion, listen to a small circle of friends discuss the album and its impact.By Tori Nelson

1
The Wife of Usher's Well // Anna RG - pt 1 42:05

4y ago42:05

42:05

We’re kicking off the second series with the brilliant Anna RG who’s introducing us to The Wife of Usher’s Well, a ghostly story of a grieving mother visited by her 3 deceased children. Conversation touches on unexpectedly diverse topics such as the life of the British immigrant in America and the often overlooked patchwork of traditions which make…

1
Jim and Betty Woods: The Longtime Owners of McSpadden Dulcimers 44:19

4y ago44:19

44:19

050 In this episode we feature our conversation with Jim and Betty Woods, longtime owners of the renowned McSpadden Dulcimers. Over the last two decades, Jim and Betty were able to maintain and raise the reputation of McSpadden Dulcimers. In 2020, Jim and Betty transferred ownership of McSpadden Dulcimers.…

1
Ep. 144: Joseph Bohigian, composer and performer 30:41

4y ago30:41

30:41

Joseph Bohigian is a composer and performer whose cross-cultural experience as an Armenian-American is a defining message in his music. His work explores the expression of exile, cultural reunification, and identity maintenance in diaspora. His music, described as “delightfully accessible and inventive” (SoundWordSight), has been heard around the w…

1
Ep. 143: Eugenia Forteza, "We don't just make pretty music, it has a message." 47:39

4y ago47:39

47:39

Ep. 143: Eugenia Forteza, opera singer and founder of 360 of Opera. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Eugenia Forteza joins the podcast for a second time during the pandemic (recorded on Dec. 21, 2020). In this podcast we talk about Eugenia's busy schedule during the pandemic, what various arts organizations have done during this tim…

1
The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth 1:15:47

4y ago1:15:47

1:15:47

A new episode to start off the new year, which we surely hope will be a better year. Here we listen to a mixed bag of new discoveries/finds from 2020, including some UK folk, privately pressed westcoast psych, dreamy pop-psych and funky Swedish blues. We also have the honor to play the new single from Kungens män, which will be included in the upco…

1
S1E6: Last Call 32:22

4y ago32:22

32:22

Dangling from a machine most discomfortable indeed, Staggars & Jags have but one hope to be freed. Our journey is over, the writings on the wall. Tip your bartenders folks, it’s time for last call! -- Featuring performances by Riley Cecil Taggart, Sander Randall, Caitlin Dullea, Maya Sharma, Clay Russell, Nadia Pinder, Annie Donley, Ian Lockwood, a…

1
Stay Home and Sing with the Dulcimer: with Aubrey Atwater 16:30

4y ago16:30

16:30

049 Here’s another stay home and play dulcimer episode created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aubrey Atwater shares tips on how to improve singing and singing with the dulcimer.By Patricia Delich & Wayne Jiang

1
S1E5: The Fangipani Forest 43:56

4y ago43:56

43:56

There’s a shack in the forest full of Frangipani trees. Two friends may enter, but only one can leave. Think fast and you may be able to save your own life. But no deal is fair without a worthy sacrifice. -- Featuring performances by Riley Cecil Taggart, Sander Randall, Nadia Pinder, Chloe Troast, Jamie Linn Watson, Caitlin Dullea, Maya Sharma, Cla…

1
S1E4: Rock Bottom 38:45

4y ago38:45

38:45

Staggars, Jags, Captain Black, and the Deuce Find themselves next in line for the noose. Sing me a song, sing me a melody, Surely there's someone who can set them all free!? -- Featuring performances by Riley Cecil Taggart, Sander Randall, Caitlin Dullea, Maya Sharma, Clay Russell, Nadia Pinder, Annie Donley, Mandy Ranero, David Steele, David Bower…

1
Part One: All the News that's Fit to Sing 1:34:42

4y ago1:34:42

1:34:42

Part one begins with the birth of our hero, detailing his life all the way up to the recording of his first studio album. After the biography portion, listen to a small circle of friends discuss the album and its impact.By Tori Nelson, Marie McCarthy

1
Ep. 142: Joe Kinzer, ethnographer, archivist, and ethnomusicologist 41:37

4y ago41:37

41:37

Ep. 142: Joe Kinzer, ethnographer, archivist, and ethnomusicologist Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. From Joe Kinzer's website: I am an ethnographer, archivist, and ethnomusicologist specializing in issues of identity and religious expression in Asian musical contexts. I am the Senior Curatorial Assistant in the Archive of World Mus…

1
S1E3: The Princess & The Pauper 37:50

4y ago37:50

37:50

The gang’s got no money, they’ve eaten their last meal. So Captain Black takes charge: it’s time to steal. As luck would have it, the perfect mark strolls into sight. A princess, with a dowry, promised on her wedding night. -- Featuring performances by Riley Cecil Taggart, Sander Randall, Caitlin Dullea, Maya Sharma, Clay Russell, Nadia Pinder, Mar…

1
Ep. 141: David Korevaar, "You can access the world, it's not easy to reach the world..." 46:34

4+ y ago46:34

46:34

Ep. 141: David Korevaar, "You can access the world, it's not easy to reach the world..." Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. In this episode Korevaar talks about his studies with Earl Wild and David Diamond, recordings, teachings and much more. Hailed for his “wonderfully warm, pliant, spontaneous playing” by the Washington Post, award…

1
S1E2: The Mighty Bite 29:28

4+ y ago29:28

29:28

To open a restaurant, you must pass inspection No rats, no bats, no infected confection If you think an A grade is easy to reach You, my friend, have never met Mizz Bleach -- Featuring performances by Riley Cecil Taggart, Sander Randall, Caitlin Dullea, Maya Sharma, Clay Russell, Nadia Pinder, Abby Salzberg, and Zach Swan Donate and support the sho…

1
S1E1: The Big Drink 36:56

4+ y ago36:56

36:56

The Big Drink is the bar where our story is told Where singing and dancing is treasured like gold It seemed nothing could stop the endless moonshine But the gang would soon meet a most sinister swine -- Featuring performances by Riley Cecil Taggart, Sander Randall, Caitlin Dullea, Maya Sharma, Clay Russell, Nadia Pinder, Annie Donley, Ian Lockwood,…

1
Ep. 140: Leslie Mandoki, "Music is the greatest unifier.." 46:50

4+ y ago46:50

46:50

Ep. 140: Leslie Mandoki, "Music is the greatest unifier.." Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. In this episode rockstar Leslie Mandoki talks about his early years in Hungary, being a refugee in Germany and eventual rise to stardom. In 1991, Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, and Al Di Meola became founding members of Leslie Mandoki’s band proje…

4+ y ago56:21

56:21

Ep. 133: Abo Gumroyan, Grammy winning bassist. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Grammy Award-winning electric and double bassist Abe Gumroyan crosses musical borders on a daily basis. His diverse musical background has allowed him to perform a wide range of genres ranging from salsa and Latin jazz to traditional Armenian and ethnic …

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