Best Basic Folk Podcasts (2025)

1
Gina Chavez: From Choir Kid to Latin Grammy Nominee, ep. 321 1:05:37

13h ago1:05:37

1:05:37

New bestie Gina Chavez speaks about her journey in music, her deep love for connecting with people, and the influence of her mixed cultural background on Basic Folk. Her parents are of Mexican and Swiss-German descent. Her father, although second generation Mexican-American, was not raised with Spanish language or any Mexican culture. Gina discusse…

1
Tree Architect - Tom Joye - E34 56:27

7d ago56:27

56:27

Dubbed “the education of the eye” by its founders, Tree Architecture is an alternative way of seeing and interpreting trees and ex-forester, Tom Joye, has been leading sold out courses on the subject for some years now in the UK, creating a quiet revolution in how we think about and manage the trees we look after. Tom shares the core perspective-sh…

1
Tony Kamel Believes in Life and You Should Too, ep. 320 41:34

8d ago41:34

41:34

You may recognize the voice, face, and vibe of wonderful human being Tony Kamel from his acclaimed bluegrass group, Wood & Wire. But Tony is on Basic Folk today to talk about his wonderful solo albums, including his latest, 'We're All Gonna Live.' The album, which just came out, is a realist-optimist's guide to navigating a complex and often heartb…

1
Kora Feder is the Future of Political Folk Songwriting, but also Has Too Many Craft Projects, ep. 319 41:53

14d ago41:53

41:53

On this episode of Basic Folk, Kora Feder talks about her new album, 'Some Kind of Truth,' as well as reflecting on the incredible changes and growth she's experienced since we last spoke in February 2020. One of the impacts of the pandemic on her music career was the necessity of exploring other artistic ventures like crafting hats and lino-cuttin…

1
Podcast with Hillang Yajik | Gold Medalist | Her Rawest, Most Unfiltered Conversation Ever 52:34

20d ago52:34

52:34

In this powerful episode of Smalltalk with Koko, we sit down with Hillang Yajik—the first woman from Arunachal Pradesh to win gold at the South Asian Bodybuilding & Physique Championships. From her early days of dance to becoming an international bodybuilding champion, Hillang opens up like never before. She talks about her struggles, sacrifices, m…

1
Rainforest Communicator - Alejandra Hart - E33 47:27

21d ago47:27

47:27

Alejandra Hart is a writer and Woodland Trust Communications Officer whose heartfelt stories inspire people to care more deeply about temperate rainforest restoration in the UK. Tom and co-host, Arifah Sheikh, learn about the unique meeting of minds that Alejandra took part in at Buckland Wood on Dartmoor, discuss why pausing to listen is so essent…

1
Tami Neilson: On Taking Wynonna's Call, Her Scary Near-Death Experience, and Willie Nelson, ep. 318 1:13:32

22d ago1:13:32

1:13:32

In recent years, Tami Neilson has been learning to carry both great joy and great sorrow simultaneously. The New Zealand-based, Canada-born powerhouse's new album, 'Neon Cowgirl,' is named after the towering electric figure on a sign that's overlooked Broadway in Nashville, watching over Tami's career since she was 16 years old. The songs were born…

1
Indigo Girls: Activism Through Fashion and Community Through Food (REISSUE), ep. 317 57:13

29d ago57:13

57:13

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the past several weeks, Basic Folk has been digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. This is our last Reissue for now, so please enjoy! This episode featuring separate interviews with The Indi…

1
Worm Guy - Kevin Chase - E32 46:26

1M ago46:26

46:26

Forest Entomologist, Kevin Chase Ph.D, is a Researcher with Bartlett Tree Experts who grew up in the Appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania, USA. Tom and Kevin talk about their special collaboration around worms, unearth what makes these humble ecosystem engineers so vital to trees and then burrow deep into the fascinating 'Allee Effect' philosophy.…

1
Joy Oladokun Writes Worship Music for Youth Group Rejects (REISSUE), ep. 316 51:18

1M ago51:18

51:18

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the past several weeks, Basic Folk has been digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy! This episode featuring Lizzie No interviewing Joy Oladokun, was originally posted on February 24, 20…

1
Watchhouse in Conversation with Jacob Sharp (Mipso) (Bonus) 45:55

1M ago45:55

45:55

(Editor's Note: Oh, WOW! A bonus, surprise episode with Watchhouse? Yes! And it is a treat. We are pleased to have Jacob Sharp of Mipso as our guest host in conversation with his friends Andrew Marlin and Emily Franz of Watchhouse, talking about their new studio album, 'Rituals.' The record was co-produced with Ryan Gustafson of The Dead Tongues. T…

1
They got real | They got raw |GilithiGreams like you’ve never heard before | Tab to listen. 48:45

1M ago48:45

48:45

In this powerful episode, we sit down with GilithiGreams—the first-ever pop girl group from Arunachal Pradesh. From viral dance routines to soul-touching Nyishi lyrics, the girls talk openly about what it takes to build something that’s never been done before. They didn’t hold back—this conversation is raw, emotional, and unfiltered. We dive into: …

1
Chris Thile: Calvin and Hobbes, Classical Music, and Curiosity (REISSUE), ep. 315 1:21:20

1M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy! This episode featuring Cindy Howes interviewing Chris Thile was originally posted on September 9, 2021 aft…

1
Unfiltered with Kon Jarbin — Laughter, Jet Lag & the Road to Aturto 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

In this episode of Smalltalk with Koko, we sat down with Kon Jarbin just hours after he landed — jet-lagged, but still walked in with a bouquet, a handwritten note, and all the warmth in the world. We recorded this right before his explosive win at ATURTO 3.0: Dirang Dominance, where he made his professional MMA debut with a 2-minute TKO victory ov…

1
Dar Williams: Music was Decided for Me (REISSUE), ep. 314 1:03:07

2M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. This episode featuring Lizzie No interviewing Dar Williams originally posted on October 14, 2021. Enjoy!) Dar Williams…

1
Bonsai Collector - Amelia Williams - E31 53:19

2M ago53:19

53:19

Bonsai connoisseur, Amelia Williams, has been studying and working with trees of all sizes for more than 20 years, most recently as Director of UK tree consultancy firm - the Arb Company. Tom and Amelia zoom in on the miniature world of tiny tree craft and discuss what bonsai can teach us about better looking after bigger trees, as well as ourselve…

1
John Hiatt is Actually Not Scared to Talk about His Feelings (REISSUE), ep. 313 51:06

2M ago51:06

51:06

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy!) This episode featuring Cindy Howes interviewing John Hiatt originally posted on August 5, 2021. In 2021, …

1
Anaïs Mitchell: 2019 Pre-Broadway interview on Hadestown, Lamb Rearing, and Untangling Third Wave Feminism (REISSUE), ep. 312 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging back into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to listen back. Enjoy!) Listening back, I feel like this 2018 interview with Anaïs Mitchell holds up. Originally published on Jan…

1
Morgan Toney on Circles, Elders, and Phil Collins, ep. 311 1:00:58

2M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Circles have played a huge role in fiddler and singer Morgan Toney's life thus far: from drum circles, to talking circles, to the Earth itself (a circle!). In our Basic Folk conversation, Morgan talks about his L'nu (also known as Mi'kmaq) heritage and growing up on what's now called Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where his ancestors have lived since ti…

1
Kris Delmhorst: Inching Forward through Sleepless Nights, ep. 310 52:20

3M ago52:20

52:20

Kris Delmhorst is not a good sleeper. The Western Massachusetts songwriter is usually awake from 2 or 3 am to about 4 or 5am. Sometimes it feels nice and floaty, but other times she is wide awake worrying about anything her brain can get a hold of. This is similar to a feeling with which she ended her tenth record, 'Ghosts in the Garden,' with the …

1
Sara Watkins on I'm With Her's Witchy AF New Record, ep. 309 54:09

3M ago54:09

54:09

Sara Watkins joins Basic Folk to talk about 'Wild and Clear and Blue,' the new album from I'm With Her, her band with Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan. The new LP was inspired by looking back on your life in order to move forward, with a very witchy manner of speaking that encompasses the ancient, mysterious, and spiritual. Sara shares insights int…

1
The Mystery Guest - E30 30:38

3M ago30:38

30:38

Tom meets a mystery guest in what ends up being a particularly revealing interview for him personally... Find links to all The Meaning of Trees Podcast channels and content here: https://linktr.ee/themeaningoftreespodcastBy Tom Hill

1
Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris on THE Three Shoes, Alchemy and Weeding out Baddies, ep. 308 57:54

3M ago57:54

57:54

Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris talk to Lizzie and Cindy for Basic Folk on-board the Cayamo cruise in front of a live audience. We get down to business in addressing NICE things by asking Mary what kind of shoes she's wearing – as she has a reputation for enjoying the good stuff, especially on her feet. After that, we asked and Jaimee Harris enthus…

1
IN ARBORETUM Filmmaker - Kate Colenbrander - E29 54:34

3M ago54:34

54:34

Kate Colenbrander is a Canadian filmmaker, photographer, writer and UCL Anthropology graduate who brings hidden stories to light from beneath the surface of mainstream conversation. Tom and Kate discuss her provocative new film - In Arboretum - which poses important questions about the lack of protection our oldest trees face versus development, wh…

1
Susan Werner on Defining Hard Work, Paid Vacations, and Relaxing as Indie Musician, ep. 307 46:29

3M ago46:29

46:29

The dynamic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Susan Werner talks to us onboard the Cayamo cruise, which she describes as a "paid vacation." Reflecting on her upbringing on a working farm, Susan discusses the hard work that shaped her, but also how she’s learning to embrace rest and relaxation. With humor and insight, she navigates the balance be…

1
Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 34:55

4M ago34:55

34:55

Originally from the village of Mutungo, Uganda (near the country's capital of Kampala), Jon Muq's journey to his current life of touring with an Austin, Texas home-base has been unconventional. Onboard the Cayamo cruise earlier this year, we talked to Jon about his childhood experiences, including fetching water with friends and "We Are the World,"…

1
Deep Time Forest Researcher - Elena Pearce - E28 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

Elena Pearce is a post-doctoral Researcher with Aarhus University in Denmark with a special curiosity in what Europe’s forest ecology was like before the last ice age. Hear her explanation of the long term warming and cooling cycles of our planet, her thoughts on how studying the forests of the past can help us better understand the present picture…

1
Ani DiFranco & Carsie Blanton: Menopause, The Wild Child, and Naps to fight Capitalism, ep. 305 43:44

4M ago43:44

43:44

Basic Folk is making trouble at sea with Ani DiFranco and Carsie Blanton! Hosts Lizzie and Cindy had the opportunity to speak with the two like-minded radical songwriters aboard the 2025 edition of Cayamo, a roots music cruise. Our conversation kicks off with Ani sharing her transformative experience performing as Persephone in the Broadway show 'H…

1
Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304 46:20

4M ago46:20

46:20

The legendary Loudon Wainwright III, whose career has spanned over five decades, is known for his deeply personal songwriting and sharp wit – and oversharing. The patriarch of the Wainwright folk dynasty (which includes Rufus, Martha, their late mother Kate McGarrigle, as well as Lucy and her mother Suzzy Roche), Loudon reflects on the balance betw…

1
Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303 1:01:14

4M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Olivia Ellen Lloyd's latest album, 'Do It Myself,' sees the West Virginia-born Brooklyn-based songwriter reflecting on the powerful imagery of water. She shares how it has been a source of grounding and calmness in her life, from childhood memories spent on the Potomac River to her current love for the ocean, these elements have shaped her artistic…

1
Big Tree Hunter - Fred Breglia - @bigtreehunters - E27 46:46

4M ago46:46

46:46

Fred Breglia is Director of the Landis Arboretum in Upstate New York and a huge advocate for the protection of old growth forests and champion trees, connecting more than 1.5 million tree enthusiasts from around the world through his much loved Instagram and Facebook accounts. Tom and Fred talk about his very first encounter with a giant tree, the …

1
Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302 1:04:32

5M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has led an illustrious, sometimes mysterious career which has spanned decades and genres. Hailing from and still living in Louisville, KY, in our Basic Folk conversation Will reflects on his journey from a young artist struggling to find his place in the music world to a seasoned musician who embrac…

1
Rose Cousins & Edie Carey: Bast Friendship, Music, and the Art of Spatula-ing Life, ep. 301 1:25:31

5M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

Rose Cousins and Edie Carey's friendship has blossomed for over two decades. On the occasion of Rose releasing her new album, 'Conditions of Love - Vol 1,' the pair appear on Basic Folk to discuss the new music. They reflect on their early days and their first meeting as well as the ways they’ve influenced each other's careers and personal growth. …

1
Sierra Hull: Mandolin Magic and Small Town Roots, ep. 300 1:06:40

5M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

When mandolinist Sierra Hull was little, her dad told her she was really good "for a ten year old." The older Hull knew Sierra had a fiery passion for the instrument and he knew exactly how to motivate his daughter. He went on to say that if she wanted to go to jams and porch-play for the rest of her life, she'd learned enough. He gave her realisti…

1
Basic Folk Presents: Folk Files: Shady Grove 25:27

5M ago25:27

25:27

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! Folk Files is a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music through the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music th…

1
Gary Louris talks to Mark Erelli on Songwriting, Late in Life Love, and Technology, ep. 299 1:01:02

5M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

You probably know Gary Louris as the leader of The Jayhawks – or as they refer to themselves, “a band from Minnesota.” The Jayhawks are pioneers of roots rock, alt-country, and Americana. Whatever you wanna call it, they’ve been making records where rock, pop, country, and other forms of American roots music overlap since the mid-1980s. But Louris’…

1
Chum Darang – The Most Real Personality of Bigg Boss | Smalltalk with Koko 28:33

5M ago28:33

28:33

Description: In this episode, I sit down with Chum Darang, who recently made waves in Bigg Boss and earned recognition as one of the most real and authentic personalities on the show. She has made a name for herself in the industry, and it was great having her as a guest on Smalltalk with Koko. This is a short and sweet conversation, but I hope you…

1
Lilly Hiatt: Driving Tunes and Life Lessons, ep. 297 44:50

5M ago44:50

44:50

Singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt has an interesting way of working melodies and a down to earth way of telling stories about her life and about how she sees the world. All of her albums have cool, crunchy guitar parts that take folk songwriting to a new rockin' level. On her new album 'Forever,' Hiatt's diverse influences are woven into songs that tou…

1
Bonus Mary Sue Twohy: From Folk Roots to Radio Waves 41:12

6M ago41:12

41:12

SiriusXM's folk radio programmer Mary Sue Twohy has not had a straight career path, but it's certainly been adventurous. Mary Sue, who is about to be inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame, has held many different jobs over her life, most notably as a touring singer songwriter and as a beloved folk radio programmer, host and active community member…

1
Ancient Tree Ecologist - Vikki Bengtsson - E26 44:19

6M ago44:19

44:19

As a founding member of the Ancient Tree Forum, Vikki Bengtsson has studied Europe's veteran trees and their special ecology for more than 30 years and her latest research remains at the cutting edge of tree related-science. Tom and Vikki chat holes, hollows and cavities, delve deep into the idea that trees might live forever (if we let them) and d…

1
Sam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds, ep. 296 58:25

6M ago58:25

58:25

Although the ever-enigmatic Sam Moss is not a great swimmer, he named his latest album 'Swimming.' The folk singer with a gentle demeanor is back with thoughtful songs and captivating melodies. Hailing from New England, Sam has carved out a unique niche in the folk world, blending naturalistic themes with an introspective approach to songwriting. W…

1
Artist & Father - Luke Adam Hawker - @lukeadamhawker - E25 52:43

6M ago52:43

52:43

Luke Adam Hawker is a tree-inspired artist, a devoted father, a Sunday Times best selling author and a Woodland Trust ambassador. After a short walk in the Surrey Hills, Tom and Luke sit down to discuss the timeless powers of trees in storytelling, the way his son Harry has irreversibly shaped his life for the better and how trees can offer faith i…

1
Covered in Moss: Anna B Savage's World of Folk, Birds and Ireland, ep. 295 57:32

6M ago57:32

57:32

Anna B Savage is down to earth and witchy as hell at the same time. Over her three albums, she's cultivated a memorizing sound and epic image – like David Bowie, Bjork, Kate Bush, etc. – that's gained her a god-like reputation. A reputation which preceded the actual human being behind the art, leaving some to wonder what it would be like to speak t…

1
Wild Boar Expert - Chantal Lyons - E24 48:16

6M ago48:16

48:16

Chantal Lyons is author of ‘Groundbreakers: The Return of Britain’s Wild Boar’ and has spent the past few years immersing herself into the world of megafauna. After walking in the Forest of Dean, Tom and Chantal discuss wild boars’ special role in supporting forest ecology, the perceptions of danger that often accompany them and her hopes for a wor…

1
Carolyn Kendrick's Devilish Detour: Satan's Folk Music, Moral Panic and the Color Red, ep. 294 1:07:30

6M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Carolyn Kendrick's latest project explores complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil (AKA Satan, AKA Lucifer). The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album, 'Each Machine,' which is accompanied by a thought-provoking zine. In our Basic Folk conversation, she discusses the significance of the co…

1
Josh Kaufman: Imperfect Folk Music & Backstage Snacks, ep. 293 1:02:56

6M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Multi-talented musician and producer Josh Kaufman is known for his work with Josh Ritter, The National, and his band Bonny Light Horseman. I've known Josh for many years, after meeting him in Pittsburgh while he was on tour with Dawn Landes. I felt instant friendship with him (and honestly with the entire Dawn Landes band that day). We haven't seen…

1
Lutalo: Hip Hop Roots and Folk Future(s), ep. 292 50:22

7M ago50:22

50:22

In 2024, Vermont's Lutalo released their debut album, The Academy. In this episode of Basic Folk, they share the profound influence of their father, whose deep love for artistry and creativity laid the foundation for Lutalo's musical path. We delve into the broad variety of their influences, from underground hip-hop to African drumming classes, eac…

1
iTaukei Mental Health Advocate - Meli Tanuku - E23 25:53

7M ago25:53

25:53

Meli Tanuku Nakauvadra is a Counselling and Education student at Fiji's National University and a strong advocate for mental health awareness in indigenous iTaukei culture. Tom and Meli talk about why trees and natural spaces matter so much in a developing country with a rich indigenous heritage to protect and discuss the concept of 'dominion' in t…

1
Jerry Douglas: From Steel Mills to Dobro Thrills, ep. 291 57:50

7M ago57:50

57:50

Jerry Douglas is widely regarded as the best Dobro player in the world. Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and James Taylor are counted among his many collaborators and his four-decade career has earned him 16 GRAMMY Awards and numerous other accolades. In our Basic Folk conversation, he shares stories about his upbringing in Warren, Ohio, where his fa…

1
The Mythical Seacraft - E22 15:10

7M ago15:10

15:10

The story of Na Waqa Drua, a revolutionary project to create a giant twin-hulled, wind-powered ocean canoe combining ancient and cutting edge technologies in a shared mission to sail around the world. Tom interviews Carson Young and his diverse team of innovators to learn how they are bringing back to life a Fijian odyssey whilst ensuring that it’s…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Basic Folk Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide