Best Cousins Williams Productions Podcasts (2025)

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

6h 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
Joy Oladokun Writes Worship Music for Youth Group Rejects (REISSUE), ep. 316 51:18

7d 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
Emmy Nominations Preview 37:16

11d ago37:16

37:16

This year's Emmys are rapidly approaching, with the nominations due to be announced next month. This week, the duo discusses their frontrunners for the coveted spots in the Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series categories. Elsewhere, Brandon mourns his Indiana Pacers, and we collectively drag Madea.

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

9d 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
Chris Thile: Calvin and Hobbes, Classical Music, and Curiosity (REISSUE), ep. 315 1:21:20

16d 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
Dar Williams: Music was Decided for Me (REISSUE), ep. 314 1:03:07

25d 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
The Last Showgirl; Mickey 17 29:40

25d ago29:40

29:40

This week: reviews of The Last Showgirl and Mickey 17 with discussions in the news including the NBA Finals, the French Open, and the ATX TV Festival.

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

1M 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

1M 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
The Last Of Us S2 finale 48:53

1M ago48:53

48:53

This week, Brandon & Lorin break down the season two finale of HBO's The Last of Us. Following the universal praise for its first entry, the second may have been as divisive as the second game. Elsewhere, we discuss headlines from TV upfronts.

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

2M 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
Sinners Make Hollywood Great Again 33:37

2M ago33:37

33:37

This week we're all about the movies as Brandon & Lorin discuss y'all's president's plan to save Hollywood with tarifs. In addition to tariff talk, we circumvent anticipated films of the year, what's happening at Cannes and review Coogler's Sinners, Marvel's Thunderbolts*, and the crime heist classic, Heat.…

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

2M 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
Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris on THE Three Shoes, Alchemy and Weeding out Baddies, ep. 308 57:54

2M 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
The Last of Us; Andor; The Order 42:54

2M ago42:54

42:54

Brandon & Lorin digest the first two episodes of HBO's The Last of Us. The critically acclaimed second season finds Joel and Ellie at a crossroads just as a new threat rises. Later, the two review Justin Kurzel's The Order starring Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult, and Lorin speaks briefly on Andor season two.…

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

2M 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

3M 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
Q1 Review/Q2 Preview 51:40

3M ago51:40

51:40

This week, Brandon & Lorin wrap with our Q1 Review, discussing our favorite TV and film titles of the last three months. We also look ahead to our anticipated titles through April, May, and June.

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

3M 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

3M 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
Anora; Sing Sing; Queer 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

Brandon & Lorin discuss the year's Best Picture Winner, Anora. Starring Mikey Madison, the film follows a young sex worker's whirlwind romance with a wealthy stranger. Is the praise and acclaim deserved? Elsewhere they review Sing Sing and Queer.

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

3M 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
Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302 1:04:32

4M 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
Marvel's Daredevil Born Again; Severance S2 38:12

4M ago38:12

38:12

Brandon & Lorin return to the TV world with Disney+'s Daredevil: Born Again. A decade after Marvel and Netflix released the groundbreaking series, we return to Hell's Kitchen for a new 9-episode season. Elsewhere we recap Apple TV+'s Severance ahead of the season two finale.

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

4M 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

4M 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
2025 Oscars Recap 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

Brandon and Lorin recap the 97th Academy Awards. The Oscars aired on Sunday, March 2 on ABC with host Conan O'Brien. The annual ceremony marks the end of the current awards season.

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

4M 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

4M 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
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
Sundance Festival Wrap-Up; BAFTA Winners & Oscar Nominations 33:31

5M ago33:31

33:31

We cover the films abuzz at this year's Sundance Film Festival and preview the Oscar nominations ahead of the ceremony on March 2.

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

5M 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
Sam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds, ep. 296 58:25

5M 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
Covered in Moss: Anna B Savage's World of Folk, Birds and Ireland, ep. 295 57:32

5M 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
Severance S2E1-3; Netflix's 2025 TV Slate 30:31

5M ago30:31

30:31

Brandon and Lorin digest the first three episodes of Apple TV's Severance. After a three-year hiatus, the psychological thriller returns for more mysteries hidden in the walls of Lumon. We also chat about Netflix's 2025 slate of content.

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

5M 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
Awards Season: Screen Actors Guild & BAFTA Nominations 42:57

6M ago42:57

42:57

In place of the delayed Oscar nominations, Brandon & Lorin discuss the film nominations for the Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA Awards. Later, they chat about the movies they've watched lately.

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

6M 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
Jerry Douglas: From Steel Mills to Dobro Thrills, ep. 291 57:50

6M 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
Severance S1 Retrospective; Comfort Shows; TV Q1 Preview 37:58

6M ago37:58

37:58

The cousins return for a new year and a new episdoe format. Each month a single episdoe will be devoted to TV, while the other focuses on film. This week, current watcher Brandon talks about his initial thoughts of Apple TV+'s Severance ahead of the season two premiere (Jan. 17). Elsewhere, the two share favorite comfort shows and prep calendars wi…

1
Basic Folk: An Official Bluegrass Situation Production 5:06

6M ago5:06

5:06

Basic Folk features honest conversations with folk musicians hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No. We approach interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have. You’ll hear interviews from Three-time Grammy-winning…

1
Year-End Reflections with Cindy & Lizzie: A Wild 2024 Ride, ep. 290 1:11:13

7M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

It's 2024 recap time on Basic Folk! Cindy & Lizzie dive into a most special year-end reflection, featuring highlights from our honest conversations with folk musicians. We revisit THE top episode of the year, Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin's insightful discussion on navigating artistic challenges and living a simple life. Cindy shares her favorite epi…

1
2024 Streamable Awards 51:58

7M ago51:58

51:58

Brandon & Lorin close the year with the second annual Streamable Awards. Learn as they rank the year's favorite movies, shows, and moments in entertainment. They also review the Golden Globes nominations.

1
Nature Calls for Trampled by Turtles' Dave Simonett: Music, Hunting and Home, ep. 289 1:00:14

7M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Dave Simonett, lead singer and songwriter of the bluegrass-adjacent Trampled by Turtles, is a talented musician AND a great outdoorsman. From the small town of Mankato, Minnesota, to the vibrant music scenes of Duluth and Minneapolis, Simonett shares his upbringing in a musically-inclined, nature-loving family, shaped by the sounds of church hymns …

1
What's It Givin' Charlie Brown!? 39:28

7M ago39:28

39:28

What are you thankful for in our current entertainment landscape? Certain TV or movie tropes? Certain creatives or directors? Networks or channels? And what things are you tired of? Influencers? Reboots? Brandon and Lorin discuss what they enjoy in the post-peak entertainment era.

1
Becca Stevens on Grief, Spiritual Co-Writing and Connection, ep. 288 58:17

8M ago58:17

58:17

I (lizzie) first came across Becca Stevens via her collaboration with string group The Attica Quartet. Her new album, Maple to Paper, is really different from her previous releases. If you think you know everything that there is to know about Becca Stevens as a singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, you are wrong. And you are going to be so am…

1
Twisted Pines' Kathleen Parks Secret Polka Past, ep. 287 1:19:48

8M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

Hot off the heels of Twisted Pines' latest release, Love Your Mind, Kathleen Parks is here to dig into her uncelebrated polka origins. Daughter of renowned trumpetist Eric Parks, the younger Parks grew up in New York's Hudson Valley in a very creative family (her mother was also a dancer and the one who made Kathleen practice all the time). She sta…

1
A Great Little Penguin 35:03

8M ago35:03

35:03

This week Brandon & Lorin recap and review HBO's The Penguin. The riveting comic book series based inside Matt Reeves' Batman universe came to a tragically triumphant conclusion. Elsewhere, Brandon finished HBO's A Brilliant Friend while Lorin finished a lot.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Cousins Williams Productions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide