Michael McDonald

Shows

Episodes

  1. Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser

    06/04/2024

    Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser

    Michael McDonald’s husky baritone is one of the most instantly recognizable voices from the ‘70s and ‘80s. As a member of The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and a hitmaking solo artist, Michael McDonald’s career is one for the books. Enter Paul Reiser—the comedic actor and writer behind New York Times best-selling books, popular movies and TV shows. Before the start of the pandemic, Paul met Mike McDonald at a party and the two became fast friends. Listening to Michael’s incredible stories, Paul found himself trying to piece together the arc of Michael’s career. They began recording their conversations and soon they had over 600 pages of stories that they eventually turned into the memoir, What A Fool Believes. The book chronicles the highs and lows of Michael’s career, his struggles with addiction, and his lifelong insecurities. On today’s episode Justin Richmond talks to Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser about their unlikely working relationship. Michael also talks about why his proposed Quincy Jones-produced solo album never materialized. And he remembers the time one of his childhood heroes—Ray Charles—chewed him out while wearing a bathrobe. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Michael McDonald songs HERE. And you can grab your copy of this fantastic memoir HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 4m
  2. QLS Classic: Michael McDonald

    05/10/2021

    QLS Classic: Michael McDonald

    Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Michael McDonald talks about the lessons he learned with Steely Dan, his years with the Doobie Brothers and working with artists like Carly Simon, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 52m
  3. Michael McDonald: Once A Doobie, Always A Doobie

    10/25/2019

    Michael McDonald: Once A Doobie, Always A Doobie

    At the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and "yacht rock" pioneer Michael McDonald reflects on his father's disappointment when he put down the banjo for rock and roll, and why he still considers himself a Doobie Brother. Then he plays a game inspired by his love of singers from the 1960s and '70s. Plus, meet the captain of a "cute lil' yellow tugboat," and gain some nautical knowledge. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

    47 min
  4. Michael McDonald: Once A Doobie, Always A Doobie

    05/15/2020

    Michael McDonald: Once A Doobie, Always A Doobie

    Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Michael McDonald reflects on why he still considers himself a Doobie Brother after all these years, then plays a game inspired by his love of 60s singers. This episode originally aired October 25, 2019. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

    52 min
  5. NBA Draft Reactions, Pelicans Party, and THE Worst NBA Owner With Joe House, Plus Michael McDonald | The Bill Simmons Podcast

    06/21/2019

    NBA Draft Reactions, Pelicans Party, and THE Worst NBA Owner With Joe House, Plus Michael McDonald | The Bill Simmons Podcast

    HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to rehash the Pelicans-Lakers trade and point out the winners and losers of the 2019 NBA draft (2:37). Then Bill sits down with the king of Yacht Rock, Michael McDonald, to discuss playing with Steely Dan, his time with the Doobie Brothers, heartbreak songs, his solo career, his summer tour with Chaka Khan, and more (1:25:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 11m
  6. Michael McDonald

    05/20/2024 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Michael McDonald

    McDonald says that earlier in his career, he tended to avoid writing about himself directly in songs. He opens up about his life and career in the memoir, What a Fool Believes. He spoke with Tonya Mosley about his first band as a tween, his songwriting process, and being big in the Black community. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

    46 min
  7. Michael McDonald

    02/25/2021

    Michael McDonald

    Legendary singer/songwriter shares stories about songwriting, finding his voice, Steely Dan, and The Doobie Brothers

    55 min
  8. Best Of: Michael McDonald / The American 'Food Cartel'

    05/25/2024 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Best Of: Michael McDonald / The American 'Food Cartel'

    Grammy-winning musician Michael McDonald looks back on his childhood and his career in a new memoir. He spoke with Tonya Mosley about imposter syndrome and his first band as a tween. Also, investigative journalist and author Eric Schlosser talks about how mergers and acquisitions and very little regulation have all but decimated competition within food systems and supply chains. And Justin Chang reviews Furiosa, the latest film in the Mad Max franchise. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

    48 min
Michael McDonald on Apple