Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman

Leah Roseman

There’s a fascinating variety to a life in music; this series features wonderful musicians worldwide with in-depth conversations and great music. Many episodes feature guests playing music spontaneously as part of the episode or sharing performances and albums. The inspiration and connection found in a meaningful creative life, the challenges faced, and the stories from such a diversity of people will draw you into this weekly series, with many topics that will resonate with all listeners. Available also as video and transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/about

  1. How We Cancel the Noise: Mack Hagood on Sound, Tech, and Attention

    HACE 2 H

    How We Cancel the Noise: Mack Hagood on Sound, Tech, and Attention

    I really enjoyed this opportunity to speak with Mack Hagood, author of Hush: Media and Sonic Self-Control, to explore how we use sound to manage our minds, moods, and modern lives. From white noise apps and noise-cancelling headphones to tinnitus and sound therapy, Mack helped me understand the complex relationship between media, technology, and the human need to tune in (or out). We discuss the surprising cultural history behind everyday sonic tools — from the 1964 Sleep-Mate sound conditioner to Irv Teibel’s visionary Environments recordings, to Dr. Amar Gopal Bose’s 1978 flight epiphany that led to noise-cancelling headphones. Mack reflected on teaching “The Smartphone in Society,” and concerns with both social media and streaming platforms. Towards the end of this conversation he explained why started his podcast Phantom Power and how his childhood in New Orleans eventually led him to the new field of sound scholarship. Complete Show Notes with all the links! Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:34) life as a guitarist, Pinetop (05:47) tinnitus (15:32) first white noise machine Sleep Mate (22:54) Hush: Sonic Media and Sonic Self-Control, Irv Teibel environments series (30:36) Bose noise-cancelling headphones (35:30) Edison Realism test, how our listening is culturally conditioned (41:03) other linked episodes and ways to support this series (41:47) soundscapes, R. Murray Schafer, field recordings (45:14) podcast Phantom Power (49:02) Walkmans, consumption of music, white noise apps (52:14) The Smartphone in Society, social media (59:08) why Mack got into podcasting as a sound scholar, Liz Pelley, problems with Spotify (01:08:07) how he became a sound scholar

    1 h y 15 min
  2. Michael Stephen Brown: Composer and Pianist with Album Preview Twelve Blocks

    HACE 6 DÍAS

    Michael Stephen Brown: Composer and Pianist with Album Preview Twelve Blocks

    Michael Stephen Brown is both a fantastic pianist and composer, and in this episode you’ll be hearing some excerpts from his upcoming album Twelve Blocks, which is a very personal project for him of chamber music and solo piano pieces. You’ll hear the stories and personal connections with each of these works that he’s composed. He shared his experiences at several inspiring arts residencies including living in Aaron Copland’s house unplugged from the internet, his close friendship with the late Shirley Perle, and his research into Felix Mendelssohn’s relationship with Delphine von Schauroth and her compositions. We talked about the importance of removing the stigma from getting therapy and providing more affordable access to mental health support to those in the performing arts through his support of Creative Care. and his longstanding collaboration with cellist and comedian Nick Canellakis; you’ll also be hearing a clip of one of their performances. At the core of this interview are Michael’s broad interests and how he reflects his curiosity and love of storytelling in his creative work. There’s lots more to this in-depth episode, and all the music you’ll be hearing is composed by Michael; have a look at the show notes for all the links. Photo: Sofian Kahn (00:00) Intro (02:31)learning composition and piano from age of 5, teachers Rothgarber, Julliard, Lowenthal, Adler (06:16) 12 Blocks with clip, Ursula Oppens, Jerome Lowenthal (08:32) more previews of 12 Blocks with clips, Osmo Vänskä, Erin Keefe, Yaddo residency, Lake Alan, Love’s Lives Lost, Susanna Phillips, SPA trio, Paul Neubauer (18:35) inspiration from poetry and personal relationships, clip Breakup Etude for Right Hand Alone (21:45) McDowell artist retreat, Carnival of Endangered Wonders (29:23) Andràs Schiff mentorship (31:05) Delphine von Schauroth and Felix Mendelssohn (34:55) other linked episodes and how to support this series (35:50) Aaron Copland residency

    1 h y 7 min
  3. Jennifer Johnson: How Body Mapping Transforms the Way We Play and Live

    2 NOV

    Jennifer Johnson: How Body Mapping Transforms the Way We Play and Live

    This week’s episode is a personal one for me, since Jennifer Johnson has been helping me gain more ease and comfort in violin playing and living in general. An understanding of Body Mapping will help you whether you play an instrument, sing, or simply go about your daily life. Jennifer Johnson is a violinist, film maker, and the author of several books including “What Every Violnist Needs to Know About the Body”. She’s an internationally sought-after Master Teacher and Teacher Trainer in Body Mapping and is renowned for her expertise in helping musicians to move according to the design of their bodies to prevent playing injuries and promote ease. I also wanted to shine a light on Jennifer’s film Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story, which is partly a beautiful tribute to her inspiring mentor Barbara Conable. I’m sure you’ll find this conversation with Jennifer is full of actionable tips and insights to help you, including some of the best advice about dealing with stage fright that I’ve ever heard. Complete show notes: including links for Jennifer's film, her website, my newsletter, podcast merch and linked episodes with transcript and video. (00:00) Intro (01:59) string quartet career, injury, Alexander Technique, meeting Barbara Conable, Body Mapping (11:05) Body Mapping, common mismappings (17:29) transformations, stories of Body Mapping success (25:50) film "Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story”, Duane Andrews, Murat Eyuboglu (36:51) other linked episodes, ways to help this series (37:36) worldwide community of Body Mapping educators (41:23) Jennifer’s books, backwards walking, 6 places of balance (53:04) humero-scapular rhythm (58:39) film, Barbara Conable quotes, instrument-specific books (01:04:16) stage fright advice (01:10:44) how to teach Body Mapping to children photo: Colette Phillips

    1 h y 15 min
  4. Agalisiga Mackey: Cherokee Language, Alive in Song

    25 OCT

    Agalisiga Mackey: Cherokee Language, Alive in Song

    Cherokee singer-songwriter Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey shares the story behind his debut country-folk album, created entirely in the Cherokee language with producer Jared Tyler. He discusses language revitalization, the Cherokee syllabary, immersion schools, and the impact of boarding schools. Agalisiga also reflects on Indigenous history, cultural preservation, and his musical influences—showing how traditional language and contemporary music can keep a culture thriving. Agalisiga Mackey Music Show notes: bring you to other episodes you'll like, newsletter sign-up to get sneak peeks, podcast merch, buy me a coffee, YouTube video, and transcript! (00:00) Intro (02:39)Cherokee culture and language (10:11)When I was a Boy Tsitsutsa Tsigesv with clip (13:24) developing Cherokee language and culture app (17:31) forced relocation Trail of Tears (22:00) Agalisiga’s elders, legacy of boarding schools (28:55) Tiny Desk experience, clip Daganigisi (I’m Gonna Leave) (32:18) other episodes linked and ways to support this project (33:05) Sequoyah’s Syllabary, Cherokee sounds and culture (41:33) musical influences, clip of Gatlohiha (I’m Crying) (48:19) Bringing the language into the present, creating the album, Jared Tyler, clip of Dvkiyohiselvi (I Shall Be Released) (57:47) Anvdvnelisgi ᎠᏅᏛᏁᎵᏍᎩi album (59:16) family, learning Spanish (01:02:11) bringing the culture into the present

    1 h y 6 min
  5. Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea, Disability Rights Activist Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea, Musician and Disability Rights Activist

    18 OCT

    Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea, Disability Rights Activist Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea, Musician and Disability Rights Activist

    Gaelynn Lea is a violinist, singer-songwriter, disability rights advocate, author, and public speaker. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Gaelynn began her musical journey with the support of a childhood music teacher and her musical family. You’ll hear about how her big break happened when she won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, which led to a fascinating creative life which in the last few years has included international touring and scoring Macbeth on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga. Gaelynn is really open to trying new things, and this really came through as she talked to me about how she’ll never have enough time to explore all her curiosities, reflections on her first compositions and songs, how she collaborated with mentors Alan Sparhawk, and Charlie Parr, and how she created a new musical fable for the stage called Invisible Fences with disabled storyteller Kevin Kling. You’ll be hearing clips from some of Gaelynn’s albums during the podcast, and her Bandcamp is linked in the show notes for you. We begin with a look at her upcoming memoir—It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect— a warm, funny and deeply-felt exploration of disability, music, and the messy creativity of an artist’s life. I plan to welcome Gaelynn back for a future episode focused on that work. You can find the pre-order link in the show notes. It will be published by Algonquin Press in April 2026. Episode page with video, transcript and other episodes you'll love! Gaelynn Lea Website Albums on Bandcamp Order It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling Newsletter Podcast Merch Buy me a coffee photo: Explore Duluth (00:00) Intro (03:32) Gaelynn’s upcoming memoir—It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect (10:42) Macbeth score and album, meeting Michael Stipe, Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship (16:02) about “Perfect”, with clip from Macbeth album (18:50) Gaelynn’s childhood, learning the violin in an adapted way, her instruments (26:20) decision not to have surgery (29:01) Someday We’ll Linger in the Sun with clip (32:06) other episodes you’ll love, ways to support this independent project (32:53) how winning Tiny Desk changed her life and for her husband (38:32) disability visibility, mindset, beginning of song-writing and composing Alan Sparhawk, Charlie Parr (45:56) The Long Way Around with clip from The Living Room Sessions (49:46) Dragons and Fairies with clip from The Living Room Sessions, joys of improvisation, looping (54:45) fiddle repertoire, jamming in Edinburgh (59:45) Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling, disability activism, psychological challenges

    1 h y 14 min
  6. Sam Sadigursky: Clarinetist for Philip Glass Ensemble, The Band’s Visit, The Solomon Diaries

    10 OCT

    Sam Sadigursky: Clarinetist for Philip Glass Ensemble, The Band’s Visit, The Solomon Diaries

    Sam Sadigursky is a renowned clarinetist, composer, and member of the Philip Glass Ensemble. In this episode, we explore his latest project The Solomon Diaries with Nathan Koci, his work on Broadway in The Band’s Visit, and his career spanning jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Sam shares stories from touring with Philip Glass, mentors Brad Mehldau and Lee Konitz, and his upbringing in a musical immigrant family. We also dive into improvisation beyond music, the impact of streaming algorithms, and the cultural legacy of the Borscht Belt. Listen to insights into Sam’s unique voice as a composer and performer, and hear excerpts from some of his wonderful creative output. Sam Sadigursky’s website Podcast website: episode page with YouTube, Transcript Newsletter sign-up Podcast merch Buy me a coffee? Other episodes you'll love: Meg Okura Tasha Warren Yale Strom Colleen Allen Rachel Eckroth and John Hadfield (00:00) Intro (02:11)Sam’s musical family and early influences (08:02) jazz, hearing heroes play teen years in L.A. (10:12) Isaac Sadigursky, VNP Hora with clip (14:26) move out to New York (17:05) about Six Miles at Midnight with clip, Nathan Koci, Satie influence (21:07) Touring with Philip Glass Ensemble (25:23) influence of Glass, Migrations Vol. 5 Solomon Diaries (28:59) clarinet music, Eleven from 24 Rhythmic Duets for Clarinet, teaching, Vince Trombetta (33:54) other linked episodes you’ll love and ways to spread the word! (34:33) about “Lucky” vol. V The Solomon Diaries, wife Sarah, Danny Fox (40:10) early jazz mentors and opportunities, Brad Mehldau, Bill Berry (42:31) parenting, streaming and music industry challenges (45:44) Broadway: The Band’s Visit and beyond (51:18) solo piano music, Incidentalee dedicated to Lee Konitz, from Figures/Broken Pieces performed Nick Sanders (54:39) many instruments, decision to focus on clarinet (57:38) Borsht Belt history, Marisa Scheinfeld, The Solomon Diaries (01:03:24) Guy Klucevsek, “Secondhand” The Solomon Diaries Vol. IV by Nathan Koci (01:08:17) creative output, music industry challenges, Words Project, upcoming projects

    1 h y 22 min
  7. Pat McCusker: Scoring The Ezra Klein Show, Touring with David Duchovny, and Composing for Podcasts

    4 OCT

    Pat McCusker: Scoring The Ezra Klein Show, Touring with David Duchovny, and Composing for Podcasts

    Composer and audio producer Pat McCusker joins me to talk about his work creating music for The Ezra Klein Show, his role at The New York Times, and what it’s like touring the world as a musician with actor David Duchovny. Pat's music also appears on The Daily, Modern Love, and many more. 🎶 What we talk about in this episode: Composing the theme for The Ezra Klein ShowScoring for podcasts and working with The New York TimesTouring internationally with David DuchovnyThe power of music in shows like Severance and White LotusTools and gear Pat uses as a composerManaging anxiety and building creative communityIf you're a composer, musician, or podcast fan, you'll find plenty to connect with in this conversation. Web page for the episode includes transcript, YouTube link. Pat McCusker David Duchovny Other episodes with some of the media composers I've featured: Pat Irwin, Christoph Zirngibl, Adam Blau, Anže Rozman and Kara Talve Buy me a coffee? Podcast Merch Newsletter sign-up 🎙️ About the show: Conversations with Musicians. with violinist Leah Roseman: weekly episodes featuring a fascinating diversity of musical guests worldwide. (00:00) Intro (02:55) how Pat became a podcast composer (07:16) creative process Magical Tree Creatures theme for “The Ezra Klein Show” with clip (10:37) composing for podcasts at The New York Times, the function of music in podcasts (18:01) listening and appreciating great podcasts, Marc Maron (23:11) The Big Question Mark with clip, "Interesting Times with Ross Douthat” (26:37) Severance and White Lotus inspirations, Moog synthesizers (32:09) other episodes you’ll love, ways to support this podcast (32:58) rock career, Buzzbody, David Duchovny, Pat Irwin (41:00) Holding Patterns with David Duchovny (website linked in show notes) (45:57) joy of performing and touring, his dad (49:35) Pat’s youth, discovering guitar, Berklee (55:43) Buzzbody Full of Fear, dealing with anxiety (01:03:12) some personal creative projects, wife Simo (01:10:52) suggestions for books, podcasts, music

    1 h y 17 min
  8. Clay Zeller-Townson of Ruckus Early Music

    27 SEP

    Clay Zeller-Townson of Ruckus Early Music

    I have become a big fan of Ruckus, a dynamic Early Music ensemble, and I so enjoyed this uplifting conversation with Clay Zeller-Townson, their Artistic Director and bassoonist. ou’ll be hearing clips from The Edinburgh Rollick with music from the Niel Gow collection, featuring the violinist Keir GoGwilt, and because this music is very much at the crossroads of Scottish traditional music and Baroque music, it delights audiences who are more into folk as well as baroque. You'll be inspired to hear Clay’s ideas around crafting something truly personal and unique and connecting with audiences, as well the importance of access to music education at all levels. We also got into Ruckus’ Fly the Coop project with flutist Emi Ferguson with a wonderfully fresh take on the music of J.S. Bach, and a lot of what Clay shared was how the musicians connect deeply with their audiences with contemporary relevance in many different ways. You’ll find the track names of the music included in the time stamps. The complete show notes on my website will take you the video and transcript for this episode. Ruckus Early Music Other episodes you'll love: bassoonist Christopher Millard, Lutenist Elizabeth Pallett, recorder player Sarah Jeffery , fiddler Alexis Chartrand, organist Gail Archer and cellist Juliana Soltis. Buy me a coffee? Newsletter Merch (00:00) Intro (02:04) Ruckus early music continuo band, creating unique style and sound (09:10) violinist Keir GoGwilt The Edingburgh Rollick (clip from The Jenny Nettles Set), Neil Gow (15:16) how Baroque bassoon is different from modern (18:10) Ruckus’ collaborative creative process (23:23) Mrs. Ferguson’s Strathspey, about the Beatles’ quote (26:28) Playing for dancers (31:54) playing for opera with no conductor (37:02) Fiona Gillespie with clip of The Broome of Coudenknowes (40:15) Clay’s childhood and discovery of the bassoon (42:19) other episodes you’ll love (43:11) Clay’s music education and forming Ruckus (46:38) flutist Emi Ferguson, album Fly the Coop with J.S. Bach Siciliana (54:53) The Edinburgh Rollick album art, The Gigg Set with clip (01:01:10) Clay’s life as an educator (01:08:02) Early Music scene (01:14:07) Roscoe Mitchell project

    1 h y 18 min
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There’s a fascinating variety to a life in music; this series features wonderful musicians worldwide with in-depth conversations and great music. Many episodes feature guests playing music spontaneously as part of the episode or sharing performances and albums. The inspiration and connection found in a meaningful creative life, the challenges faced, and the stories from such a diversity of people will draw you into this weekly series, with many topics that will resonate with all listeners. Available also as video and transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/about

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