Americana Curious

Ben Fanning & Zach Schultz
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

The podcast that unearths hidden Americana gems, shares untold stories from legends, and proves music still has the power to move us all. If you believe Americana music can transform the world, you’re in the right place. Too many overlook its raw beauty and power to connect, heal, and inspire. We spotlight the artists carrying that torch — unsung heroes writing the soundtrack to something bigger. Each week, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz bring you intimate, entertaining conversations with artists changing the world one song at a time — like Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Wood Brothers, American Aquarium, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and rising stars you’ll soon love. You’ll discover: • New music to love • Hard-earned lessons from the road • The stories behind your favorite songs • Big inspiration — and a good laugh Join us to celebrate the voices, values, and stories that keep Americana alive — and prove why music still matters.

  1. 18h ago

    Drew Holcomb | What It Takes to Make a Living in Music

    What does it really take to build a career in music that lasts? After more than two decades on the road, Drew Holcomb knows that making great music is only part of the job. Just before taking the stage in Charleston with Ellie Holcomb to open for NEEDTOBREATHE, Drew joins Americana Curious to reveal the side of the music business fans rarely see. He shares how becoming a professional musician forced him to become an entrepreneur—learning marketing, design, payroll and business management along the way. He also opens up about the ventures that worked, the ones that lost money, and why he eventually realized that what he loves most is still writing songs, recording them and taking them on the road. Drew Holcomb 2 Final transcrip… Drew also takes us inside: Why it took him and Ellie more than 20 years to make an album togetherHow their pandemic Kitchen Covers helped lead to Memory BankTaking the spirit of Moon River Music Festival out to seaThe difference between headlining and winning over someone else’s audienceWhy authenticity may be the best way to make new fansThe surprising way he talks to his kids about the music they listen toWhat comes next as Drew prepares to step back from touring and make new music It’s a candid look at music, marriage, entrepreneurship, failure, creativity—and what it actually takes to build a life around doing what you love. Follow Americana Curious on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

    Drew Holcomb | What It Takes to Make a Living in Music

  2. Oct 7

    Jonah Kagen | “Love Scares Me More Than Death”

    Jonah Kagen has racked up over half a billion streams, scored a Billboard #1 hit with "God Needs the Devil," and sold out headline shows across the globe. But as he shares on Americana Curious, the commercial accolades didn't bring validation—they forced him to isolate, face his inner demons, and dig into his darkest songwriting yet. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Jonah joins host Ben Fanning (Zach Schultz couldn't join us for this one) to talk through: The #1 Hangover: Why chart success didn’t make his next record any easier, and why he views making music as a job of service rather than ego.Life on the Road: Totaling his truck, living nomadic in a modified Airstream studio, and recording in a stranger's front yard.Meeting Dave Matthews: How a custom guitar commission led to an intimate writer's round, tequila in pajamas, and an invitation to open at The Gorge.The New Album: The deeply personal, late-night creative marathons behind Eternity of Everything, and why the certainty of death scares him far less than love.Crowd Etiquette: The specific things fans need to start (and stop) doing at his high-energy live shows. Hit follow and leave a rating to help more listeners discover the stories shaping Americana music!

    Jonah Kagen | “Love Scares Me More Than Death”

  3. Sep 22

    Andrew Sa | Who Gets to Belong in Americana Music?

    Andrew Sa grew up obsessed with Patsy Cline. Today, he’s challenging one of country music’s oldest assumptions: who gets to belong. The Chicago country artist’s debut album, American Rough, blends the sounds of classic country with deeply personal songs about love, masculinity, identity, and belonging. And Andrew isn’t asking permission to be part of the genre: “I’m not separate and I’m not different and I belong there.” Andrew joins Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz to share the childhood story behind his connection to sad country songs, how Rufus Wainwright gave him “permission to have this dream,” and the unforgettable moment Lavender Country’s Patrick Haggerty grabbed him by the shoulders and told him, “I see you now.” They also dig into the meaning behind American Rough, building bridges through music, where queer country fits within Americana, and Andrew’s upcoming opportunity to honor John Prine at the Chicago Theatre. It’s a conversation about finding your voice, claiming your place, and why the best country music can make room for more stories...not fewer.

    Andrew Sa | Who Gets to Belong in Americana Music?

  4. Sep 14

    Neil Young Called Me: The Remarkable Story of Chris Pierce

    Chris Pierce was playing a corporate gig in a dark corner where nobody was listening when his phone rang. The caller represented Neil Young, and Neil wanted Chris to open his tour. But Chris’s fight for music started decades earlier. At 15, he suddenly lost his hearing. Surgery restored about 50% in one ear, and Chris made a choice that has defined his life and career: keep fighting for the thing he loves. Chris joins Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz on Americana Curious to share that journey, along with the childhood experience that shaped the fighting spirit in his songs, the unforgettable Newport Folk Festival ovation that brought him to tears, and what he learned sharing stages with Neil Young, B.B. King, Seal and Steve Earle. Chris also takes us inside his new album, Songs for the Heavy Hearted, including “First Day of School,” “A Soft Place to Land,” and the deeply personal story behind recording “Two Angels” with Steve Earle. It’s a conversation about music, resilience, purpose, generosity, and refusing to surrender to fear. Follow Americana Curious for more conversations with the artists, songwriters and unsung heroes shaping Americana music.

    Neil Young Called Me: The Remarkable Story of Chris Pierce

  5. Aug 23

    Newport Folk Festival - What REALLY Happens

    Newport Folk Festival is famous for the unexpected. You never quite know who might walk onstage. This year, Dave Matthews made his first-ever Newport appearance, joining a long tradition of unforgettable surprises that has included James Taylor, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and more. In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz pull back the curtain on what really happens at Newport Folk Festival—the surprise guests, spontaneous collaborations, intimate aftershows, and the community of music lovers that makes Newport unlike any other festival. You'll hear what it was like when Dave Matthews suddenly appeared, why some of the world's biggest artists treat Newport differently, and why the festival sells out before a single artist is announced. Plus, Ben and Zach share some of their favorite Newport moments and explain why the real magic may not be the artists onstage at all—it's the people who come back year after year. Follow Americana Curious for more stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that make Americana music special.

    Newport Folk Festival - What REALLY Happens

  6. Aug 16

    Twin Fin | How Hawaii Created One of Americana's Fastest-Rising Bands

    How does a band from Hawaii become one of Americana's fastest-rising groups? In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning sits down backstage with Twin Fin just before their sold-out show at Charleston's Pour House for a candid conversation about the unlikely journey that brought them here. From Coast Guard careers and backyard jam sessions to building a loyal fan base across the country, the band shares how the spirit of aloha, deep friendships, and a passion for great songwriting have fueled their remarkable rise. You'll hear: Why Hawaii—not Nashville—became the perfect place to build a bandHow Twin Fin grew from local shows to sold-out venues across AmericaThe sacrifices and risks behind pursuing music full timeThe story behind their album Songs I Never WroteWhy creating unforgettable live experiences matters more than anything else Whether you're already a Twin Fin fan or discovering them for the first time, this conversation offers an authentic look at the people behind one of Americana's most exciting new bands. Americana Curious explores the artists, stories, festivals, and traditions shaping today's Americana music scene through in-depth conversations with the musicians creating it

    Twin Fin | How Hawaii Created One of Americana's Fastest-Rising Bands

  7. Aug 9

    How Phillip Phillips Found Success Beyond American Idol

    What happens after you've already achieved the dream? Phillip Phillips captured America's heart by winning American Idol, releasing "Home"—the biggest-selling winner's single in the show's history—and touring alongside legends like John Mayer and Bruce Springsteen. But behind the success was a deeper journey: discovering that fame wasn't the finish line. In this episode of Americana Curious, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz sit down with Phillip for one of his most candid conversations yet. He shares why Home didn't initially feel like his own song, how becoming an independent artist allowed him to reclaim his music, and why fatherhood has completely transformed the way he defines success. Phillip also opens up about: The surprising truth behind recording "Home"Why owning his music became more important than chasing bigger fameTouring with John Mayer and sharing the stage with Bruce SpringsteenHow Dave Matthews shaped his unique guitar styleWhy he completely reimagines classic songs instead of simply covering themThe balancing act of being an independent musician, husband, and fatherThe stories behind his upcoming music, including songs inspired by his children Whether you've followed Phillip since American Idol or are just discovering his music, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that sometimes the greatest success comes after redefining what success really means. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why Phillip Phillips struggled to connect with "Home" at first • How he reclaimed ownership of his biggest songs • What touring with music legends taught him about performing • Why family changed his career priorities forever • How he's approaching songwriting differently than ever before • What success means to him today Chapters 00:00 – Intro 02:34 – Winning American Idol and the story behind "Home" 05:14 – The pressure after massive success 08:14 – Re-recording "Home" and owning his music 11:10 – Life as an independent artist 13:23 – Fatherhood changes everything 20:19 – Behind the scenes of American Idol 23:01 – The Masked Singer and reinventing songs 32:43 – Dave Matthews' influence 38:48 – Touring with John Mayer & Bruce Springsteen 43:00 – What success means today 🎙️ Subscribe to Americana Curious for authentic conversations with the artists shaping Americana, folk, roots, country, and independent music.

    How Phillip Phillips Found Success Beyond American Idol

  8. Aug 2

    Where Does Live Music Still Feel Personal?

    Do bigger venues create bigger experiences—or do they take us further away from the music? In this episode of Americana Curious, Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz debate whether arenas have changed the live music experience for the worse and share the intimate venues that have left the biggest impression on them. From Charleston's beloved Pour House and Nashville's legendary Robert's Western World to First Avenue in Minneapolis, Red Rocks, the Ryman Auditorium, and hidden gems you've probably never heard of, they explore why some venues create unforgettable nights while others simply host concerts. Along the way, they share stories about seeing artists like John Prine, Brandi Carlile, Charlie Crockett, American Aquarium, Mount Joy, Hiss Golden Messenger, Mason Jennings, and many more—and explain why discovering music in small venues may be one of the best investments any music fan can make. In this episode you'll discover: Why small venues often create deeper connections between artists and audiencesThe independent venues every Americana fan should visitHow outdoor venues transform the live music experienceBucket-list music destinations across AmericaWhy supporting local venues helps keep live music alive for future generations Whether you're planning your next concert road trip or simply looking for your next favorite venue, this episode will inspire you to get closer to the music—and stay curious. Also follow us and join the conversation on Instagram and YouTube.

    Where Does Live Music Still Feel Personal?
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5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The podcast that unearths hidden Americana gems, shares untold stories from legends, and proves music still has the power to move us all. If you believe Americana music can transform the world, you’re in the right place. Too many overlook its raw beauty and power to connect, heal, and inspire. We spotlight the artists carrying that torch — unsung heroes writing the soundtrack to something bigger. Each week, hosts Ben Fanning and Zach Schultz bring you intimate, entertaining conversations with artists changing the world one song at a time — like Old Crow Medicine Show, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The Wood Brothers, American Aquarium, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and rising stars you’ll soon love. You’ll discover: • New music to love • Hard-earned lessons from the road • The stories behind your favorite songs • Big inspiration — and a good laugh Join us to celebrate the voices, values, and stories that keep Americana alive — and prove why music still matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Fanning & Zach Schultz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ben Fanning & Zach Schultz
  • Show Website
    Americana Curious

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