SongWriter

Ben Arthur
  • 4.3 (45)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
SongWriter
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SongWriter turns stories into songs, ft. Questlove, Joyce Carol Oates, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), George Saunders, Steve Earle, Susan Orlean & David Sedaris

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Maggie Smith + Kat Edmonson

    Poet and author Maggie Smith shares two poems about caregiving for young children, and the complicated calculus around exposing them to the darkness (and sweetness) of the world. Dr. Chrissy Salley from the Courageous Parents Network talks about her research on caregiving for young children. And jazz chanteuse Kat Edmonson shares a brand new song called “Fear, Fear” A broadside of "Good Bones" is available, as is the pre-order for Maggie's upcoming book, "Dear Writer" SongWriterPodcast.com Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast TikTok.com/@SongWriterPodcast X.com/SnogWriter Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

    56 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Premium Subscriber Episode #15

    In this premium episode, word on an upcoming special guest who has JUST been confirmed, and a sneak listen to an unreleased new song.

    4 min

  3. OCT 8

    Naz Riahi + Rahill

    Filmmaker and author Naz Riahi tells a heartbreaking story she wrote for SongWriter about the loss of a beloved pet, and how her experience of grief was shaped by the war in Gaza. Neuroscientist Dr. Meghan Myer explains the way empathy maps on to different parts of our brains, and talks about her imaging research. And songwriter Rahill Jamalifard of the band Habibi plays a brand-new song written in response. The song is available on Rahill's Bandcamp, and all proceeds benefit Gaza Mutual Aid SongWriterPodcast.com Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast TikTok.com/@SongWriterPodcast X.com/SnogWriter Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

    46 min

  4. SEP 24

    Ina Cariño + Alex Wong

    Filipinx American poet Ina Cariño shares a brand new “sonnet crown” poem that they wrote for SongWriter on the subject of family and empathy. Scientist Sarah Nila describes her experiments exploring empathy with children and mothers in the Philippines, and how Ina’s poem contains echoes of her findings. And producer and songwriter Alex Wong performs a brand-new song called “Murmurations,” that includes violin by Ina and vocals by Sarah. The song is only available on Bandcamp, and is a fundraiser for World Central Kitchen. SongWriterPodcast.com Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast TikTok.com/@SongWriterPodcast X.com/SnogWriter Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

    41 min

  5. SEP 10

    Kate Cohen + Jesse Cohen-Greenberg

    Author Kate Cohen reads a piece she wrote for SongWriter about how – despite her firm atheism – the Jewish religious ritual that she grudgingly allowed in her wedding is what she remembers and treasures most from that day. Scientist and author Dr. Arielle Levites explains how religious ritual can act as a pathway for connection or alienation, and discusses her research. And Kate’s son Jesse Cohen-Greenberg performs a brand-new song written about his parents’ wedding day. SongWriterPodcast.com Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast TikTok.com/@SongWriterPodcast X.com/SnogWriter Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

    35 min

  6. AUG 27

    Freddy Mutanguha & Hope Azeda + Peace Jolis

    Freddy Mutanguha, who is the CEO of the Aegis Trust – the organization that built the Kigali Genocide Memorial – describes surviving the genocide, and visiting the childhood friend who murdered his mother in prison. Woven into Freddy’s story are poems that Rwandan art activist and author Hope Azeda wrote about speaking to children about the genocide. Dr. Pamela Wadende describes the scientific mechanics behind forgiveness, and her experience of Rwanda. And Rwandan songwriter Peace Jolis shares a brand-new song called “BAHO.” SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast TikTok.com/@SongWriterPodcast For the live performance, Ben wrote a new song called "Kigali (ft. Peace Jolis)," which is streaming now on Apple Music, Spotify, and elsewhere.  Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

    38 min

  7. AUG 17 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Premium Subscriber Episode #14

    Secret news about upcoming episodes and an invite to a private show!

    6 min

  8. AUG 13

    W. Kamau Bell + Las Cafeteras

    During a performance at KQED Live, comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell tells a story about his father’s 80th birthday party, and an extraordinary moment of collective effervescence. Scientist Dr. Shira Gabriel explains the mechanics behind collective effervescence, and one of Kamau’s favorite bands, Las Cafeteras, shares a brand-new song called “Home.” SongWriterPodcast.com Twitter.com/SnogWriter Facebook.com/SongWriterPodcast Instagram.com/SongWriterPodcast TikTok.com/@SongWriterPodcast For the live performance, Ben wrote a song in response to Kamau's story as well, which is streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and elsewhere. Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

    49 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.3
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

SongWriter turns stories into songs, ft. Questlove, Joyce Carol Oates, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), George Saunders, Steve Earle, Susan Orlean & David Sedaris

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Arthur
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    SongWriter
  • Provider
    SongWriter

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