Rhett is joined by multi-instrumentalist, folklorist, and genre-defying artist Jordan Wax to discuss his emotionally rich new album, The Heart Deciphers. With roots in Missouri and a home in rural New Mexico, Jordan brings a rare blend of intergenerational storytelling, Jewish diasporic heritage, and indie rock sensibility to his work.

The two explore the complexities of honoring tradition while making art that feels alive in the present moment. Jordan opens up about the deeply personal nature of his latest songs, sung partly in Yiddish, and the surprising universality of intimate, hyper-niche creative expression. He also shares what it's like to build music from micro-communities, how he wrestles with internal doubts, and why the best antidote to creative paralysis is showing up for your art—even when it's hard.

Listen Now: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and all major platforms.

Stream The Heart Deciphers wherever you listen to musicLearn more at jordanwax.com

Follow Rhett @rhettmiller

Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. 

Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review

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