Americana Podcast

Steve Poltz | Santa Cruz, Saul Bellow, and Kidnapping John Prine


Listen Later

Americana Podcast explores the artists and ideas shaping American roots music, focusing this episode on the genre-defying Steve Poltz. Poltz is celebrated for his originality, blending tradition with unpredictability in a career that spans decades. Born in Nova Scotia and raised in Southern California, he first gained widespread attention as the co-writer of Jewel’s hit You Were Meant for Me. However, his true impact lies in his continual reinvention and subversion of Americana norms. His work reflects the folk tradition’s emphasis on storytelling and community, while also embracing humor, vulnerability, and improvisation. Poltz serves as a creative link between the West Coast’s DIY folk-punk movement and the broader narrative tradition of American roots music. This episode examines how his artistic approach challenges expectations and keeps audiences engaged. Listeners are also invited to watch a live performance of You Were Meant for Me with the Robert Earl Keen Band on YouTube.

Episodes and Bonus content available on YOUTUBE!

https://www.youtube.com/@robertearlkeenofficial 

Donate to the show!

https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast

Instagram

@robertearlkeen1

Have questions or suggestions? Email

[email protected]

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Americana PodcastBy Robert Earl Keen

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

269 ratings


More shows like Americana Podcast

View all
Sound Opinions by Sound Opinions

Sound Opinions

1,970 Listeners

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast by Marc Maron

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

29,354 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,299 Listeners

NPR's Mountain Stage by West Virginia Public Broadcasting

NPR's Mountain Stage

432 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

9,272 Listeners

Rolling Stone Music Now by Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone Music Now

1,004 Listeners

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe by The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

40,933 Listeners

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond by Pushkin Industries

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

4,124 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

58,196 Listeners

One by Willie by John Spong

One by Willie

873 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,613 Listeners

The Economics of Everyday Things by Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett

The Economics of Everyday Things

1,627 Listeners

Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers by Seth Meyers and Josh Meyers

Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers

2,787 Listeners

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) by Team Coco & Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)

3,492 Listeners

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov by Vox Media Podcast Network

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

1,134 Listeners