Sweet Song Podcast

Amanda Sudano Ramirez and Abner Ramirez of JOHNNYSWIM talk about life in motion—parenting four kids, touring, and opening their musical One Day in London—while reflecting on the songs that best reveal who they are. At the center of it all is a big idea: honest songs last longer, and music can create real communion between strangers. In this episode, they open up to Sweet Song Podcast host Kristi York Wooten about the emotional and creative thread running through their top-streaming 2016 album, Georgica Pond, the family memory of Donna Summer's hit "MacArthur Park" at the 2026 winter Olympics, and why their work keeps circling back to faith, grief, joy, and relationships.

Host Kristi York Wooten sits down with 21-year-old folk singer Stella Prince to discuss what folk music means today, why young artists need to write about their generation’s realities, and how Stella is shaping her debut album. Stella breaks down her SWEET SONG, her new single RUBY BOOTS co-written with Nashville legend Matraca Berg, her takes on Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and the women artists who inspire her, including Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and more.

In a personal conversation with Sweet Song Podcast host Kristi York Wooten just ahead of what would have been jazz saxophone icon John Coltrane's 100th birthday, Branford Marsalis opens up about his first memories of hearing Coltrane, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his musical direction and the Branford Marsalis Quartet's new Blue Note album, Dedicated to You. The album features inimitable vocalist Dianne Reeves and revisits the 1963 collaboration between Coltrane and singer Johnny Hartman, including songs from Rodgers and Hart, Billy Strayhorn, Irving Berlin, and more. PLUS: Marsalis deconstructs the bonus track, BIG NICK, shares why the group recorded the album at Georgia’s Spivey Hall, and reveals the two SWEET albums that made him want to be a saxophone player.

In this deep conversation with host Kristi York Wooten, Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears shares the profound connection between astrology, music, and life. Discover how cosmic cycles influence creativity, relationships, and the timeless appeal of hits like 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World.' Hear how the band's music was transformed by singer Oleta Adams, and Orzabal's thoughts on why the moon is such a powerful force in art. 

Singer-songwriter Patrick Droney joins host Kristi York Wooten to talk about his third full-length album, Made You Look, and the deeply personal season that shaped it. The conversation revolves around fatherhood, identity, genre, storytelling, and why music still matters as a place to feel grounded in a distracted world. In this episode, Kristi and Patrick discuss the art of paying attention, the emotional weight of songs like “Math of Us” and “Cigarette Break,” and what it means to build a career around honesty instead of hype. They also talk about live shows, curation, and the artists who leave a lasting mark.

In this engaging interview with host Kristi York Wooten, Liverpool singer-songwriter MT Jones discusses his dynamic brand of British soul music, songwriting process, influences, and experiences touring in the US. Discover how authentic instrumentation and emotional storytelling shape songs from his debut album, Joy, including "I Don't Understand," "Why I Cry," "Gentle Reminder," and more. Will he be the next UK music school star since Adele?

In this special Recast Edition of the Sweet Song Podcast, Kristi York Wooten speaks with Grammy-winning singer Amy Grant about her health journey after heart surgery and a serious bicycle accident, which inspired the songs on her 2026 album, The Me That Remains. Grant reveals her working relationship with husband Vince Gill, her sweet songs from the latest album, and how she weaves vulnerability, community, and spiritual themes into her music. This interview is republished with permission from its original airing on Georgia Public Broadcasting at GPB.org.

In this episode, Kristi Wooten interviews Philip Oakey and Susan Ann Sulley of the Human League, exploring their musical journey, the meaning behind their iconic songs, working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and their thoughts on AI and humanity. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, song insights, and reflections on their impact on pop and electronic music.

In this episode of the Sweet Song Podcast, host Kristi York Wooten engages in an insightful conversation with legendary guitarist Mike Campbell, whose storied career spans decades with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Fleetwood Mac, and his own band, the Dirty Knobs. The discussion traverses Mike Campbell's Southern roots, the evolution of his musical identity, the making of the Dirty Knobs' latest album "Mission of Mercy," and the indelible influence of artists like the Beatles and Beach Boys. The episode delves into his creative process, perspectives on technological shifts in music—such as AI—and the enduring human connection at the heart of songwriting. Listeners are also treated to reflections on his SWEET SONGS and a preview of Mike Campbell's orchestral collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony, underscoring the ever-evolving intersection of legacy, innovation, and soulful artistry.