The Bret Saunders Podcast

We have a "good get" this week - Modest Mouse front man Isaac Brock checked in from the road via Zoom. Isaac and Bret discuss his songwriting process, Montana, and the constant bombardment of technology.

Here's a pair of conversations for this week's episode. First comedian Chelsea Handler, whose "Vaccinated and Horny" tour comes to the Paramount for two shows Nov. 11th. Chelsea and Bret discuss the solution to inequality and cancel culture (surprisingly simple!), sex during COVID, and skiing topless.

Then it's Steven Van Zandt, best known as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. He has a memoir out titled, "Unrequited Infatuations," which he says is more a story of a seeker than a musician. He also talks about living life to the fullest, the new Sopranos movie, and why he's still looking for a steady job.

On his latest, "The First Agnostic Church of Hope And Wonder," Todd Snider offers fatback rhythms, fraudulent reverends, and tributes to friends gone too soon. Todd talks about mixing funk with folk. reminiscing about his friend John Prine, and the dancing of Fred Sanford/Red Foxx.

It's a pair of conversations on this week's episode. First, it's U2 guitarist The Edge along with Dutch DJ/Producer Martin Garrix, talking about their collaboration (along with Bono) 'We Are The People.' They discuss how a song written about a football tournament evolved into an anthem of hope and defiance, plus the future of touring.

Then it's Comedian Norm McDonald, who passed away this week. We wanted to share a funny interview that happened about ten years ago. Norm talks about his dubious first meeting with director Harold Ramis and his fear of cars.

When our guest this week isn't traveling the country doing standup, he hosts "Real Time With Bill Maher" on HBO. So, Bill, what's funny these days? Politics, the wackiness on the Left, the cult on the Right, and climate change (it's really not funny, but Maher can make you laugh and think at the same time.) He also discusses his recent bout with COVID, lets us know what he's listening to and why he prefers an iPod.

This week it's a chat with two very funny people, comedians Kurt Braunohler and Maria Bamford. Kurt (who once hired a sky writer to write "How Do I Land?" over the skies of L.A.) talks about his stand-up sets at the Gothic Aug. 29th, that will be taped or a future broadcast, taking llamas to a wedding (don't!) and a show he's co-writing for NBC. Next up, Maria Bamford fills us in on her dogs, a leash aggressive Pug and a Rat Terrier named Jackie Onasis. Plus, she talks about helping people get into her shows if they're a little short on cash.

This time it's a conversation with Colorado’s Nathaniel Ratliff. Next week there are three sold out Red Rocks shows, and a new album, "The Future" coming in November. Nathaniel tells Bret how the first song off the record 'Survivor', was originally about his personal life, but evolved into a political statement. He also talked about creating space in his music, working for food and housing justice with the Marigold Project, and the pros and cons of Leonard Cohen's "Death Of A Ladies' Man."

Chris Vos is the guitarist and front man for the swaggering blues rock trio, The Record Company. Their new album, "Play Loud" arrives Oct. 8th. Chris talks about making music aiming for light in a time that was difficult, the wonders of Elmore James, and enjoying edibles.

The new album from Leon Bridges is titled "Gold-Diggers Sound." The name is taken from a place in East Hollywood, that's part speakeasy, boutique hotel, and recording studio. Leon tells Bret how late-night jams there produced the songs on the record, the rich musical history of his hometown of Ft. Worth and how the death of George Floyd impacted him.

Sebastian Maniscalco, he's the guy Jerry Seinfeld calls “my favorite comedian.” His upcoming Red Rocks show sold out in 18 minutes, causing a second show in Vail to be added. Sebastian and Bret joke about what it was like to be raised in the 70s and 80s and his appearance in The Irishman with Pesci and De Niro. Sebastian also talks about a movie he's written that will star De Niro as his father and a food show called Well Done.