The Bret Saunders Podcast

Jamie Lee Curtis has already had a successful career on the silver screen, famous for her roles in Halloween, Trading Places, A Fish Called Wanda, and her Golden Globe winning performance in True Lies. She is now hosting a new podcast, "Good Friend." As she explains here, it's a podcast that explores the value of friendships, what the key is to being a good friend, and when to walk away from a friendship.

Stay Nervous. Stay Vigilant.

That's the advice Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has concerning some of the legal issues facing us today. On this episode Phil cuts through the noise and explains what's at stake with reproductive and voting rights on the federal level. Phil also talks about how he helped steer millions of dollars from the United Health Care Group to help Coloradans. And oh yeah, what's up with that Direct TV/Altitude sports blackout?

Lewis Black, The King Of The Rant, returns to the podcast. Lewis talks about how he handled the pandemic ("Zoom to me was like Hollywood Squares") and performing for Denver audiences ("They get it.”) Lewis also tells Bret how politics over the last few years has influenced comedy and gives details on his upcoming dates at the Paramount.

Joining us via Zoom from Barcelona, it’s Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy. Vance tells Bret about busking around Melbourne during the pandemic and the pressures of playing Red Rocks for the first time. Vance also talks about the inspiration behind his new song 'Missing Piece' and gives the podcast its very first live radio performance!

When Widespread Panic returns to Red Rocks later this month, the band will play the first full capacity shows at the venue since the arrival of COVID. So we thought it would be a good time to check in with WSP founding member John Bell. He fills us in on what he's been doing the past year (chasing squirrels, adopting dogs) and the unique relationship the band has with Red Rocks. Plus, Bret gets the lowdown on the special Mission Ballroom charity show scheduled for June 24.

It's been almost a decade since the last Wallflowers album, but that will change the release of "Exit Wounds", July 9th. Jakob Dylan explains the album title, the art of observational storytelling, and birthday gift ideas from a guy who's had to buy them for one of the most famous musicians in the world.

Hiss Golden Messenger is the vehicle for singer/songwriter Mike M.C. Taylor, whose new album is "Quietly Blowing it." Mike talks about how the pandemic affected his work ("A very prolific year") and why the new album isn't just an almanac of the lockdown. He also explains the North Carolina aesthetic when it comes to music, looking for truth in chaos, and who he thought said things in song the perfect way they needed to be said.

It's a pair on conversations on this episode. First, it's Rag 'n' Bone Man whose new album is "Life by Misadventure." He explains the inspiration for the title and the origins of his name. He also shares his concerns for his son in these strange times, life without social media, and why he loves Nashville.

Then it's Pete Yorn, whose debut, "musicforthemorningafter" just turned 20. Pete not only reflects on the making of the album, but he also tells Bret about growing up loving metal and being a lefty in a right-hand world. Plus, he pulls back the curtain on how musicians really get paid.

Michael Franti rang up the podcast from his home in Bali ahead of his June Red Rocks shows. He talks about dealing with a year of lockdown, getting over his bout with COVID (herbs and hoops), the magic of Red Rocks, and looking forward to smelling people again...he'll explain. Michael even previews a new song!

The Counting Crows are back with new music. "Butter Miracle, Suite One" comes out May 21. Singer Adam Duritz talks about the first song, “Elevator Boots,” an ode to life on the road inspired by the glam rock of David Bowie and Mott The Hoople. He also fondly recalls his life in Denver when he was a child, and what led to him shaving off his trademark dreadlocks.