The Bret Saunders Podcast

Nathaniel Rateliff gives Bret an exclusive preview of his appearance on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Nathaniel also tells the story behind his new song 'Redemption' (from the movie "Palmer") and his curated sandwich created to fight hunger in Denver.

Robin Pecknold from Fleet Foxes joins us for this episode. Robin tells Bret how a brush with mortality while surfing inspired the mood of the new album "Shore." He fondly recalls the inspiration of producer Richard Swift (Swift was also close friend of Nathaniel Rateliff) and the majesty of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Ringo Starr is one of the most famous living musicians the world. Bret talks with the former Beatle drummer about his Red Rocks memories (oxygen!), his latest song, album, and book. Ringo also shares the joy of playing with his All Starr band and tips for living in lockdown.

Let's take a dive into the archives for a 2011 conversation with Rev. Al Green. During their talk, Al recalls the vibe in Memphis during his prolific '70s run, reflects on what his songs have meant to people over the years, and getting into trouble for listening to Jackie Wilson.

Jon Batiste is the bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and part of the legendary New Orleans Baptiste family of music. Bret and Jon talk about his new album "We Are," his involvement with the Pixar movie "Soul," and their mutual admiration of Herbie Hancock.

As the singer, songwriter, and guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty created a timeless collection of music. In this episode, John talks about a 30 year old song title that inspired his new release, “Weeping In The Promised Land.” And, he gives his opinion on why the outgoing President insisted on playing the classic “Fortunate Son” at his rallies.

Either on her own or with the Nocturnals, Grace Potter has long been a Colorado favorite. Her latest, “Daylight,” is Grammy nominated. She talks about being a working musician in the age of COVID, her foray into filmmaking, and sharing big love for Red Rocks.

Along with Wesley Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites helped create the Lumineers. In January, Jeremiah will release his first solo album, Piano Piano. Jeremiah talks about writing for himself and for the Lumineers, learning AC/DC on the drums, communicating with instrumental music, and when he thinks the band will get back on the road.

Ahmet Zappa is the son of Frank Zappa. He's also a musician, writer, and executor of the Zappa Family Trust. Ahmet has produced a new documentary about his father titled, 'Zappa'. It's a film that not only documents his life as a musician of extraordinary talent, but as a culture warrior as well. Bret and Ahmet talk about how Frank's early film making influenced the movie, one of his hopes people will take away from it, and how he and some of his siblings got their unique names.

Songwriting couple Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell address a woman's right to choose in a new song 'The Problem" and talk about why they wanted to put it out now ("I understand people who have different beliefs"... but, "if what your neighbors doing isn't affecting you, then you really don't have the right to tell'em to stop doing it"). Bret asks about Jason's appearance in the movie Deadwood and Amanda's time in the Texas Playboys, plus they remember their friend, John Prine.