We kick off the first episode of the year with Anty McClean, lead singer/songwriter of The Trailer Park Troubadours and longtime friend of the “Songs and Stories” podcast. Antsy and Italk about songwriting, his DIY approach to everything he does, and his recent fan "field trip" to Sun Studios, where he recored his new record, "Heroes Last Forever". Learn more about this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com/podcast.

This milestone episode features Mary Gauthier discussing songwriting, the persuit of creativity, and her new record, "The Foundling". Learn more about this episode at http://www.michaelgaither.com/podcast.

Florida songwriters Laurie Jennings and Dana Keller discuss songwriting, touring in their RV, and share some tips on booking a nationwide tour.

Central coast songwriter Steve Key discusses showcasing other artists, his songwriting history, and how Kathy Mattea ended up covering his song "33, 45, 78 (Record Time)" on her debut record.

A look back a last month's American River Music Festival, a preview of my October shows, and a chat with Duane English and Brynne Albanese of Cafe Musique. For links that go with this episode, go to http://www.michaelgaither.com/home/archives/318.

Sherry Austin talks about her new record, "Love Still Remains", a tribute to the late California songwriter Kate Wolf.Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.

Southern California duo Sabrina and Craig discuss their new CD, "One Home...One Heart", talk about their diverse musical backgrounds, and reveal which one of them is an Olympic gold medal. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.

Songwriter Rachel Sedacca discusses her "soulful, bluesy, Americana" style, life on the road with Patience (her school bus), and the details of booking your own tour. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.

A chat with lead singer Aoife (EE-fuh) O'Donovan and bassist Corey DiMario of the string band, Crooked Still. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.

Matt Semonsen talks about this year's American River Music Festival, held in Lotus CA on September 17-19. The festival combines river rafting and hiking with workshops and main stage performances from the likes of Slaid Cleaves, Jesse Winchester, and Karla Bonoff. Listen to this episode for details on how to get a free audiobook from http://www.audiblepodcast.com/stories.