On this episode of 'Why We Write,' members of bluegrass band Mile Twelve discuss their relationship with horses, meditation, and each other—and, of course, songwriting.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Tim Easton talks about busking in Europe, heartbreak and resilience, and what he learned about songwriting from reading David Sedaris.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' H.C. McEntire discusses writing programs, famous collaborators, land rights, and how all of this influenced the songwriting on her new album, 'Every Acre.'

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' singer-songwriter Jaimee Harris discusses her new album growing up in a tiny Texas town, wrestling with worthiness, and figuring out how deep a song can go.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Tommy Prine talks about coming out to his famous parents as a songwriter, finding his voice, and what he’s learned along the way.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Slaid Cleaves talks about the tricks he has for writing good songs, thinking of them like crossword puzzles, and his high school band with Rod Picott.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Glen Phillips talks about how Rush inspired his early songwriting and how Matt the Electrician and Mary Oliver influence his work now.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Kyshona talks about the health scare that changed her life, the music therapy clients who inspired her, and how it all feeds her songwriting.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' John McCutcheon talks about the relationship between songwriting and social justice, and how he became a songwriter in the first place.

On this episode of 'Why We Write with Kim Ruehl,' Amy Ray talks about religion, Native and activist wisdom, being a late bloomer, and how she has come to understand the influence her work has had on other artists.