Extra: This Woman’s Work: ‘Hounds of Love’ by Kate Bush

On One by Willie, Texas Monthly’s John Spong hosts intimate conversations with a range of prominent guests about the Willie Nelson songs that mean the most to them. But this series isn’t just about the songs. It’s about what music really means to us—the ways it can change us, take care of us, and connect us all. Brilliant indie rock-pop-and-folk singer-songwriter Conor Oberst, of Bright Eyes and Monsters of Folk fame, talks about one of Willie’s famous Pamper Demos, “Undo the Right.” It was one of Willie’s earliest efforts for the Pamper Publishing Company, a co-write with Hank Cochran, the legendary songwriter who first championed him when he moved to Nashville. That gets Conor thinking about the craft of songwriting, about how sneaking contradictory or counterintuitive ideas into songs helps them to better reflect what he calls the "big mess” of real life, and how nobody writes a bridge like Willie does…before we listen to another old Willie song, “The Storm Has Just Begun,” which was the B-side to his first single in 1959—and that Willie wrote when he was just twelve years old. Season 6 of One by Willie is available wherever you get your podcasts.

Embark on American Railroad, a five-episode podcast hosted by Rhiannon Giddens that seeks to right historical wrongs by highlighting the untold stories and unheard voices from the diverse communities that built America’s railway systems.

Embark on American Railroad, a five-episode podcast that seeks to right historical wrongs by highlighting the untold stories and unheard voices from the diverse communities that built America’s railway systems. Hosted by Grammy Award-winner Rhiannon Giddens, American Railroad is produced in partnership with PRX. The first stop on the American Railroad podcast is Swannanoa, North Carolina. Silkroad Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens reveals the origins of the popular Appalachian folk song “Swannanoa Tunnel” and how professors Jeffrey A. Keith and Kevin Kehrberg’s research sparked important conversations about erasure and ownership in Appalachian music. We’ll also hear from banjo player Tray Wellington about his experience as a Black band leader making a way in a genre not well known for performers who look like him. Founded by Yo-Yo Ma, Silkroad is both a touring ensemble comprised of world-class musicians from all over the globe, and a social impact organization working to make a positive impact across borders through the arts. To find out more about Silkroad's American Railroad - the album, the tour, the TV series and the podcast, go to silkroad.org/american-railroad.

Join host Heather Freeman as she explores the secrets of America's rich magical tapestry. Each episode uncovers the fascinating magical practices, beliefs, and personal stories of America’s diverse cultural communities, both past and present. Discover the hidden realms of the United States, from religious remixing to enchanted beliefs and sorcerous workings. Part veiled history and part spiritual awakening, Magic in the United States illuminates both magic and religion in whole new ways. Go to MagicintheUnitedStates.com to find out more.

Meet Ray Christian. Some people call him a storyteller, historian, father. Shoot, if you’ve got the time, he could fill you in on everything he’s been called. But first and foremost, he’s a Black veteran from the rural South who finds himself floating between life in academia, public speaking, storytelling, parenting, and tending to the goats in his backyard. And he’s got stories. Really good ones. And stories that make you think a little differently about the world. In each episode of What’s Ray Saying, Ray shares his love of cultural history, personal narrative, and social justice. Think of him as your favorite uncle—a voice you can trust, filled with wise talk and scars and scratches, who makes you feel comfortable enough to listen to things that aren’t always that easy to hear. And don’t worry, you’ll meet the goats too. For more on the show, visit https://drraychristian.com and subscribe wherever you get your stories.