Music Makes Us

Welcome to Music Makes Us

Music Makes Us

Show Notes

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new podcast Music Makes Us gives listeners a backstage pass to artist on artist conversations about the things artists *really* want to talk about - perfect lyrics, unforgettable shows, treasured artifacts, and more. Season 1 is hosted by cultural icon Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and brings together revolutionary musicians for funny, unfiltered conversations that go deep on the music and influences that inspire their work - bridging artists of today with legends who came before, and celebrating the music that connects us all. Co-produced by PRX’s Radiotopia and Talkhouse.

More from Music Makes Us

Oct 20, 2026

Queen of Percussion, Sheila E., joins our host Kathleen Hanna at the Foster Theater at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio on this episode of Music Makes Us. Hear them talk about unexpected instruments, being the bossiest person in the room, investing in future musicians, and the one time Marvin Gaye got angry. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Oct 6, 2026

On this episode of Music Makes Us, our host Kathleen Hanna chats with the indie pop duo Tegan & Sara about rock & roll resilience. Listen in as they talk about being two halves of the same person, how much you should toil while writing a song, and who they want to jam with at the Rock Hall Induction ceremony. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Sep 22, 2026

Rebel girls unite! Liz Phair, Sleater-Kinney, and Kathleen Hanna team up on this episode of Music Makes Us to reminisce about making zines, playing at “Girl Night,” exchanging cassette tapes, and more. Listen to go behind the scenes of the alt-rock explosion of the 1990s with the women who were on the frontlines. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Sep 8, 2026

On this episode of Music Makes Us, Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes chats with our host Kathleen Hanna about some of her favorite things – getting dirt under your nails in the garden, knowing your neighbors, Alabama, and (of course) music. Hear them dive into Freddie Mercury’s harmonies, honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and the middle school concert that changed everything. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Aug 25, 2026

Can you imagine performing with Led Zeppelin, Yo-Yo Ma, and the Obamas in the audience? Hear about the time 2013 Inductee Ann Wilson of Heart did just that on this episode of Music Makes Us. Tune in as our host, Kathleen Hanna, chats with Ann about seeing Aretha Franklin live, warming up to Elton John, the real story behind her hit song “Barracuda,” and more. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

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