Wheels Off With Rhett Miller

An encore presentation of one of the top episodes of 2021. Rhett welcomes actress Paget Brewster to talk about her career as an actor, and the immense gratitude she holds for the artistic journey she’s on. Paget and Rhett talk about why voice excites her, how pre-performance nerves are a blessing in disguise, why it’s fun to die in a movie as an actor, and much more. Paget is incredibly thoughtful in the way she analyzes her work, and her exuberance about her art is refreshing and inspiring.   Paget Brewster is an actor, voice actor, and singer from Concord, Massachusetts. She gained initial recognition for her recurring role as Kathy on the fourth season of Friends, and broke through to widespread acclaim when she played Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds. Paget currently voices Birdgirl on the Adult Swim comedy series Birdgirl, which she and Rhett discuss in the episode. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ru

Musician, actor, and record producer Jesse Dayton joins Rhett fresh off of the road to talk about his recent acoustic tour, revisiting his life through writing a memoir, and playing music with his heroes. You’ll also hear the two friends discuss Chuck Berry’s lyricism, lifestyle changes that Jesse made in order to improve his health, and the importance of loving yourself.   Jesse Dayton is best known for his guitar contributions to albums by country musicians including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. He is also notable for his collaborations with horror film director Rob Zombie, who has commissioned Dayton to record music for his films. Jesse just released his memoir, Beaumonster, and you can check it out here.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Sho

Singer-songwriter Laura Stevenson joins Rhett to talk about releasing an album during the pandemic, finding value in not having a plan, and the darker moments that occur during the creative process. They discuss Laura’s new album and why she can’t wait to start writing new music. Laura Stevenson is a singer-songwriter from Long Island, NY. She made her recording debut in 2009 and was a keyboard player for the musical collective Bomb the Music Industry! In 2016, Stevenson released her first live album, recorded at Vera Club, and donated all of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood. Her sixth solo album, simply titled Laura Stevenson, was released in  August 2021.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Show logo by Tim Skirven.    This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts,

Nicole Atkins joins Rhett from her home in Nashville to talk about the new album that she’s working on, accidentally getting a record deal, and writing songs about Twitter. You’ll hear the two old friends (and songwriting partners) discuss her most recent record, Memphis Ice, why shyness is a waste of time when you’re a musician, and how “doing the work” is the only thing that you can control.   Nicole Atkins is a singer-songwriter from Neptune, NJ. Her style combines 50s-style crooning with psychedelia, soul, and 80’s punk, rendering a stunningly unique and infectious sound. She has released 6 stellar studio albums, and has collaborated with extraordinary artists including Scott Walker, The Avett Brothers, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. In this episode she shares fascinating insights about her flourishing musical life with listeners, and you won’t want to miss what she has to say!   Check out Nicole’s new album, Memphis Ice, on Apple Music or Spotify.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and

Chris Shiflett joins Rhett from his home in LA to talk about his quarantine recording project, the conceptual differences between albums and singles in today’s music world, and holding grudges against your own songs. The two longtime friends also discuss the pros and cons of social media relevance, and what an audience truly wants in a live performance.   Chris Shiflett is a musician from Santa Barbara, California, best known for his role as the lead guitarist in the Foo Fighters. He was also a member of the punk rock bands No Use for a Name, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Chris has released two solo albums, and hosts a podcast called Walking the Floor. In this episode he sits down with his good friend to talk about what he’s learned throughout his career that spans almost four decades.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt B

Legendary rock guitarist Robby Krieger of the Doors joins Rhett from his home in Los Angeles for a fascinating conversation about writing music with Jim Morrison, Robby’s upcoming instrumental reggae album, and why he’s glad that he never learned to read music. You’ll also hear the two discuss Robby’s new book, Set the Night on Fire, the power of meditation, and writing “Light My Fire” when Robby was only 19 years old.   Robby Krieger is a guitarist and songwriter from Los Angeles best known for his work with the Doors. Robby co-wrote many of the Doors' most famous songs, including hits like "Light My Fire," "Love Me Two Times," "Touch Me," and "Love Her Madly." He is listed as one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone, and he has continued his productive musical career long after the group went their separate ways.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing b

Singer-songwriter Neal Francis joins Rhett from Chicago to talk about his album, In Plain Sight, and why he had to step away from the album once it was finished in order to actualize the music he’d created. Neal tells Rhett about starting out as a sideman and how he learned to accept that a career in music could be possible. The two discuss the powerful combination of mindfulness, meditation, and sobriety; and why songwriting is like architecture.   Neal Francis is a singer and songwriter from Oak Park, IL. “From a very early age, I was playing late into the night in a very stream-of-consciousness kind of way,” Neal has said, while citing influences ranging from ragtime to gospel soul to The Who. With a prodigy-like gift for piano, he sat in with a dozen different blues acts in Chicago clubs as a teenager, and formed a widely beloved funk band called The Heard before going solo. His new album, In Plain Sight, is a portrait of profound upheaval and weary resilience, presented in a kaleidoscopic sound that’s en

Jung Yun joins Rhett from Baltimore, MD to talk about the making of her recently-released second novel, O Beautiful, and actualizing her vision to live a creative life. Jung and Rhett also discuss the journey that led to her publishing her first book at age 43, growing up without the understanding that she could make art for a living, and why everything happens in due time.    Jung Yun is a writer from Seoul, South Korea who grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. She studied at Vassar College, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Her work has appeared in Tin House, The Massachusetts Review, The Indiana Review, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Review of Books, among others. She currently lives in Baltimore with her husband and is an assistant professor of English at George Washington University.    Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Clut

The Kernal, also known as Joe Garner, joins Rhett from his home in Jackson, TN to talk about the making of his new record Listen To The Blood, why he enjoys writing short stories, and the importance of having fun while playing music. Joe tells Rhett the story behind the red suit that started The Kernal, and the songwriting process that brings his soulful, classic sound to life.   Joe Garner is a singer-songwriter from Jackson, Tennessee who performs under the moniker The Kernal. With a storyteller's eye and sly sense of humor, The Kernal's unique country flavor delves deep into everything from family dysfunction, to road trips, to matters of the heart. He has released three studio albums and one live album. His latest release, Listen To The Blood, will be released in January 2022. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music

Husband and wife creative duo Dan + Claudia Zanes join Rhett to talk about the making of their new record, Let Love Be Your Guide, which was created during the pandemic. They tell Rhett about the tension of working in a competitive society while sticking to their values, music as a unifying force, and what they would tell their 21-year old selves. Dan and Claudia Zanes have been making music together since the day they met in 2016. Dan Zane was a member of the 1980s band The Del Fuegos and is now the front man of the Grammy-winning group Dan Zanes and Friends. Claudia Zanes is a Haitian-American Vocalist and Music Therapist, and a graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Together, they created Night Train 57: A Sensory Friendly Comic Folk Opera, a theater piece which premiered in October 2017, as well as an award-winning songbook titled Dan Zanes’ House Party: A Family Roots Music Treasury. Claudia also runs her own skin care business called CLEO Soaps, and Dan works with Constructive White Conversat

Rosanne Cash, Rhett’s very first guest on Wheels Off, returns to the podcast to help celebrate episode 100. The two discuss what they’ve learned since episode 1 (in 2018), how the pandemic has affected her creatively, and what she’s looking forward to as she returns to performing live. Rosanne tells Rhett about the new music she’s written, including songs she co-wrote with Matt Berninger of The National and “The Killing Fields”, a powerful and personal song about reconciling issues of race, racism, and privilege.    Rosanne Cash is a singer-songwriter and author from Memphis, Tennessee.  The eldest daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash, Rosanne took after her father’s musical intuition, but blazed her own trail as an artist. Her unique flavor of country music draws from rock, blues, Americana, and folk to create genuine and heartfelt soundscapes that contain powerful messages. She has released over a dozen studio albums and won four Grammy Awards. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted an

Actress and writer Mara Wilson joins Rhett to talk about why she enjoys writing dialogue, how her childhood pointed her in the direction of becoming a storyteller, and effective ways to overcome mental health struggles. Mara also dives deep on why she values social ties in the context of creation, and tells Rhett about how her work becomes more clear to her as time passes.    Mara Wilson, known for her childhood roles in Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda, is a writer and actor living in Los Angeles. Recently, she has appeared on Welcome to Night Vale, Broad City, and Bojack Horseman. Her writing has appeared on Elle.com, McSweeney’s, Reductress, and Cracked. She also publishes a newsletter of her writing with Substack, 'Shan't We Call the Vicar?' and Mara's first book, Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame, is available from Penguin Random House. Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (R

This week actor, comedian, and podcast host Paul Scheer joins Rhett to talk about creative ways to gain attention as a young artist and discusses some of the major shows he has worked on, including Veep and Parks and Recreation. Paul explains why new experiences validate his artistic growth, digs into some of his performance philosophies, and tells Rhett why authenticity is of the highest importance.   Paul Scheer is an actor, comedian, writer, and podcast host from Huntington, N.Y. He is best known for starring on the FX series The League, and as the co-creator and one of the stars of the MTV sketch comedy series Human Giant. He is also a co-host of the popular film discussion podcast How Did This Get Made?, and has appeared on television shows including Veep, Parks and Recreation, Bob’s Burgers, and Workaholics.     Listen to Paul’s podcasts: How Did This Get Made? and Unspooled   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership

Voice actor, comedian, and singer-songwriter Grey DeLisle joins Rhett from Glendale to discuss her accomplished career, how she maintains her positive and enthusiastic energy, and why songwriting is comparable to giving birth. You’ll also hear Grey provide a few incredible vocal imitations, and tell Rhett why she had no choice but to be an artist.   Grey DeLisle is an American voice actress, comedian and singer-songwriter. She has voiced countless characters in critically-acclaimed films, animated productions, and video games including The Fairly OddParents, Scooby-Doo!, and The Simpsons. In 2018, she released her debut comedy act, titled "My First Comedy Special," and in this episode she shares her whimsical, vibrant enthusiasm with listeners.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Ka

Author Ben Greenman joins Rhett from his home in New Jersey to talk about the two books that Ben is releasing next month with Questlove and Steven Van Zandt, his approach to success, and why fear of failure can be a good thing. The two compare the process of writing books with the process of songwriting, and how creative output changes as you get older.    Ben Greenman has written both fiction and non-fiction books, as well as many collaborations with musicians including Questlove, George Clinton, Brian Wilson, Gene Simmons, and others. Ben served as an editor at The New Yorker from 2000 to 2014, and as a writer he’s amassed an incredible oeuvre of novels, short stories, and other descriptive works over the span of his career.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnership with Nick Ruffini (Revoice Media). Editing by Justin Thomas. Production Assistance by Matt Bavuso. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Katherine Boils. Sho

In this special, double-whammy episode of Wheels Off, singer-songwriter and podcast host Joe Pug joins Rhett from Prince George's County, Maryland to talk about his creative pursuits as a musician, the importance of staying present as a young artist, and how to save the world through beauty. Joe tells Rhett about the inspiration for starting his podcast, and what he would tell his 21-year old self about being a musician. After the Wheels Off interview, we transition to Joe’s podcast, The Working Songwriter, where Rhett tells Joe about his life as a musician, and details his own path of inspiration.   Joe Pug is a singer-songwriter from Greenbelt, Maryland. His lyrics echo the aura of all-time great songwriters such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, and Warren Zevon, and his 5 studio albums have all received favorable reviews. Pug also hosts a podcast, The Working Songwriter, which allows him to talk in-depth with some of the greatest songwriters of this era. He’s talked with Marcus King, Oliver Wood, Hiss Golden Mess

Actor, comedian, and podcast host John Ross Bowie joins Rhett from his home in Los Angeles to talk about his new podcast Household Faces, and his creative development over the course of his career. John shares the story about how improv changed his outlook on acting, the professional ups and downs he's experienced, and he and Rhett talk about why they enjoy being “middle class” artists. John Ross Bowie is an actor, comedian, and podcast host best known for playing Barry Kripke on The Big Bang Theory and Jimmy DiMeo on Speechless. John has made guest appearances on shows such as Reno 911!, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Glee, and Good Luck Charlie, and he’s a regular standup comedy performer in New York City and Los Angeles. Besides his extensive resume in film and TV, John also hosts a podcast called Household Faces, which he launched in August. The podcast consists of in-depth interviews with some of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors, where they impart listeners with wisdom about their craft.  Wheels Off

Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa joins Rhett from her apartment in Manhattan to talk about how the pandemic has affected her life, the trope of the troubled artist, and touring in the age of COVID. Dessa explains why science is so important to her work, and delivers an unexpected response to the question of what she would tell her 21-year old self. Dessa has made a career of bucking genres and defying expectations—her résumé as a musician includes performances at Lollapalooza and Glastonbury, co-compositions for 100-voice choir, performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, and top-200 entries on the Billboard charts. She contributed to the #1 album The Hamilton Mixtape: her track, “Congratulations,” has notched over 16 million streams. She’s been published by The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler, broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio, and published a memoir-in-essays (My Own Devices, 2018) in addition to two literary collections. She’s also delivered a TED Talk about her science experiment on how t

Singer-songwriter Shannon McNally joins Rhett from Austin, Texas to talk about her life as a songwriter, and her recent collaboration with Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band. Shannon tells Rhett about her songwriting process, and the new methods of collaboration that she’s enjoyed through writing with a full band. You’ll also hear about a transformative experience that she had when she was 15 at a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert, her “unreasonable standard for guitar playing,” and why it’s a good thing that it’s become harder to make money as a musician.   Shannon McNally is a singer-songwriter from Hempstead, New York. She has released 9 studio albums and contributed valuable additions to many others, including records with Dr. John, Neal Casal, Luther Dickinson, and many more talented musicians. In this episode you’ll hear about some of those collaborations, and about her unique path as an artist. She recently released an album titled The Waylon Sessions, which is now available on all stream

Author Nick Hornby joins Rhett from Islington, North London to talk about the book that he’s currently working on, which happens to be about Charles Dickens (the writer) and Prince (the artist). Nick and Rhett discuss Nick’s evolution as a writer, his unique ability to write about music in a realistic way, and why the secret to success is doing the work and getting something done every day.     Nick Hornby is an English writer and lyricist best known for his memoir Fever Pitch, and novels High Fidelity and About a Boy. Much of his writing is centered around sports, music, and the aimless and obsessive nature of his characters. His books have sold over 5 million copies worldwide and in 2004, BBC named Nick the 29th most influential person in British culture. He’s also written several screenplays, and some of his books have even been adapted into films, musicals, and television shows.   Wheels Off is brought to you by Osiris Media. Hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Co-produced by Kirsten Cluthe in partnershi