Wheels Off With Rhett Miller

On this week’s episode Rhett welcomes Matthew Caws, frontman and founding member of the beloved alternative rock band Nada Surf. With hits like "Popular" and "Always Love," he has built a legacy of thoughtful, emotionally honest music that has captivated indie rock fans since the mid-90s. Matthew explains why living in Cambridge has deepened his connection to music history, shares insights into his songwriting process, and opens up about how meditation has become a crucial tool for managing anxiety and nurturing his creativity. Nada Surf’s new record Moon Mirror is out now Follow Matthew @matthewcaws Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.   Re

Award-winning poet, author, editor and educator Maya C. Popa joins Rhett to explore the intricacies of the writing process, managing the artistic ego, and balancing one’s integrity with commercial pressures. They discuss the role of educators in nurturing talent, and Maya shares thoughts on the importance of taking creative work into your own hands and having faith in one's journey as a writer. Dr. Maya C. Popa is most recently the author of Wound is the Origin of Wonder, named one of the Guardian’s Best Books of Poetry. American Faith was runner-up in the Kathryn A. Morton Prize judged by Ocean Vuong and was awarded the North American Book Prize in 2020. She is previously the author of three chapbooks and has received numerous awards, including from the Poetry Foundation and the Oxford Poetry Society. Her writing has been commissioned by The United Nations and other institutions, and her poetry has been featured on a Louis Vuitton trunk for the Visionaries campaign, as well as in the Van Cleef & Arpels Sprin

Pat McGee, frontman of the Pat McGee Band and a celebrated solo artist, joins Rhett to unpack his career, from his roots as an independent musician in Virginia to his latest projects and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry. Pat opens up about his artistic growth, the challenges he's faced navigating the always-changing music business, and explains why fan connection continues to play a crucial role in his life. The Pat McGee Band is currently on tour. Follow Pat @patmcgeeband Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.   Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Car

Singer-songwriter Mia Dyson joins Rhett from Los Angeles to talk about her new record Tender Heart, the evolution of her songwriting, and the pursuit of authenticity. Mia and Rhett discuss perseverance, the necessity of making mistakes, and how to get around the negative habit of comparison. Mia shares the story of how she learned to play guitar, and explains the role of discipline in her creative process. Mia Dyson is a multiple ARIA-nominated & award-winning artist from Melbourne Australia, with a powerful grit and gravel voice and guitar-playing prowess landing her voted amongst the top 25 Australian guitarists of all time. Releasing 6 critically-acclaimed albums and touring the world with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt and Eric Clapton, Mia has cemented her place as one of the great Australian troubadours. Follow Mia @miadyson Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by Old 97’

Emmy-nominated comedian, cartoonist, writer, and actor Asher Perlman joins Rhett from Brooklyn to talk about his new book of cartoons, Well, This Is Me and the creative process behind his work. Asher shares insights on the significance of community, the importance of intuition, and the two discuss the importance of focusing on the daily practice of creativity rather than the end result. Asher Perlman is currently a writer/performer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a cartoonist at The New Yorker, and a performer with the Improvised Shakespeare Company. His award-winning short film, “Accountabilibuddies,” was an official selection at the Just For Laughs Film Festival in Vancouver. He has appeared on Comedy Central, CBS , and Pop TV, as well as several national commercials. He has written humor for The New Yorker, The Onion Labs, and McSweeneys. His book Well, This Is Me, is available now. Follow Asher Perlman Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller

Musician and writer Mike Errico joins Rhett to talk about guitars, finding his voice as a musician, and his latest release, 'Shine’, which represents a shift towards more positive and uplifting music. Rhett and Mike break down the songwriting approach of artists like Taylor Swift and Max Martin, the role of teaching, and the importance of laughter in the creative process. New York-based recording artist, writer, and lecturing professor Mike Errico has built his name on the strength of critically acclaimed releases and extensive composition for film and TV. He teaches songwriting at universities including Yale, Wesleyan, the New School, and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. He was nominated for 2019’s David Payne-Carter Award for Excellence in Teaching, and taught the 2022 GRAMMY® Museum’s inaugural Summer Sessions in New York City. In addition to his performing and teaching careers, Errico’s opinions and insights have appeared in publications including The New York Times, CNN, the Wall Street Jou

Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose joins Rhett from her home in Nashville to talk about her latest album, No One Gets Out Alive, the evolution of her sound, and how the pandemic influenced her songwriting. Maggie gives us a deep dive into her creative process and explains why her commitment to staying true to herself has finally paid off. Maggie and Rhett discuss why Nashville is still a great place to be a working musician, and the difficulty of balancing social media and artistic integrity. Maggie has been hailed for her passionate individualism and influences spanning rock, soul, Americana, folk and funk. Rolling Stone declared No One Gets Out Alive one of the best albums of 2024, and NPR Music has called her a “multi-genre powerhouse”. A respected fixture of the Nashville community, she has carved out a unique path for herself, refusing to be pigeonholed in any one genre. A true road warrior, she has shared the stage with an impressive array of artists including Kelly Clarkson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Heart, Joa

Singer-songwriter Alisa Amador joins Rhett to talk about her newly released album, Multitudes. She and Rhett discuss what she learned from making the album, her songwriting process, and the challenges of being a full-time musician. Alisa discusses the significance of sharing songs in Spanish, the importance of setting boundaries and advocating for herself, and she asks Rhett to divulge some of his own survival tips. Alisa Amador is a bilingual singer-songwriter and the winner of the 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Contest. Alisa Amador’s music is a synthesis of the many styles she’s voraciously absorbed: rock, jazz, funk, and alternative folk, all wrapped in the spirit of the Latin music she grew up with. Alisa has opened for artists including Hozier, Lake Street Dive, Madison Cunningham, Watchhouse, Hiss Golden Messenger, and countless others. Her soulful singing, poetically incisive lyrics, and syncopated rhythms are likely to make you cry, laugh, and dance all within one set. Follow Alisa @alisaamador Rhett Miller we

Kurt St. Thomas, filmmaker, author, and radio DJ. joins Rhett to talk about his fascinating career, including time at iconic radio stations and record labels, and his transition into filmmaking. Kurt shares stories from his career in the music industry, his encounters with legendary artists like John Doe and David Bowie, and his unique relationship with Kurt Cobain. The two discuss the effort it took to make his latest film “D.O.A”, and the importance of following your gut instinct. Kurt St. Thomas is known for his pioneering work at Boston's WFNX radio station, where he made history by being the first to play Nirvana's "Nevermind" on the air. His contributions to the music industry extend to co-authoring "Nirvana: The Chosen Rejects" and producing the interview album "Nevermind It's an Interview." His latest film, "D.O.A.," is available for viewing now. Follow Kurt @kurtstthomas Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe

In this 200th episode, Rhett welcomes Jane Wiedlin, guitarist for The Go-Gos, acclaimed solo artist, actor, and writer. Jane talks about the early days of The Go-Gos, forming the band amidst the punk scene in LA, and surviving the workload that was required to achieve fame and success. Jane discusses her songwriting process, tells Rhett about the genesis of her band Elettrodomestico - who will be on the road supporting the OLD97s in September - and shares news that she’s writing a memoir. Follow Jane @janewiedlin Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.   Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy,

Singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson joins Rhett from Brooklyn to talk about her new album After The Party, released this week, and the tour she’s about to embark on. Leslie talks about the musical collaborations that took place during the making of the record, including working with legendary producer Peter Asher. Rhett and Leslie discuss the value of feeling nervous when performing live, and Leslie emphasizes the importance of persistence and staying focused on the journey.  A Grammy Award-nominated artist, Mendelson returns this summer with her fourth studio album, After The Party. Throughout After The Party’s ten tracks, Mendelson crafts a distinctive folk-rock, pop-Americana flavor, evoking the sounds of Laurel Canyon, but with the downtown grit and sharp wit of Brooklyn, the city she has called home for over two decades now.  After The Party is available now. Leslie Mendelson website Follow Leslie @lesliemendelson Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Mi

Bestselling author Joe Abercrombie dials in from his home in Bath to talk to Rhett about his creative process, the challenges of being a full time writer, and his love for character-focused storytelling. The two discuss the importance of striking a balance between authenticity and narrative structure, pushing through procrastination, and Joe explains how his experience as a TV editor influenced his writing, particularly in terms of pacing and focus.  Joe Abercrombie is the New York Times bestselling author of Half a King, Half the World, Red Country and the First Law trilogy: The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings. He spent ten years as a freelance film editor, and is now a full-time writer who lives in Bath, England, with his wife, two daughters, and son.  His forthcoming book, The Devils, will be published in May 2025. Follow Joe Abercrombie Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editi

Geraldine DeRuiter is an acclaimed author, world-renowned public speaker, and the voice behind the award-winning Everywhereist blog. She joins Rhett to talk about her latest book “If You Can't Take the Heat: Tales of Food, Feminism, and Fury”. The two discuss what it feels like to release your art into the world, the expectation of being creative on demand, and why the potential for failure feels high in the current media environment. Geraldine explains why staying true to oneself is essential, and shares what she learned about her own creative process from Bruce Springsteen. Geraldine’s book If You Can't Take the Heat:Tales of Food, Feminism, and Fury is available now Follow Geraldine at The Everywhereist Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media.  This podcast is available on A

Matthew Milia, frontman of Frontier Ruckus, joins Rhett to talk about the band’s latest album, On The Northline, and how his hometown of Detroit has influenced his writing throughout his career. Matthew tells Rhett about his decision to balance music with a corporate job in advertising, and the two discuss living through different generations of the music industry. Follow @matthewmilia Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Rhett Miller website Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.   Revisit previous episodes of Wheels Off with guests Rosanne Cash, Rob Thomas, Jeff Tweedy, The Milk Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Grammy winning musician Clay Ross joins Rhett to discuss his powerful new project, American Patchwork Quartet and their mission to celebrate the immigrant soul of American music. Clay explains how the group of acclaimed musicians came together, the creative process behind the making of the record, and how the project reflects his own “patchwork” journey into music. The two discuss the challenges of being an independent artist, the power of collaboration, and Clay explains why being a DIY musician provides the fuel to keep going. Clay Ross is a multi-Grammy winning artist and the founder of the band Ranky Tanky. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Gregory Porter, Snarky Puppy, and Bobby McFerrin. He is a teaching artist and the co-founder of Compose Your Career, an online course that teaches musicians how to create a sustainable career in the performing arts.  American Patchwork Quartet Clay Ross website Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller

Jon Dee Graham is a guitarist and songwriter best known for his critically acclaimed solo records. He joins Rhett to talk about his latest album, what it means to get a major label deal on the cusp of turning 65, and shares stories about his upbringing that led to his decision to become a musician.  Jon Dee Graham is a three-time inductee into the Austin Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Skunks, the True Believers, and a solo artist. He has played guitar with acts such as John Doe (X, The Knitters), Exene Cervenka (X), Michelle Shocked, Alejandro Escovedo, Kelly Willis, and The Gourds and has had his songs covered by many artists, including Patty Smythe, Patty Griffin and James McMurtry.  His latest record, Only Dead For A Little While, is available now. Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnersh

Alejandro Escovedo, one of the most critically acclaimed artists in contemporary music,  joins Rhett to talk about his musical evolution, from his early days in punk band The Nuns to Austin-based rock band The True Believers, to the making of his new album, Echo Dancing. He tells Rhett about the creative process behind the song selection on the new record and the decision to revisit and reshape some of his earlier work. The two discuss the moment when Alejandro committed to being a songwriter, and he explains why each phase of life brings an opportunity to discover new ways to tell a story. Echo Dancing is available now. Follow Alejando Escovedo and @alejandro_escovedo Follow Rhett Miller and @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever

Tim DeLaughter, the creative force behind The Polyphonic Spree, joins Rhett to discuss his journey as an artist and the challenges he faced that led to the creation of their latest record “Salvage Enterprise”. Tim tells the story behind the album’s title, discusses the importance of visuals in performance, and shares the epiphany moment he had when his teacher played an Emerson, Lake, and Palmer album in music class. Tim DeLaughter is an Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter, performer, and producer of The Polyphonic Spree. Their latest release is 2023’s Salvage Enterprise. The Polyphonic Spree Follow @polyspree Rhett Miller website Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhett Miller. Executive producer Kirsten Cluthe. Editing by Matt Dwyer. Music by OLD 97’s. Episode artwork by Mark Dowd. Show logo by Tim Skirven. Distributed in partnership with Osiris Media.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play

Singer-songwriter, musician, and indie rock icon Juliana Hatfield joins Rhett to discuss her creative process, the music she’s working on, and the balance between work and artistry. The two talk about trusting your instincts, allowing songs to develop naturally, and Juliana reflects on what her dream day job would be if she decided to do something other than music. Juliana Hatfield’s inimitable 35-year career has seen her an underground darling, a cultural emblem and a time-tested veteran whose tender singing and exemplary guitar playing is an iconic and enduring pinnacle of indie and alternative rock. In 1986, she co-founded beloved Boston indie-rock trio the Blake Babies with Freda Love and John Strohm. Since then, she has released 16 solo albums of stirring originals and imaginative covers, delving further into her love of melodic pop and rock frameworks, and fine-tuning her unmatched vision. Juliana Hatfield sings ELO was released in 2023, and the vinyl re-release of her album Bed is available for pre-ord

Rhett welcomes Adam Weiner, the driving force behind Low Cut Connie, for a conversation about the creative projects he’s been working on, the early days of his career, and what prompted him to start his own record label. Adam tells Rhett about the lessons he learned from having a theater background, emphasizes the need for artists to create their own opportunities, and explains why honing one’s craft is essential for success. Low Cut Connie has become the alter ego for frontman, pianist, and songwriter Adam Weiner, the band's only constant member since its formation. Beginning as an impromptu recording session in 2010, Low Cut Connie gradually evolved into a vehicle for Weiner's songwriting and his distinctive onstage persona. The band has earned praise for its high-energy live performances, which Los Angeles Weekly described as "unmatched in all of rock right now." NPR Music describes Weiner as “masterfully fluent in the foundational languages of Western pop.”  Low Cut Connie website Follow @lowcutconnie Rhe