Wheels Off With Rhett Miller

Singer-songwriter Esther Rose joins Rhett to discuss her transformative new album WANT, her journey into music, and the evolution of her sound. Dialing in from Santa Fe, Esther shares why this record feels like her most personal yet, how she confronts anxiety through songwriting, and the importance of agency in art and life. Follow Esther @therealestherrose 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.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Wheels Off, bestselling author Nathan Hill (The Nix, Wellness) joins Rhett for an open-hearted conversation about creativity, resilience, and the slow, surprising process of writing novels. From the trauma of losing three years of work in a car break-in to the lessons he learned from video games and Judy Blume, Nathan offers both practical advice and poetic metaphors—yes, slime is involved—for navigating the emotional highs and lows of the creative life. Follow Nathan @nathanhillbooks 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.  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

In this episode of Wheels Off, acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and activist Rebecca Martin joins Rhett for a candid conversation about her decades-long music career, her passion for water protection and civic engagement, and the release of her new acoustic album, She. Rebecca shares insights from her early days in New York's jazz scene to the deeply personal process behind her latest solo work. The two also discuss the intersection of music and activism, the value of creative solitude, raising children in a creative household, and learning to let go of social media in favor of real connection. SHE is available now. 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.  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 R

Sigrid Nunez, one of our most celebrated literary voices, joins Rhett for a conversation about writing, adaptation, and the creative process. She shares her experience of seeing her novels adapted for the screen and reflects on how film adaptations, much like cover songs, bring a new vision to a writer's work. The two discuss her writing process, transition to short stories, and the unofficial trilogy formed by her last three novels, including "The Vulnerables." Drawing wisdom from her career and the influences of writers like Toni Morrison and Virginia Woolf, she provides a candid look at what it takes to sustain a life in writing. When asked what advice she would give her 21-year-old self, her response is simple: keep writing. Follow Sigrid Nunez https://sigridnunez.com 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.  This podcast is available on

Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, In the Name of the Father) joins Rhett for this week’s episode. Known for his compelling storytelling and focus on everyday heroes, Terry discusses his creative process, his background in journalism, and the real-life inspirations behind his work. He shares the stories behind his latest projects, including a play about a Northern Ireland prison escape, and his early days writing about The Pogues. Rhett and Terry reflect on how the film industry has evolved, the tricky business of translating history into compelling narratives, and the ever-present struggle of turning raw ideas into art.  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.  This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also ask Alexa to play it.   Rev

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Jaffe joins Rhett for a conversation about artistic evolution, reinvention, and creative resilience. From her early days as an indie-folk sensation, she reflects on the twists and turns of her genre-defying career. Sarah and Rhett discuss the challenges of breaking creative ruts, navigating the process of songwriting and the pressure to finish a song in the moment. Sarah shares some of the lessons she’s learned over the years and explains why simply being a nice person is a game-changer. Follow Sarah @sayjaffe 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.  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 yo

Comedian, actor, and author Todd Barry joins Rhett to discuss his journey through the world of comedy—from his first appearance on Letterman at age 18 to launching his own crowd work tour following a successful Comedy Central special. They explore the personal experiences that shaped Todd’s comedic voice, Rhett shares a Todd Barry joke that became a family favorite, and Todd explains how ADHD can sometimes work to his advantage on stage. Todd Barry has released three one-hour stand-up specials, including The Crowd Work Tour and his latest, Spicy Honey, for Netflix. A favorite on late-night TV, he has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed 2017 travel memoir Thank You for Coming to Hattiesburg. Follow Todd @toddbarry 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. Episod

Award-winning fashion designer Billy Reid joins Rhett to talk about the artistry that has shaped his iconic brand. From rebuilding after 9/11 to shaping modern American menswear, Billy reveals how gut instincts have guided his success, shares candid insights on transforming setbacks into opportunities, and explains why he likes to stay close to the design process. As Rhett says, Billy’s story is a masterclass in living a creative life. Billy Reid’s fashion journey began in Louisiana where his mother had a boutique in the hospitable environs of his grandmother’s former home. He studied at The Art Institute of Dallas and cut his chops at Saks Fifth Avenue, later with Reebok. After launching his namesake collections in 1998, he established the Billy Reid brand in 2004. The company now operates from New York City and Alabama headquarters, with 13 domestic retail shops and international luxury boutique distribution. Follow Billy Reid @billy_reid Follow Rhett @rhettmiller Wheels Off is hosted and produced by Rhe

Moon Zappa Joins Rhett to talk about the the process of writing her book, Earth to Moon, and her unique upbringing as the daughter of Frank Zappa. The two discuss the impact of her memoir on her future fiction writing and Moon shares insights on navigating her identity within a patriarchal family, why she feels like a late bloomer, and what she means when she gives herself “no matter what” pep talks. Follow Moon @iammoonunitzappa 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 Carton Kids, and more. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or review.

Singer-songwriter Jeremie Albino is known for emotionally-nuanced storytelling and electrifying performances. From busking on the streets of Toronto, to sharing stages with artists like Orville Peck and Sierra Ferrell, Jeremie has embarked on his latest chapter with the release of Our Time In The Sun. He joins Rhett from his home in Ontario to talk about his evolution as a musician and what it took for him to accept his creative journey, shares the important lesson he learned from Dan Auerbach, and explains why trusting yourself is key to overcoming self-doubt. Follow Jeremie @jeremiealbino 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 Whee

On this episode, Open Mike Eagle—Los Angeles-based emcee, musician, comedian, and podcaster—joins Rhett to talk about his latest projects and the creative process behind his work. He shares how discovering hip hop in the mid-90s and a supportive creative community helped him kickstart his career. The two discuss music’s shifting landscape, navigating the TV industry, and finding new strategies to tackle imposter syndrome. Open Mike Eagle website Follow Open Mike @open_mike_eagle 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 Carton Kids, and more. If

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