Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

Joe Henry and Mike Reid brought two distinct but complementary legacies to Life & Times, their new collaborative album. Joe is a celebrated producer and songwriter known for his atmospheric, deeply literary approach to Americana. Over the decades, he's produced albums for artists like Solomon Burke, Bonnie Raitt, and Elvis Costello, while crafting his own work that blurs the line between folk, jazz, and rock. Mike Reid, a former NFL defensive lineman turned Grammy-winning country songwriter, has written hits like "I Can't Make You Love Me" and has long explored the tender spaces between strength and vulnerability. Their album, Life & Times, captures conversations between two seasoned storytellers, their voices and perspectives interweaving across songs that examine memory, mortality, and the passage of time with unflinching honesty. On today's episode, Bruce Headlam talks to Joe Henry and Mike Reid about how they developed a deep friendship over their shared love of poetry at a songwriter's retreat. They also discuss the artists and songs that first drew them to songwriting. And they reflect on their individual creative processes and how they've found new ways to inspire each other's work. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Joe Henry & Mike Reid HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since getting his start in the late ‘60s, Labi Siffre has had an unflinching commitment to writing exactly what he feels. The result was a debut album that announced a singular talent: a British singer-songwriter who could move seamlessly from jazz-inflected soul to tender love songs, all while addressing themes of love, identity, and justice that most pop artists wouldn't touch. Over the next decade, Siffre built a catalog that defied category. Still, his 1972 song "Crying Laughing Loving Lying" became an international success, and his song "Something Inside So Strong"—written years later in response to apartheid—also became a big hit, revealing the true scope of his artistry. And then there's "I Got The..." from his 1975 album Remember My Song that would quietly become one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history, most famously by Dr. Dre on Eminem's "My Name Is." On today's episode, Justin Richmond talks to Labi Siffre about growing up in 1950s London and the music he discovered that set him on his particular artistic path. Labi also talks about how he wants music to enliven him and how much it annoys him when people tell him to chill. And he explains why, after decades in the music industry, he's never regretted choosing honesty over commercial compromise. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Labi Siffre HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Chicago released their debut album in 1969, they blended brass, jazz sophistication, and rock power into something completely their own. By 1975, when Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits arrived, the band had already amassed an extraordinary catalog of songs that captured both the experimental spirit of the late '60s and the pop sensibility of the '70s. That compilation became one of the best-selling albums of the decade, introducing new listeners to the band's range while cementing their legacy. Now, Chicago is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that landmark release with an expanded edition that offers fans a deeper look at this pivotal moment in the band's history. On today's episode, Bruce Headlam talks to Lee Loughnane and Jimmy Pankow of Chicago about recording their early albums. They also discuss how they came up with the idea of incorporating a horn section into a rock band. And they explain why after being on the road since the 70’s they don’t even bother to unpack their suitcases anymore. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Chicago HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin joined You'll Hear It's Adam Maness and Peter Martin to talk Still Crazy After All These Years. Paul Simon's Grammy-winning album was born out of divorce, and produced some of his greatest songs of all time, like "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover," "My Little Town," and "I Do It For Your Love." They dive into the story behind this remarkable album, including Steve Gadd's famous drum beat and how Stevie Wonder's Innervisions may have been the catalyst for Paul Simon's divorce?! And, we ask: Is this the ultimate sad boy album? Find You'll Hear It wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In July, Malcolm Gladwell taped a live episode of Broken Record at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City. It was a wonderful night of conversation and music. Drew Holcomb—a Memphis native who has spent the past 20 years performing with his band, The Neighbors—joined Malcolm onstage for the taping. On today’s episode, you’ll hear how growing up with strict Christian parents shaped Drew's artistic sensibilities through the handful of secular artists he was allowed to listen to, and how the crisis of faith he faced after his brother’s death led him to leave seminary and pursue life as a singer-songwriter. You’ll also hear stripped-down performances of Drew's songs live. And you’ll get a taste of his favorite Bruce Springsteen track, “Highway Patrolman,” with impromptu background vocals from Malcolm Gladwell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When S.G. Goodman released her debut album, Old Time Feeling, in 2020, critics hailed it as a stunning introduction to a bold new voice in Americana. Co-produced with Jim James of My Morning Jacket, the album showcased Goodman's ability to balance classic Southern sounds with progressive ideas, earning widespread acclaim and landing on numerous year-end best-of lists.  S.G. was raised in Hickman, Kentucky, in a family of row crop farmers and storytellers. That upbringing shaped her worldview and her songwriting—she sings about small-town living with both deep affection and clear-eyed critique. Now, with her third album, Planting By The Signs, S.G. continues to mine rich themes like love, loss, and reconciliation. The record is inspired in part by the ancient tradition of farming according to the cycles of the moon—a practice passed down through generations in her family. On today's episode, Bruce Headlam talks to S.G. Goodman about growing up in a family of storytellers and how that tradition makes its way into her songwriting. She also discusses co-producing her latest album and how she was able to make a bigger, more atmospheric-sounding record. And she performs the song "I'm In Love" live. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from S.G. Goodman HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re excited to share an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, Heavyweight, a new addition to the Pushkin slate of shows. Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, creates space for difficult conversations and resolving long-standing regrets and unanswered questions. Balancing humor and empathy, host Jonathan Goldstein helps his subjects pinpoint the moment things went wrong and joins them on a quest to make them right.  This episode features Michael, who, as a high school senior got his lucky break—the chance to star in a big-budget movie. Shooting wrapped, a premier date was set…and then he found out that his success was all based on a lie. Find Heavyweight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Boyd has spent more than six decades as a producer, label executive, and writer whose influence extends far beyond the studio. From producing Nick Drake's luminous folk albums to working with Fairport Convention, Pink Floyd, and R.E.M., Boyd has shaped some of the most enduring recordings in modern music history. But Joe Boyd isn't just a behind-the-scenes architect of sound—he's also a chronicler of the music he loves. In his 2007 memoir, White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s, he offered an insider's perspective on a transformative era, while his latest book, And the Roots of Rhythm Remain: A Journey Through Global Music, published in 2024, takes readers across continents in search of the traditions that continue to shape contemporary sound. From Cuba to Mali, from Brazil to Bulgaria, Boyd traces the connections that bind global music together and celebrates the artists who keep these traditions alive. On today’s episode Justin Richmond talks to Joe Boyd about working with famed Warner Brothers CEO Mo Ostin in the ‘60s. He also talks about the exhaustive research he did in writing his latest book and why he decided to pinpoint three specific Global regions as the genesis for all popular music. And Joe recalls how he came to produce the seminal 1973 documentary on Jimi Hendrix. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Joe Boyd HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jensen McRae writes songs that cut straight to the bone—intimate, unflinching examinations of identity, relationships, and the complexities of coming of age in today's world. Since releasing her debut EP, Who Hurt You?, in 2021, she's garnered attention for her literary approach to songwriting and her ability to balance vulnerability with sharp observation. Her music often grapples with difficult subjects: navigating mixed-race identity, processing heartbreak, and confronting the uncomfortable truths we tell ourselves. But there's also warmth and humor in her work which can be heard that today when she performs three songs live—"Savannah" and “Let Me Be Wrong” from her new album I Don't Know How But They Found Me, and "White Boy" from her 2022 full-length release, Are You Happy Now? On today’s episode I talk to Jensen McCrae about her journey as an artist, why she gravitates toward niche communities online like Reddit, and her list of goals that include both winning the Grammy for Album of the Year and a mayoral run in her native Los Angeles. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Jensen McRae HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Gilmour is one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. Since joining Pink Floyd in 1967, his songwriting, vocals, and distinctive guitar tone have helped shape classic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. In 1978, he began releasing solo material, and over the past four decades has recorded five solo albums. His most recent, Luck and Strange (2024), became his third solo record to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart—following On an Island (2006) and Rattle That Lock (2015). The album features lyrics by his wife and longtime collaborator, Polly Samson, along with contributions from their children. One of those collaborations—with his daughter, Romany Gilmour—is particularly stunning, both on record and in live performance. Fans can now experience it on the newly released concert film David Gilmour: Live at the Circus Maximus and its companion live album, The Luck and Strange Concerts, available now on all major streaming platforms. On today’s episode, Justin Richmond speaks with David Gilmour, who joined him over Zoom for a rare conversation about writing songs with Polly, mastering his latest album aboard his houseboat studio, and why he can never truly recreate a guitar solo—even when playing it note for note. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from David Gilmour HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're sharing an episode from another podcast we think you'll enjoy, The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers. Adam counts down Rolling Stone's 500 greatest albums of all time with musicians, comedians, and actors. The second (and last) studio album by rock supergroup Crosby, Stills, & Nash and their first as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, contains songs that span from soft folk to hard rock. Jeff Daniels makes his debut to discuss how the album impacted the music he writes.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Oates—one half of Hall & Oates, one of the best-selling duos in pop history—is going back to his roots with his new self-titled solo album. Before forming Hall & Oates, John was steeped in folk and Delta blues, and this record pulls from those early influences while showcasing the guitar chops and songwriting skills he’s honed over years of playing with top Nashville musicians. On today’s episode, Justin Richmond talks with John about the making his new solo album. John also shares the story of playing Mississippi John Hurt’s acoustic guitar on the first two Hall & Oates records, and the moment backstage at the Apollo Theater, after performing with The Temptations, when he realized Hall & Oates had truly come full circle. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from John Oates songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chino Moreno is the lead singer of Deftones, the Sacramento band experiencing a resurgence as a new generation discovers their ’90s hits on social media. This year, Deftones have been selling out arenas while putting the finishing touches on their latest album, Private Music. During the recording sessions, guitarist Stephen [Stef-in] Carpenter’s health took a turn when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Chino stepped in to handle more of the guitar parts, approaching the album with newfound clarity after getting sober. On today’s episode, Leah Rose talks with Chino about the band’s early days living with their late bassist, Chi Cheng. He reflects on the story behind the Around the Fur album cover and shares his post-show ritual—which often includes winding down with rom-coms in his tour bus bunk. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Deftones songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miguel, the Grammy-winning alt-R&B pioneer is back with a new album, Caos—his first full-length in eight years. It’s the latest step in a career that’s always pushed the boundaries of R&B, from his 2010 debut through albums that blended in psychedelia, dance music, and now touches of ’80s industrial and even ranchera rhythms. On today’s episode, Miguel talks with Leah Rose about his unreleased 2023 album Viscera and how suspending himself from piercings in his back during its rollout helped him surrender control. He also shares the story of controversial imagery for his single “New Martyrs.” And, despite collaborations with Travis Scott, Mariah Carey, and Tame Impala, Miguel explains why he’s happiest just making music with his friends. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Miguel songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 years ago, Sublime released the album that defined Southern California’s music scene for a generation. Now the band is preparing to put out their fourth full-length, and for the first time, Bradley Nowell’s son, Jakob Nowell, is stepping up as lead singer. Bradley, Sublime’s original frontman, died of a heroin overdose in 1996, just a couple of months before the band's breakthrough album came out. Jakob was still an infant then, but he grew up surrounded by the lasting influence of a band that blended ska, punk, reggae, and hip-hop into a sound that dominated Southern California in the ‘90s.  After Bradley’s passing, bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh launched Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997 and stayed active with different projects. In late 2023, they shared the stage with Jakob at a benefit for Bad Brains’ singer H.R., and the spark between them was immediate. On today’s episode, Justin Richmond talks with Jakob, Bud, and Eric about how this new chapter of Sublime came together. They also revisit the band’s scrappy early days, when they had to beg, borrow, and steal just to keep going, and share memories of recording the self-titled album at Willie Nelson’s studio outside Austin. Big thanks to InterTrend and Creative Class Collective for letting us record at their facilities in Long Beach, CA. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Sublime songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Word first broke about the band The Favors back in February, when cryptic posts revealed that Billie Eilish’s producer and brother, Finneas, was making new music with singer Ashe. Soon after, both artists began performing these songs live, introducing The Favors to audiences even before an official release. Now, the band is set to drop their debut album, The Dream. They call it “a real chemistry album,” the product of free-flowing writing and jam sessions with their close friends David Marinelli on drums, and Ricky Gourmet on guitar. On today’s episode, you’ll hear Finneas and Ashe perform two standout tracks from The Dream—“Times Square Jesus” and “The Hudson.” Justin Richmond also digs into their collaborative process, exploring how their creative partnership shapes not only the music but even the way they present themselves to the world. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from The Favors HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What was meant to be an hour-long interview with Gene Simmons turned into one of the stranger conversations we’ve had on Broken Record. As co-founder, bassist, and co-frontman of KISS alongside Paul Stanley, Simmons created one of the most outrageous personas in rock history: The Demon. On stage, he breathed fire, spit blood, and wagged his famously long tongue. Off stage, he and KISS became merchandising pioneers, selling everything from comic books and lunchboxes to KISS-branded coffins. Now 76, Simmons remains as enigmatic as ever. This November, he’ll headline KISS Kruise XII: Landlocked in Vegas, a three-day fan gathering at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. In the lead-up, he joined Justin Richmond to talk about the Beatles’ unmatched songwriting, why KISS never chased radio singles, and to deliver a few of his trademark off-color remarks. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from KISS and Gene Simmons HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2022, at 75 years-old, Loudon Wainwright III released Lifetime Achievement—an aptly titled album from a songwriter whose debut came more than fifty years earlier. Over the decades, Loudon has built a reputation for his confessional style, writing candidly about the struggles and absurdities of family life, failed relationships, and the scars of parental abandonment. While his subject matter can be heavy, he often balances it with wit and humor. You’ll hear that today when he performs “Fam Vac” and “Back in Your Town” from Lifetime Achievement. In this conversation with Bruce Headlam, Loudon reflects on how he leaned into his upper-class upbringing when he first began performing professionally, what it was like collaborating with guitar virtuoso Richard Thompson in the 1980s, and the magical feeling of stepping on stage for the very first time. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Loudon Wainwright III songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great musical chemistry often starts at home. Think of family bands like Sly and the Family Stone, The Beach Boys, the Bee Gees, Haim, Oasis, AC/DC, and The Jacksons. Infinity Song, our guests today, carry on that tradition. Siblings Momo, Abraham, Angel, and Israel Boyd grew up between Detroit and New York City, sharpening their sound wherever they could: in church, in the park, on subway platforms, even around the kitchen table. Their devotion to performing eventually carried them to bigger stages, guided by their father and manager John Boyd and supported by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Along the way, they’ve developed a unique blend of R&B and folk that they describe as modern-day soft rock. For today's episode, Justin Richmond sat down with the Boyd siblings live at the Tribeca Festival in New York. They talked about the role music has always played in their family, the pivotal moment when their dad saved the day in a high-stakes meeting with Jay-Z, and they performed a couple of tracks from their album Metamorphosis Complete. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite tracks from Infinity Song HERE. And you can hear our Fall playlist HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.