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SongWriter

Ben Arthur

SongWriter is a storytelling and songwriting podcast where stories become brand new songs. In each episode, a celebrated writer shares a  story, and a musician writes and performs a song inspired by it — revealing how narratives turn into music, lyrics, and emotion.

Hosted by Ben Arthur, SongWriter features conversations and performances from artists including Questlove, Joyce Carol Oates, George Saunders, Steve Earle, Isabella Rossellini, Sharon Van Etten, and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. The show blends the craft of writing, the creative processes of art, and intimate connections between authors and musicians.

If you love great stories and great songs — and want a behind-the-scenes look at creativity from some of today’s most influential artists — this is your next listen.

2026

SongWriter is a storytelling and songwriting podcast where stories become brand new songs. In each episode, a celebrated writer shares a  story, and a musician writes and performs a song inspired by it — revealing how narratives turn into music, lyrics, and emotion.

Hosted by Ben Arthur, SongWriter features conversations and performances from artists including Questlove, Joyce Carol Oates, George Saunders, Steve Earle, Isabella Rossellini, Sharon Van Etten, and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. The show blends the craft of writing, the creative processes of art, and intimate connections between authors and musicians.

If you love great stories and great songs — and want a behind-the-scenes look at creativity from some of today’s most influential artists — this is your next listen.

2026
52hr 2min
Thumbnail for "Isabella Rossellini & Diana Reiss + Sharon Van Etten".
May 5, 202649min 4sec70.56 MB
Thumbnail for "Reissued: Laurie Woolever + Mike Ruffino".
October 6, 202646min 42sec44.74 MB
Thumbnail for "AI Dreams: Jennifer Egan + Rhett Miller".
June 4, 202655min 41sec53.35 MB
Thumbnail for "Caregiving After Disaster: Sonia Khan & Ian Lovatt + Tom Marsh".
May 19, 202654min 18sec52.01 MB
Thumbnail for "Forgiveness After Genocide: Laurence & Aloys + Solange & Vedaste".
April 21, 202650min 56sec48.8 MB
Thumbnail for "A Troublesome Cat: Bruce Holsinger + The Golden Hours".
April 7, 202652min 49sec50.6 MB
Thumbnail for "Ali Selim + Carla Kihlstedt".
March 24, 202651min 21sec49.18 MB
Thumbnail for "Forgiveness in Rio: Maria Rezende + Pedro Mann".
March 10, 202633min 53sec32.46 MB
Thumbnail for "Unicorn-Level Positivity: Helen Cho + Alison Mosshart (The Kills)".
February 24, 202640min 39sec38.94 MB
Thumbnail for "Caregiving and Reconciliation: Silas Howard + Dorian Wood".
February 10, 202646min 33sec44.59 MB
Thumbnail for "Flourishing After Disaster: Patrice Francis + Selah Moonie".
January 27, 202646min 18sec44.35 MB
Thumbnail for "The Echo of Theodicy: Kaveh Akbar + Jamila Woods".
January 13, 202634min 41sec33.23 MB
Thumbnail for "Belonging & Collective Action: Viet Thanh Nguyen + Thao Nguyen".
December 30, 202549min 16sec47.2 MB
Thumbnail for "Fear & Political Polarization: Beth Macy + Palmyra".
December 16, 202549min 11sec47.12 MB
Thumbnail for "Season 7 Trailer".
A Sneak Peek at the Upcoming Guests!
December 2, 20251min 21sec15.74 MB
Thumbnail for "Ben Okri + Matshidiso".
December 17, 20241hr 7min64.16 MB
Thumbnail for "Sarfraz Manzoor + SK & the Kings".
December 3, 202445min 12sec43.4 MB
Thumbnail for "Asli Perker + Tuna Kiremitçi".
November 19, 202440min 26sec38.82 MB
Thumbnail for "Hala Alyan + H.Sinno".
November 5, 202443min 54sec42.15 MB
Thumbnail for "Fear, Parenting, and Finding Light in Darkness: Maggie Smith + Kat Edmonson".
October 22, 202455min 54sec53.67 MB
Thumbnail for "Naz Riahi + Rahill".
October 8, 202445min 33sec43.73 MB
Thumbnail for "Ina Cariño + Alex Wong".
September 24, 202440min 42sec39.08 MB
Thumbnail for "Kate Cohen + Jesse Cohen-Greenberg".
September 10, 202435min 9sec33.75 MB
Thumbnail for "Freddy Mutanguha & Hope Azeda + Peace Jolis".
August 27, 202437min 37sec36.12 MB
Thumbnail for "W. Kamau Bell + Las Cafeteras".
August 13, 202448min 50sec46.89 MB
Thumbnail for "Imbolo Mbue + Crys Matthews".
July 30, 202433min 21sec32.02 MB
Thumbnail for "Joyce Carol Oates + Ali Sethi".
July 16, 202430min 16sec29.07 MB
Thumbnail for "Susan Orlean + Diana Gameros".
July 2, 202441min 45sec40.1 MB
Thumbnail for "Season 6 Trailer".
June 18, 20241min 46sec1.7 MB
Thumbnail for "Pre-Season Six Bonus Episode".
News of upcoming season six, as well as live shows, and a peek at some premo premium content
May 4, 202410min 29sec10.08 MB
Thumbnail for "David Sedaris + Jacob Ewald (Slaughter Beach, Dog)".
David Sedaris reads an excerpt from Theft By Finding, and Jacob Ewald of the band Slaughter Beach, Dog talks about how the book gave him permission to call himself a songwriter, and shares a new song written in response
November 7, 202329min 36sec28.42 MB
Thumbnail for "Raven Leilani + Elysian Fields".
Bestselling author Raven Leilani reads an excerpt from her story "Breathing Exercise," and Elysian Fields share a new song called "The Contortionist"
October 24, 202329min 55sec28.72 MB
Thumbnail for "George Saunders + Ben Arthur".
Part 1 of 2George Saunders reads his story "Sea Oak," and Ben Arthur and Craig Finn share songs written in response
October 10, 202345min 51sec44.02 MB
Thumbnail for "George Saunders + Craig Finn".
Part 2 of 2George Saunders reads his story "Sea Oak," and Ben Arthur and Craig Finn share songs written in response
October 10, 202346min 12sec44.37 MB
Thumbnail for "Dave Eggers + Vienna Teng".
Dave Eggers reads an excerpt from "The Museum of Rain," and Vienna Teng shares a brand new song written in response
September 26, 202336min 9sec34.71 MB
Thumbnail for "Andrew Sean Greer + Torquil Campbell & Daniel Handler".
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrew Sean Greer reads an excerpt from Less is Lost, and songwriters Torquil Campbell (of the band Stars) and Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) write a lovely song in response.
September 12, 202337min 36sec36.11 MB
Thumbnail for "Sally Rooney + Sam Himself".
An excerpt from Sally Rooney's bestselling novel, "Beautiful World, Where Are You?" is paired with a love story, and a love song, from songwriter Sam Himself.
August 29, 202326min 13sec25.18 MB
Thumbnail for "Kevin Allison + Carolyn Kendrick".
Kevin Allison of RISK! tells a story about meeting his future husband in the days after 9/11, and songwriter Carolyn Kendrick shares her brand new song, “What If”
August 15, 202334min 21sec32.98 MB
Thumbnail for "Dolan Morgan + Self Help".
Author Dolan Morgan reads an excerpt from his story, “The Quartering Act,” and Melissa and John from the band Self Help react to the story, and share their new song, “3A”
August 1, 202329min 3sec27.9 MB
Thumbnail for "Charlie Gilmour + Matshidiso".
Author Charlie Gilmour reads an excerpt from his bestselling memoir, Featherhood, and songwriter and podcaster Matshidiso plays a song written in response.
July 18, 202328min 56sec27.78 MB
Thumbnail for "Jean Hanff Korelitz + Warren Zanes".
Jean Hanff Korelitz + Warren Zanes
July 4, 202340min 8sec38.54 MB
Thumbnail for "M. Gessen + Maria Sonevytsky".
M. Gessen describes being called in for a meeting with Putin, and Ukrainian American songwriter Maria Sonevytsky talks about the war, and plays her song, “Culture War”
June 13, 202334min 59sec33.59 MB
Thumbnail for "Daniel Bergner + Bob Bergner".
Daniel Bergner + Bob Bergner
June 6, 202334min 30sec33.12 MB
Thumbnail for "Neil Gaiman + FourPlay".
Storyteller Neil Gaiman talks about the inspiration behind the song "The Wreckers," and about his longtime collaboration with the FourPlay String Quartet. Lara and Tim from FourPay talk about the anxieties and pleasures of working with Neil, and their complex yet understated musical work on the song.
May 23, 202322min 59sec22.07 MB
Thumbnail for "Cheryl Strayed + MILCK".
Bestselling author Cheryl Strayed reads another letter from "Tiny, Beautiful Things" (which is now a series on Hulu!) on the subject of forgiveness. Dr. Suzanne Freedman talks about the scientific mechanics behind forgiveness, and songwriter MILCK plays a song written in response.
May 9, 202337min 31sec36.02 MB
Thumbnail for "Season Five Trailer".
Previewing season five! Neil Gaiman + FourPlay, Maggie Smith + Kat Edmonson, Masha Gessen + Maria Sonevytsky, and many more!
April 25, 20232min 27sec2.36 MB
Thumbnail for "Blake Lemoine + Jonathan Mann".
Blake Lemoine describes his conversations with LaMDA, an AI built by Google, and Jonathan Mann performs a song inspired by Star Trek called "The Measure of a Man"
September 6, 202235min 22sec33.97 MB
Thumbnail for "Questlove + Chris Pierce".
Questlove reads an excerpt from "Music is History" about Bill Withers, and Chris Pierce plays a song written in response
August 23, 202227min 13sec26.13 MB
Thumbnail for "Mary Gauthier + Kelley McRae".
Mary Gauthier tells a story from her memoir, Saved By a Song, and songwriter Kelley McRae performs a song written in response
August 9, 202225min 23sec24.37 MB
Thumbnail for "Jonathan Franzen + Wussy".
Jonathan Franzen reads an excerpt from "Crossroads," and one of his favorite bands, Wussy, plays a song written in response
July 26, 202239min 5sec37.53 MB
Thumbnail for "Ashley C. Ford + Be Steadwell".
Ashley C. Ford reads from her memoir, and songwriter Be Steadwell performs a song that speaks directly to Ashley
July 12, 202240min 6sec38.51 MB
Thumbnail for "Tom Franklin + Ben Glover".
Author Tom Franklin reads two pieces of short fiction and songwriter Ben Glover plays a song written in response to both
June 28, 202224min 41sec23.7 MB
Thumbnail for "Laurie Woolever + Mike Ruffino".
Author Laurie Woolever tells a story about a shoot in Sri Lanka with Anthony Bourdain, and composer Mike Ruffino shares a song he created using sounds recorded for the episode
June 14, 202241min 24sec39.75 MB
Thumbnail for "Mike Nichols, told by Mark Harris + Anna Kline".
Mark Harris tells the life story of Mike Nichols, one of the most influential directors of the 20th century. Anna Kline of the band Swift Silver talks about her reaction to Mike’s story, and shares her song, “The Picture Show”
May 31, 202222min 31sec21.63 MB
Thumbnail for "Wright Thompson + Drew Holcomb".
Wright Thompson reads a story about losing his uncle, and songwriter Drew Holcomb performs his song, “Slower Than the Highway”
May 17, 202223min 6sec22.18 MB
Thumbnail for "Halston, told by Ned Martel + Stephan Moccio".
Fashion designer Halston's life story is told by producer Ned Martel, and super star songwriter Stephan Moccio talks about writing "Wrecking Ball" and the piano instrumental "Halston"
May 3, 202223min 30sec22.56 MB
Thumbnail for "Zelda + Carsie Blanton".
Social worker Zelda talks about her time working as a stripper, and songwriter Carsie Blanton performs her new song, "Into the Light"
April 19, 202232min 52sec31.55 MB
Thumbnail for "Coal Country + Steve Earle".
Songwriter Steve Earle plays a song he wrote for the documentary theater play "Coal Country," about the Upper Big Branch mining disaster
April 5, 202229min 20sec28.17 MB
Thumbnail for "Season Four Trailer".
Season four! Stories from Questlove, Mary Gauthier, Anthony Doerr, and George Saunders, and songs from Carrie Brownstein, Drew Holcomb, and Steve Earle
March 22, 20222min 28sec2.38 MB
Thumbnail for "Joyce Carol Oates + Katie Melua".
Legendary author Joyce Carol Oates reads her poem “Too Young to Marry, but Not Too Young to Die” and pop star Katie Melua shares a studio recording of a song she wrote in response called "Forever Sunlit."
October 19, 202123min 53sec22.93 MB
Thumbnail for "Introducing Basic Folk".
Basic Folk is one of my favorite podcasts, and in this episode host Cindy Howes talks to Wesley Schultz about the history of The Lumineers up to now and his solo debut album.
October 18, 20211hr 7min64.18 MB
Thumbnail for "Jonathan Lethem + Tift Merritt".
Bestselling author Jonathan Lethem reads from his recent “dystopian pastoral” novel, The Arrest, and songwriterTift Merritt performs a song called “Asylum in a Mad, Mad World” that she wrote in response.
September 21, 202121min 56sec21.06 MB
Thumbnail for "Keith Rosson + Antje Duvekot".
Author and artist Keith Rosson reads his story, "Forgive Me This," and songwriter Antje Duvekot plays her song written in response, "Lottery Ticket."
September 7, 202133min 27sec32.13 MB
Thumbnail for "Jeremy Welch + Maia Sharp".
Veteran Jeremy Welch talks about his experience as a soldier, and his struggles with addiction, suicidality, and depression. Songwriter Maia Sharp talks about meeting Jeremy at a Songwriting With: retreat, and they describe the process of writing their song, "These Boots."
August 24, 202128min 8sec27.02 MB
Thumbnail for "George Saunders + Ben Arthur (Part 1)".
George Saunders + Ben Arthur (Part 1)
August 10, 202144min 5sec42.32 MB
Thumbnail for "George Saunders + Amanda Shires (Part 2)".
George Saunders + Amanda Shires (Part 2)
August 10, 202141min 48sec40.14 MB
Thumbnail for "Polly Samson + David Gilmour".
Bestselling author Polly Samson reads an excerpt from her novel, A Theater for Dreamers, and Polly and her husband David Gilmour, of the band Pink Floyd, describes writing the song "Yes, I Have Ghosts" in response.
July 27, 202128min 32sec27.4 MB
Thumbnail for "Lucia Berlin (read by Elizabeth Geoghegan) + Rebecca Rego".
Lucia Berlin died years before her collection "A Manual for Cleaning Women" became an international bestseller. Berlin's friend and former student Elizabeth Geoghegan reads her story, "Mama," and songwriter Rebecca Rego performs a song written in response.
July 13, 202126min 2sec25 MB
Thumbnail for "Nicholson Baker + Rod Picott".
Author Nicholson Baker reads an excerpt of The Anthologist, and songwriter Rod Picott performs a song written in response called "Losing Faith." The two friends also discuss cross-arts explorations, self-doubt, and the importance of a good sandwich.
June 29, 202122min 22sec21.48 MB
Thumbnail for "Sarah Hepola + Matt the Electrician".
Sarah Hepola reads an excerpt from her memoir "Blackout," and Matt the Electrician shares his own experiences with blackouts and TWO songs that he wrote in response.
June 15, 202131min 56sec30.66 MB
Thumbnail for "Odie Lindsey + Mary Gauthier".
Odie Lindsey reads an excerpt from his novel, "Some Go Home," and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Mary Gauthier performs "Then Go Home" written in response.
June 1, 202118min 41sec17.94 MB
Thumbnail for "Roxane Gay + Celisse + Toshi Reagon".
Roxane Gay reads an essay about love in the pandemic, and songwriters Celisse Henderson and Toshi Reagon perform songs written in response.
May 18, 202127min 49sec26.72 MB
Thumbnail for "Cheryl Strayed + Maia Sharp".
Cheryl Strayed reads a letter about her mother from her celebrated advice column "Dear Sugar," and songwriter Maia Sharp talks about a recent break-up and performs her song "It's Always Good to See You."
May 4, 202119min 8sec18.38 MB
Thumbnail for "Season 3 Trailer".
Season three of SongWriter will feature stories from George Saunders, Cheryl Strayed, Roxane Gay, and Joyce Carol Oates, and brand new songs from Amanda Shires, Tift Merritt, Celisse Henderson, and Mary Gauthier.
April 20, 20212min 48sec2.7 MB
Thumbnail for "Michael Ian Black + Victoria Jones".
Actor, comedian, and bestselling author Michael Ian Black tells a true story about youth, privilege, and stealing, and songwriter Victoria Jones speaks on religious faith and on owning our mistakes.
November 24, 202027min 55sec26.8 MB
Thumbnail for "Ben Sollee + James Lindsey".
Cellist Ben Sollee tells a story about learning that his family sold their ancestral land to a coal company, and rapper James Lindsey shares his song “Hoop Sessions.”
November 10, 202016min 14sec15.59 MB
Thumbnail for "Joyce Carol Oates + Tony Trischka + Jennifer Marks".
Joyce Carol Oates reads a haunting story, and banjo legend Tony Trischka and songwriter Jennifer Marks each play songs written in response.
October 27, 202029min 47sec28.59 MB
Thumbnail for "Alison Gaylin + Colin McGrath".
Author Alison Gaylin reads an excerpt from "Never Look Back," and songwriter Colin McGrath plays "Dear Aurora Grace," his musical response to Gaylin's book.
October 13, 202018min 55sec18.17 MB
Thumbnail for "Lauren Morrill + Justin Cutway + Vinson Muhammad".
Lauren Morrill tells a true story about adolescent infatuation, and songwriter Justin Cutway, and rapper Vinson Muhammad perform songs written in response.
September 29, 202020min 57sec20.12 MB
Thumbnail for "Mike Veve + Johnny Leitera".
Poet Mike Veve reads a ghost story, and Johnny Leitera of the band Tuff Sunshine performs a song written in response “Middle Man.”
September 15, 202028min 26sec27.3 MB
Thumbnail for "Lou Barrett + Michelle Gaw".
Lou Barrett tells a story about falling in love with their high school best friend, and songwriter Michelle Gaw performs her song “What Makes a Friend” live at a house concert in Cleveland, Ohio.
September 1, 202020min 34sec19.75 MB
Thumbnail for "Ethan Lipton + Sarah Jaffe".
Playwright and songwriter Ethan Lipton reads a fictional speech at a live performance in New York City, and Texan songwriter Sarah Jaffe plays a song she wrote in response.
August 18, 202011min 13sec10.77 MB
Thumbnail for "Amy Turn Sharp + Parker Paul".
Poet Amy Turn Sharp reads a piece inspired by the death of her mother, and songwriter Parker Paul performs his song “Baby Teeth,” at a live performance in Columbus, Ohio.
August 4, 202017min 58sec17.25 MB
Thumbnail for "Louisa Young + Miranda Joy".
Author Louisa Young reads from her memoir, You Left Early, and pianist and songwriter Miranda Joy performs “Carry You Around,” live in the clock tower of St. Pancras Station in London.
July 21, 202014min 33sec13.98 MB
Thumbnail for "Dodai Stewart + Natalia Zukerman".
Dodai Stewart tells a story about destiny, choice, and tarot cards, and slide guitarist Natalia Zukerman performs her song written in response, “Storm Cloud Rising.”
July 7, 202020min 40sec19.85 MB
Thumbnail for "Soman Chainani + Cave Twins".
Bestselling author Soman Chainani reads a children’s story he wrote for SongWriter, about an evil bear that eats children. David Mayfield and Abby Rose, who perform as Cave Twins, share their song written in response, “Mighty Mountain Monster.”
June 23, 202023min 25sec22.49 MB
Thumbnail for "Malachy McCourt + Louise Cairns".
Malachy McCourt tells a story about a walk he and his father took together when he was a small boy, and Scottish songwriter Louise Cairns performs her response song, “Baby Rocks.”
June 9, 202024min 9sec23.2 MB
Thumbnail for "Season Two Trailer".
This is a preview for the second season of SongWriter, the podcast of stories and "answer songs," featuring stories from Joyce Carol Oates, Soman Chainani, and Michael Ian Black, and songs written in response by Sarah Jaffe, Cave Twins, Tony Trischka, and Drew Holcomb.
May 12, 20202min 53sec2.77 MB
Thumbnail for "Jonathan Lethem + Cindy Lee Berryhill (Bonus Episode!)".
Novelist and MacArthur "Genius Grant" award-winner Jonathan Lethem reads his story "Vivian Relf," and songwriter Cindy Lee Berryhill performs a song written in response.
November 26, 201937min 55sec36.67 MB
Thumbnail for "Anna North + Miss Eaves".
Novelist and journalist Anna North reads two pieces of flash fiction, "The Machine" and "Cheese Baby," and rapper and filmmaker Miss Eaves performs a song written in response the second piece. The two friends also discuss how they met, and their reaction to each others' work.
November 12, 201913min 8sec12.59 MB
Thumbnail for "Patricia Lockwood + Sasha Dobson".
Patricia Lockwood reads a chapter from her bestselling memoir, Priestdaddy, and songwriter Sasha Dobson performs her song, "Cross on My Heart," inspired by Patricia's writing.
October 29, 201918min 17sec17.53 MB
Thumbnail for "Aura Hernandez + Denise Reis".
Aura Hernandez + Denise Reis
October 15, 201913min 42sec13.48 MB
Thumbnail for "Rita Mullaney + Byron Isaacs".
Retired police captain Rita Mullaney tells a story about two dislocated people who secretly lived for years in New York City police precincts, and veteran musician Byron Isaacs shares a song he wrote in response.
October 1, 201918min 6sec17.34 MB
Thumbnail for "Kurt Andersen + Vienna Teng".
Kurt Andersen reads from his critical history of America, Fantasyland, and songwriter Vienna Teng plays a song written in response.
September 17, 201918min 22sec17.61 MB
Thumbnail for "Rick Moody + Xenia Rubinos".
Bestselling author Rick Moody reads a chapter from his novel Hotels of North America, about love, marriage, and an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction. Xenia Rubinos talks about transience on tour, and plays her answer song, "Three Stars."
September 3, 201922min 47sec22.18 MB
Thumbnail for "Roxane Gay + Aya Aziz".
Bestselling author Roxane Gay reads her short story "Baby Arm," about love, friendship, and a women's fight club. Songwriter and playwright Aya Aziz performs "Push," and talks about how she came to write the song in response to Roxane's story.
August 20, 201922min 13sec21.63 MB
Thumbnail for "Joyce Carol Oates + Ted Leo".
Joyce Carol Oates reads "Deceit," from her collection Black Dahlia & White Rose, and songwriter Ted Leo shares his song "Deceit," which was written in response.
August 6, 201927min 49sec26.99 MB
Thumbnail for "Dolan Morgan + Emily Hope Price".
Brooklyn author and illustrator Dolan Morgan reads a story called "The New Middle Class," and cellist Emily Hope Price plays a song she wrote in response. Price talks about the recent loss of a friend, and how that loss informed the song, also called "The New Middle Class."
July 23, 201924min 12sec23.19 MB
Thumbnail for "Deborah Copaken + Tommy Siegel".
In the third episode of SongWriter, Deborah Copaken reads an excerpt of her upcoming book Ladyparts, and Tommy Siegel (of Jukebox the Ghost) performs his song "Dear Science," which he wrote in response.
July 9, 201926min 29sec25.72 MB
Thumbnail for "Gary Shteyngart + Elissa LeCoque".
Gary Shteyngart reads from his novel Lake Success, about the flame out and subsequent freak out of hedge fund manager Barry Cohen, and Elissa LeCoque shares her song written in response, "Weak Wrists."
June 25, 201927min 3sec26.26 MB
Thumbnail for "Susan Orlean + Ben Arthur".
This is the first episode of SongWriter, featuring a story from bestselling author Susan Orlean, and a song written in response by host Ben Arthur.
June 11, 201911min 6sec11.04 MB
Thumbnail for "Season One Trailer".
SongWriter is a podcast of stories and answer songs, with episodes featuring Roxane Gay, Joyce Carol Oates, Susan Orlean, Ted Leo, Jonathan Lethem, and many others.
May 7, 20192min 5sec2 MB

Isabella Rossellini & Diana Reiss + Sharon Van Etten

Thumbnail for "Isabella Rossellini & Diana Reiss + Sharon Van Etten".
May 5, 202649min 4sec

Filmmaker and actress Isabella Rossellini describes the night she went to see Temple Grandin speak at Hunter College, and ended up enrolling in graduate school to study animal behavior at the age of 60. Isabella’s friend and professor Dr. Diana Reiss speaks about her research work with animals, and the importance of seeing them not just as species, but as individuals. Rock star Sharon Van Etten explains why this project meant the world to her, and performs a new song titled "for Isabella."

Chapters:
09:30
Isabella Rossellini describes how Darwin decoded animal intelligence using photography
24:11
Dr. Diana Reiss tells a story about a dolphin who turned her training methods back on her
38:39
Sharon Van Etten speaks about the catharsis of writing about intensity and darkness

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SongWriter is a music and songwriting podcast that turns stories into songs. Host Ben Arthur invites writers, poets, and musicians to share a story or poem, then pairs it with an original song written in response. Along the way, the show explores the creative process through intimate conversations and performances. Guests have included Questlove, Susan Orlean, David Gilmour, Joyce Carol Oates, David Sedaris, and George Saunders. Distributed by PRX, SongWriter also appears on the syndicated radio program Acoustic Café and in Paste Magazine. Learn more at SongWriterPodcast.com. 

Season seven is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation

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