SongWriter turns stories into songs
Ben ArthurSongWriter turns stories into songs
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, David Sedaris, 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.
2025
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, David Sedaris, 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.
2025
A Sneak Peek at the Upcoming Guests!
News of upcoming season six, as well as live shows, and a peek at some premo premium content
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
Bestselling author Raven Leilani reads an excerpt from her story "Breathing Exercise," and Elysian Fields share a new song called "The Contortionist"
Part 1 of 2George Saunders reads his story "Sea Oak," and Ben Arthur and Craig Finn share songs written in response
Part 2 of 2George Saunders reads his story "Sea Oak," and Ben Arthur and Craig Finn share songs written in response
Dave Eggers reads an excerpt from "The Museum of Rain," and Vienna Teng shares a brand new song written in response
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.
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.
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”
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”
Author Charlie Gilmour reads an excerpt from his bestselling memoir, Featherhood, and songwriter and podcaster Matshidiso plays a song written in response.
Jean Hanff Korelitz + Warren Zanes
Masha 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”
Daniel Bergner + Bob Bergner
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.
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.
Previewing season five! Neil Gaiman + FourPlay, Maggie Smith + Kat Edmonson, Masha Gessen + Maria Sonevytsky, and many more!
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"
Questlove reads an excerpt from "Music is History" about Bill Withers, and Chris Pierce plays a song written in response
Mary Gauthier tells a story from her memoir, Saved By a Song, and songwriter Kelley McRae performs a song written in response
Jonathan Franzen reads an excerpt from "Crossroads," and one of his favorite bands, Wussy, plays a song written in response
Ashley C. Ford reads from her memoir, and songwriter Be Steadwell performs a song that speaks directly to Ashley
Author Tom Franklin reads two pieces of short fiction and songwriter Ben Glover plays a song written in response to both
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
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”
Wright Thompson reads a story about losing his uncle, and songwriter Drew Holcomb performs his song, “Slower Than the Highway”
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"
Social worker Zelda talks about her time working as a stripper, and songwriter Carsie Blanton performs her new song, "Into the Light"
Songwriter Steve Earle plays a song he wrote for the documentary theater play "Coal Country," about the Upper Big Branch mining disaster
Season four! Stories from Questlove, Mary Gauthier, Anthony Doerr, and George Saunders, and songs from Carrie Brownstein, Drew Holcomb, and Steve Earle
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."
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.
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.
Author and artist Keith Rosson reads his story, "Forgive Me This," and songwriter Antje Duvekot plays her song written in response, "Lottery Ticket."
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."
George Saunders + Ben Arthur (Part 1)
George Saunders + Amanda Shires (Part 2)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roxane Gay reads an essay about love in the pandemic, and songwriters Celisse Henderson and Toshi Reagon perform songs written in response.
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."
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.
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.
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.”
Joyce Carol Oates reads a haunting story, and banjo legend Tony Trischka and songwriter Jennifer Marks each play songs written in response.
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.
Lauren Morrill tells a true story about adolescent infatuation, and songwriter Justin Cutway, and rapper Vinson Muhammad perform songs written in response.
Poet Mike Veve reads a ghost story, and Johnny Leitera of the band Tuff Sunshine performs a song written in response “Middle Man.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aura Hernandez + Denise Reis
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.
Kurt Andersen reads from his critical history of America, Fantasyland, and songwriter Vienna Teng plays a song written in response.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
W. Kamau Bell + Las Cafeteras
August 13, 202448min 50sec
During a performance at KQED Live, comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell tells a story about his father’s 80th birthday party, and an extraordinary moment of collective effervescence. ScientistDr. Shira Gabrielexplains the mechanics behind collective effervescence, and one of Kamau’s favorite bands, Las Cafeteras, shares a brand-new song called “Home.”
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For the live performance, Ben wrote a song in response to Kamau's story as well, which is streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and elsewhere.
Season six is made possible by a grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation