SONG DIVING - An American Songwriter Podcast

SONG DIVING with Dan Wilson

We dive in with Dan Wilson, Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and frontman of Semisonic, to talk about the songs he’s written, including “Closing Time,” “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks, “Someone Like You” by Adele, and “White Horse” by Chris Stapleton.Along the way, we explore the music that shaped his creative voice, from The Beatles and Bob Marley to Bonnie Raitt and Randy Newman, and the lessons he carried forward into his own songwriting.We talk about which George Harrison song can kill a party vibe, the insane ambition of trying to unite the world with a song, and why the best pop songs might double as children’s books.It’s a conversation about loving songs and writing them with hope, compassion, and what rings true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SONG DIVING with AJ Croce

We dive in with AJ Croce, son of the late Jim Croce and the driving force behind the Croce plays Croce tour, a live show that blends his own songs with his father’s classics. We talk about the songs he’s written, the legacy of Jim Croce, and the music that shaped how AJ hears and writes, from Ray Charles and Little Richard to Fats Waller and Billie Holiday.It’s a conversation rooted in history, craft, and a deep understanding of American music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SONG DIVING with Ani Difranco

We dive in with Ani DiFranco to talk about the songs she’s written, including 32 Flavors, Genie, and This Bouquet, along with the music and voices that shaped how she hears and writes songs, from Suzanne Vega to Betty Carter to Baaba Maal.Ani talks about her new book "The Spirit of Ani," learning patience in her songmaking, collaborating with spirit, and the impossible work of finding words to describe feelings. It’s an open conversation about presence, trusting the process, and standing at the far edge of a long creative era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SONG DIVING with Billy Corgan

We dive in with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins to talk about the songs he’s written, including “Tonight, Tonight,” “Cherub Rock,” and “Cupid de Locke,” and the music that shaped how he hears and writes songs, from The Beatles to Bob Dylan to Bad Brains to Black Sabbath. Billy talks about letting the song take you like a child by the hand and lead you where it wants to go. He also reflects on trusting that when a song doesn’t land immediately, you may be writing for another generation at another time. A generous conversation about documenting the long arc of a creative life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SONG DIVING with Cooper Alan

We dive in with Cooper Alan to explore the songs he’s written and the music that shaped his creative voice. We talk about the two sides of his personality and artistry, the heartfelt and emotionally grounded side and the fun, wild, and humorous side, and how both show up in his songwriting. Cooper also reflects on the wide-ranging music he drew from while learning to entertain bar crowds before he was old enough to even be in them, from Tom Petty and Eric Church to Uncle Kracker and Eminem. It’s an open, inviting conversation about writing songs that juggle honesty and entertainment, and leave room for both heart and humor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices