Jack Stafford PODSONGS

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tdbsw2Uf3j8?si=u7z4o4bcxFvsT1-Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

"You're in despair. You just don't know you're in despair." — Peter Rollins
 

On this episode of Podsongs, John Kunkel of The New Division takes the guest-host chair to interview Northern Irish writer, philosopher and theologian Peter Rollins as inspiration for a brand new song. John opens up on his influences — Depeche Mode, New Order, Echo & the Bunnymen, Duran Duran — before the conversation turns to Rollins' work: questioning certainty, exposing the contradictions we live by, and finding freedom from the relentless "tyranny of happiness," with Los Angeles cast as a spiritual "Mecca" selling wholeness to anyone who can afford it. Along the way Rollins unpacks desire, sacrifice, work and alienation, ideology, AI and the unconscious, the films that shaped him, and the parables behind his "pyrotheology" — and the talk becomes the seed of "Idols," a song about the things we all end up worshipping, good and bad.

New single "Idols" by The New Division — out 26 June. Stream/pre-save: https://ffm.to/tnd_idols

TOPICS

• Peter Rollins on desire, contradiction, and ideology
• The tyranny of happiness and the demand to enjoy
• Los Angeles as a spiritual marketplace
• Lacanian psychoanalysis and the unconscious
• Why desire needs obstacles
• Sacrifice, meaning, and fulfillment
• AI, consciousness, and the technological singularity
• Films, storytelling, and creative inspiration
• John Kunkel’s influences: Depeche Mode, New Order, Echo & the Bunnymen, Duran Duran
• Writing a song live on the podcast

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro: welcome to Podsongs
01:29 Why UK music hits different (New Order, Depeche Mode, Echo & the Bunnymen)
04:45 Keeping new wave alive
06:18 Moving abroad: music logistics
09:47 Writing 150 song demos
14:41 Who is Peter Rollins?
28:17 Peter joins the call
31:50 LA and the demand to enjoy
37:01 The tyranny of happiness
38:35 The superego's demand to enjoy
40:19 Why fulfilling your dreams can backfire
41:53 The enjoyment hidden in sacrifice
44:33 Why desire needs obstacles
47:39 The unconscious and Lacan's "object a"
52:56 Filmmaking and prohibition
57:43 Negative universality and politics
01:01:16 The church of contradiction
01:05:29 AI, singularity and the unconscious
01:12:42 Music tastes and influences
01:14:08 Film picks: They Live and ideology
01:19:49 Who inspires Peter now
01:20:34 Writing the song live
01:21:20 The Vegas parable and unknowing
01:26:02 Where to find Peter Rollins
01:28:43 The profane temple and lack
01:34:51 Post-interview debrief
01:39:07 "Idols" — song outro

GUEST & MUSICIAN

Peter Rollins: https://peterrollins.com

The New Division: https://www.newdivisionmusic.com

Get the newsletter, support the show, and download the song for just €/$1:
https://podsongs.com

Website: https://podsongs.com
Podcast Episodes: https://podsongs.com/podcast-episodes
Music: https://podsongs.com/music

Instagram: https://instagram.com/podsongs
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/podsongs
Facebook: https://facebook.com/podsongs

#PeterRollins #JohnKunkel #NewDivision #Philosophy #Theology #Psychoanalysis #Lacan #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Consciousness #Ideology #Desire #Happiness #Spirituality #Songwriting #SynthPop #NewWave #PostPunk #Podsongs #JackStafford

Australian singer-songwriter William Crighton joins host Jack Stafford for a remarkable conversation with legendary explorer, anthropologist and ethnobotanist Wade Davis — bestselling author of The Serpent and the Rainbow and one of the world’s leading voices on indigenous cultures, psychedelics, anthropology and human consciousness.

Recorded on Wade Davis’ 70th birthday, this episode explores Aboriginal songlines, Dreamtime, psychedelics, race, optimism, creativity, music as trance, fatherhood, indigenous wisdom and the modern crisis of meaning.

Before Wade joins the conversation, William discusses his evolving sound, his acclaimed album Water and Dust, collaborations with William Barton and Jeff Lang, touring in Canada and China, his prison songwriting programme and his focus on lower-carbon solo touring.

During the episode, Wade says:

“Despair is an insult to the imagination.”

Later:

“Give your destiny time to find you.”

That line inspired William to write a brand new original song called Destiny, which closes the episode.

Podsongs is the podcast where musicians interview inspiring non-musical guests as inspiration for a new song.

Timestamps:

00:00 Show Intro

00:34 William Crighton’s Sound Journey

04:30 Authenticity, Art & Service

05:32 Why William Chose Wade Davis

08:57 Wade Davis Stories & 70th Birthday

10:58 Touring Canada & Musical Roots

12:53 Australia, Landscape & History

14:43 China, Walkabout & The New Album

20:00 COVID Lockdowns & The Birth of Podsongs

22:11 Wade Davis Joins The Call

24:02 Aboriginal Dreaming & Songlines

28:52 Why Race Is A Myth According To Genetics

38:49 Optimism As A Choice

43:04 Psychedelics & Phases Of Life

46:44 Sacred Experience vs Religion

48:07 Music As Trance & Prayer

53:30 Nature, Myth & Metaphor

56:45 Hope In An Age Of Change

01:05:09 How Landscape Shapes Culture

01:08:53 Egalitarianism & Human Connection

01:17:11 Elder Wisdom & Destiny

01:23:48 Lucky Breaks, Risk & Saying Yes

01:28:07 Final Reflections & New Song

01:32:24 “Give Your Destiny Time To Find You”

Wade Davis Official Website

William Crighton:
William Crighton Official Website

Pre-save Destiny:
Pre-save Destiny on Spotify

Podsongs:
Podsongs Official Website

#WadeDavis #WilliamCrighton #Podsongs

Chad Kultgen — novelist, screenwriter, co-creator of Game of Roses (a.k.a. Bachelor Clues), co-host of Dudesy, and host of YouTube's The Necessary Conversation — joins Podsongs for a 90-minute interview with guest host Robin Dann of the Toronto art-pop band Bernice. Robin is a two-time Polaris Music Prize nominee with Bernice, and on this episode she steps into the host seat to dig into the ideas driving Chad's work: kayfabe, reality TV as sport, AI, and the politics of nihilism.The conversation covers kayfabe in professional wrestling and how the same logic now shapes The Bachelor, reality TV at large, social media, and American politics — including villain edits, engineered viral trends, and the "four audiences" framework from Game of Roses. They discuss the primary world shifting onto screens, what AR, Neuralink-style tech, and AI tools like Suno mean for art, labor, and music, and whether AI music will disrupt songwriting the way AI has disrupted comedy on Dudesy.

Chad opens up about his nihilistic worldview, his position on free will, and how he navigates political conversations with his MAGA-supporting parents on The Necessary Conversation. The episode also gets into his day-to-day creative grind, his musical background and regrets about not studying music formally, his Logic production setup, his obsession with Mormon influencer culture, and the producer mindset he learned from Elon Gale. Robin talks about her own musical roots — jazz studies, Paris, a master's at Goldsmiths — the Toronto scene, Bernice's work in Italy, and her ASMR obsession. The two close by agreeing to collaborate on a song drawn from the interview.

The song that came out of this conversation, "Let's Go Supernova," was written by Robin Dann and is released May 1.

Guests: Chad Kultgen (Bachelor Clues, Game of Roses, Dudesy, The Necessary Conversation) —  www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryconversation  
Robin Dann (Bernice) — https://bernicemusic.com

Song: "Let's Go Supernova" — written by Robin Dann. Pre-save: https://ffm.to/gosupernova
Podsongs: https://podsongs.com
 

Songwriter Leroy Stagger speaks with writer Alistair McIntosh about the mental-health strain many experienced during COVID, the need for community, and how the “pause” helped Leroy slow down, reconnect with spirituality, and better understand his purpose as a touring musician. Leroy credits Alistair’s books, especially Soil and Soul and Poacher’s Pilgrimage, along with authors and artists like Patti Smith, Nick Cave, and others, for shaping his thinking about kindness, poetry, and a “divine inner reality.” Alistair discusses the Scottish bardic tradition, the “carrying stream,” mentoring through people, visions, and dreams, and the idea that spiritual insight is a gift of grace rather than willpower. They explore prayer as “holding others in God,” the dark night of the soul, interconnectedness, and keeping “one eye on the ground and the other on the stars,” then close with plans for Leroy to write a song inspired by the conversation.
 

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/carryme-ls

In this episode of Podsongs, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Valerie June sits down with world-renowned mindfulness teacher and author Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).Together, they explore mindfulness, meditation, breath, creativity and music as practices of awareness and connection. Valerie shares how meditation has shaped her daily life and artistic process, while Jon reflects on the philosophy of mindfulness, the idea of “the story of me,” and why presence matters more than ever in a fast-paced, overstimulated world.This deep, wide-ranging conversation touches on music as meditation, spiritual experience, activism, environmental responsibility, and the power of small, conscious actions. The interview also lays the groundwork for a new song, A Rest Between Breaths, written in direct response to the insights shared during the conversation.Whether you’re interested in mindfulness meditation, breathwork, conscious creativity, or the intersection of music and spirituality, this episode offers rare depth, warmth and practical wisdom.Listen to the song inspired by this episode:A Rest Between Breaths – Valerie JuneSpotify pre-save: https://ffm.to/arestbetweenbreaths

About PodsongsPodsongs is a unique podcast created and hosted by Jack Stafford, pairing musicians with thinkers, writers and cultural figures they admire. Each episode begins with a long-form conversation and ends with an original song inspired by the exchange. Podsongs was recorded at Goldmine Records in Vallo della Lucania, Italy.

⁠Alastair Campbell⁠ joins host ⁠Jack Stafford⁠ and musician ⁠Allman Brown⁠ for a rare and deeply human conversation on Podsongs.

Known for his central role in New Labour and his openness about mental health, Campbell reflects on vulnerability, resilience and leadership under pressure. The discussion moves from mental health in politics and the emotional weight of decision-making to Brexit, legacy and comparisons between past and present political leaders. Music weaves throughout the episode, offering insight into creativity, survival and Campbell’s lifelong love of sound — including an unexpected passion for bagpipes.A thoughtful, wide-ranging podcast episode exploring politics, mental health and the power of music to shape who we become.

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/livingbetter

Jay Malinowski (Bedouin Soundclash) meets renowned Irish philosopher Richard Kearney for an extraordinary conversation on anatheism, spirituality, doubt, imagination, and the power of music. 

This Podsongs episode blends philosophy, music, creativity, and spiritual insight—and it all leads to an original song inspired by the interview.If you’re interested in deep conversations, faith and doubt, the human experience, Canadian indie music, Irish philosophy, or the creative process, this is one of the most inspiring episodes we’ve recorded.

Jay Malinowski opens up about his artistic journey, life between Victoria and LA, and how philosophy shapes his songwriting with Bedouin Soundclash. Richard Kearney breaks down anatheism, the role of the stranger, interfaith dialogue, humour, hospitality, and why sacredness can be found in ordinary life. A must-watch for fans of meaningful conversations, spiritual seekers, and musicians who love exploring the deeper layers of creativity.

Stream the song: https://ffm.to/dogsofgod⁠

http://www.jaymalinowski.com⁠⁠

https://richardmkearney.com

In this episode of Podsongs, host Jack Stafford brings together Griffin William Sherry, lead singer of Ghost of Paul Revere, and Maine-based forager, writer, and wild foods educator Jenna Rozelle. They dive into a captivating discussion on their love for the outdoors, the impact of the pandemic, transitioning from band life, and the intersections between hunting, foraging, creative writing, and poetry. Griffin shares insights about his music career and new solo project while Jenna reflects on her Substack, 'Appetites,' and the inspiration behind her poetry. Tune in to hear an enriching conversation that beautifully blends themes of nature, food, creativity, and artistic collaboration. Stay till the end for a song inspired by their discussion!

 Stream the song: https://ffm.to/cathedralofpine

In this 14th 'Track by Track' episode of Podsongs, host Jack Stafford, and musicians Maurizio Sanicola and Luigi Falcione reflect on their inspiring musical journey across the last 12 episodes. They discuss collaborations with diverse artists like Atlas, EMA, and The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band, inspired by fascinating interviews with guests such as dog trainer Linda Michaels, writer Ocean Vuong, and climber Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive songs that blend various genres and unique instrumentation. Join the ride through memory lane and get insights into the creative process behind these impactful albums.

1) For the Love of Dogs by ATLYS (#157 Linda Michaels)
2) Riane (Made For Love) by EMA (#158 Riane Eisler)
3) Ayurveda Lifestyle Blues byJack Stafford (#159 Claudia Welch)
4) She's a Teacher by Acid Tongue (#160 Graham Hancock)
5) Lost Connections by Corey Kilgannon (#161 Johann Hari)
6) Time is a River by Raul Midón (#162 Thomas Lopez)
7) Are You Gonna Rise? (For LeVar) by The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band (#163 LeVar Burton)
8) We Are The Solid by May Erlewine (#164 Cheryl Strayed)
9) Recipe for Something Better by Svavar Knútur (#165 The Leftist Cooks)
10) Thresholds by Samana (#166 Anne Michaels)
11) Change or die by Ceschi(#167 Ocean Vuong)
12) Vertical Breath by Quentin Dujardin(#168 Sean Villanueva O'Driscoll)

Belgian guitarist Quentin Dujardin joins pro climber Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll on Podsongs to explore the link between music, creativity, and the art of rock climbing. From life lessons on Greenland’s big walls to finding rhythm on uncharted rock faces, this conversation dives deep into what it means to balance risk, artistry, and adventure.

Stream the song that resulted from the interview: https://ffm.to/verticalbreath