The Resistance

Madi Diaz didn't set out to make her rawest record. She just stopped hiding. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter joins The Resistance to talk about Fatal Optimist, the heartbreak and isolation behind it, and what it actually means to choose yourself when everything else falls apart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a moment of real transition, Natalie and Meegan Closner of the band Joseph talk about loss, resilience, and learning how to let something evolve without letting it go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paloma Young is a Tony Award–winning costume designer whose work spans Broadway and London, including Peter and the Starcatcher, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, & Juliet, The Notebook, Bandstand, and Real Women Have Curves. In this episode of The Resistance, Paloma reflects on how motherhood changed the cost of availability in an industry built on endurance, and what it means to stay committed to the work without disappearing into it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Stephen Tracey (Invasion, Anne with an E) joins The Resistance to talk about finding flow in the work, the surprising echoes between his roles and his own life, and why he feels drawn to create something from his own point of view.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata talks about her new album Starlit Alchemy, the healing power of creativity, and how transformation often begins with surrender.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From smash hits like "Luka" and "Tom’s Diner" to her new album Flying With Angels, Suzanne Vega reflects on journaling as survival and how, even after four decades, she’s still discovering new depths in her songwriting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony-winning actress Lauren Patten (Jagged Little Pill, Death and Other Details) opens up about identity, perfectionism, and pushing past fear to explore new creative lanes—from writing and music to producing her first short film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrated songwriter Kathleen Edwards reflects on the career leaps that didn't happen, the unexpected joys she’s embraced, and the creative armor that allows her to keep showing up for the work that matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From his restless ambition to create to the challenge of finding balance, Dominic Lewis takes us inside the life of an in-demand composer whose work spans Bullet Train, The Fall Guy, Nobody 2, and more, all while still chasing deeper artistic fulfillment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Raashi Kulkarni ever scored a feature film, before she ever composed music for well over 300 television episodes (including The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), before her multiple solo releases that have dominated World Music charts, she learned one valuable lesson from her parents: to focus solely on the work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rasheed Newson, the co-creator of Bel-Air and writer for shows like The Chi, Narcos, and Lie to Me, opens up about the difficulties of finding a voice like his growing up and how that longing shapes where he wants to go next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a member of beloved bands Stars and Broken Social Scene, Amy Millan has spent decades shaping some of the most defining sounds in Canadian music. These days, however, are rooted in a commitment to unearth her own voice. Her latest solo record, I Went To Find You, is her first in over 15 years, and the journey to write and record it was a deeply personal one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Resistance, we sat down with two-thirds of the trio known as Wild Rivers to gain a rare inside look at their creative chemistry. It’s a conversation about the ongoing challenge of staying artistically honest in the face of success and their commitment to keep showing up, even when the doubts are as loud as ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From her soulful music career as a member of Prince’s New Power Generation to her breakthrough acting role in the hit series Upload to her recent dive into the culinary world, Andy Allo has never confined herself to a single path. In the face of a culture that worries about personal brands and instant categorization, Andy’s only focus is expansion—staying true to herself while following her interests and the opportunities that open up in the process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pulitzer finalist Mai Der Vang opens up about the courage it takes to be a poet, the discipline required to stay with uncertainty, and the weight of writing for a community long silenced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we typically speak with artists about the idea of resistance, we discuss their creative endeavors, but Dustin Kensrue (Thrice) has a more holistic view of it all. From creative freedom to family priorities, from the pull of side projects to the quiet cost of ignoring what really stirs the soul, he was kind enough to unpack what it means to make honest work in a world that demands constant output.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy and Grammy-winning composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (Hacks, The Queen's Gambit) details the painful lessons required to get to a healthy space of being less precious about his creative work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the best-selling books and hit TV shows, author/screenwriter Ben Winters (CBS' hit show Tracker, The Last Policeman) says distraction and anxiety remain very much a part of the creative process—even in the face of his ever-growing run of successes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina Cane's work as an activist and educator has kept her work as an author and poet (including a long stint as the former Poet Laureate of Rhode Island) so close to the earth. It’s beautiful and accessible and meaningfully grounded. After spending some time in conversation with her, it’s clear that her ability to be so authentic in her craft is the important result of being so intentional. In short, her internal work—of staying true to herself, of pushing against resistance—is made so clear in her external work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Dekker has had the right posture from the beginning. Of course, it probably helped that he was never trying in the first place. The central figure of Great Lake Swimmers has made a career in the music industry for more than two decades now, but as Dekker tells the story, that first self-titled record was never intended to be anything more than a personal passion project—to be heard by family and friends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed artist and actor Lyrics Born speaks about finding a new identity beyond hip-hop, what he’s learned in 30 years as a recording artist, and the importance of saying yes when unexpected gifts come your way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed songwriter Joan Osborne says the artist will never stop pushing against the Resistance, but the doubts that arise will take on different forms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Land of Talk's Lizzie Powell talks about spurned opportunities, lessons learned to protect the work, and the upsides of being a slow burn of a band—all of which has made them one of Canada’s most respected artists of the last 20 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucero front man Ben Nichols talks about the acclaimed band's desire for boot camp experiences in the studio, the lessons learned over a quarter century of piling in a van for another tour run, and how/why he's so keen to face the resistance in the first place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Resistance, acclaimed TV/film director Ron Underwood joined us for a meaningful conversation about the importance of fear and what it signals, the work of stewarding creativity in a team setting, and the throughline of a long career in Hollywood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From his days fronting the indie rock band Hey, Rosetta! to his current run as a solo artist, Tim Baker's music has always had a way of connecting at a deeper level. On this episode, the Canadian songwriter opens up about creative friction and why it means everything to the process of making anything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite an impressive and growing list of fellowships, awards, and prizes, author/poet Michael Kleber-Diggs opens up about the difficulties of sensitive subjects and the very real struggles he still faces to believe whether or not his voice is needed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Resistance, Alasdair MacLean chronicles his songwriting journey and the creative lessons learned, how The Clientele's most popular song only took 10 minutes to write, and the connective tissue of their brand new album, I Am Not There Anymore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnnyswim's infectious pop music has carried them from The Today Show to The Tonight Show, but the primary goal of their work has always been about creating meaningful connections. On this episode, Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano tell us about the way art generates community and how music continues to heal them to this day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our discussion with singer-songwriter Jill Andrews takes a number of turns, from her ability to differentiate herself from her music to the subjects that are too personal to write about. And just as her music finds a way to effortlessly connect with the listener, we’ve no doubt her insights here into creativity and resistance will do the same.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 3 Grammy wins, 16 million albums sold, and 30 years of experience, the members of Hanson have learned a thing or two about creativity and resistance. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of being present and the difficulties of differentiating oneself from one's work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life doesn't get in the way, so to speak, for Colin West. As an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter, West has instead learned to embrace the mundane and routine for the substance it provides the stories he tells, including his latest film, Linoleum, a New York Times Critics Pick starring Jim Gaffigan, Tony Shalhoub, and Rhea Seehorn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nine full-length albums, numerous global tours, multiple Brit Awards, and four Platinum releases, you'd think Fran Healy and his bandmates in Travis would be a bit more confident in their ability to write a great song. But Healy says it was never about talent. It's just about a willingness to dig and nothing more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In nearly 20 years as frontman of The Wood Brothers, Oliver Wood has built an incredible catalog of Grammy-nominated, genre-defying music. The key to such longevity is his career-long fight to stay distracted—yes, distracted—in his creative processes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a teenager, acclaimed vocalist Liz Vice lived with a severe autoimmune disease that could have killed her. On this episode, Liz tells us about the creative fears that still have a hold on her, even as her gospel/R&B fusion has made her an NPR darling and given her a considerable platform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Henry, fresh off his appearance in the film Tick, Tick...Boom!, is a three-time Tony nominee known for his work in Carousel, The Scottsboro Boys, Hamilton, and Waitress who also recently released his debut album, Grow. The secret to so much success? Henry says he tries to listen to "the voice before the voice" as a daily practice. Check out our latest conversation on The Resistance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conor O'Brien is trying his best to avoid "the algorithm blues." As the songwriter and central figure in the Mercury Prize nominated band Villagers, Conor knows a thing or two about the wrestling required with and the shadow side of social media. As a recording artist, there's an inherent need to stay in front of listeners—to create content, to stay connected, to fan the flames of fandom. As an actual person, however, it's not the healthiest way to spend one's time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Resistance, screenwriter Tony Tost (Longmire, Damnation, The Terror) describes the (lack of) mental issues with writing in his career and why he believes that to be the case. He also opens up about his uncommon path toward a career in the arts and how that's given him such a different perspective on creativity and fear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Radnor has found success on the screen and stage and, most recently, as a songwriter, but despite his experience and expansive platform, he still wrestles with the same basic fears, voices, and pressures that plagued him when he was first starting out. We recently spoke with Josh to hear more about his creative drive and the lessons learned in a career in the arts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natashia Deón wears many, many creative hats, including that of acclaimed author (for her celebrated novel, Grace). On this episode of The Resistance, Natashia speaks openly about the power of her faith to fuel her activities and what she’s learned about balance and self-care in the midst of so many demands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oscar-nominated composer Emile Mosseri speaks about the devastating beauty of Minari, his journey to becoming a composer, and the tension of working toward someone else's creative vision versus his own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From his multi-Tony Award musical Spring Awakening to penning hit singles like "Barely Breathing", Duncan Sheik has experienced considerable success on multiple fronts as a songwriter. However, he says nothing is more important than making art that is, first and foremost, interesting to him. The marketplace will make its demands, but that all-too-often comes at a cost to the artist. On this episode of The Resistance, Duncan Sheik speaks about grappling with his identity as an artist in the face of it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 15 years in the music biz, Mat Kearney says the only healthy rudder when it comes to his work is whether or not he's personally interested. It's a hard lesson to learn, to wall off the surrounding influences and pressures, but he's done so once again on his captivating new album, January Flower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with musician/composer Saunder Jurriaans (Ozark, American Gods) about the anxiety and adventure of stepping out into something new—the resistance he faced when releasing music of his own making for no other reason than obedience to the impulses inside him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this latest episode, singer-songwriter Josh Kelley details his journey toward personal betterment, a years-long battle against toxic voices of fear and deference. On the other side, he shares some valuable lessons learned and how they affect his creativity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To hear Mahogany L. Browne's story is to not only understand more about the substantive work of an acclaimed artist but also to unearth something deeper about the importance of claiming your own voice. Her courage to face her fears has gifted us with meaningful writing, a platform she's leveraged to encourage and elevate so many other voices. On the verge of releasing her new novel, Chlorine Sky, she sat with us to share the power of lighthouses in her own life and the light she's trying to shine for others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're not sure how Alisa Xayalith or Thom Powers crafted something so meaningfully synthetic, but their new album is a heartening, even healing listen. This episode features an honest conversation with The Naked & Famous about how meaningful art can somehow emerge from a season of loss and confusion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no way to make this more palatable: friction is essential to creativity. This episode of The Resistance features an honest conversation with acclaimed singer-songwriter William Fitzsimmons, an artist who has learned the connective value from allowing friction to do its work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the Resistance features an honest conversation with acclaimed musician Brooke Waggoner about the tension of when to stop and start, when to move forward and how to let go. There are no right answers, but there are meaningful questions asked and Brooke has much to teach us based on the journey she's taken.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fortitude and fragility are strange bedfellows, but singer-songwriter Mindy Smith says both are essential to her craft as a songwriter. It's a mix we all need if we seek to do the work before us. To chase the dream, to bring about the imagined, to pin down the evasive—we must enter the fragility of the unknown and walk it out with an unfounded confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.