MusicExplicit

Music Makes Us

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new podcast Music Makes Us gives listeners a backstage pass to artist on artist conversations about the things artists *really* want to talk about - perfect lyrics, unforgettable shows, treasured artifacts, and more.

Season 1 is hosted by cultural icon Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and brings together revolutionary musicians for funny, unfiltered conversations that go deep on the music and influences that inspire their work - bridging artists of today with legends who came before, and celebrating the music that connects us all.

Co-produced by PRX’s Radiotopia and Talkhouse.

Play

Open in

23 episodes
weekly
Avg 31 min
English

Episodes 23

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S2 · E3
Tuesday · 58 min
Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney on the Power of the Stage
Rebel girls unite! Liz Phair, Sleater-Kinney, and Kathleen Hanna team up on this episode of Music Makes Us to reminisce about making zines, playing at “Girl Night,” exchanging cassette tapes, and more. Listen to go behind the scenes of the alt-rock explosion of the 1990s with the women who were on the frontlines. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us
S2 · E2
September 8 · 52 min
Brittany Howard on the Simple Stuff
On this episode of Music Makes Us, Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes chats with our host Kathleen Hanna about some of her favorite things – getting dirt under your nails in the garden, knowing your neighbors, Alabama, and (of course) music. Hear them dive into Freddie Mercury’s harmonies, honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and the middle school concert that changed everything. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us
S2 · E1
August 25 · 40 min
Ann Wilson on Musical Umami
Can you imagine performing with Led Zeppelin, Yo-Yo Ma, and the Obamas in the audience? Hear about the time 2013 Inductee Ann Wilson of Heart did just that on this episode of Music Makes Us. Tune in as our host, Kathleen Hanna, chats with Ann about seeing Aretha Franklin live, warming up to Elton John, the real story behind her hit song “Barracuda,” and more. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us
August 18 · 2 min
Welcome to Season 2
Music Makes Us is back for season 2! Host Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and an all-star lineup of guests share stories about going on tour, making art, and making noise — all the beautiful chaos that makes music matter. Coming up this season: Ann Wilson of Heart, Sheila E, Brittany Howard, Sleater-Kinney, Liz Phair, Tegan & Sara, and more. New episodes starting August 25, wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced by Radiotopia and Talkhouse for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
March 17 · 11 min
Into The Vault: Patti Smith’s Jacket
“Patti vibes.” - Shirley Manson Learn the crazy connection between Shirley Manson, Patti Smith, and Tina Weymouth as we explore the history of one artifact on this episode of Into The Vault. Come behind the scenes of our Revolutionary Women in Music exhibit with VP of Curatorial Operations Shelby Morrison as we learn about the godmother of punk.
S1 · E9
March 10 · 52 min
Shirley Manson on Embracing Your Evolution
Shirley Manson of Garbage on her adoration of Debbie Harry, Patti Smith & Siouxsie Sioux, staying one step ahead of the game, and being a “total original weirdo.”
S1 · E4
March 3 · 8 min
Into The Vault: Kathleen Hanna’s Money Case
“There’s no cage can fit me.” Kathleen Hanna and Joan Jett have many things in common – leading that list is they don’t give a damn. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame VP of Curatorial Operations Shelby Morrison explores the bond between Kathleen & Joan, the Riot Grrrl movement and that lunch-box-turned-safe we’ve heard so much about!
S1 · E8
February 24 · 48 min
Joan Jett on Choosing Your Battles
Joan Jett on Paul McCartney, Bad Bunny, and choosing your battles. Hear 2015 Inductee Joan Jett chat with Kathleen Hanna about the ideal of rock & roll, getting 23 rejections, British glitter music, and how the industry has (and hasn’t) changed.
February 17 · 8 min
Into The Vault: Björk’s Jacket
"I'm genuinely in awe of [Björk]. She's so cool" - Laufey. The Icelandic inspiration Björk consistently delivers a sound and style that transcends genre and geography. Hear from our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on how Björk creatively expresses her emotions and the environment around her, the iconic swan red carpet look and the London-inspired album Post.
S1 · E7
February 10 · 52 min
Laufey on Breaking the Rules
Laufey on The Beatles, Björk, and breaking the rules. Tune in to hear Laufey and Kathleen Hanna bond over musical theater, swap favorite fairytales, and talk about the anxiety of falling in love.
February 3 · 10 min
Into The Vault: Sheryl Crow’s Guitar
“[Strong Enough] makes me jealous that I didn't write that song.” - Nancy Wilson Join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s VP of Curatorial Affairs, Shelby Morrison, to learn about Sheryl Crow’s custom made guitar from the “Soak Up The Sun” music video. Hear about the song’s dark inspiration, the first tune Crow learned to play on guitar, and the musical connection between her and Nancy Wilson.
S1 · E6
January 27 · 1 hr
Nancy Wilson on the Next Renaissance
Nancy Wilson of Heart on Pearl Jam, Van Halen, and the renaissance we need next. Tune in to hear Nancy Wilson and Kathleen Hanna bond about the Seattle music scene, debate who would be the female Weird Al, explain planking, and dive into the real meaning behind “Crazy On You.”
January 20 · 7 min
Into The Vault: Paul McCartney’s Piano
“[The Beatles are] my favorite band in the world, man. I love them.” - Towa Bird “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” “We Can Work It Out.” “Yesterday.” Did you know that all three of these Beatles classics were written on the same piano? Join our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, to learn more about the fab four’s breakthrough in America, the alchemy of the Lennon/McCartney writing partnership, and the instrument where the magic happened. Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/
S1 · E5
January 13 · 51 min
Towa Bird on the Lesbian Renaissance
Towa Bird on Joan Jett, Jimi Hendrix, & the lesbian renaissance. Towa and Kathleen talk about the pros and cons of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," communicating without words, and your favorite heartthrob's favorite heartthrobs. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us
January 6 · 13 min
Into The Vault: Prince’s Guitar
“Prince. Period.” - Chaka Khan Explore the origins of Prince’s iconic Cloud guitar, created by Dave Rusan for the Purple Rain movie and tour, now on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rusan joins our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, and recalls his early memories of meeting Prince, crafting guitars in Minneapolis, unsuccessfully auditioning for the Revolution, and the one thing that Prince always did that resulted in a lot of guitar repairs. Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/
S1 · E4
Dec 30, 2025 · 45 min
Chaka Khan on Good Music Goddammit
Chaka Khan on Joni Mitchell, Prince, & good music goddammitt. Chaka and Kathleen talk about the healing power of music, who is worthy to create jazz, and dining & dashing with songwriting greats. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us
Dec 23, 2025 · 10 min
Into The Vault: St. Vincent’s Guitar
“[St. Vincent] is the smartest cookie out there.” - Olivia Rodrigo Discover the stories behind St. Vincent’s guitar with our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on this week’s minisode. Hear about the female guitarists who shaped rock & roll, drinking martinis with Debbie Harry at 11AM, and the 1970’s downtown NYC performance artist who inspired Lady Gaga, David Bowie, and more. Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/
S1 · E3
Dec 16, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Olivia Rodrigo on Girl Jealousy
Olivia Rodrigo on the White Stripes, Nirvana, and girl jealousy. Olivia and Kathleen talk about One Direction fanfic, mantras on stage, and *not* getting recognized in public. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us See Olivia Rodrigo artifacts on exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/
Dec 9, 2025 · 8 min
Into the Vault: Kate Pierson of the B-52s’ Wig & Dress
“We wanted to sound like the B-52s.” - Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers. Dive deep into the history and sound of the B-52s with our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on this week’s minisode. Plus - hear about RuPaul’s first mainstream appearance, Georgia’s indie music history, and the flaming volcano drink where it all began. Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/
S1 · E2
Dec 2, 2025 · 53 min
Amyl and the Sniffers on Chatting Our Tits Off
Amyl and the Sniffers on Cher, AC/DC, & chatting our tits off. Amy and Kathleen talk about releasing rage, the benefits of journaling, and pissing yourself when you sing. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes