Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

A deep dive into George Michael's life beyond tabloid headlines. They trace his rise from teen pop star to solo artist and explore the myths around his origins. Conversations focus on his closeted stardom, pivotal relationships, battles with record labels, and how scandal and grief shaped his public image and legacy.

Charlie Puth, singer-songwriter and Berklee-trained producer, discusses his upcoming album Whatever's Clever! and working with legends Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Kenny G. He talks about blending conservatory training with pop, convincing classic players to join him, gospel chord roots in pop, and the personal stories behind songs.

Chris Robinson, lead singer of The Black Crowes and co-founder with his brother Rich, reflects on growing up in Atlanta and a family steeped in '50s rockabilly. He talks about the band’s new album Happiness Bastards, touring life these days, deep dives into West and North African music, and the songwriting chemistry with his brother.

Tommy Emmanuel, an Australian fingerstyle guitarist famed for making one guitar sound like a whole band, reflects on six decades of music and collaborations with legends. He demos his technique, recalls opening for Stevie Wonder in 1980, and shares stories of backstage jams, influences like Chet Atkins and Paco de Lucia, and writing a lullaby for his granddaughter.

Rodney Crowell, veteran Nashville songwriter and performer whose songs have been sung by Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. He talks about making Airline Highway and recording at Dockside in Louisiana. He recalls Willie Nelson’s tribute album and his emotional reaction. He reflects on his early Nashville years, mentorship from Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt, and his formative childhood in Houston.

FKA twigs, an experimental pop and R&B artist known for blending electronic production, dance, and striking visuals. She talks about performing through stage nerves and playing instruments live for autonomy. She explains why TikTok dances clash with her training and traces her rave and techno awakenings from Jamaican clubs to Prague. She also discusses making music quickly to reclaim masters and test new structures.

Ben Bridwell, frontman and songwriter for Band of Horses, reflects on his Southern roots and the birth of the band’s signature 'y'allternative' sound. He recalls moving West, early DIY struggles, the making and reissue of Everything All the Time, sobriety and post-divorce growth, fatherhood grounding his life, and why the new record leans into a rawer, punchier vibe.

Grant-Lee Phillips, singer-songwriter and former Grant Lee Buffalo frontman, reflects on his folk-infused rock roots and new album In the Hour of Dust. He recounts finding an ancient painting that inspired the title. He talks about more direct lyrics, spontaneous songwriting, melodic and guitar experiments, and the La Brea Tar Pits moment that sparked “American Lions.”

Peaches, electroclash musician and performance artist known for provocative persona and boundary-pushing sound, talks about making her new album No Lube So Rude. She recalls her first time on stage at a cousin's bar mitzvah and her dad getting her up. Conversations cover 70s rock trivia, using hair and costumes to question gender, evolving stagecraft, and recording in Berlin.

Jacob Collier, multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-winning arranger known for dense harmony and inventive collaborations. He talks about stripping back to a single custom five-string guitar, recording an album in four days, and how unique tuning, British folk and Joni Mitchell shaped his approach. He also discusses singing Bach chorales with his family and performing live studio versions from the new record.