Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
Pushkin Industries
SummaryBroken Record is where the barrier between listener and artist disappears. Hosted by Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond, this podcast invites you into the room where the magic happens, offering a fly-on-the-wall perspective on how music is imagined, constructed, and refined. Rather than standard biographical interviews, each episode feels like a deep-dive masterclass, peeling back the layers of a musician's career to reveal the obsession, experimentation, and technical craft that define their signature sound. The conversations span the full spectrum of musical history and genre, bringing together everyone from foundational legends like Earth, Wind & Fire and synthesizer pioneer Robert Margouleff to contemporary innovators like Johnny Marr, Ed O’Brien, and Hardy. Recurring themes emerge naturally: the tension between commercial expectations and artistic integrity, the influence of evolving technology on creative expression, and the often-overlooked collaborative dynamics that turn individual sparks into cultural phenomena. Whether dissecting the birth of salsa in New York or examining the intimate nuances of songwriting, the hosts prioritize curiosity over formula. You will hear how personal histories shape public art and why the most iconic tracks are often the result of years of meticulous trial, error, and human connection. If you are interested in the "why" and "how" behind the songs that define our lives, this is your invitation to hear the stories that remain after the music stops.
Updated Jul 7, 2026
Episodes
Rewind: Johnny Marr
The legendary guitarist reflects on his lifelong obsession with craft, collaborative chemistry, and playing for the song.
Joe Jackson
Joe Jackson reflects on his genre-defying career and the restless artistic evolution behind his unpredictable discography.
Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien
Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien explores his evolution as a musician and the creative journey behind his solo work.
Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth Wind and Fire members share how they channeled Maurice Whites vision and musical soul to create timeless hits.
Fania Takes Nueva York | From Our Thing: The Birth of Salsa in Nueva York
Against all odds, the underdog Fania Records label turned the tide for salsa by packing Yankee Stadium in 1973.
The New Pornographers
Carl Newman and Kathryn Calder discuss how grief and aging shaped the narrative songwriting on their latest record.
Mopreme Shakur
Mopreme Shakur shares an insider account of his family history, surviving the Black liberation struggle and Tupacs legacy.
Hardy
Hardy details his transition from metalhead teen to Nashville hitmaker and the rhythmic craft behind his songwriting.
From Robert Margouleff | Shaping Sounds: Stevie Wonder, DEVO, the Synth Revolution and My Life Behind the Music
Pioneering engineer Robert Margouleff reflects on shaping the synth revolution alongside Stevie Wonder and the Isleys.
Robert Margouleff and Mark Mothersbaugh
Sonic architect Robert Margouleff and Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh discuss the art of making records together.
Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Hutson - Live from SXSW
Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Hutson discuss the collaborative songwriting and creative partnership behind Ciao Bella.
Why Would I Do That to Jennifer Lopez? | Revisionist History
Producer Erv Gotti reflects on the career-ending mistake he made after lashing out at Jennifer Lopez in an interview.
Bruce Hornsby
Bruce Hornsby reflects on his relentless creative evolution, from unexpected pop success to mastering piano autonomy.
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