Creative Process Podcasts

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

Pushkin Industries

Broken 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.

Tape Notes

In The Woods

Tape Notes is the ultimate backstage pass for anyone obsessed with how their favorite music actually comes to life. Hosted by John Kennedy, the show invites the world’s most compelling artists and producers into the studio to deconstruct the alchemy of record-making. Rather than just talking about the finished product, each episode goes straight to the source, pulling back the curtain on the creative decisions that define a modern classic. The heart of Tape Notes lies in its deep-dive format. Whether you are listening to electronic pioneers like Disclosure and Fred again.., songwriting icons like Imogen Heap and Jack Antonoff, or powerhouse bands like Foo Fighters, the conversation always centers on the "how." You will hear the specific, raw stems that make up a track, listen to early demos that sound worlds away from the final release, and learn about the serendipitous accidents—like a glass falling in the studio or bird songs captured on tape—that end up shaping the final sound. Beyond the technical gear, synthesizers, and Ableton tricks, the show explores the human side of collaboration. You will get an intimate look at how trust, friendship, and even personal growth influence the music, from the quiet intimacy of home studios to the high-stakes environment of world-class recording spaces. It is a masterclass in curiosity, perfect for listeners who want to understand the heartbeat behind the tracks they love.