The Bret Saunders Podcast

Colorado's Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats play Red Rocks August 20-21, and trust me, you don't want to miss that. There's a new album, too: SOUTH OF HERE. It's powerful stuff!

Colin Quinn is a brilliant guy, and hilarious, too. He'll appear at the legendary Stanley Hotel in Colorado's Estes Park Saturday, April 27.

The singer-songwriter-guitarist-bandleader Gary Clark Jr. just released a stunning new album, "JPEG Raw." 
What does JPEG Raw mean? Let's meet Gary Clark Jr.!

Do we solve all of Colorado's problems in less than 20 minutes? Not quite, but the AG does bring up some good points.

Michael Franti is a singular life force and leader of Michael Franti and Spearhead. He'll bring his eternal love for the world to Red Rocks May 31. Franti talks to Bret about music, world peace...you know...the things we need.

Why haven't we ever released this conversation? Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan stopped by our studios in 2022, prior to becoming the huge headliner he is today. This was an excellent conversation. Noah's a real, funny dude!

The Lumineers' keyboardist, drummer, etc. joins Bret to talk about his new solo album, PIANO PIANO 2, and soundtrack aspirations.

You know his work from the inspiring film A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT.John Dietsch is one of our premier fly fisherpeople! He's also a calming presence in this tumultuous world. On this episode, John talks with Bret about the mental health benefits of fly fishing and more. The Fly Fishing Film Tour arrives at Denver's Oriental Theater March 28 and the Boulder Theater March 31.

This is a tough one. I was very fond of Richard Lewis, who passed away this week at 76. He was, first and foremost, hilarious. He also happened to be a very kind individual who even followed me on social media and was always encouraging. Here's a short conversation from the KBCO archives.

Colt 45 Malt Liquor! BRIAN'S SONG! THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK! Billy Dee Williams is the best, and he's just released his memoir, WHAT HAVE WE HERE?

Crow was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! The KBCO listener favorite joined Bret to talk about that, her new album EVOLUTION, and AI.

Magic Comedians (or comedians who do magic? They're beyond category!) Penn and Teller arrive at Denver's Temple Buell Theatre on March 13! Penn Jillette called Bret to talk about his bass playing and when the duo will retire, if ever.

I've always enjoyed the comedy of Lewis Black! He's a thoughful artist who isn't afraid to show his emotions. Black is retiring from standup comedy, but not before visiting Denver's Paramount Theater February 2. Black called me to talk about his end of the standup road as well as Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show.

Comedian Nikki Glaser will perform at Denver's Paramount Theatre December 30-31. She talks with Bret about her standup, Taylor Swift and her potential future as a TV talk show host.

Everybody likes song parody genius "Weird Al" Yankovic! The biopic of his career, WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY was just released in physical media form! Would he make a good President of the US? Let's ask him.

Chad Kroeger is part of the innovative comedy duo Chad & JT. Chad stopped by the KBCO studios to discuss his appearance as the mystical Beignet Guy on the HBO series BARRY and the duo's "activism."

Dana Gould is one Earth's funniest! I always love it when he stops by. See him at Comedy Works South at the Landmark through December 2.

The esteemed journalist (O'Brien) and beloved filmmaker (Reiner) join Bret to talk about their new podcast, WHO KILLED JFK? This week marks the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, and Reiner and O'Brien dig deep into the story.

This duo of pranksters just released the book DUMB IDEAS. I hope they sell a million copies.

Hey, we love comedian-actor Paul Reiser, and he's coming to the University of Denver's Newman Center to record a new standup special on November 17!

We had an excellent time speaking with acclaimed singer-songwriter Hozier at Red Rocks, before his show there October 17. Hozier discussed performing at Red Rocks, artists who may or may not be trying to sound like him when they sing, and inviting his dad onstage at Madison Square Garden.

The 2023 Denver Film Festival is a stellar one. Bret talks with Matt about some of the exciting films and events happening in Denver November 3-12.

Will Hermes is a brilliant music writer, and he just released a project ten years in the making: LOU REED: THE KING OF NEW YORK. Did you know Reed once slapped David Bowie? Listen up!

Rory Scovel's absurd comedy is perfect for 21st Century brains. Aren't you a 21st Century brain?

Singer-singwrter Shakey Graves just released a delightful new album, "Movie of the Week." He and Bret talk about the making of the album, and Shakey keeps bringing up breakfast foods.

Nels Cline is a longtime member of one of Earth's finest groups, Wilco. In this conversation, Nels and Bret discuss the new Wilco album, "Cousin" as well as Nels' life in creative music.

The 'many times over' Grammy nominee Brandy Clark joined Bret in KBCO Studio C to talk about songwriting, Merle Haggard, and getting ones feelings hurt. This is a good one!

Boulder singer-songwriter-farmer Gregory Alan Isakov visited KBCO Studio C to talk about his new album, "Appaloosa Bones" as well as sheep protection strategies.

Keyboardist, drummer, mandolinist...and Lumineers co-founder Jeremiah Fraites called in to discuss his solo music and working as a busboy at a prominent Denver eatery.

Spectacular Colorado journalist G. Brown called in to discuss the latest edition of his fine book RED ROCKS; THE CONCERT YEARS.

The incredible singer-songwriter-guitarist Susan Tedeschi stopped by KBCO Studio C to discuss the 25th anniversary of her JUST WON'T BURN album as well as the special attention she received from the Hell's Angels at the beginning of her career.

Comedian Craig Ferguson is one of the best in the business. He'll perform at the Boulder Theater August 17 & 18 as part of his "Fancy Rascal" tour. Craig and Bret discuss the 1974 Sean Connery vehicle "Zardoz" and, well, does anything else really matter if they discuss that?

Little Feat continues their astounding, half century plus run - and founding member -keyboardist called Bret to talk band legacy, reissues, and why he's an honorary Coloradoan.

Everyone loves Lyle Lovett - singer, songwriter and actor, Lyle called in to discuss his Red Rocks show with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and his appearances in multiple Robert Altman films.

Michael Rapaport is a charismatic comedy wrecking ball. He joined Bret to discuss his work on ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, ATYPICAL, and the fifth anniversary of stopping a guy from opening the emergency exit door on a flight.

I never thought I'd land an interview with the legendary Black Sabbath bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler! His new memoir, "Into The Void: From Birth To Black Sabbath And Beyond" goes deep on his career and survival. Honestly, he's a delight.

Singer-songwriter-bandleader Michael Franti is an unstoppable force of nature. he's also a catlyst for change. We love the guy here at 97.3 KBCO. This week on the podcast, Bret speaks with Michael about new music, and Michael and the band break down the creative process in the realization of a couple of songs.

AG Phil Weiser takes a break from arguing before the US Supreme Court to lower his standards and talk with Bret. It's a nice conversation about the state of the world, including Colorado!

Avett Brothers bassist Bob Crawford is an excellent interviewer and podcaster. This week, Crawford joins Bret to talk about the FOUNDING SON Podcast.

Jason Isbell is a polymath: singer-songwriter, actor, Dad...and he talks with Bret about his new album, "Weathervanes," his new HBO documentary and appearing in the upcoming Martin Scorsese film.

Kinks guitarist Dave Davies called in from somewhere "in America" to talk about his new memoir, "Walking On A Thin Line" and the excellent, just-released anthology from The Kinks, "The Journey Part 1." Dave is one of my all time favorites, and it's always good to spend a few minutes with him!

The spectacular sibling guitar duo Hermanos Gutiérrez joined Bret n KBCO Studio C to discuss their unique vision in the world of instrumental music.

All-around cultural icon (rapper, actor, author...) Ice-T joins Bret to talk about his own Podcast, "Ice-T's Daily Game". Bret also complains to Ice about podcasters who expect you to listen to their three hour shows.

Garbage and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds are preparing to tour! They called in and chaos ensued...

Two World Class Rock heroes from our expansive archives. Long live both of them!

Acclaimed comedian Samantha Bee joins Bret to talk about the state of the World and her upcoming show at Denver's Paramount Theatre on April 15. She's brilliant!

More than 50 years after his massive hit, "Alone Again (Naturally)" Gilbert O'Sullivan continues to create excellent music. O'Sullivan called Bret from England to talk about his fine new album, "Driven."

Phil Rosenthal created EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, and in real life, everybody seems to love Phil. In recent years, he's hosted the popular Netflix series SOMEBODY FEED PHIL. Phil speaks wih Bret about eating his way around the world and the worst thing he's ever put in his mouth. Will he try Rocky Mountain Oysters when he visits Denver's Paramount Theatre February 18?

Jazz bassist Christian McBride has become one of the greats in American music. On the latest episode of the podcast, McBride explains what a "Jawn" is to Bret and discusses his relationship with the late James Brown.

Randy and Jason Sklar are the funniest twins around - yeah, way funnier than The Property Brothers! They joined Bret at the KBCO studios to discuss how important sports really are in life and their controversial time on AMERICA'S GOT TALENT.

Armenian singer-songwriter Rosa Linn Zoomed in from LA to discuss the story behind her worldwide smash song, "Snap." Bret also dumbly suggests that "American" and "Armenian" are almost the same word.

Comedian and friend of the radio show-podcast Josh Blue returns to discuss the new comedy special he's taping, dealing with hecklers and America's Got Talent.

The AG and I have a lot to talk about in the new year. What's going on with the airlines? Who owns the Colorado River? What can we do about the harmful aspects of social media?

Singer-songwriter-bandleader Nathaniel Rateliff called in to discuss his action-packed 2022: nonstop touring, Holiday Shows over the years, and performing with both Paul Simon and Bob Weir.

Before HBO...before the Emmys and acclaim...comedian John Oliver called in to talk with Bret about being the 26th funniest person, according to Rolling Stone.

Comedian John Heffron stopped by the KBCO studios to chat with Bret about why he avoids politics in his standup, dead stuff in the walls of his home and the university he and Bret both attended. Go Hurons! Go Eagles!

Colorado-based Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker Julian Rubinstein is receiving a lot of acclaim for his book "The Holly," an excellent tale of gentrification and violence in a Denver neighborhood. He's also directed a film (titled "The Holly") which will screen at the Denver Film Festival on November 10. Rubinstein talks with Bret about the challenges he's faced in putting the project together.

France's Phoenix joined Bret to discuss their new album, "Alpha Zulu," and their similarities to a bluegrass band.

Singer-songwriter Margo Price has a new album on the way, and just released her memoir, "Maybe We'll Make It." Margo and Bret discuss unusual cuisine and meeting Neil Young.

The 1975's front man, Matt Healy, joined Bret to talk about the creative process, life in London after Queen Elizabeth II, and the group's new album, "Being Funny In A Foreign Language."

Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford stopped by 97.3 KBCO to discuss his new solo album, titled (self-titled.) Mumford discussed the songwriting process and what Elton John and The Pope have in common.

Nashville's Stephen Sanchez has found joy in writing and performing vintage-style rock and roll -and get this: the dude's just 19! He joined me in KBCO Studio C to discuss his discovery of the music, and a fateful phone call he'd received just moments before our conversation.

Everyone's favorite laid-back singer-songwriter and longtime KBCO sonic presence Jack Johnson joins Bret to talk about sticking it to the man in the lyrics to his songs, Bret's 25th anniversary at KBCO and surfing.

Michelle Wolf joined me to talk about standup, why she's a runner, and an apparent robot website's strange description of her life.

The enigmatic Josh Tillman (also known as Father John Misty) stopped by 97.3 KBCO to discuss his latest album, "Chloe and the Next 20th Century." He's a thoughtful guy!

James Mercer is the front man for the beloved group The Shins. Did you know they were formed in New Mexico? They were our neighbors for a while! Mercer talks with Bret about the 21st anniversary of the first Shins album and the monster (or monsters) who stole his master tapes.

"Beyond Category" singer-songwriter and actor Lyle Lovett joins the podcast to talk about his first new album in a decade, Red Rocks, the economics of touring with a "large band" and more.

Dana Gould is in town for a couple of shows at Comedy Works and stopped by the podcast this week. Dana cracked us up about exploding his rotator cuff, his series "Hanging With Dr. Z" ( imagining Dr. Zaius from Planet Of The Apes as a talk show host) and the combative nature of social media.

Bret talks with Rhea Seehorn ("Better Call Saul") and Lou Mustillo ("The Sopranos") about their new web series, "Cooper's Bar," a unique watering hole born from one man's dream of the perfect tiki bar experience. The bar just happens to be in Mustillo's real life L.A. back yard, which attracts a quirky cast of characters trying to find fame and fortune in Hollywood. Rhea and Lou talk about how an actual, abandoned tiki bar helped inspire the show and their personal stories that fueled some of the episodes. And, of course, Bret asks Rhea about "Better Call Saul," and the fate of her character, Kim Wexler.

We first got to know Susan Tedeschi as a solo artist in the ‘90s: a brilliant guitarist with a magnificent voice.. She's also a founding member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, a group she fronts with her partner, Derek Trucks. Susan and Bret reminisce over the time she came by KBCO Studio C with Stevie Ray Vaughn's band Double Trouble, a mutual love of Sun Ra, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s ambitious new project "I Am The Moon: Crescent."

Mary Lynn Rajskub is best known for her portrayal of Chloe on the TV series “24,” Gail the Snail in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and more. She’s also a stand-up comedian. Rajskub just released a book, “Fame-ish: My Life At The Edge Of Stardom.” It's a raucous look at what it's like to somehow, sometimes, have a name in Hollywood. She and Bret talk about growing up in the same neighborhood, rehab at Denny's and not getting a ‘plus one’ for the Golden Globes.

July 22nd, The Lumineers will headline Coors Field with Gregory Alan Isakov and Daniel Rodriguez (formerly of Elephant Revival). Singer Wesley Schultz dropped in on the podcast to talk about that, plus touring Europe post-pandemic, the healing nature of music, and the early days of playing The Meadowlark and the The Hi Dive.

Comedian Patton Oswalt is everywhere: in movies, streaming specials, cable series...and onstage at Denver's Paramount Theatre on Saturday, April 14. Patton joined Bret to talk about his broken foot and how we can (hopefully) get along.

Outrageous filmmaker John Waters, known for such trash classics as PINK FLAMINGOS and HAIRSPRAY, just released his first-ever novel, LIARMOUTH. Waters talks with Bret about the book, his potential return to filmmaking, and how we treat each other in 2022.

Singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne doesn’t give many interviews, so it was a pleasure to hear him open up in this new conversation. Ray and Bret talk music and distancing oneself from the “music business.”

Singer songwriter Jewel is back with her first album in 7 years, "Freewheelin' Woman". Jewel (did you know she lives here in Colorado?) tells Bret about what she learned being mentored by Bob Dylan and Neil Young, the folksy-Muscle Shoals sound of the new album and why she cut it "live" in the studio.

The Head and the Heart have been a KBCO favorite since the release of their debut in 2011. They have a couple of shows coming in September and a new album, which will come out later this month, "Every Shade Of Blue." Jonathan Russell joins the podcast to talk of the band's love of Denver, recording half of the new album in the studio and the other half in their living rooms, and singing about a place that knew him as a 19 year old dish washer.

It's always a pleasure to have Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser on the podcast. In this engaging conversation, Bret and Phil discuss the Colorado Unification Initiative. It's an effort to promote respectful conversation and reduce tribalism. The AG also talks about efforts to keep Tik Tok and Instagram from preying on our children and erasing the stigma from mental health.

Jeff Tweedy, a founding member of Uncle Tupelo and is Wilco's main man. Jeff comes to the Paramount April 7 for a night billed as "A Conversation With Jeff Tweedy" talking about creativity, art, books, music, and more. But first he checks in with Bret to discuss longevity in the music business, plus the aesthetic that guides his life. He also talks about the importance of being unburdened and free of care, and what exactly is the "Conet Project?"

The guest this week is Ron Funches. As they say in the business, he's a triple threat: comedian, actor, and writer. To date, he has two comedy albums out, has appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Blackish, plus he has voiced characters on Bob's Burgers and Bojack. He's a professional wrestler too, "I might joke with you, I might put you through a table". Ron talks about all of that while balancing his career and being the parent of a child on the autism spectrum. As his bio says, he's a pretty solid dad.

Her mom used to joke that when she was born, "I came out singing", and she's never stopped. Dionne Warwick drops in on the podcast to talk about her Las Vegas residency, a new design company (in which music has an influence) her nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, and how we can bring the world a little closer together.

Gov. Jared Polis joins the podcast to talk up the Boulder Fire Recovery Benefit Concert and a host of other topics: Re-election, Climate Change in Colorado, COVID in Colorado, and how does President Polis sound?

John Baldwin Gourley and Zach Carothers from Portugal. The Man are this episodes' guests on the podcast. The band just released their new song "What, Me Worry?" John and Zach talk about the Mad Magazine connection, finding peace in all the noise, and the advantages of growing up in Alaska.

Comedian Beth Stelling rose out of the Chicago scene. She's regular on the late-night TV circuit and her HBO special "Girl Daddy" (the New York Times called it the best debut of 2020) was produced by Conan O'Brien. Beth talks about the energy exchange of live stand up, the healing power of Coors Light, and to Wordle or not to Wordle. Catch her this weekend at Comedy Works Downtown

Elvis Costello has just released his 32nd album, titled "The Boy Named If." He returns to the podcast to tell Bret about the abandon with which he and his band, The Imposters, approached the music. He also talks about the ‘imaginary friend’ at the core of the album and the therapy he finds in drawing (he illustrated the story book companion to the music.) Also, Costello talks about how much of a joy it was working on "Spanish Model,” a remake of his pivotal 1978 album "This Year's Model,” featuring a roster of artists from Spanish-speaking parts of the world.

The new album by The Lumineers, 'Brightside' is out today. Founding members Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites took time out to talk about recording the album with a shoot-from-the-hip style, the sacred reasons for playing music, and letting "Jersey Ringo" out of his cage.

Michael Rapaport is an actor and comedian. On Twitter, he is loud and controversial, but never boring. He's also the host of the 'I am Rapaport Stereo Podcast', and he brings his stand up to Comedy Works this weekend. During this episode, Michael tells Bret what to expect from his act (stories of his NYC upbring, politics, sports, and the occasional roasting of the audience), his mission to cancel 'cancel culture', and why he is the Jason Bourne of social media.

The podcast wraps up 2021 with a couple of well know Coloradoans: Sen. John Hickenlooper and comedian Josh Blue.

We start with the Senator, who talks about how the new infrastructure bill will benefit our state, the partisan political divide in D.C., and what he's been listening to lately (Bob Dylan to Taylor Swift!)

Then it's Josh Blue who gives us the inside scoop on his America's Got Talent experience, the evolution of his act, and what it's like to have your pet snake go missing for 7 months (it did show back up and guess where...)

Two astronomers go on a media tour to warn humankind of a planet killing comet hurtling toward Earth. The response from a distracted world: Meh. That's the premise of the new movie "Don't Look Up", its co-creator/co-producer is Coloradan David Sirota. The all-star cast includes Leonardo Dicaprio, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, and Cate Blanchett. David explains that the film serves as a funny, witty, metaphor, about not taking serious crises, seriously. The film opens Friday and streams on Netflix Dec. 24th.

John Novasad, the Boulder comedian formerly known as Hippieman, joins the podcast this week. In his conversation with Bret, John talks about transitioning away from the Hippieman persona, and how Boulder figures into his stand up (Did you know you can't let a llama graze on public land in Boulder?). They also talk vegetarianism and the worst thing he must deal with as a comedian.

"I never imagined myself having a Vegas residency, for me that's what Frank Sinatra would've done...but I'm very much at home there." This week it's a conversation with Sting about his Las Vegas show and what he loves about it. Also, his new album "The Bridge" and appearing alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short in the Hulu series "Only Murders In The Building." Plus, Sting shares his opinion on the updated version of "Dune" (he was in the original).

Michael Imperioli played the tempestuous Christopher Moltisanti in "The Sopranos." He's co-authored a new book (along with Sopranos co-star, Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Baccalieri) about their time on the show, "Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History Of The Sopranos." Bret and Michael discuss, at its core, what "The Sopranos" was all about, missing James Gandolfini, and the link Michael's character plays in the new prequel film, "The Many Saints Of Newark."

It's a pair of conversations for this episode of the podcast. First up: Gina Schock, drummer for the Go-Go's. She talks about the group's recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, lessons learned opening for the Police early in their career, and her new book "Made In Hollywood."

Then it's comedian Joe Pera. The new season of his beloved Adult Swim series, "Joe Pera Talks To You," begins November 7. Joe talks about some of the subjects explored this season, including what Midwesterners keep in their second fridge and what's an appropriate movie to show a middle school choir. Joe and Bret also discuss the therapeutic nature of his comedy.

With two new concert albums out, one with Steely Dan, the other, a live version of his solo album "The Nightfly," Donald Fagen gave us a call to talk about both. He also explained why Steely Dan sounded like no other group, what he's listening to these days, and missing his Steely Dan co-founder, Walter Becker.

We have a "good get" this week - Modest Mouse front man Isaac Brock checked in from the road via Zoom. Isaac and Bret discuss his songwriting process, Montana, and the constant bombardment of technology.

Here's a pair of conversations for this week's episode. First comedian Chelsea Handler, whose "Vaccinated and Horny" tour comes to the Paramount for two shows Nov. 11th. Chelsea and Bret discuss the solution to inequality and cancel culture (surprisingly simple!), sex during COVID, and skiing topless.

Then it's Steven Van Zandt, best known as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. He has a memoir out titled, "Unrequited Infatuations," which he says is more a story of a seeker than a musician. He also talks about living life to the fullest, the new Sopranos movie, and why he's still looking for a steady job.

On his latest, "The First Agnostic Church of Hope And Wonder," Todd Snider offers fatback rhythms, fraudulent reverends, and tributes to friends gone too soon. Todd talks about mixing funk with folk. reminiscing about his friend John Prine, and the dancing of Fred Sanford/Red Foxx.

It's a pair of conversations on this week's episode. First, it's U2 guitarist The Edge along with Dutch DJ/Producer Martin Garrix, talking about their collaboration (along with Bono) 'We Are The People.' They discuss how a song written about a football tournament evolved into an anthem of hope and defiance, plus the future of touring.

Then it's Comedian Norm McDonald, who passed away this week. We wanted to share a funny interview that happened about ten years ago. Norm talks about his dubious first meeting with director Harold Ramis and his fear of cars.

When our guest this week isn't traveling the country doing standup, he hosts "Real Time With Bill Maher" on HBO. So, Bill, what's funny these days? Politics, the wackiness on the Left, the cult on the Right, and climate change (it's really not funny, but Maher can make you laugh and think at the same time.) He also discusses his recent bout with COVID, lets us know what he's listening to and why he prefers an iPod.