Advertise on podcast: Perfectly Good Podcast - John Hiatt from A to Z

Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are joined by returning special guest Judy Groth Smith (aka Sylvan's mom) for our discussion of this song from John Hiatt's 1995 album Walk On. Before diving into the lyrics, we share memories of the time this song was released, including one wild weekend when the Groth girls stalked John Hiatt through a snow storm and the start of their shared fan project, Slow Turning: the John Hiatt Fanzine. (Still available online, thanks to thejohnhiattarchives.com) Also, stay tuned for the end of the episode for a contemporary song from a band that shared festival stages with John Hiatt, Entrain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth discuss the first John Hiatt song in the N's of our A to Z countdown. Join us as we look back at the history surrounding "Nagging Dark" a song from the album Beneath This Gruff Exterior. This episode (and the song) deals with themes of mental health and addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is many resources for help, including dialing 988. Link to article by Tim Porter in Paste Magazine Sylvan quotes with a great interview: https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/john-hiatt/john-hiatt-3 The book Sylvan mentions is available on Amazon: God's To-Do List by tRon Wolfson Finally, remember that friend of the podcast Jake Thistle will be appearing on American Idol - premiering the same day as this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a wonderful letter! Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth look back at the Perfectly Good Podcast episodes for both M songs and the calendar year 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode of our M-songs, Jesse and Sylvan discuss the song "Mystic Pinball." They review the technicalities that allow this song to be part of season one, though some Hiatt fans may not consider it part of any of John Hiatt's official albums. Sylvan shares some quotes from John Hiatt about the inspiration and the two fans discuss the lyrics before rating the song on our 5-star scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth discuss the John Hiatt song "My Sweet Girl" from 1997's Little Head. The two fans break down the lyrics and rate on our 1 to 5 star scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are joined by special guest John Cote to tackle this nostalgic song from John Hiatt's Tiki Bar is Open. We hear about how John come to know Hiatt's music from a radio show in Maine and Sylvan and John compare concert notes. The trio then break down the lyrics of "My Old Friend" before rating this song on our five-star scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perhaps hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth are still in the minor leagues of analyzing John Hiatt songs, because there's a lot of questions they both have about "My Edge of the Razor" from the 1983 album, All of a Sudden. Are you sharper than us, and how would you rate this ballad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dog lovers Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth take a shamefully biased view about John Hiatt's song "My Dog and Me" from 2005's Beneath This Gruff Exterior. Join us as we share stories about how our own pooches have impacted our families and our lives and a few anecdotes from John Hiatt's live performances of this song. We also breakdown all the lyrics and share how you can join the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast, Jesse and Sylvan discuss the song "My Business" from John Hiatt's Mystic Pinball Album. They talk about the production and review the lyrics, then rate on the Hiatt scale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join hosts Sylvan Groth and Jesse Jackson in this episode of the Perfectly Good Podcast as they dive into John Hiatt's song 'My Baby Blue.' They share insights and personal reflections on the song, discussing its lyrics and the nostalgia it evokes. They also touch on the song's background, its radio play, and various covers. Tune in for an engaging discussion on another gem from John Hiatt's extensive discography. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:34 Reflecting on the Journey So Far 01:55 Song of the Day: My Baby Blue 02:05 Song Background and Facts 04:20 Discussion and Analysis of My Baby Blue 05:36 Lyrics Breakdown and Interpretation 08:40 Personal Reflections and Connections 16:16 Rating and Final Thoughts 19:04 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new episode of Perfectly Good Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth dive deep into John Hiatt's song 'My Baby' from the album 'The Open Road'. They discuss the song's history, its lyrical evolution from early drafts to the final release, and interesting anecdotes from John Hiatt himself. The hosts praise the song for its vivid imagery and memorable lines while debating its various versions. They also address fan queries and encourage the audience to share their insights. Tune in for an engaging exploration of a standout Hiatt track. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter 00:33 Tonight's Special Episode 01:00 Discussing 'My Baby' and Its Origins 03:00 Just the Facts: 'My Baby' 04:57 Speculation and Early Drafts 05:52 Live Performance Insights 07:22 Comparing Versions: 'Kick Outta Nothing' vs. 'My Baby' 07:59 Diving into the Lyrics 18:47 Character Analysis and Personal Reflections 24:55 Reflecting on Nancy Stanley's Journey 25:37 Analyzing Lyrics and Themes 26:31 College vs. High School Imagery 27:38 Rebellious Spirit and Mythical Features 29:35 Musical Elements and Live Performances 30:15 Interpreting the Bridge and Guitar Solo 32:51 Intimate Moments and Personal Imagery 38:47 Final Thoughts and Ratings 41:14 Engaging with the Audience 42:15 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth in this episode of Perfectly Good Podcast as they discuss 'The Music is Hot' from John Hiatt's album 'Leftover Feelings'. They share their thoughts on the song's profound lyrics, storytelling, and musical composition, as well as personal anecdotes that relate to the themes of simple country living and the power of music. Special mentions include various covers and performances by other artists. Tune in for a deep dive into this captivating piece of music. 00:00 Introduction and Banter 00:18 Starting the Podcast 01:01 Discussing John Hiatt's Recent Performance 01:35 Introducing the Song 'The Music is Hot' 01:44 Album Background and Covers 03:22 Listener Engagement and Patreon Plug 04:56 Analyzing the Lyrics 07:22 Imagery and Metaphors in the Song 13:35 Connecting Music to Everyday Life 18:27 Nostalgia and Rural Life 18:52 Interpreting 'The Music is Hot' 19:52 Everyday Struggles and Simple Pleasures 25:16 Reflections and Memories 31:18 Song Rating and Personal Impact 34:41 Community Engagement and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth in this heartfelt episode of the Perfectly Good Podcast, where they delve into the emotional depths of John Hiatt's song 'Mr. Stanley.' Through personal anecdotes and profound discussions, they explore the song's themes of loss, love, and the influence of father figures. Special guest Darren Watson also shares his insights and connection to the song. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own relationships and the impact of meaningful figures in their lives. 00:00 Welcome to Perfectly Good Podcast 02:45 Concert Experiences and Music Catch-Up 05:36 Diving into 'Mr. Stanley' 07:33 Special Message from Darren Watson 09:03 Personal Reflections and Tributes 10:25 Behind the Scenes of 'Crossing Muddy Waters' 16:50 Reflecting on Life Lessons 20:45 Reflecting on Mr. Stanley's Love 21:45 Personal Stories of Loss 23:06 The Impact of Parental Figures 24:10 Analyzing the Song's Lyrics 26:28 The Emotional Truth in Music 34:06 Final Thoughts and Ratings 36:54 Connecting with the Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groff explore 'Moving On' from John Hiatt's 2010 album 'The Open Road.' They discuss the song's nostalgic lyrics, emotional resonance, and personal connections to Hiatt's life. Tune in for heartfelt anecdotes, lyrical analysis, and more! 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 03:06 Podcast Setup and Scheduling 03:42 Bruce Springsteen Movie Discussion 05:15 Introduction to Tonight's Song 05:32 Song Analysis: 'Moving On' 10:34 Lyric Breakdown and Personal Reflections 27:56 Final Thoughts and Ratings 30:37 Closing Remarks and Announcements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the "Perfectly Good Podcast," hosts Jesse Jackson and Sylvan Groth discuss the John Hiatt song 'Motorboat to Heaven' from his second album, Overcoats. Reflecting on the memories and emotions tied to this period of Hiatt's career, the hosts critique the lyrics, the musical arrangement, and its place within Hiatt’s oeuvre. They consider the metaphor of water skiing to discuss the sense of lack of control in a relationship, and the juxtaposition of tenderness with vulnerability. The episode also touches on the listener community’s feedback and the broader context of Hiatt's early work. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:49 Podcast Updates and Scheduling 04:03 Listener Feedback and Engagement 04:40 Special Message from Doug Kennedy 08:24 Discussing 'Motorboat to Heaven' 11:10 Analyzing Lyrics and Themes 20:50 Exploring the Metaphor of Water Skiing 21:25 Understanding 'Motorboat to Heaven' 22:55 Analyzing the Lyrics and Themes 30:45 Rating the Song 33:21 Engaging with the Audience 35:08 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices