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★★★★★

4.8

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62 reviews

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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new podcast Music Makes Us gives listeners a backstage pass to artist on artist conversations about the things artists *really* want to talk about - perfect lyrics, unforgettable shows, treasured artifacts, and more. Season 1 is hosted by cultural icon Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and brings together revolutionary musicians for funny, unfiltered conversations that go deep on the music and influences that inspire their work - bridging artists of today with legends who came before, and celebrating the music that connects us all. Co-produced by PRX’s Radiotopia and Talkhouse.

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Check latest episodes from Music Makes Us podcast

Sheila E. on Being a Student of Life

2026/10/20

Queen of Percussion, Sheila E., joins our host Kathleen Hanna at the Foster Theater at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio on this episode of Music Makes Us. Hear them talk about unexpected instruments, being the bossiest person in the room, investing in future musicians, and the one time Marvin Gaye got angry. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Tegan & Sara on Never Giving Up

2026/10/06

On this episode of Music Makes Us, our host Kathleen Hanna chats with the indie pop duo Tegan & Sara about rock & roll resilience. Listen in as they talk about being two halves of the same person, how much you should toil while writing a song, and who they want to jam with at the Rock Hall Induction ceremony. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney on the Power of the Stage

2026/09/22

Rebel girls unite! Liz Phair, Sleater-Kinney, and Kathleen Hanna team up on this episode of Music Makes Us to reminisce about making zines, playing at “Girl Night,” exchanging cassette tapes, and more. Listen to go behind the scenes of the alt-rock explosion of the 1990s with the women who were on the frontlines. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Brittany Howard on the Simple Stuff

2026/09/08

On this episode of Music Makes Us, Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes chats with our host Kathleen Hanna about some of her favorite things – getting dirt under your nails in the garden, knowing your neighbors, Alabama, and (of course) music. Hear them dive into Freddie Mercury’s harmonies, honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and the middle school concert that changed everything. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Ann Wilson on Musical Umami

2026/08/25

Can you imagine performing with Led Zeppelin, Yo-Yo Ma, and the Obamas in the audience? Hear about the time 2013 Inductee Ann Wilson of Heart did just that on this episode of Music Makes Us. Tune in as our host, Kathleen Hanna, chats with Ann about seeing Aretha Franklin live, warming up to Elton John, the real story behind her hit song “Barracuda,” and more. Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Welcome to Season 2

2026/08/18

Music Makes Us is back for season 2! Host Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and an all-star lineup of guests share stories about going on tour, making art, and making noise — all the beautiful chaos that makes music matter. Coming up this season: Ann Wilson of Heart, Sheila E, Brittany Howard, Sleater-Kinney, Liz Phair, Tegan & Sara, and more. New episodes starting August 25, wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced by Radiotopia and Talkhouse for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Into The Vault: Patti Smith’s Jacket

2026/03/17

“Patti vibes.” - Shirley Manson Learn the crazy connection between Shirley Manson, Patti Smith, and Tina Weymouth as we explore the history of one artifact on this episode of Into The Vault. Come behind the scenes of our Revolutionary Women in Music exhibit with VP of Curatorial Operations Shelby Morrison as we learn about the godmother of punk.

Shirley Manson on Embracing Your Evolution

2026/03/10

Shirley Manson of Garbage on her adoration of Debbie Harry, Patti Smith & Siouxsie Sioux, staying one step ahead of the game, and being a “total original weirdo.”

Into The Vault: Kathleen Hanna’s Money Case

2026/03/03

“There’s no cage can fit me.” Kathleen Hanna and Joan Jett have many things in common – leading that list is they don’t give a damn. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame VP of Curatorial Operations Shelby Morrison explores the bond between Kathleen & Joan, the Riot Grrrl movement and that lunch-box-turned-safe we’ve heard so much about!

Joan Jett on Choosing Your Battles

2026/02/24

Joan Jett on Paul McCartney, Bad Bunny, and choosing your battles. Hear 2015 Inductee Joan Jett chat with Kathleen Hanna about the ideal of rock & roll, getting 23 rejections, British glitter music, and how the industry has (and hasn’t) changed.

Into The Vault: Björk’s Jacket

2026/02/17

"I'm genuinely in awe of [Björk]. She's so cool" - Laufey. The Icelandic inspiration Björk consistently delivers a sound and style that transcends genre and geography. Hear from our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on how Björk creatively expresses her emotions and the environment around her, the iconic swan red carpet look and the London-inspired album Post.

Laufey on Breaking the Rules

2026/02/10

Laufey on The Beatles, Björk, and breaking the rules. Tune in to hear Laufey and Kathleen Hanna bond over musical theater, swap favorite fairytales, and talk about the anxiety of falling in love.

Into The Vault: Sheryl Crow’s Guitar

2026/02/03

“[Strong Enough] makes me jealous that I didn't write that song.” - Nancy Wilson Join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s VP of Curatorial Affairs, Shelby Morrison, to learn about Sheryl Crow’s custom made guitar from the “Soak Up The Sun” music video. Hear about the song’s dark inspiration, the first tune Crow learned to play on guitar, and the musical connection between her and Nancy Wilson.

Nancy Wilson on the Next Renaissance

2026/01/27

Nancy Wilson of Heart on Pearl Jam, Van Halen, and the renaissance we need next. Tune in to hear Nancy Wilson and Kathleen Hanna bond about the Seattle music scene, debate who would be the female Weird Al, explain planking, and dive into the real meaning behind “Crazy On You.”

Into The Vault: Paul McCartney’s Piano

2026/01/20

“[The Beatles are] my favorite band in the world, man. I love them.” - Towa Bird “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” “We Can Work It Out.” “Yesterday.” Did you know that all three of these Beatles classics were written on the same piano? Join our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, to learn more about the fab four’s breakthrough in America, the alchemy of the Lennon/McCartney writing partnership, and the instrument where the magic happened. Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/

Podcast reviews

Read Music Makes Us podcast reviews

4.8 out of 5

62 reviews

★★★★★

Fencer1930 2025/12/17

A must listen for the rock fan

Kathleen is an incredible interviewer and instead of just asking questions she has really interesting conversations with her guests. You can tell tha...

★★★★★

Chickfactor 2025/11/21

This will be EPIC💪🏼⚡️🔥

♥️🎸🤘🏼

★★★★★

girlvile 2025/11/21

Perfect host

Super enjoyable !

★★★★★

Sparklep4nts 2025/11/19

🤘🤘🤘

Kathleen Hanna is so charming and funny and she’s talking to the coolest musicians. Can’t wait to hear the next episode!