Advertise on podcast: The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

The great John Leventhal joins us once again to talk about the making of his new solo album, 'National Drift.'  https://www.instagram.com/johnleventhal/ We talk about his recording process for the album, how the songs came to be, the guitars he's currently loving, the perils of compression and so much more.   Watch John perform "The Old Improv" on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/M-1JbpOEwVY Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

Frank Gross, founder of West Seattle's Thunder Road Guitars, joins us this week. Thunder Road is a unique brick-and-mortar success story. Thanks to some smart business moves (online and off), Thunder Road has thrived. In fact, Frank recently purchased and renovated a commercial space for the store!  During our chat, we talk about Seattle's thriving independent guitar stores; Thunder Road's offerings (they carry big brands like Fender and Gibson alongside consignment instruments); and so much more. https://www.thunderroadguitars.com   Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

On today's episode, guest host Ryan Richter sits down with multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Nate Mercereau. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of stringed instruments, Nate continues to redefine what it means to play and compose with the guitar as the centerpiece.  In this conversation, Ryan and Nate dive into the making of Mercereau's compelling new album, Fantastic Thoughts. They discuss the creative philosophy, gear setups, and spontaneous moments of inspiration that shaped the record, giving listeners an insider's look into Nate's unique artistic process. https://www.natemercereau.com   Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

Molly Tuttle joins us this week to talk about guitars (of course), her touring rig, life on the road and so much more.  We chat about vintage Martins, the new Martin double-neck guitar she's using (the Martin Grand J-28E DN), why she hasn't gone electric yet, and so much more. It's a fun chat with one of the bluegrass world's most inspiring artists.  https://www.mollytuttlemusic.com   Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). and Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington!

Bluegrass guitar hero Bryan Sutton joins us this week to talk about his brand-new album, From Roots to Branches, Vol. 1 ( Mountain Home Music Company). The album features Sutton in a duo setting with a bevy of friends, including Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Strings, Joe Bonamassa, Sierra Hull, the late Doc Watson, and others. As you'll hear, the performances range from straight bluegrass to a rather rocking tune with Billy Strings. We also talk about his Blue Ridge Guitar Camp, session work, the joys of downsizing your guitar collection, and the secret studio weapon known as the Epiphone Seville (who knew?). We even brainstorm on a rather hilarious Fretboard Summit golf tournament.   https://www.bryansutton.com https://www.blueridgeguitarcamp.com Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Maisy Owen joins us this week to talk about her gorgeous debut album, Dark on a Sunny Day (Tompkins Square). Maisy talks about her music-filled upbringing (her dad is songwriter Gwil Owen; radio programming legend Rob Bleetstein is a family friend); her decision to take up the guitar; unlikely jobs (and songwriting sessions); her newfound love for British folk and so much more. Maisy also performed some songs while visiting us, available on our YouTube channel. https://www.maisyowen.com   Get the record: https://tompkinssquare.bandcamp.com/album/dark-on-a-sunny-day Register for our 2026 Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/tickets Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Today, we pay tribute to singer-songwriter Glen Hansard (1970-2026), frontman for the Frames and Swell Season.  In 2009, Fretboard Journal publisher Jason Verlinde sat down with Glen at Seattle's Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub for an hour-long chat about guitars (including his famously worn Takamine), meeting your heroes, busking, and more. Today, we're sharing the audio from that conversation for the very first time.  This interview ended up serving as the cover story for our 17th issue, which we published in 2010. As you'll hear, this was recorded 16 years ago in a busy pub and was not meant to be a podcast. There is plenty of background restaurant noise and the occasional interruption from fans and waitstaff. But we think it paints a nice portrait of a truly unique artist. We hope you enjoy it.  The article that came out of this interview can be found here. We also filmed Glen busking in front of Pike Place Market minutes after this interview. Watch that here. Register for our 2026 Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/tickets Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Today on the podcast, Summer School Electronics founder Mark Turley joins us once again. We talk about Summer School's current pedal offerings, the 2026 Fretboard Summit, and the two pedal-making classes that Mark will be teaching at the Summit. https://www.summerschoolelectronics.com Sign up for Summer School's Pedal Classes: https://www.summerschoolelectronics.com/shop/p/fretboard-summit-pedal-building-class-amnk8 Register for our 2026 Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/tickets Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Today on the podcast, we are joined by guitarist Louis Campbell, who talks to us about growing up playing traditional music, studying with Martin Simpson, his affinity for using the electric guitar like a piano, and much more. You can check out his original music via his duo Spafford Campbell: https://www.spaffordcampbell.com Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

LA-based singer-songwriter/composer/guitarist Micah Preite joins us this week!  https://micahpreite.bandcamp.com Though millions have streamed his lo-fi/indie songs on Spotify, Preite's background includes time with SoCal jazz legend Bruce Forman, a visit as a teenager to the OG 2015 Fretboard Summit in California, and studying music at CalArts. He's now working on his first full-length movie score and more songs. It's a great chat with a young musician who can seemingly do it all. Join us at our 2026 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (August 20-22, 2026) for three days of guitar demos, concerts, workshops and live podcasts with some of our favorite artists: https://fretboardsummit.org This year's Summit has over 80 luthiers and brands, performances by Hand Habits, Deep Sea Diver, Jake Xerxes Fussell, Shane Parish, Michael Daves and Antoine Boyer!  Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Today's podcast episode is with songwriter and guitarist @alex.amen, who has a new album out today on ATO Records. https://alexamen.com In this conversation, we talk about Alex's Texan roots, mountaineering, living on a California commune, and the musical influences found on his new album. Join us at our 2026 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (August 20-22, 2026) for three days of guitar demos, concerts, workshops and live podcasts with some of our favorite artists: https://fretboardsummit.org This year's Summit has over 80 luthiers and brands showcasing their new and prototype gear! 2026 speakers include Josh Scott (JHS), Mark Stutman (Folkway Music), Chris Martin IV (Martin Guitars), Fender historian Terry Foster, and many other fretted instrument luminaries.  Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we're joined by photojournalist and musician Ryan Salm.  When the 2026 World Cup descends on North America, Salm and his group of friends, The Home Team String Band, will hit the road in a converted school bus, visiting match sites to play music and bridge cultural divides.   It's a fun tale of soccer fans using music to open doors and make friends.  Follow the Home Team String Band and their adventures here: https://hometeamsoccerbus.com https://www.instagram.com/hometeamstringband Join us at our 2026 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (August 20-22, 2026) for three days of guitar demos, concerts, workshops and live podcasts with some of our favorite artists: https://fretboardsummit.org This year's Summit has over 80 luthiers and brands showcasing their new and prototype gear! 2026 speakers include Josh Scott (JHS), Mark Stutman (Folkway Music), Chris Martin IV (Martin Guitars), Fender historian Terry Foster, and many other fretted instrument luminaries.  Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

On this week's episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to singer-songwriter Darryl Rahn about his new album (out today on Capitol Records). Darryl shares a look into his recording process, his gear set-up to get that perfect acoustic live sound, his love for his '50s Martin, and more. https://www.instagram.com/darrylrahnmusic/?hl=en Join us at our 2026 Fretboard Summit in Chicago for three days of guitar demos, concerts, workshops and live podcasts with some of our favorite artists: https://fretboardsummit.org This year's Summit has over 80 luthiers and brands showcasing their new and prototype gear! 2026 speakers include Josh Scott (JHS), Mark Stutman (Folkway Music), Chris Martin IV (Martin Guitars), Fender historian Terry Foster, and many other fretted instrument luminaries.  Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Musician Brad Barr joins us this week to share the story of the Barr Brothers' 2025 album, Let It Hiss, and talk guitar. Brad's guitar playing is uniquely shaped by world music sounds. For years now, Brad has been using a simple but effective trick to make drone/violin sounds on his guitar: Tie a piece of sewing thread on a guitar string near the bridge. The effect, inspired by the playing of Romanian violinist Nicolae Neascu of Taraf de Haidouks, is hauntingly beautiful. He explains how he came about with the technique and where he wants to take it. We also chat about his 1951 Gibson J-45, the musicians from Mali who inspired him, and so much more.   https://thebarrbrothers.com https://www.instagram.com/thebarrbrothers Join us at our 2026 Fretboard Summit in Chicago for three days of guitar demos, concerts, workshops and live podcasts with some of our favorite artists: https://fretboardsummit.org This year's Summit has over 80 luthiers and brands showcasing their new and prototype gear! 2026 speakers include Josh Scott (JHS), Mark Stutman (Folkway Music), Chris Martin IV (Martin Guitars), Fender historian Terry Foster, and many other fretted instrument luminaries.  Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

On this week's podcast, we're mixing things up. Take a peek inside our brand new, 59th issue and hear an excerpt from our cover story with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Also, Fretboard Summit news, some of Jason's favorite stories, and more.  Get the issue here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/whats-inside-fretboard-journal-59/ Join us at our 2026 Fretboard Summit in Chicago for three days of guitar demos, concerts, workshops and podcast tapings with some of our favorite artists: https://fretboardsummit.org This year's Summit has over 80 luthiers and brands showcasing their new and prototype gear!  Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com  (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com