Music

Music Makes Us

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.

Latest Episodes:

Liz Phair and Sleater-Kinney on the Power of the Stage Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

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 Sep 08, 2026

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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 Aug 25, 2026

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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 Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

“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 Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

“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 Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

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 Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

"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 Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

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