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:

Into The Vault: Sheryl Crow’s Guitar Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

“[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 Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

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 Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

“[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/

Towa Bird on the Lesbian Renaissance Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Towa Bird on Joan Jett, Jimi Hendrix, & the lesbian renaissance. Towa and Kathleen talk about the pros and cons of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," communicating without words, and your favorite heartthrob's favorite heartthrobs.

Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Into The Vault: Prince’s Guitar Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

“Prince. Period.” - Chaka Khan

Explore the origins of Prince’s iconic Cloud guitar, created by Dave Rusan for the Purple Rain movie and tour, now on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rusan joins our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, and recalls his early memories of meeting Prince, crafting guitars in Minneapolis, unsuccessfully auditioning for the Revolution, and the one thing that Prince always did that resulted in a lot of guitar repairs.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/

Chaka Khan on Good Music Goddammit Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Chaka Khan on Joni Mitchell, Prince, & good music goddammitt. Chaka and Kathleen talk about the healing power of music, who is worthy to create jazz, and dining & dashing with songwriting greats.

Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Into The Vault: St. Vincent’s Guitar Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

“[St. Vincent] is the smartest cookie out there.” - Olivia Rodrigo

Discover the stories behind St. Vincent’s guitar with our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on this week’s minisode. Hear about the female guitarists who shaped rock & roll, drinking martinis with Debbie Harry at 11AM, and the 1970’s downtown NYC performance artist who inspired Lady Gaga, David Bowie, and more.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/

Olivia Rodrigo on Girl Jealousy Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Olivia Rodrigo on the White Stripes, Nirvana, and girl jealousy. Olivia and Kathleen talk about One Direction fanfic, mantras on stage, and *not* getting recognized in public.

Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

See Olivia Rodrigo artifacts on exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/

Into the Vault: Kate Pierson of the B-52s’ Wig & Dress Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

“We wanted to sound like the B-52s.” - Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers.

Dive deep into the history and sound of the B-52s with our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on this week’s minisode. Plus - hear about RuPaul’s first mainstream appearance, Georgia’s indie music history, and the flaming volcano drink where it all began.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/

Amyl and the Sniffers on Chatting Our Tits Off Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Amyl and the Sniffers on Cher, AC/DC, & chatting our tits off. Amy and Kathleen talk about releasing rage, the benefits of journaling, and pissing yourself when you sing.

Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us