Off The Record - An American Songwriter Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Carter Faith: Billy Bob Thornton, Cherry Valley Forever and Her Netflix Debut Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki catches up with Carter Faith about her whirlwind year since Cherry Valley dropped — from nonstop touring to her first ACM nomination for Album of the Year. Faith opens up about online criticism, and the contrast between her soft-spoken demeanor and sharp-edged songwriting, plus her experience opening for Post Malone on his stadium tour.
The conversation then dives into Cherry Valley Forever, the deluxe edition's five new songs, as Faith shares the stories behind "Dead Horse," "If A Man's From Texas," "Ain't Over Me Yet," her duet with Wyatt Flores ("Nothin' Better to Do"), and her collaboration with Laci Kaye Booth and Baby Nova ("Pearl Handled Pistol"). She also revisits "Bar Star" and her unlikely friendship with Billy Bob Thornton.
Listeners also get a preview of Faith's acting debut in Netflix's Heartland alongside Jessica Chastain, a playful "song bracket" game ranking 2010s country hits, and her thoughts on songwriting. The episode wraps with a lighthearted, unscripted riff about opening a "Safe Space" bar for women in Nashville, capping off a funny, candid look at Faith's fast-rising career.
Let’s go Off the Record with Carter Faith

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Dan + Shay: Songwriting, Family and Making Music That Matters Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Off the Record, Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki sits down with Dan + Shay to discuss their new album, Young, the creative journey that brought them there, and the decision to follow their instincts rather than rush the next chapter. Dan Smyers opens up about shelving an earlier project because it “just didn’t feel like the right natural step,” while the duo explains how that experience helped them find their way forward.
The duo also shares stories behind some of the album’s most personal songs and how they write from where they are in life now, including family, love, difficult moments, and mental health. Shay Mooney explains that the album isn’t built around traditional heartbreak songs, but rather “things that we’re going through,” while Smyers says the songs are autobiographical and reflect experiences that have affected them personally and emotionally.
And there’s plenty to enjoy along the way. The duo revisits their experience performing the national anthem at the FIFA World Cup, talk sports, their shared love of football and hockey, and even talk about the possibility of one day playing the Super Bowl halftime show. The episode concludes with some songwriting advice from the guys, with Mooney saying, “Write a lot of them,” and Smyers reinforcing the value of staying productive and chasing the right idea.
Let’s go Off the Record with Dan + Shay.

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Pat Monahan: ‘Drops of Jupiter,’ Fatherhood & Train’s Next Chapter Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Off the Record, Lisa Konicki sits down with Train frontman Pat Monahan to celebrate 25 years of Drops of Jupiter and hear the personal story behind the hit song. Monahan reflects on loss, songwriting and the healing power of music, saying, “I think Drops of Jupiter was the first time I realized how healing music can be.”

He also opens up about Train’s new album, Mad Dog in the Fog, sharing the real-life stories behind songs including “Pennsylvania Turnpike,” “To Gloria” and “Blue Brushed Butterfly.” “There’s pain through happiness, trust me,” he says of the record.

The conversation touches on songwriting, his upcoming musical Begin Again, fatherhood, life on the road and staying creative after decades in music. Monahan puts it simply: “I don’t think I need people to care. I need to care.”

Let’s go Off the Record with Pat Monahan.

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The Stories & Inspirations Behind the Songs: Noah Kahan, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Cooke and more! Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

Every great song has a story. In this compilation episode of Off the Record, host Lisa Konicki talks with songwriters Gabe Simon, Ashley Cooke, Niall Horan and Jo Dee Messina as they explore the inspiration behind some of their most meaningful songs. From unexpected songwriting breakthroughs to deeply personal moments, listeners will hear how their experiences became music.
Simon shares how Noah Kahan's "The Great Divide" began with a riff that made them realize "we had something magical," while Cooke recalls writing "Baby Blues" during a hungover songwriting retreat that unexpectedly produced one of her favorite songs. Horan also opens up about how "End of an Era" took on new meaning after the loss of Liam Payne, calling the writing session "like a therapy session for the three of us."
Messina goes on to reveal the heartfelt stories behind "Don't Let Them Hide Your Beautiful" and "Let Me Love You," sharing how conversations about family and faith inspired both songs. This episode an intimate look at the creative process of several songwriters and the moments that enable them to create music fans love.
Let’s go Off the Record for our stories behind the song episode!

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Gabe Simon: Noah Kahan, Stick Season & Great Songwriting Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Go behind the scenes with hit songwriter and producer Gabe Simon as he joins host Lisa Konicki to share the stories behind his work with Noah Kahan, Lana Del Rey, Dermot Kennedy, James Bay, Koe Wetzel, Jessie Murph, and more. Simon offers an inside look at the making of Stick Season and The Great Divide, sharing how he approaches every project with one goal: "I'm there to serve and to support and to uplift" the artist.
Throughout the conversation, Simon discusses earning artists' trust, adapting to different genres, and the stories behind songs like Suki Waterhouse’s "Tiny Raisin" and Kahan’s "The Great Divide." He also reflects on balancing family and music, producing records around the world, and why being uncomfortable often leads to the best breakthroughs.
Simon closes with thoughtful insights on social media, AI, and the future of songwriting, reminding listeners that the creative process is what matters most. "The journey of it, the failing, the succeeding—that's the best part," he says.
Let’s go Off the Record with Gabe Simon.

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Ashley Cooke: Heartbreak, Baby Blues & Her Most Personal Album Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

New country artist Ashley Cooke joins Off the Record with American Songwriter Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki for a lively conversation about the making of her self-titled sophomore album, the stories behind her songs, and the experiences that shaped this new chapter of her career.
Cooke opens up about writing through heartbreak, family loss, and personal growth, explaining why she decided to make this record her most vulnerable yet. “I want people to really feel like they know me as a person with this record,” she says, adding that she “word vomited a lot” in the songwriting process to create music that feels relatable.
Beyond the music, Cooke reflects on her unconventional journey—from performing as a child, attending Belmont University, and building a career through social media—to becoming one of country music's rising artists. She also shares her love for lyrics, her songwriting process, and why she believes the best songs come from real life.
Throughout the episode, Cooke dives into standout tracks like “The Girl Who Cried Wolf,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “When We’re 30,” while discussing healing, relationships, and the courage it takes to tell the truth in song. Cooke admits she no longer writes with awards or radio in mind, saying, “I didn’t chase the radio with this record. I didn’t chase awards with this record… it just means more to me if it’s something that I care about and that the music is real.”
Let’s go Off the Record with Ashley Cooke

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Steve Wariner - From Singing and Songwriting to Painting Life’s Memories Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Host Lisa Konicki sits down with Grammy-winning artist, songwriter, and musician Steve Wariner on this episode of Off the Record to reflect on a career that spans more than five decades. Wariner shares stories from his days touring with Dottie West at just 17 years old, learning from legends like Chet Atkins, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller, and Johnny Cash, and offers an inside look at the relationships and experiences that shaped him into one of country music's most respected artists. He also dives into the inspirations behind classics like "Holes in the Floor of Heaven."
Wariner later opens up about another of his passions—painting—and explains how creativity connects the two worlds. He compares approaching a blank canvas to writing a new song, saying, "You're going to make something out of nothing, but you've got to have a vision." He also reveals how songwriting and painting place him in the same creative mindset, describing it as "It's a zone, I call it," where ideas take shape.
This episode is filled with career memories and behind-the-scenes stories, showcasing Wariner's enduring passion for creating. Whether he's reminiscing about country music's golden era, discussing new songs he's writing, or explaining why he'll always keep painting regardless of who sees the finished work, Wariner delivers an inspiring conversation that listeners won't want to miss.

Let’s go Off the Record with Steve Wariner.

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Jo Dee Messina - Faith, Strength and Building Bridges Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Calling all Jo Dee Messina fans—and anyone who loves hearing the stories behind great country music—you won't want to miss this conversation. Messina sits down with Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki on Off the Record to reflect on more than 30 years in country music. She opens up about how her perspective has changed, saying, "I have more wisdom now than I did then," and shares why she believes artists don't have to "sacrifice your entire life and all your belief systems" to pursue success.

The conversation also dives into Messina's new personal album, Bridges, on which she co-wrote every song but one. A first for the artist. She talks about balancing life as a single mom, songwriter, and touring artist, saying, "I just try to be true to who I am and not try to fit into everything else."
Beyond the music, Messina shares her heart for faith, family, and inspiring the next generation of artists. She discusses her dream of creating Broom Tree Haven, a ministry designed to provide a place of peace and restoration for artists and others experiencing life's pressures. From hilarious moments about social media and raising teenage boys to heartfelt stories of perseverance, this episode will leave listeners with a deeper appreciation for both the artist and the woman behind the music.

Let’s go Off the Record with Jo Dee Messina.

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Young the Giant - Radical Empathy, Musical Evolution and Victory Garden Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Off the Record, Young the Giant shares stories about their sixth studio album, Victory Garden, and their creative writing journey. The band discusses how stepping away from distractions and writing together in nature helped shape what they call their most collaborative record in years. "We've kind of established and found our home... that home is just where we are all the time. It can be within you," frontman Sameer Gadhia explains.
The conversation delves into the album’s theme of “radical empathy,” how becoming parents inspired them to see the world through a child's eyes, and why they hope the music encourages listeners to reconnect with themselves and others. "I want people to feel a sense of hope for the future... and a sense of belongin," Eric Cannata shares about the band's vision for the record.
They also dive into the stories behind songs like "Different Kind of Love," "Bitter Fruit," and "Life Is a Long Goodbye,” the impact of "Cough Syrup," life on tour, and the evolution of their songwriting. This episode offers an intimate look at a band committed to growth, and creating music that brings people together.

Let’s go Off the Record with Young the Giant.

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Grace Potter: Motherhood, Kenny Chesney and Self-Discovery Behind Trespasser Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Off the Record, Grace Potter joins host Lisa Konicki for a wide-ranging conversation about her upcoming album Trespasser, songwriting, creativity, family life, and the experiences that shaped her latest music. Potter reflects on the 15th anniversary of “You and Tequila,” her friendship with Kenny Chesney, and the creative freedom she found while traveling across the country and writing songs inspired by the people and places she encountered.
Listeners will hear Potter discuss the themes at the heart of Trespasser—belonging, wandering, identity, and self-acceptance. She describes the album as a deeply personal journey, saying, “I think the masks have come off,” and explains how the songs reflect a fuller understanding of who she is as an artist, wife, mother, and storyteller. The conversation also explores the unusual stories behind songs such as “Lost Cafe,” “Gasoline,” and “War On The Mountain.”
Thoughtful and humorous, Potter sums up the album’s spirit with a memorable observation: “No matter how crazy you feel at any moment in your life, you can find solace in knowing that there is a weirder fire burning in a different dumpster somewhere right over the horizon.”
Let’s go Off the Record with Grace Potter.

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