Shoving Wilco

Latest Episodes:

The Song Was Written for Me (And Maybe You Too) Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, host Todd Rossnagel sits down with fellow Wilco devotee and music industry veteran Chris Campbell, whose YouTube channelis a treasure trove of insight on vinyl, alt-country, and, of course, Wilco.

Todd and Chris dive deep into how Wilco arrived in their lives at the perfect time, with Chris tracing his journey from Uncle Tupelo to Being There, Summerteeth, and beyond. They swap personal connections to songs like “How to Fight Loneliness,” reflect on Jeff Tweedy’s lyrical honesty, and explore what Yankee Hotel Foxtrot sounded like in a post-9/11 New York City—where Chris was front row at the band’s legendary shows.

This one’s for the vinyl nerds, the alt-country lifers, and anyone who has ever felt like Tweedy wrote a song just for them.

A Conversation with Mikael Jorgensen Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Shoving Wilco, hosts Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold sit down with Wilco’s longtime keyboardist, Mikael Jorgensen. From his early days joining the band to what it's like prepping for a major tour, Mikael shares stories from the road and behind the keys. We dive into his musical influences, what’s currently spinning on his playlist, the value of listening to music with a crowd, and a fascinating documentary he's producing about jazz legend Bob James — a man whose fingerprints are all over your music library, whether you realize it or not.

Follow Mikael on Substack here.

Have an idea for the show? Email us: ShovingWilco@gmail.com

The Kintsugi of Wilco – Breaking and Rebuilding with Saby Reyes-Kulkarni Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a band tears apart its own music only to rebuild it into something even more powerful? Music journalist Saby Reyes-Kulkarni (PopMatters, Pitchfork, SPIN, Billboard) joins us to explore Wilco’s art of deconstruction—how their A Ghost Is Born reissue reveals new layers of the band’s sonic evolution.

We discuss the delicate balance between melody and chaos and Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting genius. Saby also weighs in on the live Wilco experience, the mythology of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, and what three songs he’d choose to introduce someone to the band.

Join us for a deep dive into Wilco’s creative process, where the cracks aren’t flaws—they’re where the gold seeps in.

Follow Saby on Substack.

The Egg That Hatched a Classic: The Visual Story of A Ghost Is Born Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Wilco’s A Ghost Is Born is an album wrapped in mystery, experimentation, and one of the most strikingly simple album covers in rock history—a single white egg.

In this episode, we sit down with photographer Michael Schmelling, the creative mind behind the iconic image, to explore the story behind its creation.

We dig into Jeff Tweedy’s curiosity about whether an egg had ever graced an album cover, Walter Sear’s belief that the egg is "the greatest marketing package of all time," and the deeper symbolism fans have attached to it over the years.

From the artistic process to the power of minimalism, Schmelling gives us a behind-the-scenes look at one of Wilco’s most memorable visuals.

Click here to browse Michael's work.

What We Listened to in 2024 Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, hosts Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold share what they have listened to in 2024.

Todd shares some new artists that caught his attention, and Tim shares some artists that might not be new, but they might be new to you!

Here's a Spotify playlist with everything we mentioned.

And here's the list:

Bob Dylan
The Barr Brothers
Dr. Dog
Lo Moon
Wild Pink
Wunderhorse
Autumn Defense
And of course, Wilco

Todd's 24 in 2024 is here.

What did you listen to? Email the show: shovingwilco@gmail.com

A Ghost is Reborn: Breaking Down the 20th Anniversary Reissue Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold dive into the exciting news of the upcoming 20th-anniversary deluxe edition of Wilco's iconic album A Ghost Is Born. They explore what we know so far about the reissue, including the promise of previously unreleased tracks and live recordings and why this announcement has reignited enthusiasm for one of Wilco’s boldest artistic statements.

Todd and Tim also take a nostalgic journey through the album itself, reflecting on its groundbreaking experimentation, emotional depth, and the moments that make it a defining chapter in the band's career.

Interested in pre-ordering? Click here.

More on the release can be found on Spin.

To hear the alt version of Handshake Drugs, recorded in 2003 at Sear Sound in NYC, click here.

The Night Wilco Took Stage: Celebrating Their First Show Nov 17, 2024

Show notes

Join hosts Todd Rossnagel and Tim Arnold as they take a deep dive into a pivotal moment in Wilco history: their very first live show on November 17, 1994, at Cicero’s in St. Louis. Performing as "Black Shampoo," Wilco debuted their sound with a setlist that included early classics like "I Must Be High."

In this special episode, Todd and Tim celebrate the 30th anniversary of this legendary performance, sharing rare audio clips, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections on how this night helped shape the alt-country sound of the '90s. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Wilco, this episode captures the magic of a band on the brink of something extraordinary.

Relive the night where it all began—only on Shoving Wilco!

Head here for the downloadable files.

Head here for the YouTube link.

We sincerely thank both of these creators for archiving and sharing this recording.

Peter Blackstock on No Depression, Wilco, and the Alt-Country Revolution Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Shoving Wilco podcast, host Todd Rossnagel and co-host Tim Arnold sit down with Peter Blackstock, co-founder of the influential music magazine No Depression. Peter shares his experiences from the early days of the magazine and its deep connections with the alt-country movement that Wilco helped define.

From the origins of the No Depression name to the critical role the magazine played in shaping the musical landscape, this conversation is a must-listen for any Wilco fan.

Peter reflects on the impact of No Depression as both a magazine and a cultural touchstone, tracing its roots back to the 1990s when Wilco was just beginning to emerge from the shadows of Uncle Tupelo.

We talk about everything from the AOL forums that united fans to the evolution of alt-country into a genre that continues to influence musicians today and we dive into the role No Depression played in Wilco’s development, exploring how the band’s connection to its fans through the magazine and online platforms contributed to its lasting success.

Whether you’re a longtime Wilco fan or new to the band, this episode offers a rich history of how the band and the magazine grew together.

Do you have a show idea, or want to get in touch with the show? Email us: shovingwilco@gmail.com

Greg Kot Rejoins the Show Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

One conversation is not enough! Greg Kot is back by popular demand. We hop into the time machine and discuss what was happening in Wilco world thirty years ago this summer. We discuss the break-up of Uncle Tupelo, the recording of AM, and the eventual recording of Being There.

Greg also shares a song he wishes Wilco would cover. The answer might just surprise you.

Greg Kot was the former rock critic at the Chicago Tribune for 30 years and is cohost of "Sound Opinions" -- "the world's only rock 'n' roll talk show" -- an independently produced podcast that airs on more than 150 public-radio stations nationwide. Listen here: soundopinons.org.

Kot is also the author of seven books, including "Wilco: Learning How to Die," which is available at numerous on-line outlets and independent bookstores, including "Exile in Bookville" in Chicago: https://www.exileinbookville.com/.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shovingwilco/support

The Ultimate Wilco Album Debate with Al Shipley Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we dive into an engaging conversation with Al Shipley, a music journalist who recently ranked all Wilco albums for Spin magazine.

Al passionately argues for Sky Blue Sky as the best Wilco album, and he takes us through his thought process behind this ranking. Throughout the discussion, we explore various aspects of Wilco's expansive discography, touching on the nuances that make each album unique.

We had a blast talking with Al and appreciate his love for Wilco. He doesn't hold back on his opinion (we love that!), and we also weren't afraid to tell him where we think he got some things wrong.

This episode is a must-listen for any Wilco enthusiast, offering rich insights and spirited discussions about the band’s journey and evolution over the years.

To follow Al on X, head here.

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