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In Our Headphones

KEXP

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

Location:

Seattle, WA

Networks:

KEXP

Description:

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

Twitter:

@kexp

Language:

English

Contact:

113 Dexter Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 206-903-5397


Episodes
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Ela Minus, Franz Ferdinand and Damon Locks

2/17/2025
KEXP DJ Abbie joins host Evie Stokes to talk about Ela Minus getting her through the pandemic, and Minus' new album. Plus, you'll hear all about Abbie's Franz Ferdinand fan card! KEXP music director Chris Sanley shares a new song from Chicago multidisciplinary artist Damon Locks. Songs featured: Hosted by Evie Stokes. Produced by Lilly Ana Fowler. Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:11:29

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Larry Mizell, Jr.: Kendrick Lamar, Tom Noble, FKA twigs

2/10/2025
KEXP DJ Larry Mizell Jr. joins host Evie Stokes to talk about Kendrick Lamar, Los Angeles and the devastating fires there. KEXP music director Chris Sanley shares new FKA twigs. Songs featured: Hosted by Evie Stokes. Produced by Lilly Ana Fowler. Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:11:56

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Adwaith, Roshâni and SPELLLING

2/3/2025
KEXP DJ Morgan Chosnyk joins host Evie Stokes to talk about Welsh indie rock and the French festival Trans Musicales. KEXP music director Chris Sanley shares some of the best of Bay Area artist SPELLLING’s music. Songs featured: Hosted by Evie Stokes. Produced by Lilly Ana Fowler. Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is Gospel for a New Century by Yves Tumor. Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:07:31

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Evie Stokes: Σtella, DARKSIDE, Fat Dog

1/27/2025
Evie Stokes, host of Drive Time, joins Isabel for an exciting announcement about this series! She then shares four songs - three new and one foundational - that have been in her headphones lately. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to Drive Time with Evie Stokes Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-7pm PT, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:17:35

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Back Next Week

1/20/2025
In Our Headphones will return with a new episode, plus a special announcement, next week! Stay tuned. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:01:04

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Bonus: Introducing "Live on KEXP"

1/13/2025
In Our Headphones will be back next week with song recommendations from Larry Mizell Jr, host of The Afternoon Show. But this week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: Live on KEXP. It highlights one of KEXP's world-class in-studio sessions every week, starting with an introduction from host Troy Nelson. On this episode, we hear a mind-melting session from Cambodian psych-rock group Dengue Fever. You can watch all KEXP live sessions on YouTube. And subscribe to Live on KEXP wherever you listen to podcasts for a curated selection of these sessions. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:23

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KEXP's Top Played Albums of 2024

1/6/2025
For this episode, we feature a conversation hosted by Emily Fox that first aired on KEXP’s radio show Sound & Vision. It was a conversation with DJs Troy Nelson, Evie Stokes, and John Richards about the five top played albums on KEXP in 2024. Counting down from number five, Emily discusses each album with the DJ who played it the most. Top Played Albums of 2024: Romance Pull The RopeGemelo A LA SALA Poetry Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to Sound & Vision with Emily Fox every Saturday from 7:30-9am Pacific Time, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili This episode hosted and mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: Jackson Long Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the show at: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:45

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Goyri: Grito Exclamac!ón, Gloory Hole, Amyl and The Sniffers

12/30/2024
This week, we’re introducing you to Goyri, KEXP’s newest DJ and the co-host of El Sonido, KEXP’s modern Latin music show. He delivers a powerful collection of post-punk, dance, and an alt-rock classic from Mexico City. Associate Music Director Alex Ruder closes out the show with an infectious slice of uplifting pure pop. Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to El Sonido with Goyri every other Monday from 7-10 PM PT, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: Jackson Long Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the show at: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:22:31

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The Christmas Edition with Brian Foss

12/23/2024
DJ Brian Foss (and his wife/DJ assistant Cyndi) deliver a fun holiday edition of In Our Headphones, featuring everything from pop to soul to psych. Brian is KEXP’s longtime Christmas guy, having hosted the “Punk Rock X-Mess” for over 20 years on the punk show Sonic Reducer, and hosting “No Standards Christmas” on December 25th for over a decade. Music Director Chris Sanley closes out this Christmas episode with a melancholy track for the season. Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the show at: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:25:49

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KEXP’s Songs of the Year (2024)

12/16/2024
It’s that list-making time of year! So for this episode, we've brought together 12 KEXP DJs and tastemakers for a sonic collage of the best new music from 2024. We hear from each DJ about one song that rose above the rest, getting a diverse sampling of the year in music. From hardcore to reggae to ambient and everything in between, this episode is sure to bring something unexpected for even our most voracious listeners. Songs featured: Mk.gee - “Dream Police” (DJ Alex’s pick) Bures Band - “Green Town” (Greg Vandy’s pick) Clay Birds - “Call Out My Name” (Gabriel Lopez’s pick) Rapsody - “Never Enough (feat. Keznamdi)” (DJ Miss Ashley’s pick) MUÑECA - “Bambi” (DJ Chilly’s pick) Brimheim - “Dancing in the Rubble” (Kevin Cole’s pick) The Scoffs - “Factories In Heaven” (Brian Foss’s pick) Burning Hammer - “Howling With The Wolves” (Jenn’s pick) Chat Pile - "Masc" (Reeves’ pick) Rich Ruth - “No Muscle, No Memory” (Noel Brass Jr.’s pick) Seiji Oda - "a gentle gigg.." (Mike Ramos’s pick) Porridge Radio - “Sick Of The Blues” (Chris Sanley’s pick) Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Stream KEXP at any hour, any day, for live DJ curation and recommendations. Tune into 90.3 FM in Seattle, 92.7 FM in the Bay Area, or KEXP.org and the KEXP App anywhere in the world. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:34:34

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Albina Cabrera: Winona Riders, Dum Chica, Alcalá Norte, Carolina Durante

12/9/2024
Albina Cabrera returns to the podcast for a very ”roquera” episode, spotlighting four new tracks from Argentina and Spain with elements of shoegaze, psychedelic, and punk, partly inspired by her recent travels. She also shares the 2020 song she keeps coming back to from the riot grrrls of Madrid. And Music Director Chris Sanley talks about the moving tribute that Sade Adu wrote for her son (her first new music in six years) as part of TRAИƧA, the 8-part compilation record celebrating trans artistry. Songs featured: Winona Riders - "No hagas que me arrepienta" Dum Chica - "Such a Witch" Alcalá Norte - "La Vida Cañón" Carolina Durante - "Hamburguesas" Aiko el grupo - "Si me conoces tanto por que me haces sufrir?" Sade Adu - "Young Lion" Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to El Sonido with Albina Cabrera every other Monday from 7-10 PM PT, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:09

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The Ambient Break: KMRU, Austyn Wohlers, Evan Chapman, Nala Sinephro, Mark McGuire

12/2/2024
In this episode, we make space for calm with a selection of new ambient tracks curated by KEXP DJs and editorial staff. We hear from Alex Ruder, host of the ambient and neo-classical show, Pacific Notions, about where his interest in ambient music began and the first song he ever played on his show. Then, we get recommendations that play with heavy distortion, post-rock, jazz, and field recordings. Songs featured: Helios - “First Dream Called Ocean” (Alex Ruder’s foundational ambient pick) KMRU - “opener” (Dusty Henry’s pick) Austyn Wohlers - “How Heavy the Slow World” (Brit Hansen’s pick) Evan Chapman - “Windows” (Roddy Nikpour’s pick) Nala Sinephro - “Continuum 4” (Isabel Khalili’s pick) Mark McGuire - “Anhedonia” (Alex Ruder’s pick) Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to more ambient tunes with DJ and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder on Pacific Notions every Sunday from 6-9am Pacific Time or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:29:04

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Darek Mazzone: SANAM, Warsaw Village Band, Buzz Ayaz

11/25/2024
Darek Mazzone – KEXP’s longtime host of Wo’Pop, our Modern Global music show – takes us on a melodic journey from Cyprus to Lebanon to his homeland of Poland on today’s episode, concluding with a track that transcends all language for him. And Music Director Chris Sanley shares a haunting, hypnotic, moody song from a Danish-Chilean composer, collaborating with a Copenhagen-based artist. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to Darek on Wo' Pop every other Tuesday from 7-10pm PT or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:56

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Troy Nelson: Freak Slug, Cults, Casino Hearts

11/18/2024
This week, we welcome Troy Nelson, Variety Mix DJ and host of the KEXP podcast, Live on KEXP. Not only does Troy share some recent faves with a ‘90s vibe, but stories of casino concerts, a childhood best friend turned Grammy-nominated producer, and discovering a post-punk gem behind a “one-hit wonder.” Our Music Director Chris Sanley closes things out with a magical, mystical track from two Annas that’s sure to transport you. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to Troy Nelson every Saturday from 3-6pm Pacific Time, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:34:27

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DJ Jewel: Nice Biscuit, Nolan Potter, Black Moth Super Rainbow

11/11/2024
In this episode, we hear from KEXP’s queen of psychedelia and host of Astral Plane, DJ Jewel. She shares the mellow yet mind-bending tracks that have been easing her into shorter and darker days. She also talks with Isabel about the way psych music bends time, how you can find ego death in a good jam session, and the krautrock roots of much of the psychedelia that’s popular today. Music Director Chris Sanley then shares a song that’s been bringing her a sense of calm amidst chaos. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to DJ Jewel on Astral Plane every Wednesday from 7-10pm PT or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:22

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Sean: James K, Alex Kassian, Safe Mind

11/4/2024
Variety Mix DJ Sean brings a dreamy, synth-heavy vibe to the show with his song choices, including a nod to an influential Krautrock guitarist and a salute to an ‘80s Scottish new wave duo who helped set the standard for his picks. And Associate Music Director Alex Ruder spotlights the latest from a long-running Detroit-based artist/producer/composer whose latest LP is a showcase of masterful collaborations. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to Sean every Monday night from 10pm -1am, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: Jackson Long Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:27:09

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Atticus: Chelsea Wolfe & Boy Harsher, Dummy, MJ Lenderman

10/28/2024
To kick off this late October episode, Atticus brings us into the spirit of his favorite holiday with a Chelsea Wolfe track remixed by Boy Harsher - a perfect goth/dark wave pairing for Halloween. He also shares some dizzying psych-pop, his favorite lines from a singer-songwriter with “goofy and smart” lyricism, and the story of how he first discovered The Cramps’ Halloween classic. Atticus hosts a Variety Mix every Friday morning (aka late Thursday night) from 1-5am and will be doing a Halloween special the night of Oct 31/Nov 1. We also hear an honest, heart wrenching song from former Girls-frontman Christopher Owens, recommended by Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to Atticus every Friday from 1-5 am, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Roddy Nikpour Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:53

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Bonus: Introducing KEXP's "A Deeper Listen"

10/21/2024
In Our Headphones will be back next week with song recommendations from Atticus. But this week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: A Deeper Listen. It’s hosted by Emily Fox and every week it features a conversation with an artist bringing you deeper into their music. After hearing about their inspirations and the experiences that inform their work, you’ll find yourself hearing their music in a whole new way. On this episode, Emily talks with Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff about their recent album, 'The Past Is Still Alive.' They share some of the stories that informed the album, like hitchhiking and train hopping around the country. They also talk about their experience helping those struggling with addiction, and how grief is an act of love. Get more stories like this delivered straight to your feed. Subscribe to A Deeper Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Support KEXP podcasts at kexp.org/headphones. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:29:59

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day Edition: Ghostkeeper, Ombiigizi, Liv Rion, Indian Giver

10/14/2024
For this episode, we welcome back Kevin Sur (Kānaka Maoli) and Tory J (Quinault), hosts of KEXP’s global Indigenous music show. They share the origins of their show name, Sounds of Survivance, and how the notion of survivance relates to the music they play and informs a way of being. They bring a mix of new releases from Indigenous artists pushing the boundaries of sound, from experimental electronic to soul to hardcore, then share a lesser known track from the 70s group that brought the hit “Come and Get Your Love.” Finally, Music Director Chris Sanley shares a propulsive piece of futurist folk celebrating Black and Indigenous solidarity. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to Sounds of Survivance with Tory J and Kevin Sur every Monday from 3-5am PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:37

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John Gilbreath: Shabaka, Afrocop, Wayne Shorter

10/7/2024
Ahead of the 36th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle, we chat with John Gilbreath, long-time host of KEXP’s Jazz Theatre. He spotlights a few of the artists playing – offering everything from an R&B-infused song to a meditative flute-led track – and closes out his set with a classic from the great “Ambassador of Jazz” and the story of how he fell in love with radio. The Earshot Jazz Festival runs from October 17th through November 3rd in various venues throughout Seattle. Our Associate Music Director Alex Ruder ends the episode with not one, but two tracks from a new Brussels-based group that he has on loop. Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube. Listen to John Gilbreath every other Monday from 1-3am PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Mastered by: William Myers Editorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:25:29