Kyle Meredith With...

Ben Folds catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about his new album with the National Symphony Orchestra, recorded at the Kennedy Center just before his dramatic exit as artistic advisor under the Trump takeover. Folds digs into why the Kennedy Center’s mission goes beyond just staging performances, how nonprofits keep communities connected, and what it means when the firewall protecting the arts from political intimidation breaks down. He also reflects on the symbolism of releasing this orchestral record on July 4th, shares stories about Rostropovich and Shostakovich’s resistance under Stalin, and why artists today can’t afford to “shut up and sing.” It’s an inspiring, candid conversation about music as an act of resistance, the future of orchestral music, and how we can all be capable of anything — for better or worse — if we’re not paying attention. Listen to Ben Folds chat about all this and more or watch it on Youtube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this encore episode of The Story Behind the Song, Blondie are, without question, one of the most successful, iconic, and influential bands in rock and roll history. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 15 years ago, the Debbie Harry-fronted group has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and continues to release new music. But the “rock and roll” label doesn’t do justice to the group’s genre-bending music. What started as a punk band in the mid-1970’s in New York City after Harry and guitarist Chris Stein broke off from their earlier band, The Stillettoes, Blondie (first called Angel and the Snake) always innovated, infusing pop, disco, new wave, reggae, and rap elements into their music. Which brings us to one of Blondie’s signature songs, the cleverly titled “Rapture." In 1981, the Autoamerican single became the first song featuring rapped vocals to top the US charts, and its accompanying video the first "rap" clip to appear on MTV. Stein and Harry penned the song after experiencing their first rap performance hosted by Fab 5 Freddy, who is prominently mentioned in the song's first rap line and appears in the video. Listen to Blondie talk about “Rapture” and more. Then, make sure to follow The Story Behind the Song, and rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Fans can also check out the new TSBTS merch -- including a killer poster and jigsaw puzzle -- available now at the Consequence Shop or via the buy now buttons below! You can keep an eye on the Consequence Podcast Network for updates on all our series, and follow host Peter Csathy on Threads at @pcsathy and at Deep Cuts Media. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the rewind episode of Kyle Meredith With.., Caroline Polachek and Alison Goldfrapp — two vocalists who could probably sing a grocery list and still make it sound like avant-garde pop bliss. Caroline, formerly of Chairlift, has turned heartbreak and hyperpop into an art form, floating somewhere between baroque synths and Enya-core. Alison, meanwhile, has spent decades wrapping disco, glam, and electroclash into one shimmering Goldfrapp package — and lately she’s stepped out solo just to remind us she can still make the dance floor melt. Expect stories of sonic reinvention, ghostly falsettos, and why ethereal is sometimes just another word for unstoppable. Listen to Caroline Polachek and Alison Goldfrapp chat about all this and more. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Malachi Barton, and Freya Sky catch up with Kyle Meredith to talk all about Zombies 4 on Disney. The crew dive into how Zed and Addison’s monster diplomacy continues with a new clash between Daywalkers and vampires — vampires that, as Malachi jokes, “don’t suck blood but do snack on blood fruit!” Milo and Meg share what it’s like balancing acting and executive producing, how they keep the characters growing alongside their own lives, and how their real-life love for Disney Channel Friday nights sneaks into the franchise’s vibe. Plus, the newcomers spill on stepping into Seabrook’s wacky world, the vampire makeover, and how everyone’s musical side keeps the set buzzing with impromptu jams and game nights. Listen to Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Malachi Barton, and Freya Sky chat about all this and more or watch it on Youtube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rian Teasdale of Wet Leg catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about the band’s second album Moisturizer, the joys and pitfalls of success, and the choice to cocoon themselves in a countryside house to shut out distractions (including social media). Rian digs into writing as a full five-piece band this time around, the cathartic evolution of tracks like “Chase These Fists” and “CPR,” and how movies like Jennifer's Body helped soundtrack their creative hibernation. She also opens up about writing love songs for the first time, exploring queer identity through lyrics, and the importance of building a stage persona to armor up against tour anxiety. Listen to Rian Teasdale of Wet Leg chat about all this and more or watch it on Youtube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tony winner and certified scene-stealer Renee Elise Goldsberry joins Kyle Meredith to talk through Who I Really Am, her long-awaited debut album. Known for #Hamilton, #Girls5Eva, and #SheHulk, Goldsberry opens up about why it took this long to release a solo LP, and why now was the moment to bet on herself. She discusses the freedom of genre-jumping across pop, musical theater, and soul, how she came to reinterpret “Satisfied” for this new chapter, and how Girls5Eva and Sarah Bareilles helped spark her confidence to record original material—including a Bareilles-penned track. It’s an album about embracing outliers, defying labels, and finally asking the question, “Who am I, really?” Listen to Renee Elise Goldsberry chat about all this and more or watch it on Youtube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lucy Dacus returns to talk with Kyle Meredith about her new solo album Forever Is A Feeling, a record that unfolds like a romance film—just not the romcom kind. The Boygenius member discusses writing songs in real time to process emotions, performing early tour dates in European churches and museums, and embracing reverence without necessarily embracing religion. She also gets into her poetic lyricism, including the introspective “Lost Time” and dreamy “Limerence,” and how covering Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle” unexpectedly mirrors her own meditations on how love and time collide. We also talk about the parade of indie all-stars on the album (Bartees Strange, Madison Cunningham, Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker) and the surreal joy of texting your heroes to hop onstage. Listen to Lucy Dacus chat about all this and more or watch on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Read less Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips sat down with Kyle Meredith for three conversations across a handful of years to talk solo albums, Luna reunions, and songwriting that sometimes doubles as emotional excavation. Dean, known for his iconic turns in #Galaxie500 and #Luna, talked in 2014 about finally releasing his first solo album and what it meant to step out from the comfort of collaboration—including with wife and longtime musical partner Britta—and work with #MyMorningJacket’s Jim James as producer. He dug into the funny backlash from his memoir, navigating identity beyond legacy bands, and why a lyric like “what have I done with my life?” doesn’t always need a worried reading. In her own chat in 2016, Britta walked Kyle through #LuckOrMagic, a stunning debut that toggles between torch songs and simmering synth-pop, and how tracks like “Do It Last” playfully (and darkly) flip gendered expectations of obsession in love songs. She also opened up about the nerves of writing about Dean… and then playing those songs for him. The 2017 conversation saw Luna officially back with #ASentimentalEducation, a covers-heavy return that mined overlooked corners of Dylan, the Stones, and even Velvet Underground’s Doug Yule era. Dean explained why a reformation only made sense without pressure, and why sometimes the easiest way forward is an instrumental EP with cheeky titles like “March of the Trolls.” Three interviews. Two solo albums. One band that still knows how to play the long game—with style. Listen to Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips chat about all this and more. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Read less Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alan Walker joins Kyle Meredith to talk about the 10th anniversary of his breakout hit “Faded” and how he’s turned a bedroom project into a full-blown global empire. The EDM star gets into the making of WalkerWorld 2.0, the new single “Me, Myself and the Night,” and why he’s intentionally channeling his 2016–2019 sound. He also gives a preview of the immersive film WalkerWorld: The Last Ride, and talks about launching his first-of-its-kind World of Walker app—a digital hub meant to bypass social media algorithms and directly connect with fans. Listen to Alan Walker chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kyle Meredith sits down with two legends to talk about legacy and how you live with—and sometimes rewrite—the ghosts of greatness. The late Gary Brooker of Procol Harum spoke just before his passing about the band’s 50-year retrospective Still There’ll Be More, the timeless power of “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” and why Procol never quite fit in anyone’s box (except maybe their own). Then it’s Randy Bachman (The Guess Who, Bachman Turner Overdrive) discussing By George, his inventive reimagining of George Harrison classics, filled with rearranged melodies, sly tributes, and a surreal phone call from Winnipeg to Friar Park. From Lennon birthday parties in Liverpool to dodged opportunities with Clapton, it’s a masterclass in reverence and reinvention from two legends. Listen to Randy Bachman & the Late Gary Brooker chat about all this and more. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Zara Larsson catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about her just-announced album Midnight Sun, arriving only a year after Venus. The Swedish pop star reflects on her shift from perfection paralysis to creative freedom, saying she’s done second-guessing and ready to “not stop.” Zara dives into working with her latest crew—who helped shape a cohesive, dancefloor-friendly collection filled with “bangers” and spiritual moments. She also discusses how the title track pays tribute to her summer house and the joy of existing, while lead single “Pretty Ugly” lets her let loose and shout. Plus: singing over glass-filled mud pits, covering ABBA thanks to a fan DM, and hitting the road with Tate McRae. Listen to Zara Larsson chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Our Sponsors: * Check out Effecty and use my code KMW for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Seth MacFarlane sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements, his ninth studio album and a true passion project built from unreleased Frank Sinatra charts gifted to him by Sinatra's family. MacFarlane digs into what drew him to orchestral jazz, recording at Abbey Road, and why classic arrangers like Nelson Riddle and John Williams still reign supreme. He also unpacks why today’s post-heavy music creation loses the magic of the moment, shares his admiration for vocal harmony groups like The Hi-Lo’s, and reveals how he co-wrote unfinished Sinatra material without losing the spirit of the originals. Beyond the music, Seth opens up about producing the new The Naked Gun with Liam Neeson, rebooting The Burbs for a new generation, and why Ted is still giving comedy fans exactly what they need. Oh—and he’s doing Sinatra in Vegas. Listen to Seth MacFarlane chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Shirley Manson joins Kyle Meredith to talk all about Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, which she calls a sister record to No Gods No Masters. The Garbage frontwoman gets into the political and spiritual DNA of the album, writing through grief and recovery, the generational gaslighting of women in rock, and how she reshaped her lyricism to project love instead of fury. Manson also opens up about being bedbound, learning patience and shame, and what it meant to keep making art in a chaotic world. Elsewhere, she talks setlists, fan expectations, and the role of artists in times of crisis. “Be the change,” she says — and she means it. Listen to Shirley Manson chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark Hamill joins Kyle Meredith to talk about The Life of Chuck, Mike Flanagan’s latest mind-bender based on a Stephen King novella. Yes, the man who gave us Luke Skywalker and the Joker is now playing a white-haired accountant waxing poetic about math and the universe—and somehow it’s one of the most moving things you’ll see all year. Hamill dives into building the character (full Geppetto vibes), mentoring a scene-stealing kid who knits on set, and delivering a monologue so long and thoughtful he nearly begged for cue cards. He also shares what it was like working with Andy Griffith during his cranky “ratings are down” phase, and the moment young Mark’s Bill Cosby dreams were crushed like Alderaan. Somewhere between Jedi wisdom and Broadway, this is a film—and an interview—that reminds us maybe the Force is real after all. Listen to Mark Hamill chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Finn Wolfhard joins Kyle Meredith to talk about Happy Birthday, his first solo album under his own name. The Stranger Things star digs into how writing 50 songs became a personal dare, how 90% of them were bad, and how the remaining 10% shaped a surprisingly cohesive set about coming of age. He opens up about recording lo-fi vocals to cassette, mixing noise rock with nostalgic childhood reflections, and why character-based songwriting has always come easier than getting vulnerable. They also discuss his collaborations with Jesse Eisenberg and Emile Mosseri on When You Finish Saving the World, his early love of Daniel Johnston and Ben Lee, and the indie rock rabbit hole he fell down thanks to Joe Keery. Oh—and yes, there’s a bit about Stranger Things and maybe asking your mom to pour water over your head like when you were a child one last time. Listen to Finn Wolfhard chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this two-part Rewind episode, Kyle Meredith catches up with Imperial Teen and Rainer Maria—two cornerstone indie bands that helped shape the lo-fi-to-mainstream arc of alternative music. Taped at different moments in their respective comebacks, both interviews dive into the complexities of making new music after years away. Imperial Teen reflect on their 2012 Feel the Sound album, the logistics of long-distance collaboration, and why they never chase hooks—they just happen. Meanwhile, Rainer Maria discuss the serendipity of proximity that led to their self-titled reunion album, pulling forgotten ideas from old MiniDiscs, navigating the streaming era, and writing lyrics with more personal depth than ever before. Both bands prove that time apart hasn’t dulled their creative spark—it’s only sharpened their purpose. Listen to Imperial Teen and Rainer Maria— chat about all this and more. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Auliʻi Cravalho joins Kyle Meredith to talk about voicing the title character in Lulu Is a Rhinoceros, a new Apple TV+ animated musical that tackles big ideas like identity, self-acceptance, and kindness—all through the eyes of a joyful animal who knows exactly who she is, even when others don’t. The Moana and Mean Girls star discusses working with Leland and Allison Flom on the music, finding Lulu’s voice, and how the story echoes her own experience as a queer woman of color. Cravalho also opens up about her recent Broadway run in Cabaret alongside Adam Lambert, her pivot into producing and directing, and why telling honest stories for young and old alike is the most powerful form of resistance. Listen to Auliʻi Cravalho chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

”In this long-lost 2016 conversation, legendary Warner Bros. Records president Lenny Waronker walks Kyle Meredith through the iconic Burbank offices (now shuttered), sharing candid stories about signing Prince, nearly passing on “Wicked Game,” quietly acquiring Tom Petty, and what made the label—and its artists—so visionary. Waronker reflects on his early studio days, the genius of Prince’s bassless “When Doves Cry,” the Black Album saga, and how letting artists lead was always the secret sauce. From Randy Newman to Chris Isaak to Bat-era Kim Basinger moans, it’s a masterclass in music history told from one of its most influential behind-the-scenes architects. Listen to Hannah Lenny Waronke chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John Densmore joins Kyle Meredith With… to celebrate 60 years of The Doors, discussing the band’s new archival live releases, their signature improvisational style, and the post-myth era where the music now speaks louder than the legend. He reflects on Jim Morrison’s poetic genius, the creative interplay between band members—especially between his drumming and Ray Manzarek’s left-hand bass—and why the group thrived as a trio. Densmore also shares memories behind deeper cuts like “Palace in the Canyon” and the evolution of epics like “The End,” which, in hindsight, served as a poetic farewell. He touches on the band’s Kennedy Center snub, his upcoming jazz and hip-hop projects, and his recent onstage reunion with guitarist Robby Krieger at the Whisky a Go Go. Listen to John Densmore chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hannah John-Kamen joins Kyle Meredith With… to talk about reprising her role as Ghost in Marvel’s Thunderbolts, a darker, more personal chapter in the MCU that explores themes of shame, loneliness, and redemption. She discusses how the character has evolved since Ant-Man and the Wasp, now more in control, emotionally guarded, and layered with British sarcasm. John-Kamen reflects on how the film mirrors post-pandemic isolation and highlights the internal struggles we all face. She also teases new music collaborations, reveals a favorite improvised scene with Florence Pugh and David Harbour, and explains what it’s like to live inside a Marvel character year-round. Listen to Hannah John-Kamen chat about all this and more or watch it on YouTube. Please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to KMW wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy