This summer, the Big Ears Conversations About Music podcast has been revisiting some unforgettable moments from our 2025 talks and panels, recorded live in Knoxville. While we take a short break to prepare an exciting new lineup of episodes for the lead-up to the 2026 festival, now’s the perfect time to catch up.
Don Was sits down with the legendary Charles Lloyd to reflect on artists like Booker Little, Zakir Hussain, Billy Higgins, and Scott LaFaro. Ann Powers joins iconic producer and historian Joe Boyd for a deep dive into his memoir, And the Roots of Rhythm Remain, then returns to moderate a moving conversation on community and care with ganavya, Carlos Niño, and Alabaster DePlume.
In the latest episode, Nate Chinen leads a powerhouse panel with Melvin Gibbs, Nels Cline, and Chad Taylor, exploring the seismic musical shifts of 1965.
These aren’t just interviews—they’re part of what gives Big Ears its magic: real, intimate conversations among artists and thinkers at the top of their craft.
Tune in, and if you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps more people discover the show—and brings more ears into the fold.
Listen now and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
