Steve Poltz | Santa Cruz, Saul Bellow, and Kidnapping John Prine
Explicit content warning
04/29/25 • 52 min
Americana Podcast explores the artists and ideas shaping American roots music, focusing this episode on the genre-defying Steve Poltz. Poltz is celebrated for his originality, blending tradition with unpredictability in a career that spans decades. Born in Nova Scotia and raised in Southern California, he first gained widespread attention as the co-writer of Jewel’s hit You Were Meant for Me. However, his true impact lies in his continual reinvention and subversion of Americana norms. His work reflects the folk tradition’s emphasis on storytelling and community, while also embracing humor, vulnerability, and improvisation. Poltz serves as a creative link between the West Coast’s DIY folk-punk movement and the broader narrative tradition of American roots music. This episode examines how his artistic approach challenges expectations and keeps audiences engaged. Listeners are also invited to watch a live performance of You Were Meant for Me with the Robert Earl Keen Band on YouTube.
Episodes and Bonus content available on YOUTUBE!
https://www.youtube.com/@robertearlkeenofficial
Donate to the show!
https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast
@robertearlkeen1
Have questions or suggestions? Email
Americana Podcast explores the artists and ideas shaping American roots music, focusing this episode on the genre-defying Steve Poltz. Poltz is celebrated for his originality, blending tradition with unpredictability in a career that spans decades. Born in Nova Scotia and raised in Southern California, he first gained widespread attention as the co-writer of Jewel’s hit You Were Meant for Me. However, his true impact lies in his continual reinvention and subversion of Americana norms. His work reflects the folk tradition’s emphasis on storytelling and community, while also embracing humor, vulnerability, and improvisation. Poltz serves as a creative link between the West Coast’s DIY folk-punk movement and the broader narrative tradition of American roots music. This episode examines how his artistic approach challenges expectations and keeps audiences engaged. Listeners are also invited to watch a live performance of You Were Meant for Me with the Robert Earl Keen Band on YouTube.
Episodes and Bonus content available on YOUTUBE!
https://www.youtube.com/@robertearlkeenofficial
Donate to the show!
https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast
@robertearlkeen1
Have questions or suggestions? Email
Previous Episode
Archival and Revival
As Robert Earl Keen & team look forward to more touring, a new record, and a new season of the Americana Podcast, join us as we take a moment to look back, in order to look forward for what’s to come. This episode contains the previous season’s best-of moments from the 51st State. Hear conversation clips from bluegrass genre-bender Billy Strings (01:41), American Aquarium's BJ Barham (08:56), modern day troubadour Brent Cobb (14:45), REK’s good friend and touring pal Elizabeth Cook (18:23), zen-master and songsmith Jim Lauderdale (21:54), the everywoman wonderwoman Lori McKenna (29:38), wild and wonderful Todd Snider (33:21) , and the unmistakable baritone of Jake Smith aka White Buffalo (43:17). We also have insight from Will Vogt (41:28), long-time friend, contributor, and supporter of Americana Podcast.
Consider this 5-Year Anniversary recap as your “CliffNotes”, something to study up on before we begin to release next season’s episodes in April 2025, which will feature more of what you’ve come to expect and love about the podcast: in-depth and candid conversations about the craft of songwriting within the greater Americana genre with our trusted and time-tested host, Robert Earl Keen. As well as a very exciting sneak peek from Robert himself about the future of Americana Podcast, and where we are growing and evolving with the genre for the future!!
o Billy Strings (01:41)
o BJ Barham (08:56)
o Brent Cobb (14:45)
o Elizabeth Cook (18:23)
o Hiss Golden Messenger (21:48)
o Jim Lauderdale (24:54)
o Lori McKenna (29:38)
o Todd Snider (33:21)
o Vince Herman (37:50)
o Will Vogt (41:28)
o White Buffalo (43:17)
Episodes and Bonus content available on YOUTUBE!
https://www.youtube.com/@robertearlkeenofficial
Donate to the show!
https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcast
@robertearlkeen1
Have questions or suggestions? Email
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