Will Oldham returns to Nerds On Tour, this time in Will and Abraham’s mutual hometown, Louisville. An inspiring dive into Will’s philosophies on life and art.

Lita Ford on The Runaways, Ozzy Osbourne, and Selling Men’s Cologne

May 26th, 2016 44m 51s

Lita Ford's first band, The Runaways, became a global phenomenon. Months later, she was selling men's cologne at the mall. She discusses Nikki Sixx, Ozzy Osbourne, and the value of having the right team.

Will Oldham on Drag City, Quality of Life, and Being Bonnie "Prince" Billy

May 12th, 2016 52m 16s

Abraham talks with one of his all-time heroes, Will Oldham a.k.a. Bonnie “Prince” Billy, about the hard choices that make for a satisfying long-term music career.

John Doe, L.A. Punk Legend, on X, Bud Light, and Multiple Breakfasts

Apr 28th, 2016 56m 20s

X frontman John Doe is a livinglegend. He discusses X's career, their Bud Light commercial, andthe reasons why L.A. punks worship The Doors.

Patti Niemi, Sticking It Out Through Juilliard, Anxiety Attacks, and an Orchestral Career

Apr 14th, 2016 59m 13s

Classical percussionist Patti Niemi gives an insider’s account of surviving Juilliard, enduring high-pressure auditions, and getting a tenured position with an orchestra. She’s battled serious anxiety issues throughout.

John Roderick, From the Long Winters to Roderick on the Line (And Back)

Mar 31st, 2016 2h 10m

Long Winters frontman John Roderick, also a champion podcaster, delivers the goods on music, money management, and strategy in this epic interview. Here's hoping he writes a book.

Jason Collett on Broken Social Scene, Going Solo, & the Licensing Game

Mar 17th, 2016 44m 51s

Jason Collett left Broken Social Scene at the height of the band's global fame. His resultant solo career has led to some lucrative ad placements as well as his self-aware new album, "Song & Dance Man".

Thrill Jockey's Bettina Richards, Doing It Her Way Since 1992

Mar 3rd, 2016 1h 16m

After having her fill of the major-label A&R game, Bettina Richards started Thrill Jockey Records in 1992 from her apartment. It's now one of the world's most respected indie labels. She discusses how she made it happen.

Bruce Finkelman, the Empty Bottle, and the Empire of Cool

Feb 25th, 2016 48m 5s

For Bruce Finkelman, starting the Empty Bottle, Chicago's coolest music venue, at age 23 was just the beginning. He now runs nine different operations. We discuss seeing the world through "owner's eyes".

The Redwalls' Andrew Langer, From Rocker to Realtor

Feb 18th, 2016 58m 28s

The Redwalls' Andrew Langer was signed to Capitol Records at age 18 and toured the UK with Oasis. These days, he enjoys being a father of two and a realtor for D'Aprile Properties. He's also very witty and a good hang.

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau on Thrill Jockey, Velvet Revolver, & Chevrolet

Feb 4th, 2016 47m 49s

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau share the very funny intersections between rock life and real life. They discuss being Thrill Jockey recording artists, sharing the stage with Velvet Revolver, and doing a corporate gig for Chevrolet. Part 2 of 2.

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau, From Antichrists to Homeowners

Jan 28th, 2016 40m 29s

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau were musicians Abraham worshipped before he became their bandmate. They discuss the secrets of DIY glam, the fleeting gloss of professionalism, and getting stuck in a Bavarian vineyard. Part 1 of 2.

Jason Narducy, From Verbow to Bob Mould to Superchunk to Split Single

Jan 21st, 2016 1h 10m

Jason Narducy, musician and entrepreneur, is one of Abraham's personal heroes. He inspired Dave Grohl to pursue music and played Letterman multiple times, he's a member of the Bob Mould Band and Superchunk, and he fronts his own band, Split Sin

The New Yorker's John Seabrook on How Top 40 Gets Made

Jan 14th, 2016 57m 41s

New Yorker staff writer John Seabrook recently published The Song Machine, a look at how today's Top 40 gets made. We discuss the future of Spotify, why death metal is more relevant than classic rock, and what the Backstreet Boys and Dylan have

Freda Love Smith, from the Blake Babies to Northwestern University

Jan 7th, 2016 31m 50s

Freda Love Smith, once Juliana Hatfield's bandmate in the Blake Babies, is now a lecturer at Northwestern University whose recently published memoir, "Red Velvet Underground," combines rock, parenting, finances, and recipes.

Kelly Hogan, Anti- Records Recording Artist and Ramen Aficionado

Dec 29th, 2015 37m 52s

The debut episode of Nerds On Tour features singer, songwriter, and Chicago civic treasure Kelly Hogan. We talk about royalty statements, nerdiness, Ramen noodles, decision trees, neck moisturizer, and which one of us secretly wants a Saab aut

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