Free Daily Podcast Summary
One by Willie: Daily Summaries Delivered
by John Spong
Each episode, music writer John Spong talks to one notable Willie Nelson fan about one Willie song they love, leading to highly personal looks at the way Willie has shaped their lives and made the world a better place.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago47 min
Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer on "Bloody Mary Morning"
Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer, founding members of 13-time Grammy winners and American musical-and-cultural icons The Chicks, discuss their favorite Willie Nelson song to play together, “Bloody Mary Morning.” That song was, of course, a key track on Willie’s revolutionary 1973 LP Phases and Stages, a concept album depicting a divorce from a wife’s POV on Side 1, and a husband’s on Side 2, and we walk through its songs, paying special attention to Willie’s telling of the woman’s side of the story and just how true it rings. But they also describe being little girls watching their grandparents slow dance to Willie records on the old family farm, memories from time on Willie’s bus when they toured together in 2000, and the surreal, star-studded scene backstage at Willie’s 90th birthday shows at the Hollywood Bowl back in 2023.
- 3 weeks ago31 min
Don Was on "Across the Borderline" (On the Pod Again, Vol. 1)
In a re-airing of one of OBW’s early greatest hits, legendary producer, bass player, and Blue Note Records president Don Was looks at the title track to one of the best, most important albums of Willie’s career, Across the Borderline. It’s a song Don suggested to Willie in late 1992, when he was essentially auditioning for the production job on Willie’s next album—which he got—and it gets Don thinking on the fragile magic of a perfect first take, what it’s like to go out to dinner with Willie and Ringo Starr, and the unusual sleeping arrangements Willie often makes when he’s out on tour. Oh and it’s worth noting that Don, who also produced the B-52s’ “Love Shack” and Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” among a great many other songs, calls “Across the Borderline” his favorite track that he ever worked on.
- Aug 26, 20261h 8m
Buddy "Budrock" Prewitt on "On the Road Again"
As the man who has directed stage lighting at Willie Nelson shows for just under 50 years, Buddy Prewitt—better known in Willie World by the nickname the boss gave him, Budrock the Illuminator—is an absolutely essential member of Willie's famous “band of gypsies.” Fittingly enough, in this episode he focuses on a song that he says tells his own life story, “On the Road Again.” His stories from a half-century with Willie are first-hand, fantastic, and often surreal, starting with the first show he accidentally ended up working, at the Louisiana Superdome in 1977, running up to this past summer’s 4th of July Picnics. In between come countless rounds of golf, a hug for Julio Iglesias, a funnel for the crew’s bus, and memories of Sister Bobbie, drummer Paul English, stage manager Poodie Locke, and the people at a Willie show who matter most to Willie: the fans.
- Aug 12, 202643 min
Ziggy Marley on "Still Is Still Moving to Me"
Nine-time Grammy-winner and bona fide reggae royalty Ziggy Marley talks about the closing track on Willie’s 1993 masterpiece, Across the Borderline, “Still Is Still Moving to Me.” It’s a song to be dug on multiple levels, from the hard-driving melody, to the koan-like lyrics, to Trigger’s stunning runs, and Ziggy gets into all that. But his focus is on the song’s message, which he calls “transcendent”—just like his friend, Willie. So even though reggae and country music aren’t all that different in Ziggy’s mind, neither are they relevant. Because to him, Willie is one of those artists—like his dad, Bob—who rises above genre to create a music that’s universal. Note that Ziggy also gets into one of those things that you can’t transcend, and that’s the rules at Willie’s poker table…as he found out the hard way.
- Jul 29, 202645 min
I'm With Her on "Wake Me When It's Over"
Three-time Grammy-winning, supergroup folk trio I’m With Her—whose individual members Aoife O’Donovan, Sara Watkins, and Sarah Jarosz also have an additional four Grammy wins outside the band—discuss the one Willie song they’ve covered together, “Wake Me When It’s Over.” It’s one Willie’s cut repeatedly over the years, but the version that caught the trio’s ear was off his seldom cited, 1972 album The Willie Way, which points at what’s special in this episode. It’s all about discovery, about the way that brilliant singers and pickers like Aoife, Sara, and Sarah, who happen also to be millennials, come to Willie’s music and what they find when they get there. All that, plus their excitement at playing this year’s Farm Aid in September—with brief cameos by Emmylou Harris, Bill Monroe, and George Clinton.
- Jul 15, 202643 min
Taj Mahal on "Bloody Mary Morning" - Live from Luck!
In a special episode taped on Willie Nelson’s ranch at last year’s Luck Reunion, Taj Mahal—a true genius of the blues and roots music from all over the world—talks about the first song on Side 2 of Willie’s 1974 masterpiece Phases and Stages, “Bloody Mary Morning.” That song and album were among the earliest, best examples of what Willie would accomplish once he broke free from Nashville, a fight for creative control mirrored by Taj’s own battles with the music industry in the late 60s. From there Taj walks us through rich memories of the fabled scene at the Armadillo World Headquarters, where both he and Willie would find a home, with extra insight coming from guest co-host Mickey Raphael, who calls Taj one of his all-time favorite harmonica players and a huge influence on his own playing—and thus a pivotal element in the revolutionary sound of Willie’s Family Band.
- Jul 1, 202636 min
Dave Stewart on "Energy Follows Thought"
Eurythmic Dave Stewart, who along with his bandmate Annie Lennox—and, of course, Willie Nelson—is a member of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, discusses one of Willie’s most beloved songs of recent vintage, “Energy Follows Thought.” The song was the standout off Willie’s great 2022 album A Beautiful Time, and one Dave loves in part for the freedom he hears in Willie’s guitar-playing, but also for its deep, spiritual message, which conjures the near-death experience that fundamentally changed Dave’s life and set his career with Eurythmics in motion. From there he hits on the paramount importance of ignoring record execs, living in the moment, and Willie’s brilliant guitar-and-vocal-only collection from 1991, The IRS Tapes.
- Jun 17, 202657 min
Bill Anderson on "Funny How Time Slips Away"
Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, a multimillion-selling Country Music Hall of Famer, 65-year Grand Ole Opry regular, and almost certainly the only living songwriter who got to Nashville before Willie did, talks about one of Willie’s earliest entries into the Great American Songbook, “Funny How Time Slips Away.” It’s a song Willie actually pitched to Bill back in 1961, when the two were part of the generation of young songwriters—think Harlan Howard, Hank Cochran, Roger Miller, Loretta Lynn, etc.—that moved to Nashville and turned it into Music City, USA., and it prompts Bill to use Willie’s example as a masterclass in not just how to write a great song, but in country music history and Willie’s singular place in it.
Get One by Willie summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Wilco the Podcast
Two hosts explore Wilco’s music through thematic deep dives, discussing song meanings, personal reactions, and behind-the-scenes stories.
One Song
Two friends humorously dissect one iconic pop song at a time, revealing hidden layers and connections in the music.
Everyone Loves Guitar
Conversations with guitarists and music insiders about their lives, careers, and the personal lessons behind their success.
SongWriter
Writers and musicians collaborate to transform personal stories into original songs through intimate conversations and performances.
Sound Opinions
A music review and interview show featuring rock critics discussing new releases, classic records, and artist conversations.
Music Saved Me Podcast
Artists share how music transformed their lives and aided emotional healing through personal stories and journeys of resilience.
The John Clay Wolfe Show
A talk show covering cars, sports, music, and pop culture with irreverent commentary.
Bits and Pieces - The BOB & TOM Show
Comedy bits and behind-the-scenes stories from the BOB & TOM SHOW archive, revisited by longtime cast members.
World Cafe Words and Music Podcast
Live performances and interviews with influential musicians from diverse genres.
And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan
A weekly conversation with influential songwriters about the creative process and behind-the-scenes realities of the music industry.
SONG DIVING - An American Songwriter Podcast
Songwriters explore the stories and inspirations behind their music and the songs that shaped them.
Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville
Music producer Tony Mantor hosts candid conversations with entertainment industry figures about their careers and challenges.
About One by Willie
Each episode, music writer John Spong talks to one notable Willie Nelson fan about one Willie song they love, leading to highly personal looks at the way Willie has shaped their lives and made the world a better place.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from One by Willie in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's One by Willie daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of One by Willie as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the One by Willie podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official One by Willie product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by John Spong.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does One by Willie release new episodes?
One by Willie publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does One by Willie cover?
One by Willie covers topics including Music, Arts, Commentary, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting One by Willie summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.