World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

WXPN's live performance and interview program featuring music and conversation from a variety of important musicians

Latest Episodes

Acadiana Music Showcase: Dwight James & the Royals

Jun 18, 2026

The Lafayette, La., band channels the spirit of classic soul, blues and R&B with a sound that is as timeless as it is fresh.

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Hiss Golden Messenger doesn't want to throw in the towel

Jun 17, 2026

Frontman MC Taylor talks about infusing the band's latest album, I'm People, with a sense of hope.

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Personal Records: Michael Imperioli

Jun 16, 2026

The Emmy Award-winning actor sits down with World Cafe's Raina Douris to share some of the songs that have defined his story so far.

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On his latest album, Rostam asks what it means to be American

Jun 12, 2026

The musician, producer and Vampire Weekend cofounder shares musical insights from American Stories.

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Tune in to a mini-concert with Sotomayor

Jun 11, 2026

The Mexico City duo performs songs from their latest album, WABI SABI.

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How Courtney Barnett's meeting with a mantis led to 'Creature of Habit'

Jun 10, 2026

The Australian musician's search for meaning amid a sea of change in Southern California set the backdrop for her new album.

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Say She She on their latest album, 'Cut & Rewind'

Jun 8, 2026

Piya Malik, Nya Brown and Sabrina Cunningham join us to talk about their third studio album.

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Why did José González use generative AI on his latest album?

Jun 3, 2026

The Swedish songwriter and humanist says Against the Dying of the Light is "an urgent call to preserve the light of humanity."

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Jazz guitar legend Bill Frisell looks back on his 40-year career

Jun 2, 2026

Bill Frisell performs a song made famous by Barbra Streisand, live for World Cafe.

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Joshua Ray Walker on his latest album, 'Ain’t Dead Yet'

Jun 1, 2026

Following a cancer diagnosis, the Dallas country musician confronts mortality on his latest record.

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