10 Folk Music Podcasts You Need to Check Out

Looking for some great folk music podcasts to add to your rotation? Here are 10 of our favorites that you need to check out!

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a type of traditional music that is typically passed down orally from one generation to the next. It is typically characterized by its use of simple melodies and harmonies, as well as its focus on storytelling. Folk music often reflects the culture and beliefs of the people who create it, and it can be found in nearly every corner of the world.

The 10 Best Folk Music Podcasts

Music has the ability to transport us to different times and places. It can make us feel nostalgic for a time we’ve never experienced, or it can conjure up images of faraway lands. Folk music is particularly good at evoking a sense of place. Whether it’s the rollicking energy of an Irish jig or the plaintive beauty of a Appalachian ballad, folk music has a way of putting us in touch with the human experience.

Folk Alley

Folk Alley is a daily, two-hour radio show that covers the spectrum of American folk music; everything from the string bands of the 1920s to the singer/songwriters of the 1970s and beyond. Folk Alley is one of the most popular folk music shows in the country, and can be heard on over 200 public radio stations nationwide.

The Folk Sampler

The Folk Sampler is a weekly podcast that features new and old folk music from all over the world. This Podcast is hosted by Duncan McCue, who is a Canadian radio broadcaster and folk musician. Every episode features different artists and music.

Folk Sampler has been going since 2006 and has featured some of the most popular folk musicians such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Johnny Cash, and more.

Troubadour, Texas

Folk music has seen a resurgence in recent years, and there are now more folk music podcasts than ever before. Whether you’re interested in traditional folk music or contemporary folk-rock, there’s a podcast out there for you. Here are 10 of the best.

1. Troubadour, Texas – This podcast features interviews with some of the biggest names in contemporary folk music, including John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and Steve Earle.

2. The Folk Revivalists – This podcast examines the history and resurgence of folk music, with interviews and performances from both established and emerging artists.

3. The Lone Star State of Mind Podcast – This podcast explores the unique brand of Texas folk music, featuring interviews and live performances from artists like Lyle Lovett and Guy Clark.

4. Modern Folklore – This podcast looks at how folk music is being used in contemporary culture, with episodes on everything from protest songs to video game soundtracks.

5. Folk Songs for the Road – This podcast is perfect for road trips, with each episode featuring a different genre of folk music from around the world.

6. Sing Out! Radio Magazine – This long-running podcast covers all aspects of folk music, from history and culture to reviews and interviews.

7. Tales from the South – This podcast tells stories about the people and places that shaped southern folklore, with episodes on everything from mountain music to moonshining.

8. The Music Tree – This podcast helps budding musicians learn about various styles of folk music, with episodes on fiddle tunes, fingerpicking guitar, and more.

9. Folk Like Us – This podcast brings together some of the biggest names in Canadian folk music for interviews and live performances, including Stan Rogers and Kate & Anna McGarrigle.

10.submit your own Podcast here…

Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio is a weekly radio show that has been on the air since 1999. It is hosted by Jan Hall, who also produces and curates the music. The focus of the show is on traditional and contemporary folk music from around the world, with an emphasis on Canada and the Canadian Folk scene.

A Prairie Home Companion

In case you haven’t heard, A Prairie Home Companion is now a movie! And what a delightful movie it is. If you like your humor dry, your music twangy, and your stories set in the Midwest, this one’s for you.

But seriously, if you’re not already a fan of A Prairie Home Companion, now’s the time to get on board. The movie will only wet your appetite for more of Garrison Keillor’s dry wit and beautiful storytelling. And what better way to get your fix than by listening to the man himself every week on his radio show?

But A Prairie Home Companion is just one of many great folk music podcasts out there. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out some of these other great shows:

1. The Folklore Podcast: This British podcast shines a light on some of the lesser-known aspects of British folklore.Recent episodes have explored everything from love charms to will o’ the wisps.

2. Folk Songs from Near and Far: If you’re looking for something a little more global in scope, this podcast is for you.Each episode features folk songs from a different country or region, with commentary from host Jeffannotated October al-Kassir.

3. Tales from Beyond the Pale: This podcast takes its cue from old-time radio shows like Suspense and Inner Sanctum Mysteries, but with a modern twist. recent episodes include “The Wendigo” and “The Cabin in the Woods.”
4. Extraordinary Tales: This podcast brings classic horror stories to life with atmospheric readings and original music scores. Recent episodes include “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Dunwich Horror.”
5 state 5 others

The Thistle & Shamrock

The Thistle & Shamrock is a radio show and podcast that has been sharing the best in Celtic music since 1983. Host Fiona Ritchie takes listeners on a musical journey, exploring the traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Galicia. The show features both classic and contemporary recordings, as well as live sessions with world-renowned artists.

Mountain Stage

Mountain Stage is a live music radio show distributed by National Public Radio (NPR) which features the finest in contemporary and traditional music. The two-hour program is taped before a live audience in Morgantown, West Virginia and gathers musicians from all over the world.

Folk Alley
Folk Alley is a 24/7 online radio station featuring the best in folk, roots and Americana music. With more than 300 new recordings streamed each year, Folk Alley is one of the most important new music discovery sites for folk fans.

The Folk Sampler
The Folk Sampler is a weekly syndicated radio show that spotlights the best in contemporary and traditional folk, Americana and acoustic music. Each week, host SuzanneVE looks at new releases, classic recordings and books related to the world of folk music.

Folk Frontiers
Folk Frontiers takes listeners on a musical journey to the outer reaches of the folk world with an emphasis on traditional song forms from around the globe. The program features exclusive interviews with many of today’s leading artists as well as rare and collectible recordings.

The Green Man Podcast
The Green Man Podcast is devoted to playing the best in traditional and modern Celtic music with an emphasis on Scottish, Irish and Cape Breton sounds. You’ll also hear occasional interviews with some of today’s leading Celtic musicians.

NPR: Tiny Desk Concerts
NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts are intimate performances featuring your favorite artists taped live at Bob Boilen’s desk in NPR’s Washington, D.C., office. The series shines a light on brilliant performers from all genres of music, giving them a chance to play in front of a small audience in an intimate setting.

Songs from the Road Band
Songs from the Road Band is a high-energy bluegrass/Americana band based out of Asheville, North Carolina. The band travels regularly, playing shows all over the country while also Tape delving deep into songwriting and recording new albums. Songs from the Road provides listeners with an up-close look at life on tour as well as outstanding live performances captured raw and unedited onstage.

Ukulele Rhythm Club Podcast
The Ukulele Rhythm Club Podcast showcases some of today’s best ukulele players performing live in front of an audience at Brooklyn weightlifting Gym in Brooklyn, New York City. In addition to great performances, you’ll also hear interviews with some of today’s most interesting ukulele personalities.

eTown

eTown is a radio show and podcast based in Boulder, Colorado, that’s all about music and the environment. Hosts Nick and Helen Forster interview a wide variety of folk, Americana, and world music guests, as well as environmental activists and writers. Episodes are often recorded live in front of an audience, giving the show an intimate feeling. eTown is also one of the few podcasts that regularly features live music performances.

The Green Man Podcast

The Green Man Podcast is a folk music podcast that celebrates the best in contemporary and traditional folk music. Each week, host Sean Powers presents a mix of new music, interviews, and live performances from some of the most exciting names in the genre.

The Midnight Special

The Midnight Special is a podcast that celebrates folk music from around the world. Each episode features a different artist or band, and the hosts explore the music and stories behind the songs. The Midnight Special is perfect for folk music fans who want to learn more about the genre and its history.