On this episode of Music Makes Us, Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes chats with our host Kathleen Hanna about some of her favorite things – getting dirt under your nails in the garden, knowing your neighbors, Alabama, and (of course) music. Hear them dive into Freddie Mercury’s harmonies, honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and the middle school concert that changed everything.  

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Can you imagine performing with Led Zeppelin, Yo-Yo Ma, and the Obamas in the audience? Hear about the time 2013 Inductee Ann Wilson of Heart did just that on this episode of Music Makes Us. Tune in as our host, Kathleen Hanna, chats with Ann about seeing Aretha Franklin live, warming up to Elton John, the real story behind her hit song “Barracuda,” and more.

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Music Makes Us is back for season 2! Host Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and an all-star lineup of guests share stories about going on tour, making art, and making noise — all the beautiful chaos that makes music matter.

Coming up this season: Ann Wilson of Heart, Sheila E, Brittany Howard, Sleater-Kinney, Liz Phair, Tegan & Sara, and more.

New episodes starting August 25, wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced by Radiotopia and Talkhouse for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“Patti vibes.” - Shirley Manson

Learn the crazy connection between Shirley Manson, Patti Smith, and Tina Weymouth as we explore the history of one artifact on this episode of Into The Vault. Come behind the scenes of our Revolutionary Women in Music exhibit with VP of Curatorial Operations Shelby Morrison as we learn about the godmother of punk.

Shirley Manson of Garbage on her adoration of Debbie Harry, Patti Smith & Siouxsie Sioux, staying one step ahead of the game, and being a “total original weirdo.”

“There’s no cage can fit me.” Kathleen Hanna and Joan Jett have many things in common – leading that list is they don’t give a damn. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame VP of Curatorial Operations Shelby Morrison explores the bond between Kathleen & Joan, the Riot Grrrl movement and that lunch-box-turned-safe we’ve heard so much about!

Joan Jett on Paul McCartney, Bad Bunny, and choosing your battles. Hear 2015 Inductee Joan Jett chat with Kathleen Hanna about the ideal of rock & roll, getting 23 rejections, British glitter music, and how the industry has (and hasn’t) changed.

"I'm genuinely in awe of [Björk]. She's so cool" - Laufey. The Icelandic inspiration Björk consistently delivers a sound and style that transcends genre and geography. Hear from our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on how Björk creatively expresses her emotions and the environment around her, the iconic swan red carpet look and the London-inspired album Post.

Laufey on The Beatles, Björk, and breaking the rules. Tune in to hear Laufey and Kathleen Hanna bond over musical theater, swap favorite fairytales, and talk about the anxiety of falling in love.

“[Strong Enough] makes me jealous that I didn't write that song.” - Nancy Wilson

Join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s VP of Curatorial Affairs, Shelby Morrison, to learn about Sheryl Crow’s custom made guitar from the “Soak Up The Sun” music video. Hear about the song’s dark inspiration, the first tune Crow learned to play on guitar, and the musical connection between her and Nancy Wilson.

Nancy Wilson of Heart on Pearl Jam, Van Halen, and the renaissance we need next. Tune in to hear Nancy Wilson and Kathleen Hanna bond about the Seattle music scene, debate who would be the female Weird Al, explain planking, and dive into the real meaning behind “Crazy On You.”

“[The Beatles are] my favorite band in the world, man. I love them.” - Towa Bird

“I Want To Hold Your Hand.” “We Can Work It Out.” “Yesterday.” Did you know that all three of these Beatles classics were written on the same piano? Join our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, to learn more about the fab four’s breakthrough in America, the alchemy of the Lennon/McCartney writing partnership, and the instrument where the magic happened.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/ 

Towa Bird on Joan Jett, Jimi Hendrix, & the lesbian renaissance. Towa and Kathleen talk about the pros and cons of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," communicating without words, and your favorite heartthrob's favorite heartthrobs.

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“Prince. Period.” - Chaka Khan

Explore the origins of Prince’s iconic Cloud guitar, created by Dave Rusan for the Purple Rain movie and tour, now on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rusan joins our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, and recalls his early memories of meeting Prince, crafting guitars in Minneapolis, unsuccessfully auditioning for the Revolution, and the one thing that Prince always did that resulted in a lot of guitar repairs.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/ 

Chaka Khan on Joni Mitchell, Prince, & good music goddammitt. Chaka and Kathleen talk about the healing power of music, who is worthy to create jazz, and dining & dashing with songwriting greats.

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“[St. Vincent] is the smartest cookie out there.” - Olivia Rodrigo

Discover the stories behind St. Vincent’s guitar with our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on this week’s minisode. Hear about the female guitarists who shaped rock & roll, drinking martinis with Debbie Harry at 11AM, and the 1970’s downtown NYC performance artist who inspired Lady Gaga, David Bowie, and more.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/ 

Olivia Rodrigo on the White Stripes, Nirvana, and girl jealousy. Olivia and Kathleen talk about One Direction fanfic, mantras on stage, and *not* getting recognized in public.

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See Olivia Rodrigo artifacts on exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/ 

“We wanted to sound like the B-52s.” - Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers.

Dive deep into the history and sound of the B-52s with our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison, on this week’s minisode. Plus - hear about RuPaul’s first mainstream appearance, Georgia’s indie music history, and the flaming volcano drink where it all began.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/ 

Amyl and the Sniffers on Cher, AC/DC, & chatting our tits off. Amy and Kathleen talk about releasing rage, the benefits of journaling, and pissing yourself when you sing.

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Dive deep into the history of the Talking Heads and their groundbreaking concert film “Stop Making Sense” with our VP of Curatorial Operations, Shelby Morrison. Plus - get a behind the scenes look at our revolutionary women exhibit, Jonathan Demme’s final project, and pop music’s best year ever.

Check out these stories and more at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: https://rockhall.com/ticketing/ 

Hayley Williams on Talking Heads, The Cure, & being "iconic". Hayley and Kathleen discuss dreaming about Robert Smith, communing with the dead through punk music, and how to pronounce Lil Wayne.

This episode was recorded on March 8, 2025 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

Shop the episode: https://shop.rockhall.com/pages/music-makes-us

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new podcast Music Makes Us gives listeners a backstage pass to artist on artist conversations about the things artists *really* want to talk about - perfect lyrics, unforgettable shows, treasured artifacts, and more.

Season 1 is hosted by cultural icon Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill, Le Tigre) and brings together revolutionary musicians for funny, unfiltered conversations that go deep on the music and influences that inspire their work - bridging artists of today with legends who came before, and celebrating the music that connects us all. 

Co-produced by PRX’s Radiotopia and Talkhouse.