I’ve been a fan of her intelligent, deeply moving music for years, so it does not surprise me in the least that Mary Chapin Carpenter has shared her talent for observing the human condition with podcast listeners. The show’s focus - hope - only makes me admire her more, given the times we are living in. Her questions are specific and smart and she actually listens to what is being said with no apparent agenda except to find inspiration herself in the person on the other side of the table. This podcast is the antidote to the despair and confusion and chaos that we face in so many areas of life.

There is a cadence to MCC’s speech, and a depth to her questions, that indicate a level of presence that I crave in this world. Thank you for this!

Such wonderful, thought provoking conversation between two of my all time favorite artists. Excellent timing on the release as I think we may all be having to dig a little deeper to find hope these days.

Thank you, Chapin, for creating exactly what we all need most during the ramp-up to Election Day 2024—and beyond ❤️

I very much enjoyed all three episodes of Sarah Kay’s interview with Mary Chaplin Carpenter. I felt a little bit like I was eavesdropping on two best friends talking in a coffee shop. The honesty. The discussion of feeling insecure in your success was lovely. I’m also fascinated by just listening to two successful creative people discuss their perspectives on creating your art. I am so very much not an artist. I haven’t an artistic gene in my body. I’m an engineer and lawyer by training. The closest I can come to being creative is inventing things as an engineer. (And sometimes inventing legal arguments.) But listening to you both, I realize I just think about things differently. And I think I have missed out on some of life’s joys that artists experience. If we all were to stand on my beach and watch a colorful sunset over the water, you and MCC would not just see the beauty, but you would paint a picture of it with words and MCC would paint a picture with words and music. I would think the sky was pretty with its pink hues. But I would not in any way be able to paint a picture to describe it. My mind would probably wander to thinking about how air pollution - especially particulate matter from burning fossil fuels and forest fires and volcano eruptions - was what was refracting the sunlight and creating the pretty colors. I didn’t mean for it to sound quite so sad. I just tend to think in terms of science instead of art. But I realize I am missing some of the enjoyment I could be experiencing if I could view more things from something like an artist’s perspective. Most of my friends are Engineers and lawyers too so they won’t be very helpful. I’m getting ready to sign up for Medicare next year, so In MCCs words, I’m afraid I’m being “late for my life”. I think I need to find and listen to more artist discussions. I need to work on getting new perspectives. Thank you for setting me on a new path. I have much to learn. Fortunately, I love learning.

Just listened to episodes 1 & 2 yesterday, then listened to them both again today b/c they are so deep, thoughtful, & reflective. Part biography/autobiography, part therapy session, part writers’ workshop. Simply amazing! Excited to hear episode 3 soon! MCC is THE song-writer of my generation! Sarah Kay is a gifted writer & interviewer. She somehow knew to ask all the questions I had & then some! I wish this was a weekly series!

Completely in love with this conversation. My spirit was resurrected today because of it.

This podcast was well placed and very reinforcing for where I am now, thank you both!

Wow!! AMAZING. THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL PODCAST

Too beautiful and amazing voices! Thank you both for sharing so much. Thank you for the introduction to Sarah Kay and as always, can never get enough of MCC!❤️

Mary Chapin Carpenter and Sarah Kay share wonderful conversations on the creative process with candor and honesty. I’ve listened twice and will probably revisit episodes again.

This is much needed calmness in a very stressful time.

It doesn’t take much to find beauty...beauty in asking thought provoking questions. Beauty in the strength of another to answer without filters, but with thoughtful, painful introspection and dissection. To share a journey of imperfection in such a perfect way is unselfish and courageous. My God, I am in awe of MCC and inspired to be better...to look deeper within. To be a seeker....to find purpose. For some, age brings wisdom. It took both age and Chapin to allow myself to feel it. Thanks......looking forward to next episode.

Like her “songs from home” on IG. Can you please,please,please get her to tell ALL the stories. Her voice soothes this soul!!

Few sounds in this world instanly transport you to heaven, Chapin's voice is one of them. Her thoughtful perspective and contemplative grace make her a true treasure for anyone who listens. Her thoughts, her words and her passion just amaze me. She's a gift for the world and may people keep finding her brilliance for years to come. One of the best podcasts ever.

Listening to MCC is like a quiet talk with a wonderful friend. Her voice soothes, her stories inspire and her music feeds my soul. I struggle with deep, deep depression and having her music in my life for the last 30 years has enabled me to navigate a very troubling life. MCC and I are the same age and it never ceases to amazing me that just when I think I am going through something unique, she writes a song about it and I realize I am not at all alone. She’ll never know how many times she has saved me. Thank you, MCC, for sharing your deepest thoughts. Your willingness to be vulnerable with us is an inspiration.

The story of the inspiration behind the song is one of the things I have always loved about seeing MCC in concert, something we would have missed out on as this album drops in August. It was great to hear how the album came together, where it was recorded and the importance of albums as a body of work to be savored as a whole. Songs from home on her IG channel are among the very best bright lights to come out of quarantine. I have followed her music since early days at the Birchmere and her songs are the soundtrack of my life in so many instances. Looking forward to the next episodes! And MCC, I so relate and am working on no regrets!

What a lovely and inspiring interview. I plan to listen to it again and look forward to further episodes. Mary Chapin Carpenter’s music has been a part of my world for so long, and her daily quarantine concerts brightened crazy days. I am truly grateful for her talent that she so graciously shares.

MCC has always had such a profound way of tapping into the feelings and insecurities that unite us all and giving them voice. She makes us feel seen. She makes us feel known. And from those feelings she still finds the ray of light in the darkness that gives hope. Can’t wait to hear the new music.

This is an intimate look at the formation of an album and the stories behind its songs - a conversation I long to hear for every artist I love and all music that transforms me. Thank you Mary Chapin for your vulnerability in revealing your fears and for always sharing your learning, growth, and exploration of life, putting words and music to universal feelings that we may not have realized were universal until you sung them to us. Your story about “D35” put me right there in the grocery store, crying along with you for every sign, wink, and memory that grabbed me out of the blue, making other shoppers want to call Security on me, too! Thank you Sarah Kay for your insightful questions and artful listening. I look forward to the next episodes!

Sarah Kay's conversation brings out many insights from MCC not only about the songs on the new album, but about MCC's view and feelings about life which are communicated honestly, and, in my view are the most valuable takeaways from this all too short discussion. I'm really looking forward to the next episode.

This was a beautiful and very emotional podcast. I loved it and can’t wait for the next one. I am also looking forward to getting MCC’s new album. Thank you for this treat.