And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the biggest songs on earth – a creative force whose melodies have shaped generations. From crafting timeless anthems with Beyoncé, Adele, and Taylor Swift to leading OneRepublic to global dominance, he’s not just a hitmaker – he’s an architect of modern music. In this conversation, Ryan Tedder rips the veil off fame and fortune, revealing the hidden costs of success, the brutal truths no one talks about, and his unfiltered blueprint for building wealth, longevity, and creative mastery in a world obsessed with trends. He dives deep into why most artists fail, how boredom became his superpower, and what it actually takes to build a legacy that lasts. This isn’t an interview. It’s a wake-up call for every creator chasing relevance in 2025 and beyond. And The Writer Is… Ryan Tedder! (Part 3) Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, & Jad Saad Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:52 His Morning Routine That Changed Everything 02:06 How Boredom Made Him Creative 03:40 The Hidden Dark Side of Fame 05:50 Justin Timberlake’s Brutal Warning 10:15 Fame is a Prison: Stories from the Top 14:14 Why He Hid His Singing Talent as a Kid 17:25 Lady Gaga’s Secret Ambition Revealed 20:55 Money Makes You a Target 23:02 His Dream: Rich But Unknown 25:26 Investing Millions Outside Music 27:05 Why Famous Artists Go Broke 31:02 Getting Dropped Saved His Career 36:13 What $50 Million a Year Really Means 39:22 NMPA Sponsor Break 41:01 Labels Want You Wild & Broke 44:40 Can You Win Without Flexing? 47:12 Managers Who Destroy Artists’ Careers 50:52 Why Tate McRae Is Built Different 53:37 OneRepublic’s Secret to Longevity 57:12 Sync Deals vs Streaming: Where Money Really Is 01:00:52 His Songwriting Secrets & ‘God Moments’ 01:05:00 How He Stays Creative After 20+ Years 01:09:00 The Role of Trust in Hit-Making 01:13:00 Stories of Working With DJs & Pop Stars 01:17:00 The Future of Music & AI’s Impact 01:21:00 His Philosophy on Work Ethic & Success 01:25:00 Final Words: Advice to Creators 01:29:00 Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever. Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience. Presented by NMPA https://www.nmpa.org/ Chapters: 0:00 Why Songs Don’t Blow Up 0:15 Is Inspiration Overrated? 0:33 Writing Big Songs While Uninspired 1:05 How Russ Would Start From Zero Today 1:24 Stockpiling Songs & Posting Strategy 1:57 Do You Want Success Bad Enough? 2:01 Russ’ Duality: Confidence vs. Doubt 2:21 The Power of Delusional Self-Belief 3:02 Why Songwriters Should Stop Giving Songs Away 3:51 Why Most Artists Stay Broke 5:06 Taking Control of Your Music Business 6:38 The Purity of Creating Without an Audience 7:04 The Audience Picks The Hits 8:07 Russ’ Song-a-Week Strategy Explained 8:39 When a Song Flops: Russ on Bankrupt 9:13 Why It’s Okay If It’s Not The One Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio album, she continues to push boundaries—proving that vulnerability, grit, and honesty never go out of style. From Toronto to the world… And the writer is… Jessie Reyez! Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, and Jad Saad Special thank you to our season sponsor NMPA! Chapters: 00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You 00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect 00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters 00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant) 00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters 00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began 00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year 00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius 00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All 00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing 00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post) 00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project 00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video 00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything 00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth 00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit 00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts) 01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry 01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say 01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth 01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower 01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness 01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada 01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building 01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk! 0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity 0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message 2:00 – Episode Begins: Ross Welcomes Ian 2:25 – Ian Fisher Intro (By Ross) 3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs 6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence 9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland 12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings 17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs 20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville 27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons 30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene 35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough 40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids) 45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey 50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Ross Golan sits down with David Israelite, the influential President and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). A fierce and tireless advocate for songwriters, David has spent nearly two decades fighting for the rights, recognition, and fair compensation of music creators in an ever-evolving industry. From spearheading groundbreaking legislation like the Music Modernization Act to navigating complex battles over streaming royalties and copyright protections, David shares a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into defending the value of songwriting. With unique insights into policy, publishing, and the business of music, this candid conversation reveals why David is one of the most pivotal figures working on behalf of songwriters today. If you care about music creators and the future of songwriting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 00:00 – Intro & Welcome Back 03:40 – How Songwriters Get Paid (Explained Like You’re 15) 05:19 – Why 75% of Songwriter Income Is Regulated by the Government 07:28 – The Music Modernization Act: Win or Band-Aid? 09:13 – The Broken Market: Songwriters Can’t Say No 12:01 – Artists vs. Songwriters: A Cultural Divide 13:50 – Ghostwriting, Publishing Abuse & The Elvis Tax 20:16 – Why Unionizing Isn’t the Answer 23:55 – What Is the CRB — And Why It Still Screws Songwriters 26:22 – Free Market vs. Regulated Market: Labels vs. Songwriters 28:33 – Why Songwriters Have No Political Power 31:01 – Consent Decrees & The PRO Problem 33:19 – What Are Selective Withdrawals? 39:10 – Do Big Publishers Hurt Small Writers? 45:25 – The Power of 'No' — and Why Songwriters Need It 46:25 – Are Labels & Publishers in Conflict? 49:45 – Catalog Sales & Investment Funds in Music 54:37 – Final Thoughts & Gratitude Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music. He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up—writing, recording, producing, mixing, mastering, and releasing everything himself. But in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear: The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did. We get into: This is more than a career breakdown—it's a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace. And The Writer Is... Russ! Chapters 00:00:00 - Trailer: A Glimpse Inside 00:00:57 - Ad Break: NMPA and the Fight for Songwriter Pay 00:01:39 - Welcome to And The Writer Is… with Russ 00:02:14 - Meet Russ: The Unstoppable Indie Force 00:03:50 - From NJ to ATL: Russ’s Early Grind 00:06:40 - Atlanta’s Snap Era and Soulja Boy Influence 00:07:53 - Homegrown Sounds: 70s Rock and Dad’s Secret Talent 00:10:11 - First Guitar: The Genesis of a Songwriter 00:11:08 - GarageBand Dreams: Crafting Early Beats 00:12:09 - Musical Influences: Lil Wayne and Pop-Punk 00:13:30 - Defining the Russ Sound 00:15:29 - Drum Programmers vs. Songwriters 00:18:23 - Publishing Game: Russ’s 50/50 Split Strategy 00:25:56 - Masters vs. Publishing: Where the Money Is 00:27:06 - Losin Control: The $850K Sample Mistake 00:28:28 - Building an Independent Empire 00:30:38 - Own Your Business: Russ’s Wake-Up Call 00:33:18 - Inspiration Is a Lie: Show Up and Work 00:34:28 - Weekly Releases: Discipline Over Inspiration 00:37:14 - Creative Sparks: Shower, Planes, and Life 00:47:26 - Cherry Hill: The Hunt for the Perfect Word 00:51:09 - Live First, Write Later 00:53:10 - The Power of Delusional Belief 01:03:11 - Russ’s Blueprint: 2 Songs a Month 01:06:57 - Respect Your Audience’s Ear 01:09:18 - The Pressure of Success and Family 01:13:55 - Therapy and Acceptance 01:14:37 - Breaking Into Acting and Hollywood 01:25:26 - Ad Break: Powered by peermusic 01:47:10 - Growth Through Vulnerability 01:48:46 - Why Russ Stays Independent 01:53:27 - Fair Pay for Songwriters 02:00:22 - The “Good Problems” of Success 02:07:38 - Chloe, Otto, and Life Lessons 02:08:57 - Outro: And The Writer Is... 02:11:42 - Why Not Me? Russ’s Final Word Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS! 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 03:52 - Music as Math? 06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a British sensation whose sound defies convention and whose rise has been anything but ordinary. With a style rooted in drum and bass, alt-pop, and early 2000s nostalgia, she’s redefined what it means to make bedroom pop in the digital age. Her songwriting is both diaristic and enigmatic, managing to say more in two minutes than most can in five. From viral fame to global stages, she’s built a world that’s entirely her own—introspective, stylish, and sonically daring. A true creative force who writes, produces, and performs with instinct and intention. From across the pond, the future is bright… And the wrier is… PinkPantheress! 00:00 – Intro 00:42 – Meet PinkPantheress 01:16 – The Self-Made Artist 05:02 – Growing Up Multicultural 09:49 – Emo, Piano & Early Music Obsession 13:03 – Building Her Unique Sound 16:26 – UK vs US Music Culture 21:04 – Not Chasing Numbers 23:01 – You Can’t Teach Taste 24:19 – Producing & Industry Bias 30:23 – Ad Read: NMPA + Peer Music 32:00 – Producing at 17 & Avoiding Media 34:06 – TikTok Fame Without Trying 38:22 – From Anonymous to Recognized 41:00 – Live Shows & Internal Standards 44:29 – Perfectionism & Learning in Public 45:04 – Writing 'Pain' in Her Dorm 46:31 – 'Boys a Liar' & Airbnb Vocals 50:16 – Taste as Her Superpower 52:15 – New Single & Feedback Avoidance 53:43 – Teasing the Next Song 54:59 – Dream Artists to Produce 55:27 – Where the Name Came From 55:32 – If She Started from Zero Today 57:05 – The Truth About Taste 58:12 – Rapid Fire: Bath, Family, Identity 58:57 – Final Thoughts: Breaking Through in the US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a British sensation whose sound defies convention and whose rise has been anything but ordinary. With a style rooted in drum and bass, alt-pop, and early 2000s nostalgia, she’s redefined what it means to make bedroom pop in the digital age. Her songwriting is both diaristic and enigmatic, managing to say more in two minutes than most can in five. From viral fame to global stages, she’s built a world that’s entirely her own—introspective, stylish, and sonically daring. A true creative force who writes, produces, and performs with instinct and intention. From across the pond, the future is bright… And the artist is… Pink Pantheress! 00:00 – Intro 00:42 – Meet PinkPantheress 01:16 – The Self-Made Artist 05:02 – Growing Up Multicultural 09:49 – Emo, Piano & Early Music Obsession 13:03 – Building Her Unique Sound 16:26 – UK vs US Music Culture 21:04 – Not Chasing Numbers 23:01 – You Can’t Teach Taste 24:19 – Producing & Industry Bias 30:23 – Ad Read: NMPA 32:00 – Producing at 17 & Avoiding Media 34:06 – TikTok Fame Without Trying 38:22 – From Anonymous to Recognized 41:00 – Live Shows & Internal Standards 44:29 – Perfectionism & Learning in Public 45:04 – Writing 'Pain' in Her Dorm 46:31 – 'Boys a Liar' & Airbnb Vocals 50:16 – Taste as Her Superpower 52:15 – New Single & Feedback Avoidance 53:43 – Teasing the Next Song 54:59 – Dream Artists to Produce 55:27 – Where the Name Came From 55:32 – If She Started from Zero Today 57:05 – The Truth About Taste 58:12 – Rapid Fire: Bath, Family, Identity 58:57 – Final Thoughts: Breaking Through in the US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion! Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire 0:36 Ross ATWI Intro 2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights 2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years 3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm 6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning 9:22 Craft Over Convenience 11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy 18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power 25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA 27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose 32:06 Becoming the Label 45:07 Removing Ego from the Process 50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation 54:58 Art vs. Math in Production 57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S. 1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids 1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self 1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss 1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025 1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition 1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time. And the writer is… D4vd! 0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise 1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist 3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences 8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound 13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed 17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up 20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone 23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened 26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything 34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants 36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams 43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business 44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a Latin music powerhouse whose pen has changed the game globally. With a genre-defying catalog that spans regional Mexican, reggaeton, pop, and bachata, he’s crafted chart-topping hits that cross borders and break records. His work has earned him 26 Grammy wins, making him one of the most decorated writers in the industry today. But beyond the accolades, he’s a true musical chameleon—effortlessly fusing cultural roots with modern sounds to create melodies that resonate worldwide. He brings heart, hustle, and authenticity to everything he touches. And the writer is… Edgar Barrera! 00:00 Intro: 27 Grammys and Counting 02:00 Growing Up on the Texas-Mexico Border 07:30 Breaking Tradition in Latin Music 10:30 Globalizing Regional Mexican Music 16:00 Teaching Writers to Own Their Publishing 20:00 The Business of Songwriting 30:00 Writing for the Next Generation 34:00 Patience Over Virality 38:00 How Maluma Changed My Career 44:00 The Difference Between LA and Miami Studios 48:00 Why Shakira Is a Studio Perfectionist 53:00 Watching Ariana Grande Record a Perfect Take 57:00 Meeting Max Martin (And Getting Starstruck) 65:00 Dreaming Beyond Latin Music 70:00 The Real Peso Pluma Story 75:00 Loving Music Beyond Awards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the most captivating sounds in modern R&B and pop. With an ear for creating melodies that feel as intimate as they do expansive, he’s responsible for shaping hits that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether he's behind the boards or penning the perfect lyrics, his ability to blend vulnerability with irresistible hooks has made him a go-to collaborator for some of the biggest names in music. From soulful ballads to undeniable bangers, his tracks are the ones that never leave your head—and always leave you wanting more. And the producer and songwriter is...Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II! 00:00 - Cold Open: Gaga, Bruno & a Midnight Session 00:28 - Intro: Welcome to And The Writer Is 01:22 - How D’Mile Got His Name 05:10 - Growing Up with Jazz, Gospel & Biggie 10:30 - Producing His First Song at Age 6 12:15 - Almost Signed to Universal at 19 16:45 - Rodney Jerkins & Darkchild Studio Era 21:05 - 9 Creatives in a 3-Bedroom Apartment 25:30 - Inspiration vs. Competition in the Come-Up 27:20 - D’Mile Nearly Quit Music in 2017 34:17 - The Comeback: Lucky Daye & Victoria Monét 38:16 - How Silk Sonic Started from One Song 46:44 - Making “Leave the Door Open” 50:18 - “Die With A Smile” feat. Gaga & Bruno 51:58 - Producing the Artist’s Soul 59:00 - Copy-Paste Industry vs. Timeless Records 01:01:08 - Final Thoughts: Doing It His Way Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a genre-defying vocal powerhouse who’s been taking the music world by storm. Raised in the South with a love for soul, country, R&B, and rock, he blended these influences into an unmistakable style that’s all his own. With a voice that’s as powerful as it is emotive, he doesn’t just sing—he connects, turning raw, soulful covers into hits and proving he’s more than just a voice. He’s a true artist and songwriter who’s crafted songs about love, loss, and everything in between, resonating with millions around the world. Oh, and did we mention he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet? If you haven’t heard his music yet, trust us, you’ll want to. And the writer is... Teddy Swims Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Sung Cho, the CEO & Founder of our incredible sponsor, Chartmetric. Ross recently sat down with Sung to discuss how his company is building the world’s best analytics team in the music industry. Read below to find out more about Chartmetric and listen to this conversation on any platform you find your podcasts! Chartmetric is the all-in-one platform for artists and music industry professionals, providing comprehensive streaming, social, and audience data. Since 2016, Chartmetric has strived to ensure everyone can have a successful career in music. Their easy-to-understand and powerful analytics on over 10 million artists and 100 million tracks will help answer all of your questions, from tracking your stats to discovering new talents. From playlist placements to stream counts to follower demographics and much more, it’s never been easier to understand how your artists fit in the music industry, and how they can grow. What’s even better is that Chartmetric does the work for you, providing actionable insights and beautiful visuals on their up-to-date global data from over 15 different social and streaming platforms. Find out more at chartmetric.com! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a true jack-of-all-trades—part artist, part entrepreneur, and full-on icon. From nurturing a die-hard fanbase to dominating the charts across genres, he’s built an empire over the course of his incredible career. This diamond certified superstar is the pride of Pittsburgh and has proven time and time again that you can do it all—and do it well. And The Writer Is…Wiz Khalifa! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the definition of a songwriting legend! With a record-breaking 76 #1 hits (and counting), 10 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, and the title of NSAI Songwriter of the Decade for 2010-2019, he’s set a standard that’s hard to match. His songs have dominated the charts and sound-tracked lives, earning him Grammy, CMA, and ACM nominations and wins along the way. But behind the stats is a humble, hardworking collaborator whose passion for music and dedication to the songwriting community make him one of the most respected names in the game. He’s the guy behind the hits and the inspiration behind the hustle. And The Writer Is…Ashley Gorley! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a lyrical powerhouse who’s been shaping the sound of pop, country, indie, and electronic music with her signature style. She started her songwriting journey in church before taking a leap of faith to Nashville, where she quickly became the go-to writer for heartfelt, unforgettable lyrics. From crafting hits for the biggest names in music to lighting up every room she enters, her talent and spirit are unmatched. Hailing from the Show Me State, she’s shown us how to turn a dream into a career. With her one-of-a-kind voice (on and off the page), this songwriter proves that faith, passion, and a little bit of Missouri grit can take you anywhere. And The Writer Is…Steph Jones! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we highlight a live panel for APG’s 20th anniversary, hosted by Ross Golan. The event honors not just a company, but a community of artists, songwriters, producers, and all those who believe in the power of music to inspire, challenge, and connect us. Twenty years ago, APG set out with a bold vision: to be an independent powerhouse for both music publishing and artist development. Founded by Mike Caren, APG has grown into a unique space where creativity thrives and where artists can build their brands and realize their visions on their own terms. It’s been a launchpad for incredible talent like Charlie Puth, Kehlani, Kevin Gates, Ava Max, and so many others. But more than that, it’s been a platform where music creators are empowered to succeed on every level—whether it’s securing partnerships across film, TV, and advertising, or finding the best possible collaborations with writers and producers who help bring their music to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the ultimate overachiever in pop music—producer, songwriter, artist, and, let’s face it, the reason half your favorite albums sound the way they do. From crafting massive hits with Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey to fronting his own band, Bleachers, he’s a master at blending raw emotion with anthemic hooks that stick. Whether he’s digging into suburban nostalgia or redefining modern pop, his fingerprints are all over the sound of the last decade. Oh, and did we mention he’s a three-time Producer of the Year Grammy winner? No big deal. And as if that’s not enough, we couldn’t think of a better guest to celebrate our 200th episode. He’s the heart, the brain, and the relentless energy behind it all. And The Writer Is…Jack Antonoff! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.