The first episode of five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Mary Chapin Carpenter’s new podcast, “Hope is a Muscle,” is out today, featuring legendary artist and activist Joan Baez as the first guest. Listen HERE.
Produced by Magnificent Noise, “Hope is a Muscle” finds Carpenter in conversation with people from all walks of life, discussing how they maintain hope in today’s world. The show will be scored by Carpenter’s own music and continue to be released on a weekly basis throughout the fall. Upcoming episodes include international yoga teacher, actor, writer, activist and entrepreneur Adriene Mishler (Monday, October 7), best selling novelist and leader of acclaimed, cult-beloved group the Mountain Goats John Darnielle (Monday, October 14), and U.S. Congressman Jamie Raskin (Monday, October 21).
Reflecting on the project, Carpenter shares, “I am a devoted podcast listener—they are my company on walks, on planes, on tour busses, in the car on quotidian errands, in the midst of the most hectic days, as well as in slower, more meditative hours. More and more I find myself seeking out those conversations that have the ability to inspire and to comfort—the power of good company is a deep well. This podcast begins as a conversation about hope—what it is, why we need it, and how we access it in difficult times. Over the course of our visits, my guests help me consider those questions as well as inspire new ones, which, after all, is the gift of conversation when one encounters bright minds and open hearts.”
One of music’s “most reliable and empathetic songwriters” (Pitchfork), Carpenter has sold over 16 million records over the course of her renowned career. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 18 nominations), two CMA awards, two ACM awards and is one of only fifteen female members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Additionally, Carpenter’s most recent release, One Night Lonely (Live), was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. A rare solo performance, the album was recorded at Carpenter’s hometown venue, Virginia’s legendary Wolf Trap, and features songs from across her acclaimed career including several from her latest studio album, The Dirt And The Stars.
