Two Good Ears Podcast
Two Good Ears is what happens when one lifelong audiofile, musician, producer, audio engineer, and storyteller sits down with the people who make music worth listening to. Host Rich Reardin invites artists, producers, engineers, and fellow sound‑obsessives to talk shop, swap stories, and lend an ear on how music really gets made.
The show grew out of 'In Search of a Song' which morphed into 'Beyond a Song', a long‑running radio series Rich co-hosted and produced from 2005 with guitarist Jason Wilber (John Prine). Over 700 episodes aired on PRX, capturing candid moments with icons, innovators, and the unsung heroes of the music, in the recording studio and on stage performance.
Today, in podcast form, Two Good Ears carries that spirit forward. It blends fresh interviews, pro‑audio insight, music history, and the kind of relaxed, real conversations that only happen when musicians talk to musicians. Whether it’s a veteran producer, a touring songwriter, or a new artist finding their voice, every guest brings a story worth hearing — and Rich brings the curiosity, humor, and experience to draw it out.
If you love music, the craft behind it, and the people who make it matter, you’re in the right place.
Two Good Ears Podcast
TGE Episode 301 - 'Mean Mary' James
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In this episode, host Rich Reardin sits down with the incredible 'Mean Mary' James, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose life story is as wild as her music. Born in Geneva, Alabama, and raised in a nomadic family, Mary’s journey from roughing it in the wilderness of North Minnesota to becoming a renowned folk musician is nothing short of legendary.
From her first guitar at age four to performing on the Country Boy Eddie Show and starring in her own TV series, Mary’s musical talent and determination were clear from a young age. She and her brother Frank found success in the folk music scene, and despite life’s hardships—including a tragic car accident that nearly silenced her voice—Mary fought back, reclaiming her music career and vocal abilities.
Today, she plays 11 instruments, has recorded 18 albums, and continues to captivate audiences around the world. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, the healing power of music, and the unforgettable life of Mean Mary.
🎧 Two Good Ears – A podcast for deep listening and fresh perspectives.
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