Congrats to the Raw Songwriting Podcast!

Hey! The Raw Songwriting Podcast came in at #16 on FeedSpot’s list of Top 70 Songwriting Podcasts list. And 2024 was a down year; I plan to put out a lot more episodes for 2025…

Writing Prompts! (T Brodzinski edition)

Looking for some inspiration? Here are some writing prompts I threw at T Brodzinski for her episode of the Raw Songwriting podcast. Which one would you choose? Find out what we chose by listening to the episode on your favorite podcasting platform, or by clicking here. 

T Brodzinski - Raw Songwriting Challenge

T Brodzinski - S5E5, Raw Songwriting Challenge

Ohio born T Brodzinski was given a child-sized guitar in the 1st grade and took lessons for several years before taking up the trumpet and joining the school band. T was captivated by her father’s 8-track player, taking in the sounds of doo wop, Janice Joplin and Bob Dylan. But it wasn’t until she turned 30 that she wrote her first song, and then, after founding a women’s collaborative music night, she formed her first band, the non-denominational string trio, Lois and the Lantern. And once the pandemic hit, she formed Ruthless Ginsberg, a band that seeks to sweep aside mistrust and grief with their anti-establishment melodies and tear-down-the-patriarchy harmonies.

Now residing in Fort Collins, Colorado, T Brodzinski crafts heartfelt narratives through her song lyrics. With a soulful voice and expressive guitar playing, her songs are poignant reflections on life's journey and her personal experiences —honest, introspective tales that weave a musical tapestry which captures the essence of both the Midwest and the Rockies, from small-town roots to the majestic landscapes surrounding her chosen home and travels beyond. Her latest collection of original songs explores themes of loss, forgiveness and gratitude, while addressing social issues and calling for activism. T Brodzinski's performances overflow with authenticity as she invites listeners into a world of musical emotion, a space in which song and strings resonate with the universal human experience.

To hear more of T's music, check out:

https://soundcloud.com/theresa-brodzinski

https://www.loisandthelantern.com/

https://ruthlessginsburg.bandcamp.com/

Raw Songwriting Writing Prompts: Ruby Ross Edition

Which prompt would you choose? 

Find out which one Ruby Ross chose on the most recent episode of the Raw Songwriting podcast!

Ruby Ross - Raw Songwriting Interview

Ruby Ross - Raw Songwriting Interview

 

Ruby Ross grew up singing and harmonizing along to doo wop and the Beatles on long car rides with her parents. Growing up in central Virginia, she was exposed to Bluegrass, Old Time and Appalachian music, then started exploring world music at Wesleyan University. After touring with some eclectic singing groups, Ross dipped her toes in songwriting, spending some time in Boston’s open mic scene, then moving to New Orleans where she spent 12 years as a singer-songwriter and in various bands.

Ruby won first place at the Bay Saint Louis ArtsAlive Singer-Songwriter Showcase in 2014, has had her music featured on Buffa Lounge’s “Live From the Back Room”, and has been a member of bands such as Trendafilka, Blato Zato, and Crossing Canal among others, and has performed at JazzFest, Lotus Fest and Tipitina. 

Ruby Ross crafts poignant stories of life, longing and love, set to melodies that refuse to leave your head. Her music will leave you feeling introspective and wanting more.

MRwOS Reviews "Civil War" and performs "The Scales"

Looking for a movie to stream? You might want to consider "Civil War". Listen to my review, along with my original song "The Scales", on MRwOS: Movie Reviews with Original Songs.

Welcome to Movie Reviews with Original Songs, aka MRwOS! I am your host, David Coile, and I’ll be reviewing a movie I’ve watched recently, then pair it with one of my backlog of original songs.

If you enjoy the program, I encourage you to like, follow, and share, or to support the program by subscribing to patreon.com/davidcoile or by making a contribution on Venmo to @DaveCoile.

In this episode, I’ll be reviewing the film “Civil War” followed by a performance of my original song “The Scales”

Movie: Civil War

“Civil War” is the new film by auteur writer-director Alex Garland, previously known for the excellent sci-fi movies “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation”. In this film, a small band of journalists (played by Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson) make their way through a war-torn America in hopes of interviewing the U.S. President (played by Nick Offerman) in a besieged Washington, D.C.

Those looking for an insightful extrapolation of our country’s current political divisions will be disappointed. Instead, this movie critiques the role of journalism when covering conflict. What is the value of war reporting? What does it mean to be impartial? When, if ever, should a journalist intervene? Should the press be protected in a war zone? The fact that the film takes place in extremely familiar locations should be jarring to American audiences, with an overall message that once things go this far, the line between the good guys and bad guys is quite blurry.

The acting is universally great, the cinematography excellent, and the story and themes will challenge you. Be sure to see it with friends so you can have a vibrant discussion afterwards.

Song: The Scales

I wrote “The Scales” back in 2020, before the COVID pandemic really hit the U.S., but while President Trump was facing impeachment. The song was a bit inspired by that, and so I thought it would be appropriate to pair it with this film and its embattled Trump-like President.

MRwOS reviews "Thelma" and performs "Walk on my Hands"

 MRwOS Episode 7: Thelma (Walk on my Hands)

Welcome to Movie Reviews with Original Songs, aka MRwOS! I am your host, David Coile, and I’ll be reviewing a movie I’ve watched recently, then playing one of my original songs that has similar themes.

If you enjoy the program, I encourage you to like, follow, and share it with your friends, or to support the program by subscribing to patreon.com/davidcoile or by making a contribution through Paypal or Venmo @DaveCoile. 

In this episode, I’ll be reviewing the film “Thelma” followed by a performance of my original song “Walk on my Hands”

***

“Thelma” is a charming caper comedy about a nonagenarian who falls victim to an over the phone scam. When the police and her family won’t help, Thelma decides to track down the scammers on her own and demand her money back. 

Thelma is played by June Squibb, who I know from scene stealing supporting roles in the films of Alexander Payne, such as “Nebraska” and “About Schmidt”, and she does a bang up job in her first starring role. She’s joined by Richard Roundtree as her friend Ben, who reluctantly gets drawn into the whole affair. In many ways, this film could be a geriatric sendup of the type of films Roundtree used to star in, specifically the blaxploitation classic “Shaft” from the 1970s. The two sneak around, search for clues and confront the bad guys in familiar ways while trying to overcome elderly obstacles.

At first I was concerned that it was being too hard on the older generation, but other generations get skewered just as much, including Thelma’s ineffectual grandson (played by Fred Heckinger) and his  overconfident parents (played by Parker Posey and Clark Gregg). 

Though the filmmaking isn’t especially innovative, the plotting is tight– pay attention to the details, because they pay off in the end. Writer-director Josh Margolin based Thelma on his own grandmother, who nearly fell victim to a similar scam. The love and affection he has for her is pervasive, and it makes for a very entertaining film. 

***

I wrote my song “Walk on my Hands” back in the early 2000s, and it was written from the perspective of a young adult crying out for independence from his parents. But I think it shares some common sentiments with the elderly, who often get treated like children, even when they’re still fairly capable. 

***

That’s it for this episode of MRwOS! If you enjoyed the program, I encourage you to like, follow and share it with your friends, or support the program by subscribing to patreon.com/davidcoile, or maybe just throw a tip my way via Paypal or Venmo @DaveCoile. I’ll see you next time with another movie review and original song. Until then, Fade Out, Everybody!

MRwOS reviews "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga". Plus, original music with Cheyenne Dane!

 Going to a movie this weekend? Have a listen to my review of "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga". Plus, I play an original song with guest Cheyenne Dane!

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (If You Can See Me)

Lissa Scheckenburger - S5E3, Raw Songwriting Challenge!

It's a new episode of the Raw Songwriting Podcast! I got to interview the wonderfully talented and accomplished singer-songwriter Lissa Schneckenburger. We had an insightful conversation about how to incorporate politics into your music, how simple ideas can inspire the richest songs, and much more! Plus, two brand new songs written just for the show!

https://redcircle.com/shows/a37f00e9-9da9-4bc3-84b5-cd306fd2a5b9/ep/c2c42a88-00bd-4929-8be5-e691f6e5b3ab

MRwOS is BACK!!!!

 I've been retooling my movie review show to be more of a succinct audio podcast. Check it out and let me know what you think!

MRwOS: Movie Reviews with Original Songs

Ep. 5: Sleepy Tales & Slumber Tunes - “The Things We Dare Not Tell” and “You Told a Lie”

In tonight’s episode, I read a poem by Henry Lawson, then play one of my original songs.

Ep. 3: MRwOS - “Late Night with the Devil” and “Be Remembered”

 

I review a film about a Late Night Talk Show host willing to do anything to be famous, followed by a song about the sacrifices we consider in showbiz. Enjoy!

Ep. 1: Movie Reviews with Original Songs - "Perfect Days" and "So Afraid"

 In this episode, I give my thoughts on the Wim Wenders directed Japanese film, then play a simple but anxious tune of my own!

Ep. 3: Sleepy Tales & Slumber Tunes - "All the World's a Stage" and "A Hole In The Roof"

 In this episode I read a little Shakespeare, then sing about the woes of a dilapidated house...

Think Twice Returns! - S5E2, Raw Songwriting

Think Twice (Robby Layton and Teresa Penbrooke) returned to the Raw Songwriting podcast to give an update on their song, "A Place To Lay Our Head". Get a look into what goes on after a song is written, on the way to recording a polished version of it.

Think Twice Returns! S5E1, Raw Songwriting

Ep 2: Sleepy Tales & Slumber Tunes - "In Darkness" by Jon Davis and "Free Car Wash Day (At the Circle K)"

 
Welcome to episode 2 of Sleepy Tales and Slumber Tunes, where we carry you away from the worries of the waking world on a vessel made of story and song.

I am your host, David Coile. If you enjoy the program, I encourage you to like, follow, and share, or to support the program by subscribing to patreon.com/davidcoile. 

Tonight I'll be reading “In Darkness” by Jon Davis, followed by the song “Free Car Wash Day” by David Coile

Tim Ostdiek - S5E1 Raw Songwriting

Tim Ostdiek - E5S1 Raw Songwriting

Originally from Nebraska, Tim Ostdiek was inspired by his father’s passion for music, especially for the Beatles and Paul Simon. Tim picked up the guitar in middle school, started writing songs, and quickly progressed to doing open mics. Once he realized he could get paid to perform several nights a week, there was no turning back from the singer-songwriter lifestyle. 

Now based in Colorado, Tim has been a finalist in esteemed songwriting events such as the Telluride Troubadour and Folksfest Songwriting Showcases. Tim has also had his song “Goodbye” featured in the TV show “Road Trip Nation” and has opened for national touring acts such as Sarah Jarosz. 

Playful, uplifting, and engaging as a singer, songwriter and performer, he writes feel-good, big-hearted folk with a drop of something funky. Tim doesn't shy away from the deep and heavy, but aims to deliver songs with purpose and hope. Tim Ostdiek’s uplifting folk encapsulates the soul of the Heartland.

Check out more of his music at https://timostdiek.com

H of Naked Dawn - S4E1 Raw Songwriting podcast

The wait is over! Here's the brand new episode of the Raw Songwriting podcast. HL Howells of Denver-area duo Naked Dawn is an amazing singer, songwriter and conversationalist. Check out this episode and learn about her unique blend of traditional Oaxacan, folk, blues and cabaret music! Plus two brand new songs written for the show!

https://redcircle.com/shows/a37f00e9-9da9-4bc3-84b5-cd306fd2a5b9/ep/bde8030d-fcab-4f72-a2f9-c74e6a9f046b

Beastly Beasts!

Beastly Beasts - S2E3 Very Scary with Gerry McCreary

Talk Show. Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror. Gerry (David Coile) interviews a trans-migratory animal specialist (Troy Fluhr), Batman's new arch-nemesis (Les Seabolt), and a cryptozoological animal handler (Chelsea Kramer). Tara Card (Wendy Gittleson) presents the Scary News, giving the latest on Harry Potter, a cannibalistic game show, and phantom puppies! Sponsored by the Move Like Hell Moving Company.

Very Scary with Gerry McCreary is a semi-improvised comedy interview show that discusses aliens, the paranormal and wild conspiracy theories.

Check out friends of the show:

The Word Strategist

Rocky Mountain Geek Tank 

Heroic Origins: Coin Flip

 Coin Flip - S1E1 Heroic Origins

In the debut episode of the Heroic Origins podcast, Terrance & Dave talk about Little Orphan Annie, Dennis the Menace, Kit Kittredge: American Girl, the Monkey's Paw, Lionel Ritchie, and the 1933 Chicago World's Fair, all on the way to creating brand new superhero!