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Artwork for One by Willie

One by Willie

John Spong
Willie Nelson
Country Music
Stardust
Farm Aid
Songwriting
She's Not For You
Shotgun Willie
Undo the Right
Texas
Red Headed Stranger
Adrian Quesada
Larry Gatlin
Pretty Paper
Tejano Music
Me and Paul
Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
Lucinda Williams
Austin Music Scene
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Atlantic Records

Each episode, music writer John Spong talks to one notable Willie Nelson fan about one Willie song they love, leading to highly personal looks at the way Willie has shaped their lives and made the world a better place. Check us out on instagram: @onebywillie and our website onebywillie.com

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes79Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music CommentaryMusicMusic History

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Artwork for One by Willie

Latest Episodes

Comedian Ali Siddiq zooms in on Willie Nelson’s 1979 cover of the Allman Brother’s tale of a desperate outlaw’s life on the lamb, “Midnight Rider.” It’s a song Ali used to blast in his Monte Carlo during his days as what he calls “street pharmaceutic... more

Celebrated author George Saunders digs deep into one of the best-loved songs not just in Willie Nelson’s catalog, but in all of American music, Townes Van Zandt’s legendary tale of betrayal, “Pancho and Lefty.” It is, in many ways, a song full of mys... more

Americana star Tami Neilson—a New Zealand-based singer-songwriter and, essentially, adopted member of Willie Nelson’s family—talks about a deep cut off his sublime 1996 album Spirit, “I Thought About You, Lord.” It’s a hugely important song to Tami, ... more

With Willie Nelson turning 93 today, One by Willie hooks up with Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now and its host, RS Head of Country Joseph Hudak, for a special birthday collab episode. We’ll open with a look at how OBW host John Spong managed to turn lis... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Ali Siddiq
Comedian
Comedian/Guest on One by Willie
Episode: Ali Siddiq on "Midnight Rider"
Margot Price
Country singer and guest on One by Willie episode
Willie Nelson community/music scene
Episode: One by Willie x Nashville Now: Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson!
Paul Begaglia
CNN analyst and former White House advisor, guest on the episode
CNN, political consultancy
Episode: One by Willie x Nashville Now: Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson!
Nick Offerman
Actor, friend of Willie Nelson, guest on the episode
Parks and Recreation
Episode: One by Willie x Nashville Now: Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson!
Emmylou Harris
14-time Grammy winner, Country Music Hall of Fame member
Independent artist / collaborator with Willie Nelson
Episode: Emmylou Harris on "Till I Gain Control Again" (special Willie's birthday episode)
Matt Berninger
Lead singer and lyricist of The National
Episode: Matt Berninger on "All of Me"
Jamey Johnson
singer-songwriter and modern-era Outlaw Country figure
Singer-Songwriter
Episode: Jamey Johnson on "It Always Will Be"
Kenny Chesney
Singer-songwriter and country star
Country music artist
Episode: Kenny Chesney on "That Lucky Old Sun"
George Saunders
Novelist
Author
Episode: Introducing One by Willie, Season 7

Host

John Spong
Host of One by Willie, known for guiding intimate conversations about Willie Nelson songs with a focus on personal storytelling and analysis.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Just want more

    I spent the past couple of months listening through every one of these episodes and I just wish there were more. Not sure if you would be open to it, but I bet a lot of non-notable fans would write in with their own picks and stories about what Willie means to them for a chance to be interviewed. I know I would.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JSHigg
    United States4 months ago
  • Great Deep Dive

    Inspiring and deep, John Spong’s delves deep into the life, wisdom, and exquisite music of Willie Nelson. His interview style is great. His guest list is deep and diverse. He delves into the story of the song with people who were actually there in Willie’s life and the creation process of the song.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stevopeach
    United States6 months ago
  • Best podcast

    I love music! If only every podcast could be as well put together as this one. Each one feels new. So many different points of view by people who understand music. My favorite listen! I love Willie and I enjoy the mix of songs and great questions.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    405Fussy
    United States9 months ago
  • I LOVE WILLIE!!!!

    Hey it’s Katy Harbison. I love Willie! I first saw him at the old McMorris Ford dealer on Lamar back in the early 70’s. He played in the back of a flat bed ford truck and he’s been my all time favorite ever since! I grew up seeing him at the Armadillo!!! Thanks for these wonderful podcasts John!!!! They are bringing me so much joy!♥️🎶💃

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    scarlett rose monroe
    United States10 months ago
  • I Willie Love It

    I came late to Willie Nelson—just about a year ago, but was so inspired by him last July at the Hollywood Bowl. Willie Nelson has made me a better person. This podcast has taught me about his music, his life, and his wide-ranging influence in American music and culture. Listened to every episode and some twice and it has widened the music I have listened to. So great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BobbyJohnC999
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Fans enjoy how personal memories and song analysis blend together.
Some listeners wish for even more guests and longer episodes.
Audiences appreciate the host's knowledge and thoughtful questions.
Listeners praise the deep storytelling and diverse guest list.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#50
United States/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#205
United States/Music
Apple Podcasts
#73
Canada/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#208
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#234
Australia/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#66
India/Music/Music Commentary

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ali Siddiq on "Midnight Rider"
Q: What do you think makes Willie's version stand out compared to the Allman Brothers' versions?
Ali describes Willie's interpretation as more haunted and emotionally charged, highlighting the harmonica and the feel of the arrangement as key elements that set Willie's track apart for him.
Ali Siddiq on "Midnight Rider"
Q: How come you picked Midnight Rider?
Ali explains that Willie's version resonated because it connected with the outlaw life and the idea of taking control of one's destiny, which mirrored his own experiences growing up and his path to independence in comedy.
One by Willie x Nashville Now: Happy Birthday, Willie Nelson!
Q: What is so cool about My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys?
The song captures the melancholy of chasing the cowboy ideal and missed opportunities, blending personal memory with a broader meditation on aging, responsibility, and the tension between dream and real life.
Emmylou Harris on "Till I Gain Control Again" (special Willie's birthday episode)
Q: How did Rodney Crowell influence your relationship with the song?
Crowell first sang the song to Emmylou in person, and his words and melody helped shape her memory of the piece, which she later recorded and performed with Willie in a collaborative context.
Emmylou Harris on "Till I Gain Control Again" (special Willie's birthday episode)
Q: What makes Till I Gain Control Again so cool as a song?
Emmylou describes it as a spiritually resonant piece that creates a quiet, almost prayer-like moment in live shows, reflecting both personal love and the larger connection between artist and audience.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About One by Willie

What is One by Willie about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on intimate, personal conversations around a single Willie Nelson song chosen by a guest who loves or is closely connected to his work. Episodes mix door-to-door storytelling, musical analysis, and cultural context, with guests ranging from novelists and actors to fellow musicians and industry figures. The host guides guests through why a particular track resonates, weaving in memories, studio anecdotes, and broader reflections on Willie's influence, storytelling, and the American music landscape. A notable strength is the thoughtful balance between literary insight and emotional storytelling, often resulting in deep, revealing discussions that appeal to devoted fans and curious newcomers alike.

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Which podcasts are similar to One by Willie?

These podcasts share a similar audience with One by Willie:

1. Fresh Air
2. Wild Card with Rachel Martin
3. The Interview
4. Revisionist History
5. Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

How many episodes of One by Willie are there?

One by Willie launched 6 years ago and published 79 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on One by Willie?

Recent guests on One by Willie include:

1. Ali Siddiq
2. Margot Price
3. Paul Begaglia
4. Nick Offerman
5. Emmylou Harris
6. Matt Berninger
7. Jamey Johnson
8. Kenny Chesney

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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