Song Exploder

Song Exploder is a fascinating music podcast hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway where musicians take apart their songs piece by piece, revealing the creative decisions, personal stories, and technical processes behind some of the most iconic and beloved tracks in music history. Each episode focuses on a single song, with the artist explaining how it came together — from the initial spark of inspiration and early demos to the final mixing and mastering decisions that shaped the finished product. The show features an incredibly diverse range of artists, from indie darlings and hip-hop innovators to classical composers and global pop stars, including episodes with Billie Eilish, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Fleetwood Mac, Solange, and many others. What makes Song Exploder special is its ability to deepen your appreciation for music you already love while introducing you to artists and genres you might never have discovered on your own. The format — typically 15 to 25 minutes per episode — makes it ideal for walks, and the musical nature of the content means you are literally surrounded by beautiful sounds as you move. Song Exploder has spawned a Netflix series and won multiple awards, cementing its place as one of the most innovative and beloved podcasts in the medium.