I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats

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Welcome to Night Vale creator Joseph Fink and the Mountain Goats singer/songwriter John Darnielle discuss what it means to be an artist, a fan, and, as many people are, both at once. Season Two explores the process of writing, recording, and releasing the Mountain Goats’ latest album, In League With Dragons, giving you an unprecedented look at the creative process as it is happening.

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Recent Reviews
  • Moltak
    More
    More please! I bet of you!
  • MoabFlapjack
    I need this
    Or I really want this to come back! Reunion episode! The greatest hits! Something! Love it.
  • Lucha Kaiju
    Superb
    The Mountain Goats songs contain some literary masterpieces, this podcast is a deep dive into the MGs with John Darnielle and Night Vale’s Joseph Fink. This show is awesome and I can’t wait to hear the backstory of some of my favorite songs, fingers crossed that season 3 will be dedicated to “Best the Champ”. Darneille is a genius songwriter and author and he has done great work on women’s rights, and progressive causes, while this show is all about art his progressive work is an important part of my love for the band. I’m so glad I discovered this show and am digging into the archives now - great stuff!
  • HanaKyle
    Not biased at all.
    I love The Mountain Goats. I loved season 1, that album is significant to my growth into adulthood and I loved a deeper understanding and the covers. Oh, the covers! I was wary of Season 2 but I was getting bored with my usual podcasts of entrepreneurial tips and tools and Waylon Jennings caught my eye, so I listened to the episode. Again, I’m floored! Finally hearing the song at the end was sweet bliss. Thank you for doing this. I can’t wait to listen to the rest of the season. Looking forward to knowing the newest songs in a special way, and can’t wait till TMG tours to Brooklyn! Thank you!
  • EthanCDavenport
    Perspectives.
    They got em and I like to listen to em.
  • branjo
    I used to listen to the Mountain Goats
    I came into this as a fan of the Mountain Goats. I can’t say that I am anymore. It will be hard for me to separate JD’s ego from his work now. Never meet your heroes—and in this case the hero wouldn’t give you the time of day. 2 stars for good hosting and a great concept.
  • E the Obscure
    Shaggy art conversations
    It is very valuable to hear good artists talking about art to near-excess, stretching out, finding different angles on the same subject. I really like how they let these conversations go basically anywhere. That freedom lets them get down to some truly interesting and unexpected stuff. And the songs are great.
  • NamasteNate
    Yes!!!!
    I can’t believe this is a thing. I am so happy I just found out. So much content. Please keep it up so I never catch up.
  • alymari
    A Definite Favorite
    I’ve been a fan of Joseph Fink’s work for years now (and of The Mountain Goats for almost as long), and he continues to produce podcasts and books that bring me joy. I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats is no exception to that. It’s thought-provoking and insightful, but it still has moments of light-heartedness. I highly recommend it!
  • Whoopiefool
    Literally crying and laughing constantly
    This show is literally one of the few talk shows I listen to and really is empowering and affirming. There is some of the best writing (just creative work) advice I’ve ever heard! John and Joseph has such an interesting relationship full of disagreements but they also agree on a lot of things. I adore this podcast, it has literally kept me going through some tough times and I appreciate both of these guys. (They also introduce my now favorite artist to me, Mal Blum, I love them :,)
  • jdginstagramz
    Essential
    I love everything about this show.
  • Daveiii
    I Only Listen to ‘I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats’
    My title is a bit misleading, because I listen to A LOT of podcasts. There are few I enjoy as much as I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats. Joseph and John have wonderfully tangential and circuitous conversations about music and the song writing, perfecting, and recording process, of course, but they also touch on what it means to be a human being moved by art (music, literature, visual, et al). 100/10 would recommend this pod!
  • Freakish17
    Mountain View
    Through this podcast, I have learned to appreciate the graciousness of John Darnielle. He may have the handle on Twitter, but the Mountain Goats is more than him. He loves Jon, Matt, & Peter so much & extols how their input elevates them all to a better whole. This is a lovely & gentle walk through the creative process & I enjoy it so much.
  • Ahdfedn
    I dont listen to the moutian goats but i do listen to this podcast
    I dont listen to the moutian goats but i do listen to john darneal talk to my favorite podcaster about his music and its really nice and entertaining. I’ll listen to the moutian goats soon promise.
  • lauramargerie
    This podcast blew my mind
    I had never listened to The Mountain Goats before, so I initially had no interest in this podcast. But they dropped the first episode in my Alice Isn’t Dead stream, so I sort of listened to it by accident. And literally, that was all it took to get me hooked. I immediately binged the entire first season and became fully obsessed with the band. It’s the greatest freakin podcast and the most amazing music. Joseph and John are both so cool. So anyway, this is the story of how I went from someone who had never listened to The Mountain Goats to someone who now ONLY listens to podcasts about The Mountain Goats. ❤️ 🐐
  • how is then name taken
    Dragons
    I love this podcast
  • HzrdsTbccnst
    Seriously good
    IOLTTMG is my favorite podcast right now. You don’t even have to know or like The Mountain Goats to appreciate the conversations they have. I come for the breakdowns on new songs from John but really stay for the intellectual discussions on art and fandom and humanity. I always come away with that cathartic feeling you get from deep conversations with good friends. Thank you to everyone who makes it happen. Couldn’t recommend enough.
  • Punchy Sandoval
    Love MG and JD, but not JF
    I hate to say it but I cannot stand Joseph Fink. He usually tries to turn the conversation to his own work and constantly refers to himself as an “artist.” Darnielle seems to usually disagree with Fink and has far more interesting explanations as to why. I wish Darnielle could find someone else to converse with. Then it would be five stars in my book. Sigh.
  • staryourd
    Hoping for many more seasons!
    When I heard about this podcast during season 1, I was so delighted that two creators I admire were working together to talk about art and being a fan of it! This podcast has definitely lived up to my expectations and more. The covers from season 1 were a great new look at old songs that I love, and the demos in season 2 are an awesome peek into the songwriting and music production process. Thanks for the thoughtful conversations about artistry, and the interesting tangents about... everything else!
  • InsertSydneyPun
    Yeah
    Really enjoy the show from two creators I admire! I wish in s2 it vaguely had the same format as s1.... like I know the cover aspect isn’t feasible but I did like the “John and Joseph talk, then a guest talks about this one specific song” format. Like they don’t have to cover the song to talk about it? I just like how in depth the discussions can get on specific lyrics and themes
  • ms_t225
    Made me an even bigger fan
    I’ve been a fan of The Mountain Goats for many years, but getting insight into the stories, thoughts, and processes behind the music has made listening to the albums that much richer. Not everyone can talk about their art as eloquently as John and Joseph do. This is one of my absolute favorite podcasts.
  • An ex torrid shopper
    I look forward to every episode
    But I would also really love to hear other interviewers- I miss the addition from other musicians in this season
  • Amy J McGregor
    I just keep cringing through it
    I love the Mountain Goats even though, in all other areas of my life, I almost only consume art by queer/women/trans/femme artists. John is none of these things (as far as I’m aware) yet I’m forever drawn to his lyricism. He’s like Ani Difranco for the immature melodramatic teen boy inside of me. If I’m going to be honest, this podcast sounds like 2 intellectual dudes perpetually j*r*ing off in each other’s faces. I know. Rude and gross. Anyway, that’s the feeling I get from it. Joseph Fink states some over-analyzed thought he has in the most articulate manner he can muster...John counters with a “weeeellll....” then blathers on and on about...something. I get it. I’m intelligent, surrounded by brilliant people, insecure, and have ADHD. I can imagine being in a room with either of you and engaging in exactly the same way. It just kind of feels like y’all don’t like talking to each other. Like, maybe you’re doing it because you just feel like you have to but not because you’re actually enjoying it? I don’t know, just a thought. I’m sure you’re both lovely and I know you both create amazing art. And, as you’ll notice, my rating isn’t low and, yes, I will continue to listen and probably even keep prioritizing these episodes before other podcasts. I just felt like someone needed to say something. <3 Amy
  • Witchwitchwitch
    Surprises await any fan of the Mountain Goats!
    Being a relatively new fan of the mountain goats, I only learned of them back 2009. I’ve grown to love the wealth of hinted at stories that only feel half built by Johns lyrics and the goats music, and half fleshed out by the listener. This podcast reveals wonderful insights and reaffirmations that everything I feel about the Mountain Goats in some way may be true and if it’s not that’s okay. I don’t only listen to the mountain goats, but this podcast keeps me coming back for more, and I’d be happy if they went through the entire catalog. Please give it a listen, it well worth your time and hearing new versions of songs I’ve grown older listening to, adds new meaning to lyrics.
  • Chili Possum
    Let’s talk about death metal
    This is great, but can we have a Last Plane to Jakarta podcast? Please?
  • katiestett
    More give me more
    So good!!!! This is how I truly started listening to the mountain goats after years of hearing about them. Tune in if you like the people at night vale, or the mountain goats, or music and storytelling.
  • Raven_Shoes
    Great conversations about art
    See above. Good stuff.
  • Freddie69901099
    Perfect Premise
    Love TMG and love the premise. Would also love to see the format mixed up a bit, e.g. different interviewers.
  • ryanwolfwins
    soo great
    I am a huge fan of this podcast. I am have gotten a lot out of my time listening. I am looking forward to more episodes.
  • giraffesforwings
    Very Interesting
    I like this show, but I would love to get more info behind the songs. I sometimes feel like it's just a conversation about current issues. The opinions of the hosts are interesting, but really I'm here to learn more behind-the-scenes info about the music. The inclusion of outside artists and the discussion about cover songs in general has been pretty fascinating. Keep up the good work.
  • AliDrinksCoffee
    I love it
    This is the best non-fiction podcast I've eve heard
  • L€Frank
    Never knew I needed it but
    There is a hole in my life now that I’m caught up on this podcast. It makes me feel and think, just like The Mountain Goats’ music. Big fan and can hardly wait for it to return.
  • The Show Liker
    Hey, the show is good
    I sure do like this show, boy howdy
  • Rose Misery
    Whatever you do don't stop making this podcast.
    This show warms my heart in way I could only express in person. So I'll just say thanks.
  • Critic #44
    Hail, Hail.
    Authentic, honest, and uniquely artistic. The most most brutally real and relatable podcast I’ve ever had the honor of listening to. Conversation just seems to flow so naturally, you feel like no time has passed at all. At the end of each episode, you’re left with a feeling of enlightenment and wholeness. Like you’ve figured out one more piece of the puzzle that is art. Not only do you get to learn loads of fun facts and random knowledge of pop culture from both John and Joseph, but you get to hear all the contributing factors to their work, emotionally powerful or plain. Plus, you get to hear from the amazing artists they’ve had as guests in each episode talk about what inspired them to create their own cover of each song the way they did. Night Vale Presents has produced yet another winner.
  • cjcreggsgoldfish
    Superb
    Any time I can hear John Darnielle and Joseph Fink wax poetic about ANYTHING, sign me up.
  • BoosterRocks
    Interesting and engaging!
    This has been fantastic. While I don’t care for all the covers, the conversations are priceless.
  • lumbahjacki
    Came for the music..
    stayed for the intellectually stimulating conversations about literally everything else. But seriously, this is one of my favorite podcasts! Love all discussions on here, both musical and not.
  • Oh God no!
    missed opportunities
    A lot of good information for a long time fan and interesting diversions, but the host often misses opportunities to ask John Darnielle to reflect simply, instead preferring to bring in his own experience as a podcaster.
  • CupOfTea82
    Yes
    Thank you thank you Joseph Fink and John Darnielle. I really enjoy this podcast, as others have said, would love more seasons. Hail Satan!
  • Quinton Murdock
    Riches and wonders.
    I woke up one morning. I realized I was whistling riches and wonders, which I heard the previous day on WTNV. I loved it, I think because it is what I want to find in life, right now.
  • CMDonovann
    Nice™
    i only listen to podcasts about the mountain goats (seriously though: i love this podcast and i would listen to 500 more episodes about it. just do the entire tmg discography. please. i want to do a cover of "age of kings" for it.)
  • ZKswift
    Too good
    I absolutely adore this podcast. Like many, the Mountain Goats have helped me through some dark times. I have often wondered about Johns writing process, his views on social issues, and just about what he is like to talk to. Thanks to everybody who works on this podcast for bringing me closer to the music I love, and for bringing me new perspectives. And hey............I love you
  • tiggerrox44
    Really nice commentary on music and creation
    I don’t listen to The Mountain Goats, but as I’ve listened to these conversations and songs, I am beginning to understand the love that people have for this group and for John’s writing. I’m here to write almost specifically because The Mess Inside has been my favorite episode, song, and cover. Really worth the listen, if you are only willing to listen to one. Amanda Palmer’s cover is true to the song and to her and is wonderful. Thank you for this unique listening experience.
  • n. sea
    something to look forward to
    everything I want in a podcast. The banter is actually interesting and at times even touching.
  • internet teen
    so good
    a must-listen for any goats fan and a should-definitely-listen for everyone else
  • 2fast2furiousss
    Trying...
    Have been trying to make a go of it because John Darnielle has interesting/ enlightening stories and insights, but this Fink guy... eesh. Cannot go two minutes without turning the conversation back to his own far less interesting career. The listening experience is sometimes pained, like tolerating commercials during a great episode of TV.
  • RhombusMath
    Amazing!!!!
    Everything you could want out of a Mountain Goats podcast. It just makes me wish they sold some of the older, harder to find albums on the Mountain Goats store. Right now I can only listen to Full Force Galesburg and Coroners Gambit on spotify.
  • Ulvsblakk
    Amazing!
    Fascinating. Highly recommend.
  • rlarsen4
    A revelation
    Gloriously rambling conversations that touch on art, philosophy, theology, growing up, getting along with each other, and guitar-playing. The covers are pretty good so far, although you’ll probably like some more than others.
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