This podcast is my ultimate favorite. As someone who is not a musician but fascinated by those who are, I am really drawn to the interviews, which are always entertaining and informative.

Not only is Chris a member of one of my favorite bands, he brings in a wide range of musicians from various genres. His podcast is a great way to expand musical horizons and to go deeper in Americana and roots music.

Love your podcasts Panda! Yours are the only ones I listen to! The one with Sam Bush was especially great for me personally. He and New Grass Revival got me hooked on bluegrass the first time I saw them in Telluride in 1976, new to Colorado and totally new to the festival scene. I had NO idea that it would set me on a lifelong path, but it did, and one I’m still on. You are so right, Sam and his peers did set the gold standard for musicians like YOU! And you have made them beyond proud. Sam is not only an amazing musician, but he is a super nice human, goofy, lovable, and REAL. Loved seeing him as a General back at the Boogie at the Broadmoor! He and Lynn have been so kind to me over the years. Sam called me after my husband died in 2011. We talked a long time and he invited me to be his guest at an upcoming show in Durango. He dedicated Circles Around Me to Dan and me and I will never forget that. He is truly a living legend!

Really love the podcast. I wouldn’t describe myself as a music connoisseur, but the interviews are fantastic and I discover new music and a deeper understanding of the musicians, the music, and creative process. Chris is an engaging interviewer and his knowledge and passion come together for a great podcast 🤘

The thing I really love about all these interviews is the depth and breadth of the topics. It’s really given me a new appreciation for musicians in general, not for the notes they play, but for their thoughtfulness, perseverance, humility, work ethic, and humor.

I love this podcast. It’s my most listened to podcasts. I play banjo in the touring jamgrass band Buffalo Galaxy, and we often will put the podcast on when on the road. I’ve picked up a many useful antidotes and advice from Chris and his guests have shared. I’ve enjoyed the stories, variety of guests, and the theme of mindfulness and how can elevate your playing and general life. Keep it up, Panda!

Chris is a super thoughtful person and musician and he teases out brilliant insights from a wide variety of musicians and artists. Give it a listen!

I am partial to a name I recognize, usually in the realm of acoustic/new acoustic/progressive acoustic genres…and usually connected to the 5 string. ITMB podcast has broadened my horizons and opened my eyes to the importance and value of all things musical. Going back in episodes, more than a year, I played Episode 29 from 2022…Madison Cunningham. As always, Pandolfi conducts his interview with brilliance and attention. Asking all the “right” questions, from Cunningham’s beginnings to her success as a West Coast folk rocker. I left this episode feeling inspired and went straight for my banjo and notebook. Now, I listen to Cunningham’s music in the same mix as The Dusters, Bela, PBros, ABrown, etc…….you get the point!

Look, Chris Pandolfi is on the forefront of progressive bluegrass banjo playing. He plays everything from hard driving bluegrass to trance banjo. As such, he’s much smarter musically than you or me. Just listen.

Cool podcast that dives into the inner workings of professional musicians. The host is super talented and the discussions are top-notch. If you love concerts and learning more about your favorite music artists, this is the place to be.

I just recently discovered ITMB and it’s like this podcast was tailor-made for my music tastes! Chris does an awesome job of not only sharing his own experiences with the dusters and beyond, but also digging into great conversations below the surface level stuff with tons of great artists from the Americana, bluegrass, and jam worlds. Definitely a worthwhile listen for any fans of those genres and this quickly became a new favorite of mine (not to the mention the exposure to his Trad Plus project via the theme music)!

Panda delivers a seriously in depth look at how your favorite (and new favorites he introduces to you) musicians think, create and work. His insightful questions pull the curtains back and reveal how folks like Cory Wong are so prolific, how Béla Fleck manages to make such flawless albums, and how Racheal Price and Lake Street Dive used cover songs to engage new audiences and get them hooked on their beyond genre sound. This is a must listen podcast for any musician or fan who wants to understand how their favorite artists turn their passion into a career.

What more can I say. Getting to hear Panda discuss the in’s, out’s, up’s & down’s of the life of the modern day musician is great. Insights into studio production, days on the road, and outlooks on life are helpful to hear. Chris’ thoughts alone make this podcast wonderful, but the selection of guests and the conversations really shed so much light on everything related to being a musician today. Always looking forward to new episodes. Keep it up!

The topics and artists covered are always engaging. Takes you down a street that covers areas about the artist you haven’t already heard 10 times before. Thank you!

Love the approach the stories are told from. Great insight and very entertaining!

An inside perspective on the thoughts and feelings of a unique and talented artist.

You have an amazing mind. The work you do is absolutely incredible.

When I’m watching a live show, I wonder what the musicians are thinking, what they are feeling, how did they get there. Chris’ podcast brings on the best guests to discuss this! Not only is Chris Pandolfi a spectacular banjo player but an excellent interviewer as well. The Chris Wood episode is my favorite so far. Keep ‘em coming!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single podcast. Great guest selections, most of whom I know and we’re excited to hear, and some I didn’t know but definitely still loved and checked them out later. Panda asks great, thoughtful questions that make this podcast different from other pods. Even still, it often goes off into an esoteric, philosophical and/or ethereal direction, but it still feels relevant and where the conversation should go. (I still think about Woods’ BLT acronym when I’m on stage myself). I often feel like I’m in the room having a drink while listening to a natural conversation with people who are hanging out yet quite intellectual. I dig the preface Panda throws on each episode as well, informing inspiring musicians and simple fans alike about industry norms, right or wrong, and giving us an insight into that world.

Are you a musician or do you deeply appreciate live music? ITMB leads the way with top notch interviews and deep insights into the world of live performance music, mostly within the bluegrass, jam band, and Americana genres. It takes a “musician’s musician” to ask the right questions and Chris makes it look easy.

This podcast could not be more perfectly named, each interview truly gives you a look inside the inner workings of the guest artist. Chris’s innate curiosity makes him a natural at uncovering the most interesting and unique characteristics of each guest, so much so that I find myself following up the podcast by listening to more of the featured artist’s music, reading more about them, and as often as not, going to see them live if they come to my area. If music or artistry interests you check this podcast out - it has so much to offer in so many ways.

I love this show. Chris is not only an amazing musician but he’s also fantastic at doing interviews. Always top notch guests and intriguing conversations. I’m not a musician but I love hearing about the process. By far the best music podcast out there!

Chris is a fan of authentic creativity- that’s obvious in his music as Trad+ and as a Duster. But even more than that, it seems like he wants YOU to be inspired, and delivers this podcast with a variety of artists so that you can connect with one or more of his guests. Take the time to hear the podcast, then listen to their art- and you’ll find yourself creating before you know it. It keeps evolving and improving… super insights!!

To put it simply, there is no other show like this one. The insight Panda and his guests freely share with fans and musicians is the kind of wisdom you will not find anywhere else. Chris asks the kind of questions you would ask, if you were in a killer band and you were able to pick the brains of your heroes. Highly recommend! Thanks Chris, this really is a gift to fans, but especially to musicians working to find their way.

This is such an awesome show! They delve deep into Musicians lives and give us a glimpse of what the world is really like. The guests are all amazing and the conversations keep me engrossed. Keep it up. We need more!

As the name suggests… It not just about the end result of a song or complete album. This pod cast is a thoughtful comprehensive look at the other side of music. It’s a beautiful way to bridge between the music we love and the complex processes and philosophies of the makers. Chris digs deep into the whys, hows and lots of times technical aspects of the business of making music, of all kinds. I’ve listened to episodes multiple times, always catching a new lesson. Do yourself a favor, tune in!

I’ve been a fan of the Chris and the Stringdusters for a long time. Their music and energy is infectious. Panda brings all that thoughtfulness to his podcast. His interviews are interesting and insightful. His approach and opinions are detailed and delightful. This is a great podcast for musicians and music lovers. My biggest take away has been “being present”. Being present in the studio, during practice and gigs, and just during life! Thanks Chris. Keep it up! -Sam Dell

Really enjoy this podcast and even better that his brother is a ceramics guy which I also love

Chris has always been an inspiration for my banjo playing. This podcast helps remind me that even the best players need to stay curious and excited to learn from others. Couldn’t recommend it enough

Chris’ insight as a touring and recording musician, and all-around bright guy, makes these interviews incredibly real and engaging. You’ll learn things in these conversations that you wouldn’t anywhere else.

Chris Pandolfi is an absolute genius and he has some amazing guests on the show from so many different genres. Chris has a great way of talking about the music but also getting to know the musician behind the music. Very informative from a musical standpoint and from an industry perspective.

This is by far my favorite podcast! So much insider information for the music fan. If you haven’t listened to this podcast, you’re definitely missing out!

Such great insight that I really appreciate as a music lover and amateur musician. My favorite episodes so far have been: 1) Bela (really loved hearing about the my bluegrass heart recording process) 2) Dave from trampled (really cool hearing about his song writing process) 3) Chris Wood (BLT!) 4) Chris Eldridge 5) Bryan Sutton 6) Molly Tuttle Please keep ‘em coming Panda!

Love Pandas insight on the podcast. So cool to hear how musicians go through the process to give us their gift. Look forward to every episode since the first with Paul Hoffman! Hope you keep this rolling Panda. Thank you!

The best part about this podcast is Pandolfi’s interviews and interview subjects. They provide the world with some interesting insights to being a songwriter, recording artist, and live performer that the general public probably wouldn’t be aware of.

I have been listening for awhile and while I love the visits with my old favorite artists, I have discovered many more artists that deserve attention! Thank you Panda. I respect what you're doing here.

I just finished up the Mike Gordon episode. That was some top tier podcasting

I can’t recommend this podcast enough. Panda has incredible guests and fascinating conversations that are both informative and inspirational. He is a highly skilled interviewer that helps the flow of each episode. His love and passion for all things music and life in general really comes through. Give it a listen - you won’t be disappointed!

In his “Inside the Musicians Brain,” Panda takes you behind the proverbial curtain our society has placed between common folk and professional musicians. His knowledge of each guest is clear and his curiosity for uncovering more from each of them really takes you along for the ride his own brain is going on. The discussions he’s had here unveil the intricacies behind what ends up in our ears and hearts. The processes and modalities for getting there are fascinating and humbling and the stories that arise are just plain ol’ entertaining… Though some of these episodes truly are about music and musicianship, quite a few of them go into deeper discussions, dense with knowledge, wisdom, and insight that is applicable far beyond the world of music. I often find replacing “music” with just about any other activity or endeavor still spells truth.

A wonderful podcast for music fans and casual listeners alike. Chris brings a unique perspective and an enduring curiosity that facilitates fascinating and engaging conversations with his guests. You truly feel like you’re in the room while the host and guest are having a conversation. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a music nerd or just want some insight into the musical process. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Chris is a deep thinker and creative innovator, so it makes sense these interviews delve into such interesting (and helpful) territory. Grateful for this show.

I love this podcast—I feel like I’m part of the hang when I listen to it. Please keep it up! 🙏🏻

Ok … I am admittedly a true crime junkie & a large percentage of my podcast listening is MURDER (maybe that’s a future episode idea! Inside the Musicians’ Brain who has committed a heinous crime, j/k) But, Chris Pandolfi’s ‘Inside the Musician’s Brain’ is in constant rotation too. He speaks with a new artist in each episode diving into their creative path & process. In turn the audience may receive a history lesson, hear a new artist’s work, learn about logistics of traveling bands, gain perspective on (shifting) culture … the list goes on. It feels like a peek behind the curtain for music lovers!! Not to mention “Panda” is a Grammy award winner, a thinker, a producer, a conservationist … these attributes yield dynamic conversations that leave me wanting more. Much like true crime ;)

Thanks so much for what you do!! I loved the Tom Hamilton interview! I’ve been seeing him play music since the Brothers Past days around Philly and then just saw Ghost Light here in Arcata, CA. Coincidentally saw you guys at the same venue(Humbrews) just a week or so after the ghost light show. I’m a die hard String Cheese fan and loved your interview with Billy Nershi. The insight behind the scenes of the scene are amazing. Can’t get enough of this podcast or y’all’s music! Thank you! NFA! (~);}

Panda is a solid interviewer. Cool insights on the business side of the music business, and of course all the other stuff you might expect in a musician on musician interview

Love the show, I work in a wood shop and wear protective hearing which also doubles as headphones so I am lucky enough to use that time to listen to ITMB! Great conversation and insights from relevant artists. Chris comes across as intelligent and rides the line of both colleague and fan quite well. Highly recommended if music is your reason for living…not just the songs but knowing how they come to life, the humans that create it and the culture that surrounds it. *Side note, I started listening to the podcast well before I ever heard The Infamous Stringdusters, the band that Chris plays banjo in. I finally got to see them at Winter Wondergrass in Tahoe this Past April and they were incredible!

Great insight into the song writing process in every episode and awesome to listen to the cool stories from the road from some bluegrass legends.

There is an amazing amount of insight in every episode I’ve heard. Whether you’re a fan or a musician, it’s a blast to hear the perspective of some of the world’s best performers. There’s nowhere else that gets this personal and informative and Chris is a great, thoughtful host who always asks thought provoking questions that really dig into the personality and life of some truly interesting musicians. We’re really lucky to live in a time when you can fire up a podcast like this and feel like you’re listening in on a living room conversation between award winning artists! -Todd Lilienthal

This guy has such a fun outlook on music and life, and generates great conversation and energy around that via this podcast. Also unrelated, but he ties the best shrimpys. To catch fish with.

Love listening to ITMB - unique and deep conversations with so many great musicians. Keep them coming!