Judy Collins on collective dreams, keeping the channel clear, and why artist's don't retire.

"We write to find out who we are." For over six decades, Judy Collins has been a pillar of American music: from GRAMMY awards, platinum records, and Oscar nominations, to writing 8+ books and landing her first No. 1 album at 80 years old.

But behind the staggering accolades is an artist who still treats her craft as a sacred, daily blue-collar job. In this conversation, we explore the quiet discipline of her daily routines, the sanctuary of her 48 years of sobriety, and what she calls the "secret channels of songs." Judy shares her philosophy on processing grief through poetry, the necessity of maintaining community in a solitary profession, and turning off the noise to protect the soul.

In This Episode:

• Judy Collins
• “Catcher in the Rye”
• J.D. Salinger
• Antonia Brico
• Mark Ruffalo
• “Spotlight”
• Hemangioma
• “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” - Bob Dylan
• Ep 100 - Rosanne Cash
• Ep 16 - Rodney Crowell
• Telluride Bluegrass Festival
• Jo Stafford
• Barbara Allen
• Al Kooper
• Al Grossman

Go Deeper:

• Watch: View this entire conversation on YouTube.
• Explore: Find similar conversations in these themed playlists.
• Connect: Join the conversation on Instagram.

The Hosts:

The Other 22 Hours is hosted by Aaron Shafer-Haiss (Producer/Mixer) and Michaela Anne (Songwriter/Creative Coach).

• More about Aaron’s work.
• More about Michaela Anne’s work.

Credits: 

Produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Original music written, performed and produced by Aaron Shafer-Haiss. Part of the Bluegrass Situation Podcast Network.