Heartworn Highways

What happens when two musicians from the hardcore punk scene fall down a rabbit hole of storytelling songwriters? Hardcore Troubadour is that deep dive, hosted by Tyler Short and Brian Wallace. This isn't a formal music history lesson; it's the sound of two friends with a shared obsession, unpacking the entire catalog of Steve Earle as a starting point. Each episode focuses on an album, but the conversation naturally spirals into the wider worlds of country, folk, rock, and Americana that orbit Earle's work. You'll hear them connect the raw, working-class narratives in these songs to the ethos of their own backgrounds in bands like Inclination and Perfect World. The discussion often takes detours into adjacent records and artists that influenced or were influenced by the topic at hand, creating a rich tapestry of musical connections. Expect a podcast that treats this music with the same passionate, detailed analysis you'd find in a punk basement, full of genuine enthusiasm and a keen ear for the stories behind the songs. If you've ever wondered how the spirit of rebellion translates across genres, or just want to hear two knowledgeable fans geek out about great songwriting, this is for you.