
Hosted by Jann Arden · EN

In this deeply personal edition of Behind the Song, Jann Arden tells the story behind one of her most heartbreaking and beloved tracks, prompted by a moving voice message from longtime listener. Jann and Sarah discuss the song “Hanging by a Thread” from her 1997 album Happy? Jann opens up about the real-life family trauma that shaped the lyrics, sharing the painful memories of visiting her brother in Bowden Penitentiary, the haunting words her mother said in a prison parking lot, and the moments that became the emotional core of the song. She reflects on addiction, shame, unresolved questions around her brother’s conviction, and the lasting sorrow for the victims. Jann also talks about navigating media sensationalism, the complicated love she has for her family, and why “Hanging by a Thread” remains one of the most important (and most requested) songs of her career. Which song do you want to hear more about? #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we are joined by a pop culture enthusiast and bestselling author! Elamin Abdelmahmoud is the host of CBC Radio’s daily arts, pop culture and entertainment show COMMOTION, and a former writer for BuzzFeed News. Jann and Elamin discuss big stars revisiting smaller shows like Shania Twain’s recent pop-up at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. Elamin reflects on the energy in the room and gives us his take on her new album. He shares his story from growing up in Sudan to becoming a national CBC host. They also explore everything from celebrity success and social media to Canadian film and the power of surprise in entertainment with an interesting take on reality tv, let us know what you think! More About Elamin: His work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Maclean's, Rolling Stone and others. Elamin is the author of Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces, a number one national bestseller, a Globe 100 book, and a New York Times notable book. Find out more about Elamin and his show Commotion: https://link.mgln.ai/commotionxjann #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's edition of ASK JANN, Jann and Sarah read listener comments and listen to some voicenotes. They discuss everything from activism & advocacy to grief over losing pets and dedicate this episode to a special OnlyJann, Sheila. Jann also leaves our listeners with a question about summer and body image, encouraging everyone to live authentically in their bathing suit of choice! Thanks to Karen for telling us about her wellness dog treats: https://www.instagram.com/poppysgemsdogtreats/ #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Welcome (02:02) Sharing Personal Summer Moments and Reflections (04:55) The Power of Voice in Social Activism (08:58) The Role of Local and Sustainable Choices (12:56) Dealing with Pet Loss and Grief (18:03) Men's Role in Addressing Toxicity and Violence (22:01) The Importance of Speaking Out and Taking Responsibility (25:54) Promoting Compassion and Community Support (27:54) Body Image, Summer Confidence, and Self-Love Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jann Arden, Caitlin Green, and Sarah Burke catch up! Did Caitlin find her dream house? Is Jann ready for her wedding yet? Where will Jann go on her honeymoon? How’s Sarah’s small-town summer been? A particularly memorable moment involves a cannabis chocolate incident..and it wouldn’t be a true Jann Arden Podcast episode with some giggles about Trump’s tariff tantrum. #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jann Arden shares the story behind her iconic song 'Insensitive,' detailing her journey as a musician in the late 80s, the impact of the song on her life and career, and the collaboration with a songwriter Anne Loree. Jann reflects on the emotional depth of the lyrics, the significance of the song in her life, and the stories from fans who resonate with its message. She discusses the challenges and opportunities that arose from her music, the importance of performing her hits, and her thoughts on sensitivity and personal growth over the years. Chapters: (00:00) The Journey to 'Insensitive' (04:04) The Impact of 'Insensitive' (07:54) Collaboration and Success (12:05) The Meaning Behind 'Insensitive' (16:01) Reflections on Relationships and Fans (18:57) The Worst Idea in Radio Contest History (21:23) Heartbreaking Stories of Dating Gone Wrong (22:48) The Legacy of 'Insensitive' (24:55) Opportunities from a Hit Song (26:05) Behind the Music Video of 'Insensitive' (29:00) Reflections on Aging and Sensitivity #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jann, Caitlin, and Sarah start with Caitlin's housing update...have we almost got Caitlin a home? They discuss AI this week, from Jann's AI nose ring to her bandmate using Meta glasses, and the implications of these devices on privacy and our personal lives. Caitlin also brings us up to speed on some fashion dubbed the 'Zara Death Pants,' and some flight etiquette surrounding unruly passengers who refuse to be patient about getting off a flight. Jann also gives a wedding-planning update, discussing the differences between her decision-making process compared to Thordis, followed by a quick discussion about the importance of legal rights for same-sex couples. Finally, Jann shares a recent viral social media moment regarding animal rights at rodeos that leads to the title of this episode... Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and House Hunting Adventures (03:01 AI and Its Quirks in Media (05:59 Reflections on Political Figures and Their Legacies (08:59 Community Initiatives and Parenting Support (11:59)The Controversy of AI Glasses (15:01) Cultural Norms and Privacy in Public Spaces (23:02) Fashion Trends and Their Impact (24:20) The Zara Death Pants Phenomenon (30:55) Air Travel Etiquette and Passenger Behavior (41:06) Wedding Planning Chaos (43:55) Personal Reflections on Marriage (45:56) The Importance of Legal Rights in Relationships (48:00) Choosing a Wedding Date (48:55) Animal Rights and Rodeo Controversy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's edition of ASK JANN, our listeners voicenotes lead us to discuss a variety of topics from the patriarchy to personal health transformations and the importance of music. They also touch on Jann's advice for preserving personal journals and memories, Caitlin's thoughts on raising respectful young men, and more! #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jann, Caitlin and Sarah kick things off with a catch-up on life's latest adventures. Caitlin shares her moving saga, the surprising joys of embracing minimalism, and the emotional roller coaster of house hunting. The conversation wanders through travel, parenting, relationships and the unexpected ways life can change in a hurry. Then, Jann welcomes passionate singer-songwriter, mountain activist and proud Albertan Corb Lund. From his unconventional path through country music to the stories behind his songwriting, Corb opens up about creativity, authenticity and why he refuses to chase trends. They discuss AI's growing role in music, the importance of protecting Alberta's land and water, and how one environmental issue unexpectedly turned him into an activist. Find out more about Corb and his music: https://www.corblund.com/ Chapters: (00:00) Welcome & Life Update (02:18) Caitlin's Big Move and House Hunt (05:02) Minimalism and Letting Go (07:08) Being Delusionally Optimistic (10:42) Travel, Privilege and Perspective (14:05) Parenting, Relationships and Timing (18:07) Why Community Matters (22:20) Meeting Listeners in the Wild (25:45) Welcoming Corb Lund (27:20) Corb's Musical Journey (32:05) Life on the Road & Crossing Borders (36:10) Songwriting Through Storytelling (40:30) What Happened to Country Music? (45:15) AI and the Future of Music (47:30) Art and Activism Belong Together #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special wedding-themed episode of ASK JANN, Jann and Sarah dive into various aspects of wedding planning leading up to her big day, including attire choices, guest list management, gift etiquette, and speech protocols. They also discuss the recent high-profile wedding of Taylor Swift with practical advice for listeners navigating their own wedding experiences. From bridesmaids to menu choices to creating new traditions, this episode is perfect for wedding season whether you’re attending one as a guest, or planning a party yourself! #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to the Wedding Frenzy (02:57) Taylor Swift's Wedding Extravaganza (05:58) Wedding Attire Decisions (08:54) Navigating Guest Lists and Invitations (11:56) Gift Etiquette at Weddings (15:03) Speech Protocols for Weddings (17:54) Creative Party Favors and Personal Touches (23:31) Public Speaking Tips for Weddings (24:50) Creating New Traditions (26:42) Celebrating Love and Activism (28:55) Wedding Cake and Menu Choices (30:11) Bridesmaids and Individuality (32:06) Songs and Performances at Weddings (35:15) Wedding Planning and Control (39:22) Cultural Music Blends for the Wedding (41:37) Unique Wedding Favors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jann, Caitlin & Sarah catch up about Caitlin’s search for a new home, summer activities in Iceland, and the excitement surrounding the World Cup. Caitlin fills us in about the ranch dressing craze among European soccer fans, and the commercialization of the fan detested hydration breaks. Jann also invites app developer Travis Weniger to discuss his app, Memento Mori. It predicts life expectancy based on various health metrics while blending the philosophies of stoicism and longevity. The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing life's finiteness. Travis shares insights on how discussions about death can lead to a more fulfilling life, and the importance of balancing enjoyment with health-conscious choices. The conversation explores mortality, and the importance of living meaningfully. More About Travis Weninger: Travis Weninger is an independent product designer, developer, and writer based in Toronto. His work explores the intersection of technology, philosophy, and intentional living. After spending nearly a decade working in the tech industry, he left the corporate world to pursue his own path and founded socialdotgood, an independent software company focused on building thoughtful consumer products. Through socialdotgood, Travis has launched six apps, with Memento Mori being his most ambitious project to date. Inspired by Stoic philosophy and the ancient practice of reflecting on mortality, the app is a meditation on one’s mortality paired with contemporary research on longevity. Resources & Links: YearsLeft.io – Travis Weniger's mortality prediction app https://www.blogto.com/tech/2026/02/toronto-app-raising-eyebrows/ https://www.blogto.com/tech/2026/04/toronto-app-predict-when-die/ #ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website. Leave us a voicenote! www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/ Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon: www.patreon.com/JannArdenPod Connect with us: www.jannardenpod.com www.instagram.com/jannardenpod www.facebook.com/jannardenpod Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Catch-Up (03:04) Moving Challenges and Life Updates (06:00) Summer in Iceland and Family Activities (08:51) World Cup Excitement and Cultural Discoveries (12:02) Hydration Breaks and Commercialization in Sports (14:58) Social Dynamics During the World Cup (17:49) Legacy and the Concept of Time (22:02) Introducing Travis and the Memento Mori App (25:50) The Intimacy Tracking App (28:15) Philosophical Insights on Life and Death (32:03) Mitigating factors that impact longevity (36:17) Death app demo in Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices