Podcast Summary: Therapuss with Jake Shane - Session 78: Maren Morris
Episode Details:
- Title: Therapuss with Jake Shane
- Guest: Maren Morris
- Release Date: June 19, 2025
- Episode: Session 78
Introduction and Welcome
Jake Shane kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, expressing his admiration for Maren Morris and highlighting her impactful songs. He references her track "The Bones," which served as a source of comfort during the COVID pandemic, and introduces her new album, "Dreamsicle," urging listeners to stream it.
"Her song 'The Bones' got me through, like, a lot of COVID. It was really, really important to me." [00:40]
**"Dreamsicle" Album Discussion
Maren Morris delves into her new album, discussing its title and thematic essence. She emphasizes the universality of love explored in the album, encompassing romantic, familial, and platonic relationships.
"It's a love song, but feels really like it could be any type of love: romantic love, friend love, family love. Because I actually wrote it about my son who's five now." [03:26]
The conversation highlights the genre-fluid nature of "Dreamsicle," showcasing Maren's evolution from country roots to a more pop-oriented sound.
"I've stretched myself out of a comfort zone with this one, working with Naomi McPherson from MUNA. It's a lot more pop." [17:22]
Performance Highlights and Collaborations
Maren recounts her recent performances, including three sets following Coachella: a Thursday night show, a collaboration with the LA Philharmonic alongside Gustavo Dudamel, and a set with Zed. She shares her experience performing "My Church" with a full orchestra, describing the emotional and immersive environment.
"It was at golden hour. Like, the set was just so beautiful. And yesterday was my bedrock recovery day." [04:46]
She also reflects on collaborating with Taylor Swift, detailing how they recorded the song "You All Over Me" in Hawaii. Maren praises the intimate connection she felt during their performance at the ERAS Tour in Chicago.
"She brings you in such an intimate way and makes you feel like, safe." [12:07]
Navigating the Music Industry and Personal Growth
The discussion shifts to Maren's journey in the music industry, her transition from independent releases to signing with a major label at 25, and her desire to avoid being pigeonholed by genre.
"I don't want to be pigeonholed in the sound of 'My Church.' I want to show people what I'm doing on this full record." [16:09]
Maren opens up about her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, including postponing her tour and dealing with postpartum depression. She emphasizes the importance of self-worth beyond her career and shares how this period led to personal growth and a balanced life.
"I've learned that you have to stop attaching your worth to what you do, your work." [62:09]
**"The Bones" and Its Impact
Maren discusses the creation and significance of "The Bones," a song that became an anthem during the pandemic. She describes how the song's universal message resonated globally, leading to unexpected success and emotional performances.
"It felt like that scene in 'Josie and the Pussycats' where suddenly they're number one. It felt so unrealistic." [26:32]
She also shares her collaboration with Hozier on a duet version of the song, highlighting the song's multiple lives and enduring popularity.
"The song 'The Bones' has had many lives. It's still everywhere, in every store, every commercial." [24:57]
Touring and Live Performances
Maren expresses her passion for touring, describing the joy and fulfillment she finds in live performances. She reminisces about her initial days touring in vans and her progression to a Sprinter van and then a bus, symbolizing her career's growth.
"I love my bus. It's such a step up because I started in 15 passenger shitty vans." [85:12]
She highlights the transformative experience of performing at festivals like Bonnaroo and Coachella, noting the unique vibes and connections formed during these events.
"Seeing Mumford and Sons at Bonnaroo in 2015 was a transformative experience for me." [42:26]
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
Maren shares insights into her personal life, including her recent divorce and the challenges of co-parenting. She discusses the importance of surrounding herself with supportive friends and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
"I'm so glad that this is not all about grief and a lot about what happens after, which is messy and funny and all the things." [63:56]
Looking ahead, she reveals plans for touring her new album and releasing a children's book, expressing excitement for the future after overcoming significant personal and professional hurdles.
"I'm gearing up for this fourth record that's taken so much to write and get out. Coachella just felt like a victory lap." [63:56]
Audience Interaction: "Tell Me What's Wrong"
In an interactive segment, Jake Shane and Maren Morris address audience-submitted questions, offering advice and insights into various personal dilemmas. This segment underscores the therapeutic and supportive nature of the show.
Audience Member: "I have a guy best friend with benefits for a year now. I ended up getting a boyfriend and my guy friend has been super respectful and sweet about it, but I lowkey still have feelings. So long story short, I cheated with my guy best friend and I don't know what to tell my boyfriend. Please help." [54:12]
Maren Morris: "It sounds like you want to be with your guy friend. You need to block now. He's a father, and he's not for you." [55:37]
Closing Thoughts
As the episode concludes, Jake Shane and Maren Morris reflect on the conversations they've had, expressing mutual appreciation and highlighting the importance of personal growth, resilience, and supportive relationships.
"I have a lot of grace for Millennials. We have to have integrity lessons and build self-worth." [86:57]
Notable Quotes:
- "It's the best compliment in the entire world to be like, you smell good." – Maren Morris [02:24]
- "Music that just takes you out of your own head for a moment. That's the point." – Jake Shane [18:37]
- "You have to stop attaching your worth to what you do, your work." – Maren Morris [62:09]
- "The song 'The Bones' has had many lives. It's still everywhere, in every store, every commercial." – Maren Morris [24:57]
- "I'm a road rat. I love my bus." – Maren Morris [85:12]
Conclusion: In this engaging episode of Therapuss with Jake Shane, Maren Morris provides an intimate look into her musical journey, personal growth, and the challenges she's navigated both professionally and personally. The conversation seamlessly blends discussions about her latest work, live performances, and heartfelt advice to listeners, offering a rich and insightful experience for both fans and newcomers.