In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the legendary vocalist Arnold McCuller, whose voice has graced stages and recordings alongside artists such as James Taylor and Phil Collins, among others. While we reflect on some of his most iconic musical moments, our conversation centers on his current mission as a recovery coach and interventionist, as well as his involvement with Harmonium. This powerful organization supports creatives in recovery.
We talk about the unique pressures musicians face, how addiction weaves into the culture of performance, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life and career on new terms. I also share some of my own journey of sobriety — nearing one year — and Arnold offers wisdom on moving past shame, reclaiming creativity, and finding freedom through community.
This is a conversation about music, resilience, and hope — one that every artist (and human) will find something in.
Music from the Episode:
Witness (Arnold McCuller)
Chances Are (Arnold McCuller)
Hard Times (Arnold McCuller)
You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive (Arnold McCuller)
Above the Rain (Arnold McCuller)
To learn more about Arnold and his incredible work, please visit his
website.
Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at
brad@thebandwichtapes.com.
The theme song,
Playcation, was written by
Mark Mundy.
What is The Bandwich Tapes?
The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with musicians for thoughtful conversations about the craft of making music.
Each episode explores the experiences, influences, and creative decisions that shape an artist’s work. From improvisation and songwriting to collaboration, recording, and life on the road, the conversations go beyond biography to focus on how music actually gets made.
Guests include instrumentalists, composers, songwriters, and producers from across the musical landscape. The tone is relaxed, curious, and musician-to-musician—an opportunity to hear artists reflect on their process, their collaborators, and the musical moments that have stayed with them.
Whether you're a seasoned musician, a die-hard music fan, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Bandwich Tapes has something for everyone. So, come along for the ride as we explore the magic of music and the incredible journeys of the people who bring it to life.