Welcome to Purdy Pickers — a podcast dedicated to female artists in Bluegrass, Folk and Americana.
Our aim with this podcast is to increase visibility and recognition for women's contribution to shaping and keeping these traditional genres alive and thriving. On each episode we pick one female musician to focus on — pioneer or newcomer, renowned star or underdog; we'll give them all a platform. Tune in for deep dives, feminism, interviews and existential ramblings with Carol B. Rebbel and guests.
Help us fill this music landscape with appreciation as we shine a light on brave women who stand up for female representativity on stages everywhere.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Produced by Carol B. Rebbel
Intro song: "Herby's Reel" by Bashed Potatoes - All rights reserved
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
A long overdue update. After a little time away from the podcast, we’re finally back to share what’s been happening behind the scenes: Kikki’s departure, new life plans, and the exciting new direction we’re taking with the podcast.
Sadly, Dolly Parton passed away one day before this episode was recorded. But whose words could be better to tie it all together than hers? Through her music, her life, and the way she has navigated change, reinvention, and staying true to yourself, she has left us with more than just great songs. She’s given us some pretty valuable lessons about knowing when to let go, how to persevere, and how to find your own path.
So tune in for a very personal catch-up and a small tribute to the amazing Dolly Parton.
- We will always love you, Dolly.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
15 Jan 2026
#09 - The Chicks - Part 2: 1995 - present
Say what you want, but the Chicks have ended up raising an entire generation of women who got into country music. The premise was clear: sing, have fun, don't be afraid to be a little rebellious and never take yourself too seriously. Join Carol and her dear guest Dee Ann in a two-parter episode that celebrates The Chicks’ legacy as musicians who challenged expectations, spoke their truth, and came back stronger than ever.
In the first part of this story, we dive into their roots in Dallas, TX as an up-and-coming Bluegrass and Western Swing act formed by sisters Martie McGuire & Emily Strayer (née Erwin) teamed up with Robin Macy and Laura Lynch (in memoriam).
In part two, we start off just before Natalie Maines joined the trio; a moment about to change their story forever. We break down the albums, the backlash that changed music history and their triumphant return.
Whether you danced the two-step to a live performance of "West Texas Wind" back in the good ol' days, have followed them since “Wide Open Spaces”, or discovered them through "Gaslighter", this episode is for you and is nothing but an ode to a band that refuses to be anything but fearless.
DISCLAIMER: At certain points in this series, we do refer to the band using their old name, "Dixie Chicks", mainly for clarity while discussing the early phase of the group. We do however fully support the band's decision to drop the word "Dixie" from its name.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
18 Dec 2025
#08 - Purdy Little Interview: Courtney Hartman
In this interview, Carol sits down with Courtney Hartman, one of the most gifted female guitarists in the folk and bluegrass world. Courtney is a flatpicker at heart, lining her melodies with graceful vocals of thoughtfully written words.
She speaks of life in seasons; and how growth, stillness and change shape both her personal journey and her relationship with music. On this episode, she shares deep insight into how she experiences music in an inspiring look at what it means to live a musical life with intention.
Throughout this conversation, we discuss her formative years, old and new albums, collaborations with some of the biggest names in folk and bluegrass, creative freedom and inspiring figures.
This episode is an invitation to listen closely: to the strings, the stories, and the seasons in between.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Nov 2025
#08 - The Chicks - Part 1: 1989 - 1995
Say what you want, but the Chicks have ended up raising an entire generation of women who got into country music. The premise was clear: sing, have fun, don't be afraid to be a little rebellious and never take yourself too seriously. Join Carol and her dear guest Dee Ann in a two-parter episode that celebrates The Chicks’ legacy as musicians who challenged expectations, spoke their truth, and came back stronger than ever.
In the first part of this story, we dive into their roots in Dallas, TX as an up-and-coming Bluegrass and Western Swing act formed by sisters Martie McGuire & Emily Strayer (née Erwin) teamed up with Robin Macy and Laura Lynch (in memoriam).
In part two, we start off just before Natalie Maines joined the trio; a moment about to change their story forever. We break down the albums, the backlash that changed music history and their triumphant return. (Coming up on Dec. 3rd – If the good lord's willing and the creeks don't rise!).
Whether you danced the two-step to a live performance of "West Texas Wind" back in the good ol' days, have followed them since “Wide Open Spaces”, or discovered them through "Gaslighter", this episode is for you and is nothing but an ode to a band that refuses to be anything but fearless.
DISCLAIMER: At certain points in this episode, we do refer to the band using their old name, "Dixie Chicks", mainly for clarity as we discuss the early phase of the group. We do however fully support the band's decision to drop the word "Dixie" from its name.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Oct 2025
#06 - Brennen Leigh (pt. 2)
Brennen writes, picks and sings with authenticity and style. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just discovering the beauty of western swing and bluegrass: chances are she will have written a song that you'll love. From incredible collaborations with Asleep at the Wheel, Melissa Carpenter and Noel McCay to her easygoing, tomato garden life in the Texan country, we'll go over her amazing career in a two-parter episode.
In this second section, Kikki reacts to an outrageous comment made under one of Brennen Leigh's interviews on Youtube - an epic roast dedicated to an internet bully. We go on discussing our Brennen Leigh songs, her songwriting highlights and some trivia on up she's been up to lately. Listening to part 1 first is highly recommended!
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
18 Sept 2025
#05 - Brennen Leigh (pt. 1)
Brennen writes, picks and sings with authenticity and style. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or just discovering the beauty of western swing and bluegrass: chances are she will have written a song that you'll love. From incredible collaborations with Asleep at the Wheel, Melissa Carpenter and Noel McCay to her easygoing, tomato garden life in the Texan country, we'll go over her amazing career in a two-parter episode.
In this first section, Carol shares how incredible it was meeting with Brennen Leigh at the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival 2025 - and the lessons that were learned as a podcaster, a musician and a woman. We talk about her influences, the craft of her songwriting and dive into how a lifestyle of songwriting naturally began for Brennen. Kikki gives us the reasons for her decision to react to an outrageous comment made under one of Brennen Leigh's interviews on Youtube. Tune in on part 2 very soon for an her epic roast dedicated to an internet bully.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
21 Aug 2025
#04 - Purdy Little Interview: Martha Spencer
After her set at the Green Parrot Festival in Cologne, Germany, Appalachian musician Martha Spencer shares her journey growing up in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and her deep-rooted connection to traditional music and dance. In this interview, Carol and Kikki ask Martha about everything from her beginnings in a family band to her experiences as a musician and as an instructor.
Tune in to hear Martha reflect with us on carrying forward Appalachian traditions, passing on the lessons she learned in her community, and most importantly: building bridges through music in every way she can.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Jul 2025
#03 - I'm With Her
This time, we didn’t pick just one woman to talk about - we chose three: the incredible trio of Sara Watkins, Aoife O’Donovan, and Sarah Jarosz. Still dumbfounded after their concert in Amsterdam, we knew it would be nothing short of perfect to invite our friend Julia Zech, a.k.a. Lightening Jules from the band Stereo Naked, to join us for this episode.
We could talk for hours and hours about their prolific solo careers (and we just might, someday!), but for this episode, we focused entirely on the story of their band. I'm With Her was formed about a decade ago based on friendship and mutual admiration and has become this powerful unit; a three-headed creature, as they say themselves. This band has moved and inspired us and we're happy to share our thoughts and impressions with you.
Follow us on social media @purdypickers for news on upcoming episodes and extra content!
Created and produced by Carol B. Rebbel (2025)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
19 Jun 2025
#02 - Hazel Dickens
Hazel Dickens's pioneering role in folk and bluegrass music empowers women and inspires countless musicians through her authentic sound and social activism, as discussed by Carol B. Rebbel in this interview episode.
15 May 2025
#01 - Sierra Ferrell
Sierra Ferrell discusses her roots, experiences, struggles, and music with Carol B. Rebbel, revealing how she inspires others to embrace freedom and creativity in this interview.
1 May 2025
#00 - Why Purdy? Why Pickers?
Hosts Carol B. Rebbel and Kikki introduce the Purdy Pickers Podcast, exploring the experiences and representation of women in bluegrass and folk music in this introductory episode.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
2.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 1 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
3
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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Guest appearances
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