River of Suck

About River of Suck

You have to suck at something before you can be good at it. River of Suck is real-talk about struggles with confidence, self-doubt and becoming the youest you. Host Andy Reiner and guests ranging from musicians to scientists parse tough questions about maintaining a healthy attitude in the face of impossible-seeming obstacles, fear and "thought piranhas."

Publisher

Andy Reiner

Category

education · music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Dec 2018

Latest episode

20 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

1 of 38 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   20 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

   38 - Rob Flax - Ignition Moments, C.O.G.I.A.D., and Digging Ditches and Wells Like A Confused Squirrel Trying to Burrow to the Delta

   Host Andy Reiner interviews Rob Flax about his C.O.G.I.A.D. philosophy, exploring identity and talent myths to inspire listeners to embrace new experiences.

2. 

   27 Aug 2025

   37 - Mimi Rabson - Curiosity Is Driving Me

   Mimi Robson, the renowned string virtuoso and educator, joins host Andy in episode 37 of the "River of Suck" podcast, recorded live at Fiddle Hill Online. Mimi recounts her evolution as an adventurous explorer of musical genres, championing curiosity, joy, and authentic connection as the heartbeats of her artistry. Their lively conversation delves into Mimi’s dynamic teaching philosophy, the thrill of crossing stylistic boundaries, and the art of transforming obstacles into gateways for growth. Listeners are inspired to chase what sparks their passion and to savor the creative journey, finding meaning and excitement every step of the way.

3. 

   4 Mar 2024

   36 - Melody Walker - Do Your Worst Idea!

   “What if everything just turns out ok?"  Visit with Nashville songwriter Melody Walker in this latest episode of River of Suck podcast with an ear to the challenges of being a musician in a changing world.  Join the conversation as Melody shares insights on songwriting, addresses sexism in the bluegrass scene, and discusses maintaining boundaries and resilience in the industry.  Hear about the formation of 'Bertha,' a Grateful Dead cover band in drag, and of the dark side of TikTok. With a call to action to be better through collaboration, find out why Melody says "Do the stupid thing - Do your worst idea!"

Inside a recent episode

38 - Rob Flax - Ignition Moments, C.O.G.I.A.D., and Digging Ditches and Wells Like A Confused Squirrel Trying to Burrow to the Delta

Published 20 Jun 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] His father drilled it into him. He had logged his 10,000 hours well before that time, under duress. Most classical musicians who perform Mozart will tell you that the best stuff he wrote wasn't until he was in his 20s, which means by an hour's count, Mozart wasn't talented. He was a late bloomer. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

63 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Contact River of Suck

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about River of Suck