I came late to Willie Nelson—just about a year ago, but was so inspired by him last July at the Hollywood Bowl. Willie Nelson has made me a better person. This podcast has taught me about his music, his life, and his wide-ranging influence in American music and culture. Listened to every episode and some twice and it has widened the music I have listened to. So great!

My favorite podcast because no one offers as much authoritative background on the songs combined with a fan's ineffable love of the music. It's perfectly balanced and everything episode helps me learn more and appreciate deeper.

The premise of this podcast is such an innovative idea with each guest bringing his favorite song to the table to be discussed. But no conversation about Willie Nelson is complete without the discussion wandering into Willie stories, Willie jokes, and just simply the spirit of Willie. We all know just as he does that he isn’t perfect and he owns it all. Just another way of him connecting with the world. We also have a great host in John Spong, who is fascinated by his guests stories and song choices. In my opinion too many podcasts and hosts these days are over dramatic, and end up sounding like TV ads for used cars. I guess when you have a great subject, the story of the subject, this one being Willie, says it all. Thank you John, thank you Texas Monthly! Glenn Simmons

This show always lifts my spirits! Thanks, John! I just listened to the Larry Gatlin episode…twice…so wonderful! I definitely vote yes to a two-part episode!

If you love Willie Nelson's music, you'll love these intelligent and sincere conversations between John Spong and his guest. Each week features a discussion about one of the guest's favorite Willie songs. Great stories.

What a joy to listen to and learn from John Spong and his guests. From Mickey Raphael to Paul Begala and Whoopi you’ll enjoy hearing about the music, history and Willie!

This podcast has everything for Willie fans. So many people love Willie’s music for so many different reasons. John Spong and his guests mix history, philosophy, humor, and pain into beautiful conversations that explore what makes Willie Nelson so special. Each episode is really worth savoring.

Love this podcast, diving into each song I cannot wait for the next episode to drop

Thank you for doing these. These podcasts are a musical gift and refuge from the craziness of life!

Absolute favorite podcast!! Nobody better to do this than John Spong!

This is my absolute favorite podcast. John Spong talks to people who clearly love Willie as much as he does and we do. In a world with so much negativity, it’s good to see appreciation given to someone who deserves it. Long live Willie Nelson!

What great chemistry you two have together.

Spong runs a nice podcast but no one on earth has a more annoying voice. He should produce it and find a pro to handle the hosting duties.

John Spong, thank you! You are my hero for your knowledge and your vision of this podcast! I’ve loved Willie for as long as I can remember. My father loved Willie. Willie is part of our family’s story. Willie is in my heart and soul. I listen to your every podcast, savoring it like a fine meal. And, of course, I love the conversations you have with guests to dig in to every cherished song. Thank you for season #6. You are my hero!

Best podcast I’ve ever listened too! Willie Nelson is my Favorite, and this is so cool to hear the stories and perspectives. His artistry, writing and inspiration will live forever. Thank You John Spong for your dedication and knowledge! Here is to Next Season of the Show!

Willie’s music is so universal, and this podcast is such an enjoyable way to hear how other people experience this music!

This is truly one of my absolute favorite listens. The concept is so unique and leads to such excellent discussions. Thank you Texas Monthly, every listen is a special experience.

I’ve loved Willie since the old KLBJ days in the 70s and John’s show reminds me why. Such a great podcast!

So much to learn here for any Fan of Willie ! John Spong is terrific…

Deep insight to all knowledge about Willie. I’ve learned so much more from every podcast. I felt like I was hearing family stories about a beloved relation. John S. is able to add a unique take on his well versed knowledge of all Willie Nelson music, then and now!

Love the stories, the different perspectives and learning about songs or albums I'd never heard before. Been saving albums after nearly every episode! Now let's get Patty Griffin to do one!

Season 5 episode 3 with Booker T. Jones is outstanding. Such great insight to the making of Willie’s Stardust masterpiece. So many great details. Emmylou’s living room!!

I grew up with Willie Nelson (literally! We learned taekwondo from the same master!) but didn't appreciate his music until much later. This podcast helps me dig even deeper into the history

Stumbled on to this show by accident and listened to season one all the way to the last show. I have allways been by a Willie fan, but this show introduced me to songs I hadn’t heard before and forced me to listen to the songs I knew differently. Can’t wait for the next season.

This wonderful podcast hosted by the engaging, knowledgeable John Spong is a excellent lesson in Willie Nelson and his treasure trove of music. ❤️🎶🎸

So good to hear all the ins and outs of Willie songs. I am not a big country person. But Willie transcends. There is nothing like him.

Treat yourself! John Spong is a master podcaster, and this is a blast - one episode after another. I started the podcast in preparation for Willie’s 4th of July Picnic - my first Willie live concert. What fun to hear this wide variety of Willie’s kids, collaborators, and wise friends talk about Willie and his songs through the years. A true Texas treasure - Willie and this lovely podcast.

I’m part way through season 2 and am loving every story and song!

Listening to one at a time in order to savor the glory of it for as long as i can. The memories roll in with almost every episode. Very well put together - not a highly commercialized type production - keeps with Willie’s style. Selection of guests is right on - unfortunately missing quite a few of Willie’s closest (RIP to each) and then some. Guess not everyone can come to the party.

Just found this - it’s wonderful! Real conversations. #bingeworthy

One By Willie has become my favorite podcast hearing others take on classic Willie Nelson songs give new insights into them John Spong does a great job interviewing guests keep the shows coming

Amazing Grace in deed! This episode with Brené Brown brought tears to my eyes. “A Meritocracy girl living in Graceville”. - so true! God Bless her with more grace! She is one brave woman making a difference in this world- changing so many hearts and minds. Thank you!🙏❤️😇

Beautiful interview, beautiful ideas. Thank you!! Brene Brown I’ve missed your presence on podcast!!

Love the OBW podcast but the episode with Brene Brown was outstanding.

I’ve been listening to Willie since I was a child, the first album I heard was The Red Headed Stranger, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Seen him live twice, and hoping to again. This podcast is amazing, please keep it up.

This is one of if not THE best podcast available. If you like Willie…or just music in general, you will love every minute of this!

What a wonderful thing this is…to listen to personal stories from Willie’s friends and family. I’ll soon be 76, and have listened to and enjoyed all things Willie Nelson, most of my life. God bless him for all that he has done, and for showing his children how to carry on his musical legacy, and purity of spirit. He is a gift to us all. Keep on keepin’ on with these podcasts.

With all the wonderful songs that really has written,You can keep this podcast going for years. Please do. Willie and his songs are an Americantreasure

This podcast is very good and entertaining for me and it is kinda quarkey but still injoyable I like Willy Nelson’s songs !!!🤗#🦖💨#🐖💨

What’s not to love about this podcast??? I e never written a review, but had to sign up to write this one. Everyone can learn something from Willie. Thanks for the great content. I just may move to Texas!!

It is hard for me to imagine a podcast that would give me as much pleasure as just LISTENING to Willie, and yet I have binge-listened to One by Willie for the last 12 hours straight! So good! Such a great concept and amazing guests with a hundred perspectives! Thank you for this! Will continue till I've heardvthem all.

This is the first time I’ve written a review for a podcast because this show is just so good! I want more episodes!!!

This podcast is so great. The episodes with Ethan Hawke and Kacey Musgraves are the best but they’re all good.

John does a great job interviewing the guests and allows them to tell tell there history about and with Willie. I am amazed every week about the history of Willie’s song writing ability. Look forward to the next show.

This is an absolutely fantastic presentation about Willie Nelson’s music. The listener learns a a great deal about Willie’s tunes as one song is discussed each week by a guest (guests are from all types of music). The podcast host John Spong does a spectacular job. This is a must listen-to for any serious music fan, not just Willie Nelson or country music fans.

I keep preaching this podcast. One day I will get the enthusiastic thanks that I expect from every recommendation. I get it, people THINK they know Willie. But John Spong plus a thoughtful guest plus a tune pulled from the decades-large mystery bag is a great formula. My friends don’t know what they are missing.

Willie is of course a Texas and National Treasure. I have learned so much about him, his songs, and the passion others have for Willie and his music. Thank you for continuing this podcast!

So great to hear the back stories on these songs and the stories from the guests. A must listen to for any Willie fan.

A real treasure. If you grew up in Texas and listened to Willie and thought you knew everything, you’re wrong. Go to school here and be prepared to be blown away.

Actually, words fail me here. These episodes, each of them, give perspective, insight, nuance, and speak to the heart, much as does Willie’s music itself. I am grateful to the wonderful host whose knowledge and deep love make the magic come alive. Thank you.