Hans Olson Explains Why He Never Chased Money | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 3

A gold-painted toenail on a chain. A radio dial that sounded cooler in Phoenix than it ever did in LA. A career built on community, grit, and a love of the blues even when the label never quite fit. We’re joined by renowned Arizona singer-songwriter and performer Hans Olson to talk about his new book, Arizona Troubadour, and the real stories behind how the local music scene got rolling. Visit his website: http://www.hansolson.net/ We start with the book itself, including the R-rated warning on the cover and the guitars pictured there, then jump into the long arc of playing shows in Arizona: the early days on Mill Avenue, the larger-than-life performance bits, and the kind of friendships where you can laugh hard while still telling the truth. Hans shares how he got pulled toward “blues guy” status after arriving to a place with so little blues that fans latched on fast, and how legendary radio voices and stations like KCAC and KDKB helped shape taste, opportunity, and momentum for local artists. We also get wonderfully nerdy about craft. Hans breaks down why he likes high action, how a super-thin bent pick changes speed and feel, and why turning up loud can transform your touch. Along the way, he reflects on playing with Brownie McGhee, the most embarrassing wrong-key moment of his career, and the personal resilience that comes from adapting early in life. After the conversation, we run our What’s Vibin’ in the Desert segment with upcoming open mics, jams, and events across Arizona, then close with Walt’s wisdom on a surprisingly practical tool for calm: humming your favorite song to shift your nervous system toward peace. If you enjoy Arizona music history, blues storytelling, songwriter life, and practical musician tips, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more listeners can find Desert Vibe. 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... ▶️ YouTube:    / @thedesertvibepodcast   🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/... Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands