Cody Canada finds the joy in Cross Canadian Ragweed again as Roots Music Rambler hits Episode 100
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Fifteen years apart can give a band a lot to argue about—or a reason to remember why they started playing together. For Cody Canada and Cross Canadian Ragweed, the reunion has brought things back to the music, the friendships and the fun. That makes him a pretty fitting guest for the 100th episode of Roots Music Rambler.
Canada joins Frank and Falls to talk about the years away, the Boys from Oklahoma reunion shows in Stillwater and the moment he knew the band sounded right again. Rehearsal used to feel unnecessary when they were playing hundreds of shows a year. Now, coffee, donuts and catching up with the guys are part of what he looks forward to most.
There’s a new live album, Live & Loud at Boone Pickens Stadium, and a candid explanation from Cody’s wife Shannon about why it arrived on vinyl. Cody also gets specific about the new Ragweed music: “halfway to a new Ragweed album” now means he has ten songs, but not a finished record with a release date. He talks about writing with Mike McClure, changing perspective when a lyric gets stuck and finding room to make music that feels like his own.
The conversation follows Canada from Yukon to Stillwater, into the story behind “17,” through his years with The Departed and into life as a musical dad. Watching his sons find their own sound has made him proud precisely because they aren’t trying to become a younger version of their father.
Before the interview, Frank and Falls celebrate 100 episodes by revisiting five all-time favorites apiece. Frank’s choices are Cindy Emch (Secret Emchy Society), Gabe Lee, Margo Cilker, John Horton and “Does Wilco Suck?” Falls picks S.G. Goodman, The Local Honeys, Emily Scott Robinson, Mohammed Dohai, and Larry and Cheryl Webster. The memories range from an early guest taking a chance on the show to an impromptu oud performance in a hotel room in the UAE of all places.
For Pickin’ the Grinnin’, Falls digs into Pony Bradshaw, including Ode to Humidity and Through a Glass Darkly, while Frank heads toward punk with Tomgirls, Jenni Rose’s project with fellow Vandoliers members, and the single “Run.”
Find Cross Canadian Ragweed’s music, live record and updates on the band’s website, and follow Cody Canada & The Departed for more music and shows. The picks are linked below, too.
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Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler.
Notes and links:
- Get the Roots Music Rambler Backstage Pass on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes and more
- Cross Canadian Ragweed online
- Live & Loud at Boone Pickens Stadium — official vinyl
- Cody Canada & The Departed online
- Mike McClure online
- The Roots Music Rambler Store
- Roots Music Rambler on YouTube
- Roots Music Rambler on Instagram
- Roots Music Rambler on Facebook
- Frank’s all-time favorite: Cindy Emch (Secret Emchy Society)
- Frank’s all-time favorite: Gabe Lee
- Frank’s all-time favorite: Margo Cilker
- Frank’s all-time favorite: John Horton
- Frank’s all-time favorite: “Does Wilco Suck?”
- Falls’s all-time favorite: S.G. Goodman
- Falls’s all-time favorite: The Local Honeys
- Falls’s all-time favorite: Emily Scott Robinson
- Falls’s all-time favorite: Mohammed Dohai
- Falls’s all-time favorite: Larry and Cheryl Webster
Pickin’ the Grinnin’ picks:
Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler for free on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. For early access and ad-free episodes, plus bonus content, outtakes and more, join the Backstage Pass community at Patreon.
Theme Music: “Sheepskin & Beeswax” by Genticorum; Copyright 2026 — Falls+Partners. All music on the program is licensed by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Roots Music Rambler is a member of the Americana Music Association.