Craig Finn Features Alex Orange Drink on His Podcast
Season highlight explores Levine’s cancer battle, work with Conor Oberst and Tim Armstrong
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Craig Finn’s Podcast Series Hits A New High
Craig Finn, best known as the frontman of indie rock stalwarts The Hold Steady, has been steadily expanding his creative reach beyond the stage with his celebrated podcast, That’s How I Remember It. This week marks a standout entry in the series as Finn welcomes singer-songwriter Alex Levine—better known by his stage name Alex Orange Drink—for an episode that traverses everything from life-changing health battles to musical collaborations with industry icons. The new installment is now live on all major podcast platforms, inviting listeners into a deeply personal conversation.
The Host Behind The Mic
Since launching the podcast in late 2023, Finn has tapped into his storytelling roots—honed through his narrative-driven lyrics—to bring fans closer to the artists behind the music. Drawing on his experience as a bandleader and solo artist, Finn crafts interviews that balance camaraderie with in-depth discussion. On past episodes, he’s spoken with rising stars like Bartees Strange about their creative processes and debuted live shows at intimate venues. As Finn says, “I wanted to create a space for artists to tell the real stories behind their work,” and the response from listeners has cemented the show as a must-hear for music fans.
A Candid Conversation With Alex Levine
On this latest episode, Finn and Levine dive into the genesis of Levine’s remarkable new solo record, Victory Lap #23. Diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder called homocystinuria and later battling cancer in 2023, Levine turned to songwriting as a form of therapy and advocacy. “Victory Lap #23 is a snapshot of my life after cancer,” Levine shares, describing a collection of songs that fuse memoir with melody. The album candidly explores the fear, hope and resilience that accompanied his medical journey, and Finn applauds the honesty of Levine’s storytelling.
The conversation also traces Levine’s musical evolution—from joining his brothers in the UK/Euro-touring band SÓSO GLOS to carving out a solo identity. Along the way, they pay tribute to shared heroes like Chuck Berry, whose pioneering guitar riffs set the groundwork for rock ’n’ roll. The chat shifts to sports fandom as well, with Finn and Levine debating Michael Jordan’s legacy on the court. Not one to shy away from deeper topics, Levine opens up about managing homocystinuria’s daily challenges and credits his support system for keeping him grounded during treatment.
Fans of collaboration will find next-level insights as Levine recounts writing sessions with Conor Oberst—whose emotive lyricism resonated with him—and punk legend Tim Armstrong, whose raw energy helped shape some of the record’s most urgent tracks. The pair’s conversation moves effortlessly between studio anecdotes and bigger questions about art, illness and identity, making for a truly immersive listening experience.
Live Edition Coming To Portland
The Alex Levine episode also serves as a reminder that Finn is taking the podcast beyond the booth. In a recent Instagram announcement, Finn revealed plans for a live recording at Guster’s On The Ocean Fest in Portland, Maine, on August 9. There, he’ll interview singer-songwriter Ryan Miller in front of a festival audience, blending storytelling with spontaneous musical moments. Tickets for the live show are available through OnTheOceanFest.com, and fans are encouraged to grab passes early—these intimate events often sell out quickly.
Looking Ahead
With this episode, Finn demonstrates why That’s How I Remember It has become a vital platform for artists to unpack their creative journeys. The series pairs genuine curiosity with the kind of rapport only a seasoned performer can bring, whether he’s in the studio or onstage. Listeners who missed the Alex Levine conversation can catch up with episodes featuring acts like Bartees Strange or stay tuned for forthcoming interviews that promise to reveal the next wave of music’s most compelling voices.
Finn closes the episode by thanking Levine for his candor: “I was extremely happy that Alex was able to join me here. His story is inspiring.” New listeners can subscribe to That’s How I Remember It on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or via the link in Finn’s Instagram bio to ensure they don’t miss future episodes or live dates. As the series grows, it continues to bridge the gap between fan and artist, transforming behind-the-scenes stories into conversations that resonate long after the mic goes off.
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