Mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull can do it all: She juggles time with her own band, touring with Bela Fleck, and performing with the likes of Cory Wong, Brad Paisley, Billy Strings, and the Allman Betts Band. 

On this week's podcast, we discuss a pair of eclectic covers she's just shared: Tears for Fears' "Mad World" and the Grateful Dead's "Black Muddy River" and hear all about them. We also talk about life on the road, electric octave mandolins(!), being a free agent, the art of changing mandolin strings, plans for the future, and so much more.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register today: https://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/2025/08-21-2025-fretboard-summit-2025/

This week's show is sponsored by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com
(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com
(Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Collings: Check out their new Hill Country series of guitars: https://collingsguitars.com/hill-country-series/

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal