Daniel Johnston: podcast appearances and interviews

Daniel Dale Johnston was an American singer, musician, and artist associated with outsider, lo-fi, and alternative music scenes. His work primarily consisted of cassette recordings made alone in his home, and it was often noted for its pure and childlike qualities. Johnston gained a local following in the 1980s through his practice of handing out tapes while working at a McDonald's in Dobie Center in Austin, Texas. His cult status grew further when Kurt Cobain was seen wearing a T-shirt featuring the artwork from Johnston's 1983 cassette album Hi, How Are You, which included the piece Jeremiah the Innocent. In addition to his musical pursuits, Johnston was also a visual artist; his illustrations have been exhibited at galleries worldwide. Throughout his life, Johnston experienced significant struggles with mental health and bipolar disorder, leading to extended periods in psychiatric institutions. His battle with mental illness was documented in the 2005 film The Devil and Daniel Johnston. Johnston was affiliated with Life Without Barriers. He passed away in 2019 due to a suspected heart attack.