Mandolin Secrets Podcast
This podcast is for every mandolin and guitar player who wants an inspiration boost. Hosts Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin share professional tips, experiences, and stories that will support every music maker on their journey.
#55 Playing Through It: Hayes Griffin's Injury, Warm-Ups & Practice Priorities
Hayes Griffin and Magnus Zetterlund get together for a candid episode about practice rooms, warm-ups, and a story Hayes has been waiting to tell.
Hayes shares how a simple car-cleaning moment left him with a mallet finger injury just weeks before Winfield, and how he turned the recovery into a creative exploration of one-finger playing inspired by Mick Goodrick.
They dig into Hayes’s pick slanting journey, economy picking patterns taught by Beppe Gambetta, and Magnus’s double-stop approach to jazz standards.
The community weighs in on what they're practicing, from Scottish repertoire to Viva...
#54 Jethro Burns to Gypsy Swing: Sims Delaney Potthoff on Jazz Mandolin & Tone
Join Magnus Zetterlund with jazz mandolin virtuoso Sims Delaney Potthoff, who studied directly with Jethro Burns and has been performing for over 30 years.
Sims shares transformative lessons from Jethro on soloing, guide tone lines, and the power of melody—plus his groundbreaking Sims 251 series of weekly jazz vocabulary videos. Discover how a random mandolin at a party launched a career spanning bluegrass, gypsy swing, and Django-inspired jazz.
Learn about building niche music scenes, choosing tone over technique, and why the 2-5-1 progression is your secret weapon for improvisation.
Full show notes:
...
# 53 One Mandolin, One Mic: Baron Collins-Hill on Teaching from Bangkok
Magnus Zetterlund talks with Baron Collins-Hill, the mandolin teacher behind the MandoLessons YouTube channel, running strong for nearly 20 years. Baron picked up mandolin after hearing Chris Thile on Nickel Creek's self-titled album, learned through the early Mandolin Cafe forum community, and started posting lessons on borrowed camera equipment before "online mandolin teaching" was really a thing.
They talk about Baron's move to Bangkok and the surprisingly lively Irish and bluegrass jam scene he stumbled into there, how living with just one mandolin has pushed him toward a simpler, more minimal approach to both playing and content creation...
#52 Mando Mike on Teaching, Technique & the Broken Hand
Join Magnus Zetterlund with UK-based mandolin teacher Mike Giverin (Mando Mike) to explore why learning an instrument transforms lives. Mike shares his journey from seeing Nickel Creek at 14 to building his YouTube channel with 170+ free lessons. Discover his two teaching philosophies—nurturing absolute beginners and fixing technique for musicians switching instruments. Hear the story behind his book "How to Practice the Mandolin with a Broken Hand," dive into right-hand escape motions, and explore why chords are philosophically fascinating. Plus, insights on his band the Jaywalkers and why practice truly makes perfect.
Here are the weblinks mentioned in...
#51 Does Your Pickguard Kill Your Tone? Hayes Griffin Weighs In
Join Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin as they discuss gear essentials, touring adventures, and what happens when you remove a pickguard from your mandolin.
Hayes shares his inspiring experience at Blue Ridge Guitar Camp with flat-picking heroes and his recent European tour backing Beppe Gambetta in Italy.
Discover the community's favorite cleaning products—including the legendary Fast Fret string cleaner—and debate the pickguard question: does it really affect your tone?
Plus, hear about Southern Flavor, New Camptown Races, and why the Punch Brothers' latest release is absolutely worth your attention.
Visi...
#50 Four Chords to Solo Concerts: Malin Foxdal's Octave Mandolin Journey
Join Magnus Zetterlund as he welcomes Swedish artist Malin Foxdal to discuss her journey with the octave mandolin, from knowing just four chords to performing solo concerts. Malin shares insights on her two new ensembles—one rooted in Swedish and Celtic folk, another exploring improvised poetry and jazz. Discover her philosophy of learning through doing, the liberating power of stage improvisation, and how the octave mandolin became her creative voice. Plus, hear live performances of "Ingens Lilla Flicka" and "I Sing" from her acclaimed music theater work about Swedish immigration, and learn Magnus's secret trait: unstoppable grit.
...
# 49 Karl Tirén: Composing, Band Leadership & Overcoming Injury
Join Magnus Zetterlund as he sits down with Swedish mandolin player, bandleader, and composer Karl Tirén to discuss his innovative Atlas project—a unique trio featuring mandolin, trombone, and double bass. Karl shares his compositional process, the journey from injury to inspiration with the tune "At Last," and how he practices through playing rather than drilling scales.
Links:
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Connect with Karl Tirén: Instagram: @karltiren.music
https://www.instagram.com/karltiren.music...
#48 The Making Of Bingsjö Lilla Långdans
Go behind the scenes as Magnus Zeterlund breaks down his latest release, "Bingsjö Lilla Långdans"—a traditional Swedish tune reimagined on electric octave mandolin and guitar.
Discover how he adapted the melody, layered harmonies across different octaves, and programmed drums in Logic Pro.
Magnus shares his workflow for multitracking, why he chose certain tones, and the three biggest lessons learned: separating instrument sounds, editing drums at the event level, and deciding track length early.
Perfect for musicians curious about the creative and technical process of bringing traditional music into a modern recording.
#47 Deconstructing a Classic: When You Wish Upon a Star
In this episode:
Magnus Zetterlund takes a deep dive into his unique mandolin arrangement of the 1940 Disney classic. Using an AI-generated technical overview as a jumping-off point, he explores the intersection of music theory, instrument physics, and emotional delivery.
Technical Key Points Covered:
The "Spice" of the A7#5: Why Magnus used an augmented dominant chord to create tension and Sophistication in the A-section.Harmonic Sophistication: A breakdown of the Dm7(b5) to G7 (ii-V-I) progression and how it adds a jazz flavor to the traditional...#46 Pick Slanting Breakthroughs & Practice Priorities for 2026
Join Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin as they wrap up 2025 and dive into the real work happening in practice rooms across the mandolin community. In this candid conversation, Magnus and Hayes get technical about pick slanting and escape motions—the breakthrough technique that's transforming their playing after decades of double-escaping. They also tackle practical questions from the community about practice routines, gear choices, and how to stay motivated on your musical journey.
Whether you're a beginner finding your way or an experienced player refining your technique, this episode offers honest insights into the practice process and what it...
#45 Your best practice advices
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:
What are the best practice advice or helpful tips you have learned?Did you attend any good concerts this summer?Magnus biggest take aways from the workshops at Grenna Bluegrass Festival with Tristan ScrogginsMagnus’s new video lesson for pinky power.Hayes’ new video for Northfield Signal Electric Guitar.Hayes’ new Bulas two-point mandolin.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Bul...
#44 How to find a good teacher?
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:
When getting started, were you mostly self-taught or did you take lessons?What got you to pick up the mandolin the first time?Magnus is sharing videos of himself testing out the entire mandolin family: mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, and mandocello.Hayes is sharing info and details about his new beginner course “Play Bluegrass Guitar in 30 days”.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#43 Getting the most out of workshops with Tristan Scroggins
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund interviews one of the young mandolin stars in the bluegrass scene, Tristan Scroggins. He is a musician based in Nashville, and we recorded this episode while he’s on tour with Missy Raines’ band.
The episode is full of good tips from a professional music maker, and there is an exciting discussion about:
Being on the roadWomen in bluegrass music Learning from other instruments like banjo and fiddleHow to get the most out of camps and workshops+ Much moreHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
#42 // Should you play the electric mandolin?
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:
What are your thoughts about the electric mandolin?Hayes’s new video lesson about The OTHER mandolin scale you need to knowWhat is the most stupid comment you got when you said you play the mandolin?Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Jonathan Mann, Electric Mandolins
http://www.manndolins.com/
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#41 Learning a new instrument
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:
Learning a new instrument.5 Tips for Jam SessionsThe great online resource for learning the bass guitar, Study Bass by Andrew PouskaThings to consider when purchasing an instrument.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Study Bass, Andrew Pouska
https://www.studybass.com/
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#40 Learning for the long term with David Betcher
In this podcast episode, I(Magnus Zetterlund) am chatting with my student, David Betcher, from Michigan, USA. A few of the subjects we touched upon are:
Taking one step back to take two steps ahead.Learning to play the mandolin as an adult differs from learning to play as a kid.Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
If you want personal guidance from Magnus, you can follow this link to book an intro call:
https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/apply
#39 How to use the entire fretboard
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:
What is your biggest struggle when it comes to fretboard knowledge?How do you visualize scales on the mandolin and guitar? Boxes, finger patterns, etc. Is there a book you’ve read that was valuable for your music playing?Magnus’s new video lesson shows a hero lick from Sierra Hull.The upcoming Fretboard Success program, in April 2025. Hayes’s one string guitar solo.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Fretb...
#38 Where do you find inspiration?
In this month’s episode, Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin are discussing:
Where do you find the songs/tunes that inspire you?Do you have music goals for 2025?Magnus’s new YouTube video where he shows his pedal board with mandolin effects. Hayes’s new metal guitar arrangement of Big Sciota.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#37 Finding your own style with Radim Zenkl
In this month’s episode, Magnus interviews one of the most innovative mandolin players on the world, Radim Zenkl, from the Czech Republic. He plays a variety of styles and genres and has a career in both USA and Europe.
The episode is full of good tips from a professional music maker, and there is an exciting discussion about:
Finding your own styleBeing influenced about different music genresBeing a professional musician + Much moreHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
The website of Radim Zenkl:
htt...
#36 Holiday greetings and gear talk
In this podcast episode, Hayes Griffin and Magnus Zetterlund are discussing:
What music-related items are on your holiday wish list this year?Does your mood affect your music playing or practice?Are you joining the Mandolin Player’s Holiday Challenge?Magnus’s new three-part arrangement of We Wish You A Merry ChristmasHayes’s guitar arrangements of We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show:
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Welcome to the MANDOLIN PLAYER'S HOLIDAY CHALLENGE (Your FREE 5-Day Video Course...
#35 Play by tabs/notation vs by ear
In this podcast episode, Hayes Griffin and Magnus Zetterlund are discussing:
The 5th anniversary of Mandolin Secrets Academy. How to use the powerful back-chaining technique while memorizing music. Playing baroque music on the mandolin while highlighting Magnus’s new classical mandolin lesson “The prelude from Bach’s 1st Cello Suite”.
We asked our community:
Do you mostly play by tabs, notation, or by ear?Do you mostly play by tabs, notation, by ear, or by eye and ear?Do you attend music camps? If so, which ones?This week marks our 5th annivers...#34 How to succeed with contest playing
In this podcast episode, Hayes Griffin and Magnus Zetterlund discuss the interesting subject of contest playing. Why do it? How to apply? What to focus on? It's not only a general discussion; they also look deeper at Hayes's successful adventure when he placed 2nd at Walnut Valley Festival, National Flat-Picking Championships, Winfield, KS, in September 2024.
We are highlighting:
The good reasons to attend a contestWhat makes a good contest repertoireHow to craft a winning arrangementHayes's new Collings guitarHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Walnut Valley Festival, National Flat-Picking Championships, Winfield, K...
#33 Show up for the mandolin every day with Patricia Cleary
Magnus interviews mandolin player Patricia Cleary from Seattle in this month's episode. She's a member of Mandolin Secrets Academy and talks about her way of keeping focus and showing up for the mandolin daily with Magnus's guidance.
It's inspiring to listen to her interesting view on the mandolin as a great depressant and anti-anxiety.
"You can't be angry or sad playing the mandolin; it evokes so much joy!"
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
If you want personal guidance from Magnus, you can follow this l...
#32 Play good bluegrass breaks with Hayes Griffin
This month’s episode was recorded in a car, and Magnus and Hayes are having a discussion about:
Hayes’s visit to Swedenthe Grenna Bluegrass FestivalLeading workshops for players at different levelsPlaying good bluegrass breaksThe art of slow and steady progress making+ Much moreHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Grenna Bluegrass Festival
https://www.grennabluegrass.se/
#31 Being a multi-instrumentalist with Ondra Kozák
In this month’s episode, Magnus interviews one of Europe’s top bluegrass musicians, Ondra Kozák, from the Czech Republic. He plays mandolin, guitar, fiddle/violin, dobro, bass, etc.
The episode is full of good tips from a professional music maker, and there is an exciting discussion about:
- Being a multi-instrumentalist
- The bluegrass scene in the Czech Republic
- Being a professional musician
- + Much more
Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show:
The website of Ondra Kozák
https://ondrakozak.com/
Visi...
#30 What is your favorite instrument shop and why?
In this month’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
What is the best low-cost or "budget" instrument you've played?What is your favorite instrument shop and why?Do you perform any mandolin maintenance/repair yourself or take it to a luthier?Magnus's new lesson for the fiddle tune Red Haired Boy with some Adam Steffey Hero Licks.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#29 What’s your favorite practice app?
In this month’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
How do you visualize scales on the mandolin and guitar? Boxes, finger patterns, etc. Anyone have a favorite app they use for practice?Magnus’s new lesson release for I’ve found a new babyHayes’ guitar tube amps and the digital alternatives.Magnus’s shares a story when he became the national TV guitarist.Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#28 Do you know how to learn a song by ear?
In this month’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
Do you use a tone-guard for your mandolin? Why or why not?Do you know how to learn a song by ear? If so, how did you acquire this skill?Magnus’s new lesson release for the Martin Taylor Jazz lickGuitar Club: Mickey Abraham Chromatic Connecting LinesHere are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Martin Taylor Jazz Lick for Mandolin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwO7tUv99Ng&t=2s
#27 What is one of the most frustrating things you’ve had to overcome in music?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
What is one of the most frustrating things you’ve had to overcome in music and how did you do it?What does your practice routine look like right now?What type of pick do you prefer and why?Magnus's new lesson for Swedish fiddle-tune Hultkläppens Am Polska.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.
Visit our website for more episodes:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Troy Grady
https://troygrady.com/
#26 What are your tips for learning music by ear?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
Do you have music goals for the New Year?What are your tips for learning music by ear?Do you play other mandolin family instruments? (Octave mandolin, mandola, mandocello, etc.)Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#25 What is your proudest moment as a mandolin player?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
What is your proudest moment as a mandolin player?Do you ever take breaks from playing music? For how long?Magnus's new album “Nordic Symphonic”Hayes teaching experience at “Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp”Here are weblinks mentioned in the show:
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Nordic website:
https://www.nordicmusic.nu/
Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp
https://www.flatpik.com/steve-kaufmans-acoustic-kamp-overview
#24 What instrument pair best with the mandolin?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
What mandolin music are you listening to these days?Does your instrument need a setup now that the weather is warmer?New lesson with Nordic Folk Music, Vals efter Pål KarlHayes’ new album release with Appalachian SwingHere are weblinks mentioned in the show:
KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitors
https://www.krkmusic.com/Studio-Monitors/ROKIT-5-G4
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#23 How well do you know your mandolin fretboard?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
How well do you know your mandolin fretboard?Do you have any fun musical plans now that spring is here?Mandolin Fretboard Webinar and Fretboard Success ProgramDJANGOLOGY, new lessonThe travel vs music ration for the touring musicianThe best practices for songwriting and recording a one man bandHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
Learn more about Mandolin Fretboard Webinar
https://mandolinsecrets.com/webinar
#22 What are your music goals for the New Year?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
What are your music goals for the New Year?Let us know what you're practicing right now!Guitar Club TransitionHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#21 What got you to pick up the mandolin the first time?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
What got you to pick up the mandolin the first time? Is music a social activity for you? Or do you just play by/for yourself?Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#20 What gear and software do you use for recording?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
Do you use a rounded pick or one with more of a point?What are the top 3 qualities of your favorite musician?Do you record yourself practicing or playing? What gear and/or software do you use?Gear, software and musicians mentioned in the show:- Olympus LS-14 hand recorder
- Jacob Jolliff Band - Outbound Plane
Here are weblinks mentioned in the show:
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#19 Magnus and Hayes Reunion
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
Hayes’ and Magnus’ reunion after 7 years! Highlights include:
Swedish MidsummerTorsåker Bluegrass Festival and Jimmy SunnebrandtRed Diamond MandolinsBingjsö StämmanOndra Kozak
Here are weblinks mentioned in the show.
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#18 What´s the worst musical advice?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
• Take aways from the music-summer so far.
• What is your favorite instrument that you own?
• What's the worst musical advice you were ever given?
Here are weblinks mentioned in the show:
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
#17 How to play swing rhythm?
In this week’s episode, Magnus and Hayes are discussing:
Hayes' upcoming Western Swing Rhythm Guitar WebinarDo you teach mandolin or guitar? Tell us your #1 tip for folks trying to learn!What mental tools do you rely on for improvisation? Arpeggios? Scales? Sounds inside your head?Magnus' upcoming Jazz Mandolin WebinarHere are weblinks mentioned in the show.
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/live
Learn more about the upcoming Western Swing webinar on May 28th, 2022:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/guitarwebinar
Learn more about th...
#16 Transcription Tips with Marcel Ardans
In this week’s episode, Hayes chats with special guest Marcel Ardans of Lessons with Marcel about transcription, the world of online content creation, and some tips for how to start working out music by ear.
Here are the web links mentioned in the show.
Sign up for LIVE stream notifications:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/live
Lessons with Marcel
https://lessonswithmarcel.com
