I sat down with Janie Barnett, a singer, songwriter, arranger, and educator whose career reflects a steady commitment to saying yes to what fits and no to what does not.We begin with her roots in the Greater Washington area, where summers at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and early exposure to roots music shaped her ear. Moving to New York was a shock. The city carried a gritty, post-Patti Smith energy and felt like a long search for a new urban Americana sound. Janie found her footing through community, especially friendships with Robin Batteau and Kenny White. Session work, including jingles, gave her financial stability and the freedom to keep her songwriting honest rather than chasing a paycheck through her own music.We talk about life behind the scenes and what it taught her about leadership. Janie shares stories from sessions with Linda Ronstadt and a career highlight singing background vocals on Saturday Night Live with Rickie Lee Jones, one of her musical heroes. Being on the team shaped how she leads her own bands, creating rooms where musicians feel respected and invited to contribute.She also reflects on how becoming a parent changed her artistry. Her songs deepened, her priorities clarified, and the work stopped feeling precious in the face of real life.We spend time on her project Under My Skin, a reimagining of Cole Porter through an acoustic Americana lens. What began as a guitar idea for I’ve Got You Under My Skin grew into a pandemic-era collaboration with an extraordinary group of musicians, including Carmela Ramsey and Jerry Douglas, many of whom recorded from home studios. The album proves Porter’s writing is timeless, and Janie’s voice brings it all together.We close with her work at Berklee, where she mentors singer-songwriters and leads ensembles. She speaks candidly about the pressures of constant content and social media, and the importance of building real community and a live musical life. Looking ahead, she is planning a vinyl release of the Cole Porter project, aiming for a show around Porter’s birthday in June, and working toward a new record of original songs with a clearer strategy for getting it into the world.Music from the Episode:LIfe Is Long and Then It's Not (Janie Barnett)Delaware Bridge (Janie Barnett)If You Were Here (Janie Barnett)I've Got You Under My Skin (Janie Barnett)Night and Day  (Janie Barnett with Keith Sewell)You're the Top (Janie Barnett with Catherine Russell)Thank you for listening. If you have questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please email me at [email protected].