Cody Kai Cast

Jimmie Dreams returns to CKC and pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to survive as a working musician—from grinding gigs in Austin to the uncomfortable balance between artistic integrity and getting paid. This episode dives into the realities most artists don’t talk about: why talent alone isn’t enough, how networking quietly drives opportunity, and when “pandering” becomes part of the...

In this episode of the Cody Kai Cast, we sit down with ATX-based R&B vocalist and producer Caleb Lemons to talk artistry, growth, and the hard truths most creatives avoid. From a heated Michael Jackson vs Justin Bieber debate, to the reality of unrealized potential in the music industry, this conversation dives into what actually separates great artists from the rest. We get into mental health...

In this episode, we sit down with Vic Vace—producer, artist, and co-owner of 512 Studios—to break down what it really takes to make it in music. We get into studio culture, why most artists fail, the role of ego in the creative process, and how collaboration separates amateurs from professionals. Vic shares his journey from doing free work to building one of Austin’s most respected studios, along...

Most people think being a great musician is about talent. It’s not. In this episode, bassist Evan Durr and drummer Joel Turcotte of Mild Science break down what actually matters—improv vs structure, why reliability can beat raw skill, and how the best players build something that lasts. This turns into a real conversation about the Austin music scene, creative growth, and why “overnight success” i...

Comedian Bella Carrozza joins the Cody Kai Cast for one of the most layered conversations yet—covering everything from comedy craft and performance psychology to modern dating, attention, and self-worth. From breaking down how rhythm and timing shape stand-up , to unpacking the realities of dating culture, validation, and the attention economy , this episode moves between insight, humor, and unfil...

Nashville-based musician Carly Rogers joins the Cody Kai Cast for one of the most unfiltered conversations yet. From getting banned from an Austin comedy club after rejecting an employee, to breaking down the darker realities of nightlife, harassment, and industry politics—this episode pulls no punches. But it’s not just controversy. Carly dives into:The reality of being a female artist in male-do...

Great musicians don’t chase perfection — they chase reps . In this episode of Cody Kai Cast , guitarist Trent Morgan (@trentmorganmd) joins Cody and Kai for a deep conversation about the real process behind artistic growth: failure, discipline, and showing up even when the performance isn’t perfect. Trent breaks down the mindset shift from chasing the ceiling to raising the floor — making sure you...

In Episode 55 of the Cody Kai Cast, AfroDiziac joins Cody for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation on artistry, authenticity, hustle, influence, and the danger of living someone else’s life. From early inspirations in comedy and music to performing with members of the Kill Tony band, Afro reflects on mentorship, mistakes, bombing on stage, and why growth comes from ownership—not imitation. The...

In Episode 54 of the Cody Kai Cast , lead singer and bassist Jennifer Foster (@jenniferfosterandtheaudacity) joins the show for a candid conversation on artistry, identity, and what it really takes to sustain a creative life. Jennifer opens up about trusting intuition through moments of doubt, building confidence while navigating criticism, and the deeply personal impact of her “Love Notes” folder...

Drummer Justin Hights and vocalist/emcee Keezy join the Cody Kai Cast for a conversation that blends musicianship, mindset, and real-life perspective inside Austin’s thriving live music scene. The episode explores the philosophy behind groove and pocket playing, the critical relationship between drums and bass, and why the drummer is often viewed as the “bus driver” responsible for guiding the ban...

Austin rapper and live performer David Shabani pulls up to the Cody Kai Cast for a wide-ranging conversation on hip-hop culture, musical longevity, and what it really takes to carve out a lane as an independent artist. From debating who’s truly “hottest” in hip-hop today to breaking down the difference between bars, impact, and cultural staying power, David shares his perspective as both a fan and...

In this epic post-ice storm episode of Cody Kai Cast (CKC51), we sit down with young Austin guitar phenom Elijah Jones (EJ) for a raw, unfiltered chat that spans music mastery, personal growth, and hot-button politics. Fresh off the frozen streets of Austin, EJ shares his journey into the local scene—hitting up Thursdays with Da' Homies, Skylark, and C Boy's—while soaking up wisdom from OG...

Half a century! In CKC50 of the Cody Kai Cast, Austin musician and cancer survivor Maddie Sunshine (Maddie Magnon) joins the show for an honest, heartfelt conversation. Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2024, she shares her journey through chemo, double mastectomy, radiation, and reconstruction—emerging stronger, sober, and more present than ever. Topics include: Turning off the news and soc...

In this episode of the Cody Kai Cast , Cody sits down with guitarist and Nether Hour frontman Bobby Flaco (@bobflaco13) for a wide-ranging, no-bullshit conversation about music, creativity, and the role pain plays in making art that actually matters. Bobby breaks down why genre doesn’t matter nearly as much as feeling , how a great song creates an entire world for the listener, and why adversity a...

In this electrifying Episode 48 of Cody Kai Cast, we kick off 2026 with powerhouse drummer Daniel Watson! From filling in for Bruno Mars at his Vegas club to touring with icons like the Supremes and Temptations, Daniel drops raw stories, unfiltered advice, and hilarious insights into the music grind. We dive deep into the Austin scene, why character trumps talent, generational gaps in motivation,...

In Episode 47 of the Cody Kai Cast , Austin artist and creative force Zeale joins Cody and Kai for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about what it actually means to be an artist in public. Zeale breaks down why cancel culture feels temporary , but real-world consequences—what he calls “murder culture”—are permanent , and how context, geography, and power change what artists can and can’t saf...

Drummer Joel Turcotte joins Cody Kai Cast.

In Episode 45 of the Cody Kai Cast, comedian and Delaware State Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton joins Cody and Kai for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation at the intersection of politics, comedy, power, and integrity . Madinah breaks down her viral metaphor of “selling out as a virus,” explaining how political power quietly infects good intentions, why ego and access are more dangerous tha...

What happens when one of the most iconic guitars in music history isn’t on display—but sitting in storage? In this episode, Cody and Kai are joined by Nico Little and 17-year-old blues guitarist Rhys John Stygal to unpack the strange reality that Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Lenny” is currently offstage while awaiting approval to be displayed at Austin’s new flagship Guitar Center. The conversation expan...

In this guest-free episode of The Cody Kai Cast , Cody and Kai sit down for an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation—joined throughout by producer Josh Cabaza —covering everything from collective trauma and media fear cycles to food systems, influence culture, propaganda, and what the “American Dream” even means anymore. The trio unpack how events like 9/11 and COVID reshaped society , why fear is...

Pianist Ernie Lopez sits down with Cody & Kai for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the craft, grind, and internal battles behind becoming a real musician in Austin. From childhood piano lessons to jazz school to playing for thousands, Ernie breaks down: 🎹 Why building relationships matters more than talent 😤 How haters and jealousy shape your journey 💭 The psychology behind confiden...

D Madness doesn’t just play music — he channels it. From Kill Tony to C-Boy’s every Tuesday, to writing music without ever seeing it, this episode dives into how he and Ter’ell Shahid create live, improvised music like it’s breathing. We talk creating without rules, what it’s like becoming recognizably famous overnight, taking 15 photos in Buda on a random night, and why D still laughs about never...

Comedian Michael Ridley sits down with Cody for one of the wildest, rawest CKC episodes yet — covering everything from starting comedy straight out of jail, clean comics vs. “clean brands,” crypto, AI insanity, dating in 2025, culture wars, assimilation, conspiracies, testosterone, China, Cuba, politics, modern masculinity, and why the world feels like “the United States of Dissonance.” If you’re...

The Cody Kai Cast leaves the studio and dives straight into the chaos of a live fashion event for the first-ever CKC live podcast , recorded on-site at the Moda Magic Fashion Show & Multimedia Event in Austin, TX. Cody and Kai set up beside the runway with a rotating cast of creatives, including Amplify EDM founder Kay Coté , who breaks down artist development, the right way to use AI as a too...

What happens when a drummer’s solo lands on SportsCenter’s Top 10 — and he doesn’t even realize it? 🥁 In this episode of Cody Kai Cast , Austin drummer Donovan Miller (@donovan.miller.music) breaks down the story behind his viral “Big Drums” moment that made @espn’s highlight reel. From his Minneapolis church roots to cutting his teeth in Kansas jazz school and finally finding his home in Austin’...