The Ben Maynard Program

Send us Fan Mail What if a global pandemic sparked your most creative work? Adam Holland, lead guitarist and vocalist for the Steve Augeri Band, shares how the lockdowns turned his Instagram snippets into "Rapture," a solo instrumental album that showcases a diverse range of musical styles. Adam reveals the behind-the-scenes process, from the first note to the album's release, and h...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how many shots of Malort one person can endure in a single night? Tune in to find out as we bring back the infamous Malort Challenge on this lively episode of Friday Night Live on YouTube. Engage with us by subscribing, commenting, and following on Instagram as we embrace the chaos and fun of interactive challenges like "Stump the Chump." We also reflect on...

Send us Fan Mail Enduring friendships are priceless, and tonight on the Ben Maynard Program, we celebrate a 45-year bond with my closest friend, Matt Davis. What keeps friendships strong over decades? Tune in as we share hilarious childhood antics, such as sneaking into the local bowling alley during the Pac-Man craze, and our creative improv sessions spoofing popular movies. It’s a night filled w...

Send us Fan Mail What if babysitting a radio station instead of children changed the course of your life? Join us as we sit down with radio veteran Kim Curry, who unexpectedly discovered his love for the medium in Canyon City, Colorado. Hear how the legendary Wolfman Jack inspired Kim from his high school days, igniting a passion that would see him through a vibrant career in radio. Relive the gol...

Send us Fan Mail As the sun dips below the horizon, signaling the end of another workweek, the airwaves come alive with the clinking of ice and the laughter that only a Friday night can bring. Kathryn, our mixologist maestro, joins me, Ben Maynard, to stir up some serious fun with her cocktail shaker, infusing our conversations with the vibrant hues of her Tropical Breeze and Coco Loco concoctions...

Send us Fan Mail Crack open a cold one and settle in for a wild ride, rock aficionados! Your Friday Night Live host is back from a hiatus, and we're kicking things off with a taste-test challenge that's sure to leave my taste buds begging for mercy—the Malort Challenge, paired with the wacky bean boozled beans. And if you think you can outsmart me with your rock trivia, bring it on with...

Send us Fan Mail Step into the vibrant world of live music as we sit down with the phenomenal Kobi Reese, exploring his acoustic debut at the David Z Foundation Benefit Show, and the exhilarating contrast to full-band performances. Kobi opens up about the personal touch of acoustic sets and the genesis of his original music, including the poignant "I Want to Be Happy." We also share a tr...

Send us Fan Mail Emerging from a whirlwind of travel and technical tribulations, I've strapped back into the podcasting chair to share the recent escapades from the Ben Maynard Program. As I surfed through internet issues in Portland and hopped between a quartet of hotels, I was starkly reminded that balancing a fervent podcasting pursuit with a relentless professional life is no small feat....

Send us Fan Mail Brace yourselves for an evening where the only agenda is fun, and where shots of Malort are downed if you've got the guts to dial in. I, Ben Maynard, am throwing down the gauntlet for some high-stakes music trivia in Stump the Chump, and I can't wait to share last week's heart-to-heart with Pastor Brian that's been warming listeners' hearts. The night does...

Send us Fan Mail When you're navigating the ebbs and flows of faith, it's like listening to a symphony—full of crescendos, diminuendos, and the occasional unexpected solo. This is the melody Pastor Brian Benson and I, Ben Maynard, explore in a heartfelt discussion that ventures beyond the notes on the page. We reminisce about the cassettes that carried us through tough times, the laments...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself belly-laughing at the misadventures of live streaming, while simultaneously getting swept away by the sheer electricity of a rock concert? That's exactly what went down at the Saban Theater as the Tom Keifer Band and LA Guns took the stage, and I, Ben Maynard, am here to regale you with every thrilling chord and comical mishap. The energy was palpable, the...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine the microphone hijacked by Kathryn, my spontaneous co-host for the evening, as we spin a yarn through the seismic rumbles of New York and the time-warped tunes of 1984. Weaving in personal tales with the rhythmic heartbeat of that epic year in music, this episode of the Ben Maynard Program promises a roller coaster of emotions, peppered with the prospect of future live dri...

Send us Fan Mail It's Ben Maynard here, cracking open a lively Friday night with a blend of Easter shenanigans and live entertainment designed to keep your spirits high and your laughter rolling. Picture this: every phone ring means I'm taking a shot of Malort, and let's just say, my listeners didn't hold back. Get ready for a mouth-stuffing spectacle as I go head-to-head with...

Send us Fan Mail When nostalgia collides with innovation, you get a conversation that celebrates the roots of rock and the evolution of music. In our latest episode, the magnetic Paulie Z returns to walk us through the ZO2 anthology album's journey, an offering that resurrects the joy of holding an album in your hands. We discuss the meticulous creation of a tangible music experience and the...

Send us Fan Mail Strap in for a rock 'n' roll time machine, as I, Ben Maynard, whisk you back to the epic era of 1984 to celebrate some monumental 40th-anniversary albums. Imagine the electrifying guitar riffs of Metallica's "Ride the Lightning," the sensual grooves of Prince's "Purple Rain," and the heavy metal anthems of Iron Maiden's "Power Slav...

Send us Fan Mail As the tapestry of our lives unfurls, I'm thrilled to bring you along on a journey that celebrates the intricacies of family – from the joys of blended households to the tender steps of a mother rediscovering love. In the comforting embrace of shared tunes, my daughter Tess and I reminisce about a tribute band concert that meant more than just music to us. Through laughter an...

Send us Fan Mail As my wingman and I fire up the mics, we're not just talking about any band; we're unpacking the legacy of Foreigner, a group that's etched its music into the milestones of our lives. We swap stories that dance through the adrenaline-fueled "Feels Like the First Time" and the everlasting impact of their self-titled debut. It's not just a chat; it&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Hey party people, it's Ben Maynard here, and you're in for one heck of a Friday night extravaganza! Our latest episode is bursting at the seams with '80s nostalgia, from toe-tapping trivia to a drinking game that'll have you reaching for your neon leg warmers. I’m enduring the infamous Malort, all for your amusement, and together with my wingman Spaz, we'r...

Send us Fan Mail Rush-hour traffic, cold pizza, and a Spock shot glass filled to the brim with Malort—my Friday evening was off to an unconventional start. Join me, Ben Maynard, as we shake off the cobwebs from our brief hiatus and dive headfirst into a night of unscripted revelry and reflection. This episode is like that one friend who brings the unexpected to every party—you never know what you&...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a hop-infused journey with me, Ben Maynard, and beer aficionados Chris, Mark, Darren, and Katherine as we crack open the world of IPAs and share our flavor-infused insights. From the hazy East Coast varieties to the pristine West Coast styles, this episode is a testament to the beloved brews we've come to cherish. We kick things off with the elusive Julius from Tree...

Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation with former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, as I, Ben Maynard, explore the depths of law enforcement and local politics. With a career spanning over three decades, Alex sheds light on his journey from military life to the front lines of policing in LA, navigating us through the intricate political web that governs the county. In this candid discussion, we...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how an all-girl band turns an ordinary night electric or what happens when softball meets rock 'n' roll legends? Spaz and I are still buzzing from our night out with Eddie Trunk and the amazing performance by Turning Jane, which we're thrilled to recount for you. But that's just the pre-show; we've got the inside scoop on the Rock and Roll Ha...

Send us Fan Mail Laughter echoed through the studio as Fab and Big Sexy Sean Hector graced us with their presence, turning an otherwise ordinary episode into one of unexpected joy and a walk down memory lane. The spontaneous call-in that led to their arrival set the stage for a delightful journey through the power of love and the magic of music. We shared moments of genuine connection over tales o...

Send us Fan Mail Picture this: you're cozied up, ready to embrace the whimsy of Groundhog's Day, and suddenly you're on a rollicking trip down memory lane, debating the raw energy of KISS's original lineup and their studio albums. That's the sort of nostalgic jolt we kick off with in our latest Friday Night Live, where technical hiccups can't dampen our spirits or sto...

Send us Fan Mail Strap on your platform boots and smear on that face paint as we reminisce and rank the storied discography of rock legends Kiss. I'm Ben Maynard, and I've woven my personal tapestry of musical memories into a nostalgic exploration of Kiss's albums, from the electrifying "Revenge" to the seminal self-titled debut. We dissect the evolution of this iconic ban...