The No Judgment Zone

This week on The No Judgment Zone, we’re taking a deep dive into The Chicks (formerly known as The Dixie Chicks). From their country turned mainstream success in the late ‘90s to the controversy that reshaped their career, we unpack the music, the moments, and the message behind one of the most talked-about bands of our generation. Original intro/outro music by Mike Dainer AKA Andy Fusia Check Mik...

The No Judgment Zone is BACK we’re talking about the ‘90s alt-rock classic “Santa Monica” by Everclear. We take a quick trip down memory lane and revisit why this song stuck with so many of us growing up. But does Santa Monica still hit the same way now as it did back then? Listen to The NJZ to find out. Original intro/outro music by Mike Dainer AKA Andy Fusia Check Mike Dainer out on Bandcamp: ht...

In this episode of The No Judgment Zone, we dive into the quirky world of Death Cab for Cutie — a band that has somehow managed to balance heartbreaking lyricism with a (at times) sickening dose of indie rock. It's a celebration of most things Death Cab, with some bumps along the way. Links from this episode: “Crooked Teeth” music video: https://youtu.be/ar1_tEg4Nxs?s... “What Sarah Said” music vi...

Next up on the queue: Jaded by Aerosmith. The No Judgment Zone is diving into Aerosmith’s music beginning with the '90s, exploring their evolution through the 2000s and beyond. Tune in for a wild (roller coaster) ride through Aerosmith’s later years and their complex, albeit problematic legacy. Links from this episode: “Jaded” music video: https://youtu.be/qbexOeoH5hg Super Bowl XXXV Halftime Show...

Welcome back, listeners! Today we’re taking a look at 311’s journey from their Omaha roots to '90s stardom. We attempt to break down their inexplicable sound as we journey down the 311 rabbit hole. Will we make it out alive or keep going down, down? Links from this episode: “Down” music video: https://youtu.be/lYBIRHi5-o8 “Amber” music video: https://youtu.be/SUFSB2plwzM Original intro/outro music...

Saddle up, listeners, because The No Judgment Zone is coming to you today with a deep dive on Big & Rich. We all remember 2004’s “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy),” but does it hold up? Were any horses saved by the MuzikMafia? Pour yourself another round and find out. Links from this episode: “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” music video: https://youtu.be/HflDc7PUT2g?s... “Comin’ To Your City” music...

Today The No Judgment Zone is unpacking 100 Years of Five for Fighting. From shopping carts to the USO, frontman and founder Vladimir John Ondrasik III has lived a few lives in his 59 (probable) years on earth. Listen to learn more! Links from this episode: “100 Years” music video: https://youtu.be/tR-qQcNT_fY?s... “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” music video: https://youtu.be/GRz4FY0ZcwI?s... Original...

Welcome back to The No Judgment Zone! Today we are diving into Cute Is What We Aim For, a MySpace era blast from the past. Does practice make perfect for this Buffalo band or are they just cursed? Listen to find out! Links from this episode: “The Curse Of Curves” music video: https://youtu.be/UAQcNo9yWbM?s... “Practice Makes Perfect”music video: https://youtu.be/ZMUrHYsxtWE?s... Original intro/out...

Things in The No Judgment Zone are getting a bit “Blurry” as we dive into the 2001 hit by Puddle of Mudd. We’ve all heard their songs on the radio, but how do they hold up? How did they get so big in the first place? Give the episode a listen to find out! Links from this episode: “Blurry” music video: https://youtu.be/xJJsoquu70o?s... “Control” music video: https://youtu.be/I0-lENIRHaM?s... “She H...

In this episode, we’re talking about absolute legend Hayley Williams and all things Paramore with special guest, Emily! We take a few trips down a slightly embarrassing (and very emo) memory lane. Could we ever achieve Hayley’s perfect hair? Definitely not, but we loved talking about Paramore! Links from this episode: “Misery Business” music video: https://youtu.be/aCyGvGEtOwc?s... “Decode” music...

Oui-oui! Today we’re heading north of the border and discussing a nostalgic favorite, Simple Plan. Based in Montreal, Simple Plan was all over the map in the early 2000s. Did they live up to the hype? Listen to find out! Links from this episode: “Perfect” music video: https://youtu.be/RUi54JTgL5s?s... “I’m Just A Kid” music video: https://youtu.be/_GOR5gvQwDI?s... “Vacation” in New York Minute: ht...

With close connections to Nirvana and a feature in Adam Sandler’s hit movie, Big Daddy, today’s episode is quintessentially 90s. We’re covering iconic 1993 alt-rockers, Garbage, who joined forces from Scotland and Madison, Wisconsin. Listen to the episode to hear how it all comes together! Links from this episode: “When I Grow Up” Big Daddy version: https://youtu.be/_uDiGAr_WKs?s... “I Think I’m P...

Happy holidays from The No Judgment Zone! We’re back and ready to celebrate everyone’s favorite holiday classic, Jennifer’s Body. Pour yourself a glass of egg nog and unwind as we unpack a botched attempt at human sacrifice, teenage antics, and pop punk classics in the fictional town of Devil’s Kettle, Minnesota. Original intro/outro music by Mike Dainer AKA Andy Fusia Check Mike Dainer out on Ban...

In this very special episode of The No Judgment Zone, we’re pushing around the idea that Matchbox Twenty might be a decent band. With so many hits, Matchbox Twenty has always been a fixture of The NJZ and today we’re finally getting to the bottom of why. Listen to find out if “3AM” stands up in the real world, or is destined to stay in The NJZ forever. Huge thanks to our special guest and Matchbox...

It’s the perfect day to listen to your favorite podcast, The No Judgment Zone! Alongside our very special guest, Jackson Rogers, we’re covering the ultimate summer treat, “Perfect Day” by Hoku. The song was an instant hit thanks to Legally Blonde, but what happened to Hoku after all of that success? Listen to find out! Links from this episode: “Perfect Day” original music video: https://youtu.be/S...

The No Judgment Zone is right back at it with a new episode! Hailing from the small town of Ocala, Florida, A Day To Remember took over the pop punk scene around 2009. Is this something we look back on favorably or was it actually The Downfall Of Us All? Listen to find out! Links from this episode: “The Downfall Of Us All” music video: https://youtu.be/CN4IIgFz93k “All Signs Point to Lauderdale” m...

Today we have an extra special episode of The No Judgment Zone where our guests actually outnumber our hosts. It was Taylor Swift concert weekend so we had to get together and unpack one of the biggest artists of our generation(s). Joined by Tyler’s sister, Lily, and his mom, Diane - plus friends of the pod, Emily and Jackson - we explore all the eras of Taylor Swift. Huge thanks to Lily and Diane...

This week, we’re taking a closer look at the surprising world (cult?) of Hanson. 1997’s “MMMBop” was a Grammy-nominated summer anthem written by three teenage brothers. How did they pull it off? Where are they now? You probably don’t want to know… but give us a listen anyway! Links from this episode: “MMMBop” music video: https://youtu.be/1aXVxPyPK9A “This Time Around” music video: https://youtu.b...

The No Judgment Zone is BACK and ready to take a deep dive into a true NJZ classic - 2005’s “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” by Fall Out Boy. We all know the song, but what else do these boys from Chicago have to offer? Will we uncover more than we bargained for? Listen to the episode to find out! Links from this episode: “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” music video: https://youtu.be/uhG-vLZrb-g “Dance, Dance” mu...

Welcome back to the No Judgement Zone! Today we’re attempting to dissect “One Week” by Canada’s own Barenaked Ladies. With its melodic moments, free styling rapping, and off-the-wall lyrics, “One Week” leaves us with more questions than answers. Are Barenaked Ladies a chart-topping anomaly or are they actually legit? Listen to find out! Links from this episode: “One Week” music video: https://yout...

Happy Halloween from The No Judgment Zone! To keep things nice and spooky for you, we’re talking about the quintessential goth-rock band, AFI. We all know their 2006 hit “Miss Murder” but does AFI bring more to the table than horror themes and mysterious rabbits? We’re welcoming two very special guests and friends of the pod, the Brothers Fusia, to unpack all things AFI. Listen for some Halloween...

In today’s episode, The No Judgment Zone is covering the iconic 2000 hit “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” by the band Nine Days. What makes this song so special? We bet you’re already singing it to yourself! Keep listening to learn about the Long Island natives, Nine Days, and see if The NJZ will be divided by this story. Links from this episode: “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” music video: https://y...

Today’s episode takes the No Judgment Zone down a disturbing path. We’re discussing what is considered the most successful nu metal (adjacent?) album of all time, 2000’s The Sickness. While we all remember the animalistic intro to Down with the Sickness, does the rest of the song or album hold up to their “disturbing” image? Listen to find out! Links from this episode: “Down with the Sickness” mus...

In today’s episode, The No Judgment Zone is following the Gin Blossoms down an unfortunately dark path. The unique backstory of the band behind “Hey Jealousy” certainly sets them up for success, but will it last? Make yourself a gin martini and dive into the episode to find out! Links from this episode: “Hey Jealousy” music video: https://youtu.be/ah5gAkna3jI “Follow You Down” music video: https:/...

Summer is over and The No Judgment Zone is getting in the school spirit by reviewing a true teen classic, Josie and the Pussycats. This movie absolutely screams everything we love (and hate) about 2001. But does it stand the test of time? Today we welcome extra special guest, friend of the pod, and Josie enthusiast, Julie, to talk us through this iconic movie. Links from this episode: Josie and th...