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Reserver is an indie rock band from the Chicagoland area. On August 14, they released their debut album 'Reverser'. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Chad Preston, Adam Penly, and Dan Wendt to learn how tragedy in Chad's life inspired this album, why the band prefers working in a DIY space, and how college radio was an early musical inspiration. Photo Credit: Dan Wendt. Used with Perm...

Jake Racina is a singer songwriter from the Chicagoland who takes his inspirations from The Shins and Wilco. Peter Kreten spoke with Racina to learn more about his new album 'Good Mood Guy', why Racina prefers the creative and recording process over performing live, why his music always needs a slight tough of quirkiness, and how the Old Town School of Folk music has helped him on his musical jour...

Strap in folks, there's a hurricane of emotions coming through. Casey and Perla take a different route this episode as they both talk about an anime and a musical they strongly disliked. Lots of strong opinions in this one folks so be warned, if you enjoyed an anime about a bunny girl or a musical about harvesting organs, you might want to skip this one. Tune in to the episode as well for a small...

Michael J. Miles is a musician who performs classical and Americana musician from the Chicagoland area. He's has been playing for over 30 years. In this interview, Miles shares how Bach influenced his playing, what's on his internal jukebox, and why classical and folk music still matter. Photo Credit: Gregory Heisler. Used with Permission

Sludgeworth is a legendary Chicago punk band that formed in 1989 and released their debut album 'What's This?' in 1991. 35 years later they've back with their recently released sophomore album 'Second Time Around'. Peter Kreten sat down with vocalist Dan Schafer, guitarist Adam White, and drummer Brian Vermin. What came next was a philosophical conversation on what it means to be in a band and wha...

Allison Russell is a Grammy and Juno award winning Folk and Americana artist from Montreal, and who resided in Chicago for a period of time. Russell set the folk and Americana scene on fire in 2021 with the release of her debut solo album ‘Outside Child’. She released her follow up album ‘The Returner’ in 2023, and is back with her most vulnerable album yet ‘In the Hour of Chaos’, released in 2026...

Julia Minkin is a singer songwriter from the Chicagoland area that crafts introspective lyrics with a touch of French pop music. Peter Kreten spoke with Minkin and learned about her approach to writing her new album 'Not Ready', when you can start listening to Christmas music and how it's a great community builder, and the challenges of being an artist in this digital age. Photo Credit: Alexa Visc...

With the school bell ringing around the corner, Casey and Perla discuss scholarly topics, such as the hit musical "Heathers" and award winning anime "My Hero Academia" Get ready for back to school with Casey and Perla as they dive into the colorful world of My Hero and "Heathers"

Afrofuturistics is a Chicago collective that "fuses cosmic jazz and instrumental hip-hop." They released their latest album 'The Enigmatic' in Aug. 2026. Peter Kreten sat down with Erik Oldman and Eli Wilson to learn how Sun Ra and Miles Davis inspired their sound, how the band came together the state of the jazz scene in the city of Chicago, and the upcoming album release show on Aug. 29 at Le Pi...

Snowcuffs is a shoegaze alternative rock band from the Chicagoland area that blends haunting melody with introspective lyrics. Peter Kreten spoke with guitarist Neil Yodnane and vocalist Stephanie Nikolas to learn how the band came together, how classic rock and 90s grunge was their childhood soundtracks and how it now influences their songwriting, and why the local Chicago scene is so special. Ph...

Welcome back to episode 4 of No Justice: No One Piece! This episode Danny and Perla discuss the highly anticipated skypiea arc f One Piece. A colonialist feud focusing on the forced removal of an indigenous group from their homeland, this arc is all too prevalent in the world we live in today. Drawing countless connections to the atrocities experienced by many, this episode is a must-watch for any...

Manasseh is a Soul-Psychedelic singer. He mixes R&B, Gospel, and words of encouragement into his music to create a sound that's uplifting, and original. Peter Kreten sits down with Manasseh to learn how "the why" motivates his music, how Brandy inspired his music, and how his mother served as his biggest inspiration and motivator. Photo Credit: Rikkie Khrist. Used with Permission

French Inhaler is indie/alternative synth pop band from the Chicagoland area who will grab your ear with their melodic hooks, catchy beats, and thoughtful lyrics. Peter Kreten sits down with bassist Adam O'Leary to learn how French Inhaler came together, how their new album was, 'Practice Lines', was recorded with analog technology, and what it's like scoring a silent movie. Photo Credit: Nikki O'...

The Feeders are a punk rock band with infectious harmonies and fast riffs, who will have you singing in the car immediately. Frontman Sam Vicari sat down with Peter Kreten to discuss the Feeders' latest album Dark Days, how Elvis movies from his Aunt helped inspire him to become a musician, and how writing your best songs happen on a walk to get a cup of coffee. Photo Credit Sam Porter. Used with...

What's that sound? Is it The Rumbling? The Battle of Yorktown? Nope, it's just Casey and Perla's newest episode of The College Exchange! This episode we discuss one of the most popular musicals in the world "Hamilton" and the global phenomenon "Attack on Titan" featuring special guest, Daniel Justic! Tune in as we discuss titans and women dressing up as Lin-Manuel Miranda dressed as Hamilton.

Welcome back to No Justice No One Piece! On this episode, Danny Justic and Perla Cobos discuss the Alabasta arc of One Piece, which is the longest arc yet. A politically fueled conflict between a kingdom and a secret organization, this episode is listen for any anime fan or polticial enthusiast.

Episode 2 follows Perla Cobos and Danny Justic as they discuss the Baratie, Arlong Park, and Loguetown story arcs of One Piece. These are the arcs that got them hooked on the series, and they discuss standout moments while drawing countless connections between the politics of the One Piece world and our own. This is a highlight episode and a can't miss for any anime fan!!

Join Casey and Perla in this special episode of The College Exchange as we celebrate Pride month! We talk about the ever famous musical "Rent" and the underdog anime "Yuri!!! on Ice" Lots of laughs and love in this one!

Amira Jazeera is a queer Palestinian-American musician. In 2025 she released her debut album entitled: 'The Amira Diaries'. The creation of the album was a healing process for her. In 2026, she released a brand new single 'Young, Sexy, Carefree'. In this interview, host Peter Kreten learns how Jazeera learned to make music on her Father's computer, how music heals, and why music sounds better on a...

'No Justice, No One Piece' is a brand new anime focused podcast hosted by Danny Justic and Perla Cobos. In this debut episode, Danny and Perla covered the first 3 arcs of the anime/ manga (Romance Dawn, Orange Town, and Syrup Village). They discuss the politics of the show, what stood out to them, and what connections we were able to draw to past and present events in our own world. This is a can'...

Kicked By A Hand is a ska band inspired by punk rock giants Blink-182 and Green Day. Fronted by RJ Ramanauskas, Kicked By A Hand has evolved from a solo project to a multi-person project. RJ sat down with Peter Kreten to share how they came up with the name for their project, how re-listening to cds helped them learn how to play guitar, and their approach to songwriting and finding the right time...

Griefeater is a “blackened alternative-emo” band from Chicago. The Chicago Reader named their debut album ‘Worn‘ as one of the Best Albums of 2025. With guitar heavy riffs and picturesque lyrics, Griefeater paints an image of Chicago that lives in your imagination. Ethan Rader and Lukas Skucas share with host Peter Kreten how the band wrote their critically acclaimed album ‘Worn’, how Zines and ot...

In this time of financial uncertainty, financial literacy is even more important than it ever was. Knowing what a credit score is, how it impacts interest rate on loans, and knowing how much to save can have a massive impact on your everyday life. Peter Kreten sits down with members of the Northwest Community Credit Union. Kreten is joined by NWCCU CEO Jose Garica, student intern Conor Murray, and...

Maris O'Tierney aka Park Hills Circle is a singer songwriter residing in the Chicagoland area, and along with her twin sister Quinn, is part of duo Maeve & Quinn. Under the Park Hills Circle name, O'Tierney will be releasing her debut solo album 'All of a Sudden' on July 10th, 2026. In her conversation with Peter Kreten, O'Tierney discusses how picturesque landscapes of Alaska and western Ireland...

Spencer Krug is a member of legendary indie rock bands Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Moonface, and has a prolific solo career. On May 15, 2026, he will be releasing his latest album 'Same Fangs'. Peter Kreten recently spoke with Spencer to learn about Same Fang's minimalist approach, how songwriting is his therapy, and what it's like to go viral. He also reveals some exciting Wolf Parade news. Phot...