CASSINGLES

Scott McCloud joins CASSINGLES for a conversation about the music that shaped him, the records that changed his perspective, and a life spent making noise on his own terms. From Soulside and Girls Against Boys to decades of music beyond, Scott talks about discovering the sounds that pulled him in, finding community through music, and the strange education that comes from spending your life in band...

The Dollyrots join Cassingles for a conversation about growing up, falling in love with music, building a band—and somehow building a family inside that band without losing the loud guitars along the way. Kelly Ogden and Luis Cabezas take us back to the music that shaped them, the early days of their relationship, and the road that eventually became The Dollyrots. We talk about punk rock, songwrit...

Linus of Hollywood joins Cassingles for a conversation about the songs, records, and strange little moments that helped shape the musician and songwriter he became. From discovering music as a kid to finding his own place inside it, Linus takes us through the records that opened doors for him—and the lessons that followed. We talk about songwriting, melody, identity, the pull of great pop music, a...

Marko DeSantis of Sugarcult joins Cassingles for a conversation about the music that shaped him, the lessons learned from life in a touring band, and the path that eventually brought him into education. From discovering the records that changed everything to experiencing the rise of Sugarcult and finding new ways to connect music with students, Marko traces the moments that helped shape both the m...

Tracy Bonham has never been interested in taking the easy road. On this episode of Cassingles , the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter behind “Mother Mother” looks back at the music, teachers, and experiences that shaped her long before The Burdens of Being Upright changed everything. Tracy talks about growing up as a classically trained musician, finding her own voice, navigating the expectations...

Mike Timmins of Cowboy Junkies joins CASSINGLES for a conversation about songwriting, longevity, and the creative choices behind one of the most distinctive sounds in alternative music. Mike takes us inside the world of Cowboy Junkies—from the band’s beginnings and the remarkable The Trinity Session to his approach to songwriting, guitar, collaboration, and nearly four decades of making music toge...

Episode 16 — Joe Stamm: “Hopefully, Back Again” Joe Stamm has built a career on songs that feel lived-in—stories about hard miles, second chances, mistakes, survival, and finding your way back to yourself. This week on CASSINGLES, Joe joins Chris and Courtney to talk songwriting, the road that shaped him, and the experiences behind the music.

What makes a place feel like home? For singer-songwriter Emily Woodhull , home isn't always an address. Sometimes it's a song, a memory, a community, or the people who remind us who we are. In this episode of CASSINGLES , Emily joins Chris and Courtney for an honest conversation about songwriting, vulnerability, creative growth, and the winding path that led her to trust her own voice. Alo...

On Episode 14 of the CASSINGLES Podcast , Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn welcome underground hip-hop legend Illogic for a conversation about growth, purpose, creativity, and the people who help us become the best versions of ourselves. Known for decades of thoughtful lyricism and deeply personal storytelling, Illogic shares the lessons behind his music, the importance of community, and how real...

Rebecca Porter joins Chris Margolin & Courtney Dawn for Episode 13 of CASSINGLES to talk about the songs that shaped her life, the experiences that shaped her journey, and the lessons she's learned along the way. In this conversation, Rebecca reflects on discovering music, finding her voice, the artists who inspired her, and why the right song can stay with us for a lifetime. It's an h...

Jay Weinberg —known for his work with Slipknot , Suicidal Tendencies , Against Me! , Madball —joins CASSINGLES for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, identity, perseverance, and the songs that helped shape his life. In this episode, Jay reflects on growing up surrounded by music, building his own identity as a drummer, and embracing the twists and turns of a career that has taken him from...

What happens when life asks you to become someone even more authentic than the person the world already knows? In Episode 11 of Cassingles , hosts Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn welcome Sam Bettens , the unmistakable voice of the internationally acclaimed alternative rock band K's Choice . From the breakthrough success of Not an Addict to life on stages around the world, and from serving as...

Episode 10: An Ode to the Numbers | Jon Snodgrass (Armchair Martian) What if the numbers in our lives tell the story long before we realize it? In Episode 10 of CASSINGLES , Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn welcome Jon Snodgrass (Armchair Martian, Drag the River, Scorpios) for a conversation about life on the road, decades in punk rock, songwriting, friendship, and finding meaning in the moments m...

Some lessons are learned with words. Others are learned through rhythm. In this episode of CASSINGLES , Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn sit down with drummer Tosh Peterson for a conversation about music, discipline, creativity, and the rhythms that shape our lives. From finding purpose behind the drum kit to discovering how every beat connects us to something larger, Tosh shares the lessons that...

What makes a great songwriter? According to Jeff Caudill, it isn't technical perfection or years of experience—it's having the courage to tell the truth. In this episode of CASSINGLES , Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn sit down with Jeff Caudill (Gameface / Low Coast) for a conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and why songwriting is more accessible than most people believe. Drawin...

Some songs tell stories. Some songs help us understand our own. In this episode of CASSINGLES, Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn sit down with singer-songwriter Kenny Feidler for a conversation about identity, purpose, creativity, and the search for meaning in a complicated world. Drawing from his experiences as an independent artist and storyteller, Kenny reflects on the lessons hidden within life...

What does it mean to stay human in a world that keeps asking us to move faster? In Episode 6 of CASSINGLES, Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn welcome acclaimed singer-songwriter Abby Posner for a conversation about creativity, identity, resilience, and the communities we build through music. Drawing from a career that has crossed genres, stages, and life experiences, Abby reflects on the lessons th...

What turns a collection of people into a community? In this episode of CASSINGLES, Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn sit down with singer-songwriter Will Payne Harrison for a conversation about the power of music to bring people together. From songwriting and performance to the relationships built around shared experiences, Will explores how music creates connection, belonging, and lasting communit...

Real Life in the Big City Dave Lake has spent decades making music with Diesel Boy, but the lessons he shares in this conversation reach far beyond punk rock. In this episode of Cassingles, Dave joins Chris and Courtney Margolin to discuss growing up, finding community, balancing music with everyday responsibilities, and learning how to build a meaningful life without losing sight of who you are....

Kevin Seconds (7Seconds) | Punk Rock, Purpose, and the Lessons That Last What happens when one of punk rock’s most influential voices sits down to talk about growing up, growing older, and staying true to yourself through it all? This week on CASSINGLES , Chris and Courtney Margolin welcome Kevin Seconds, frontman of 7Seconds, one of the most important and enduring bands in punk rock history. From...

What happens when life burns down the version of yourself you thought would last forever? In Episode 2 of CASSINGLES , Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn sit down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Mayfield for a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the songs that carry us through the darkest chapters of our lives. Known for his emotionally raw songwriting and powerful independent c...

What happens when a song becomes a lesson? Welcome to CASSINGLES , the podcast where musicians become teachers and the songs that shaped our lives become the starting point for unforgettable conversations. Hosted by Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn , CASSINGLES sits down with songwriters, performers, producers, and artists from across the musical spectrum to explore the stories behind the music—an...

Ron Sexsmith joins Cassingles for a deeply human conversation about songwriting, family, and the strange beauty of making music for a living. Chris Margolin and Courtney Dawn talk with the beloved Canadian singer-songwriter about the craft behind the songs, the long road of a career built on honesty, and what it means to keep creating after the industry has changed around you. Website: cassingles....