The Popko Project

In episode 79 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by the gentlemen in the band Capital Theatre from New Zealand. We talk about the pros and cons of the internet, being a band in New Zealand and their upcoming trip to the US. We also touch on Will Smith vs Chris Rock, the untimely […]

In episode 78 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Brian Vander Ark of the band The Verve Pipe. Yes, the band that gave us “The Freshmen”, and other great songs like “Cup of Tea”, “Colorful”, “Happiness Is”, “Never Let You Down”, and more! We talk about their recent visit to Montage Mountain where […]

In episode 77 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Amanda Dittmar aka The Artist Sachiko. Amanda Dittmar at one point served as an intern and freelance photographer for the Weekender before joining the team full time as the creative director. We talk about some of the good ol’ days of the Weekender and […]

In episode 76 of The Popko Project Podcast I’m joined by Andrew Blank and Eric Novroski of the band So Much Hope, Buried. In addition to So Much Hope, Buried, Andrew is part of Send Request, Blankman94 and Fresh Steps. In addition to So Much Hope, Buried, Eric is part of the band Toothless and […]

In episode 75 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Neil Trama, mid-day radio DJ on NEPA’s #1 classic rock station, Rock 107, AND host of The Beer Breakfast on NEPA’s ESPN Radio. We talk about how he got into radio, some of the fun things that happened back in the day that couldn’t/wouldn’t […]

In episode 74 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Nick Fantauzzi of the band Stereo Jo. Stereo Jo is a 5 piece high energy rock band from the Northeastern, Pennsylvania region. We get into the history of the band including the name, their music which is available on all the streaming services, their […]

In episode 73 of The Popko Project Podcast I’m joined by Jaysen Yatko, owner of Wayne’s World Dallas (570) 674-1995, and Sam Ciravolo, manager at Wayne’s World and member of the band Spud. We talk about the very long history that Wayne’s World has in Northeastern, Pennsylvania and how Jaysen became the new owner in […]

In episode 72 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Carmen Winters, real estate agent for Lewith & Freeman Real Estate. What led to his career in real estate? There were a few stops along the way (which we get into), but one could argue that the journey started as an intern at the […]

In episode 71 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by TySoul Music to talk about the release of his new album, Layers of Love. In addition to the album release, he’ll be hosting a release party on Saturday, February 19th at the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains. Joining him will be Dustin Douglas […]

In episode 70 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Jon Henderson, president and executive producer at Good Time Tricycle Productions. Jon and his team at Good Time Tricycle Productions are responsible for organizing and executing events like the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival (2nd largest beer fest in the COUNTRY), The Downbeach […]

In episode 69 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Bob Kellagher, former publisher of the Weekender and the man who convinced the Times Leader to purchase it in 1993. You’ll never believe the amount of money they paid for it! For those of you who don’t know, the Weekender back in the day […]

In episode 68 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by guitarist Aaron Fink along with his father, Gary Fincke. Aaron is a current member of the bands Lifer, Gentleman East and Earshot and is the former guitarist of the band Breaking Benjamin. Gary is Aaron’s father and the author of the book Amp’d: A […]

In episode 67 of The Popko Project Podcast I’m joined by Ryan Savitski, lead vocalist of the Wilkes-Barre based hardcore band, One Step Closer. We talk about the band and how it all started, growing up in Pringle Pennsylvania (NEPA), the hardcore scene, signing to Run For Cover Records, touring the world, plans for 2022 […]

In episode 66 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Hugo Ferreira, the lead singer and only remaining original member of the rock band Tantric. We talk about what it was like achieving such huge success right out of the gate with their self titled debut album in 2001, the band’s music over the […]

In episode 65 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Eyal and Vinnie, organizers of The Big Break contest. The Big Break is a contest for bands from Pennsylvania to compete in and the winner receives a fully produced music video, fully produced song, a photo shoot and basically anything they can use to […]

In episode 64 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by the band Blind Choice, an alternative rock and punk outfit from Pennsylvania. While they are a fairly young band, theyve already accomplished a lot. They’ve shared the stage with bands like Richie Ramone from the Ramones, Bowling For Soup, Drake Bell, Sponge, and Trapt […]

In episode 63 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by Adam McKinley, founding member of the band SUZE, from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. SUZE has been a band for about 15 years now and while they aren’t as active as they once were, they get together around the holidays for an annual show. This year they’ll […]

In episode 62 of The Popko Project podcast I’m joined by the band Frame42, an original rock band from Michigan. None of the members can even legally have a beer yet but they’ve already been able to work with grammy award winning producer, Toby Wright, on their first EP who has worked with Alice in […]

In episode 61 of The Popko Project podcast I am joined by The Maguas, an emo leaning, alternative rock outfit from Scranton, Pennsylvania. We talk about their most recent mini tour, the upcoming release of their new EP titled Evergreen due out this Friday, December 17th, creating music videos for their single releases, upcoming shows, […]

In episode 60 of The Popko Project podcast I sit down with Mike LaRosa, director of brewing operations for New Trail Brewing Company in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. We get into why New Trail Brewing Company chose Williamsport as their home, how and why they are able to release new beer EVERY WEEK, how Mike himself landed […]

In episode 59 of The Popko Project podcast I sit down with Mike and Colton of the band The Break Plans from New Jersey. In this episode we talk about their new single “Sad Sometimes” which is availalbe streaming everywhere right now. We also get it into how these two met which was on Craigslist […]

In episode 58 of The Popko Project podcast I sit down with Mike Bay of the band Borrowed Sparks from Nashville, TN. In this episode I talk to Mike about his album, The Prettiest One Left, which is streaming everywhere as well as the upcoming release of a Tom Petty cover song called “Refugee” due […]

In episode 57 of The Popko Project podcast, I sit down with Aaron Bruch, bass player and backing vocalist for the rock band Breaking Benjamin. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Aaron and calling him a friend of mine for over 15 years. I’ve seen him perform solo gigs throughout Northeastern, Pennsylvania and in bands […]

Welcome to episode 56 of The Popko Project podcast where I’m joined by the prince of darkness, the strangest of the strange, the weirdest of the weird, Josh Balz. And what better time to have Josh on that the spooky season that is October. We get into everything. His time in Motionless In White and […]

Welcome to episode 55 of The Popko Project podcast where I’m joined by Maine the Medicine and Michael McDonald, aka DUDS ahead of their new album release called Blood On My Hands due out Friday October 1st. The album will be available streaming everywhere as well as physical copies. We talk about the album, how […]