The Popko Project

In this episode, Popko sits down with Atari + Mari, a music duo that’s doing something different — real emotion, real connection, and no filter. We talk about how they built their unique lo-fi sound, why sad songs matter, and how music can actually help people get through some dark stuff. This one goes deep — into creativity, vulnerability, mental health, relationships, and what it means to make s...

In this episode of The Popko Project, Popko hangs out with the awesome humans behind American Television — a D.C.-based punk band that’s been pushing out melodic anthems with a message for over a decade. We dive deep into their upcoming EP, You Are Not Alone (dropping September 19), which delivers a rallying cry for unity, mental health awareness, and surviving the chaos of modern life — all wrapp...

After over a decade since their last full-length release, Sainthood Reps are back and louder than ever. In this episode, Popko sits down with Derek to talk about the band’s origins, the Long Island scene that shaped them, and their highly anticipated new record, Dull Bliss, dropping September 26th. They dive into the chaos of their early tours, the impact of the pandemic, their love-hate relations...

After nearly three years, University Drive returns to The Popko Project Podcast! Ed, Mark, and Ryan(kinda) join the show for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from their gritty new EP "First Stage Separation" to their experiences touring with Cold. The band shares insights into recording live to tape at Electrical Audio, the evolution of their lineup, and the creative process behind...

In this episode, Popko sits down with Zach from Denver hardcore/nu-metal/hip-hop fusion band Fox Lake to talk about their brand-new full-length album New World Heat (released August 1). Zach dives into the two-year creative process behind the record, how the band built it around the concept of “pure adrenaline,” and why they fully embraced their 90s nostalgia—blending heavy riffs, hip-hop grooves,...

This week, Popko sits down with Austin from Pittsburgh rock outfit Rex Tycoon to talk about their debut full-length album "No Limit 2 Love", now out everywhere. They dive into: 🎸 The band’s origins — from college jams to a pandemic-fueled creative burst 💿 The raw, no-frills recording process (live tracked in just 2.5 days!) 💌 The meaning behind “No Limit 2 Love” and why straight-up rock music s...

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we explore the rise of The Electric City Surf Club, an experimental indie music collective that’s redefining Scranton’s local music scene. Founder Sean Flynn dives into how the band started, what drives their DIY creative philosophy, and how they're building a community-first music movement right here in Northeast Pennsylvania. 🔊 If you're into underg...

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, Popko catches up with blues-rock powerhouse Dustin Douglas to celebrate the release of his band, Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen, brand-new album, IV. Two years after their last podcast hang, Dustin returns to dive into the creative journey behind IV — from writing and recording to hitting the road and turning up the volume. They talk about...

In this episode, Popko is joined by Jacob from The Heartstrings , the rising country-rock band making serious waves out of Williamsport, PA. From humble beginnings with broken sound systems to playing packed-out festivals like River Wave Country Music Festival , Jacob shares the band’s 10-year journey, the stories behind their emotionally charged debut album Sad Cowboy, and what it’s like creating...

This episode is one of those rare conversations that really sticks with you. Guilford Adams is a professional clown — yes, an actual clown — but also an actor, performer, and now the director of American Clown, a powerful new documentary exploring the strange, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking story of clown culture in America. We talk honestly about how clowns went from beloved icons like Bozo a...

We’ve got Nick and Mike from Wounded Touch on the show, and let me tell you—these dudes go deep. They're not just making heavy music, they’re living it. Their new album, A Vivid Depiction of Collapse, is this raw, unfiltered punch to the soul about life, fatherhood, growing up, and yeah—things falling apart. We talk about what it’s like touring with a family, making it all work DIY-style, and how...

In this episode, we sit down with the dynamic minds behind Bellwether Ritual, a rising force in the Lehigh Valley stoner/doom rock scene. We talk everything from the band’s gritty origins during the pandemic to their evolving sound that blends grunge roots, Black Sabbath fuzz, and haunting vocal harmonies. 🎸 We dive deep into: -The journey from solo songwriting to full-band collaboration -The sto...

In this episode, we welcome Tiny Ships, a New Jersey-based band that’s making waves with heartfelt songwriting, sold-out shows, and a deep commitment to mental health awareness. What started as a studio project during COVID has quickly evolved into a powerful, emotionally honest band blending singer-songwriter sensibility with influences from metal, hardcore, pop, and everything in between. We div...

In this episode, we're joined by Ben from UK post-hardcore/alternative band Acres to talk about their highly anticipated new album The Host, out NOW. Ben dives into the band's evolution from melodic hardcore to a genre-blending force, working with producer Landon Tewers (The Plot In You), and the creative process of crafting an album with no limits. We also explore the story behind their cinematic...

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Camille, the powerhouse vocalist of the French metalcore band Novelists, to talk about their upcoming album Coda, out May 16. We dive into Camille's journey joining the band just a year and a half ago, the emotional depth of the new record, her experience touring the U.S. for the first time, and what it’s like stepping into a band with...

In this episode of The Popko Project, we welcome Charlie Biscotto — aka the man who accidentally broke the internet by running up a down escalator at WrestleMania 41. What started as a post family dinner gathering and casual Instagram scroll turned into viral fame when host Popko realized the man in the now-iconic video was his own cousin. Charlie breaks down the chaos of exiting WrestleMania...

Ep. 229 of The Popko Project Podcast is here featuring Debt Neglector – Orlando punk band with a brand new LP that, well… Kinda Rips 🤘 (now streaming everywhere) We talk about: 🎸 The DIY grind & staying punk past 40 📚 Their surprising past lives as teachers 🎤 Writing politically charged songs with personal weight💥 New record, FEST memories & wild Scranton mall stories Listen now and c...

In this episode, Popko catches up with genre-blending powerhouse Nathan James, fresh off tour with Attila and gearing up for his debut album release this July. Nathan opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind his hit single “Alienation”, a track born from a storm of anxiety, identity struggles, and raw creative energy. He also shares how his background as a celebrity photographer (yep,...

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, host Popko sits down with Nick Bruce, owner and manager of Wise Crackers Comedy Club located inside Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Nick shares the behind-the-scenes reality of running a comedy club — from booking nationally touring stand-up comedians to cleaning up after rowdy nights and dealing with everything in between. Discover ho...

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Dennis Condusta, a true creative powerhouse. As the production manager at Axelrad Screen Printing, founding member of Astorian Stigmata, content creator, DIY enthusiast, BMX rider, father, and husband, Dennis brings passion and dedication to everything he does. We dive into his journey in screen printing and design, the grind of indepe...

Buckle up, folks—this one’s a banger. On this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with UFC middleweight Andre Petroski, a straight-up savage inside the octagon and a calculated competitor who’s all about putting in the work. Fresh off his third consecutive win, Andre talks about the fight game, the brutal weight cuts, and the strategy behind every move inside the cage. We dive into h...

🚨 EPISODE 222: THE HYPE IS REAL! GEORGE POLEMITIS BRINGS THE HEAT! 🚨 Buckle up, because this episode of The Popko Project Podcast is an absolute barnburner! We’re diving headfirst into the wild world of independent wrestling’s explosive resurgence, and who better to lead the charge than George Polemitis—barber, father, ring announcer, and all-around hype machine! George takes us behind the curta...

In this episode, we sit down with Katerina Nicole, a rising force in the rock/metalcore scene, on the day of her 30th birthday—and instead of partying, she’s here talking music, passion, and the wild journey that led to her debut EP, Serene In Violent Oceans. Katerina opens up about her transition from pop and EDM into heavy music, the deep emotions behind her lyrics, and the self-doubt that almos...

Comedian, podcaster, and laughter yoga leader Jeannine Luby joins the show for a deep dive into the power of humor, mental health, and creating space for meaningful conversations. We talk about her journey in stand-up, the challenges of being a female comedian, and why laughter—yes, even forced laughter—can actually rewire your brain for the better. We also get into parenting in the digital age, s...

🎙️ Episode 219: No Take Backs – Music, Mental Health & Pop Punk Passion 🎸 In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we welcome No Take Backs, an emerging pop-punk/emo band based in Montrose, PA. The guys share the story behind their band’s formation, their influences (from The Story So Far to Metallica and Creed?!), and their journey navigating the music scene. We dive into their upcoming...