Back to the Light

Host J.D. Reager plugs the upcoming re-boot of The Shangri-La Records Podcast before digging in to 2 new podcasts on the Back to the Light Podcast Network with their creators. First, Brian Balough and J.D. explain the origins of their new show called Of Marks and Men: A Wrestling Podcast and share a clip of their conversation with the "Genetic Nightmare" and reigning Memphis Heritage Champion Mike...

Host J.D. Reager shares something truly special from his personal archives: a lo-fi "field recording" of his 2017 conversation over breakfast at the Peabody Hotel with music legend Lamont Dozier (Holland-Dozier-Holland, Motown Records, etc.), producer Fred Mollin, and Lamont's late wife Barbara Dozier. They discuss the recording for what would become Lamont's 2018 solo album Reimagination , the si...

Host J.D. Reager reads a brief statement before taking questions from a small gathering of media members at the Memphis Listening Lab to celebrate 100 episodes of Back to the Light. J.D. also announces the long-awaited release date - October 14 - for both his new album and the new album by The Subteens. 

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and music writer Alex Greene about the end of his band Reigning Sound, upcoming Compulsive Gamblers gigs, and his recent Memphis Flyer cover story before deep diving on Alex's upcoming live film score performance at The Grove at GPAC. Alex also performs a piece from the score called "Come Hither To Me." 

Host J.D. Reager revisits his conversation with a Memphis music icon, the late Howard Grimes. They discuss Mr. Grimes' early career as a drummer in the '50s, his work with fellow legends such as Rufus & Carla Thomas, William Bell, Al Green, Ann Peebles, O.V. Wright and Willie Mitchell, writing his autobiography Timekeeper , and how Memphis music has evolved over the years. This conversation or...

Host J.D. Reager and musician Jason Pulley attempt to provide context for the slightly abnormal (in a fun way) live performance that follows. Most of this episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts. 

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Rico Fields and Ra'id about their respective musical histories prior to Negro Terror, joining forces with the late Omar Higgins, making the documentary Negro Terror: The Voice of Memphis , Omar's unfortunate passing and its aftermath, re-forming the band as The Negro Terror, and more. J.D. also spins "We Need Support" by Negro Terror. 

In honor of the 25th anniversary of her debut album Eighteen Over Me , host J.D. Reager talks to musician and songwriter Garrison Starr about the making of that record and how having a breakthrough hit ("Superhero") changed her life, plus her escape from the evangelical South, how her sexual orientation lead to difficulty in both her personal life and professional career, overcoming creative self-...

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and radio host James Enck about his personal story of recovery, the intertwined nature of the music and alcohol industries, his predilection for musical "torture," doing a show for WYXR, and more. J.D. also spins "So Disappointing" by James' former band The Long Mynd. 

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Big Star's #1 Record , host J.D. Reager talks to surviving member Jody Stephens about the making of that album and how joining the band changed his life. They also discuss his work with Those Pretty Wrongs, Golden Smog, Matthew Sweet, The Lemon Twigs and more, and J.D. spins "It's About Love" by Those Pretty Wrongs. 

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, songwriter and fellow podcast host Chris Milam about his life and career, having mixed feelings about Memphis, overcoming issues with mental health and substance abuse, collaborating with the great William Bell, and more. J.D. also spins "In The Blood" from Chris' most recent album Meanwhile . 

Host J.D. Reager chats with returning guests Joshua McLane (HEELS, South Point Grocery) and Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 5 & Dime Recording) live on the scene of the inaugural Midtown Con! This episode was recorded on April 9, 2022 at Black Lodge in Memphis, TN.  

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Graham Burks (Loose Opinions) and HEELS. This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Cory Branan and Alicja Trout (Alicja-Pop, River City Tanlines). This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe) and Michaela & Will Forrest (Rosey). This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts. 

Host J.D. Reager talks to professional wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett about his hardcore feud with The Moondogs in Memphis, transitioning from babyface to heel in WWE, his new persona "The Last Outlaw," the expansion of WrestleMania weekend, and the power of sobriety. Then wrestling expert Brian Balough returns to discuss Jarrett's legacy, WrestleMania, All Elite Wrestling, and more.  

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Mark Edgar Stuart about his journey from Arkansas to Memphis, the rise and fall of his band The Pawtuckets, playing bass behind Alvin Youngblood Hart, John Paul Keith and The Secret Service, finding solo success with Blues For Lou , the pitfalls of writing highly personal songs, making his new record Until We Meet Again with Reba Russell and Dawn Hopkins, produci...

Host J.D. Reager talks to comedian Andy Fleming about appearing in TV commercials for his family's furniture business as a child, coming up as a comedian in Memphis, leaving Memphis behind, adjusting to life as a Chicagoan, inhabiting characters on his podcast ( 30 Characters ) and on stage at The Laugh Factory ( Character Assassination Roasts), their shared love of Colt Cabana, and more.  

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, filmmaker and comic book aficionado Harry Koniditsiotis about the recent reunion of his band The Angel Sluts, working on a new Switchblade Kid record, various 5 & Dime Recording projects, the making of Harry's film Who The Hell Is Alfred Medley? , the continued success of 901 Comics, and J.D.'s sordid past as a high school troublemaker. J.D. also spins "Desi...

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Jeremy Scott and Graham Burks about their upcoming release show for Jeremy's solo album Bear Grease , disappointing news for the Reigning Sound, collaborating with Alicja Trout and Harlan T. Bobo, working together in the studio, and more. J.D. also spins "What Am I Talking About" from Bear Grease , and Jeremy and Graham perform "Fred Neil Armstrong" live. 

Host J.D. Reager talks to alternative rock radio DJ John Michael about his early days in broadcasting, the original run of 96X in Memphis on terrestrial radio, the station's demise, his journey to KROQ in Los Angeles and beyond, meeting big-time rock stars, the revival of 96X as a streaming entity, and more.  

Host J.D. Reager talks to music writer and author Stephen Deusner about his upbringing in Selmer, TN, moving on to Memphis and beyond, becoming a contributor to Pitchfork, Uncut, etc., writing his new book Where the Devil Don't Stay: Traveling the South With the Drive-By Truckers , their shared love of Centro-matic, and more. 

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Mark Akin and Jay Hines about their longstanding friendship and creative partnership, the nearly 30-year history of their band The Subteens, how addiction almost destroyed the group, working together on a new full-length album, and more. J.D. also plays a clip of the new Subteens song "I Don't Think It's Worth It."  

Host J.D. Reager resumes his conversation with producer, engineer and vinyl cutter Jeff Powell in front of a live crowd at the Memphis Listening Lab. They dig into the vinyl mastering process, the current vinyl manufacturing "crisis," and take questions from the audience. 

Host J.D. Reager gears up for an imminent trip to Memphis by checking in with old friends Jay Hines (The Subteens) and Marvin Stockwell (Pezz, Champions of the Lost Causes). He also chats with musician, author, martial artist and the subject of the recent documentary In The Shed , Tyler Ransom, and spins the song "Never Gonna Happen" by The Subteens.