Bleeding Metal Podcast

In this season finale, Kiki welcomes back Heta Hyttinen after eight years of our first interview at Tuska Festival in 2018 . Together with Katja Vauhkonen , these expert #WomenInMetal share their experiences in artist management and PR as well as why live music remains an irreplaceable experience for Metal fans. From the real rewards of managing smaller bands to navigating the rise of AI-generated...

In this episode, Kiki welcomes Podcast friend Reetta Sjödin , A&R of Mimmi Label . Her journey from childhood festival-goer to launching a label that champions women, non-binary, and diverse artists proves change is not only possible but necessary. We break down the importance of community, mentorship, and asking questions in order to open doors that aren’t offered to us. Reetta ’s efforts ins...

Recurring guest and long-time friend of Bleeding Metal, Lindsay Schoolcraft joins Kiki in an episode that touches on everything from all the reasons why Artificial Intelligence should stay away from art, how the patriarchy harms everybody including men, and how different conditionings cultural backgrounds interfere in our abilities to learn vocal techniques. Lindsay breaks down the stories behind...

Kiki welcomes the inspiring lead singers of Finnish Metalcore pioneers IKINÄ , Katariina and Tuuli , who advocate for more women in the genre, and how the band's latest album, "Valkyria", embodies the power of unity through themes of mythology. Learn about their groundbreaking collaboration 'Jumalatar' that was born from sisterhood and features 16 Finnish female vocalists and...

Most artists crave connection but few manage to show vulnerability and turn it into a powerful space for collective healing. In this episode, A.A. Willliams shares her extraordinary transition from classical cellist to the raw, immersive sound of her own songwriting. You'll discover how her classical training gave her a unique vocal and instrumental perspective, enabling her to craft deeply ge...

In this episode, Kiki welcomes Podcast friend “Nahka-Sami” Silvennoinen , booking agent, festival promoter, and musician, who shares his unique journey through the music industry. From performing in metal bands to launching inclusive festivals, Sami discusses the importance of diversity, the realities of the industry, and how to foster safe spaces in the live music scene. This episode is a compell...

TRIGGER WARNING: violence against women Listen to part I of this episode . In this second half of Kiki’s conversation with international touring photographer and law‑trained advocate Faye S. , we explore some often overlooked, yet crucial, measures Metalheads can take to safeguard artists and industry workers. Feeling safe in our workplace is vital and the music industry needs to take building inc...

TRIGGER WARNING: violence against women Power dynamics distort consent in ways the Metal scene rarely acknowledges. In this episode, Kiki welcomes international touring photographer and law‑trained advocate Faye S. to discuss many of the cases of sexist abuse within the Metal community and why legal systems alone can’t stop harm. Together, we examine why cancel culture isn’t real, how microaggress...

TRIGGER WARNING: Mental Health In this episode, Kiki hosts Podcast friend Bernie Lorig , a seasoned musician and host of The Band Show Podcast , to explore the significance of authenticity, self-reflection, and resilience in the dynamic landscape of the metal community. Let Bernie's insights inspire you to celebrate your milestones, embrace your authentic self, and continue evolving - both in...

Kiki sits down with Massiel Pinzón (vocals/drums) and Juan Carlos “Poti” García de Paredes (guitars/vocals) from ALPHAWHORES . Their journey from Panama to headline tours across Europe is founded in authenticity, resilience, and the power of music that’s born from identity, not imitation. ALPHAWHORES shares how their Panamanian groove influences their songwriting and stage presence, and why embrac...

Jelena Dobric , a renowned metal vocalist, vocal coach, and our very own jingle-screamer and dear friend of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, shares her life journey from Serbia to Tunisia and later Germany. Her latest musical project, Metalmorphix , is her innovative approach to creating a metal choir based on community. Discover her insightful stories from a musical upbringing and being part of an int...

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal podcast, Kiki welcomes Janine from VUKOVI to discuss her journey in music, empowerment, and the heavy music business. Janine reflects on her transition from musical theatre to rock music, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in music. The conversation delves into the impact of VUKOVI ’s music on their audience, with Janine sharing heartfelt stories of...

Kiki brings another friend to the Bleeding Metal Podcast to talk about all the interesting things he does. Félix Barros discusses his work in mapping musical cities like Valparaíso and Chile’s towering presence in Latin America’s metal scene. This episode will inspire you to rethink the power of music in revitalizing cities and communities worldwide, proving that great music infrastructure is a co...

Kiki started the year with an engaging conversation with Justine from EMPLOYED TO SERVE , exploring a wide range of topics including Justine's musical journey, the evolution of music consumption, the role of women in metal, and the importance of community and activism within the genre. They discuss cancel culture, political views, and EMPLOYED TO SERVE 's aspirations of world domination. 0...

In a new episode of Bleeding Metal’s Pod Friends series, host Kiki welcomes Crix, the creator of the Metal Pizza Talkshow and an Italian residing in Finland. Crix shares her journey making her dream move come true and becoming a physiotherapist and then a photographer and interviewer in the metal music scene. The conversation delves into her experiences with cultural differences, the challenges of...

2026 is shaping up to be a great year for Heavy Music, especially in terms of concerts, new albums, and the conversations we have in the metal scene. Kiki catches up with Josh and Ali from SYLOSIS about touring, mental health, and the impact of family life on their music careers. The conversation with Samy Elbanna from LOST SOCIETY covers a wide range of topics including music production and album...

In this episode of the Pod Friends series of Bleeding Metal, host Kiki welcomes former co-hosts Pia and Suzana , as well as NIGHTWISH-expert Simon McMurdo to discuss the current status of the Finnish Symphonic Metal legends. Together they delve into their personal connections with the band and later speculate on whether the band is on hiatus or if their previous shows were already a farewell. The...

In this episode, Jess Allanic, Ben Parker, and Alizon Taho from CALVA LOUISE dive deep into their journey as a multicultural band navigating the music industry with authenticity and maturity. They share the importance of embracing their roots, the power of serendipity, and maintaining mental resilience while they create impactful music that resonates globally. This episode of Bleeding Metal is a r...

Discover the ethical considerations in book culture and some strategies for managing digital and physical media consumption with book influencer and friend of the podcast, Gina Lucia. Together with Kiki, Gina discusses an interesting read as well as the difficulty in letting go of emotionally valuable books. We also explore the bizarre world of generative AI, its impact in our daily lives, and the...

The first episode of Bleeding Metal’s season 6 brings you an engaging conversation, where Emily Paschke from LETTERS SENT HOME discusses her upbringing, the German band’s story, and their recent collaborations for a re-release of their album “Forever Undone”. The discussion also touches on Emily 's identity as a feminist advocate and how collaborating with other young Women in Metal was the drivin...

Join Kiki in the final episode of 2025 as she reflects on the journey of the Bleeding Metal podcast. This episode then features a candid conversation with Chrigel Glanzmann from ELUVEITIE , recorded before the concert in Helsinki during the band’s tour with ARCH ENEMY. Dive into discussions about resilience, following dreams, and the evolving inclusivity within the metal scene. Discover insights o...

In this short but very special episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, Tank The Tech discusses his experiences as ELECTRIC CALLBOY’s tour manager, as well as the challenges of moving to Germany, and the realities of touring with an internationally acclaimed band. Tank emphasizes the importance of transparency in the music industry and the backlash he has experienced for it. 00:00 Tank the Tech on t...

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, host Kiki talks to podcast friend and music producer Cody Johnstone , who shares his journey from a young musician in Canada to a successful producer and session musician. Cody discusses his influences, his work with Lindsay Schoolcraft, and his unique experiences creating wrestling themes. Together they reflect on the impact of technology on music pr...

In this episode of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, host Kiki interviews Canadian rock icon Bif Naked , who discusses the new documentary about her life, her experiences in the Rock scene of the 80s, her journey through cancer, and her thoughts on feminism and the music industry. Bif shares her insights on the changes in the live music scene, her way of dealing with harassment at concerts, and her acti...

In this episode of the series “Pod Friends” of the Bleeding Metal Podcast, Kiki welcomes fellow Metal journalist Karina Coss from Henki Press . They discuss their friendship, their journeys into metal journalism, and the cultural nuances of music in Finland and Latin America. Karina shares her journey from being a music lover to bringing Henki Press , her online metal magazine, to life. The conver...