Caught on the Mike...

Grammy®-nominated, platinum-selling artist John Ondrasik—better known as Five for Fighting—joins the show for an in-depth conversation about the music, meaning, and moments that have shaped his remarkable career. From writing timeless hits like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “100 Years” to performing for humanitarian causes around the world, John’s work continues to inspire reflection and resilien...

What happens when over 225 musicians from 180 bands come together for the pure love of music? You get The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown — a genre-bending collective that fuses funk, soul, rock, and hip hop into one massive creative explosion. In this episode, founder John Heintz joins the show to talk about the project’s evolution, the spirit of collaboration, and the making of their latest album, Volume...

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Cinotto, a veteran of the Midwest rock and Nu Metal scene. From his early days in the Omaha-based Downshift to his current work with Narcotic Self, Dan has lived the evolution of heavy music firsthand. He’s also the co-host of the podcast We Were Loud Once ‪@WeWereLoudOncePod‬ alongside Jeff Geaghan — where the two dig deep into the Nu Metal movement from the p...

Episode 200 | 5 Years!!!! This episode marks a major milestone — 200 episodes and five years of Caught on the Mike conversations. To celebrate, I’m joined by Howi Spangler the voice and driving force behind the long-running reggae rock band Ballyhoo!. From their start in Aberdeen, Maryland, to years of relentless touring, Ballyhoo! has built a dedicated following with a sound that blends reggae, r...

Bronx-born songwriter Ezra is stepping into a bold new chapter of his career. Fresh off the release of his emotionally-charged single “Intermission,” Ezra joins the show to talk about the heartbreak that inspired it, the cinematic mockumentary series accompanying his music, and the journey that led him from writing songs in his bedroom to signing with TAG Music founder Gabe Saporta. With millions...

Nights in Stereo isn’t just a band—it’s a story nearly two decades in the making. The LA-based trio, made up of 9-1-1: Lone Star’s Ronen Rubinstein, Jonny Shoer, and Rodrigo Rodarte, recently released their debut EP Second Nature—a collection that fuses retro-grunge, shoegaze, and indie pop into something cinematic, emotional, and timeless. In this episode, the band opens up about the friendships...

Beauty School Dropout are shaking up the rock world — and in this episode, they join the conversation to talk about their explosive rise, their latest single “TWO OF US,” and their highly anticipated debut album Where Did All the Butterflies Go? Produced by the legendary Neal Avron (Fall Out Boy, twenty one pilots, Linkin Park), the album marks a bold new chapter for the band. From the emotional d...

Travie McCoy, frontman of Gym Class Heroes, joins me for an in-depth conversation about his artistic journey, the music that shaped him, and the legacy of a band that broke boundaries. From forming Gym Class Heroes in high school to topping the charts with songs like Cupid’s Chokehold and Stereo Hearts, Travie reflects on how the band’s unique fusion of hip hop, rock, funk, and pop resonated with...

Baltimore alt-rock veterans Have Mercy are back with their sixth studio album, the loneliest place i’ve ever been—a record fueled by vulnerability, loss, and late-night reflections. In this episode, frontman Brian Swindle opens up about the band’s journey from their early days in the Baltimore scene, through the highs of breakout albums like The Earth Pushed Back and A Place of Our Own, the heartb...

Grammy-winning trumpet player, producer, and songwriter Emiliano Torres and virtuoso singer Camilo Rafael Sierra join me for a deep dive into the world of Xperimento—Miami’s ultimate musical fusion squad. Blending reggae, Latin soul, funk, and global sounds, Xperimento has been electrifying audiences since emerging from Miami’s underground music scene in 2009. Along the way, they’ve shared the sta...

Ten years ago, X Ambassadors changed the alt-rock landscape with their debut album VHS, delivering unforgettable anthems like “Renegades” and “Unsteady.” Now, frontman Sam Nelson Harris reflects on a decade of growth, success, and transformation as the band prepares to release VHS(X)—a bold reimagining of the record that first put them on the map. In this conversation, Sam talks about revisiting t...

What happens when the raw energy of Black Flag collides with the timeless spirit of Bill Monroe? That’s exactly the question Water Tower has been answering since 2005. Founded in Portland and now thriving in Los Angeles, the band has built a reputation for their fearless DIY approach and genre-bending sound that seamlessly blends bluegrass, old-time, and punk rock. In this episode, Kenny Feinstein...

Like Ghosts has been shaping the emo and alt-rock scene out of San Antonio since 2014—building a sound full of raw emotion and melodic grit. 🎙️👻 Their debut EP To Feel Like You’re Drowning set the tone for what would become a career defined by authenticity and growth. With their breakout single “I Wish Things Were Different” surpassing 1.6 million streams, and an alternate version featuring Shane...

From chart-topping success with Blue Moon Ghetto to shaping Omaha’s music scene through his new venture, Omaha Music Group, Matt Banta has a knack for creating the unforgettable. In this episode, we explore his journey through the highs and lessons of the music industry, his passion for nurturing local talent, and the exciting next chapter with his latest project, Space To Play—including an upcomi...

From platinum records to pop culture icon—Ryan Cabrera opens up in a candid conversation about fame, authenticity, and navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. We talk about his early success, the lessons learned along the way, and how he continues to evolve as an artist and person. A raw, reflective, and surprisingly funny look behind the curtain of a career that helped define an era....

What happens when two Grammy-winning legends—Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman and songwriter/producer Billy Mann—reconnect decades after sharing a high school vocal program and a deep love for harmony, storytelling, and soul? You get - CHOSEN FAMILY.. In this heartfelt episode of Caught on the Mike, we explore the origins of Chosen Family, their new collaborative project born out of shared roots in Ph...

This week on Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Alex Dugan, the magnetic frontman of Culture Wars, to talk about the band’s latest single “Lies”—a raw, emotional 90s-tinged alt-rock ballad that’s already making waves. We get into the heart of the song’s origin—written in the aftermath of heartbreak and betrayal, and shaped by the realization that everything musically was about to change. Inspired...

🎙️ Meet Glass Cities — a dynamic, genre-defying trio out of Miami making serious waves in the alt-rock world. Formed by Luis Salazar, Sam Ross, and Omar Gonzalez, Glass Cities blends euphoric melodies, gritty rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that’s uniquely their own. As first-generation immigrants, their story is as powerful as their music — shaped by culture, resilience, and a fearle...

In this episode, we're joined by none other than Collin Walsh, the voice behind Grayscale. Collin gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the band's latest chapter—kicking off with their new single “Not Afraid to Die”, a bold, synth-infused track that marks a major shift in their sound and direction. We talk about what it’s like going independent, the emotional layers behind recent tracks l...

On this episode of Caught On The Mike, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Hector Anchondo — winner of the 2020 International Blues Challenge and a powerful force in the modern blues scene. From his early days blending Latin, reggae, and rock, to becoming a nationally recognized blues artist, Hector’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and raw talent. We also reflect on our shared roots in O...

In this high-octane episode of Caught on the Mike, Mike sits down with Cody Hanson and Marshal Dutton of the multi-platinum rock band Hinder to talk all things music, creativity, and the fire behind their latest album. From the gritty realities of songwriting on the road to the evolution of their sound and chemistry in the studio, Cody and Marshal open up about what fuels their process and what fa...

In this episode, I’m joined by Charlie and Kevin Jordan Ries—aka The Ries Brothers—a genre-bending sibling duo fusing rock, reggae, funk, and soul into one unforgettable sound. We dive into their journey from local gigs to touring with legends like G. Love and 311, talk creative process, road life, and their latest summer-ready single, “Golden Sun.” If you're into good vibes, great music, and...

In this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Dominic Casciato, Head Coach of Union Omaha, to talk all things soccer, strategy, and leadership. From his international coaching journey to leading one of USL League One’s most exciting clubs, Dominic shares his insights on what it takes to build a winning culture on and off the pitch. We dive into the evolving landscape of American soccer, t...

Back in the late '90s, when I was diving headfirst into the world of playing in bands, I was like a sponge—soaking up every bit of inspiration from the best of the best. One of the biggest influences on me when it came to stage presence and connecting with an audience was someone I now have the privilege of calling a friend: Steve Ewing of The Urge This is Steve's second time on the show...

Frnd Crcl, pronounced "Friend Circle," is a band based in Vineland, NJ, steadily making a name for themselves in the pop punk scene. Formed in 2018, they began to turn heads with the release of their sophomore album, Internet Noise, which dropped during the chaotic year of 2020. Often compared to pop punk heavyweights like Blink-182 and Sum 41, FRND CRCL is now aiming to carve out their...