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This week Bernie chats with Cid Gardner, co-owner of Backline Music Hall in Tupelo, Mississippi. They talk about his years as an Upstaging truck driver, the intensity of life on the road, and his lifelong connection to music. Cid shares stories from his trucking days, opening DIY venues, and building a home for live music and community events. They also discuss Smokey and the Bandit, Squirrel Nut...

This week, Bernie sits down with Lianna Lee Davies, bass player of Turbowolf and founder of LD’s Kitchen. They talk about her journey from touring musician to creating bold, plant-based comfort food, and how touring, family recipes, and the pandemic helped inspire her culinary path. Lianna also shares the story behind her new YouTube series Cooking with LD, her live debut at Download Festival, fut...

This week, Bernie sits down with veteran audio engineer and guitarist Jason Frankhouser for a conversation about music, touring, and the many paths a career in the industry can take. Jason reflects on his 18 years with Bob Dylan, discusses working with artists like Lucas Nelson and Jawbreaker, and explains how a passion for gear led to collaborations with major guitar and amplifier companies. They...

This week, Bernie sits down with third-generation professional wrestler Hunter James for a conversation about his life in and around the wrestling business. Hunter shares the influences that shaped his career, the origins of his Hollywood Hunter James persona, and his approach to character work and in-ring storytelling. They also discuss the evolution of independent wrestling, favorite wrestlers a...

This week, Bernie sits down with musician Jimbo Mathus to discuss his extraordinary career, from his days with the Squirrel Nut Zippers to collaborations with Luther Dickinson, Andrew Bird, Buddy Guy, and his current role touring with The Black Keys. Jimbo shares the fascinating story behind his album Songs for Rosetta, inspired by Rosetta Patton and her connection to blues pioneer Charley Patton....

This week, Bernie sits down with acclaimed producer, mixer, and Ugly Kid Joe guitarist Dave Fortman. Dave shares stories from his time with Ugly Kid Joe, touring with Ozzy Osbourne, and the experiences that helped launch his career behind the recording console. He also reflects on producing landmark albums for artists including Evanescence, Slipknot, Mudvayne, and Godsmack. https://www.instagram.c...

This week Bernie catches up with guitarist Sam Koltun for a candid conversation about chasing a dream, building a career, and landing one of rock’s most coveted gigs. From St. Louis clubs to touring arenas with Godsmack, Sam discusses the experiences, mentors, and friendships that helped throughout his career. It’s an inspiring look at perseverance, preparation, and what happens when talent meets...

This week Bernie sits down with powerhouse drummer Brian Tichy to talk about his amazing career playing with artists like Ozzy Osboure, Billy Idol, Foreigner, and Gene Simmons. They discuss Brian’s new band, Led By Vultures, the creative journey behind the singles “Get It Right” and “Massivity,” and why he finally decided to step forward as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist after decades as a...

This week, Bernie sits down with Pearl Jam’s official tour photographer, Geoff Whitman, to talk about his journey from devoted fan to documenting one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Geoff shares stories about discovering photography at a young age, learning from legendary photographers, and capturing the band’s Dark Matter tour for his new book, React, Respond. The conversation dives into...

This week Bernie sits down with legendary guitarist Jimi Bell. Jimi discusses his incredible career, from auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne to co-writing the Black Sabbath song “Master of Insanity” with Geezer Butler. He also shares unforgettable stories about touring with Joan Jett, appearing in the film Light of Day, recording music for WWE wrestlers, and helping revive House of Lords in the 2000s....

This week, Bernie sits down with musician and composer Allison Piccioni, also known as Rocky Rose. They discuss her path from a small town in Ohio to a global career in music. Allison shares stories from touring with Cyndi Lauper, performing for massive crowds, and the hustle required to sustain a life in the industry. They also talk about her recent creative work, including scoring a documentary...

This week, Bernie sits down with veteran guitar tech Grady Champion to talk about his years working alongside metal legend Dimebag Darrell of Pantera. Grady shares unforgettable stories from the road, including the powerful, full-circle experience of returning for Pantera’s recent celebration tour. Blending humor and reflection, the conversation also explores his decision to step away from touring...

This week, Bernie sits down with Alison Lyn Miller to discuss the inspiration behind her book Rough House: A Father, A Son, and the Pursuit of Pro Wrestling Glory. The book follows the rise of a young indie wrestler and the complex relationship with his father, who once chased the same dream. Along the way, Alison explores the culture and history of professional wrestling while revealing how it re...

This week Bernie sits down with guitarist Kenny Withrow. They talk about the creative journey that led to Kenny’s distinctive guitar style and success with Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. Kenny offers an honest look at a life shaped by music and experimentation. They also dive into his love of improvisation, influential experiences with legendary artists, and what’s next as he continues to crea...

This week, Bernie sits down with Justin Potter, bassist and vocalist of Dallas-based duo Sons of Gulliver. Justin shares how the band evolved into a two-piece project centered on pushing creative boundaries with just bass and drums. The conversation also explores the making of their new album Tetrahedric Hellscape Canon, their experience recording at the legendary Fame Studios, and the realities o...

This week Bernie sits down with Johnny Martin for a conversation about growing up with music, chasing inspiration, and carving out a career that spans rock, pop, and everything in between. From L.A. Guns to Gene Loves Jezebel and touring with Tiffany, Johnny breaks down what it means to truly serve the song. Along the way, he shares honest reflections on life on the road, personal loss, and the ha...

This week Bernie sits down with Gernot Leinert, Jason Gobel, Matthias Hechler, Grant Petty and Sanjai Shah Hauschild, also known as Amnion. They discuss the creative process behind their music, the challenges of writing and recording remotely, and the inspiration behind their debut single “Onyx Heart.” The conversation also touches on their recent record deal, the story behind the band’s name, and...

This week Bernie catches up with bassist Ashley Reeve. She shares stories from the road and her experiences performing with artists like Cher, Adam Lambert, CeeLo Green, and Filter. Ashley talks about the realities of touring and the importance of networking and reputation in the music industry. She also discusses Sniffy Ash, her new YouTube channel that blends her love of fragrance with her passi...

This week Bernie sits down with bassist Becky Baldwin to talk about her journey from growing up in southwest England to becoming a member of the legendary Danish metal band Mercyful Fate. Becky shares the incredible story of being unexpectedly approached at Bloodstock Open Air by King Diamond and invited to join the band for their U.S. tour. She also discusses her influences, aggressive fingerstyl...

This week, Bernie catches up with Dallas-based guitarist and songwriter Adam Nañez. Adam shares the passion, discipline, and community that have shaped his career, from the tight-knit DFW music scene to reconnecting with longtime bandmates. He also talks about building custom guitars with John “Sully” Sullivan and how it’s deepened his connection to the instrument as he gets ready to release new m...

This week Bernie sits down with fellow guitar tech Chet Haun. Chet discusses his journey from Indiana and early internet web design days to working alongside rock heavyweights like John 5, Rob Zombie, Slash, Wolfgang Van Halen, and more. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the road and reflects on the realities of tour life, hearing loss, and the pressure of being the trusted “co-pilot” on st...

This week Bernie sits down with former MLB player and broadcaster Steve Lyons. Steve talks about his journey from Eugene, Oregon to the Boston Red Sox and a nine-year major league career built on grit and determination. He opens up about his most unforgettable on-field moments, including the infamous pants incident that still defines him for many fans. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights fro...

This week, Bernie sits down with singer, songwriter, and artist Paco Estrada for a candid conversation about faith, family, and loss and how those experiences have fueled a lifetime of songwriting. Paco opens up about the emotional impact of being dropped from a major label, losing his father, and how those moments ultimately pushed his creativity to a deeper, more meaningful level. https://linktr...

Bernie recaps his week at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, highlighting the gear he discovered, the friends he reconnected with, and the people he met along the way. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the NAMM Jam and other standout moments from the week. It’s a candid look at the relationships and community that keep the music world moving. ****************************************** Hungry for mor...

This week, Bernie sits down with Andre LeBlanc, a visual effects artist and filmmaker known for his work on Love, Death, and Robots. Andre talks about his lifelong obsession with filmmaking, his love of horror, and how classic films and emerging technology continue to shape his creative process. They also dive into his short films Creator and Mask, horror storytelling, and the long journey of brin...