MUSIC IS OUR HERO!

That’s a wrap on Season 3! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps. And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter—thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know. Send fan mail Support the show Produced, edited, mixed, and...

In this episode, we caught up with The Poettes just before they took the stage at Porchfest 2026 in West Philly. Although our conversation was brief, we got to learn more about the seven members who make up the band, the story behind how The Poettes came together, some of the ups and downs along the way, and what they hope to accomplish in the future. Filled with laughs, great energy, and plenty o...

In this episode, we sit down with entertainment lawyer Stephen Vanyo to discuss his journey through the music industry and into the legal profession. Stephen shares his early experiences as a drummer whose band signed a record deal that ultimately did not go as planned, inspiring him to pursue a career in law. Throughout the conversation, Stephen offers valuable advice for artists, engineers, prod...

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Night Fury frontwoman, Nat Kuri, to talk about her journey through music, identity, and chasing a dream that refuses to let go. Born in San Diego and raised in Mexico City, Nat eventually made her way to Philly, where she’s been carving out her place in the indie music scene one step at a time. Nat opens up about the gatekeeping she experienced grow...

In this episode, the podcast takes a deep dive into the life and journey of Denny Horn — a lifelong music lover who unexpectedly found his calling in concert promotion. From stories spanning the late 1960s to today, Denny reflects on the experiences, people, and moments that shaped his path. Through it all, one thing remains clear: a deep-rooted passion for music, community, and bringing people to...

In this episode, the podcast welcomes back Trip and Michelle, previously featured in Season 1, Episodes 3 and 8, for an update on everything happening at Cosmic Cafe. Known for bringing people together through art, music, food, and community, Cosmic Cafe continues to be a space filled with love and positive energy. Trip discusses the cafe’s seasonal open mic events, while Michelle shares details o...

In this episode, we sit down with Folklaur — a singer, songwriter, and storyteller — to talk about her debut album, leaves & letters, released in September 2025. Although music has always been part of her life, she only began playing guitar during the pandemic and has spent the last year writing and recording her first full project. Together, we dive into the highs, the challenges, and the les...

In this episode, Sam Pinola shares his journey as a lifelong musician, producer, and audio engineer. Having played in bands for most of his life, music has always been at the center of everything he does. From trading session musician services for studio time in the ’90s to opening New Sofa Studio in 2006, Sam has built a career rooted in passion, creativity, and authenticity. He discusses what ma...

Jim Rezac is a true music veteran whose life has been shaped by his passion for music. A talented musician, songwriter, and dedicated teacher, Jim has spent decades honing his craft and inspiring others along the way. In this episode, we explore his musical journey, creative influences, songwriting process, teaching philosophy, and how modern technology has transformed the way musicians learn and...

Rich Stoler has become a quiet force in the live music world, driven purely by passion. A lifelong music lover, he took that passion a step further by dedicating himself to capturing live performances and preserving them for both fans and artists to experience long after the show ends. What started as a hobby has grown into a full-fledged weekend routine. As a “taper,” Rich attends concerts, sets...

The Ant & Ang Band, founded by Anthony and Angelo, is more than just four guys having a good time—it’s a story of growth, chemistry, and finding their sound. What started as a journey of coming together and getting in sync evolved into the confidence to move from playing covers to creating original music. In this episode, they share how they built the band from the ground up, the challenges al...

That’s a wrap on Season 2! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps. And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter—thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know. Send fan mail Support the show Produced, edited, mixed, and...

The Nine Lives of Josh Jones Colon explores one man’s powerful journey through struggle, survival, and reinvention. In this episode, Josh opens up about men’s mental health and the consequences of a life shaped by powerful external influences. For Josh, it often felt like a fight for survival. Again and again, he had to pull himself back up, reinvent himself, and search for a path forward. From hi...

Tinyade is one of the younger guests to join the podcast so far, but she carries herself with wisdom well beyond her years. From Malawi to America, she shares her journey and how her love for dance and music began at a young age. Today, she’s blending those two passions as a powerful form of self-expression and a way to find peace and happiness. Curious and fearless when it comes to asking questio...

In this episode, Andrew and Katie, the owners of The Gem, share their journey from careers in real estate and the arts to owning and operating an independent music venue. Andrew reflects on how a lifelong love of live music led to a midlife decision to finally bring a vision he’d carried since high school to life — not simply as a business venture, but as something meaningful for his own peace and...

In this episode , Shattered Figures share the full story behind their decades-long journey—from Marc and Char’s beginnings in the late ’90s, through lineup changes, hiatuses, and the evolution that came from staying true to themselves. They open up about the challenges, the growth, and what it took to keep the band alive through every chapter. Fresh off the release of their 12th album this past Oc...

Ali “AMAC” McGuire’s journey is anything but ordinary. She began studying journalism before evolving into a platinum-winning mixing engineer, later expanding her path into mentorship, inspirational speaking, published her own book, and released her own album as an artist. Along the way, she found herself succeeding in spaces she never originally set out to pursue, guided more by momentum and purpo...

In this episode, Dear Diane talks about her solo journey as an artist and the role music has played throughout her life. Encouraged to sing from a young age, she’s been songwriting and recording for most of her life. Dear Diane opens up about navigating anxiety, shyness, and the tougher realities of the music industry, while staying deeply committed to her craft. For her, music is an anchor — and...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Grateful Daytrippers founders Ricky and Lydia — from a simple paper sketch to celebrating five years with an arts & music festival. They share how the brand grew alongside their relationship, all while building something meaningful together. Throughout the conversation, Ricky and Lydia offer real insight into the world of art, vending, and event pro...

In this episode, Bongo Billy traces his musical journey from childhood beginnings to the sounds that shape him today. Known and loved across Philadelphia’s open-mic scene, he shares stories of bands, talent shows, break-ups, open mics, loss, and the joy he still finds in every rhythm. Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview on YouTube . Connect with Bongo Billy! Instagram YouTube Check...

Air Deejay’s path hasn’t been a straight line, but every twist has led him to where he belongs. He’s tried different paths, gained skills in unexpected places, and discovered pieces of himself along the way. But no matter where he went, music kept calling him home. What started as exploration became purpose, and now he pours all his experience—advertising, creativity, and raw passion—into shaping...

Jason Dunkerley has a story worth hearing. For nearly thirty years, he’s been chasing his musical dreams. From his early days behind the drum kit to becoming a part-owner and audio engineer at Philly’s favorite studio, Drowning Fish Studio. In this episode, you’ll hear laughs, stories, and lessons from his journey. And when you’re ready to record, mix, or master your next project, Jason is the one...

That’s a wrap on Season 1! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps. And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter—thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!  Watch the MUSIC IS OUR H...

Dave Cudrak is a busy guy! He balances a full-time job, part-time solo acoustic gigs as a New Jersey-based singer/songwriter, hosting his podcast "The Music Scene with Dave Cudrak", fatherhood, and still finds quality time to spend with his girlfriend. After hearing his story, it’s clear that good things truly do come to those who wait. A lifelong lover of music and playing his guitar si...

Vall3y Val — an artist, musician, singer, writer, and mom — is a perfect example of how it’s okay to take your time figuring out your path, and not be afraid to try multiple things along the way. She’s deeply passionate about music and everything that happens both onstage and behind the scenes. Recently unemployed, she’s choosing to pour her energy into her dreams, making as many connections as sh...