Music Junkies Podcast

Get ready to be taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and nostalgia as we explore the mesmerizing world of music and wrestling. I'm your host, Annette Smith, and joining me in this insightful journey is our music-obsessed guest, CJ Plain. He opens up about his home studio, the sentimental significance behind its name, and his intriguing book project that beautifully interweaves his love for ho...

Have you ever wondered about the transformative power of music? Join me as I sit down with Eric Alper, a major figure in the Canadian entertainment industry, for an engaging and thought-provoking journey through the world of music and beyond. We kick off with Eric's personal playlist, each song a life lesson. He gives us a rare glimpse into the music industry's inner workings and talks about his p...

Ever wondered how the cultural blend of TV, music, and films across two languages shapes a person? This episode takes you on a fascinating journey with Ramon, a first-generation Mexican-American, whose childhood was marinated in a mix of English and Spanish entertainment, and how that blend has influenced his life and work. We're rolling back the years, dipping into the vibrant culture, music, and...

Get ready to ride a rollercoaster of emotions with our extraordinary guest, Kevin Joly. In this engaging conversation, we travel in time as Kevin paints a vivid picture of his life, significantly shaped by music. His tale takes us from his elementary school days when he was rocking out to Def Leppard, to choosing a wedding song that evokes cherished memories. What better way to understand a man's...

Ever wondered who's the mastermind behind the global hit 'Rock Me Amadeus'? Join us as we sit down with award-winning songwriter and producer, Rob Bolland, who's left an enduring imprint on the music scene and sold over 67 million records worldwide. Get ready to traverse through Rob's enthralling career journey, from his youth in South Africa to his fascination for movies that shaped his songwriti...

Guest of honor, Jeremy Bryant is joining us for an enlightening chat, imparting his expertise on metal music, horror films, and the intriguing lifestyle of Juggalos. Our conversation takes us on a journey through Jeremy's high school years, shedding light on how his love for the band Sticks shaped his musical taste. Tag along as we dive into Jeremy's college days, where we learn about his initiati...

Prepare for a wild ride as we go backstage with Baranot Regrets and Sid Stratton to uncover the magic and mayhem of the music world. Our journey starts with a nostalgic trip down memory lane as Sid reveals his life-long love affair with music, triggered by the iconic Batman Forever soundtrack. Hear his fond recollections of partying with Jimmy Buffett, his parents’ favorite musician, and how music...

If you've ever wondered how life's experiences, family, and even food can shape an artist's musical journey, then you'll love our latest episode with the multi-talented Lukey Antonio. A classical musician who found his unique style, Luke's story is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of always staying true to oneself. From his upbringing in a music-loving family to the Suzuki...

Prepare to be entertained by our vibrant guest who not only speaks five languages but also composes hilarious songs centered on male anatomy. This episode takes you on a rollercoaster ride as Sadia unveils how music has crafted the story of her life, from her Ohio roots to the eclectic music culture that is Los Angeles. We look back on the profound impact of classics like Dolly Parton’s Jolene and...

Have you ever wondered how music can guide us through life’s ups and downs? Meet our guest, David, whose story is a testament to the therapeutic power of music. Between battling kidney cancer, and spinal stenosis, and confronting his tumultuous past marked by wild adventures and a challenging relationship with psychedelic substances, David discovered solace and expression in music. His playlist mi...

Come along for an unforgettable conversation with the immensely talented Australian artist, Aaron Lee, also known as Airports. Marvel as he guides us through his incredible journey from being a fourth-grade bass player, to becoming an internationally recognized singer, three-time platinum producer, and engineer. Aaron doesn’t hold back as he reveals the fascinating story behind his love for Blink...

Get ready for a wild ride as we journey through the eclectic musical mind of stand-up comedian, Dave Burke. Picture this: you're on a second date, the mood is right, and you decide to play Body Heat by Krissie - only to have your date abruptly end things. That's just one of the many hilarious and all-too-real stories Dave shares from his life, each one interwoven with a unique soundtrack. From his...

Ever wondered what the life of a music junkie, a sports fan, a comedian, a writer, and a dating app wizard rolled into one would be like? Then, meet Deadair Dennis the man who dons all these hats with a style that's uniquely his. From his love for Fishbone and Elvis Costello to his adventures in the Punk Rock Bowling festival and his high school powder puff football exploits, Dennis takes us on an...

Get ready to laugh and rock out with Lisa Baker, a stand-up comedian hailing from Newfoundland, who now livens up stages in Alberta. Lisa and I, your host, kick things off with a nostalgic journey exploring her diverse playlist. We embark on a trip down memory lane, relishing the good old days of Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and Metallica while discussing the profound influence these artists had on...

Get ready to plug into a musical time machine with Alexa, an amazing content creator, and music enthusiast who knows how to turn up the volume on nostalgia. We'll ride shotgun with her through the decades, from the pulsating synth beats of Gary Newman's "Cars", to the slick moonwalk of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean". Discover how these iconic tracks not only punctuate Alexa's life but also serve...

What happens when you combine a passion for music with life experiences, manifesting-dreams, and the dating scene in New York City? You get an amazing conversation with independent artist Franki! Join us as we explore his journey in the world of music, his perspective on creating great art, and the "secret sauce" he believes is essential for making music that truly resonates. We'll reminisce about...

Have you ever wondered how music and storytelling intertwine to create unique experiences? On Music Junkies, we had the pleasure of hosting JP Lane, author of The Driftwood Tour, who shared his fascinating journey of weaving a 200-song playlist into his debut novel. Our conversation takes you through the protagonist's struggle to remember his music and the unexpected source that helps him relearn...

We're taking a trip back in time, immersing ourselves in the 80s and 90s music scene with the accomplished music writer, Andy Frye. Known for his contributions to the Rolling Stones, ESPN, and Forbes, Frye shares his insights on the influential sounds of these decades and how they paved the way for the modern music landscape. From the transformative Live Aid concert of 1985 to the seismic shift in...

Get ready for a wild ride through a life filled with music and laughs. Our guest in this episode, the indomitable Mr. Positive, takes us on a journey through his storied life as a pop-rock musician and writer of a hit TV sitcom. Strap in as we explore the dizzying highs of his musical career, from the thrill of chasing a producer for two years to create his CD, to the infectious energy of his firs...

We were ecstatic to have Chris, lead guitarist of the Manchester-based indie rock band The Cavs, join us for a conversation filled with music, memories, and a few laughs. In this spectacular episode, we discuss the remarkable story behind their walk-on song, a rendition of the opera classic 'Nessun Dorma', and how it's become an unforgettable part of their first gig back after the long lockdown. G...

Step into the whirlwind world of Trish Rainone, the multi-talented force hailing from Ontario, Canada. Join us for a journey through her vibrant life story, where she shares her defining moments intertwined with her favorite tunes. Relive the teenage adventures and dreams of stardom as Trish regales us with tales of mischief, ambition, and spot-on Britney Spears impersonations. From Hollywood thri...

Ever experienced the paranoia that the pandemic brought into our lives and wondered how it could inspire a fascinating musical journey? In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented producer, songwriter, and video artist, Nicky Click, as she takes us through her new album, Reductive Nostalgia, and how it came to life during the quarantine. Nikki shares the story behind her comeback son...

What if we told you that your next road trip soundtrack could be heavily influenced by the beauty of San Francisco and the Bay Area? We sat down with singer-songwriter Ari Vais to discuss how living in these incredible locations has inspired his music and led to the creation of his captivating song "My Many Obsessions." Ari shares how his upbringing in both the Soviet Union and Cambridge, Massachu...

Ready for a fascinating journey into the world of music? Brace yourselves as we sit down with Johnny and Dirkus from Future Radio, the masterminds behind a playlist that’s been rocking the South African Top 40 Charts. Together, we dive into the depths of their incredible music-rich journey, starting from their unique interpretations of classics like Zombie by The Cranberries. Imagine a guitarist s...

What happens when you combine a singer, songwriter, producer, author, actor, publisher, former model, and Mr. USA pageant title holder? You get the incredible Hollis Morissette! Join us on Music Junkies as we explore his diverse background and uncover the memories evoked by his carefully curated playlist. From reminiscing about his childhood to gushing over the ever-amazing Toni Braxton, Hollis sh...