My Weekly Mixtape: Music Discovery & Nostalgia

This week, we’re turning the headlights on & exploring 10 songs that provide the perfect soundtrack for a late night drive by yourself . Because let’s be honest: road trips in the sunlight and road trips under the glow of streetlights are two completely different experiences . One’s about destinations . The other’s about the space between them . Especially when it’s just you and the music . Th...

This week, we’re rewinding to one of the most charming quirks of the ‘90s CD era : the hidden track . You know… those sneaky gems buried after minutes of silence , tucked into track 99 , or disguised so well you didn’t even know they existed until someone finally tipped you off . I’m diving into the stories behind these secret songs , what made them so appealing , and the unforgettable moments tha...

Trying to figure out the right songs to send your crush without making things weird ? This week, I’m building a not-at-all-awkward soft-launching playlist — the kind of mix that lets you test the waters , drop a hint , but keep everything fun , flirty , and totally low-pressure . These are the songs that say “I kinda like you” without turning it into a grand gesture. No heavy power ballads . No dr...

This week, on the heels of HBO Max’s Music Box: Happy and You Know It , I’m throwing things back to a Tunestiles interview featuring children’s music icon Laurie Berkner , whose “Rocketship Run” to the top of the kindie scene helped redefine what music for kids could sound like. From her early days growing up in Princeton, New Jersey — surrounded by the same fertile musical ground that produced Tr...

Step back into the decade that made rhythm a lifestyle . From freestyle and new wave to early hip-hop and pop perfection , this episode explores 20 songs that defined the pulse of ’80s dance music — the beats that moved clubs , crossed genres , and still make us move today. 🎙️ LEARN MORE 🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog: ⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠ 💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patr...

This week, I’m revisiting two of the year’s biggest interviews with Shinedown’s Barry Kerch and Eric Bass — offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of modern rock’s most enduring and innovative bands. First, Barry Kerch opens up about Shinedown’s evolving sound over the past two decades, their approach to crafting unforgettable live setlists, and the stories behind the band’s 2025 singles “...

In this episode of My Weekly Mixtape , I spotlight 10 cover songs released this year that turn already familiar tunes into something fresh, unexpected, and conversation-worthy. Cover songs have always been a litmus test for creativity — and something I’ve always had a personal affinity for — but in 2025 , artists are pushing reinterpretation further than ever . By reworking melodies , reshaping ar...

This week, I break down 12 standout country songs that defined the genre in 2025 . But what defines country music this year? Here’s a hint: it’s not just the chart-toppers . Sure, there are foot-stomping anthems and soul-stirring ballads , but I also highlight the artists and bands on the rise — ready to set the stage ablaze in 2026 . Tune in and hear the heart , grit , and energy that made countr...

This week, DT Carel , host of the YouTube show ⁠ SpaceCastle ⁠ joins me to dive into the sounds that defined 2025 ! Join us as we break down 20 essential tracks that span punk , rock , hip-hop , alternative , pop & beyond . From explosive hooks and high-energy anthems to unexpected collaborations and boundary-pushing tracks , we unpack what makes each song stand out and why they helped shape t...

This week, I’m hanging out with Jaret Reddick , the lead singer, guitarist, and all-around creative engine behind Bowling For Soup , as he looks back on three decades of pop-punk chaos , catchy hooks , and perfectly timed humor . We get into how the band balances goofy songs with genuine heartfelt moments , why “Belgium” keeps reinventing itself, and how BFS ended up becoming a Radio Disney staple...

This week, we get 'For Real' with Eric Hirshberg , the former CEO of Activision and Deutsch LA , whose world is now centered around music. Known for leading iconic franchises like Call of Duty , Guitar Hero , Skylanders , and Destiny , Eric shares how music has run alongside his career and ultimately inspired his new single, “For Real,” the second of his collaborations with GRAMMY-nominated soul a...

This week, we’re celebrating two timeless soundtracks with the legendary Paul Williams , the award-winning songwriter behind Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and The Muppet Movie , including the beloved classic (as well as my favorite song of all time) “Rainbow Connection.” Paul shares the stories behind these unforgettable soundtracks & the films they’re connected to, his creative partnership...

This week, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the songs that shaped my love of music — as well as the person who made it all possible, my father , who we sadly lost to pancreatic cancer earlier this year. In this episode, I’m diving into 20 tracks that I’m eternally grateful & thankful for . Each one is tied to a moment, memory, lesson, or simply a staple of the famed “Friday Nig...

Not all ’80s hair bands were defined by Aqua Net & eyeliner. There were countless hooks , killer guitar work , and songs that still resonate decades later. In this week’s episode, I break down 10 tracks that defied the stereotypes , exceeded the expectations and continue to remind us why ’80s hard rock still goes to 11 ! Thank you to Jay Sweet for sending in this week’s playlist concept. 🎙️ LE...

This week, I’m pulling the plug—literally. Join me as I curate a playlist of 10 incredible unplugged performances where artists & bands strip songs down to their core , revealing a whole new level of emotion, energy, and meaning . These acoustic takes prove the fact that sometimes less really is more . Thank you to Patreon Mixtaper Cactus Pete for sending in this week’s playlist concept. 🎙️ LE...

This episode takes on a fiendish playlist challenge: Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon — The Music Edition. The rule is simple to explain but devilish to pull off: every song in the playlist connects to the next through a shared musician collaboration — guest features, one-off duets, session players, and more. Each track comes from a different primary artist or band, all leading toward the final destinat...

As we gear up for the return of My Weekly Mixtape next week, we’re throwing it back to this season 1 episode where I was joined by modern rock powerhouse Emily Wolfe , to co-curate a playlist celebrating the women who defined ’90s rock . From grunge and alt-rock to chart-topping anthems , these female artists broke boundaries and inspired generations . Join us as we rediscover the songs that still...

In case the title isn't a complete spoiler, My Weekly Mixtap e is coming back for a brand new season this November! Considering season one lasted nearly 2.5 years and 150 episodes , I decided to post this episode to update everyone as to what's been going on in my life the last several months, as well as introduce a new episode format , that I'll need all of the fellow mixtapers' help to bring to...

This week, I am talking with previous My Weekly Mixtape guests , friends of the show & the amazing Patreon Mixtapers , and hearing their stories about what song made them each fall in love with music. Guests appearing (in no particular order): Barry Kerch & Eric Bass of Shinedown, Ed Toth of The Doobie Brothers / Vertical Horizon, CJ Pierce of Drowning Pool , Tim Foreman of Switchfoot , Co...

This week, I am talking with previous My Weekly Mixtape guests , friends of the show & the amazing Patreon Mixtapers , and hearing their thoughts on what they consider to be the perfect album , and why ! Guests appearing (in no particular order): Barry Kerch of Shinedown, CJ Pierce of Drowning Pool , Tim Foreman of Switchfoot , Cody Hanson of Hinder , Chris Ballew of The Presidents of The Unit...

You wanted the best, you got the best. This week, I’m joined by comedian and metal lifer Don Jamieson , co-host of That Metal Show and Rock Strap , to build his ultimate KISS dream concert setlist . From era-defining anthems to fan-favorite deep cuts , Don walks through his perfect KISS show — pacing , surprises , and all — imagining a night packed with fire , blood , and maximum rock theatrics ....

We’re back! This week Jay Sweet joins me to continue our deep dive into the world of fictional bands from movies, TV shows, cartoons, and pop culture . In this second round, we’re unearthing even more beloved , hilarious , and cult-favorite on-screen bands that have shaped the soundtrack of generations . From animated hits to movie-ready anthems , this playlist celebrates music that exists only in...

This week Jay Sweet joins me to dive into the ultimate playlist of fictional bands from movies, TV shows, cartoons, and pop culture . From iconic on-screen bands that defined a generation to hilarious and obscure creations across decades , we’re celebrating the music that exists only in fiction —but that has captured real-world imaginations . Whether you’re a fan of cult classics , animated series...

In this throwback episode, I’m joined by Bill Manspeaker of the outrageous Green Jellÿ ⁠ for one of the most fascinating—and NSFW—interviews I’ve ever recorded. We dive deep into the band’s wild history, including their Guinness World Record for the most band members (with over 900 members worldwide at the time of recording!), their chaotic appearance on The Gong Show , and the infamous moment Joe...

This week, we’re joined by Jim Loughlin , percussionist for the legendary jam band moe. , as he reveals his ultimate 12-song dream concert setlist featuring his all-time favorite bands and artists —some of which might just surprise you! We also dive deep into moe.’s live performance strategies , exploring how the band crafts unforgettable setlists for their concerts and what goes into choosing the...