My Weekly Mixtape: Music Discovery & Nostalgia

This week, I’m joined by Jason Whissell, host of It's Not That Bad & There Can Only Be One , as we craft a fun, high-energy playlist of songs featuring the iconic “whoa” lyric (or “woah,” depending on your spelling!). From rock anthems to pop sing-alongs , these are the tracks where that classic whoa moment takes center stage . Whether it’s shouted , chanted , or sung with all the gusto you’ve...

This week, I’m joined by Jay Sweet to craft the ultimate playlist of work week anthems — the songs that soundtrack real life between Monday morning and Friday afternoon . Everything from the rough, coffee-fueled Mondays , finding (or losing) our footing by midweek , and slowly cranking things up as the weekend comes into view . Whether you’re locked into a 9-to-5 , grinding through long shifts , w...

This week, I’m joined by Trevor Dale —co-host of Album Divers —to curate a 20-song playlist spotlighting some of the most memorable one-hit wonders of the 1990s . Spanning alternative rock , pop , dance , and post-grunge , these tracks capture a decade when a single song could dominate radio , MTV , and the Billboard charts —then seemingly vanish just as quickly . To define what truly qualifies as...

This week, I’m joined by modern blues artist Sonny Gullage to dig into the stories behind several songs from his debut album, Go Be Free , released via Blind Pig Records . We break down the inspiration and meaning behind key tracks including “Just Kiss Me Baby,” “Go Be Free,” “Things I Can’t Control,” “Worried About the Young” (feat. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), “Tattooed Wings,” and “Hot House.”...

This week, I’m joined by David Rosen —host of the Piecing It Together —to curate a 20-song playlist celebrating one of the most iconic instruments in popular music: the guitar . Spanning classic rock , blues , rock , punk , alternative , and beyond , these tracks explore the many ways the guitar has shaped songwriting , performance , and musical identity across decades. From songs inspired by lege...

This week, I’m joined by Sherry Thomas —music journalist and writer for The Aquarian Weekly —to curate a 20-song playlist exploring the cultural impact of radio and its role in shaping popular music . Spanning classic rock , hip-hop , punk , new wave , pop , and alternative , these tracks reflect the many ways artists have responded to DJs , AM/FM airwaves , broadcast culture , and the rise of mus...

This week, I take a deep dive into 7 incredible cover versions of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ iconic song “Refugee.” From heartfelt reinterpretations to completely unexpected takes, this episode showcases the versatility and enduring influence of one of rock’s greatest classics. Featured versions include Melissa Etheridge’s soulful rendition, The “Pickin’ On” Series’ bluegrass twist (David...

This week, I’m joined by Matt Scannell , singer and songwriter for Vertical Horizon , to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band’s breakthrough album, Everything You Want . We dig into the creation , recording , and release of a record that helped define late-’90s and early-2000s alternative rock , and examine how its impact has only grown with time. Matt shares the stories behind the album’s r...

Ahoy — we’re pushing off into sun-soaked harmonies , impossibly smooth grooves , and songs that sound best with a drink sweating in your hand . This week, I’m joined by Nick Niespodziani and Peter Olson of Yacht Rock Revue , the band that’s helped turn yacht rock from a punchline into a full-on revival , to chart a course through 20 essential yacht rock tracks that define the sound . From timeless...

This week, I’m joined by Robin Wilson , lead singer of Gin Blossoms , as we explore songs from across the band’s full discography—from chart-topping hits to deep-cut fan favorites. We dive into the stories behind iconic tracks like “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You,” as well as underrated gems such as “Cheatin’” and “Memphis Time.” Robin shares how several songs evolved from their original v...

This week, I’m joined by guest curators Jason Whissell of It’s Not That Bad and There Can Only Be One and Sean Faust to build a playlist celebrating one of rock music’s most powerful formations: the three-piece band . From thunderous power trios to riff-driven rock groups , we’re digging into 20 iconic musical trios that prove you don’t need a huge lineup to make a massive sound . With just guitar...

This week, my guest curator is Zack Derby , co-host of Neatcast , and together we’re curating a mixtape filled with our favorite ’90s guilty pleasure songs . These are the tracks that once ruled radio , MTV, movie soundtracks , and CD collections — even if time , trends , or music snobbery have tried to reframe them as punchlines . Much like the 80’s Guilty Pleasures episode, it’s worth noting upf...

This week, I’m joined by DT Carel — host of the YouTube program SpaceCastle — to curate the ultimate Summer Vibes playlist , built for every version of the season. Because “summer vibes” mean different things depending on where you live, this mix stretches beyond just sun-soaked beach jams . We’re pulling together songs that work just as well for late-night drives , backyard hangs , rooftop sunset...

This week, I’m joined by modern soul artist Wolfgang Valbrun to dig into the stories behind his debut album, Flawed By Design , released via Jalapeño Records . Straddling the lines between soul , rock , and blues , Wolfgang brings raw , unapologetic lyricism paired with the powerful musicianship of his band — music that’s introspective without ever losing its bite . We break down standout tracks i...

This week, I’m joined by Jay Sweet , as we dig into one of the most deceptively loaded words in music fandom: underrated . Together, we’re curating a playlist of ’90s rock songs that somehow slipped through the cracks , despite coming from an era absolutely overflowing with iconic bands , massive radio hits , and era-defining albums . Of course, “underrated” means something different to everyone,...

This week, I’m joined by guest curator Jon Loree , drummer for Tantric , to build the ultimate hard rock road trip playlist — 20 songs engineered for open highways , long nights , and heavy rotation . Some of these tracks are built around life on the road ; others earn their place through sheer propulsion . From driving riffs and massive hooks to adrenaline-charged anthems that make mile markers d...

This week, I’m joined by Todd Park Mohr of Big Head Todd & The Monsters to curate the ultimate playlist— 20 essential songs spanning the band’s biggest hits , fan favorites , deep album cuts , and a few personal selections from Todd himself . We trace the band’s evolution across more than three decades , pulling tracks from throughout their catalog—including highlights from their latest releas...

This week, guest curator Coco Kinnon of Winona Fighter , joins me to tear into the decade when punk rock exploded out of the underground and into the mainstream — without losing its teeth . Together, we’re building a playlist of 20 essential ’90s punk rock songs , spanning r adio breakthroughs , DIY staples , and the tracks that defined a generation of kids who found their voice somewhere between...

This week I’m joined by Guy Fletcher of Dire Straits , to explore the story behind the powerful new version of Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes’ “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero),” which Guy produced. This epic 10-minute rendition was created in support of Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America , and features more than 60 legendary musicians contributing to a single, unforgettable recording....

This week, I’m joined by outlaw country and blues guitar master Jesse Dayton as we curate a playlist featuring some of our all-time favorite guitar solos —spanning genres, eras, and styles. From blistering blues to iconic rock , this playlist is a celebration of the guitar solo in all its glory. Along the way, we dive into tracks from Jesse’s album The Hard Way Blues , prod uced by Shooter Jenning...

This week I’m joined by DJ Doug Miller of Elite Sound Entertainment as we dive into 20 essential ’90s club and dance anthems that defined a generation of nightlife . From iconic dance hits and DJ staples to the tracks that instantly packed floors and kept the energy high , this episode revisits the songs that ruled clubs , raves , and late-night radio throughout the decade. Whether you were there...

This week, I’m joined by comedian Don Jamieson — co-host of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show — as we curate a 20-song playlist packed with our favorite ’80s metal anthems . From towering riffs to unapologetic excess , these are the songs that defined a decade when metal ruled loud , proud , and larger than life . Along the way, we also talk about Don’s brand-new comedy album No Sleep ’Til McSorleys ,...

This week I’m joined by Jason Whissell —host of It's Not That Bad & There Can Only Be One —as we build the ultimate ‘80s guilty pleasures mixtape . From synth-heavy pop anthems to actors throwing their hat in the musical ring , these are the songs that some might call cringe — but we call classics ! Let’s be clear: neither of us feels the slightest bit guilty about loving these tracks . But we...

This week I’m joined by Ben Montgomery , host of Records Revisited , as we curate a playlist of songs that leave us completely spellbound . These are the tracks that stop us in our tracks —the ones that demand your full attention and pull you deep into the music , no matter where you are or what you’re doing. From gripping melodies to powerful lyrics , this mix is all about those unforgettable son...

This week, I’m joined by Patreon Mixtaper Tom Hutchinson to revisit the legendary Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtracks , diving headfirst into a nostalgia-fueled playlist packed with the best songs from the iconic video game series . From fast-paced punk rock and ska to classic hip-hop and alternative anthems , we’re spotlighting the high-energy tracks that helped define one of the most influential...