School of Emo

Today's episode is a tribute to someone who helped build the very stages emo and pop punk bands stood on — a man whose work behind the scenes helped launch the careers of some of your favorite artists. We're talking about music agent and industry powerhouse: Dave Shapiro. If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favorite stories or lore from bands you love, or an EMO-ment for a futu...

Whether you first heard him pounding keys with Something Corporate, pouring out his soul with Jack's Mannequin, or dancing in the waves with Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness — his work has defined and defied the emo genre for over two decades. But behind the music is a story of reinvention, resilience, and raw emotion. So let's dig in. If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favori...

Today, we're heading into the world of explosive post-hardcore with a band whose soaring vocals, intricate guitars, and emotionally raw lyrics made them iconic in the late 2000s and 2010s. That's right—we're talking about Pierce the Veil. From their early San Diego roots to sold-out international tours, a near-breakup, and a triumphant return, this is the story of how Pierce the Veil pierced the v...

Today we are going back to our teenage years sleepover-style. Remember the days of MASH, magazine quizzes, bedroom talent shows, and prank calls? It's the same vibe, except we are playing around with ChatGPT and AI.  If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favorite stories or lore from bands you love, or an EMO-ment for a future episode, email schoolofemopodcast@gmail.com or messag...

Today's subject is none other than the master of acoustic heartbreak himself — Dashboard Confessional. From dorm-room demos to MTV Unplugged, Dashboard wasn't just a band — it was a movement. Chris Carrabba turned whispers into anthems, inspired a generation of kids to spill their guts on LiveJournal, and arguably gave emo its most vulnerable voice. If you'd like to come on to share your emo exper...

Today, we're unraveling the complicated, legendary, and controversial story of Brand New — a band that redefined what emo could sound like, burned bridges with their Long Island peers, and, in 2025, surprised everyone with an unexpected return. If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favorite stories or lore from bands you love, or an EMO-ment for a future episode, email schoolofem...

Today, we'll travel back to the early '90s Seattle scene where the band formed, follow them through their meteoric rise and fall, hear direct quotes from band members about what really happened behind the scenes, and see how their music evolved from raw punk emotion to expansive artistry. I'll be your fellow student as we uncover Sunny Day Real Estate's story – a story of heartfelt music, heartbre...

If you've ever wondered where emo truly began, the answer isn't in the early 2000s, the '90s, or even late '80s—it all traces back to Washington, D.C. in 1984, when a group of hardcore kids decided to take punk in a more emotional, introspective direction. That's right, we're traveling back to the 1980s—before My Chemical Romance, before Taking Back Sunday, before even Sunny Day Real Estate—to tal...

Today, we're covering a band that practically defined early 2000s emo—Taking Back Sunday. From their explosive debut Tell All Your Friends to their high-profile feud with Brand New, and frontman Adam Lazzara's journey through addiction and sobriety, Taking Back Sunday's story is one of loyalty, rivalry, struggle, and redemption. If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favorite stor...

Today, we're talking about a band that blended poetic lyricism with explosive energy—New Jersey's own Thursday. Thursday didn't just play music; they created movements, soundtracked teenage angst, and left an undeniable mark on the post-hardcore and emo scenes. From their early basement shows to influencing an entire generation, their impact is still felt today. If you'd like to come on to share y...

In today's episode, we're living the lives teenage Erin and Alex would have dreamed of with a recap of When We Were Young 2024. I'll tell you about the bands we saw and our experience navigating Vegas, festival grounds, the full day of demand on our bodies, and the crowds at this festival.  If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favorite stories or lore from bands you love, or an...

Today we're exploring the history of a band that pushed the boundaries of both metalcore and emo – the one and only Underoath. From their early days as a Christian metalcore band to their mainstream breakthrough, breakup, and ultimate rebirth, Underoath's journey is one of reinvention, raw emotion, and some seriously heavy breakdowns.   If you'd like to come on to share your emo experiences, favor...

In today's episode, we're talking about the roots of emo and its evolution into the sound we know today. From the emotional gut-punches of Rites of Spring to the MySpace anthems of Taking Back Sunday, we're tracing how this genre went from underground to mainstream, and how it forever changed the way we express pain, love, and everything in between.   If you'd like to come on to share your emo exp...

Whether you first heard them screaming their guts out on Taste of Ink or you got lost in the emotional wreckage of I Caught Fire, The Used has been a staple in the post-hardcore and emo scene for over two decades. In today's class, we talk history, top songs, and even some of the craziest news stories surrounding the band. So, buckle up—this one's gonna be a ride. If you'd like to come on to share...

This episode is a full review of my first sail away on the Emo's Not Dead Cruise - we talk about celebrity sightings, activities on board, sets by some of our favorite emo artists, and more!   Want to be on the boat in 2026? Get all the details here: https://www.endcruise.com/   Now that we have fully recapped the cruise, it's time to start our emo band deep dives, so come back for our first one c...

I'm likely already home from the cruise as you're tuning in, so come back for a recap and see how my preparations and expectations actually played out!    Learn more about the Emo's Not Dead Cruise at www.emosnotdeadcruise.com   As you wait to recap together, check out my HAPPY playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6GGyxkuuW5hxd3eiOJuVr3?si=a500d21a8cfa49f0   And if you'd like to...

Hey there, welcome to School of Emo, the podcast where we dive into the world of emo, pop-punk, and everything in between. If you've ever found yourself screaming the lyrics to Taking Back Sunday in your car, or wearing way too much eyeliner in the early 2000s, you're in the right place. I'm Erin Judge, and each week, I'll be your guide through the music, the culture, and the history that shaped a...