Serious Rock Talk Podcast

Ferris Kennedy sits down with Trevor Kidd, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician & producer from Victoria BC, Canada. Trevor has recorded with the musicians behind bands like INXS, Sum 41, Billy Talent, and The Tea Party. Listen in to an exclusive exploration of how a successful career develops amid the ever-evolving challenges and changes of the music industry.

The Greatest Rock Songwriting Duos Among the most powerful forces in rock music is a stellar songwriting duo—a strange, magical symbiosis that can not be formulated, planned or repeated. Lennon/McCartney set the highbar. Many came close. Listen in and discover who created many of your favorite songs. You might be surprised.

The first teen idol... TV and film star... Founding father of country rock... Respected rocker... Given his stellar accomplishments, Rick Nelson's tragic death seemed profoundly incongruous—as did the lingering rumor surrounding his final moments. Dr. Clarke has gathered the facts and presents a compelling conclusion about what happened—and why. Better listen in. 

200th Episode Celebration! Bonus:Defining Classic Rock The Serious Rock Talk podcast has reached a milestone. 200 episodes! We celebrate the achievement with an opinionated look at rock n' roll history—and then firmly answer the question that won't go away—'What is Classic Rock?'. Onwards and upwards!

Exclusive Interview with Jim Berkenstadt, author of Elvis Presley: Conversations with Scotty Moore Occasionally, if not rarely, a book comes along that truly helps to elucidate a core aspect of rock music that somehow had remained in the shadows. For those in the know, Elvis' guitarist Scotty Moore influenced a generation in the sound and direction of the electric guitar. Best-selling author Jim B...

  Should Canadian Bands Pursue International Acclaim?   "You haven't made it until you break in America." Many Canadian rock groups have heard that. But is it true? Can Canadian rockers gain artistic and monetary fulfillment within the confines of the Great White North? Listen in as Ferris Kennedy shares his vast knowledge of Canadian rock history, bands, and personalities, arriving at a conclusio...

America's   Debut Album   Reissued on 45 RPM   Analogue Productions has reissued America's multi-platinum 1972 self-titled debut album as a 2LP, 45 RPM, 180-gram audiophile record. Hello analogue enthusiasts...Steven Wheeler delivers a calm, cool appraisal of this classic vinyl. Take five minutes and travel back to a strange time when a great song like 'A Horse with No Name' could really rule the...

Van Halen 5150 Expanded Edition Box Set This is the ultimate box set (LP/3CD/Blu-ray)—and reviewer Steven Wheeler cranks up to meet the challenge. Released in March 2026, it celebrates the 1986 album's 40th anniversary, and includes the newly remastered original album, rarities, previously unreleased 1986 live tracks, and the first-ever HD release of their Live Without a Net concert video. Listen...

'Playing the Fool', Gentle Giant's iconic 1977 live album, has undergone a major reissue. Now titled 'Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience', the album has been re-imagined, remixed and remastered. Steven Wheeler, a reigning master of vinyl discernment, lends an ear to this 'must have' for prog rock lovers everywhere. Share his insights!

Kurt Cobain: "Quiet People Have the Loudest Minds"   It's not an overstatement to say Kurt Cobain and Nirvana helped to change popular music. Widely influential as a songwriter and singer, Cobain was a troubled man, battling drug addiction and mental illness. His sudden death shocked the outside world. Conspiracy theories quickly emerged. In this episode, Dr. Clarke sets the record straight.

Masters of Rock Talk Rockers With Two or More Classic Albums in a Row For a rocker to have one classic song is rare; to have a classic album is impossibly rare. Then to have two or more classic albums in a row strains all belief systems. That is why this episode is so special. As an extra bonus, if you're looking to pick up some classic vinyl, listen in and get some supreme suggestions.

Kennedy's Corner The Lasting Influence of Three Immortal Music Icons This one is up close and personal for Ferris Kennedy. He names three huge 'influencers' in the music business - and explores their impact. Lots of amazing trivia. It's all heartfelt and passionate—just what you'd expect from Mr. K. in full stride

Top 100 Albums of the 1970s: Part 2 From Alice Cooper's' 'Billion Dollar Babies' to Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon', Kennedy and Clarke buzz through the decade's best LPs, offering insights, trivia, light condemnations, and spirited accolades. The second episode of a two-part  trek, it's the perfect info to enhance your record collection. Listen in.    

Top 100 Albums of the 1970s: Part 1 From the Stooges' 'Fun House' to Fleetwood Mac's 'Tusk', Kennedy and Clarke buzz through the decade's best LPs, offering insights, trivia, light condemnations, and spirited accolades.  The perfect episode to enhance your record collection. Listen in. 

Why the 2026 Juno Awards Failed Folks, this is Ferris Kennedy at his best. He loves Canadian music which is why he loathes the current state of the Juno Awards. Listen in as he presents an articulate, passionate, positive condemnation of Canada's annual national music awards. It doesn't get better!

Aerosmith/YUNGBLUD -  'One More Time' EP When  Aerosmith and YUNGBLUD released One More Time, a 5-track, one-sided EP in N ovember, 2025, many felt confused, lost and afraid. Not Steven Wheeler. At great personal risk, he reviewed the EP and managed to record his impressions - just for you! This one is special .

From his roots in the heartland to his induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, John Mellencamp's journey is a testament to resilience. As an artist, Mellencamp serves as a voice for everyday Americans, Join Kennedy as he explores Mellencamp's life, highlighting early struggles that shaped his path to international success.

Monkees: Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. (Rhino High Fidelity)   After years of being knocked as the 'pre-fab four', the Monkees are being rediscovered for the fantastic pop band that they were—and are. 'Wheels',our resident vinyl reviewer, discusses the outstanding Rhino reissue of (what is arguably) their greatest album, Listen in now. It's time well spent.

Beachboy Dennis Wilson: Surfing Too Close to the Edge   Dennis Wilson smashed through life with a Keith Moon-like ferocity. Forget about  dreamy California, sun-drenched harmonies of the Beach Boys. His life was one of shadows and darkness, Dr. Clarke follows Dennis down some pretty dark tunnels - and emerges to deliver a full report.

  Ringo's First Four LPs No hiss. No static. Just pure magic...Steven Wheeler was feeling generous, reviewing four vinyls at once. Discover what's so special about Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr's first four records, and why the re-releases make them that much better.

The Essential Albums of the 1990s: Have you ever walked into a record store or engaged in a discussion with a vinyl aficionado? It's a common experience, but have you ever pondered how they determine their essential albums? Is it shaped by personal influences, life experiences, or simply a matter of preference? Kennedy has taken the initiative to share his curated list of must-have albums from the...

Fifty Albums that Turned 50 in 2025! 1975—a year that offered us a clutch of great albums, a handful of mediocre releases, and some stuff that didn't get over the fence. The three amigos do their best to separate the wheat from the chaff, adding great trivia and humor to the mix.  Listen In

Mutt Lange: Exceptional Producer When considering artists such as AC/DC, Nickelback, Shania Twain, Foreigner, Bryan Adams, and Def Leppard, along with the Cars, do you ever think of the producers behind them? Does the term "Unique Wall of Sound Vocal Harmonies" resonate with you, or perhaps the four seemingly nonsensical words "Gunter, Gleiben, Glauchan, Globen"? Fortunately, for Kennedy, this sig...

Less a Crime Than a Tragedy:The Death of Marvin Gaye   Talented and troubled, Marvin Gaye's life never followed a standard narrative. Neither did his death. The Motown star's murder is shrouded under mystery and mayhem. Serious Rock Talk Crime offers up time lines and evidence. The question is not what happened to Marvin Gaye, but why?

End of Year Show: Goodbye 2025! So long 2025—and hello 2026! The SRT amigos take a look at the past year in rock, highlighting the highlights and and downplaying the deadbeats. Get prepared for 2026 with a podcast that's still growing after a record-setting eight years! We thank you all—and let's continue this wonderful journey together.