Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes pop-culture lecturer and illustrator Arlen Schumer back to Set Lusting Bruce to discuss his three passions—Bruce Springsteen, comic book art history, and Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. Arlen explains what drew him to Twilight Zone imagery and storytelling, its influence on modern creators, and its early diversity and social themes, then connects Serling’s dramatic voi...

Host Jesse Jackson opens a B-side episode of Set Lusting Bruce that steps outside the Springsteen universe to spotlight guest Cece’s creative joys, blending their shared love of Hallmark movies with music fandom and community. Cece, who grew up near Washington, DC, describes her family’s listening (ZZ Top, Southern rock, blues/R&B, show tunes) and how she gravitated instead to Prince, Michael Jack...

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes back college professor Maryanne Janosik to discuss Bruce Springsteen’s newly released protest song, its rapid creative turnaround, and how it fits Springsteen’s history of politically charged music and themes of Catholic social justice. They compare the song’s naming of names to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Ohio,” speculate about political expression at the Grammys,...

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Holly Cantos, co-host of the mostly ’80s music show What Difference Does It Make? Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves beyond Bruce Springsteen into radio, fandom, and podcasting. Holly shares her early love of AM radio after moving from New York to Los Angeles, her career behind the scenes in radio syndication and production, and how her parents’ music s...

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes author and former teacher Sara Goodman-Confino to Set Lusting Bruce to talk Bruce Springsteen, fandom, and fiction. Sara shares her path from 21 years teaching to writing full-time, her Springsteen origin story rooted in hearing “Atlantic City” during a difficult college week, and her family’s deep reading culture. She recounts seeing Bruce live (including being pulled...

Jesse Jackson welcomes back author **Ann Abel**, whose memoir *High Hopes* Jesse calls one of his favorite reads of 2025. Abel—who discovered Bruce Springsteen at age 59—shares the extraordinary story behind her book: how a lifetime of severe depression, the loss of her teaching career, and a desperate need for structure pushed her to book a solo trip to Australia for **eight Springsteen shows acr...

Feeling the pinch from ticket prices? Remember, wisdom can be found in every decision. Don't miss my take on making peace with concert costs and loving the music, wherever you are! 🌟 #SetLustingBruce #ConcertWisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I've got a battle ahead with prostate cancer, but with an excellent prognosis and your support, I'm ready. Join me in spreading love, sending good vibes, and sharing tunes for my F Cancer playlist. 🎧🙏 #ProstateCancerAwareness #MusicHeals" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Jesse Jackson on a new episode of 'Set Lusting Bruce' as he steps off the Bruce train for a chat with rock journalist Martin Popoff. Together, they delve into Popoff's latest book, 'KISS 76: 12 Months that Define the Hottest Band in the Land.' The episode covers KISS’s massive year in 1976, including iconic tours, releases, and cultural impact. Martin also shares his journey from heavy m...

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Lou and Karen for a JKL Media tie-in discussion of the 2025 film "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," directed by Scott Cooper and based on Warren Zanes’ book about the making of Bruce Springsteen’s "Nebraska." They praise Jeremy Allen White’s performance as Springsteen and Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of manager Jon Landau, but debate who the movie is meant for—hardcor...

Allen and Jesse do a dive deep into the influence of Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' album on the lo-fi music movement and Alan's personal connection to the record. Alan shares how the album inspired him and his brother to create their own lo-fi recordings and discusses the broader impact on indie rock in the '90s. The conversation also touches on Springsteen's approach to the album, the emotional...

In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes back Scott Shea for a deep dive into the music and legacy of Sam Cooke. They discuss Cooke's impact on gospel, R&B, and pop music, his untimely death, and his influence on other artists. The episode also touches on Bruce Springsteen's career, including their thoughts on the 'electric' version of Nebraska and Brian Wilson's 'Smile.'...

In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes Mike Gendler to discuss the world of tribute bands, podcasting, and their shared love for Bruce Springsteen. Mike, a lifelong musician and entrepreneur, shares his journey from playing the piano and drums in his Philadelphia home to founding a successful entertainment company and starting the Tribute Band Sessions podcast. Learn abo...

🚨 Dive into the musical genius of Bruce Springsteen with Lou, Karen and I as we break down Springsteen's impactful new single, "Streets of Minneapolis." Tune in and join the conversation! #SetLustingBruce #Podcast #BruceSpringsteen #jklpodcast #NOICE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a surprise release on social media, Bruce Springsteen dropped a powerful new song, 'Streets of Minneapolis,' addressing systemic injustices and calling out the misuse of power by federal agencies. Without the usual fanfare of a major artist release, Springsteen's direct and unapologetic ballad highlights the names of those who died on Minneapolis streets and critiques the current behavior of en...

Join host Jesse Jackson in this exciting episode of 'Set Lusting Bruce' as he welcomes back returning guest Jackson Reed. Jackson, a musician and podcaster from Calgary, Canada, discusses his band's new EP 'Live in 25,' their thrilling experience opening for Nazareth, and the band's musical journey. Jackson also shares insights into his influences, recording process, and promotion strategies, alon...

This episode of the podcast featuring father-daughter duo Rick and Alex. They discuss their deep connection to Bruce Springsteen's music, memorable concerts, and how Springsteen's lyrics have impacted their lives. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on fandom, family, and the enduring legacy of The Boss. Special shoutouts to incredible supporters who keep the show rolling are also included. 01:32 I...

In this engaging episode, host Jesse Jackson interviews entertainment journalist, photographer, and podcast host Nadja Sayej. The conversation covers Nadja's journey from Toronto to New York and Berlin, her experiences as a paparazzi photographer, the evolution of celebrity culture, and the art of interviewing celebrities. Nadja shares touching stories, insightful advice, and her passion for photo...

In this episode of the Set Lusting Bruce podcast, host Jesse Jackson welcomes back one of his favorite guests, Ken Womack, an English professor and popular music expert from Monmouth University. They dive into a discussion on Bruce Springsteen's iconic song 'Jungleland,' its musical and lyrical depth, and why it stands out as one of Springsteen's most significant works. Womack also shares his expe...

Jesse Jackson welcomes back fan-favorite guest Tammy Collier. The episode is a delightful catch-up session. Tammy shares her significant life changes, including moving from Jersey to Denver, and reminisces about her Bruce Springsteen fandom journey since discovering him during the 'Born in the USA' tour. The duo delves deep into memorable concerts, especially the standout 'See Here Now' event. Tam...

In the final episode of the year, join us as we reflect on Bruce Springsteen's significant moments throughout 2025. With insights from Joyce, Caroline, and Shawn, we discuss everything from the release of Tracks 2 and the impactful Land of Hope and Dreams tour to the Nebraska expanded edition and the new biopic. We also touch upon heartfelt tributes to lost legends like Joey Ely and Jimmy Cliff, a...

In this episode, host Jesse Jackson speaks with Denise Green, a dedicated Bruce Springsteen fan and scholar. Denise discusses her recent presentation on how Springsteen's songs can be seen as modern Christian hymns. She shares her personal journey with Springsteen's music, including how pivotal tracks provided comfort during difficult times. The conversation delves into Denise's unique perspective...

Return guest Alex Markham and I discusses Alex's extensive writing portfolio. The conversation dives deep into the Nebraska Box Set, its historical significance, and the creative process behind it. They also analyze the new film about Springsteen, comparing it to other artist biopics, and discuss the love interest subplot, Stephen Graham's performance, and the portrayal of familial relationships....

Join host Jesse Jackson in this episode as he welcomes his new friend David Sloan from the Pantheon Podcast family. David shares his lifelong journey as a Bruce Springsteen fan, from discovering Bruce in 1984 and waiting overnight for concert tickets to attending multiple shows. The discussion also dives into David's podcast 'What Difference Does It Make,' focusing on 80s music and memorable guest...

Tune in to my 2025 Christmas message as we celebrate music, community, and the stories that bind us. 🌟❤️ #PodcastFamily #MusicJoy #HolidaySeason2025" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices