The Ben Maynard Program

Send us Fan Mail As we mark the 50th anniversary of Aerosmith's groundbreaking masterpiece "Toys in the Attic," I'm taking you on a personal journey through one of rock's most influential albums and its lasting impact on music history. Released on April 8, 1975, this nine-track, 37-minute powerhouse would go on to sell over 9 million copies and deliver two of Aerosmith&apo...

Send us Fan Mail September 18, 1978 marked a revolutionary moment in rock history – the day all four KISS members simultaneously released solo albums. This wasn't just a marketing gimmick; it was a strategic move to keep the band together during a period of internal friction that fans wouldn't fully understand until years later. On this episode, I dive deep into these four legendary albu...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when two lifelong music obsessives trace their journeys from childhood record players to the present day? Magic, that's what. In this deeply nostalgic yet forward-looking conversation, I'm joined by Tommy Sommers from the world's largest KISS podcast, Three Sides of the Coin, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of KISS's "Dressed to Kill&quot...

Send us Fan Mail The aftermath of a daring experiment makes for a powerful lesson. After completing "The Drunk Show" last week, Ben Maynard returns with a candid reflection on what happens when a podcast host deliberately gets intoxicated on air as a public service announcement. His shocking revelation? He doesn't remember approximately the last 45 minutes of his own show. "Wat...

Send us Fan Mail Four decades can pass in the blink of an eye, especially when the soundtrack is this good. Take a musical journey back to 1985, a year that delivered some of the most influential albums in rock history, now incredibly turning 40 years old. From commercial juggernauts to artistic breakthroughs, these fifteen albums helped define not just a year, but an entire musical era. The mid-8...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a podcast host consumes nine shots of tequila over two hours while tracking every change in his speech, coordination, and blood alcohol level? Ben Maynard's "Drunk Show" delivers a raw, unfiltered look at alcohol's progressive effects on the human body and mind — creating perhaps the most authentic public service announcement about responsible...

Send us Fan Mail Join me in this energetic episode of the Ben Maynard Program as we launch into a lively Friday Night Live filled with laughter and community interaction. Kicking things off is a warm welcome, followed by the thrilling Malort Challenge—a test of daring for those brave enough to join in on the fun. You’ll hear not only playful banter and surprising anecdotes, but also a deeper discu...

Send us Fan Mail What if a simple shot of Malort could change the course of your Friday night? Welcome to a packed episode of the Ben Maynard program, where we tackle everything from technical glitches to new camera angles, all while keeping you entertained with the infamous Malort Challenge and our fan-favorite music trivia game, Stump the Chump. Whether you're tuning in on YouTube or Instag...

Send us Fan Mail How can an artist as influential as Chubby Checker not be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Join us on a heartfelt journey as we reconnect with my dear friend Spaz and ponder this and other mysteries surrounding the 2025 nominees. We reminisce about our past collaboration celebrating Foreigner's induction, and this Valentine's Day episode adds a special touch to our dis...

Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights the importance of personal connections, reflecting on a recent work trip to Seattle, memorable moments with family, and commemorating the legacy of musician John Sykes. We celebrate friendship and impending life changes, while discussing the joys of being asked to be a best man at 59 and the impact of building community ties.  • Reflecting on a work trip to...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it's like to juggle a bustling work trip while keeping up with a 36-week workout streak? Join me, as I broadcast live from the unexpectedly sunny Seattle, where I've embarked on a two-week work adventure that might just stretch into a month. From recording in a hotel room with less-than-ideal lighting to indulging in local delicacies like donu...

Send us Fan Mail What a whirlwind of a year it has been! As we stand on the brink of 2025, join me, Ben Maynard, for a special New Year's Eve edition where we reminisce about the monumental moments from 2024. From reaching the 50th episode milestone around Father's Day to celebrating our 75th episode just in time for New Year's Eve, it's been an incredible journey. Whether you&...

Send us Fan Mail Picture this: you're planning an epic holiday-themed podcast episode only to face technical glitches and missing materials. That's precisely how our latest episode kicks off! Join us as we navigate this organized chaos, sprinkle in some housekeeping notes, and recount personal tales of how illness disrupted past Thanksgiving plans. Despite the hurdles, we're amped u...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a military hero faces battles of a different kind after service? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps pilot, who shares his transformative journey from a structured military life to the unpredictable civilian world. Garret's candid recollections provide a rare glimpse into the mental health struggles that veterans...

Send us Fan Mail Canadian authors Gwendolyn Jazmin and Alisha Rose invite us into their world of "The Canvas of Life," a mesmerizing blend of poetry and art. Their floral-inspired pen names may first catch your ear, but it's their vivid storytelling and visual artistry that will capture your heart. Against the snowy backdrop of Alberta, these creatives open up about their journey, t...

Send us Fan Mail Ever tried mixing tequila with migraine medication? Spoiler alert: it's not recommended, but at least it makes for a great story! Join me as I share some laughs and welcome you to another lively episode of the Ben Maynard Program. From the famed Malort Challenge to our beloved Stump the Chump music trivia, this edition is packed with fun, interaction, and perhaps a bit of my...

Send us Fan Mail Larry Reidy, a distinguished veteran and passionate advocate, joins us for a captivating conversation this Veterans Day weekend. From his mischievous youth to his transformative military service, Larry's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, as chronicled in his book, "My Quest for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Initially intended for hi...

Send us Fan Mail After a remarkable journey marked by courage and dedication, Ronnie Guyer joins us to share his powerful story of service and resilience. From a poignant encounter with President John F. Kennedy to life-altering experiences in the Vietnam War, Ronnie recounts moments that have shaped his life and continue to inspire others. His reflections offer profound insights into the intertwi...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a whirlwind of weddings could bring about a wave of nostalgia and reflection? Join me as I recount the lively tales of attending two unforgettable ceremonies—one in Escondido for Kathryn's nephew and another in the picturesque landscape of Portland for our daughter Tess's girlfriend. These adventures remind us of the joy in celebrating love, even when t...

Send us Fan Mail What if your favorite band's concert turned into a completely unexpected experience? Join me as I recount the unforgettable night when KISS rocked the stage as a trio back in 2007. With Paul Stanley absent due to a medical emergency, Gene Simmons took center stage to deliver a one-of-a-kind performance. I'll share the chaos of navigating traffic to Soboba Casino, the rar...

Send us Fan Mail After years of sharing unforgettable moments as die-hard Foreigner fans, my buddy Spaz and I finally get to celebrate the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This episode is a reflection of our journey with Foreigner's music, where we share our personal top 20 songs from their iconic catalog. Ranking these tracks was no easy feat, as each song holds che...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how a band as iconic as Toto got its name, or why the California Sound remains timeless? This week, we kick off the Ben Maynard program with a high-energy Friday night, inviting you to explore the vibrant world of 70s vinyl albums together with Brother Jim. We'll take you on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of West Coast music, featuring gems...

Send us Fan Mail What's it like to navigate the dating scene in today's world? You'll find out as we catch up with Christina and her latest adventures. Also, ever struggled with ranking a legendary band's discography? Join us for a lively debate on Foreigner's studio albums, where we also give a special shoutout to listener JC Storm 76 for his unique take. Our journey does...

Send us Fan Mail Curious about which Foreigner album reigns supreme? Get ready for a thrilling ride as we celebrate Foreigner's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by ranking their nine studio albums. Join me, a lifelong fan, as we explore the band's evolution and craftsmanship, beginning with their final studio effort, "Can't Slow Down" from 2009. Learn about th...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why band members feud over expenses or how online dating really feels in your late 30s? Tonight on the Ben Maynard Program, we kick things off with some essential housekeeping and updates on our brief hiatus due to a hectic schedule and house renovations. We also reminisce about our previous episode with my good friend Matt, where we had a riot discussing one-hit won...