The Ben Maynard Program

Send us Fan Mail As my wingman and I fire up the mics, we're not just talking about any band; we're unpacking the legacy of Foreigner, a group that's etched its music into the milestones of our lives. We swap stories that dance through the adrenaline-fueled "Feels Like the First Time" and the everlasting impact of their self-titled debut. It's not just a chat; it&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Hey party people, it's Ben Maynard here, and you're in for one heck of a Friday night extravaganza! Our latest episode is bursting at the seams with '80s nostalgia, from toe-tapping trivia to a drinking game that'll have you reaching for your neon leg warmers. I’m enduring the infamous Malort, all for your amusement, and together with my wingman Spaz, we'r...

Send us Fan Mail Rush-hour traffic, cold pizza, and a Spock shot glass filled to the brim with Malort—my Friday evening was off to an unconventional start. Join me, Ben Maynard, as we shake off the cobwebs from our brief hiatus and dive headfirst into a night of unscripted revelry and reflection. This episode is like that one friend who brings the unexpected to every party—you never know what you&...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a hop-infused journey with me, Ben Maynard, and beer aficionados Chris, Mark, Darren, and Katherine as we crack open the world of IPAs and share our flavor-infused insights. From the hazy East Coast varieties to the pristine West Coast styles, this episode is a testament to the beloved brews we've come to cherish. We kick things off with the elusive Julius from Tree...

Send us Fan Mail Join the conversation with former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, as I, Ben Maynard, explore the depths of law enforcement and local politics. With a career spanning over three decades, Alex sheds light on his journey from military life to the front lines of policing in LA, navigating us through the intricate political web that governs the county. In this candid discussion, we...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how an all-girl band turns an ordinary night electric or what happens when softball meets rock 'n' roll legends? Spaz and I are still buzzing from our night out with Eddie Trunk and the amazing performance by Turning Jane, which we're thrilled to recount for you. But that's just the pre-show; we've got the inside scoop on the Rock and Roll Ha...

Send us Fan Mail Laughter echoed through the studio as Fab and Big Sexy Sean Hector graced us with their presence, turning an otherwise ordinary episode into one of unexpected joy and a walk down memory lane. The spontaneous call-in that led to their arrival set the stage for a delightful journey through the power of love and the magic of music. We shared moments of genuine connection over tales o...

Send us Fan Mail Picture this: you're cozied up, ready to embrace the whimsy of Groundhog's Day, and suddenly you're on a rollicking trip down memory lane, debating the raw energy of KISS's original lineup and their studio albums. That's the sort of nostalgic jolt we kick off with in our latest Friday Night Live, where technical hiccups can't dampen our spirits or sto...

Send us Fan Mail Strap on your platform boots and smear on that face paint as we reminisce and rank the storied discography of rock legends Kiss. I'm Ben Maynard, and I've woven my personal tapestry of musical memories into a nostalgic exploration of Kiss's albums, from the electrifying "Revenge" to the seminal self-titled debut. We dissect the evolution of this iconic ban...

Send us Fan Mail Gather 'round, music aficionados and nostalgia seekers, for a trip down memory lane that promises to be as unpredictable as it is delightful. I'm Ben Maynard, your guide on this auditory odyssey, and what a night we have in store! We throw the script out the window and dive into a live, spontaneous jam session, flipping through old 45s that'll throw you right back t...

Send us Fan Mail When you pull back the curtain on the life of a content creator, you might just find a story that tugs at your heartstrings and resonates with your own experiences. Ashley Tella, an inspiring mother and dynamic content creator, joins us to share her journey through the multifaceted world of social media. With a refreshing preference for authenticity over the polished facade of &ap...

Send us Fan Mail Crackling through the speakers, the vinyl nostalgia of '80s hits sparks vivid memories of newspaper concert listings and the thrill of live music. Today's episode is a celebration of these timeless classics, as we thumb through a treasure trove of 45s, reliving the beats of Naked Eyes, Quiet Riot, and the Honeydrippers, and sharing the magic of those concert experiences,...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself awestruck by the balancing act between embracing your awesomeness and staying grounded? That's the tightrope my guest Pauly Z from ZO2 and I tread, as he sheds light on recognizing our individual greatness without casting a shadow on those around us. In a heart-to-heart that's as much about laughter as it is about profound truths, we navigate the nuan...

Send us Fan Mail My brother Jim's influence on my musical journey was profound, and nowhere more so than with the band Uriah Heep. This episode is a heartfelt homage to those rock legends, as I weave personal tales around their historic rise, the evolution of their sound, and the impact of their lineup metamorphosis. From their early days to their current form, we'll celebrate Uriah Heep...

Send us Fan Mail The electric energy of a live rock performance is something you never forget, and that's exactly what etched the Brooklyn-based rock trio ZO2 into my memory. On my podcast, I'll take you through the incredible journey of these rockers, from their early days to touring with icons like Kiss and Poison, and share a touching story that showcases their profound connection wit...

Send us Fan Mail As the year's final chords fade, we look back at the standout soundtracks that colored our world in 2023. From my cozy holiday celebrations to the exuberant tunes that filled our homes, this episode is a heartfelt salute to the albums and documentaries that have left an indelible mark on us. Feel the soulful stirrings as I recount the musical journey through Steve Augeri&apos...

Send us Fan Mail As we popped the caps off those imperial stouts, never did I imagine my taste buds would embark on such an adventurous journey. Anchorage Brewing Company, you've turned this beer skeptic into a curious explorer with your exceptional brews. This episode wraps you up in the warmth of our podcast family, as we revisit the delightful stout tasting session that had everyone chimin...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why a well-aged stout has a unique taste that lingers on your palate? We're about to take you on a tasting journey that unravels the mystery behind this! Starting with a 19.2% ABV stout called Aloha Friday, we delve into its unique flavors, brewing techniques, and how barrel aging and nitrogen infusion contribute to its distinctiveness. It's not just about...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what drives a coach's passion or how friendship can blossom from rivalry? Buckle up as we unravel the inspiring journey of two compelling guests, Coach Bob Mount and Coach Scott Smith, high school football coaches and members of our church's men's Bible study group. Our conversation starts with a throwback to 1991, painting a vivid picture of...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why bands announce farewell tours just to return for another tour shortly after? We've certainly scratched our heads over it. Join us, the Maynard brothers, as we unravel the frustrations and realities surrounding these farewell tours, citing recent instances from Kiss and Foreigner, and their effects on die-hard fans. Uncover the raw and complex dynamics of our...

Send us Fan Mail Are farewell tours in the music industry a final goodbye or just a marketing gimmick? Brace yourself as we unload our shared frustration and confusion about bands like Foreigner, who announce a farewell tour only to continue with more shows. Not only does it cause disappointment among fans, but it also dilutes the whole concept of a farewell tour. That being said, we're not a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how the magic of love unfolds in the later stages of life? Well, let me share a little secret - my wife, Kathryn, and I, met in the most unexpected place, a dating app. Get ready to be swept away as we recount our extraordinary love story, from the spark of our first online chat to the deep, profound love we've nurtured. Our shared passion for music, particularly...

Send us Fan Mail Join me on a treasured voyage with my good friend, Eddie Sanchez, as we navigate the currents of life, friendship, and resilience. Eddie, a man of extraordinary strength, opens up about his life-long friendship with me that dates back to our junior high school days, his battle with cancer, and the ways he stays afloat amidst life's stormy seas. From jovial family barbecues to...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to embark on a musical journey! My good friend Anthony Meras—known among our circle as Spaz—and I, take the mic to rank the discography of the legendary band, Journey. As die-hard fans, we bring our love, insight and comprehensive knowledge to the table—sharing our personal rankings from the iconic "Escape" to the later "Trial by Fire". You don't w...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when your world is turned upside down by an unexpected bout of flu right before an anticipated guest interview? Yes, that’s what happened to us, but fret not; we managed to reschedule the interview and even extend an invitation to the charismatic Steve Augeri. We also took a leap of faith in reaching out to other noteworthy personalities. So, brace yourselves as we po...