The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music

Tune in for Part II of one the favorite hi fi conversations that has taken place on the podcast: Analog Wars, with Ken Kessler & Michael Fremer! Don't miss the second half of these audio gurus conversation with Jay Jay. Ken is a Hi-Fi expert journalist, who joined Hi-Fi News & Record Review in 1983, to which he still contributes. He also writes a column for the website Soundstage UK, is th...

Join us this week as we revisit a previous favorite of Jay Jay's conversations on hi-fi audio; If there are two individuals who know the world of Hi-Fi audio, it's Ken Kessler & Michael Fremer. Ken is a Hi-Fi expert journalist, who joined Hi-Fi News & Record Review in 1983, to which he still contributes. He also writes a column for the website Soundstage UK, is the author of "Quad: The Clo...

This week Jay Jay is joined by legendary audio specialist Randall Messman, also known as the Cheap Audio Man! Jay Jay & Randall explore the intricate world of audio equipment, focusing on the importance of accessibility in audio enjoyment. Randy discusses his mission to demystify audio for everyday listeners, emphasizing that high-quality sound doesn’t need to be associated with high prices. H...

Tune into Part II of Jay Jay's conversation with Lenny Florentine, a renowned audio expert and YouTube sensation. They further explore the world of high-end audio equipment, getting into discussion about turntables and the crazy variation in prices that can come with them in modern day. Lenny candidly reflects on the absurdity of some of these prices while acknowledging that for some, these extrav...

This week, Jay Jay is joined by audio expert Lenny Florentine! They take a dive deep into the world of audio to discuss the recent AXPONA Conference in 2026 & share their personal journeys through the audio landscape. Lenny is a prominent figure in the YouTube audio community, and shares insights from his extensive experience with high-end audio gear. They chat about everything from the evolut...

This week, tune in for part II of Jay Jay's conversation with distinguished writer and producer Maxim Langstaff! Max is a Grammy- and Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and author whose creative work has reached millions worldwide. Known for his innovative vision and storytelling versatility, Max has collaborated with many of the most influential figures in music and popular culture. He recently rel...

This week, Jay Jay is joined by distinguished writer and producer Maxim Langstaff! Max is a Grammy- and Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and author whose creative work has reached millions worldwide. Known for his innovative vision and storytelling versatility, Max has collaborated with many of the most influential figures in music and popular culture. He recently released his first novel Sasq'et,...

Join us this week as Jay Jay welcomes legendary tv & radio personality Riki Rachtman! Riki is well known as a long standing host of MTVs Headbanger's Ball, and as the owner of the Hollywood nightclub the Cathouse. He joins Jay Jay at his apartment in New York to discuss all things hard rock & Heavy Metal. Riki shares some inspiring career insight as to how he made a name for himself in the...

Legendary actor & comedian Richard Kind joins Jay Jay this week for a very special episode! Tune in to hear Jay Jay & Richard get into their deep histories with New York, & discuss all things Upper West Side & its unique character. They share stories of their early career development, getting into the differentiation between actors & movie stars, as with the differences between...

This week, tune in as Jay Jay welcomes special guest & high end audio expert - Valerio Cora! The intricacies of high-end audio technology take center stage in this episode, as Jay Jay and Valerio get into the innovative advancements in audio equipment. This discussion is taking place ahead of the Axpona high-end audio show in Chicago this Spring, which they will both be taking part in. Val sha...

Tune in this week for Part II of Jay Jay's conversation with legendary comedian Dean Delray. Dean joins Jay Jay fresh off the release of his new comedy special '5836,' produced by Bill Burr. This week, Dean & Jay Jay discuss the importance of the nuanced connection between artists and audiences, which leads them to talk about how social media and platforms like Patreon are reshaping artis...

This week, Jay Jay welcomes back dear friend of the podcast - legendary comedian Dean Delray. Dean joins Jay Jay fresh off the release of his new comedy special '5836,' produced by Bill Burr. They get into the intricacies of live performance, and discuss the evolving landscape of comedy today. Dean & Jay share the strong belief that when preparation meets opportunity, true magic can happe...

Join us this week as we celebrate 5 years of the podcast! It has already been five years since the inception of The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music, & we've had quite a wonderful run of guests over the years. Today we welcome back the very first guest on the show, the one & only Mike Portnoy! After reflecting on podcast highlights & the years since its beginning, Mike...

This week, after the news of Bob Weir, we're revisiting Jay Jay's previous conversation with guests Justin Kreutzmann & Mark Pinkus. This episode is a must listen for all Dead Heads! Justin is a director, & the son of legendary Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. Justin has worked on a large catalogue of projects with music legends such as Pete Townshend and The Who, Motley Crue, Yoko O...

2025 has been quite the journey - in this week's episode, Jay Jay is joined by his producer Matthew Mallinger to reflect on the past year. Jay Jay & Matthew discuss milestones & musical highlights - talking about the ups & downs throughout the year; looking back on favorite guests, & some of their favorite performances. Matthew's insights contribute to this retrospective analysis,...

This week, Jay Jay welcomes an old friend of his - special guest Paul McGowan of PS audio. Jay Jay recounts his first encounter with PS Audio equipment, as they get into a broader discussion about the evolution of audio technology over the years. Paul shares his journey from a young engineer to the president of a leading audio company, detailing the challenges he's faced in a market that's constan...

Join us this week for an episode that will always be timely to revisit - as we relisten to Jay Jay's conversation with Rickey Medlocke, who's known both as a rock n roll legend and a prominent voice in advocating for Native American rights. Jay Jay & Rickey's history goes as far back as Twisted Sister does - to 1973 - and they've remained friends ever since. Rickey is best known as b...

Tune in this week for part II of Jay Jay's conversation with audio expert Adrian Low! Adrian is not only a distinguished audio expert and the owner of Audio Excellence in Canada, but also happens to be one of Jay Jay's favorite audio influencers / reviewers. They delve into the disparity between contemporary listening habits and those of previous generations & reflect on how the allure of high...

Join Jay Jay this week as he welcomes audio expert Adrian Low onto the podcast. Adrian is not only a distinguished audio expert and the owner of Audio Excellence in Canada, but also happens to be one of Jay Jay's favorite audio influencers / reviewers. They delve into the disparity between contemporary listening habits and those of previous generations & reflect on how the allur...

Tune in this week for part two of Jay Jay's conversation with special guest Steve Guttenberg! These 2 dive straight back into the world of audio, & what it really is that makes great sound systems tick. Steve is an audio expert - with an extensive history both as a salesman and a reviewer. Steve & Jay chat about learning to appreciate sound quality through jazz music, and the importance of...

This week, tune in to join Jay Jay as he welcomes Steve Guttenberg to the show, as they they explore the vibrant world of audio and the profound impact music has had on their lives. Jay Jay takes us back to the days when he fell in love with music through his gigantic stereo systems. They delve deep into what being an audiophile really means, and how it’s about more than just the equipment; it’s a...

This week, Rudy Sarzo returns for the second half of his recent conversation with Jay Jay to share more about his storied career, full of unforgettable experiences and legendary encounters over the years in the rock scene. The episode kicks off with Rudy reminiscing about the various bands he's played with, diving into some wild tour stories. Rudy reflects on the emotional impact of losing mu...

Rudy Sarzo is gracing us once again this week on The Jay Jay French Connection! Rudy gets into the emotional whirlwind surrounding the recent tribute performance to Ozzy Osbourne, & shares his heartfelt experiences and memories about the man who shaped so many careers, including his own. They discuss the bittersweet nature of honoring loved ones who have passed on, share favorite memories from...

Tune in for one of the first episodes this Fall, as we revisit Jay Jay's previous conversation with John Carter Cash! John is the son of June Carter Cash & Johnny Cash, & has created an amazing ongoing musical legacy of his own. Hear John talk about what is was like to have Johnny & June as parents growing up - & how they were beautifully humble & down to earth individuals and...

This week, Jay Jay is joined by rock icon Glenn Hughes! Tune in to hear these two do a deep dive into their ongoing musical legacies, & the life experiences that come with it. Glenn shares stories from his illustrious career, giving us a glimpse of what it was like to be part of legendary bands like Deep Purple and Trapeze - the extensive performances, creative breakthroughs, and unforget...