The Listening Party Podcast

We're globe-trotting with Stephanie and bring you travel songs. Featured Songs: "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman "Gratitude" by Brandon Lake "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson Also in this episode: Window or aisle seat. The ambiguous Tracy Chapman. Fast Car covers. Journaling vs. souvenirs. Failing memory. Gratitude. Planning trips. Rockband parties. Playlists for everything. The power of music. Prep...

Jesse Cohen of All The Kings Men makes his triumphant return to the podcast after ten long years to discuss TV theme songs. Featured Songs: "Frightening Fishes" by Benjamin Gibbard "At Least It Was Here" by The 88 "You're Dead" by Maria Tanega Also in this episode: Jesse catches us up on the last ten years. Jesse's not a fan of Shrinking. Denise is not a fan Ben Gibbard. Star Wars nights. Religiou...

We're joined this month by Denise's favorite comic to perform at the Chatterbox in Covina, KJ! You can catch him there Thursdays and Sundays. We're talking R&B love songs. Featured Songs: "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison "Every Time I Close My Eyes" by Babyface ft. Kenny G Also in this episode: Detroit's Big Tire vs. Inglewood's Big Donut. Detroit style p...

We continue Denise's favorites series, this time with one of her favorite restaurant owners, Tirzah! She is the co-owner of Tirzah's Mexi-Terranean in the heart of El Sereno, CA. She has over a decade of experience in the restaurant business and is an incredibly supportive member of the community. We figured no better theme than community songs. Featured Songs: "Everybody Everybody" by Black Box "...

It's Johnny Roque month at the LPP. He's Denise's favorite comic that she's seen at Horseplay Comedy. When he's not posting reaction videos on the socials, you can catch him IRL at the World Famous Comedy Store, the Laugh Factory, or hosting his own comedy show at the Sunset Room in Hacienda Heights. Featured Songs: "Oh My God" by Guns N' Roses "All The Small Things" by Blink-182 "Sour Girl" by St...

Self-described heart-on-his-sleeve songwriter Steven Wesley Guiles joins us for songs about deconstructing religion and not waiting for perfection. Featured Songs: "In My Mind" by Dubious At Best "I Was A Teenage Blood Sacrifice Cult Member" by Steven Wesley Guiles "Say" by Monica Martin Also in this episode: Covers. February Album Writing Month. The freedom to write a song about anything. Growing...

We continue our annual tradition of Wrapping™ sharing our favorite songs of the year, 2025 edition. Featured Songs: "Jump Rope Gazers" by The Beths "Powerwalker" by Low Ceilings "The Ocean" by Against Me! "Macho Man" by Hell Tüpét - Music Video "Knifey" by Amyl and the Sniffers "Don't Take My Side" by The Psychotic Reactions "woke up knowing everything (opening theme)" by Open Mike Eagle "Play Hou...

We welcome Avi back to the show along with first-time podcaster Jeffrey for some songs about change. Featured Songs: "Change" by Blind Melon "Changes" by Charles Bradley "Everybody's Changing" by Keane "The Seed" by Sasami Also in this episode: What the hell is a third place? Holding bartenders hostage. Going to the movies alone. Jeffrey will work for TouchTunes™ credits. Charles Bradley messes up...

Paul Antonio joins us this month to celebrate 10 years in comedy with some bangers from the 2000's. Featured Songs: "How You Remind Me" by Nickelback "Here Without You" by 3 Doors Down "Young'n" by Fabolous Also in this episode: Eddie Guerrero's passing cues the death of innocence. Paul's comedy origin story. Pomona pride. Another Dana Dayz flashback. Paul's first sip of booze. Downloading music....

We're joined this month by wrestling fan, educator, cosplayer, and social media influencer The Machoverse for songs from our college years. Featured Songs: "La Llorona" by Beirut "Be A Man" by Macho Man Randy Savage "Turn on Me" by The Shins Also in this episode: Wrestling fandom beginnings. Meeting at Burning Man. Matcha Man. Macho spam. Students following you on social media. Macho Man versus Ho...

We're celebrating our 300th episode this month—technically, if you count every episode that's ever been published since 2009—and who better to celebrate with than the Rude Dog and some wrestling entrance theme songs! Featured Songs: "Nasty Boy" by No Application Fee "Cochise" by Audioslave "Divide & Conquer" by IDLES Also in this episode: Reminiscing about the early days of the pod. Denise ticks a...

This month, Elaina and Joey of Magenta Moon join us to share songs inspired by the theme For Better or Worse. Featured Songs: "The One" by Wild Child "Dollar Store" by Ben Kweller ft. Waxahatchee "Tried and True" by Ween "I Would Find You" by Oceanator Also in this episode: Magenta Moon origin story. Artistic collaboration as a couple. Engineering choices. Portland vs. L.A. Picking what covers to...

We're joined this month by our new best friend, singer-songwriter, and wrestling fan, Charles Grace, for songs that made us feel grown when we weren't quite there yet. Featured Songs: "Radio/Video" by System of a Down "Lover, You Should've Come Over" by Jeff Buckley "Crestfallen" by Smashing Pumpkins Also in this episode: Our Charles Grace origin story. Feeling grown. Playing System of a Down for...

We're joined this month by long-time friend of the pod Keith Foster to share songs about grief, but don't worry it's a pretty light-hearted episode—all things considered. Featured Songs: "What Sarah Said" by Death Cab for Cutie "3rd Planet" by Modest Mouse "Hear You Me" by Jimmy Eat World Also in this episode: Remembering Cassidy. Improv v. stand-up. Modest Mouse cruise. Drawing on sticky notes. T...

We're joined this month by stand-up comic, bedroom musician, and photographer Carlos Escobar to share songs that remind us of our pets. Featured Songs: "Cost of Living" by Mom Friend "Older Chests" by Damien Rice "Sam" by Sturgill Simpson Also in this episode: Pet medical issues. Balancing privacy and stand-up comedy. Comedy for Latinos. Bombing at the world-famous Iguana. New music from Deefur. S...

We're joined this month by friend of the podcast and new business owner, Lourdes, for new beginning songs. Featured Songs: "In The Morning" by Nina Simone "Hit The Coast" by Future Islands "Start Again" by Hope Langston Also in this episode: Running a podcast from a basement. Bob Dylan covers. Nostalgia sells. Interpretive rapping. Running your own business. Bumble BFF. Melting Heart Creative's li...

Comic, musician, single girl-dad, Frank Estrada, joins us this month for some timely protest songs. Featured Songs: "Wear Clean Draws" by The Coup "Masters of War" by Bob Dylan "The Little Flame" by Carsie Blanton Horseplay Comedy at Angry Horse Brewing. Getting back into comedy. Denise judges Frank by his cover. Comedy specials. Musical segregation. Raising a daughter in the current political cli...

Prolific singer-songwriter and self-taught multi-instrumentalist Vincent Brue joins us this month for dark songs. Featured Songs: "Hammer Down" by Magnolia Electric Co. "I See A Darkness" by Johnny Cash & Bonnie "Prince" Billy "500 Photo Albums" by Justin Richard Also in this episode: Everyone's got a little darkness in 'em. Drunken pandemic live broadcasts. Comedy v. music open mics. Overplayed c...

We continue our annual tradition of Wrapping™ our favorite songs of the year, 2024 edition. Featured Songs: "In My Car" by Slow Smoke "Nothing Matters" by The Last Dinner Party "Hard to be Strangers" by Ginger Bug "War Isn't Murder" by Jesse Welles "Outlaws and Engines" by The Lion Heart "La Esquinita" by Paola Decanini "Guess Who's Off Her Meds?" by Leah Lou and the 2 Left Shoes "What It Is (Solo...

Original-podcast-member Stephanie joins us this month for winter songs. Featured Songs: "This Winter" by Rah Rah Rabbit "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Dean Martin "Winter to Pry" by The Deer Also in this episode: Stephanie's travel Instagram account. Stage names. Canceled songs. Weird Steph Yankovic. Opening bands that called it quits. Satellite radio. Stephanie's links: Instagram | Guided by Histor...

This month, we share songs we love dancing to with electronic music lover, Xander. Featured Songs: "Como Te Voy A Olvidar" by Los Angeles Azules "House of God" by D.H.S. "Wolf Like Me" by TV On The Radio Also in this episode: Being your own boss. Music festivals are too expensive. Party with your friends' adult offspring. Clubbing in the 90's. Freestyle versus couples dancing. Playing your music l...

This month, we're thrilled to have Gericho in studio to share songs about purpose. A singer-songwriter and open mic host at multiple spots in the South Bay, catch his music and upcoming shows at the links below. Featured Songs: "What I Got" by Sublime "Burning Bridges" by OneRepublic "I Want Love" by Elton John Also in this episode: The difference between purpose and goals. Gericho's sneaker colle...

Forget the Sklar Brothers, we've got the Ska Brothers! Cesar and Matt of East Side Agents join us for songs by bands with family ties. Featured Songs: "The Middle" by Lily & Madeleine "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock N Roll" by AC/DC "Call It In" by The Dares "Don't Look Back In Anger" by Oasis Also in this episode: Folding chairs at The Troubadour. Collecting. Confirmation names. Si...

Get ready to crank it up! We've got two-thirds of the incredible Velodrone, Marisa and Danielle, in-studio this month for some needle drop selections. What's a needle drop you ask? The moment a familiar tune drops into a movie or series, elevating the scene to a whole new level. Scorsese and Tarantino are among the best to do it. How many of us picked one of their scenes? Tune in and find out! Fea...

This month we're joined by long-time friends of the show Paloma and Sam as we go undercover to explore the iconic world of James Bond theme songs. We dissect the driving rhythms, soaring vocals, and orchestral flourishes that make these tunes as unforgettable as one of Xenia Oantopp's murderous orgasms. Featured Songs: "The World Is Not Enough" by Garbage "Goldfinger" by Shirley Bassey "Another Wa...