Beauty School Dropout are shaking up the rock world — and in this episode, they join the conversation to talk about their explosive rise, their latest single “TWO OF US,” and their highly anticipated debut album Where Did All the Butterflies Go? Produced by the legendary Neal Avron (Fall Out Boy, twenty one pilots, Linkin Park), the album marks a bold new chapter for the band.

From the emotional depth behind “TWO OF US” to the creative chaos of recording tracks like “SEX APPEAL,” “FEVER,” and “ON YOUR LIPS,” BSD break down how they’re redefining rock for a new generation. We also dive into their unforgettable live shows — from sold-out headline tours and festival stages at Lollapalooza and Download Festival, to massive arena tours with blink-182, Alkaline Trio, and jxdn.

The band also shares stories about collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, including Mark Hoppus, Alex Gaskarth, MOD SUN, and Royal & the Serpent, while staying true to their core vision: celebrating individuality, freedom, and unapologetic self-expression.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Beauty School Dropout, this episode gives you an inside look at the passion, grit, and raw energy driving one of today’s most exciting bands.

Travie McCoy, frontman of Gym Class Heroes, joins me for an in-depth conversation about his artistic journey, the music that shaped him, and the legacy of a band that broke boundaries.

From forming Gym Class Heroes in high school to topping the charts with songs like Cupid’s Chokehold and Stereo Hearts, Travie reflects on how the band’s unique fusion of hip hop, rock, funk, and pop resonated with fans around the world. He opens up about personal growth, creativity, and the resilience it takes to keep evolving as an artist.

We also discuss collaborations with some of music’s biggest names, his solo career, and what it means to bring new energy and perspective into his work today. More than just a trip down memory lane, this episode is a look at artistry, transformation, and the timeless impact of music.

If you’ve ever been moved by a Gym Class Heroes track or connected with Travie’s solo work, this episode is a must-listen.

Baltimore alt-rock veterans Have Mercy are back with their sixth studio album, the loneliest place i’ve ever been—a record fueled by vulnerability, loss, and late-night reflections.

In this episode, frontman Brian Swindle opens up about the band’s journey from their early days in the Baltimore scene, through the highs of breakout albums like The Earth Pushed Back and A Place of Our Own, the heartbreak of loss and disbandment, and the revival that’s led to their most honest work yet.

We dive into the stories behind new singles “august 17” and “tv glows,” what it means to make music that lingers in life’s quietest moments, and how Have Mercy continues to grow while honoring their past.

🎧 Stream the new album the loneliest place i’ve ever been August 29th via Rude Records.

Grammy-winning trumpet player, producer, and songwriter Emiliano Torres and virtuoso singer Camilo Rafael Sierra join me for a deep dive into the world of Xperimento—Miami’s ultimate musical fusion squad.

Blending reggae, Latin soul, funk, and global sounds, Xperimento has been electrifying audiences since emerging from Miami’s underground music scene in 2009. Along the way, they’ve shared the stage with legends like Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Juanes, and even had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of Prince jumping in on one of their shows. Their chemistry as lifelong friends, combined with the band’s multicultural roots—spanning Puerto Rico, Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba—creates a sound that is as diverse as it is infectious.

In this episode, Emiliano and Camilo open up about the energy that fuels their live performances, their travels performing for U.S. troops across the globe, and the creative process behind their self-produced EP Diferente and their brand-new single “Walked Away.”

If you’re looking for stories filled with passion, culture, and nonstop rhythm, this conversation brings it all.

Ten years ago, X Ambassadors changed the alt-rock landscape with their debut album VHS, delivering unforgettable anthems like “Renegades” and “Unsteady.” Now, frontman Sam Nelson Harris reflects on a decade of growth, success, and transformation as the band prepares to release VHS(X)—a bold reimagining of the record that first put them on the map.

In this conversation, Sam talks about revisiting the songs that launched their career and what they mean to him today, the creative process of breathing new life into fan favorites, and how re-recording tracks like “Renegades” offered surprising new perspectives. He also shares what fans can expect from the upcoming VHS(X) Tour, reflects on the band’s evolution from VHS to their latest album Townie, and dives into how his experiences writing and collaborating with artists like Rihanna, Eminem, and The Weeknd have shaped his artistry.

This episode is both a celebration of the past and a glimpse into the future of one of alternative music’s most influential bands.

What happens when the raw energy of Black Flag collides with the timeless spirit of Bill Monroe? That’s exactly the question Water Tower has been answering since 2005.

Founded in Portland and now thriving in Los Angeles, the band has built a reputation for their fearless DIY approach and genre-bending sound that seamlessly blends bluegrass, old-time, and punk rock. In this episode, Kenny Feinstein (lead vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin) and Tommy Drinkard (banjo, vocals) share how their unique musical DNA fuses tradition with rebellion, the impact of their move from Portland to LA, and how the band has evolved through different lineups and stages.

They also reflect on their collaborations with icons like Ron Reyes of Black Flag and Nick Hexum of 311, their journey from street performances to viral videos, and what it’s like adapting their sound for radically different crowds—from the Vans Warped Tour to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Along the way, they reveal the passion and persistence that continue to drive Water Tower as they carve out their own path in modern music.

If you love music that breaks rules while honoring its roots, this conversation is for you.

Like Ghosts has been shaping the emo and alt-rock scene out of San Antonio since 2014—building a sound full of raw emotion and melodic grit. 🎙️👻

Their debut EP To Feel Like You’re Drowning set the tone for what would become a career defined by authenticity and growth. With their breakout single “I Wish Things Were Different” surpassing 1.6 million streams, and an alternate version featuring Shane Told of Silverstein, the band quickly caught the attention of fans worldwide.

Over the years, they’ve collaborated with heavy hitters like Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens), contributed to genre compilations, and even turned a cover of Ryan Cabrera’s “On the Way Down” into a real-life collaboration. On stage, they’ve earned their stripes opening for names like Sleeping With Sirens, Dayseeker, Bad Omens, and Craig Owens.

Now signed to Manic Kat Records, Like Ghosts is pushing into new sonic territory—fusing their emo roots with future bass textures. Their latest single “Better Now” marks the beginning of a bold new chapter and the lead into their upcoming sophomore EP.

This conversation dives into their journey, collaborations, and where they’re headed next.

From chart-topping success with Blue Moon Ghetto to shaping Omaha’s music scene through his new venture, Omaha Music Group, Matt Banta has a knack for creating the unforgettable. In this episode, we explore his journey through the highs and lessons of the music industry, his passion for nurturing local talent, and the exciting next chapter with his latest project, Space To Play—including an upcoming album you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Matt’s work for the first time, this conversation offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at a true creative force.

From platinum records to pop culture icon—Ryan Cabrera opens up in a candid conversation about fame, authenticity, and navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. We talk about his early success, the lessons learned along the way, and how he continues to evolve as an artist and person.

A raw, reflective, and surprisingly funny look behind the curtain of a career that helped define an era.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.

What happens when two Grammy-winning legends—Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman and songwriter/producer Billy Mann—reconnect decades after sharing a high school vocal program and a deep love for harmony, storytelling, and soul?

You get - CHOSEN FAMILY..

In this heartfelt episode of Caught on the Mike, we explore the origins of Chosen Family, their new collaborative project born out of shared roots in Philly, personal growth, and the bond of fatherhood—both raising sons on the autism spectrum.

From packed arenas with Boyz II Men to hit songs with P!nk, David Guetta, and John Legend, these two icons share stories of rediscovery, vulnerability, and building something new with purpose. Their upcoming album Generation Us is more than a record—it’s a movement for connection, compassion, and creativity.

This conversation is a rare glimpse into the kind of friendship that time, music, and shared mission only deepen.