Friday Night Karaoke

It's Episode 77 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the theme was That's Deep, Bro!

This week, Mike and Joe go a little deeper than usual with an episode built around songs that mean something more. Some of these picks have hidden meaning baked right into the lyrics. Some clearly hit on a more personal level for the singer. Either way, this one is full of songs that make you stop, listen a little closer, and feel something. It is still FNK, so even with all the depth, it stays fun, honest, and full of personality. You get big voices, great song choices, some unexpected moments, and the kind of conversations that remind you why this group works so well in the first place. These are not just people singing songs. These are people connecting to them.

Featured performances

• Marc Cross with Hurt by Nine Inch Nails / Johnny Cash
  A killer way to open the show. Mike and Joe both really leaned into how heavy this song already is, then talked about how wild it is that Marc made them want to go back and listen to all three versions all over again. That is a huge compliment. He did not just cover it. He put himself right into it.
• Bonnie Richelle with How Deep Is Your Love by Bee Gees
  This one landed exactly the way it needed to. The guys called out how well Bonnie layers and harmonizes with herself, but what really made it stand out was how naturally the whole thing unfolded. It was not just four boxes on a screen. It felt arranged. It felt built. And it sounded great.
• Rick Mendoza with 99 by Toto
  One of those picks that perfectly fits the theme because it is not the obvious Toto song everyone expects. Mike flat-out said he did not think he had ever heard it before, which made Rick's choice even better. Then the song ends and just keeps ending forever, which turned into one of the funniest parts of the episode.
• Angel Lark with At 17 by Janis Ian
  A deep cut in every sense. Neither Mike nor Joe seemed to know the song going in, which made it feel even more like a discovery. It fits the theme perfectly too - reflective, personal, and loaded with the kind of meaning that sneaks up on you.
• Nancy Van Eindhoven with Love Hurts by Nazareth
  This was one of those "okay, wow" performances. Mike and Joe both talked about how strong her voice is, especially the way she moves naturally between softer phrasing and those bigger, more powerful notes. And yes, they did eventually spell out why the song is deep - because it throws away the fairy tale version of love and says the real thing can hurt.
• Kristie Winn with Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
  A brand new voice to the podcast, and she absolutely made it count. The acoustic setup instantly won both Mike and Joe over, and from there it turned into one of those performances that feels intimate in the best way. Honest, stripped down, and really, really good.
• Sandy Hernandez with A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You by The Monkees
  Sandy totally understood the assignment on this one. What made this performance stand out on the show was not just the song, but the fact that Sandy actually explained why it mattered - from loving it as a kid on The Monkees to realizing later that it had more going on underneath, and then finding out Neil Diamond wrote it. That made it hit even harder.
• Mario Rivera with Hey You by Pink Floyd
  A strong closer and a perfect "deep" pick. Mike set it up by saying Pink Floyd basically owns this kind of theme, and Joe pointed out that the huge reverb actually made sense for the song. Afterward, Mike called it what it is - a desperate cry for human connection in an isolated world. Deep, bro. Very deep.

This episode is a good reminder that karaoke is not always just about hitting the note or picking the crowd-pleaser. Sometimes it is about picking the song that says something. The one that means something. The one that carries a little extra weight. And this lineup absolutely brought that.

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It’s the new-year kickoff episode that starts at full throttle and somehow keeps finding another gear. In “2026 FNK and… GO,” Mike and Joe spin a playlist built for the first cheers of the year - loud, proud, a little chaotic (in the best way), and powered by the Friday Night Karaoke Facebook group. Along the way, they riff on the “countdown” theme landing after the calendar flipped, hype up the FNK crew, and keep circling back to one mission: start 2026 with big energy, big voices, and zero hesitation.

Featured performances (with the moments that made them pop on the show)

• Kristoff Crafton - “Drink Myself Drunk” (Rebel Son): The ultimate “hit play and the year starts now” opener. Mike and Joe immediately talk about it like a repeat-listen anthem and even bring up singing it together at PodFest in Orlando.
• Jennifer Adams - “Get the Party Started” (Pink): Introduced with full love as a longtime pillar of the community (and a group moderator) - then the dynamic duo nerds out over how tough it is to “record over yourself” and how she stacked vocals like an audio inception trick.
• Nancy Van Eindhoven - “The Final Countdown” (Europe): Mike sets it up as the perfect countdown energy (even if you’re recording a few days late), then you both rave about her power and presence - the kind that makes you sing along even if you’ve heard the song a million times.
• Rick Mendoza - “Around and Around” (The Rolling Stones): Timeless, classic, and somehow “Elvis-y” in the best way. The vibe sends the conversation straight into retro rock-and-roll territory and Mike’s excitement about a 50s-style night in Orlando.
• Mike Wiston - “Suck My Kiss” (Red Hot Chili Peppers): “My podcast, my prerogative” energy. Mike frames it as his personal 2026 welcome song, shouts out seeing RHCP live in Tokyo, and you keep the momentum ripping toward the back half of the episode.
• Annastaisyar - “Crazy Train” (Ozzy Osbourne): A live-bar recording with that real karaoke-room electricity. Mike and Joe both point out you can’t stand still on a song like this - and you give her big credit for fully getting into it and bringing serious vocals.
• Katie Rose - “I Like It Heavy” (Halestorm): Pure “turn it up past 10” payoff. The hosts both react to the whole vibe (including the gritty video look) and the massive ending - and you even accidentally label it “Good to Be Alive” for a second, which honestly becomes the perfect accidental motto for this episode.

Hit play, crank it up, and start your year the FNK way - loud, fun, and together.

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It really is the most wonderful time of the year, and Mike and Joe lean fully into the holiday spirit with this festive episode of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast. A Very Merry Friday Night Karaoke Christmas brings together performances from the FNK Facebook group’s Christmas Theme of the Week, mixing classic holiday standards, comedy favorites, and even an original Christmas song. The result is exactly what FNK does best - warmth, humor, talent, and a lot of personality.

This episode is less about perfection and more about joy. You will hear laughter, behind-the-scenes banter, and genuine reactions as Mike and Joe celebrate the community, the moderators, and the creativity that comes out in full force during the holidays.

Featured Performances:

• Bonnie Richelle – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
  A perfect opener that immediately sets the tone. Mike and Joe call out how effortlessly Bonnie brings classic Christmas warmth and why this song feels like the true starting gun for the season.

• Karen Pavkov – “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt
  A longtime FNK moderator favorite, Karen leans into her signature jazzy, crooner style. The hosts joke about finally listening to the lyrics a little too closely while still being completely impressed by her delivery and confidence.

• Angel Lark – “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” from How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  One of the most talked-about performances of the episode. Angel does not just sing the song - she fully acts it out. Mike and Joe rave about her theatrical commitment, expressive delivery, and how she turns the performance into a full character piece.

• Marc Cross – “Christmas Cookies” by George Strait
  A surprise hit for the hosts, especially for Mike, who admits this song single-handedly nudged him further toward appreciating country music. Marc’s playful performance and total ownership of the song make it an instant FNK favorite.

• Daniel Kreitz – “Santa’s Gone Wild” (Original Song)
  A standout moment in the episode. Daniel’s original Christmas song tells a hilarious and vivid story about a runaway inflatable Santa. Mike and Joe are genuinely impressed by the songwriting, humor, and polish, calling it legit, memorable, and something they want shared far beyond FNK.

• Heather Gurnari – “The Chimney Song” by Bob Rivers
  A comedic show-stealer. Heather completely transforms her voice, leaving both hosts stunned. They highlight her vocal range, character work, and how unrecognizable she is compared to her usual serious singing style.

• Patrick Holstein – “Dominick the Donkey” by Lou Monte
  Pure nostalgia and crowd-pleasing fun. Mike and Joe talk about how this is the kind of song that would instantly turn a karaoke bar into a full-room singalong, and how Patrick’s version captures that energy perfectly.

• Joe Rubin – “Let It Snow” by Dean Martin
  Closing the episode on a smooth, classic note, Joe brings crooner vibes and a relaxed, fireside feel. Mike openly praises the performance as a textbook example of smart karaoke song selection and delivery.

This episode captures everything that makes Friday Night Karaoke special - not just great singing, but personality, experimentation, laughter, and community. Whether you are here for the classics, the comedy, or the unexpected originals, A Very Merry Friday Night Karaoke Christmas is a reminder that the holidays sound better when everyone sings along.

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It's Episode 74 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the theme was Turn it up to 11.

Ready to blow the roof off your next karaoke night? This week, Mike and Joe crank the volume all the way to eleven with Turn It Up To 11, an adrenaline-fueled episode featuring the most earth-shaking, wall-rattling performances from our FNK Facebook crew. From soulful wails to gritty rock bangers, these power vocals and full-throttle anthems are guaranteed to leave you breathless—in the best way possible! So grab your air guitar, tighten those vocal cords, and prepare for a sonic onslaught of epic proportions. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s the ultimate celebration of karaoke turned all the way up.

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ALONGSIDE HOSTS Mike Wiston AND Joe Rubin:

• Paul Bright casts a spell with “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins - haunting, powerful, and completely unforgettable.
• Neil Burgess channels raw emotion with “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals - gritty storytelling at full volume.
• Mike Wiston rips through “Stone Cold Crazy” (Metallica version) by Queen - speed, precision, and a whole lot of attitude!
• Jeanette Loechel Brown commands the mic on “I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge - fiery vocals and unshakable confidence.
• William Bynum brings soul with “As Long As I Have You” by Elvis - smooth, timeless, and lovingly powerful.
• Scott Otoupal rocks out with “Who Made Who” by ACDC - driving riffs and infectious energy.
• Eric Dubrofsky dives deep with “Mary Jane” by Alanis Morissette - raw, emotive, and utterly captivating.
• Jennifer Adams closes the show with “You Learn” by Alanis Morissette - a triumphant anthem about growth, strength, and singing your heart out.

Turn up your speakers and join us for a high-voltage ride through karaoke’s most explosive moments. Whether you’re belting out ballads or headbanging to rock classics, Turn It Up To 11 is your backstage pass to the loudest, proudest karaoke party around!

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It's Episode 73 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the theme was Songs From the Dark Side

May the 4th be with you… but this week, Mike and Joe are embracing the Dark Side of karaoke! In our latest episode, Songs From the Dark Side, we’ve summoned the spookiest, most sinister, and delightfully wicked tracks from our FNK Facebook group. Whether you’re a Sith Lord or just love belting out brooding anthems, this episode will have you channeling your inner villain—in the most fun, theatrical way possible. So power up your lightsaber mic, don your blackest cloak, and prepare for a night of ominous riffs, haunting melodies, and just a touch of karaoke mayhem.

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ALONGSIDE HOSTS Mike Wiston AND Joe Rubin:

• James R. Isaac III unleashes “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath—heavy, epic, and perfect for ruling a galactic empire.
• Isabel Aguilar summons “Rainbow in the Dark” by Dio—because even the darkness needs a little color!
• Eric Dubrofsky breaks new ground with “Without Them Knowing” by ChatGPT—an AI-crafted anthem from the shadowy realms of code.
• Rey Ortiz brings tears to your eyes with “Mad World” (Tears for Fears/Gary Jules)—a haunting, introspective journey.
• Karen Pavkov lulls you into the abyss with “Freak on a Leash (Lullaby Version)” by Korn—creepy and captivating!
• Joel Davis slams down the gauntlet with “Snuff” by Slipknot—a raw, emotional descent into darkness.
• Jamie Marie raises the undead with “Zombie” by The Cranberries—an eerie, unforgettable sing-along.
• Joe Rubin flips the script with “Les Poissons” from The Little Mermaid—because sometimes the Dark Side needs a little culinary flair! 

Join us for an episode that proves even the darkest songs can shine bright on the karaoke stage. Whether you’re channeling Darth Vader or just love a good moody ballad, Songs From the Dark Side is your ticket to a fun—and unexpectedly uplifting—karaoke experience. Let’s embrace the shadows… with a microphone in hand!

Love what you hear? Join the Friday Night Karaoke Facebook group here and be part of the magic! It's negativity free, ad-free, and all about the music: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fridaynightkaraoke 

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It's Episode 72 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the theme was It's Gonna Be May!

Hold onto your high-tops and dust off those choreography moves—boy band season is here! Mike and Joe are back with the ultimate springtime sing-along on this week’s episode, It’s Gonna Be May, where our FNK family rocks the mic with their favorite boy band bangers from every era. Think catchy hooks, synchronized vibes, and all the swoon-worthy moments you secretly love! Whether you’re team NSYNC, Backstreet, Beatles, or rooting for today’s pop-punk princes, we’ve got you covered. So grab your air mic, recruit your karaoke crew, and get ready to shower the stage with high-energy harmonies and nostalgic feels!

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ALONGSIDE HOSTS Mike Wiston AND Joe Rubin:

• Eric Dubrofsky kicks us off with “Young Blood” by 5 Seconds of Summer—modern pop-punk meets boy-band swagger. Get ready to jump!
• Rachel Everest melts hearts with “God Must Have Spent a Little More Time On You” by NSYNC—tissues at the ready!
• Glenn Carberry takes us back in time with “Save The Last Dance For Me” by The Drifters—doo-wop bliss and smooth moves!
• Jessica Spark lights up the stage with “As Long As You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys—iconic chorus, major feels!
• Jeff Smith surprises us with “I’m Still Fine” by Red Clay Strays—fresh original with classic boy-band vibes.
• Zack Vanderzande brings the drama with “Incomplete” by Backstreet Boys—goosebumps guaranteed!
• Rick Mendoza adds a twist of Fab Four magic with “Love Me Do” by The Beatles—vintage charm, timeless fun!
• Jennifer Adams closes the show with the anthem for spring: “It’s Gonna Be Me” by NSYNC—ready to scream “MAY!” at the top of your lungs?

Get your playlist on, invite your friends, and let’s karaoke our way into May with the catchiest hooks, the biggest high notes, and a whole lot of fun. Boy bands are forever—and so is karaoke!

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It's Episode 71 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the theme was Party Like It's Spring Break!

Dust off your shades and crank up the tunes—Mike and Joe are bringing the sunshine with a brand-new episode of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast: Party Like It’s Spring Break! We’ve rounded up the most feel-good, energy-boosting performances from our FNK Facebook group to celebrate everything spring: longer days, warmer breezes, and that unbeatable spring break spirit. Whether you’re by the pool, road-tripping with friends, or just dreaming of beach vibes, this episode has the perfect soundtrack to get you dancing, singing, and smiling.

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ALONGSIDE HOSTS Mike Wiston AND Joe Rubin:

• Jennifer Adams kicks things off with the ultimate sunny anthem, “Steal My Sunshine” by LEN. It’s a pure dose of feel-good nostalgia!
• Mike Tahir speeds into spring with “Fast Car” by Luke Combs (originally Tracy Chapman), blending heartfelt lyrics with a fresh, upbeat twist.
• Lauren Gregg brings the heat with “Toxic” by Britney Spears—because nothing says spring break like an irresistible beat!
• Rachel Everest gets the party started with “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. Turn it up and let the good times roll!
• Rick Mendoza rides the wave of classic rock with “Rock and Roll Music” by the Beach Boys. Surf’s up, FNK style!
• Charles Johnson cruises into spring with the soulful “Cruisin’” by Smokey Robinson—perfect for those sunset drives.
• AsthmaBully Jones pumps up the energy with “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes, guaranteed to get feet moving and hearts racing.
• Angel Lark wraps up the episode with “Hurts So Good” by John Mellencamp, a rockin’ finale that’ll leave you feeling alive and ready for more!

So grab your favorite drink, gather your friends, and press play—because spring break vibes are here, and FNK is the place to be. Let’s karaoke into spring!

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It's Episode 70 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the theme was Breakup & Heartbreak Songs!

Valentine’s Day is over... and love is so last week. This week on the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, Mike and Joe are diving headfirst into the FNK ExFiles—a heartbreak-fueled, soul-baring, sometimes hilarious, and always powerful collection of breakup and heartache songs brought to life by the amazing FNK community. It’s the ultimate anti-Valentine’s celebration, packed with raw emotion, witty revenge anthems, and the kind of karaoke therapy we all need from time to time. Whether you’re nursing a broken heart or just love a good breakup jam, this episode is guaranteed to hit all the right (and wrong) notes—in the best way possible.

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ALONGSIDE HOSTS Mike Wiston AND Joe Rubin:

• Janee Luts D'Ippolito kicks it off with a hauntingly beautiful version of "Creep" by Radiohead. Moody, emotional, and absolutely gripping.

• Anthony Gorby Sr tugs at the heartstrings with "I Can Still Make Cheyenne" by George Strait. Classic country storytelling at its finest.

• Angel Lark lets loose with "Love Stinks" by J. Geils Band. It’s bitter, it’s bold, and it’s a total bop.

• Mike Wiston brings the dramatic flair with "Somebody Kill Me" from The Wedding Singer. Darkly hilarious and oddly relatable.

• Karen Pavkov says exactly what we’re all thinking with "No More F***s to Give" by Thomas Benjamin. It’s cheeky, empowering, and a total mood.

• Eric Dubrofsky offers some heartfelt healing with "It'll Be Okay" by Shawn Mendes. Gentle, soothing, and full of hope.

• Dana LaValle turns the tables with "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects. A perfect revenge anthem with serious singalong energy.

• Kevin Parish Sr closes the show with a punchy and fun cover of "The Breakup Song" by Greg Kihn Band. A retro jam that still hits hard.

So grab some ice cream, throw on your best breakup playlist vibes, and join us for an episode that proves heartbreak sounds a lot better with a mic in hand. Let’s karaoke those ExFiles—FNK style!

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It's Episode 69 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the theme was TV, Movie, and Cartoon themes!

Get ready for the ultimate nostalgia trip! This week on the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, Mike and Joe are diving into the world of Movie, TV, and Cartoon Themes, featuring incredible covers from our FNK community. From iconic movie moments to classic TV anthems and animated adventures, this episode has something for everyone! Whether you grew up singing along to these tunes or just discovered them, these performances will have you smiling, singing, and reminiscing about your favorite on-screen memories.

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ALONGSIDE HOSTS Mike Wiston AND Joe Rubin:

• Angel Lark brings the groove with a funky rendition of "Car Wash" from Car Wash. It’s a disco classic you’ll love!
• Keymo Coleman powers up with the "Pokémon Theme Song," igniting your inner trainer and bringing all the adventure vibes!
• Eric Dubrofsky swings into action with "Spiderman" from Spiderman. You’ll be humming this one all day!
• Jennifer Adams delivers a heartfelt cover of "Su**de is Painless" from MASH, reminding us of the emotion behind this timeless theme.
• Brian Kennedy enchants us with "Little Wonders" from Meet the Robinsons, a performance full of heart and inspiration.
• Joe Rubin & Dana LaValle light up the stage with a high-energy duet of "You’re The One That I Want" from Grease. It’s electrifying!
• Kara Rurup takes us to Cheers with "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," a warm and nostalgic singalong.
• Mike Wiston taps into gamer nostalgia with the "Opening Title Theme" from Super Mario Brothers Super Show. It’s a level-up moment!
• Paul Bright brings drama and flair with "One Life to Live" from the iconic soap opera.
• Jeff Matusicky wraps it up with "Dracula’s Lament" from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a hilarious and theatrical performance.

So grab some popcorn, hit play, and join us for a celebration of the most iconic theme songs ever created. Whether you’re a fan of superheroes, sitcoms, or Saturday morning cartoons, this episode is sure to hit all the right notes. Let’s karaoke—FNK style!

Love what you hear? Join the Friday Night Karaoke Facebook group here and be part of the magic! It's negativity free, ad-free, and all about the music: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fridaynightkaraoke 

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It's Episode 68 of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, and the focus was on theme of the week winners in the Friday Night Karaoke Facebook group from 2024.

It’s time to kick off the new year with style, music, and all the FNK vibes you love! In this week’s episode of the Friday Night Karaoke Podcast, Mike and Joe are taking a look back at 2024’s Theme of the Week winners, featuring incredible performances from our FNK community. These are the songs that defined a year of creativity, passion, and unforgettable karaoke moments. Get ready to party like it’s 2024, with a playlist that spans iconic classics, heartfelt ballads, and even an original song! This episode is all about celebrating the talent and spirit of the FNK family.

FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE ALONGSIDE HOSTS Mike Wiston AND Joe Rubin:

• Stephen Strong melts hearts with a soulful rendition of "All of Me" by John Legend. His performance is as powerful as it is beautiful!
• Mike Tahir cranks up the energy with "All Star" by Smashmouth. You’ll be singing along in no time—it’s a total blast!
• Bonnie Richelle brings timeless charm with "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles. It’s a feel-good hit that never gets old.
• Erik Copper shares his original song "Limitless," showcasing his incredible songwriting talent and flow. This one’s truly special!
• Lauren Gregg stuns with a captivating cover of "Killing Me Softly" by Fugees. Her voice will leave you spellbound.
• Nancy Van Eindhoven delivers a powerful and emotional performance of "One" by U2, reminding us of the unity and hope music can inspire.
• Tee Bone brings a touch of nostalgia with "Everybody’s Talkin" by Harry Nilsson, transporting us to simpler, soulful times.
• Keith Hudson closes the show with a heartfelt rendition of "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw. It’s a performance full of inspiration and heart.

Join us as we celebrate the best of 2024 in karaoke, with performances that will make you laugh, sing, and maybe even shed a tear. Whether you’re an FNK regular or new to the community, this episode is the perfect way to kick off the year with music and joy. Let’s karaoke—2024 style!

Love what you hear? Join the Friday Night Karaoke Facebook group here and be part of the magic! It's negativity free, ad-free, and all about the music: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fridaynightkaraoke 

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