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This week, Bernie sits down with Greg Marra, a seasoned guitarist, guitar tech, and custom guitar builder. Greg takes us through his journey from a music-obsessed kid in Pittsburgh to working at the highest levels of the music industry. He shares valuable lessons learned from repairing and building guitars, as well as his experiences on arena tours with Billy Idol. Greg also gets into the artistry and craftsmanship behind Marra Custom Guitars, where he creates unique, high-quality instruments. The conversation touches on the challenges of live performance, the power of networking, and Greg’s unwavering passion for guitar innovation.

gregmarra.com

instagram.com/marra_custom_guitars

nstagram.com/marramusic

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This week Bernie sits down with Fred Kowalo, bass tech for Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx. Fred shares his journey from small-town musician to working alongside some of rock’s biggest legends, with stories spanning decades of music history. From epic parties with Zakk Wylde to the unique challenges of life on the road, Fred reflects on his experiences with both humor and heart. He also opens up about his passion for photography and the insights he’s gained throughout his career.

https://www.instagram.com/fredofdethofficial

https://www.instagram.com/fredkowalophotography

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In this episode, Bernie catches up with singer, songwriter, and guitarist Nick Gibson. Nick shares his journey from Oklahoma to Nashville, discussing his grandfather’s influence on his career and how he overcame early stage fright. He talks about how authenticity drives his songwriting and performance style, while reflecting on the impact of his Native American heritage. Nick also offers funny and heartfelt stories from the road, revealing the resilience needed to thrive in the music industry.

instagram.com/nickgibsonmusic

facebook.com/nickgibsonmusic

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In this episode, we chat with Mark Damian, a drummer, producer, and audio engineer whose career spans live performance, recording, and even sound design for film trailers. Mark reflects on his early years in Michigan, his journey to Los Angeles, and the challenges of carving out a place in the competitive music industry. He also shares stories about his work on PBS’s Startup, touring with Skunk Baxter, and their upcoming Rock Legends Cruise. Mark’s insights provide a look into the worlds of session drumming, sound engineering, and the evolving role of a music producer.

markdamian.com

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191 - Mark Damian

This week, we’re joined by Russell Graham, a talented multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and vocalist, best known for his work with Nile Rodgers and Chic. Russell shares his journey from performing at the Apollo Theater to going viral with his rendition of the Soul Glo theme on NPR’s Tiny Desk. He discusses what it’s like to balance life on the road, collaborate with world-class musicians, and stay connected to his passion for music. With a career that spans from live performances to studio sessions, Russell offers valuable insights into the versatility required in the industry. Tune in for an engaging conversation with someone who truly understands the art of music.

facebook.com/RussellGrahamMusic

instagram.com/rtgmusicman

tiktok.com/@rtgmusicman

x.com/RTGMusicMan

russellgraham.com

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This week, Bernie and Lisa sit down with Phillip W. Palmer, an Emmy-winning sound mixer celebrated for his work on hit shows like Glee and Better Call Saul. Phillip discusses the creative challenges of capturing high-quality sound on set, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his time working with iconic stars. He explains that sound mixing goes far beyond technical precision—it’s about inventive problem-solving, from managing chaotic scenes to cleverly placing hidden microphones. Phillip’s insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the art and complexity of sound in film and television.

palmeraudio.net

imdb.com/name/nm0658419

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In this episode, Bernie and Lisa chat with Craig Pfunder, musician, producer, and musical director for Jake Shears. Craig shares his journey, from being adopted and growing up in an interracial family in Georgia, to discovering his passion for music. He reflects on his early influences, the evolution of VHS or Beta, and some of the challenges he faced navigating the music industry. They discuss the band’s upcoming 20th anniversary show, memorable tour experiences, and Craig’s transition into musical direction. He also talks about his relationship with music and how he balances creativity with the realities of the business. 

instagram.com/vhsorbeta

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This week we chat with Nick Rhodes, the legendary keyboardist and creative mastermind behind Duran Duran. In this episode, The Controller pulls back the curtain on some of the band’s most iconic performances, from breathtaking European venues to their upcoming Halloween spectacle at Madison Square Garden. We also explore his thoughts on the future of AI in music and why he’s cautiously optimistic about its potential. Nick discusses all of that and more, with his signature blend of wit and wisdom. If you’re a fan of music, technology, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this one is for you.

duranduran.com

duran.lnk.to/DanseMacabreDeluxePR

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This week, we sit down with Adam Moyer and Kiara Williams of the musical duo Key to Adam. They share how they met during an open mic and instantly connected through music. Adam opens up about using music as therapy, while Kiara talks about her journey as a self-taught violinist and West Virginia Fiddle Champion. Together, they discuss their diverse musical style, blending everything from classical to rock, and the personal challenges they’ve overcome along the way. They also reflect on how they’ve built their career performing at weddings, schools, and retirement homes, all while staying true to their passion for music. It’s a heartwarming conversation filled with laughter, inspiration, and the power of creativity.

facebook.com/KeytoAdam

instagram.com/keytoadam

keytoadam.com

youtube.com/@keytoadam

tiktok.com/@keytoadam

Kiara’s mom’s crafting channel on YouTube (Creations By Miss):

youtube.com/@creationsbymiss

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