Country music fans, it's time for the 59th CMA Awards! The industry's gone through so much in 2025. Grand Ole Opry turned 100! The Grammys broke up 2026's country category in 2! MTV added country to the VMAs! Growing through these changes, I share my predictions who'd win CMA Awards' 11 categories ahead of 11/19's show! Check our social media links below viewing before-and-after results. 

Spotify's CMA playlist

Sirius/XM Channel 56 - The Highway

CMT Hot Twenty ending December

CMT Hot Twenty

Related Episodes: Ep. 221 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)
Ep. 240 - Miranda Lambert's "Wranglers"
Ep. 252 - Little Big Town Top 10
Ep. 254 - Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion (Review)
Ep. 260 - Global Citizen Festival 2024 - Review
Ep. 266 - CMA Awards 2024 Predictions
Ep. 272 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 1)
Ep. 273 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2)
Ep. 281 - Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)
Ep. 286 - Lady A Top 10
Ep. 290 - ACMs 2025 Predictions
Ep. 293 - Blake Shelton & Morgan Wallen's New Albums
Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to the VMAs
Ep. 308 - VMAs 2025 Predictions

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

2025's added dictionary word of the year is... "6 7"? This social media term spreading its lingo online, in classrooms, and cultural language. Derived from a Tiktok song and NBA player's height, the definition 6 7 is a slang for maybe or so-so. Test your usage by listening to this episode's inspired playlist: popular music from 1967. Share on our social media below what you like, dislike, or feel six-seven!

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Mentioned: The Monkees, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Johnny & June Cash, 
The Jungle Book, Dr. Doolittle, You Only Live Twice, To Sir With Love, The Four Seasons,
Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan,  CSNY formation, Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship/Starship, The Moody Blues, The Rolling Stones, The Foundations, The Supremes, Vanilla Fudge, Aretha Franklin, California folk scene. 

Pisces, Acquarius, Capricorn, & Jones, Ltd. - vinyl; unveiling; Head critique 
The Beatles Anthology - Disney+
"Foxey Lady" - Wayne's World clip
"Nights in White Satin" - 2018's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 
"White Rabbit (Isolated Vocals)" - Grace Slick 
Fuller House finale part 1
1967 - Austin Powers club clip

Related Episodes: Ep. 104 - "No Time to Die" Movie Theme
Ep. 141 - Class of 2007 Playlist
Ep. 183 - The Monkees' Top 10 Hits
Ep. 184 - Earth Day Playlist
Ep. 190 - Tina Turner Top 10
Ep. 198 - Tony Bennett Top 10 Favs
Ep. 221 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)
Ep. 226 - Beatles Covers Playlist
Ep. 235 - Eclipse Playlist
Ep. 267 - Charli XCX Top 10
Ep. 268 - The Beatles on Disney+
Ep. 281 - Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)
Ep. 297 - Sly Stone's Music Impact
Ep. 299 - The Beach Boys Top 10
Ep. 307 - Summer 1995 Playlist

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Leon Thomas is a contemporary R&B singer, who first got introduced as a teen actor. Music passion passed down from his family, and he's finally getting his name out this year as a solo artist. Learn the timeline, creative writing behind "Mutt", and how a recent Billboard ruling earned a "top-dog" achievement for Leon's career officially mainstream. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Performances: Genius - lyrics breakdown (2024)
2025: NPR's Tiny Desk; The Late Show clip; Coachella clip
BET Awards - acceptance speech; MTV Push Artist
Variety - studio production session
"Snooze" cover

Related Episodes: Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 156 - Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit"
Ep. 216 - Alicia Keys Top 10
Ep. 220 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 1)
Ep. 236 -  Teddy Swims and Benson Boone
Ep. 242 - 2024 Summer Song?

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

[Listener discretion is strongly advised for mature explicit content.]

All season, fans have celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Despite its risque quirkiness, it's the longest theatrical movie played annually since. Learn the franchise's history then, and relived through 3 21st century reboots. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Vinyl Soundtrack
Digital Soundtrack
Theater participation props

Hollywood Theatre interview
Tim Curry interview: CBS Sunday Morning; edit
Vagabond memoir
Meat Loaf discography

The Rocky Horror Glee Show (2010)
Let's Do the Time Warp Again (2016)
"Tears" - Sabrina Carpenter (2025) 

Related Episodes: Ep. 107 - 13 Halloweenish Songs
Ep. 113 - Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side Story
Ep. 159 - Thriller: Then and Now
Ep. 163 - Monarch (TV Show)
Ep. 211 - Sounds Like Halloween
Ep. 217 - Sabrina Carpenter's "Feather"
Ep. 235 - Eclipse Playlist
Ep. 263 - Ghostbusters' 2 Movie Songs
Ep. 273 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2)
Ep. 283 - Dolly Parton's 2 New Songs
Ep. 298 - Gigi Perez & Lorde
Ep. 302 - Ozzy Osbourne Top 10
Ep. 314 - Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance" & Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Leading up to Halloween, two contemporary songs are likely to set the mood: Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance", and Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"! Both divas are theatrical entertainers, thrilling fans to have fun along with them. Learn the development stories about each in this episode. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Sound effects taken from Soundscape's Pottery Barn Halloween CD (2001).

"The Dead Dance": Wednesday Netflix mini-series
Wednesday Season 2 scene; VMAs 2025: Live from Madison Square Garden
Gala event press release

Florence + The Machine - Favorite Songs
"Dog Days Are Over" (2009-2010) - Video 1, 2, MTV 2010
"Shake It Out" (2011)
"Sweet Nothing" (2012) - Calvin Harris
"Ship to Wreck" (2015)
"Call Me Cruella" (2021)
"Everybody Scream" @ Graham Norton Show, album link

Related Episodes: Ep. 85 - Cruella De Vil Theme Songs
Ep. 105 - Lady Gaga Top 10
Ep. 166 - 'Wednesday' & "Goo Goo Muck"
Ep. 213 - Stevie Nicks Top 10
Ep. 237 - The Tortured Poets Department Review
Ep. 282 - Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' (Review)
Ep. 308 - MTV VMAs 2025 Predictions
Ep. 309 - Laufey's 'A Matter of Time' (Review)
Ep. 312 - 'The Life of a Showgirl' (Review)
Ep. 313 - Bruno Mars Top 10

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Happy 40th Bruno Mars! He posted an AI birthday post, and is re-releasing a 15th anniversary vinyl edition of his 2010 debut album: Doo-Wop & Hooligans. Entertaining audiences his whole life, I honor 10 hits with my own personal memories in this top 10 countdown. 


Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Playlist: 10. “Treasure” (2012, 2013); Sample
9. “That’s What I Like” (2016, 2017)
8. “It Will Rain” (2011)
7. “Finesse (Remix)” feat. Cardi B (2017); In Living Color
6. “Die With A Smile” - Lady Gaga (2024-2025)
5. “Leave the Door Open” - Silk Sonic (2021)
4. “Grenade” (2010-2011)
3. “When I Was Your Man” (2012-2013)
2. “Just the Way You Are” (2010)
1. “Uptown Funk” - Mark Ronson (2014-2015); SNL; Ellen Show

24K Magic @ The Apollo Theater; BET Awards 2017 Intro: "Perm"
"Leave the TV On" - James Corden & Reggie Watts
"A Thousand Years" - Christina Perri (2011-2012)
"Am I Wrong" - Anderson.Paak feat. Schoolboy Q (2016)
2011's Hot 100 #1s table chart
"Nothin' On You" - B.o.B. (2009, 2010)
"Billionaire" - Travie McCoy (2009, 2010)
"Blow" - Ed Sheeran feat. Chris Stapleton (2019)
"Wake Up in the Sky" - Gucci Mane feat. Kodak Black (2019)

Related Episodes: Ep. 78 - "Leave the Door Open"
Ep. 122 - Engagement Songs Countdown 
Ep. 157 - Bruno Mars' 6 Diamond Songs
Ep. 168 - Top 40 Songs of 2022 (Part 1)
Ep. 187 - Ed Sheeran Top 10
Ep. 189 - Hawaiian Musicians Playlist
Ep. 257 - "Die With a Smile"
Ep. 282 - Lady Gaga's 'Mayhem' (Review)
Ep. 308 - VMAs 2025 Predictions

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Fans will be remember 10/3/25 being Taylor Swift's 12th album launch day for The Life of a Showgirl! Recorded secretly a year ago, she was inspired to note personal growth inspired by her then boyfriend / now fiancèe Travis Kelce, and coping a constant spotlight on her career. Metaphorically composing about love, family, scrutiny, and fame, the tracks were co-produced by 2 different pros than her prior albums over a decade! Learn the significance how certain events were expressed, my review, and publicity plan Taylor will promote soon. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Watch The Eras Tour - Disney+

Media Coverage: Amazon Music / Apple Music
BBC One / Capital FM / Hits Radio
The Graham Norton Show
Sirius/XM Channel 13
iHeartRadio
NBC: Jimmy Fallon / Seth Meyers

Related Episodes: Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 117 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 2)
Ep. 206 - Back To School Playlist
Ep. 217 - Sabrina Carpenter's "Feather"
Ep. 219 - Christmas 2023 Playlist
Ep. 237 - The Tortured Poets Department - Review
Ep. 269 - Christmas 2024 Playlist
Ep. 273 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2)
Ep. 283 - Dolly Parton's 2 New Songs
Ep. 309 - Laufey's 'A Matter of Time' (Review)

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Bootleg record Buckingham Nicks, got re-issued this month since 1973's original release! Historically a climax for Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks' relationship, and invited to join classic rock band, Fleetwood Mac. They haven't been amicable since then, what gave the go-ahead to finally remaster their duo's debut recordings? 

Second, Miley Cyrus has involved Fleetwood Mac alumni on her new single "Secrets". It's not her first affiliation with them. Find out who was the first, collaborated now, and whom the song is about. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track" by Jessica Ann Catena

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Buckingham Nicks & Fleetwood Mac merch

"Midnight Sky" / "Edge of Midnight"- Miley Cyrus (2020)

David Byrne / Talking Heads

Related Episodes: Ep. 53 - Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" - History
Ep. 65 - Top 40 Songs of 2020 (Pt. 2)
Ep. 165- Christine McVie Top 10
Ep. 172 - Miley Cyrus' "Flowers"
Ep. 213 - Stevie Nicks Top 10
Ep. 233 - Mariah Carey Top 10
Ep. 250 - French Lyrics Playlist
Ep. 296 - Billy Joel Top 10

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

A decade after receiving a Grammys Lifetime Achievement award, R&B/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire are ready to share their celebration. CBS will air this past 4th of July's holiday weekend concert tapings at The Hollywood Bowl; guess when to watch it: The 21st night of September! Praising 55 musical years, I countdown 10 hits I recommend to get you started. 


Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Playlist: 
10. “Sing A Song” (1975)
9. “Fantasy” (1977-1978)
8. “Can’t Hide Love” (1975-1976)
7. “That’s the Way of the World” (1975)
6. “Got to Get You Into My Life” (1978)
5. “Let’s Groove” (1981)
4. “Reasons” (1975)
3. “After the Love Has Gone” (1979)
2. “Shining Star” (1975)
1. “September” (1978)

Maurice White on drums: "Rescue Me" - Fontella Bass (1965); Billy Stewart - "Summertime" (1966); Betty Everett - "You're No Good" (1963)

Mentioned Media: "Free" - Deniece Williams (1976); The Emotions
"You Can't Hide Love" - Creative Source (1973)
"You Want My Love" - Lucky Daye feat. Earth, Wind & Fire (2021)
"Can't Hide Love" (cover) - Edwin McCain
"Got to Get You Into My Life" - The Beatles (1966)
HItch's "Reasons" film clip (2005)
Goldmember's 1975 time machine scene (2002)

Related Episodes: Ep. 103 - Earth, Wind & Fire's "September"
Ep. 226 - Beatles Cover Songs
Ep. 265 - Quincy Jones Favorites
Ep. 297 - Sly Stone's Music Impact
Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAs

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists. 

Laufey's a young Icelandic/Asian jazz aficionado. Studying the music from her parents, she's kept the genre alive through self-compositions this decade. Fans are dazzled of her writing, singing, playing piano/guitar/cello! "Third time's the charm" for 3rd album A Matter of Time, topping jazz charts, and just crossed over #4 on Billboard's 200 albums chart. Brilliantly romanticizing a "timely" concept record. I share this young lady's music journey, review the tracks, and evaluate its popularity in this episode. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Fan Favorite Singles: "Like the Movies" debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live (2022)

"From the Start" (2022, 2024-2025); New Years' Rockin' Eve (2024); GMA (2025)
Remix: "Confess Your Love" - Jiandro ft. ola.wav (2025); Tiktok dance

"Goddess" (2024); Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
"Christmas Magic" from Red One; UK's The Graham Norton Show (2024)
"Silver Lining" (2025); GMA3
"Tough Luck" (2025)
"Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self" with Barbra Streisand (2025)
"Lover Girl" (2025); GMA; Studio
"Snow White" (2025)

Interviews: CBS Sunday Morning (edited); MTV; Buzzfeed with puppies

Related Episodes: Ep. 42 - Taylor Swift's folklore (Track by Track)
Ep. 75 - "Time" & Clock Songs Countdown
Ep. 166 - 'Wednesday' & "Goo Goo Muck"
Ep. 235 - Eclipse Playlist
Ep. 237 - The Tortured Poets Department
Ep. 269 - Christmas 2024 Playlist
Ep. 294 - Prom 2025 Playlist

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify playlists.