Power ballads didn’t disappear when the lighters went away — they just continued to evolve.

This week, I’m joined by Terrie Carr of Carr Stereo to explore 10 power ballads released after 2000 — songs that still build slow, hit hard, and aim straight for the chest, even if the glow in the crowd looks a little different now.

From massive choruses to emotional gut-punches, these are the songs that prove the power ballad never lost its place — it just traded Bic lighters for phone screens and kept going. No era restrictions, no genre snobbery — just big feelings, bigger hooks, and the kind of songs that demand you turn them up a little louder than you probably should.

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This week, we’re turning the headlights on & exploring 10 songs that provide the perfect soundtrack for a late night drive by yourself. Because let’s be honest: road trips in the sunlight and road trips under the glow of streetlights are two completely different experiences. One’s about destinations. The other’s about the space between them. Especially when it’s just you and the music.

There’s something about driving at night that makes everything feel a little more cinematic — fewer cars, quieter thoughts, and songs that seem to hit harder when the rest of the world is asleep. These are tracks built for empty highways, dashboard lights, and moments where you don’t necessarily need to get anywhere fast… you just need to keep moving.

This playlist leans into mood over momentum — songs that breathe, linger, and let your mind wander somewhere beyond the windshield.

To add another layer to the episode, I pull a complete 180 and create a daytime alternative mix, featuring different songs from the same 10 artists — a sun-soaked playlist designed for a completely different musical atmosphere!

Thanks to Patreon Mixtaper Sean Goff for sending in this week’s playlist concept.

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This week, we’re rewinding to one of the most charming quirks of the ‘90s CD era: the hidden track. You know… those sneaky gems buried after minutes of silence, tucked into track 99, or disguised so well you didn’t even know they existed until someone finally tipped you off.

I’m diving into the stories behind these secret songs, what made them so appealing, and the unforgettable moments that made discovering a bonus track feel like you’d unlocked a musical cheat code. Join me as we celebrate the lost art of the hidden track — one skip (or search) button press at a time!

P.S. You might want to listen carefully to this one.

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Trying to figure out the right songs to send your crush without making things weird? This week, I’m building a not-at-all-awkward soft-launching playlist — the kind of mix that lets you test the waters, drop a hint, but keep everything fun, flirty, and totally low-pressure.

These are the songs that say “I kinda like you” without turning it into a grand gesture. No heavy power ballads. No dramatic declarations. Just genuine tracks with the right vibe — warm, charming, and subtle enough to send with confidence.

I'll dig into why certain songs land better than others, how the right track can quietly move a connection forward, and what actually makes a crush playlist work. So if you’re looking for the perfect “hey, I’m into you” starter kit as we roll toward Valentine’s Day… let this episode be your guide.

Thanks to Mixtaper Bryan Rosenberg for sending in this topic!

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This week, on the heels of HBO Max’s Music Box: Happy and You Know It, I’m throwing things back to a Tunestiles interview featuring children’s music icon Laurie Berkner, whose “Rocketship Run” to the top of the kindie scene helped redefine what music for kids could sound like.

From her early days growing up in Princeton, New Jersey — surrounded by the same fertile musical ground that produced Trey Anastasio of Phish, John Popper of Blues Traveler, and Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors — Laurie’s path has always been rooted in creativity, curiosity, and connection.

We dig into the moment the world discovered her on Nick Jr.’s Jack’s Big Music Show, and how that beloved presence ignited a new generation of fans. Laurie talks candidly about how streaming and digital music reshaped kindie music, shifting the way artists release and connect with families, and what that means for sustaining a career in today’s industry. She shares how she tailors song subjects, pacing, and physical movement cues to meet kids exactly where they are — cognitively, emotionally, and physically — and why writing music that children genuinely resonate with requires honesty, imagination, and zero condescension.

Laurie opens up about the stories behind classics like “We Are The Dinosaurs” and “Victor Vito,” as well as a few of her personal favorites, revealing the small real-life sparks that turned into songs sung in classrooms, living rooms, and minivans around the world.

We also explore the music and lyrics she’s written for her three Off-Broadway children’s musicals, and the voice she’s continued to develop through projects like Laurie Berkner’s Song and Story Kitchen on Audible and her work on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live.

Whether you grew up with her music, play it for your own kids, or you’re just fascinated by the evolution of independent artistry and the kindie genre, this conversation is a deep-dive into the craft, impact, and legacy of one of children’s music’s most influential voices — and the songs that helped shape countless childhoods.

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Step back into the decade that made rhythm a lifestyle. From freestyle and new wave to early hip-hop and pop perfection, this episode explores 20 songs that defined the pulse of ’80s dance music — the beats that moved clubs, crossed genres, and still make us move today.

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This week, I’m revisiting two of the year’s biggest interviews with Shinedown’s Barry Kerch and Eric Bass — offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of modern rock’s most enduring and innovative bands.

First, Barry Kerch opens up about Shinedown’s evolving sound over the past two decades, their approach to crafting unforgettable live setlists, and the stories behind the band’s 2025 singles “Dance, Kid, Dance” and “Three Six Five.” He also shares insight into the emotional power of “A Symptom of Being Human,” Shinedown’s commitment to philanthropy, and what fans can expect from Shinedown 8, set for release in 2026.

Then, Eric Bass takes us inside his creative world — from joining Shinedown during The Sound of Madness era to producing the band’s concept albums Attention Attention and Planet Zero. He also dives into his debut solo concept album I Had A Name, its companion graphic novel, and the stories behind songs like “Mind Control,” “Goodnight Goodnight,” and “Azalia.”

Eric also revisits Shinedown’s cover of Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move” from The Warner Sound Live Room sessions and the Attention Attention B-side “ANWTD (A New Way To Die).” Plus, in a never-before-heard segment, he reflects on touring with Iron Maiden and KISS, and his first meeting with Wolfgang Van Halen (Mammoth WVH).

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering their music for the first time, this exclusive double-feature interview pulls back the curtain on the passion, process, and creativity driving one of hard rock’s most powerful and resilient acts.

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In this episode of My Weekly Mixtape, I spotlight 10 cover songs released this year that turn already familiar tunes into something fresh, unexpected, and conversation-worthy.

Cover songs have always been a litmus test for creativity — and something I’ve always had a personal affinity for — but in 2025, artists are pushing reinterpretation further than ever. By reworking melodies, reshaping arrangements, and reframing the overall vibe, these versions give the originals entirely new meanings. This episode breaks down why these performances resonated, how they differ from (or pay homage to) the originals, and what makes a great cover song connect with fans today!

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This week, I break down 12 standout country songs that defined the genre in 2025. But what defines country music this year? Here’s a hint: it’s not just the chart-toppers. Sure, there are foot-stomping anthems and soul-stirring ballads, but I also highlight the artists and bands on the rise — ready to set the stage ablaze in 2026. Tune in and hear the heart, grit, and energy that made country music impossible to ignore in 2025.

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This week, DT Carel, host of the YouTube show ⁠SpaceCastle⁠ joins me to dive into the sounds that defined 2025! Join us as we break down 20 essential tracks that span punk, rock, hip-hop, alternative, pop & beyond.

From explosive hooks and high-energy anthems to unexpected collaborations and boundary-pushing tracks, we unpack what makes each song stand out and why they helped shape the musical landscape this year.

Tune in as we guide you through a year’s worth of sonic highlights that’ll have you hitting repeat well into 2026!

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