This week I’m joined by legendary songwriter and producer Desmond Child, and we’re pulling back the curtain on the stories behind some of the biggest rock songs of all time. From KISS and Bon Jovi to Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Cher, Meat Loaf, and beyond — Desmond has been at the center of it all, helping shape the sound of rock radio for decades.

We talk about the shifting musical landscape of the early 1990s, his instinct for writing unforgettable key changes, and what it was really like working with Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman on Bat Out of Hell III — including how Slipknot unexpectedly influenced the album’s heavier edge. Desmond also clears up one of rock’s longest-running debates — why KISS’ “I Was Made for Loving You” isn’t actually a disco song — and reflects on the band’s emotional final show at Madison Square Garden.

It’s a deep dive into songwriting, legacy, and the moments that turn great songs into rock history.

For even more music and memories, be sure to check out The Ultimate Desmond Child Playlist, Vol. 2!

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This week I'm joined by Jesse Jackson, host of Set Lusting Bruce, and together we’re curating a playlist filled with our favorite songs from the one and only Bruce Springsteen. From iconic hits to deeper album cuts, we’re celebrating the full scope of The Boss’s legendary career.

Whether you’re a longtime E Street diehard or just discovering Springsteen’s catalog, this playlist aims to strike the perfect balance—highlighting the anthems that made him a rock icon and the hidden gems that showcase his depth as a songwriter and storyteller.

Did we succeed in creating a mix that resonates with both casual listeners and devoted Springsteen superfans? Press play and find out!

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This week I'm joined by Steve, co-host of Something For Nothing: A Rush Fancast, and together we’re curating a playlist packed with our favorite songs from progressive rock legends Rush. From their early hard rock beginnings to their complex, synth-driven epics and later-era masterpieces, this mixtape spans the full evolution of one of rock’s most innovative and influential bands.

We dive into the band’s iconic catalog—highlighting fan-favorite deep cuts, classic radio staples, and underrated gems from albums like 2112, Moving Pictures, Hemispheres, Grace Under Pressure, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong Rush fan or just starting to explore their discography, this playlist offers something for everyone.

Did we manage to build a Rush mixtape that appeals to both casual listeners and hardcore fans of Geddy, Alex, and Neil? There’s only one way to find out—tune in and take the musical journey with us!

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This week I'm joined by Jay Sweet, my former Tunestiles Podcast co-host, and we’re curating a nostalgic mixtape filled with golden oldies and doo-wop classics from the 1950s and 1960s! From timeless harmonies to unforgettable melodies, we’re celebrating the music that laid the foundation for rock and pop as we know it.

We’re taking our musical DeLorean back to 1955 to revisit the songs that not only dominated the charts during the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, but also found new life decades later—thanks to hit movie soundtracks and a wave of ‘80s cover versions that brought these classics to a whole new generation.

Whether you grew up with these hits or discovered them through films like Stand By Me, Dirty Dancing, or Back to the Future, this playlist is packed with feel-good favorites, timeless romance, and vintage charm. So throw on your leather jacket, cue up the jukebox, and join us for a trip back in time!

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This week I'm joined by DT Carel, host of the YouTube program SpaceCastle,, and together we’re curating a playlist featuring 20 of the best songs from across 2023. From chart-topping hits to underrated gems, this mix captures the energy, creativity, and diversity that defined the year in music.

Whether you’re into indie, pop, rock, hip-hop, or something in between, there’s something here for every kind of music fan.

We also take a moment to reflect on standout tracks from 2022 that stayed in heavy rotation for us throughout the year, and we wrap up the episode by revealing our picks for favorite albums of 2023.

If you’re looking to relive the best of 2023 or catch up on what you might’ve missed, this episode has you covered!

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

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This week, I’m joined by guest curator Ben Cheknis — host of the Two Vague Podcast and Patreon Mixtaper — and we’re dialing back the calendar to a decade where the charts ruled everything. Together, we’re building a playlist made up entirely of Number One hits from the 1980s.

One thing to note: even the deepest cut had to reach the top spot — even if it only held on for a single week. That means no deep cuts, no album tracks, and absolutely no filler. From MTV-era staples to songs that briefly owned the world before disappearing back into pop history, this episode is a nonstop hit parade from start to finish.

If you love your ’80s music big, bold, and radio-dominant — you’re in the right place.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

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This week, I’m joined by Uncle Kracker for a wide-ranging conversation that dives deep into the stories behind the songs across his entire discography. We explore the evolution of his sound across rock, country, hip-hop, and pop, and how his unique style has continued to resonate with fans for over two decades.

We talk about how his early years touring with Kid Rock as the DJ for Twisted Brown Trucker helped shape his instincts as a solo artist — including lessons learned on the road and behind the scenes. Uncle Kracker also shares his firsthand experience at Woodstock ’99, the story behind teaming up with Dobie Gray for his beloved cover of “Drift Away,” and what it was like co-writing the deeply personal “Letter To My Daughters” with David Allan Coe.

We dig into his collaborations with Kenny Chesney on “When The Sun Goes Down” and “Last Night Again,” the unexpected adult contemporary and country crossover success of “Smile,” and the transition from a major label to an indie release with 2012’s Midnight Special. We also wrap things up by talking about the new chapter of his career — including his latest songs “Reason To Drink,” “Sweet 16,” and “Crusin’ Altitude.”

If you’ve ever wondered how these songs came together — or how an artist navigates decades of change in the industry — this is one you won’t want to miss.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

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This week, I’m joined by guest curator Jason Doncis — State of Amorica producer and Patreon Mixtaper — to craft the ultimate modern Christmas playlist. Our rule? Every song had to be released after 1980.

While holiday music is often associated with timeless classics from earlier decades, we’re shining a spotlight on the modern era of seasonal songs—from '80s staples and '90s gems to 2000s pop hits and recent indie favorites. Whether it’s a new take on a beloved traditional tune or an original track that’s become a holiday essential, these songs bring the joy, nostalgia, and warmth of the season with a fresh twist.

So pour yourself a glass of eggnog, cozy up by the fire, and join us as we unwrap a mix of post-1980 holiday tunes that are perfect for your next Christmas party, winter road trip, or relaxing night in. Tune to hear about the songs that blend the spirit of the season with the sound of the decades that followed—and it just might become your new holiday tradition!

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

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This week, I’m joined by Eric Senich of the Van Halen News Desk and host of Booked On Rock, along with Patreon Mixtaper Cactus Pete — and together we’re building a (ahem) mammoth-sized playlist in honor of the mighty Van Halen.

We’re not cherry-picking eras or playing favorites here. This one spans all singers, all lineups, all phases — from the Sunset Strip swagger to the arena-sized reinvention, and everything in between.

Will there be a careful — and completely unavoidable — balance between the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar years? How much love does Van Halen III get, and how many Gary Cherone-era tracks actually make the cut? And yes… we even get into the Mitch Malloy “what if?” chapter.

No spoilers — but I can promise that every one of those questions gets discussed… in some facet. Because when you’re tackling a band this big, the conversation is just as important as the songs!

Whether you’re Team Roth, Team Hagar, or firmly in the “there’s room for all of it” camp, this episode is built to celebrate everything that made Van Halen one of the most dynamic rock bands of all time.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

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This week, I’m joined by Jason Whissell, host of It’s Not That Bad and There Can Only Be One, for a first-of-its-kind episode. Together, we’re building a 10-song playlist with no theme, no rules, and zero preparation—just pure musical spontaneity.

From unexpected tracks to surprising combinations, we dive into the creative chaos of curating a mixtape with no guidelines whatsoever. And once the songs are selected, the real challenge begins: naming this untamed, off-the-cuff playlist.

Whether you love discovering new music, enjoy the thrill of the unpredictable, or just want to see two music fans riffing in real time, this episode is packed with laughs, surprises, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a truly “no-topic” playlist comes together.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

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