My Weekly Mixtape

This week, I take a deep dive into 7 incredible cover versions of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ iconic song “Refugee.” From heartfelt reinterpretations to completely unexpected takes, this episode showcases the versatility and enduring influence of one of rock’s greatest classics. Featured versions include Melissa Etheridge’s soulful rendition, The “Pickin’ On” Series’ bluegrass twist (David West, Tom Corbett, Tom Ball, Thomas Martin, & Chris Hillman), The Gaslight Anthem’s punk-infused cover, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs’ rock reinterpretation*, Wynonna featuring Lainey Wilson’s country collaboration, and yes—even the truly unexpected versions by Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star and Alvin & The Chipmunks!

Whether you’re a longtime Tom Petty fan, a lover of cover songs, or just curious how a single classic can be reimagined across genres, this episode is packed with unique takes, rare versions, and fun surprises that highlight the song’s lasting impact. Tune in and hear how “Refugee” continues to inspire musicians across rock, country, punk, bluegrass, and beyond.

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* Yes, Mike did co-write the song, and was one of the key members of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers... you'll just have to hear me out…

This week, I’m joined by Matt Scannell, singer and songwriter for Vertical Horizon, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band’s breakthrough album, Everything You Want. We dig into the creation, recording, and release of a record that helped define late-’90s and early-2000s alternative rock, and examine how its impact has only grown with time.

Matt shares the stories behind the album’s run of hit singles — including “Everything You Want,” “You’re a God,” “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning),” and “We Are” — offering insight into their songwriting origins, radio life, and lasting connection with fans. We also shine a light on fan-favorite cuts like “Send It Up” and “You Say,” and why those tracks continue to resonate just as strongly as the singles.

Along the way, we talk about Gary Allan’s 2005 country cover of “Best I Ever Had,” how the song took on a second life in a completely different genre, and reflect on “Forever,” the band’s 2003 single from Go, and what it represented for Vertical Horizon at the next stage of their career.

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Ahoy — we’re pushing off into sun-soaked harmonies, impossibly smooth grooves, and songs that sound best with a drink sweating in your hand. This week, I’m joined by Nick Niespodziani and Peter Olson of Yacht Rock Revue, the band that’s helped turn yacht rock from a punchline into a full-on revival, to chart a course through 20 essential yacht rock tracks that define the sound.

From timeless AM gold to deep-cut smooth rock, we’re curating what one of the amazing Patreon Mixtapers called “the yachtiest rock to ever rock a yacht.” We dig into what actually qualifies as yacht rock — pristine studio craftsmanship, blue-eyed soul, West Coast soft rock, and hooks polished to a high gloss — while celebrating the artists who perfected it. Think Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, and other architects of that effortlessly cool late-’70s / early-’80s sweet spot where rock, pop, R&B, and jazz quietly shook hands.

Along the way, Yacht Rock Revue brings insider perspective on why these songs have endured, how they’ve found new life with younger audiences, and what makes a track truly seaworthy versus merely smooth-adjacent.

We also take a deep album dive into Yacht Rock Revue’s 21-track concept record Escape Artist—which blends nostalgia with fresh new Yacht Rock sounds.

Whether you’re a longtime yacht rock devotee or just discovering why these songs refuse to fade with the sunset, this playlist is built for open water, open roads, and maximum mellow.

Climb aboard — the vibes are immaculate, and the captain’s got excellent taste.

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This week, I’m joined by Robin Wilson, lead singer of Gin Blossoms, as we explore songs from across the band’s full discography—from chart-topping hits to deep-cut fan favorites.

We dive into the stories behind iconic tracks like “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You,” as well as underrated gems such as “Cheatin’” and “Memphis Time.” Robin shares how several songs evolved from their original versions on the band’s independent release Dusted to the polished, radio-ready hits featured on New Miserable Experience. He also reveals how a single photograph inspired the writing of “Allison Road.”

Our conversation covers the band’s experience recording a cover of KISS’ “Christine Sixteen” for the KISS My Ass: Classic KISS Regrooved compilation, and Robin’s take on how the 1995 film Empire Records compares to his own experience working in a record store for over a decade growing up. We also discuss the pressure Gin Blossoms faced from their label to deliver hits like “Til I Hear It From You” and “Follow You Down,” and the curious case of why their 2006 album Major Lodge Victory isn’t available on streaming platforms.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the Gin Blossoms for the first time, this episode offers an in-depth look at the music, stories, and legacy behind one of the most influential bands of the '90s alternative rock scene.

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This week, I’m joined by guest curators Jason Whissell of It’s Not That Bad and There Can Only Be One and Sean Faust to build a playlist celebrating one of rock music’s most powerful formations: the three-piece band.

From thunderous power trios to riff-driven rock groups, we’re digging into 20 iconic musical trios that prove you don’t need a huge lineup to make a massive sound. With just guitar, bass, and drums (and a singer doing double duty), these bands reshaped rock, punk, alternative, and classic rock by relying on chemistry, dynamics, and pure musical firepower.

What makes a great rock trio? Is it the ability to fill space, the tension between instruments, or the freedom that comes from having nowhere to hide? We talk through all of it while curating a playlist packed with legendary songs, essential deep cuts, and defining moments from some of the most influential three-piece bands of all time.

If only mixtapes had three sides…

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This week, my guest curator is Zack Derby, co-host of Neatcast, and together we’re curating a mixtape filled with our favorite ’90s guilty pleasure songs. These are the tracks that once ruled radio, MTV, movie soundtracks, and CD collections — even if time, trends, or music snobbery have tried to reframe them as punchlines.

Much like the 80’s Guilty Pleasures episode, it’s worth noting upfront that neither of us feels an ounce of actual guilt about these picks. “Guilty pleasures” is simply the most familiar shorthand for songs that others seem to hate, but you love anyway. From glossy pop hits and one-hit wonders to overplayed anthems and genre-blurring oddities, this playlist proudly embraces the ’90s songs that never truly went away.

Whether you grew up hearing these songs on the radio, saw them in heavy rotation on MTV, or are rediscovering them years later, this episode is a full-on nostalgia trip — and a reminder that loving a song doesn’t require critical approval. These ’90s guilty pleasures still hit, no apologies required.

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This week, I’m joined by DT Carel — host of the YouTube program SpaceCastle — to curate the ultimate Summer Vibes playlist, built for every version of the season.

Because “summer vibes” mean different things depending on where you live, this mix stretches beyond just sun-soaked beach jams. We’re pulling together songs that work just as well for late-night drives, backyard hangs, rooftop sunsets, road trips, and those hazy afternoons where time slows down a little.

Across 20 carefully selected tracks, DT and I explore the sounds that define summer — from breezy grooves and feel-good anthems to laid-back cuts or pump up rockers that hit differently when the days get longer.

Whether you’re chasing heat, memories, or just the right soundtrack, this playlist is designed to enhance the mood of the season wherever you’re listening.

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This week, I’m joined by modern soul artist Wolfgang Valbrun to dig into the stories behind his debut album, Flawed By Design, released via Jalapeño Records. Straddling the lines between soul, rock, and blues, Wolfgang brings raw, unapologetic lyricism paired with the powerful musicianship of his band — music that’s introspective without ever losing its bite.

We break down standout tracks including “Sun Don’t Shine,” “Love Yourself,” “Keep Your Head Up,” “I’ll Be Your Prey,” “Paris,” “Flawed By Design,” and “Almighty $$,” unpacking the emotions, influences, and moments that shaped each song.

Along the way, we also get into the ongoing debate around physical media versus streaming, and where soul music finds itself in today’s constantly shifting musical landscape.

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This week, I’m joined by Jay Sweet, as we dig into one of the most deceptively loaded words in music fandom: underrated. Together, we’re curating a playlist of ’90s rock songs that somehow slipped through the cracks, despite coming from an era absolutely overflowing with iconic bands, massive radio hits, and era-defining albums.

Of course, “underrated” means something different to everyone, which made narrowing down these picks equal parts debate, nostalgia trip, and friendly argument. We’re spotlighting songs that should have been bigger hits, were overshadowed by more popular tracks on the same album, or simply never got their proper due. Some come from bands you know by heart; others might make you stop and say, wait — how did I forget this song existed?

This playlist isn’t about rewriting ’90s rock history — it’s about filling in the margins. If you lived through the era, consider this a reminder of songs that deserved more attention. If you didn’t, think of it as a guided tour through some of the genre’s most underappreciated gems. And if you think we missed an essential track, you’re probably right — let us know which underrated ’90s rock song you’d add to the list.

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This week, I’m joined by guest curator Jon Loree, drummer for Tantric, to build the ultimate hard rock road trip playlist—20 songs engineered for open highways, long nights, and heavy rotation.

Some of these tracks are built around life on the road; others earn their place through sheer propulsion. From driving riffs and massive hooks to adrenaline-charged anthems that make mile markers disappear, this playlist is designed to keep the engine running and the volume cranked.

Whether you’re crossing state lines or just looking for an excuse to roll the windows down and push the accelerator, these are the songs that turn any drive into a rock-and-roll escape.

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

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