On this bonus “Cover Song Dive” episode of the show, I break down six standout cover versions of Taylor Swift’s smash hit “Cruel Summer.” From genre-swapped takes to gender-flipped interpretations, this deep dive explores unique renditions by: Versus Me, The Animal In Me, Punk Rock Factory, Blanks, Teddy Swims & G Flip. Whether you're a Swiftie or a cover song enthusiast, discover how these artists reimagined one of Taylor Swift’s biggest anthems in totally unexpected ways!

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This week I’m joined by Kevin Brown—host of The Tom Petty Project—as we create the ultimate Tom Petty playlist! We're celebrating Petty’s legendary career by featuring our favorite songs from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, his solo work, Mudcrutch, the Traveling Wilburys, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his music, this episode is a must-listen tribute to one of rock’s most iconic songwriters.

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This week I'm joined by Jason Whissell, host of It's Not That Bad & There Can Only Be One, for a special stripped-down episode celebrating the best acoustic performances of the '90s! We’re diving into unforgettable live renditions made famous on MTV Unplugged, VH1 Storytellers, and more, highlighting our favorite acoustic covers, reimagined hits, and raw, intimate moments from some of the decade’s biggest artists. If you love ‘90s music with a softer edge, this episode is for you.

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This week, I’m joined by Jay Sweet, my former Tunestiles co-host, along with friend of the show Jimmy Mitchell, as we return to the well for Volume 2 of our Golden Oldies & Doo-Wop mixtape series. Together, we’re curating another nostalgic collection of classic songs from the 1950s and 1960s — an era defined by street-corner harmonies, jukebox romance, and the early building blocks of rock and pop music.

Just like Vol. 1, this episode isn’t only about when these songs first topped the charts. We’re revisiting the songs that enjoyed a second life decades later, resurfacing in the 1980s and 1990s through high-profile cover versions, movie soundtracks, and cultural rediscovery. From songs that re-entered the charts thanks to films like Stand By Me, Dirty Dancing, and Back to the Future, to originals that suddenly found a whole new audience, we explore how this music transcended generations.

Along the way, we dig into why these timeless songs continue to resonate — the harmonies, the melodies, the emotional pull — and how they helped shape everything that followed in rock, pop, and soul. Whether you grew up with these records spinning on vinyl, discovered them through movies, or are just beginning to explore the golden age of rock ’n’ roll, this episode is a warm, nostalgic trip back to the music that never really went away.

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This week’s guest curators are Dan Dissinger & Manny Coelho from The Nostalgia Test, and we're crafting a playlist centered around one powerful theme: nostalgia (quite fitting, wouldn't you say?).

But here’s the twist—we’re not just picking songs we personally feel nostalgic for. Instead, we’re curating tracks that are specifically about nostalgia itself—songs that reflect on past times, places, people, and memories (yes, even something as simple as a photograph...get it?). If you love music that tugs at the heartstrings and captures the bittersweet feeling of looking back, this episode is for you.

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A-haw haw haw-haw. This week’s guest curator is Patreon Mixtaper David Lee Smith, and we're crafting a mixtape filled with our favorite songs from across ZZ Top’s catalog!

With 15 studio albums filled with countless hit songs and fan favorites, the challenge here is to try to strike a balance that would make any fan of “that little ol’ band from Texas” proud!

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This week, I’m joined once again by legendary songwriter and producer Desmond Child for a deep dive into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs in rock and pop history. From arena-shaking anthems to unexpected chart-toppers, Desmond pulls back the curtain on the creative process behind songs he’s written and co-written with KISS, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Ratt, Dream Theater, Katy Perry, Ava Max, and yes — even Kermit the Frog.

We talk about how these songs came together, what makes a chorus truly timeless, and how Desmond adapts his songwriting approach across genres — from hard rock and metal to modern pop. Desmond also shares insights from his recent songwriting sessions with Paul Williams, reflecting on collaboration, legacy, and finding inspiration after decades at the top of the industry.

Plus, we discuss the brand-new Desmond Child & Rouge single, “Unpredictable,” and what fuels his creativity today. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, modern pop, or the art of songwriting itself, this conversation offers rare behind-the-scenes stories from one of music’s most influential hitmakers — and a reminder that great songs always start with a great story.

For even more music and memories, be sure to check out Vol. 1.

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In this Album Dive episode, I’m joined by singer-songwriter ZZ Ward to explore the stories behind every track on her new EP Mother, released on the iconic Sun Records label. This EP includes songs that will appear on her upcoming Liberation album, as well reinterpretations of two songs originally recorded for her Til The Casket Drops album: "Put The Gun Down" and "Lil Darlin."

We dig into the creative process behind Mother and how it contrasts stylistically with her other 2024 EP, Where Did All The Love Go?. ZZ also talks about her experience on Slash’s 2024 S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Tour, and her exclusive Record Store Day guitar pick-shaped vinyl single featuring “Put The Gun Down (Dirty Sun Version)” and “Cadillac Man."

Don’t miss this in-depth look at one of today’s most dynamic voices in blues-rock and soul.

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This week, I’m joined by guest curator and musical powerhouse Emily Wolfe to build a playlist spotlighting the best female rock artists and bands of the 1990s. From grunge to alt-rock, we’re celebrating the women who defined a decade of powerful music.

Also in this episode: we dive deep into Emily’s 2023 album The Blowback—discussing why she chose to self-produce the record, how she pushes lyrical boundaries on tracks like “Walk In My Shoes,” and the role her extensive guitar and gear collection plays in shaping her signature sound. We also talk about her cover of ’Til Tuesday’s “Voices Carry" & her time on tour with The Gaslight Anthem, and how their musical paths align.

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This week, I’m joined by legendary bassist Billy Sheehan of ⁠Mr. Big for a deep dive into the stories behind some of the band’s most iconic songs.

We explore the history of their global #1 hit “To Be With You” (a track that was never meant to be a single), along with fan favorites like “Addicted to That Rush,” “Colorado Bulldog,” “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song),” and their popular cover of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World.” It’s a full tour through the Mr. Big discography.

We also discuss their brand-new live album The Big Finish: Live, which marks the band’s farewell tour and final chapter. Billy opens up about the origin of the band name “Mr. Big,” the story behind the “Wind Me Up” riff, his evolving approach to bass solos, and even a hilarious prank pulled by the members of Rush.

Don’t miss this episode packed with rock history, behind-the-scenes stories, and musical insights from one of rock’s most respected bass players.

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