Author David Cantwell (The Running Kind: Listening to Merle Haggard) and music critic Tom Lane (Tom Lane's Music Blog) come on to talk about country music's place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Topics discussed include the difference between the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock Hall, the 13 people inducted into both institutions, the significance of Dolly Parton's recent Rock Hall nomination and which country artists might be considered soon. 

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Josh Fitzgerald (Movies That Rock: The Post) and John Mutford come on to discuss The Tragically Hip, one of Canada's most beloved rock bands. Topics discussed include the band's formation and earliest recordings, their popularity in certain regions of the U.S., their social activism, our favorite Hip songs and their final concert in 2016. Hopefully we don't have to twist your arm to listen to this episode!

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Mark Lempke (The Also-Rans) returns to the show to discuss our thoughts on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's official Class of 2022 ballot...on the day they were announced! We provide an in-depth analysis of each artist on this year's ballot and their chances for induction.

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Music journalist David Schnelwar comes on the show to discuss the life and career of singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. Topics discussed include Crow's time as a backup singer (for the likes of Michael Jackson, Don Henley and Jimmy Buffett), her collaborations with other musicians, her political and social activism and which of her songs have been featured in movies and television series over the years. A change might do you good, but only after listening to this insightful conversation.

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In a roundtable discussion of Nick's recently-revised rankings of his Top 100 Rock Hall Prospects Project (aka Top Rock Hall Snubs), he is joined by 4 guests who are incredibly knowledgeable of all things Rock Hall:  Joe Kwaczala (Who Cares About the Rock Hall?) , Mark Lempke (The Also-Rans), Tom Lane (Tom Lane's Music Blog) and Troy Smith (CLE Rocks). While we focus primarily on the artists added and removed from the original list, we also discuss a wide number of issues related to the Rock Hall. It's a thought-provoking and often-hilarious discussion that allows us to critically think about the future of the Rock Hall and the direction they are likely heading. And with the 2022 nominations quickly approaching, there's no better time to think about the upcoming class than right now.

Here is the link to Nick's updated rankings of the project on his website. Please refer to this list while you are listening to this episode.

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On our season two premiere, we talk to the Induct Cyndi Lauper team (Joe, Colin and Bay) about their ongoing campaign to get this 80s icon into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (sign their petition here). We also have an in-depth discussion of Lauper's life, career and impact on American popular culture. Topics discussed include Lauper's iconic debut album She's So Unusual, her involvement with the then-WWF in the mid-1980s, her ventures into other forms of art (including television, film and theatre) and her political and social activism. 

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Friend and music fan Greg Peurach comes on to discuss the life and career of Joe Cocker, one of rock and roll's greatest vocalists. Topics discussed include Cocker's iconic performance at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, his infamous Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour in 1970, his many comebacks over the years and his baffling omission from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. After listening to this episode, you'll be feelin' alright and eagerly seeking out Joe Cocker's legendary records!

Here is Nick's blog that served as the inspiration for this episode: "Up Where He Belongs: An Examination of Joe Cocker's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Candidacy."

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Blogger and educator Stephanie Carta (Spaces and Society)  comes on the show to discuss the legendary alternative rock duo Tears for Fears.  Topics discussed include the political messages of their music, their often-strained professional partnership and their latest single "The Tipping Point." As we all eagerly await their new album next year, you'll be head over heals in love with this episode!

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Music blogger Michelle Bourg (Iconic Rock Talk Show) and returning guest Mary Layton (Hall Watchers) come on the show to discuss one of the most prestigious awards in the American arts: The Kennedy Center Honors. We narrowed down a list of 40 prospective candidates from the music world who need to be recognized for their incredible contributions to American culture.  Artists discussed include The Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey, Aerosmith, Janet Jackson, Queen, Cyndi Lauper, ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, Dionne Warwick and U2. 

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Comedian and writer Murray Valeriano (host of For What It's Worth) comes on the show to discuss the 90s alternative  rock band Cake. Topics discussed include the band's many musical influences,  their  cover of Gloria Gaynor's classic "I Will Survive" and their zany music videos.  You should go the distance and check out this hilariously insightful episode!

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