Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Chad Martin, a Texas-born pro wrestler, author, and podcaster, for a B-side episode that steps outside the Springsteen universe into music, memories, and creativity. Chad shares how Elvis Presley shaped his childhood, how he discovered broader music through a mixtape, and how he found pro wrestling’s “magic” after training on carpet over concrete in a sweltering Arkansas building. He explains performing as the heel character Big Daddy Storm, the physical risks and trust required in wrestling, and how storytelling drives both promos and his writing. Chad recounts leaving the corporate world after a health scare in 2012, learning self-publishing, starting a publishing venture with his doctor, and finally finishing his novel Hale County after outlining it. He also discusses writing multiple books at once, launching the FAFO Podcast for open conversations grounded in facts, and answers the Thunder Road “Mary question.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes George P. Brooks for a B-side episode that steps outside Springsteen to focus on music, life experience, and purpose. George, a longtime mental health advocate and founder of the Meta Association, shares his Memphis upbringing shaped by diverse music, his lifelong love of Green Day, and how recovery from addiction led him to nonprofit work supporting Black male mental health, recidivism, and fatherhood. He discusses surviving homelessness and two heart attacks, the barriers men—especially Black men—face in seeking therapy, and the importance of safe spaces, unplugging from social media, journaling, and basic health screenings. The conversation also explores faith, grace in public discourse, and George’s conservative values, before closing with a call to treat people with respect and be better each day.

00:00 B-Side Welcome

00:37 Meet George Brooks

01:48 Wrestling and Memphis Roots

02:35 Memphis Music Upbringing

03:52 Discovering Green Day

05:40 Service and Nonprofit Mission

07:07 Recovery and Resilience

08:02 Men and Mental Health Stigma

13:31 Social Media and Unplugging

14:57 Faith and Spiritual Journey

18:22 Politics and Conservatism

20:55 Core Conservative Values

22:44 Black Culture And Welfare

23:42 Law Order And ICE

24:53 Black Conservatism History

26:13 Polarization And Hypocrisy

29:01 Where America Is Headed

31:05 Divisiveness For Profit

31:41 Unplugging And Batman

33:15 Mens Mental Health Tips

34:32 Where To Find George

35:51 Final Thoughts And Farewell

36:35 Closing Song I Wish You Well

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Lou and Karen for a crossover discussion of the documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band,” directed by Thom Zimny and released on Hulu/Disney+ on October 25, 2025. They highlight backstage and rehearsal footage, Springsteen’s arena walk during soundcheck, the band’s pre-show ritual, and Bruce seeming looser about mistakes while still aiming to “blow” audiences away. The conversation compares band dynamics after major losses like Clarence Clemons, discusses Jake Clemons stepping into a huge role, and notes Patti Scialfa’s reduced touring due to multiple myeloma. They also tackle tour controversies around Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing, scalping, and a largely fixed setlist, while praising musical moments like “Nightshift” and the energy of European crowds.

00:00 Patreon Thanks

01:29 Crossover Intro

02:07 Road Diary Overview

03:31 First Impressions

06:14 Perfectionism Loosens

13:37 Band Rituals

19:01 Replacing Legends

26:39 Patti Health Reveal

32:54 European Crowd Energy

38:29 Tour Pricing Setlist

41:26 Setlists And Fans

41:51 Dynamic Pricing Backlash

43:21 Ticketmaster Monopoly

43:58 Scalpers And Verified Fans

47:41 Concert Value Debate

50:59 Streaming And Artist Pay

53:39 Night Shift Tribute

57:29 Tour Story Explained

59:54 Final Plugs And Farewell

01:03:38 Post Show Wrap Up

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Week 5 episode of Set Lusting Football, Jesse is joined by panelists Jean Marie, Wendy, and Rich to debate whether modern NFL coaching is overly driven by analytics, information overload, and job pressure, using recent late-game decisions involving the Commanders, Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles as examples. They discuss situational football, clock management, and special teams choices, then recap their teams’ weeks: Jean Marie’s Giants escape with a tie despite first-half struggles and a key fumble; Wendy breaks down the Bills’ win over the Rams, including injuries in the secondary, James Cook’s two fumbles, penalties, a blocked field goal, and Josh Allen’s late heroics; Rich vents about the Eagles’ injury chaos and a costly Sirianni decision; and Jesse laments the Cowboys’ poor defense and loss to Tampa. They preview upcoming matchups and share podcast and contact plugs.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes actor-writer-producer Nikki J. Borger for a B-side “Set Listing Bruce” detour focused on theater, dance, and creativity. Nikki, originally from a small town in southwest Germany, describes early music training, her love of dance (from ballroom to salsa and musical theater), and the difficult, criticism-heavy culture of German musical theater school, including injuries and struggles with singing confidence. She recounts performing internationally, including a documentary theater project in Germany, Moscow, and Kyiv, then moving to Los Angeles to build film experience, shooting dozens of shorts, and writing/directing to earn festival recognition during the pandemic for a U.S. artist visa. Nikki discusses creating a sitcom, “NFTs,” and traveling after a denied green card, plus stories of meeting Pink Floyd’s Scott Page and seeing Springsteen at the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.

https://nikijborger.com/

00:00 B-Side Detour Intro

00:37 Meet Nikki Borger

02:09 Growing Up in Germany

02:57 Early Music and Dance Roots

03:52 Ecuador Salsa and Career Pivot

07:06 Parents React and Health Wakeups

09:04 Why Dance Heals

10:31 Inside Musical Theater Training

12:39 Harsh Critique and Finding Voice

15:12 Creativity Over Cookie Cutter

22:12 Favorite Shows and Performances

25:51 From Europe to Los Angeles

27:56 Hollywood Shorts and Artist Visa

32:33 Storytelling Breakthrough

33:45 Booked For Shorts Fast

34:28 Writing Comedy Sitcom

35:32 NFTs Show Premise

37:14 Networking With Scott Page

39:14 Rock Hall Background Gig

44:26 Visa Denial And Travel

46:57 Shopping The Sitcom

47:45 Creative Goals And Impact

50:31 Thunder Road Mary Debate

57:50 Where To Find Nikki

59:27 Podcast Wrap And Plugs

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson hosts a new episode of Set Lusting Football with a full panel of music fans repping the Cowboys, Bills, Commanders, Giants, Packers, and Eagles. They recap early-season highs and frustrations, including Buffalo’s sloppy loss to the Patriots, the “Josh Allen experience,” concerns about defensive changes and injuries, and a brief discussion of the Bills-themed Hallmark movie. Jane Marie celebrates the injury-hit Giants sitting atop the NFC East, while Holly notes Green Bay’s progress alongside mounting injuries. Joe reacts to a rough Commanders week with quarterback issues and looming must-win pressure, and Rich breaks down a late Eagles collapse versus the Rams, major injuries, and coaching decisions sparking Sirianni criticism. The group previews upcoming matchups, debates offense vs. defense, shares favorite game times, and even talks game-day food traditions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes listeners to a B-side episode of Set Listing Bruce featuring returning Springsteen fans Carrie and Nancy to talk about Brandi Carlile. Jesse shares his “Road to Damascus” moment after seeing Carlile in Fort Worth, and Carrie and Nancy recount how they discovered her music, including Carrie’s entry point through The Highwomen and Nancy’s first show in Nashville during a stormy night that included Wynonna Judd’s first public appearance after her mother’s death. They discuss Carlile’s charisma, humor, gratitude, political courage, faith, and her Bruce-like relationship with fans, plus the deep bond and shared business arrangement with bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth. The conversation covers soundcheck fundraisers, favorite and “chased” songs, The Highwomen, and album recommendations, ending with Jesse’s reflections on community and artists who match great art with admirable character.

00:00 Patreon Thanks

01:29 Episode Setup

02:47 Meet Nancy and Carrie

04:35 Carrie Finds Brandi

06:36 Nancy’s First Show Magic

10:14 Fort Worth Lightning Moment

14:30 Stage Presence Like Bruce

21:47 Band Loyalty and The Twins

28:44 Courage and Activism

31:20 Faith and Inclusivity

35:49 Authenticity and Banter

36:44 Tram Trouble Story

37:24 How Many Shows Seen

38:03 Chasing Simple Man

40:01 Soundcheck Tickets Explained

41:45 Nancy’s Song Request

43:47 Highwomen Love and Loss

47:40 Livestream Moments and Lyrics

50:43 Final Thoughts and Next Time

53:35 Listener Recommendations

55:09 Closing Blessing and Tattoo Plans

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Russell Van Brocklen, a New York State–funded dyslexia researcher, to discuss how Bruce Springsteen’s music—especially “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Born to Run”—sparked his love of music and mirrors the “spark” dyslexic learners need. Russell shares his own path from severe reading and writing struggles and damaging academic setbacks to developing a writing-first, typing-based intervention that builds skills by focusing on a student’s specialty, moving from specific details to big picture, and using word analysis and articulation. He explains why traditional “well-rounded” schooling and accommodations often fail dyslexics, describes outcomes from his studies and case examples, and outlines guidance for parents. Russell also answers the “Mary question” about “Thunder Road,” and provides contact info at dyslexiaclasses.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gang is back to discuss week 3 of the NFL Season. We have Rich, Jean Marie, Joe Kay, Holly Mac and me discussing the ins and outs of their teams. We discuss injuries, records, heartbreaks and happiness. Let us know your thoughts on your team by sending us an email to [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson welcomes Matt Donnelly for his third appearance on a B-side “Set Listing Bruce” episode that detours from Springsteen into Matt’s life in comedy and magic. Matt recounts how a dare from Penn Jillette led him to learn magic with mentor Johnny Thompson, tour with Piff the Magic Dragon, and build routines through problem-solving, tension, and performance. He discusses nerves onstage, the work of writing and “mascot” duties on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and shares the story of Moxie Jillette being motivated to fool Penn & Teller. They talk about luck and risk in show business, Springsteen’s long-standing political outspokenness, and criticism of the film Deliver Me From Nowhere. Matt plugs upcoming touring plans, Jokers of Magic, Virgin Voyages work, and his podcasts and Patreon.

https://mattdonnellymagic.com/

00:37 Matt Returns

01:25 Vegas Life Update

02:30 Magic Origin Story

03:54 Why Magic Clicked

06:47 Building A Killer Routine

10:35 Performance And Audience Trust

14:12 Nerves And High Stakes

16:46 Fool Us Behind The Scenes

19:41 Mascot Writer Role

21:13 Moxie Pep Talk Twist

24:18 Protecting Moxie’s Well being

24:53 Dream Job Reality Check

27:16 Luck Risks and Connections

29:42 Springsteen Breakthrough Myth

31:53 Bruce Gets Political Again

34:40 Nebraska Biopic Misfire

38:45 What’s Next for Matt

40:13 Cruise Ship Pros and Cons

41:29 Podcasts and Communities

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices