Super Awesome Mix

Matt's birthday-inspired journey through debut albums from 1995 reveals the remarkable beginnings of artists who would shape music for decades to come.

The mix includes everything from Alanis Morissette's record-breaking "Jagged Little Pill" to Dave Grohl's post-Nirvana reinvention with Foo Fighters.

The mid-90s represented a pivotal moment in music history. Grunge was evolving, electronic music was gaining mainstream traction, and powerful female voices were reshaping rock and pop. We dive deep into tracks that showcase these shifts – like Garbage's ironic commentary on angst in "I'm Only Happy When It Rains" and The Chemical Brothers' groundbreaking electronic soundscapes on "Exit Planet Dust."

What's particularly striking is how many of these artists continue creating vital music today. Ben Folds, Guster, The Chemical Brothers and others have evolved their sound while maintaining the creative essence first displayed in those 1995 debuts.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/matt-2025-birthday-mix/pl.u-EPWWTVMmxr

1. Leave Home - The Chemical Brothers

2. All I Really Want - Alanis Morissette

3. Where I Go - Natalie Merchant

4. Santa Monica - Everclear

5. Only Happens When It Rains - Garbage

6. This is a Call - Foo Fighters

7. Cruisin' - D'Angelo

8. Make My Heart Flutter - Jack Ingram

9. We Danced Anyway - Deana Carter

10. Guinevere - Edwin McCain

11. Fall in Two - Guster

12. Underground - Ben Folds Five

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

Music is deeply personal - and sometimes deeply annoying. What happens when two podcast hosts with intimate knowledge of each other's musical preferences deliberately curate mixtapes designed to make each other suffer? Pure audio schadenfreude.

Matt kicks things off with a strategic selection including the universally maligned Nickelback, a whiny 90s ballad, and an ultra-twangy country song that earns a rock-bottom score. His secret weapon? A Ray Stevens track with the alarming title "Where Are All The 12-Year-Olds" that combines clickbait discomfort with get-off-my-lawn social commentary.

Sam counterattacks brilliantly with the overplayed classic "Brown Eyed Girl," knowing Matt's documented hatred for it, followed by a dubstep nightmare featuring nothing but "wub wub wub dub dub woo" repeated endlessly. His masterstroke arrives with the final selection - a dissonant horror movie soundtrack that Sam describes as sounding "like someone fell asleep on a synth keyboard."

What makes this musical torture chamber so fascinating is how it reveals our relationship with music. Some objectively terrible songs score surprisingly high due to nostalgic connections, while well-crafted pieces receive brutal ratings simply because they hit our personal aversion buttons. 

What song would you use to torment your friends? We'd love to hear your suggestions for tracks that would make us squirm. Go to Instagram and Threads (@SuperAwesomeMix) with your picks for the ultimate musical punishment!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-worst-mix-ever/pl.u-MB0qCNqbr8

1. How You Remind Me  – Nickelback

2. Insensitive – Jann Arden

3. Thinkin' Problem – David Ball

4. Strokin – Clarence Carter 

5. Wrap It Up – The Fabulous Thunderbirds

6. Where Are All the Twelve Year Olds  – Ray Stevens

7. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison

8. Woo Boost – Rusko

9. Everybody Dies  – Billie Eilish

10. F**k the System – System Of A Down

11. Bidibodi Bidbu – Bubbles

12. Company – Disasterpeace

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

Springtime brings musical renewal as hosts Matt and Sam curate twelve standout tracks spanning the contemporary music landscape. Their carefully selected mixtape captures everything from Lady Gaga's 80s-inspired dance anthem "Killa" to the tender acoustic stylings of Third Eye Blind's "Like a Lullaby," demonstrating how established artists continue evolving while staying true to their signature sounds.

The mixtape delivers unexpected delights like Lexi Liu's reimagining of Le Tigre's "Decepticon," which transforms a 1999 indie classic into a fresh pop gem. Indie rock fans will appreciate the separate appearances of Boy Genius alumni Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, while Queens-based rapper Lil Tecca demonstrates remarkable talent for a 23-year-old who's been creating music since childhood.

The mix finishes with a range of songs from the cathartic rage of Dinosaur Pileup to the unity message in The Lathams' "Heartbreaker."  The Criticals' remake of their own song "Good Lookin'" years after its original release, and explore how Matt Berninger's solo work compares to his output with The National.

What new music are you discovering this spring? Share your finds with us and let us know which tracks from our March mix resonated most with you!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-2025-march-new-music/pl.u-EPEVtVMmxr

1. Killah – Lady Gaga featuring Gesaffelstein

2. Like a Lullaby – Third Eye Blind 

3. Deceptacon – Lexie Liu

4. Talk – lucy Dacus

5. Good Lookin’ – The Criticals

6. Dark Thoughts – Lil Tecca

7.  Sugar in the Tank – Julien Baker & TORRES

8.  On & On – Sub Focus & bbyclose

9.  Heartbreaker – The Lathums 

10.  ‘bout to Lose It – Dinosaur Pile-Up 

11.  Spaceman in Tulsa – Counting Crows

12.  Bonnet of Pins – Matt Berninger

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

From Season One of the show, Matt and Sam are joined by fashion journalist and author of Tales from the Back Row and Anna, Amy Odell!  (IG https://www.instagram.com/instamyodell)

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hHnOaWzaab2PjI8xRTZ64?si=a3d09f7ad65849ba 

Step into a nostalgic journey as we explore the potent music of our formative years in this episode featuring special guest Amy Odell. We're diving into a carefully curated playlist that evokes memories of high school, friendships, and the transformative power of music. From the infectious grooves of Sublime's "Santeria" to the empowering anthem of Lauryn Hill's "Doo Wop (That Thing)," we unpack the personal stories woven into each track. Amy shares her insights and experiences surrounding these iconic songs, shedding light on how they’ve shaped her identity over the years.

As we reflect on the cultural significance of these tunes, we touch upon the lasting impact of pop legends like Britney Spears and Mariah Carey, examining how their music has influenced generations while also sparking conversations on mental health and individuality. Through laughter and heartfelt nostalgia, we unravel the emotional connections that bind us to these melodies, inviting you to think about your own musical memories.

1. Santeria - Sublime

2. Doo Wop (That Thing) - Lauryn Hill

3. (You Drive Me) Crazy - Brittney Spears

4. Fantasy - Mariah Carey

5. Ray of Light - Madonna

6. No, No, No Part 2 - Destiny's Child featuring Wyclef Jean

7. Say My Name - Destiny's Child

8. Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Green Day

9. Dammit - Blink-182

10. Doin' Time - Sublime

11. Creep - TLC

12. If You Had My Love - Jennifer Lopez

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

The ritual of spring cleaning takes on new life in this energizing episode as Matt and Sam craft the perfect soundtrack for transforming both your living space and your mindset. Rather than viewing cleaning as a chore, we reimagine it as a journey of renewal that deserves its own carefully curated playlist.

Our unique approach divides the cleaning experience into two complementary sides. Matt's selections begin with the motivational power of Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind" (complete with its surprising LSD-inspired origin story) and progresses through tracks that address both physical spaces and internal "cleaning" – recognizing that sometimes the most important decluttering happens within ourselves. From the practical reminders of "Car Wash" by Rose Royce to the introspective examination in "Demons" by Imagine Dragons, Side A creates momentum for your cleaning journey.

Sam's Side B acknowledges the reality that before things get cleaner, they often must first get messier. Starting with Matt and Kim's aptly titled "Make a Mess," these selections guide you through the emotional process of letting go (with Peter Bjorn and John's "Objects of My Affection"), finding motivation when energy flags (Britney's iconic "Work Bitch"), and ultimately creating your own personal paradise (Coldplay).

What emerges is more than just a playlist – it's a thoughtful exploration of how our physical environments reflect our mental states. By creating order in our surroundings, we often discover newfound clarity and peace within ourselves. Throughout the episode, we share personal insights about the connection between clean spaces and clear minds, offering listeners both practical motivation and meaningful reflection.

Whether you're tackling a major decluttering project or simply tidying up for the new season, this musical journey transforms mundane household tasks into an opportunity for renewal. Put on your headphones, grab your cleaning supplies, and join us in creating spaces that nourish rather than drain us as we welcome spring.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/spring-cleaning-2025/pl.u-ppBRCdKjlz

1.  Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross

2.  Car Wash – Rose Royce

3.  Demons – Imagine Dragons

4.  Cleaning Windows – Van Morrison

5.  Come Clean – Hilary Duff

6.  Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) – Jay-Z

7.  Make a Mess – Matt and Kim

8. Objects of My Affection – Peter Bjorn and John

9. Goodbye Stranger – Supertramp

10.  Work Bitch – Britney Spears

11.  So Fresh, So Clean – Outkast

12.  Paradise – Coldplay

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

Get ready to elevate your workout game with a mix that’s designed to pump you up and push you through! Back in 2022, Matt and Sam brought you an energizing playlist filled with tracks that fuel your fire and inspire resilience. From rock anthems to rap classics, each song on this carefully curated list serves as a motivational powerhouse, making it an essential component of your workout routine.

We discuss the unique attributes that make a song perfect for exercise—think steady rhythms, uplifting lyrics, and emotional connections that keep you moving. Whether you’re running on the track, lifting weights at the gym, or just looking for that extra push during your home workout, these tracks are your go-to companions. Join us as we cover our individual picks with personal stories that highlight the impact of these songs on our own fitness journeys.

We've also made it interactive! Our audience has a chance to weigh in through polls, sharing their favorites and preferences, creating a community experience around the music we love.  An energetic experience awaits—let’s get moving!

 You can find our mix on Spotify here (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Jl5cmpBDpI2PKa6SmA06n?si=719b4f1a86184538)

Or you can find it on Apple Music here (https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/workout-running-mix/pl.u-76oNkyeIvLa5bzJ)

1. The Distance by CAKE
2. Juice (Know The Ledge) by Eric B. & Rakim
3. Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall by Coldplay
4. Runaways by The Killers
5. Notorious Thugs by The Notorious B.I.G.
6. Workin’ Day and Night by Michael Jackson
7. Knights of Cydonia by Muse
8. Gold Guns Girls by Metric
9. Toxicity by System Of A Down
10. One Step Closer by Linkin Park
11. The Hand That Feeds by Nine Inch Nails
12. ‘Till I Collapse by Eminem, Nate Dogg

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

Matt and Sam's February new music mix brings together tracks infused with themes of self-love, nostalgia, and uplifting energy, perfect for chasing away winter blues. Featuring standout artists like Blondish, Teddy Swims, and OK Go, this episode showcases an array of songs that inspire, entertain, and reflect the complexity of modern life.

• Exploration of self-love through dance beats
• Teddy Swims' soulful tribute to love songs
• OK Go's take on finding light in dark moments
• Introduction of Inhaler, Bono's son's thriving music career
• Sleigh Bells' raw energy encourages spontaneous creativity
• A nostalgic and fresh take on "I Love LA" by Dawes
• Collaboration of Elton John and Brandi Carlile showcases timeless wisdom

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sam-2025-feb-new-music/pl.u-7jBMMFNMmoPr

1. Self Love – Blonde:ish

2. Black & White – Teddy Swims & Muni Long

3. A Good, Good Day at Last… - OK Go

4. Your House – Inhaler

5. Wanna Start a Band? – Sleigh Bells

6. I Love LA – Dawes

7. Love Hangover – Jennie & Dominic Fike

8. It’s My Ego (3mix) – Ice Cube & Scarface

9. The Night Before – The Black Keys

10.  Islands in the Stream – Will Ferrell & Reese Witherspoon

11.  Detroit – Badflower

12.  Never Too Late – Elton John & Brandi Carlile

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

In 2022, Matt and Samer were joined by Joshua Dylan Balis to talk about his album 'We're on Fire' and go through a mix of some of his favorites and inspirations.
 
 His mix is here:
 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1X4iHRTZ9pjJvxGr8A10gN?si=oEZnh0F-TpOHYDu9ijvMkg

1. Voices - Joshua Ray Walker 
2. Riga Black - Chuck Johnson
3. Every time the sun comes up - Sharon Van Etten
4. Motion picture sound track - Radiohead
5. Godan Daginn - Sigurd Ros 
6. May Janes last dance - Tom petty  
7. Tumble in the wind (version 2) - Jackson C. Frank 
8. Look at miss Ohio- Gillian Welch
9. Love - Lana Del Ray 
10. Boys of summer - Don Henley 
11. Red Eyes - The War on Drugs 
12. Girl from north country - Bob Dylan

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

Turning 40 is more than just a number—it's a celebration of the journey so far and the promise of what's to come. As Sam embraces this milestone birthday, he shares with Matt and the listeners a specially curated music mix that captures the essence of this new chapter. He begins with Logic's "Hallelujah," which echoes the importance of keeping an open mind.  This episode is filled with reflective insights and a touch of laughter. You'll find yourself drawn into Sam's world as he navigates the complexities of aging with inspiration and humor.

What's the secret to living in the moment and letting go of past regrets? Sam explores this question through songs that remind us of the beauty of presence and self-forgiveness. With tracks like The All-American Rejects' "Move Along," Fountains of Wayne's "All Kinds of Time," and Pearl Jam's "Present Tense," you'll uncover powerful messages about savoring the present and embracing life's pace. These songs serve as an anthem for anyone who seeks to balance life's fleeting moments with thoughtful reflection.

As the episode unfolds, Sam delves into the duality of life, highlighting growth and the balance between light and dark. "Let Go" by Frou Frou and Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten" inspire us to view life as an open canvas, full of potential and new beginnings. The exploration continues with Moby's "Run On" and Pink Floyd's masterpieces "Brain Damage" and "Eclipse," celebrating the artistry that captures both the light and shadow of the human experience. Join us for a musical journey that honors personal growth, self-reflection, and the joyous celebration of Sam's 40th birthday.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sams-birthday-mix-2025/pl.u-38oW9zbCY6Rke5j

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6LI2EFe5bNmr6IRe2VioGK?si=b50ff969a54b411e

1. Hallelujah – Logic

2. What's My Age Again? – Blink-182 

3. Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl – Broken Social Scene 

4. Move Along – The All-American Rejects 

5. All Kinds of Time – Fountains of Wayne 

6. Present Tense – Pearl Jam 

7. Let Go – Frou Frou 

8. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield 

9. 2085 – AJR 

10. Run On – Moby

11. Brain Damage – Pink Floyd 

12. Eclipse – Pink Floyd 

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!

In 2022, Matt and Samer felt it was good to do TWO motivation mixes, one at the start of the year and one that summer to get you through the year.  Both are awesomely motivating but this week we revisit the mid-year one.  
 
 You can find the playlist here:
 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4h8it3EN0I8jNH0CmRBew9?si=c94ab610c6e14058

1. Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin
2. Free by Florence + The Machine
3. Proud by Heather Small
4. Green Light by Lorde
5. Titanium by David Guetta, Sia
6. Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall
7. Runnin’ by David Dallas
8. Keep the Car Running by Arcade Fire
9. Who Gon Stop Me by Jay-Z, Kanye West
10. And So It Went by The Pretty Reckless, Tom Morello
11. Feel The Thunder by HAIM
12. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey, Steve Perry

Go to My.SuperAwesomeMix.com and start using our new app on any device - mobile or laptop.  Copy and paste a link to your playlist then turn it into an old school mixtape in minutes!  

Support the show

Visit us at https://www.superawesomemix.com to learn more about our app, our merchandise, our cards, and more!