Award-winning songwriter and composer Jeremiah Fraites, co-founder of The Lumineers, joins Adam to explore the powerful impact of Bruce Springsteen’s minimalist masterpiece, Nebraska.

Jeremiah reveals how Springsteen’s stripped-down storytelling and raw, lo-fi production inspired his own creative journey—from writing chart-topping hits with The Lumineers to scoring the feature film Deliver Me From Nowhere, which tells the story behind Nebraska’s creation.

Discover how Nebraska’s themes of vulnerability, artistry, and blue-collar Americana resonate across generations of musicians and why Jerome believes this album changed the musical landscape forever. This candid conversation also delves into Jeremiah’s process composing for film (including The Long Walk), lessons learned from Springsteen’s risk-taking and the lasting influence of home-recorded innovation.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Nebraska transformed Jeremiah’s views on songwriting and vulnerability
• The creative spark and intention behind scoring Deliver Me From Nowhere
• The continued influence of Nebraska’s lo-fi recording techniques
• The parallels between Springsteen’s career-defining risks and The Lumineers’ artistic choices
• Reflections on authenticity, musical legacy, and American storytelling
• 
  

About the Guest:

Jeremiah Fraites is a Grammy-nominated composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, known for his work with The Lumineers and acclaimed film scores including Deliver Me From Nowhere and The Long Walk.

About Nebraska:

Released in 1982, Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska is an influential, stripped-back album recorded solo on a four-track cassette recorder. Its stark, narrative-driven songs—and themes of isolation, honesty and hope—have earned it a place among the most celebrated works in rock history.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins Adam to talk about her Spark: Charli XCX’s bold and boundary-pushing album Brat.

They share the story of how the album’s daring production and confessional lyrics sparked Sophie’s creative inspiration just before it exploded into the mainstream. From its genre-blurring sound to its cross-generational appeal, they explore how Brat embodies the fearless honesty and queer cultural vibrancy shaping today’s pop music landscape.

If you love innovative pop, authentic songwriting or insights into the evolving music industry, this episode is your gateway to a fascinating conversation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Sophie’s first encounter with Charli XCX’s Brat and family connections
• How Brat’s bold, minimalistic sound challenged pop conventions
• The importance of honesty and vulnerability in modern songwriting
• Brat’s impact across different generations and queer communities
• Sophie’s reflections on her own career reinvention and classic hits like “Murder on the Dancefloor”

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join comedian and actor Gianmarco Soresi for a campy, nostalgic journey into his Spark: Spiceworld, the 1997 Spice Girls album and film phenomenon. Gianmarco share memories of first hearing the album in childhood, the theatrical personas of Baby Spice and friends and the explosive pop energy that defined an era.

Gianmarco dives into the group’s dynamic, the album’s enduring charm, and why Spice Girls remain a touchstone of girl power, camp, and 90s pop culture.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Spiceworld introduced Gianmarco to the power of camp and theatrical pop
• The chaotic, hilarious plot of the Spice World movie
• The Spice Girls’ impact on 90s culture and girl power anthems
• Behind-the-scenes insights on the band’s fame and solo projects
• Why Gianmarco still listens to and celebrates Spiceworld today

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join legendary horror drag icons The Boulet Brothers for a campy, queer journey into their Spark: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Adam and the Boulets share first encounters with the groundbreaking cult film, its impact on their lives, and why it remains a loud, proud anthem for queer joy, radical self-expression, and chosen family.

Swantula takes us back to being a closeted 14-year-old, blown away by Rocky Horror’s uninhibited queerness, campy horror, and radical self-expression that expanded their world overnight. Drac recalls renting the VHS and falling in love with the iconic queer characters that spoke to their gothic, outsider spirit.

We dive into queer representation, midnight screenings, Tim Curry’s unforgettable Frank-N-Furter, and the legendary audience participation that keeps the cult classic alive. The Boulet Brothers break down what makes Rocky Horror a radical anthem of chosen family, joy, and queer celebration — and how it continues to inspire their boundary-pushing drag art and TV series Dragula.

You’ll also hear about The Boulet Brothers’ latest creative projects and why their Rocky Horror Spark lights their queer artistry to this day.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Rocky Horror hit Swantula and Drac at formative moments
• The unique mix of horror, camp, musical theater and queer culture
• The cultural impact and enduring legacy of Rocky Horror midnight shows
• The meaning behind “Don’t Dream It, Be It” for the Boulet Brothers
• Why Rocky Horror’s queer spirit fuels Dragula and their work today

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Trevor of Cheat Codes sit down with Adam Unze to talk about their Spark: the movie Ready Player One.

They share the story of how the film’s immersive virtual reality and flood of pop culture Easter eggs blew their minds and sparked creative inspiration. From parallels between gaming, music and business to navigating the future of AI and virtual worlds, they explore how Ready Player One reflects the community, creativity and boundary-pushing spirit that drives their music career.

If you love EDM, gaming culture, futuristic visions or collaborative creativity, this episode is your gateway to an inspiring conversation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Ready Player One felt ahead of its time and parallels today’s tech reality
• The importance of community and collaboration in music and virtual worlds
• Gaming as a metaphor for creativity and business success
• Impacts of AI and emerging technologies on art and connections
• How Cheat Codes blends genres and crafts immersive live experiences
• Pop culture Easter eggs, VR performances, and the future of entertainment

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low joins Adam to share the story of his Spark: Jimmy Eat World’s Futures.

Alex takes us back to his teenage years in Baltimore, discovering Futures on a chance trip to the record store and instantly connecting with the album’s emotional depth, powerful rock energy and flawless sequencing. From the freedom of those first windows-down drives to how Gil Norton’s masterful production revealed the band’s most refined work, Alex explains why Futures remains a peak creative moment in Jimmy Eat World’s career — and a defining influence on his own songwriting.

We dive into nostalgia, label pressure, creative integrity and how artists navigate expectations after a major breakthrough. Alex breaks down the peaks, valleys and sequencing magic that make Futures endlessly replayable, plus why it’s the perfect soundtrack for a sunset drive.

You’ll also hear about All Time Low’s upcoming album Everyone’s Talking! out October 17, 2025, and why fans should be excited for a fresh batch of anthems from one of pop-punk’s most beloved bands.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How Alex discovered Jimmy Eat World’s Futures and why it resonated instantly
• The emotional and political themes that make the album timeless
• The challenges Jimmy Eat World faced creating Futures after breakout success
• Why production choices kept the album powerful without listener fatigue
• Alex’s advice for the best way to experience Futures in full

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pop singer-songwriter Maggie Lindemann joins Adam to share how Lana Del Rey’s landmark album Born to Die sparked her creative journey. Maggie opens up about falling in love with Lana’s cinematic world, relatable storytelling and signature Old Hollywood-meets-Tumblr vibe—and explains how that influence shaped her own music.

In this episode:

• How Born to Die inspired Maggie’s angsty, alt-pop sound
• Nostalgia, performance nerves, and Tumblr-era fandom
• Why Lana Del Rey’s persona and visuals shifted pop culture
• Thoughts on pop stardom, authenticity, and growing as an artist
• Maggie’s new album I Feel Everything out October 17, 2025

About Maggie Lindemann:

A Dallas-raised, LA-based artist best known for her viral hit “Pretty Girl,” Maggie is praised for her raw lyrics, pop-punk attitude and boundary-pushing style. With over 1.6 billion streams and projects like Suckerpunch, she’s carving a bold new lane for Gen-Z pop.

About Born To Die:

Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die (2012) fused cinematic pop, hip-hop and nostalgia, spawning hits like “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans.” The album redefined pop stardom, charted for over 500 weeks and continues to influence a generation.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter Cam joins Adam for an intimate conversation about her Spark: the Indigo Girls’ acclaimed album All That We Let In.

Cam explores her journey from discovering the Indigo Girls at choir camp, to wearing out her copy of the album, to becoming friends and collaborators with Emily Saliers herself. The episode delves into the ways this folk-rock classic continues to shape Cam’s songwriting, activism and sense of community in country music and beyond.

Episode Highlights

• Cam’s first encounter with the Indigo Girls and the everlasting impact of All That We Let In
• How the Indigo Girls’ harmonies and activism shaped Cam’s creative voice
• Stories about meeting her heroes, collaborating with Emily Saliers, and friendship in the music industry
• A conversation on family, identity, and what it means to create from a place of authenticity
• Insights into Cam’s new album "All Things Light" and her musical evolution
• 
  

About Cam:

Cam is a Grammy-winning, genre-bending country singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged storytelling and acclaimed hits like “Burning House,” “Diane,” and “Redwood Tree.” She is a celebrated solo artist, songwriter for stars like Beyoncé and Sam Smith, a global touring act, and a passionate advocate for diversity in music. Cam won a Grammy in 2024 for her contributions to Beyoncé’s album "Cowboy Carter," continuing her legacy as a voice for inclusion and innovation.

About Indigo Girls & All That We Let In:

The Indigo Girls’ 2004 album All That We Let In is celebrated for its stunning harmonies, personal lyricism, and blend of folk, country, and rock influences. The album showcases the duo’s enduring commitment to activism, storytelling, and musical risk-taking, featuring standout tracks like “Perfect World,” “Dairy Queen,” and the beloved title track.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning comedian, writer, and actress Chanel Ali joins host Adam to talk about her Spark—Alan Parker’s 1980 musical drama Fame. Chanel discusses how the film shaped her creative journey, from childhood dreams of performing to the realities of making it as an artist in New York City. The conversation covers ambition, life lessons, arts education, and what it takes to chase success both on stage and off.

Episode Highlights:

• Chanel’s early connection to Fame and the performing arts
• How Fame influenced her self-discovery and artistic drive
• Lessons from arts education and navigating the entertainment world
• How grit, perseverance, and community have helped Chanel thrive
• Candid anecdotes about ambition and making her own opportunities
• 
  

Quick Chanel Ali Facts:

Chanel Ali is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress based in New York City. She was named one of Deadline’s 15 Comedians to Watch in 2025 after the breakout success of her one-woman show Relative Stranger, which premiered at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured internationally. Chanel’s credits include MTV’s Girl Code, TruTV’s Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks, Starz’s Night Train with Wyatt Cenac, Netflix’s Dash & Lily, Comedy Central’s Taking the Stage and Speak Up, and Food Network’s Food Debate!. See Chanel live at Soho Playhouse, September 17–28.

Quick Fame Facts:

Fame (1980) is a musical drama directed by Alan Parker. The movie follows a group of students at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts and chronicles their struggles and triumphs. Fame won Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, and inspired a TV series, stage musical, and global performing arts movement.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK pop sensation Mimi Webb chats with Adam about her Spark: the timeless romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Mimi reveals how the film’s witty banter, unexpected twists, and real emotional moments shaped her love of rom-coms—and inspired her own songwriting, including her new track “Romcom.”

Episode Highlights:

• Why How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is Mimi’s go-to comfort movie—and her favorite for breakups
• Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey’s iconic chemistry, improv scenes, and rom-com legacy
• The magic of New York City, unforgettable fashion moments, and surprising behind-the-scenes stories
• How the film’s twisty romance and comedic vulnerability fueled Mimi’s creativity and belief in real movie moments
• The influence of rom-com fantasy and unexpected love stories on Mimi’s sophomore album Confessions (out September 12th)

Quick Mimi Webb Facts:

Mimi Webb is a multi-platinum British singer-songwriter, known for her powerhouse vocals and deeply personal lyrics. After global success with singles like “Good Without” and “House on Fire,” she’s back with her sophomore album Confessions, dropping September 12th. Mimi has earned BRIT Award and Ivor Novello nominations, and stands out for her honest storytelling and captivating live performances.

Quick Movie Facts:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) is a beloved rom-com directed by Donald Petrie. Magazine writer Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) and ad exec Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey) face off in a hilarious battle of wills—uncovering love in all its unpredictable glory. Set against glamorous NYC backgrounds with iconic scenes (that yellow dress!), the film remains a must-watch for romantic comedy fans worldwide.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.