Caught on the Mike...

In this episode of Caught On The Mike, I sit down with Jason DeVore, frontman of Arizona punk rock veterans Authority Zero, for a conversation about music, creativity, life on the road, and what it takes to keep moving forward after more than three decades in the music industry.

We dig into Authority Zero’s unique blend of punk rock, reggae, and other influences, the band's evolution over the years, and the experiences that have shaped Jason as both a musician and a person. We also get into the inspiration behind the band's latest single, “Apocalyptic Summer,” a dark...

Some records entertain us. Others find us at exactly the right moment and become part of our story. My conversation with Dustin Kensrue, frontman and songwriter of Thrice, was one of those full-circle moments.

Dustin’s 2007 solo album Please Come Home became the soundtrack to a pivotal chapter of my life, and his song “Pistol” holds a special place in my personal history as the song one my best friend's (Corey) chose for his first dance with his wife at their wedding. Getting to sit down with Dustin and talk about the music, the memories, and the storie...

I caught Spike and the Gimme Gimmes at Fiddler’s Green back in August, and now I’m sitting down with frontman Spike Slawson for a conversation about one of punk rock’s most entertaining and unpredictable bands.

With their new album, Shit the Bed, arriving October 23 via Fat Wreck Chords, there’s plenty to talk about. We get into the band’s latest collection of covers, including their take on “Kokomo,” the creative challenges of reimagining familiar songs, and the philosophy behind turning everything from pop anthems to country classics into something unmistakably Gimme Gimmes.

We also talk...

In this episode, I sat down with Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup for what was easily one of my favorite conversations in all my years doing Caught On The Mike. With more than three decades of music, touring, and a career that has made Bowling For Soup one of the most recognizable names in pop punk, Jaret has a unique perspective on what it takes to keep a band going, stay creatively motivated, and evolve without losing the personality that got you here in the first place.

We dug into the mechanics...

Content Disclaimer: This episode includes heartfelt discussions of death, grief, traumatic loss, and navigating life after losing a loved one. Listener discretion is advised.

On this episode of Caught On The Mike, I sit down with singer-songwriter Andy Gruhin to explore the deeply personal story behind his debut album, Hannah.

Written in the aftermath of losing his wife six months after the birth of their son, Hannah is more than a collection of songs about loss. It's an honest look at what happens after life changes forever and the complicated process...

In this episode, I sat down with Anastasia Grace Haunt and Maxamillion “Max” Haunt of The Haunt to talk about a journey that began when they were kids making music together and has grown into an internationally touring alt-rock duo with a rapidly expanding global audience.

We talked about what it was like growing up in music, playing shows and touring at such a young age, and the moment they began to realize The Haunt was becoming more than just a project between siblings. We also dug into the evolution of their sound, the importance of staying true...

I’m honored to welcome Russ Rankin to Caught On The Mike.

As the longtime frontman of Good Riddance, Russ has spent decades creating music rooted in urgency, conviction, and an unmistakable punk rock spirit. But this conversation is about where he is right now. With Good Riddance releasing Before The World Caves In earlier this year and Russ now releasing his new solo EP, A Season In Hell, there’s a lot happening creatively.

We talk about the freedom of creating outside of Good Riddance, the personal themes behind songs like “What Brand Of Hell,”...

In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker, screenwriter and former Sunset Strip rocker Craig A. Williams, co-director of If These Walls Could Rock, the documentary exploring the legendary Sunset Marquis and its six decades at the center of rock ’n’ roll history.

Craig’s connection to the Marquis goes back more than a decade, when he was first brought in to tell the story of the iconic West Hollywood hotel. What he discovered was far more than a collection of wild rock-star stories. The Sunset Marquis became a rare sanctuary where artists could escape the spotlight, create...

In this episode of Caught On The Mike, I’m talking with sFox, the multi-instrumentalist and producer behind the mysterious creative project MASKS.

MASKS recently released its debut EP, First Life, a five-track introduction to a much larger universe that extends beyond music into graphic novels, visual storytelling and online content. sFox uses the literal mask as an “ego hack,” creating distance between the artist and the work so the music can exist without the distractions that often come with identity and expectation.

We talk about the philosophy behind MASKS, the influence of artists like Peter...

In this episode of Caught On The Mike, I sit down with Stand Atlantic for a conversation about their evolution, finding their identity after more than a decade together, and the freedom that comes with finally being comfortable with who you are.

We talk about the band's new era, the decision to embrace happiness and genuine connection in their songwriting, and the raw, live approach they took while making their upcoming fifth album, GODBREATH.

Stand Atlantic released their latest single, “NEXT2U,” on September 25. The song puts a different spin on the traditional love song, focu...

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Hoyos of Long Island power pop and punk band Playing Dead to talk about the band’s latest chapter and their new split EP with Best Bones, arriving September 15.

Playing Dead has spent years developing a sound built around big guitars, infectious melodies, harmonies, and unforgettable hooks while pulling influence from punk, indie rock, garage rock, and power pop. On the new split EP, the band takes a more sentimental approach with “Going Back Home” and “Two Fourteen,” two songs that explore a more personal and emotional side of Playing De...

On this episode, I sit down with Raynes to talk about one of the most unconventional band origin stories I’ve come across. What started with Mat and Joe discovering Mark through an Instagram video eventually became a band, a nine year journey, millions of streams, international touring, and the release of their debut album, Radio Remind Me.

We talk about how Raynes found their unique blend of alternative pop, rock, electronic music, and cinematic songwriting, along with the personal experiences behind songs like Josephine and Roses All Over. We also get into the themes of nostalgia, me...

In this episode, I sit down with Drew McManus, the artist behind Satsang, to talk about his new album ELOHIM and the experiences that shaped both the music and the person behind it.

Drew and I get into the evolution of Satsang, finding purpose through music, personal transformation, spirituality, fatherhood, recovery, faith, creativity and what happens when an artist allows life experience to become part of the work. We also talk about the making of ELOHIM, the meaning behind the album, and how Drew continues to grow as a songwriter and performer while building a deeper connection...

In this episode, I’m joined by Matty Mullins and Christian McAlhaney of Anberlin for a conversation about the band’s next chapter and their new album, Currency.

I’ve been a longtime fan of Anberlin, and I’ve also followed the work these two have done outside the band, including Christian’s time with Acceptance and Matty’s career as the frontman of Memphis May Fire. I previously had Stephen Christian on Caught on the Mike about two years ago, so this conversation also gave me an opportunity to revisit Anberlin’s story from a completely different pers...

ZEBRAHEAD | STILL LOUD, STILL HUNGRY, STILL CHARGING FORWARD

Three decades into their career, zebrahead has absolutely no interest in slowing down.

On this episode of Caught on the Mike, I’m joined by vocalist/rapper Ali Tabatabaee and vocalist/guitarist Adrian Estrella of zebrahead for a conversation about longevity, evolution, DIY independence, life on the road, and what keeps a band going after nearly 30 years.

Formed during the legendary Orange County punk explosion, zebrahead has built a career that includes more than two million albums sold worldwide, a...

What happens when you refuse to let doubt, adversity, or other people’s expectations determine who you become?

On this episode of Caught on the Mike, I’m joined by Evaride, the alternative rock duo of Sean Michael Murray and Hayden Maringer, as we dive into their incredible journey and the powerful new chapter they're entering with their latest single, “Can’t Take It From Me.”

We talk about the inspiration behind the soaring new anthem and why its message goes far beyond simply proving your critics wrong. Sea...

In this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with filmmaker, storyteller, and longtime 90210 superfan Pete Ferriero for a conversation that goes far beyond pizza.

Pete is the filmmaker behind the new documentary The Best Pizza Is in LA, an entertaining and heartfelt exploration of Los Angeles’ incredible pizza culture and his mission to prove that LA deserves a place in the conversation when it comes to the world's best pizza. We go behind the scenes of the film, the people Pete brought along for the journey, and what happens when a...

Sitting On Saturn joins Caught on the Mike for a conversation about friendship, evolution, life on the road, and a band entering one of the most exciting chapters of its career.

Hoyt Yeatman, Kyle Hart and Trevor Smith take us all the way back to the beginning — meeting as kids at Rock Nation, discovering their shared passion for music, forming a band, and eventually cutting their teeth in the San Diego scene. We talk about the early days, the evolution from Sitting On Stacy to Sitting On Saturn, and the experiences that helped take them from local sh...

Blue October’s Matt Noveskey | 20 Years of Foiled, 1.5 Billion Streams & a Full-Circle Journey

Some interviews are about meeting someone for the first time. This one is about reconnecting with a story that has been part of mine for more than 25 years.

I first saw Blue October at Rock Fest 2000 in Omaha, Nebraska—a legendary lineup featuring 311, Stone Temple Pilots, Incubus, Papa Roach, Nickelback and more. Months later, I opened for Blue October at the Ranch Bowl and eventually several more times, including at the Music Box. There was even a da...

Carter Reeves joins Caught on the Mike for a conversation about the evolution of Surfer Girl, his journey from Aer frontman to building a band with a sound that blends reggae, surf-rock, indie-pop and hip-hop into something distinctly its own.

With Surfer Girl’s new album Midnight arriving August 21, Carter talks about the creative evolution behind the record, the road from Sunrise and Noon through Sunset, and the growing global community that has developed around the band. We also get into “Smoked Out,” the new Surfer Girl single featuring Wiz Khalifa, Carter’s connection to hip-hop, the inspirat...

Scarlet House is one of the most intriguing emerging voices in alternative music—and his story goes far beyond the music.

In this episode of Caught on the Mike, we go back to the beginning with the 25-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina artist and explore how his experiences with homelessness, cancer, heartbreak, and survival helped shape the sound and identity of Scarlet House.

We also dive deep into his highly anticipated debut album, Angels, arriving August 28. Scarlet House opens up about the inspiration behind the 14-track record, the emotional journey connecting songs li...

On this episode of Caught on the Mike, Michael Clark sits down with Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and musician Stephen Day for one of the most personal conversations of the show.

Stephen opens up about his journey from discovering his mom’s guitar as a kid in Georgia to building a career with more than 200 million streams, touring alongside artists like Teddy Swims, Stephen Sanchez, Allen Stone, Lawrence, and Ben Rector, and finding his voice as an artist.

At the center of the conversation is Stephen’s upcoming self-titled album, Stephen Day, arriving October 2, 2026. We talk abou...

Southern California alternative rock band Strange Case joins Caught on the Mike for an in-depth conversation about their journey from the local DIY scene to becoming one of the fastest-rising bands in modern alternative rock.

Mikey and Zayno discuss the band's evolution over the past decade, being the very first artist signed to Jakob Nowell's SVN/BVRNT label, touring alongside Jakobs Castle, Strawberry Fuzz, and Spray Allen, and performing with Sublime at major festivals and headline shows. They also reflect on the success of their million-stream single "27 Club," hearing their music featured in Netflix's The...

Some conversations feel like they're years in the making. This one has been nearly three decades.

John Feldmann, frontman of Goldfinger, Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, A&R visionary, and one of the most influential architects of modern punk rock- joins me for a conversation I'll never forget.

Goldfinger has been part of my life since the late '90s. I saw the band tear through Midwest clubs, covered their songs with my own ska band, watched them become one of the defining acts of the third-wave ska movement, and years later found myself introducing their music...

Alejandro Aranda—also known as Scarypoolparty—joins Caught on the Mike for a wide-ranging conversation about his musical journey, his creative process, and the release of his new EP, Baroque.

After captivating audiences as the runner-up on American Idol in 2019, Alejandro has continued to chart his own artistic path, releasing acclaimed projects including Exit Form, Doom Hologram, The Act of Forgiveness, and now Baroque. Rather than following trends, he's built a reputation for blending classical, jazz, indie rock, electronic music, pop, and drum & bass into a sound that's entirely his...

J.Lately joins Caught on the Mike for an in-depth conversation about his new album, Room to Grow, and the journey that's made him one of the Bay Area's most respected independent hip-hop artists.

In this episode, we explore the inspiration behind Room to Grow, how his songwriting has evolved, and why authenticity continues to drive everything he creates. J.Lately shares what it's like building a loyal fanbase without compromising his artistic vision, balancing introspective lyricism with laid-back production, and navigating today's music industry as an independent artist.

...

🚨 BIG CHANGES ARE HAPPENING AT CAUGHT ON THE MIKE 🚨

For the past several weeks, I've been working behind the scenes to take this show to the next level.

🎥 Full video episodes are coming to Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
📺 The YouTube channel has been completely reorganized to make discovering past interviews easier than ever.
🎙️ The studio has been upgraded—both aesthetically and technologically.
🤝 New business relationships are creating exciting opportunities for bigger guests, collaborations, giveaways, and more.
🔥 And the content? I'm pouring more into every single episode than ever before.

Will t...

Rock fans, this one's for you.

Carl Bell, founder, guitarist, and the primary songwriter behind FUEL, joins Caught on the Mike for an in-depth conversation about the band's incredible journey, the stories behind timeless hits like "Shimmer," "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)," and "Bad Day," and what continues to fuel one of rock's most enduring bands.

Carl also shares the creative process behind FUEL's explosive new single, "Want It," and discusses the band's upcoming seventh studio album, Pendulum, the renewed chemistry within the current lineup, and why this new chapter feels as exciting as any in the...

Charleston, South Carolina's Five Door Sedan has been building a reputation as one of the Southeast's most exciting rising indie rock bands, blending infectious grooves, bluesy textures, improvisation, and high-energy live performances into a sound that's uniquely their own.

On this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Dacota Muckey to discuss the band's journey, developing their signature sound, life on the road, and the creative process behind their music. Dacota also shares the story behind their brand-new single, "Everything," dropping July 10, along with a look ahead at Five Door Sedan's upcoming sophomore album.
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Smash Mouth has been a staple of pop culture for nearly three decades, delivering the songs that defined a generation. In this episode of Caught on the Mike, founding bassist Paul DeLisle joins Michael Clark for an honest conversation about the band's incredible journey—from the breakout success of "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star" to life on the road, navigating change, and the exciting new chapter ahead with fresh music and a renewed energy.

Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories from the band's biggest moments, reflects on the legacy of Smash Mouth, discusses the band's upcoming album Mercury Co...

Joining me on the show are Nico Bryant and Sam Gellerstein of SNACKTIME. You may know them as the house band on Jason Kelce's ESPN late-night show, but it won't be long before they're known for much more.

What started as a street performance project has evolved into one of the most electrifying live acts in music. Blending funk, soul, hip-hop, and rock with an infectious sense of community, SNACKTIME has built a loyal following the old-fashioned way: earning it one show at a time.

We discuss the band's journey, the growth of their sound, life...

With Tropidelic's 10th studio album, First Light, dropping June 26, Matthew Roads and I spend a lot of time talking about the road that led to this release. We discuss the evolution of the band's sound, working with a new production team, the creative process behind the album, and recently released singles like "No Fear," "Follow Your Nature," and "Home To You."

We also dive into the band's growth over the years, building one of the most loyal fan communities in music, life on the road, and what continues to drive Tropidelic after all these years. Matthew is thoughtful...

Matthew Roads of Tropidelic joins Caught On The Mike for a conversation about the band's incredible journey from Cleveland's local music scene to becoming one of the most respected independent acts in the country.

Matt discusses the creative process behind Tropidelic's upcoming album First Light, the inspiration behind the new single "No Fear," and why this record feels like a defining moment for the band. We also dive into the challenges of building a career without following the traditional industry playbook, creating community through Sunny Days and Everwild Music Festival, staying connected to their Cleveland roots, and what...

Mark O'Connell and Eddie Reyes join Caught On The Mike to discuss the formation of their new band, ME., and the journey behind their debut album, ALL GOOD THINGS.

After spending nearly a decade apart following their departures from Taking Back Sunday, Mark and Eddie reconnected with no expectations beyond making music together. What began as a creative experiment evolved into an entirely new band built on trust, growth, and a shared desire to move forward rather than revisit the past.

In this conversation, we discuss the emotional story behind their debut single "Special," the process...

Thirty years after Sublime's self-titled album became one of the most influential records of the 1990s, the band's story continues with a new generation at the helm.

On this episode of Caught on the Mike, Mike sits down with Jakob Nowell for an honest conversation about family, legacy, music, and the unique experience of carrying one of rock's most recognizable names while forging his own artistic path.

Jakob reflects on growing up surrounded by the legacy of his father, Bradley Nowell, his journey as a musician outside of Sublime, and the unexpected road that led him...

For more than 20 years, Mayday Parade has been one of the defining bands of the pop-punk and emo scene. From packed clubs and Warped Tour parking lots to sold-out venues around the world, they've built a career that has stood the test of time while continuing to connect with new generations of fans.

On this episode of Caught on the Mike, guitarist Brooks Betts joins me for a conversation about the band's incredible longevity, staying creative after two decades together, the evolution of the scene, life on the road, and the challenges and rewards of keeping Mayday Parade...

Atta Boy joins Caught On The Mike to discuss the making of their new album Silt, a record built through years of friendship, long-distance collaboration, and creative trust.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Eden Brolin, Freddy Reish, Dashel Thompson, and Lewis Pullman to talk about growing up together, forming the band as teenagers, and how they've continued creating music despite being separated by thousands of miles. The conversation dives into the themes behind Silt, the evolution of their songwriting process, the inspiration behind songs like "Full Cloud," and the challenges and advantages of making music remotely.<...

🥊 Undefeated professional boxer Jesus Munoz-Ramirez joins Caught On The Mike for a conversation about the journey, discipline, and mindset required to succeed in one of the toughest sports in the world.

With a perfect 4-0 professional record and training out of Skywalker 101 Boxing Academy in Omaha, Nebraska, Jesus sits down to discuss how he got started in boxing, his transition to the professional ranks, the sacrifices that come with chasing greatness, and what drives him every time he steps into the ring.

Joining the conversation as a special cohost is Kaleb Betzold, host of the Sports Wit...

Known for creating uplifting, genre-bending music and the global smash hit "Sunday Best," Colin Padalecki returns with a brand new chapter for Surfaces and the release of "Call Me When You're Home," the first single from the band's upcoming seventh studio album.

In this conversation, Colin opens up about navigating one of the most difficult periods of his life, how music became a source of healing, and the inspiration behind a new collection of songs centered around growth, resilience, and finding the good again. We also discuss the evolution of Surfaces, building a creative community with fans, the...

JP Clark has spent years helping shape some of the biggest records in alternative pop, rock, and hip-hop — working alongside artists like Bryce Vine, blink-182, blackbear, Lukas Graham, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and more while generating over 3 billion streams worldwide. But after years behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer, JP is now stepping fully into the spotlight as an artist with a sound that blends alt-punk energy, emotional honesty, and modern pop production.

In this episode of Caught On The Mike, JP opens up about the pressure of hitmaking, the lessons he learned from legendary songwriter bu...