Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith

Youth In Retrospect! Deaf Havana's Veck-Gilodi brothers, James and Matty, return for an extremely special Episode 414 of Sappenin' Podcast! As the band celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of their sophomore and cult classic record, 'Fool and Worthless Liars', with a sold-out UK tour, the songwriting duo invite us backstage, for a tell all conversation behind the albums legacy, impact and their weird love/hate relationship with it. Throughout this podcast, learn exclusive flashback insight into the songs, brutally honest lyrics, why James says he sang in a weird accent, what hit's almost didn't get written, drunken hangovers vs growing sober...

friends! alternative rock's newest blueprint, industry darlings and capital letter haters, unpeople, are out guests on episode 413 of sappenin' podcast! recorded on the final date of their month long tour supporting don broco, em lodge and luke caley provide us with an unhinged conversation celebrating the bands debut album, 'we are unpeople', mixing punky pop choruses with death metal breakdowns and their biggest misconceptions. in this episode, listen to delirious insights on fake names dramas, unexplainable tour pranks, smiling polity at billy corgan (smashing pumpkins), lucid dreams, why their drummer is actually a sexy shirtless hologram, finally getting the...

Crucified: GORE. singer/songwriter, metal badass and actual NASA spacewalk engineer, Haley Roughton, is our guest on Episode 412 of Sappenin' Podcast! Recorded backstage on the I Prevail: Violent Nature UK/EU tour, Haley opens up on the bands explosive growth, debunking industry plant rumours and all the space questions you can imagine. In this conversation, learn untold secrets behind their new EP: "...Then You Cannot Love Me", challenging religions tones in the scene, how she almost quit music before starting the band, R&B and pop influences vs horror fashion undertones, Halloween film recommendations, playing a gig to a...

I'm Just A Kid! Simple Plan drummer, pop-punk encyclopaedia and lyric theorist, Chuck Comeau, is our guest on Episode 411 of Sappenin' Podcast! Recorded on their biggest ever European headline tour, the bands co-founder returns with exclusive insights into their underrated legacy, never giving up and headlining Slam Dunk 2027! In this conversation, Chuck reflects on selling-out Wembley Arena, his most metal vs scariest live moments, achieving milestones they once have up on, staying together, the spirit behind their viral Tik-Tok comedy skits, festival surprises, a special Scooby-Doo invitation, writing a children's book, new music secrets, how their biggest songs were...

Burn It to the Ground! Nickelback stage left, bass line extraordinaire and jiu-jitsu master, Mike Kroeger, is our guest on Episode 410 of Sappenin' Podcast! The founder behind the internets most talked about band, unveils exclusive news on new album 'Everything Under The Sun', 2027 world tour dates and countless backstage secrets. In this conversation, Mike opens up the magic formula on some of their biggest hits, reacting to Chad's most explicit lyrics, brotherly love vs bodyguard fights, meme culture, insane hate comments, diehard fans, joining in on the joke, overlooked riffs, starting mosh pits in a Mexican restaurant, why they...

True Power. Sick motherfucker with a violent nature, Eric Vanlerberghe, is our guest on Episode 409 of Sappenin' Podcast! The I Prevail vocalist invites us backstage to their sold-out UK tour, for an exclusive showcase on the bands insane pyro production, their most viral moments and taking on new responsibilities as the solo frontman. In this conversation, Eric reflects on a year of their current Violent Nature era, adapting to a lot of changes visually, sonically and behind the scenes, how their songwriting has evolved, collaborating with Amira Elfeky on Paradise, sweaty vs dangerous gigs, getting recognised for fun facts...

LIVE POD! LIVE POD! LIVE POD! Recorded to a rowdy sunburned crowd at 2000Trees Festival 2026, Cancer Bats frontman, Liam Cormier, surprises our live audience with an exclusive tell all conversation, celebrating their new album 'Give Me Dirt', keeping the band completely next level DIY and turning any prompt into an insane story. In this episode, Cormier confesses untold secrets on having a certified forklift license, underground rodeo competitions, sensibly choosing jetskis over parenthood, living in a tent while making their early records, why Bat Sabbath didn't play the Black Sabbath: 'Back To The Beginning' final gig, inducting Ozzy Osbourne at...

Don't Quit It! Emo's most distinctive Scottish accent, Irn-Bru canoniser and golf maniac, Sam McTrusty, is our guest on Episode 407 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Twin Atlantic vocalist returns for an exclusive deep dive into new album 'Separation From The Animals', never fitting into a scene and the bands twentieth anniversary. In this conversation, McTrusty opens up honest truths on the bands longevity despite industry setbacks, never calling a hiatus, reestablishing the original lineup live, almost making a solo record, breaking through that late 2000/2010s UK alternative-rock movement, labeled too punk for pop fans vs too pop for punk fans...

Heads Will Roll! Wrestling champion, music fanatic and bohemian badass, Jamie Hayter, is our guest on Episode 406 of Sappenin' Podcast! All Elite Wrestling's resident brawler celebrates winning the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championships with Alex Windsor at All In: London, by reflecting on her career trajectory, monsters moments and the importance of finally getting her own Wembley Stadium match. In this conversation, Hayter pulls back the curtain on her battle from the British independents to waving the flag globally, returning from a life threatening injury, performing inside a circus, how The Brawling Birds formed, why wrestling should be fu...

You're Not Alone! Recorded LIVE to a passionate sold-out crowd at Fuel Rock Club Cardiff, angry guitarist James 'Bob' Davies, surprises our live audience with an exclusive tell all conversation, celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of an album called 'Hope' by The Blackout. In this episode, Bob and Sean discuss untold secrets behind the songs, playing the record in full inside a virtual dome, December 2026 UK tour plans, deciding to leave Epitaph Records after 'The Best In Town', funding the cycle with Pledge Music, insane fan rewards, how Snoz tried to out run a cheetah, Hyro The Hero's Higher and H...

If Podcasts Were Confidential!? The scenes favourite prankster, pop-culture lyricist and self proclaimed future TV reality host, Awsten Knight, returns to Episode 404 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Waterparks vocalist dishes out unfiltered confession behind new album JINX, internet fandom and officially having the worst luck. Throughout this conversation, Awsten opens up on the bands emo takeover, spending $400 on puppets, the tallest person alive, escaping a eBay addiction, Australian accent tutorials, selling used leg hair, being targeted by hitmen, UFO distractions, important tour rules, why Otto was accused as a serial killer, almost recruiting Gerard Way, upsetting wikifeet scores, UK/EU...

Bite My Tongue! Your favourite band you’ve never heard of… until now, Wilt, are our guests on Episode 403 of Sappenin’ Podcast! Vocalist Chelsea Rofkin sits in for her first ever podcast to dissect the bands viral comedic skits, underground emo lore and making their debut studio album! In this conversation, Chelsea reflects on accidentally starting Wilt on her birthday, why that’s a Leo's worst nightmare, establishing three different audiences from original music, YouTube covers and funny videos, lyric therapy, touring the UK/EU for the first time with Taylor Acorn, tour bus adequacy, new music plans, pre-gig rituals...

Live, Laugh, Love, Sappenin!? AS IT IS asked us to host the official album launch for their new self-titled album and we recorded the whole thing for Episode 402 of Sappenin' Podcast! Patty Walters, Ben Langford-Biss, Patrick Foley AND Alistair Testo take part in an exclusive full band interview, in front of a live audience, for an honest conversation on their reunions, why nobody expected this in 2026 and reflecting on some of their most unhinged moments. Expect contagious laughter on fanfic conspires, weird fan offers, unique recording techniques, signing a random Nickelback CD, brutal tour injuries and even a special...

Come Get Your Girl! Electro-Emo sensation, the original tumbler trailblazer and living comic book character, Lights, is our guest on Episode 401 of Sappenin' Podcast! On her first UK headline tour in over a decade, the multi-instrumentalist invites us backstage for a deep dive behind her era evolutions, new sassy attitude and taking risks as an independent artist. In this conversation, Lights reflects on the gift of songwriting vs learning to let go, embracing various fan lore, Warped Tour memories, lending her voice for genre defying collaborations with everyone from deadmau5, Bring Me The Horizon and Felix Cartel, officially becoming...

What It Feels Like To Be A Ghost? For the first time ever, Taking Back Sunday legends Adam Lazzara, John Nolan and Fred Mascherino, conduct their first interview together, as our very special guests to celebrate Episode 400 of Sappenin' Podcast! The songwriting trio, exclusively talk the bands new live dynamic, their future status and touring the twentieth anniversary of Louder Now. In this conversation, recorded backstage at Slam Dunk Festival UK 2026, Lazzara, Nolan and Mascherino openly discuss Fred's return to the band after a eighteen year hiatus, mending their own personal friendships, celebrating multiple eras of their legacy, learning...

Trees Heatwave! The host to officially our favourite community driven, independent and chilled vibe festival, 2000Trees, invited us back to Upcote Farm to experience the sweatiest rays of sunshine, celebrate alternative music and dish strange backstage secrets, for Episode 399 of Sappenin' Podcast! Listen to exclusive conversations with Don Broco (Rob Damiani and Si Delaney), Arcane Roots (Andrew Grooves), I Am The Avalanche (Vinnie Caruana), Free Throw (Cory Castro & Larry Warner), Pinkshift (Ashrita Kumar) and a special insight from Marshall Culture Marketing Director, Steph Carter (Gallows) on the brands mission to save more music venues. Turn it up and join Sea...

Welcome To Oblivion! Recorded LIVE to a rowdy crowd at Signature Brew Blackhorse Road in London, Madina Lake troublemakers Matthew Leone and Mateo Camargo surprise our live audience with an exclusive tell all conversation on the current status as a band, secret new music plans and honestly dissect some of their most shocking industry setbacks vs the lasting impact 'From Them, Trough Us, To You' has on a whole generation of alternative music fans. Plus, one of UKs most exciting prospects, High Regard, stop by to serenade us with a special stripped back acoustic session and the untold origin...

What The Hell Just Happened!? Remember Monday royalty Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele are our guests on Episode 397 of Sappenin' Podcast! Your new favourite sassy pop-rock trio unleash scandalous confessions behind their musical voyage, what competing in Eurovision is really like and confronting their most ridiculous online rumours. In this conversation, the band answer honest questions on their unfiltered lyrics, major media misconceptions, fighting industry plants, writing a new album with Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter (McFly) vs Steve Battelle (LostAlone), creative SideQuest, positive energy, that viral Eurovision score reaction, having to learn their entry song in...

Go Now and Live. Episode 396 features We Are The Ocean alumni Liam Cromby and Alfie Scully, join us for a live Sappenin' Podcast recording, on stage at the iconic Download Festival 2026, for a unique reflection on the bands afterlife, making new music together under 'Liam Cromby and The Morning Star' project and serenading the crowd with an exclusive three harmony acoustic session. Turn it up and join Sean and Morgan to find out Sappenin' this week!

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DOWNLOAD BAY-BAY! This week, Sappenin' Podcast was invited back to the iconic grounds of Donington Park, to record Episode 395, backstage from the countries premier rock festival, to capture the events historic legacy, unique spirit and uncover all the latest behind the scenes secrets. Listen to exclusive backstage conversations with pop bad boys Five (Abz Love, Scott Robinson, Ritchie Neville, Sean Conlon and Jason "J" Brown), Bush legend Gavin Rossdale, Letlive disruptive duo Jason Butler and Jeff Sahyoun, Mammoth guitar prodigy Wolfgang Van Halen, nu-metel heroes P.O.D (Sonny Sandoval, Traa Daniels and Marcos Curiel), Sleep Theory jokesters Cullen...

Major System Error!? Marmozets vocalist, punk-rock mother and the currently pregnant, Becca Bottomley, is our guest on Episode 394 of Sappenin' Podcast! One of the scenes biggest question-marks confesses untold secrets on the bands unexpected hiatus, emotional return and new album, Co.War.Dice. In this conversation, Becca walks through what really happened during their eight year silence, dealing with bad industry contracts, living a 'normal' life, always writing, moment they knew Marmozets was too important to let die, new family dynamics, overcoming crippling stage anxiety despite being labelled a wild frontwomen, continuing to tour while pregnant, difficult adjustments, using...

Until The Sun Explodes! Sublime's second-generation vocalist, California dreamer and SVN/BVRNT Records founder, Jakob Nowell, is our guest on Episode 393 of Sappenin' Podcast! The son of the iconic, Bradley Nowell, reflects on his involvement in the bands return, honouring his father’s legacy and trying to put his own stamp on the music industry. In this conversation, Jakob opens up on why stepping into this role was never straight forward, the pressure behind writing Sublime's first new album in thirty years, how their old record deals kept the lights on as kid, cementing himself as his own artists wi...

DUNKIN' DELIGHT! In what has become Sappenin' Podcast tradition, we begin our summer festival recordings with a trip to Slam Dunk 2026! In this special episode, we celebrate the staple emo events twentieth anniversary, with exclusive backstage conversations, documenting unhinged adventures in Hatfield and Leeds, filled with nostalgic throwbacks, secret gossip, wrestling matches and even surprise stage invasions. Listen to sunstroke confessions from Deaf Havana (James and Matt Veck-Gilodi), Saosin (Cove Reber), Tonight Alive (Jenna McDougall), The Home Team (Brian Butcher), Stand Atlantic (Bonnie Fraser and Miki Rich), Broadside (Oliver Baxxter) and even Dead Pony (Anna Shields). You're not ready, for...

All You Are Is History! The king of pop-punks new age, Derek DiScanio, is our guest on Episode 391 of Sappenin' Podcast! State Champs cap-master vocalist returns for an exclusive audio reveal of his first ever moustache, touring 'Around The World and Back's tenth anniversary and the bands current free agent status. In this conversation, DiScanio reflects deeply on his facial hair journey and how he's finally accepted by his bandmates, Slam Dunk 2026 surprises, fighting Zebrahead to win the festivals most appearance trophy, forgetting deep-cut lyrics, leaving their longterm record label deal vs being schmoozed by industry bosses, how it...

Hello Sunshine! Grammy award winning producer, frontman of the hardest band to google and our favourite person to impersonate, Jason Perry, returns to Episode 390 of Sappenin' Podcast! As "A" get ready to release their first new album in over 20 YEARS, the mayor of positivity confesses untold tangents behind finally getting the courage to write 'PRANG', the secret to getting other artists to enjoy making records and why live music is simply... ACE! In this conversation, Jason explains how it took so long to do a project for himself despite always being in the studio, BBQ party shenanigans, writing his...

Goodbye, Good Riddance! Dopamine junkie, shapeshifting songstress and certified depressant, Taylor Acorn, is our guest on Episode 389 of Sappenin' Podcast! The country turned emo superstar returns for her most honest confessions on finally feeling accepted in pop-punk scenes, her secret life as a horse girl and the most haunted backstage toilets. In this conversation, Taylor invites us on her European tour bus for exclusive insights into life behind her sold-out UK dates, adventuring to unique spots in every city, the mental effect of releasing three albums in three years, lyric journals vs in the moment heartache, why it's so hard...

Campfire Punk-Rock 101: Unlikely friends, vivid storytelling lyricists and new touring buddies, Jaret Reddick and Frank Turner, are our special guests on Episode 388 of Sappenin' Podcast! As Bowling For Soup and The Sleeping Souls set off on multiple co-headline runs, across Australia and The United Kingdom, on the 'Bowl My Bones' tour, two of the scenes most passionate frontmen, join forces for a conversation full of backstage confessions, explicit adventures and a mutual respect for one another. In this exclusive crossover podcast, the duo open up on their unique bond vs finally sharing the road together, why there’s way mo...

NOT A BARBIE! Saxophone superstar, emo touring fanatic and certified music nerd, Gabi Rose, is our guest on Episode 387 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Bilmuri wonder-woman unleashes exclusive confessions behind her role within one of the worlds most talked about bands, making a saxy stamp on the scene and starting her new solo project Enrose. In this conversation, Gabi opens up on her unique journey within the alternative community playing a woodwind instrument, why Bilmuri has no rules, cranking hogs vs character moments, weird sax misconceptions, how gross it is to clean, cool-kid imposter syndrome, viral TikTok covers, how she...

Sunshine State of Mind! Songwriter to the stars, pop-rock frontman and lovestruck lyricist, Travis Clark, is our guest on Episode 386 of Sappenin' Podcast! We The Kings vocalist returns for an exclusive update on the bands next album, secretly collaborating with a-list artists and always feeling like a scene outsider. In this conversation, Travis reflects on creating songs for Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato, Machine Gun Kelly, Simple Plan and State Champs, radio hits vs cult favourites, how WTK was labelled too pop for punk vs too punk for pop, the longevity impact of Check Yes Juliet, playing in an actual...

Deadbolt! Experimental hardcore visionary, melody master and cherished scene lyricist, Dustin Kensure, is our guest on Episode 385 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Thrice vocalist returns for a candid, casual and chilled look behind the bands current self-functioning era, transforming their own studio headquarters and identifying their place in scene folklore legacy. Recorded backstage on their 2026 UK tour, Dustin exclusively reveals unannounced plans for new solo music vs Thrice next record, why fans have runaway with online concept conspiracies, hidden actual meanings, songs they used to hate playing live, why British pubs fix everything, super strange gig scenarios, cage dancers, reuniting...

Euphoria! Push-up squad champions, cowboy dance choreographers and mystic twig enthusiasts, Don Broco, are our guests on Episode 384 of Sappenin' Podcast! Rob Damiani and Si Delaney put us through a thug workout with explicit confessions behind new album Nightmare Tripping, working with Nickelback and having no creative restrictions. In this conversation, the duo reflect on the bands evolution within the alternative scene to mainstream powerhouses, strange show situations, navigating weird industry tropes, secret song tactics with producers Jason Perry (A) and Dan Lancaster (Muse), being asked to eat expensive easter eggs, mosh mishaps, dirty riff moments, starstruck syndrome, upcoming...

I Don't Belong Anywhere. Hardcore vocal powerhouse, heavy metal activist and stage-dive guru, Emma Boster, is our guest on Episode 383 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Dying Wish front-woman takes time during her vacation on the E.N.D Cruise 2026, for a relaxing chatter about navigating alternative scenes, her honeymoon and being handpicked by Fred Durst to play with Limp Bizkit. In this conversation, Emma opens up on a recurring confusion behind banana suite wearing fans, mosh etiquette, the science behind a safe dive, learning her duel tone scream, dealing with anxiety despite regularly performing in front of thousands of people...

Bah-Gawd-Almighty! Sean is about to make his wresting debut, when he completes against James Ellis at ATTACK! Pro Wrestling's 15th Year Anniversary show, as the special attraction match. To make sure he’s ready, backstage boss, skateboarding bassist and regular guest, Mark Andrews, returns to Episode 382 of Sappenin' Podcast for a full exclusive rundown on his training behind the scenes and untold secrets on the company’s legacy, scene influence and punk rock mantra. In this conversation, listen to the weird and wonderful insights on how this feud started, why his ten-year-old nephew got him into this mess, insane mome...

Define The Great Line. Recorded to a crowded audience on the E.N.D Cruise 2026, one of the emo scenes most expressive songwriters, Spencer Chamberlain, is our live guest on Episode 381 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Underoath frontman candidly addresses a collection of supportive fans, with untold insights into the bands complicated history, overcoming religious addictions and the passion behind his slo/tide solo project. In this conversation, Spencer opens up on the evolution the groups inner dynamic, growing up under industry pressure, touring learning curves, accidentally celebrating album anniversaries, cult records vs famous songs, reflecting on addiction based lyrics s...

Surprise! Vans Warped Tour founder, head booker and big boss man, Kevin Lyman, is our guest on Episode 380 of Sappenin' Podcast! The spokesman behind punk's most famous festival reveals untold secrets on the events anniversary return, 2026 lineup changes and special place in alternative pop-culture. In this conversation, Lyman opens up on how everything is run behind the scenes, needing a hiatus to change, touring folklore vs new weekend mega events, trying to make a difference in the scene, keeping ticket prises reasonable vs diverse opportunities, nostalgic full circles, that Blink-182 reference, punishing party bands with early slots, Warped romances...

Million Miles of Fun. Hardcore scene spokesman, extreme mosh conductor and comic-book guy, Patrick Kindlon, is our guest on Episode 379 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Drug Church vocalist takes us on a private tour behind Deftones EU/UK arena run, with unfiltered confessions on brutal show injuries, crowd reactions and enjoying their most luxurious catering. In this conversation, Pat explains the juxtaposition of playing intimate punk songs to 20,000 capacity rooms, making a career performing in dingy basements, sleeping on dog stained floors, scene naysayers vs positive perceptions, starting the band as a side project, getting blocked from certain countries, the...

Break The Walls Down! Undisputed wrestling icon, Fozzy vocalist and entertainments busiest man, Chris Jericho, is our guest on Episode 378 of Sappenin’ Podcast! The ayatollah of rock 'n' rolla reflects on untold chapters behind his legendary career, secret backstage antics and explicit tour confessions. In this conversation, Le Champion opens up on the bands unique connection to the United Kingdom, spending the last thirty-five years traveling, why wrestling and music is the perfect match, getting to sing himself out to Wembley Stadium, twice, hilarious insights into some of his most famous moments in WWE, AEW, NJPW and WCW, constantly ch...

Shut Up You Loved It! International touring comedian, dedicated emo and tattoo addict, Natalie Cuomo, is our guest on Episode 377 of Sappenin' Podcast! The viral heckle ninja embraces her New York attitude with a unique insight into secret music obsessions, worst crowd insults and thriving on awkwardly dark interactions. Recorded backstage on the E.N.D Cruise 2026, Cuomo reveals her deepest goth confesses vs pop-punk mount rushmores, how The Used soundtracked her parents divorce, hacks to perfecting a stand-up routine, strange gig offers, getting sexual advances mid-set, the lore behind upside down pineapples, hardcore crowd surfing moments, loving awful...

In Love and Death. Recorded to a crowded audience on the E.N.D Cruise, the emo scenes most influential founding staples, Bert McCracken and Jepha Howard, are our live guests on Episode 376 of Sappenin' Podcast! After celebrating The Used's 25th anniversary with countless touring, the duo candidly address their fans with insights on the bands future, new music exclusives and squashing the rivalry of the century. In this conversation, Bert and Jepha reflect on their evolution from pesky troublemakers to genre trendsetters, why revisiting their first three albums came with so much closure, saying they'd never play a...

They actually did need a bigger boat! The best vacation ever, just got a lot boatier. Emo's Not Dead invited Sappenin' Podcast to record Episode 375, while setting sail on the E.N.D Cruise 2026, from Miami to Costa Maya, as the event's official podcast partners. During four days at sea, we embraced our wildest emo dreams, interacted with a list of scene legends and got ourselves into situations you'd never believe, if we hadn't documented them. Listen to conversation on the ocean with Anberlin (Matty Mullins & Nate Young), Story Of The Year (Dan Marsala & Adam Russell), Daisy Grenade (Dani...