My Weekly Mixtape: Music Discovery & Nostalgia

Discover your next favorite band on this week’s episode as I’m joined by Patreon Mixtaper Chad Lamasa to shine a light on 10 underrated artists who deserve way more attention. We’re digging into the kind of bands you stumble across and immediately start telling friends about — the ones flying just under the mainstream radar but making music that resonates as much, if not more, than artists that are already household names.

Together, we discuss what makes these groups underrated, why they should already be on your radar, and how word of mouth still plays a huge rol...

What's your goto post-black album Metallica track? Fans love to debate the band’s evolution, but one thing’s for sure: the post–Black Album era is packed with powerful, creative, and unfairly overlooked tunes.

In this week’s episode, Zack Derby of The Neatcast joins me to dig deep into Metallica’s modern catalog—everything from the Load era through today—to spotlight 10 tracks that prove the band never stopped pushing forward.

No covers. No live versions of old favorites. Just a curated set of original Metallica songs that highlight the riffs, grooves, songwriting, experimentatio...

This week, I’m joined by Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm to trace the band’s journey: from the early $100 EP and Love Songs recordings—when tracks like “S.S. Recognize” and “Wishing” were still finding their final form—to the tongue-in-cheek Greatest Hits release that arrived before the band had even broken nationally.

From there, we dig into the era that launched the band worldwide: ANThology, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. Dryden reflects on the explosion of the band’s cover of “Smooth Criminal” (originally by Michael Jackson), the momentum behind songs like “Movies” & “Attitude,” and how hidden tr...

There are certain artists who become part of the soundtrack to your life — and if you’re lucky, sometimes you get to sit down with the people responsible for it. This week, I’m joined by the man who has been keeping the beat behind “Weird Al” Yankovic for more than four decades: drummer Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz.

From a chance meeting through the legendary Dr. Demento show and playing drums on an accordion case during the early recording of “Another One Rides The Bus,” to the moment MTV helped launch Weird Al into the pop culture stratosphere, Bermuda shares sto...

This week, I’m joined by American Idol Top 20 contestant and New Jersey artist Jake Thistle to talk about his experience performing on one of television’s biggest music stages.

Jake shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of American Idol — from the strategy behind song choices (including his audition take on Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home”) to the pressure of performing original music in front of the judges and a national audience, as he did with his song “Sleep On Me.”

We also dive into his roots in the New Jersey music...

This week, I’m joined by Weakened Friends’ Sonia Sturino to dig into Feels Like Hell, the band’s 2025 release that captures the emotional whiplash of modern life with biting honesty and melodic grit.

We talk about the mindset behind the album, how exhaustion, anxiety, and self-reflection shaped the songwriting, and why Feels Like Hell feels like both a breaking point and a breakthrough.

From loud-quiet dynamics to lyrics that don’t flinch, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how the band translated real-world pressure into a record that resonates deeply — especially if you’ve ever felt...

Ever judge an album by its cover? This week on My Weekly Mixtape, Jay Sweet joins me as we flip through some virtual record crates to curate a playlist inspired by the most iconic album covers of all time. From legendary imagery to unforgettable records, we’re turning that visual inspiration into a killer mix of songs — and exploring what makes album art just as timeless, meaningful, and memorable as the music inside.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠<...

Welcome to the launch of a new kind of bonus episode I’m calling Mixtape Moments — short stories sparked by a recent news item or an anecdote I haven’t yet found a place for in a full-length episode.

There’s no set timetable for how often these will appear, but the format opens the door to new ways of experiencing My Weekly Mixtape — including quick hitters when the moment calls for it, whether it’s reacting to breaking news, a surprise album release, or a story that simply can’t wait.

This premiere Mixtape Moment was ins...

This week, I’m sitting down with the legendary Warren Haynes to revisit Tales of Ordinary Madness — his debut solo album, now newly remixed and remastered more than thirty years after its original release. It’s a record that’s lived a long life with a lot of us, and hearing it again with fresh ears raises a bigger question: what happens when you return to deeply personal songs after decades of living, playing, and moving forward?

We talk about how the album found a home on Megaforce Records — yes, that Megaforce — and what it was like for Warren t...

This week, Outlier’s Joey Arena joins me to break down “(Rock) Superstar,” the band’s collaboration with Sen Dog and Hyro The Hero, reimagining one of the defining crossover tracks of the early 2000s. Long before “genre-fluid” became a buzzword, the original version proved that hip-hop, rock, and metal didn’t just coexist — they could thrive together. This new take taps into that same spirit, updating the sound without losing the attitude that made it hit so hard the first time around.

Anchored by Sen Dog’s unmistakable presence and Hyro The Hero’s raw, modern edge, this version i...

This week, we’re digging into one of the most important collision points in modern music history — the moment when rock and hip-hop first slammed into each other and changed the landscape forever. Using When Rock Met Hip-Hop as a guiding lens, I’m joined by legendary music journalist Stephen Blush to explore the artists, scenes, and cultural flashpoints that brought distorted guitars and breakbeats together long before genre lines disappeared.

These collaborations were risky, raw, and often controversial. From early experiments that raised eyebrows to landmark moments that rewrote the rules, we unpack how rock and hip-ho...

Power ballads didn’t disappear when the lighters went away — they just continued to evolve.

This week, I’m joined by Terrie Carr of Carr Stereo to explore 10 power ballads released after 2000 — songs that still build slow, hit hard, and aim straight for the chest, even if the glow in the crowd looks a little different now.

From massive choruses to emotional gut-punches, these are the songs that prove the power ballad never lost its place — it just traded Bic lighters for phone screens and kept going. No era restrictions, no genre snobbery — just big feelings, bi...

This week, we’re turning the headlights on & exploring 10 songs that provide the perfect soundtrack for a late night drive by yourself. Because let’s be honest: road trips in the sunlight and road trips under the glow of streetlights are two completely different experiences. One’s about destinations. The other’s about the space between them. Especially when it’s just you and the music.

There’s something about driving at night that makes everything feel a little more cinematic — fewer cars, quieter thoughts, and songs that seem to hit harder when the rest of the world is aslee...

This week, we’re rewinding to one of the most charming quirks of the ‘90s CD era: the hidden track. You know… those sneaky gems buried after minutes of silence, tucked into track 99, or disguised so well you didn’t even know they existed until someone finally tipped you off.

I’m diving into the stories behind these secret songs, what made them so appealing, and the unforgettable moments that made discovering a bonus track feel like you’d unlocked a musical cheat code. Join me as we celebrate the lost art of the hidden track — one skip (or searc...

Trying to figure out the right songs to send your crush without making things weird? This week, I’m building a not-at-all-awkward soft-launching playlist — the kind of mix that lets you test the waters, drop a hint, but keep everything fun, flirty, and totally low-pressure.

These are the songs that say “I kinda like you” without turning it into a grand gesture. No heavy power ballads. No dramatic declarations. Just genuine tracks with the right vibe — warm, charming, and subtle enough to send with confidence.

I'll dig into why certain songs land better than others, how the ri...

This week, on the heels of HBO Max’s Music Box: Happy and You Know It, I’m throwing things back to a Tunestiles interview featuring children’s music icon Laurie Berkner, whose “Rocketship Run” to the top of the kindie scene helped redefine what music for kids could sound like.

From her early days growing up in Princeton, New Jersey — surrounded by the same fertile musical ground that produced Trey Anastasio of Phish, John Popper of Blues Traveler, and Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors — Laurie’s path has always been rooted in creativity, curiosity, and connection.

Step back into the decade that made rhythm a lifestyle. From freestyle and new wave to early hip-hop and pop perfection, this episode explores 20 songs that defined the pulse of ’80s dance music — the beats that moved clubs, crossed genres, and still make us move today.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠

This week, I’m revisiting two of the year’s biggest interviews with Shinedown’s Barry Kerch and Eric Bass — offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of modern rock’s most enduring and innovative bands.

First, Barry Kerch opens up about Shinedown’s evolving sound over the past two decades, their approach to crafting unforgettable live setlists, and the stories behind the band’s 2025 singles “Dance, Kid, Dance” and “Three Six Five.” He also shares insight into the emotional power of “A Symptom of Being Human,” Shinedown’s commitment to philanthropy, and what fans can expect from Shinedown 8, set for re...

In this episode of My Weekly Mixtape, I spotlight 10 cover songs released this year that turn already familiar tunes into something fresh, unexpected, and conversation-worthy.

Cover songs have always been a litmus test for creativity — and something I’ve always had a personal affinity for — but in 2025, artists are pushing reinterpretation further than ever. By reworking melodies, reshaping arrangements, and reframing the overall vibe, these versions give the originals entirely new meanings. This episode breaks down why these performances resonated, how they differ from (or pay homage to) the originals, and what makes a great cover song connec...

This week, I break down 12 standout country songs that defined the genre in 2025. But what defines country music this year? Here’s a hint: it’s not just the chart-toppers. Sure, there are foot-stomping anthems and soul-stirring ballads, but I also highlight the artists and bands on the rise — ready to set the stage ablaze in 2026. Tune in and hear the heart, grit, and energy that made country music impossible to ignore in 2025.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

This week, DT Carel, host of the YouTube show ⁠SpaceCastle⁠ joins me to dive into the sounds that defined 2025! Join us as we break down 20 essential tracks that span punk, rock, hip-hop, alternative, pop & beyond.

From explosive hooks and high-energy anthems to unexpected collaborations and boundary-pushing tracks, we unpack what makes each song stand out and why they helped shape the musical landscape this year.

Tune in as we guide you through a year’s worth of sonic highlights that’ll have you hitting repeat well into 2026!

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🎵 Hear the Playlis...

This week, I’m hanging out with Jaret Reddick, the lead singer, guitarist, and all-around creative engine behind Bowling For Soup, as he looks back on three decades of pop-punk chaos, catchy hooks, and perfectly timed humor. 

We get into how the band balances goofy songs with genuine heartfelt moments, why “Belgium” keeps reinventing itself, and how BFS ended up becoming a Radio Disney staple. Jaret talks about the band’s wide-ranging covers—from Miley Cyrus to Hanson to Taylor Swift—our shared love of power ballads (including his personal top three), and how he wound up becoming the...

This week, I’m hanging out with Jaret Reddick, the lead singer, guitarist, and all-around creative engine behind Bowling For Soup, as he looks back on three decades of pop-punk chaos, catchy hooks, and perfectly timed humor.

We get into how the band balances goofy songs with genuine heartfelt moments, why “Belgium” keeps reinventing itself, and how BFS ended up becoming a Radio Disney staple. Jaret talks about the band’s wide-ranging covers—from Miley Cyrus to Hanson to Taylor Swift—our shared love of power ballads (including his personal top three), and how he wound up becoming the...

This week, we get 'For Real' with Eric Hirshberg, the former CEO of Activision and Deutsch LA, whose world is now centered around music. Known for leading iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Skylanders, and Destiny, Eric shares how music has run alongside his career and ultimately inspired his new single, “For Real,” the second of his collaborations with GRAMMY-nominated soul artist Aloe Blacc (their first was 2024’s “I Love Not Drinking”).

We dive into how Eric blends his folk and Americana roots with Aloe’s soulful style, creating music that feels authentic for both artists whil...

This week, we get 'For Real' with Eric Hirshberg, the former CEO of Activision and Deutsch LA, whose world is now centered around music. Known for leading iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Skylanders, and Destiny, Eric shares how music has run alongside his career and ultimately inspired his new single, “For Real,” the second of his collaborations with GRAMMY-nominated soul artist Aloe Blacc (their first was 2024’s “I Love Not Drinking”).

We dive into how Eric blends his folk and Americana roots with Aloe’s soulful style, creating music that feels authentic for both artists whil...

This week, we’re celebrating two timeless soundtracks with the legendary Paul Williams, the award-winning songwriter behind Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and The Muppet Movie, including the beloved classic (as well as my favorite song of all time) “Rainbow Connection.”

Paul shares the stories behind these unforgettable soundtracks & the films they’re connected to, his creative partnership with Jim Henson, and what it’s like bringing heart, humor, and hope to generations through music.

We also dive into his work as President of ASCAP, his collaborations with Daft Punk, Portugal. The Man, Willie Nelson, Jason Mraz...

This week, we’re celebrating two timeless soundtracks with the legendary Paul Williams, the award-winning songwriter behind Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and The Muppet Movie, including the beloved classic (as well as my favorite song of all time) “Rainbow Connection.”

Paul shares the stories behind these unforgettable soundtracks & the films they’re connected to, his creative partnership with Jim Henson, and what it’s like bringing heart, humor, and hope to generations through music.

We also dive into his work as President of ASCAP, his collaborations with Daft Punk, Portugal. The Man, Willie Nelson, Jason Mraz...

This week, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the songs that shaped my love of music — as well as the person who made it all possible, my father, who we sadly lost to pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

In this episode, I’m diving into 20 tracks that I’m eternally grateful & thankful for. Each one is tied to a moment, memory, lesson, or simply a staple of the famed “Friday Night Music Night” events I would enjoy with my parents growing up.

The songs he shared with me growing up, taught me how to liste...

This week, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the songs that shaped my love of music — as well as the person who made it all possible, my father, who we sadly lost to pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

In this episode, I’m diving into 20 tracks that I’m eternally grateful & thankful for. Each one is tied to a moment, memory, lesson, or simply a staple of the famed “Friday Night Music Night” events I would enjoy with my parents growing up.

The songs he shared with me growing up, taught me how to liste...

Not all ’80s hair bands were defined by Aqua Net & eyeliner. There were countless hooks, killer guitar work, and songs that still resonate decades later. In this week’s episode, I break down 10 tracks that defied the stereotypes, exceeded the expectations and continue to remind us why ’80s hard rock still goes to 11! 

Thank you to Jay Sweet for sending in this week’s playlist concept.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myw...

Not all ’80s hair bands were defined by Aqua Net & eyeliner. There were countless hooks, killer guitar work, and songs that still resonate decades later. In this week’s episode, I break down 10 tracks that defied the stereotypes, exceeded the expectations and continue to remind us why ’80s hard rock still goes to 11!

Thank you to Jay Sweet for sending in this week’s playlist concept.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymi...

This week, I’m pulling the plug—literally. Join me as I curate a playlist of 10 incredible unplugged performances where artists & bands strip songs down to their core, revealing a whole new level of emotion, energy, and meaning. These acoustic takes prove the fact that sometimes less really is more.

Thank you to Patreon Mixtaper Cactus Pete for sending in this week’s playlist concept.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweekly...

This week, I’m pulling the plug—literally. Join me as I curate a playlist of 10 incredible unplugged performances where artists & bands strip songs down to their core, revealing a whole new level of emotion, energy, and meaning. These acoustic takes prove the fact that sometimes less really is more.

Thank you to Patreon Mixtaper Cactus Pete for sending in this week’s playlist concept.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymix...

This episode takes on a fiendish playlist challenge: Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon — The Music Edition.

The rule is simple to explain but devilish to pull off: every song in the playlist connects to the next through a shared musician collaboration — guest features, one-off duets, session players, and more. Each track comes from a different primary artist or band, all leading toward the final destination: Kevin Bacon.

Expect surprising crossovers, session-player breadcrumbs, and collaborative threads that reveal just how small — and yet connected — the music world really is. Connecting Kevin Bacon through movies might seem easy, bu...

This episode takes on a fiendish playlist challenge: Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon — The Music Edition.

The rule is simple to explain but devilish to pull off: every song in the playlist connects to the next through a shared musician collaboration — guest features, one-off duets, session players, and more. Each track comes from a different primary artist or band, all leading toward the final destination: Kevin Bacon.

Expect surprising crossovers, session-player breadcrumbs, and collaborative threads that reveal just how small — and yet connected — the music world really is. Connecting Kevin Bacon through movies might seem easy, bu...

As we gear up for the return of My Weekly Mixtape next week, we’re throwing it back to this season 1 episode where I was joined by modern rock powerhouse Emily Wolfe, to co-curate a playlist celebrating the women who defined ’90s rock.

From grunge and alt-rock to chart-topping anthems, these female artists broke boundaries and inspired generations. Join us as we rediscover the songs that still sound as fierce and fearless today as they did three decades ago!

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mix...

As we gear up for the return of My Weekly Mixtape next week, we’re throwing it back to this season 1 episode where I was joined by modern rock powerhouse Emily Wolfe, to co-curate a playlist celebrating the women who defined ’90s rock. 

From grunge and alt-rock to chart-topping anthems, these female artists broke boundaries and inspired generations. Join us as we rediscover the songs that still sound as fierce and fearless today as they did three decades ago!

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the...

In case the title isn't a complete spoiler, My Weekly Mixtape is coming back for a brand new season this November! Considering season one lasted nearly 2.5 years and 150 episodes, I decided to post this episode to update everyone as to what's been going on in my life the last several months, as well as introduce a new episode format, that I'll need all of the fellow mixtapers' help to bring to life!

I thank you all for your patience, love and understanding as I've dealt with the loss of my father. Your actions & kindness have meant the...

In case the title isn't a complete spoiler, My Weekly Mixtape is coming back for a brand new season this November! Considering season one lasted nearly 2.5 years and 150 episodes, I decided to post this episode to update everyone as to what's been going on in my life the last several months, as well as introduce a new episode format, that I'll need all of the fellow mixtapers' help to bring to life!

I thank you all for your patience, love and understanding as I've dealt with the loss of my father. Your actions & kindness have meant the...

This week, I am talking with previous My Weekly Mixtape guests, friends of the show & the amazing Patreon Mixtapers, and hearing their stories about what song made them each fall in love with music.

Guests appearing (in no particular order): Barry Kerch & Eric Bass of Shinedown, Ed Toth of The Doobie Brothers / Vertical Horizon, CJ Pierce of Drowning Pool, Tim Foreman of Switchfoot, Cody Hanson of Hinder, Chris Ballew of The Presidents of The United States of America, Steve Bowman of Counting Crows, Paul Williams, Chris Vos of The Record Company, Doug Aldrich of The Dead Daisies...