The Ben Maynard Program

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Some years don’t just age well, they keep proving their point. 1986 is one of those years, and I’m celebrating the 40-year anniversary by ripping through 20 albums that still deserve a spot in your rotation. Think of this as a fast, listener-friendly guide to building a killer 1986 playlist, with just enough chart history, release-date context, and personal takes to make each record feel like a real moment again. 

The run starts with rock staples and comebacks like Billy Idol’s Whiplash Smile and Boston’s Third Stage, then pivots into era-defin...

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Saturday morning starts simple: I’m adjusting the mic, talking breakfast, and chasing the kind of easy conversation that feels like radio you can actually live inside. Then the calendar gives us two perfect springboards for stories: World Martini Day and American Eagle Day. One leads to a memory of a great martini party, the other to Alaska, zip lines, and the moment you realize those “little golf balls” in the trees are bald eagles.

From there we roll into music history and pop culture, the stuff classic rock fans can’t resist...

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Raul Ortega hijacks the Ben Maynard Program and turns the tables on me with one goal: trace the exact moments that built my music brain. It starts with a scene that’s almost too perfect to be real, my mom dropping a Beatles 45 on the family stereo and typing out the lyrics to “Let It Be” while I sit there absorbing every word. That’s the point where music stops being background noise and becomes memory, comfort, and obsession. 

From there we jump through the decades like a radio dial: early 80s Top 40...

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We tried to go live, realized we weren’t actually live, and somehow that set the perfect tone for a Friday night that spirals from goofy to surprisingly useful. After we kick around the day’s “national holidays” and swap a hot air balloon horror story that makes skydiving sound reasonable, we set the ground rules: no Malort tonight. Trivia decides who eats the BeanBoozled jelly beans, and yes, the flavors are as brutal as you remember. 

Then we get into the real reason the table is crowded: a Savage Rabbit spirits t...

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They can take your seat, shrink your legroom, and apparently now charge you for a carry-on, but they can’t take the joy of a great live show and a fresh stack of vinyl. I’m back from a quick Vegas hit with Kathryn, and I’ve got thoughts, starting with why Frontier’s bag policy feels like a straight-up hustle.

From there, we head to downtown Las Vegas for Aldo Nova at the Golden Nugget on Fremont Street. I break down what worked, what didn’t, and why sound mixing can make o...

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One week. Forty songs. A whole time machine. We’re building a Billboard Top 40 playlist from May 7, 1983, and the deeper we go, the more you can hear the early 80s music world colliding: rock guitars next to synth hooks, country crossover next to new wave, and the MTV era starting to decide what “big” really means.

We start with a quick life update on why I’ve been out of the studio and how much work goes into researching and writing a chart-heavy show. Then I tell the story of catching Olivia H...

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The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame just dropped its latest class and I’m equal parts pumped and irritated. Some picks feel overdue and undeniable, and others make me wonder what the Hall thinks “rock and roll” even is anymore. So I grabbed my notes, went live on the patio, and did what I always do on Friday Night Live: talk music, tell stories, and say the quiet part out loud.

We run through the Rock Hall inductees and I explain why names like Phil Collins, Billy Idol, and Iron Maiden...

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April 1976 is one of those weeks where the radio dial feels like an entire universe. We pull up the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 from the first week of April 1976 and react in real time, from songs we wore out as kids to deep cuts we barely recognize until the title jogs the memory. Along the way we talk about what Top 40 radio edits left out, why certain hooks became permanent, and how a track can rise, fall, or hang on for dear life depending on what the culture wanted that week.

The...

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Most Americans only meet Iran through a headline, a chant, or a talking head. Then Sormeh walks into our studio and calmly says what almost never makes the news: the Iranian people are not the Iranian regime, and many Iranians don’t hate Americans at all. She grew up in Tehran, lived the fear and the censorship, and still has family there, so this isn’t theory or politics for sport. It’s personal.

We talk about what it feels like to be a kid forced to chant “Death to America,” what you c...

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Van Halen didn’t just get popular, they changed what rock music sounded like when the needle hit the record. Craig Dodge joins me after a year of planning to talk through the David Lee Roth era and why those early records still feel loud, hungry, and unreal decades later. We start with the personal stuff, how we go back to Cub Scouts, how Craig first heard “Jamie’s Cryin’,” and why Van Halen's debut still lands like a musical event rather than just another classic rock album. 

From there, we get into th...

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1976 is having a moment again, and not as a dusty nostalgia trip. We rewind to the albums turning 50 and lay out a practical listening roadmap for anyone who wants to remember what made the 70s album era so powerful or finally understand why these records still dominate classic rock radio, streaming playlists, and vinyl shelves.

We hit the giants and the curveballs: the Doobie Brothers stepping into a new identity with Michael McDonald, Queen expanding their theatrical rock universe on A Day At The Races, and the hard rock spine of...

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Destroyer turns 50, and I’m not letting that milestone pass quietly. KISS released this album on March 15, 1976, right after KISS Alive! lit the fuse, and you can hear a band going from hungry club monsters to full-on arena legends. I break out the record, the memories, and the little details that made this LP feel larger than life the first time you dropped the needle.

A lot of that “larger” comes from producer Bob Ezrin. I talk about his reputation, his hands-on style, and why his choices changed the sound of KISS f...

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The last 20 minutes are the part I can’t fully remember and that’s exactly why we’re talking about it. After our “drunk show” ended abruptly, I went back and watched the footage, and what I saw was a clean, uncomfortable lesson in how fast alcohol can flip the switch on judgment, memory, and basic safety. If you’ve ever said “I’m fine,” or if you’ve ever tried to squeeze a long night of drinking into a short window, this story lands differently. 

We break down what happened, why it happened, and...

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How many drinks does it take before you swear you’re fine, even when your body is clearly not? We put that question on a timer and a breathalyzer, turning a Friday night live hang into a public service experiment with real numbers, real impairment, and a hard line about never driving after drinking.

Ben runs “Drunk Show Part Deux” the only way that makes sense: shots on a strict 10 minute schedule, frequent BAC checks, and constant reminders that confidence is not competence. You’ll hear the breathalyzer readings climb from 0.00 into the...

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Three things collided this week: desert heat, a driverless ride that actually worked, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot that begged for a verdict. After a two-day run at Phoenix’s Extra Innings Music Festival, we came home with sunburned shoulders, a camera roll of Waymo selfies, and a sharper filter for what makes a set soar and a Hall candidate stick. Bret Michaels fired the opener like a pro, Dierks Bentley won over a skeptic with tight musicianship, and Luke Bryan closed with polish. Day two veered into debate te...

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A directionless teen takes a wild turn into purpose, discipline, and service—then ends up racing across Morocco on TV. That’s Jim Vaglica’s path: 32 years in law enforcement, 16 on a regional SWAT team, and a front-row role in the Boston Marathon bombing manhunt. We open the door on what policing really feels like from the inside: the adrenaline of a real catch, the judgment calls on domestic calls where an arrest might do more harm than good, and the internal frictions that wear on even the most committed officers. Jim’s candor s...

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A cool 58 degrees, an empty propane tank, and a heroic cup of hot cocoa set the stage for a live Friday night hang that turns into a love letter to radio, a deep dive into Friday the 13th, and a reality check on Valentine’s Day. We kick off with World Radio Day and trace how voices over the air shaped our imaginations, from Dodgers games called through static to morning shows that made the commute feel like a party. That early magic still powers what we do now—podcasts as intimate, on-demand radi...

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Friday Night Live returns with a burst of energy, a few hot takes, and a whole lot of nostalgia. We kick off with quick, friendly reminders to subscribe and jump straight into National Working Naked Day and National Frozen Yogurt Day—because yes, the strange rhythm of our calendar can still make us laugh. Vanilla swirls, cookie dough, and chopped peanut butter cups set the tone: simple treats, simple joy.

From there, we celebrate a run of birthdays that spark big conversations. Axl Rose and Rick Astley bring the pop-culture grin; Ba...

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The lights are back on, the hat is on, and we’re rolling with a no-spin catch-up that turns a rough few weeks into fuel. I open the studio door on the cold, the flu, and the beard that survived it all, then lay out how we’re rebuilding momentum: new hats for the community, simpler ways to connect, and a renewed commitment to show up—even when the day job and the sniffles get loud.

From there, we stir in some joy. It’s National Hot Chocolate Day, and yes, we get p...

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Two chords in and you can already feel it: the tug of a small town, the pulse of a busy café, and the stubborn belief that songs should sound like people. We sit down with 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist Marissa Fullenkamp to talk through the craft and courage behind her self-titled debut EP, and she brings the proof—two intimate live performances that turn everyday scenes into something you can hold.

Marisa traces her path from humming at the dinner table to piano lessons, guitar-fueled songwriting, and a toolkit that now includes harmonica and...

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Ready for a time machine that still grooves? We kick off the year by rewinding to the Billboard Hot 100 from the first week of January 1980 and taking a lively, story-rich tour through the songs that defined a moment when radio rotation and word of mouth made hits last. From the O’Jays’ soulful return to Blackfoot’s Southern crunch, from ABBA’s elegant sweep to the Sugarhill Gang’s breakthrough Rapper’s Delight, every stop on this countdown reveals how different genres shared the same stage.

We dig into why certain tracks climb...

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A different backdrop, the same heartbeat. We took the year-end show to the patio and opened the door to a free-flowing conversation with friends—part celebration, part confession, all connection. Between mic tests, guest links, and a stubborn winter cough, we found a groove that felt like a living room: holidays recapped, family updates shared, and a few brave toasts to what’s next.

We zoomed out to see where the show traveled this year—six continents, 57 countries, and a surprising wave from Singapore—then zoomed in on who’s actually watching o...

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Holiday shows should feel like a living room: a little noisy, full of laughter, and anchored by stories that matter. This Christmas special does exactly that. We start with a simple question—what does Christmas mean to you?—and follow it into memories of ping pong tournaments in the garage, first stereos with eight-track decks, and the shared magic of waking up to a tree that somehow made a whole year feel brighter. Then we read Luke 2 and sit with the humility and hope of a child in a manger, letting the season’s cent...

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Rock deserves better than vague labels and fuzzy math. So we pulled up Billboard’s “50 Best Rock Bands” and put it under a bright stage light, testing every pick against a simple, honest standard: influence, longevity, catalog depth, cultural impact, and rock radio airplay. When “rock” balloons to include pop, funk, and industrial, the rankings break. We call out the genre creep, make the case for the true architects, and then rebuild the canon with a cleaner set of rules.

We move briskly through Billboard’s 50–1, pointing out the head-scratchers and the slam-dunks...

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Country music hits different when you hear the story behind the song. We welcome Southern California’s own Ashley Felton, a powerhouse vocalist who blends the heart of 90s country with a bold, modern edge—and a schedule packed with 150-plus shows a year. We talk about the real work of building a career today: how to win over a room with covers, invite them into your originals, and make the numbers add up when recording a single costs thousands and streaming pays in pennies.

Ashley opens up about her writing proc...

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If you miss steel guitar, two-step tempos, and songs born from real work and long roads, you’ll love this one. We welcome Olivia Harms—a ranch-raised artist carrying the torch for true country western honky tonk—who opens up about life on a cattle ranch, the Bakersfield legends who shaped her ear, and why she proudly swims against the pop-country current. From Oregon roots to Texas bars, from George Strait shoutouts to Buck Owens sparkle, Olivia lays out how her sound came to be and why it connects on a Friday night dance...

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A firefight in a jungle clearing. A river turned to splinters by a Browning Automatic Rifle. A mountain trail threaded through rocks and rigged with explosives. Then months of hospitals, traction, and quiet miracles. That’s the terrain of our time with Mel Borden—101st Airborne veteran, Purple Heart recipient, husband, father, and man of unwavering faith—who finally tells the story he resisted for decades.

We trace the path from jump school to an ill-fated ceremonial drop in Iran, then into Vietnam’s humidity where Mel carried an M16 and a radio...

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The phones won’t stop ringing, the Malört keeps pouring, and somehow we still manage to time-travel back to the moment music met television and everything changed. We kick off with the Malört Challenge and a flurry of live calls, then pivot to a genuine, grounded tribute to veterans as we gear up for a special in-studio conversation with Vietnam veteran and author Mel Borden. Along the way, we share a programming note about country artist Olivia Harms, because good stories and great songs are always on deck here.

The...

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Ready to drop into a very specific moment when radio ruled and MTV was just learning to crawl? We spin the clock back to November 1, 1981 and walk through the Billboard Top 40, blending chart facts with the stories, studio secrets, and memories that make these songs glow again.

We start by setting the ground rules—Hot 100 vs Top 40 vs AC—then dive straight into the countdown. Expect a wide-angle view: the Go-Go’s shaking up pop with Our Lips Are Sealed, Pat Benatar powering early MTV, and Earth, Wind & Fire bringing the funk w...

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Three longtime friends sit down to build the ultimate Halloween watchlist—and accidentally write a love letter to the entire horror genre. We start with a simple premise: the best movies to watch in October don’t need jack-o’-lanterns on screen, they just need that unmistakable fall feeling. From Universal monsters to modern slashers, from moody thrillers to cult parodies, we mix personal favorites with film craft insights and the kind of late-night stories only movie nerds can tell.

We dig into what actually makes a film scary. Is it the go...

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What if a country song could change the way you love the people closest to you? We sit down with Josh Gale and Sean Monahan of Charleston’s Gale Bird to unpack their high-energy live show, the heart behind their new single “Roses,” and why they reject the “Christian country” box while still writing about what God cares about: marriage, courage, humility, and hope.

From the first riff, you’ll hear what sets them apart—lush harmonies, big-time guitar solos, and a commitment to excellence that lowers defenses in the room. Josh and Sean...

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The news hit like a power chord: Ace Frehley, the Space Ace who helped launch KISS into legend, is gone at 74. We didn’t plan this show, but some losses demand a pause, a story, and a stack of records. So we pulled the vinyl, opened the gatefolds, and traced how one guitarist turned curiosity into devotion—from hearing KISS Alive for the first time to wearing out Love Gun on a summer wall with a boombox and friends.

We walk through Ace’s DNA as a player and writer: the early...

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What if a single album could define an era, spark a memory, and convert a newcomer in one spin? We dive into the compilations that earned permanent residency in car stereos, living rooms, and playlists—records that are more than samplers, they’re time machines. From Queen’s precision-crafted anthems to CCR’s jukebox grit, from the Eagles’ California melancholy to the Beatles’ Red and Blue masterclass in evolution, we trace how the best greatest-hits collections tell a bigger story than any one studio album can.

We share how U2’s 1980–1990 compresses the s...

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The show opened on an empty chair and an honest apology—and then turned into one of our most substantive conversations yet. Sheriff Chad Bianco, longtime Riverside County law enforcement leader and 2026 California gubernatorial candidate, sat down with us to map out practical, fast-acting ways to tackle the problems Californians feel every day: $4+ gas, brazen theft, encampments, soaring insurance risk from fires, and schools that feel more political than practical.

We start where wallets hurt. Bianco explains why California pays so much at the pump and lays out day-one moves: permit in...

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Ever wondered about the untold stories behind those songs that dominated the airwaves for just a fleeting moment? Friday Night Live takes you on a musical journey through decades of one-hit wonders, revealing the surprising connections and career trajectories that followed these brief moments of fame.

After catching up on recent events (including a nostalgic alumni gathering that kept the conversation flowing until midnight), I dive into what makes certain albums true masterpieces from start to finish. Boston's groundbreaking debut—engineered by MIT graduate Tom Scholz in his basement with custom-built eq...

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Fifty years ago, a struggling band in makeup and platform boots released an album that would not only save their career but reshape music history. KISS Alive, celebrating its golden anniversary this month, stands as perhaps the most consequential live album ever recorded.

Before September 1975, KISS had released three studio albums that failed to capture the explosive energy of their theatrical live shows. The band was considering leaving their label, Casablanca Records, which was teetering on bankruptcy. In a last-ditch effort, they released a double live album that finally delivered what...

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What makes an album perfect from start to finish? This question sparked a lively exploration during this special "Breakfast with Ben" episode, where we journeyed through the musical landscape of 1975 and beyond.

Taking a nostalgic dive into the top 30 singles of 1975, we rediscovered gems that shaped a generation - from War's "Lowrider" and KC and the Sunshine Band's dance floor anthems to Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" and the year's #1 hit, Captain and Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together." Each song carries its own memory, creating a rich tapestry of musical history...

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Step into a time machine as we celebrate the golden anniversary of rock's most extraordinary year. 1975 wasn't just another chapter in music history—it was the year that redefined what rock could be, delivering albums that would shape generations of musicians and listeners alike.

From Queen's operatic masterpiece "A Night at the Opera" to Bruce Springsteen's cinematic "Born to Run," the class of '75 represents an unparalleled creative explosion. These weren't just collections of songs but complete artistic statements that captured bands at pivotal moments: Fleetwood Mac reinventing themselves with new me...

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Step into the world of premium bourbon with Ben Maynard and special guest "Brother Jim," the "Bourbon Beard of Knowledge," as they embark on a sensory journey through five exceptional spirits ranging from accessible staples to legendary collector's items.

The tasting begins with Buffalo Trace ($35), offering a spicy introduction with caramel and vanilla notes that develop as it breathes. Moving to Henry McKenna 10 Year ($55), the hosts discover how its higher proof creates a more challenging tasting experience despite its beautiful aging. The surprise of the evening comes with Still Austin Single...

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What happens when the cameras leave a disaster zone but thousands still need help? Leigh Brown, founder of Patriot Relief Fund, discovered the answer firsthand after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in September 2024. While FEMA representatives claimed roads were too difficult, the Red Cross was notably absent, and government officials failed to return calls, everyday Americans stepped up with extraordinary determination.

In this eye-opening conversation, Leigh shares how she transformed from real estate professional to disaster relief coordinator overnight, creating innovative solutions like "temporary tractor sheds" that circumvented bureaucratic roadblocks...