Best AJ Rafael Podcasts (2025)

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Christmas in Hawai’i with AJ and Alyssa Rafael 1:12:06

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5d ago1:12:06

1:12:06

Bretman welcomes iconic singer-songwriters AJ & Alyssa Rafael for an episode filled with music, memories, and pure Filipino joy. They talk Christmas tour life in Hawaiʻi, Filipino traditions (including Christmas caroling hustles), how AJ first blew up here, poke cravings, Zippy’s orders, and why Hawaiʻi feels like home. Bretman also digs into their…

1
Bretman Rock Spills Da Tea | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ Rafael 1:20:11

1d ago1:20:11

1:20:11

DA BADDEST has entered the chat. And honestly, he needs no introduction but in case you’ve been living under a ROCK… Our guest on the pod is singer, songwriter, actor, athlete, activist, occasional scientist on the mf side, star of Crystal of the Day, coconut connoisseur, and cultural icon himself… Bretman Rock. Bretman been our most requested gues…

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Da Fertility Queen is Reporting for Duty 56:38

12d ago56:38

56:38

Princess Mae is FINALLY back and it’s a full catch-up episode. Bretman and Princess talk about where she’s been, locking in on content, raising multiple kids under two (aka chaos), holiday prep, parenting wins and struggles, health scares, favorite purchases, worst purchases, and what they’re manifesting for the year ahead. Produced by Dear Media S…

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It's Giving Imposters 1:00:23

19d ago1:00:23

1:00:23

We pulled up in face masks, zero makeup, and maximum honesty. Today we’re getting into real self-care (and what that actually looks like beyond skincare), our upcoming New York trip, and the chaotic travel stories from Bretman’s tour era - including getting stuck in an elevator, near-death San Francisco drives, and one very unforgettable car hookup…

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We're on the Naughty List 1:07:55

26d ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Baddies, ho ho hold up - we’ve got a real treat for you today. Bretman and Miss Kaaaye start the episode stone-cold sober (because it built the suspense, okay?), then immediately yeet ourselves into a puff-coded universe, complete with coughing adlibs, knitted-blanket rejection, and the illusion that fifth-grade was a core memory we fully absorbed.…

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Mom Rage & Embarrassing Fan Interactions | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 30:41

27d ago30:41

30:41

Podcast uploaded straight from our hotel room bed in Waikiki 🌺 We’re in Hawai‘i getting ready for the Our Little Christmas tour (Blue Note Hawaii on 12/4, Blue Note Napa on 12/11, and Dynasty Typewriter on 12/14), Huge thank you to Hawaiian Airlines for taking such good care of us for tour! In this episode, we reminisce about the times we’ve seen o…

1
A Friendsgiving Miracle 46:06

1M ago46:06

46:06

Cat is BACK, the cinnamon rolls are BUSTING, and our Friendsgiving energy is… chaotic at best. In today’s episode, Cat returns from the “where is she?!” rumors with baked goods that have Bretman and Miss Kay fully feral. We catch up on Friendsgiving plans, Chef K dinners, LA trips, Wicked tears, and the very dramatic communication meltdown that had…

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Caulk, Cousinsgiving, and Christmas Tour Madness 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

The studio FLOODED… and survived! This week, we’re back in our space after AJ’s heroic battle with a hairline crack, one confused True Value employee, and a tube of black caulk he very confidently asked for out loud. From there, the chaos only escalates. Alyssa recaps Girls’ Night™️, where her PR shelf was raided with Olympic-level enthusiasm, whil…

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Slip It In and Hope for the Best 51:46

1M ago51:46

51:46

Bretman and Miss Kaaaye are back in the studio playing a chaotic “slip it in” word game that immediately exposes their reading levels, friendship, and respiratory systems. Between cracked vocab, silent-letter beef, and accusing each other of cheating every five minutes, the competition is so unserious. Plus, we catch up on Physical: Asia, Filipino …

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We Were On Dancing With The Stars!!! | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 29:43

1M ago29:43

29:43

This week, AJ, Alyssa, and Justine recap our wild night at the Dancing With The Stars taping — and yes, it was Prince Night. 💜 We’re not in our usual studio (it semi-flooded from the rain 😭), but we still dive into the behind-the-scenes moments the cameras don’t show, what it’s really like sitting right behind the judges, and the hilarious shock of…

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The Big Bang Was GAY? 53:59

2M ago53:59

53:59

Bretman’s back from Korea and feeling extra enlightened - literally and spiritually. This week, B and Miss Kaaaye spill all the tea: from Bretman’s color analysis (RIP gray tones) and luxury Korean skincare haul to his failed attempt at bleaching his… well, you know. The duo dive into the queer history of lavender marriages, discover that “lesbian”…

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Why Women in Music Need to Hear Macy Schmidt’s Story 1:29:48

1M ago1:29:48

1:29:48

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Macy Schmidt — Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Tony-nominated music director, orchestrator, and founder of The Broadway Sinfonietta, an all-women and majority women-of-color orchestra transforming the sound of Broadway and beyond. Macy shares how her dream began with a fireworks show at Disney World, the cha…

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Enemies to Lovers with My Bestie, Nicki B 1:15:32

2M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

It’s an Aloha Friday reunion, dolls! Bretman’s longest best friend ever, Miss Nikki B, is finally on the pod - and we’re talking everything from our “enemies to besties” origin story to her infamous eighth-grade house party (aka Project X: Ewa Beach Edition). We look back at how we met in school, what it’s really like growing up queer in Hawai’i, a…

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Christian Bautista: Choirboy to OPM Legend | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:07:21

2M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Filipino balladeer Christian Bautista joins Alyssa & AJ to talk about OPM, Josh Groban, musicals, and learning to find peace in the hustle — plus a hilarious PB&J challenge you don’t want to miss. In this episode, we sit down with OPM legend Christian Bautista — the voice behind “The Way You Look at Me” — for a heartwarming and hilarious conversati…

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Filipino Superstition Survival Guide: A Spooky Ooky Special 58:37

2M ago58:37

58:37

It’s Halloween Eve and here at DaBaddest Radio, we’re serving scares and slays. Bretman and Miss Kaaaye dress up as their fav farm animals, play “Song Association: Love Edition,” and dive into spine-tingling Filipino superstitions- from black cats and whistling at night to spirits that follow you home. Then, we read terrifying real-life listener st…

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Albert Posis: Early YouTube, R&B, and Ube Sandwiches | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:29:27

2M ago1:29:27

1:29:27

This week on Sweet or Savory, we’re joined by our good friend Albert Posis — Filipino R&B singer, songwriter, and OG YouTube artist — fresh off the release of his brand new album! We dive into the old school YouTube days, the pressure (and guilt) of disappointing your parents while chasing a creative dream, and yes… the art of making the perfect pe…

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Pumpkin Spice, Possessions, and Filipino Spirits 1:06:18

2M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Bretman and Miss K are back with a Halloween episode full of wild theories and unholy laughs. From cursed Teletubbies to government pumpkin spice plots and real Filipino ghost stories, it’s spooky, silly, and so DaBaddest. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priva…

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Christmas Songs, Charity Hoops & Filipino Pride 🇵🇭🎄🏀 20:21

2M ago20:21

20:21

In this quick catch-up episode, we’re talking all things Christmas (yes, already!)—from our new holiday music to what’s coming next. AJ shares details about performing at a charity basketball game and Alyssa laces up for her first-ever game 🏀. Plus, we take a moment to celebrate Filipino American History Month, reflecting on what it means to repres…

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Holy Spirits and Haunted Stories 1:00:50

3M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

It’s a spooky season sermon like no other! Bretman and Miss Kaaaye show up dressed as the Virgin Mary and Jesus for a Halloween special full of laughter, chaos, and creepy tales. The duo open up about growing up Catholic in the Philippines, share personal experiences with religion, and read terrifying fan-submitted ghost stories - from haunted mirr…

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Alex Aiono on Viral Fame, Taking Breaks, and Being Friends with Your Ex | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:30:55

3M ago1:30:55

1:30:55

This week we’re catching up with our good friend Alex Aiono! We talk about his new music, the old YouTube days when he seemed to go viral every other week, and what it was like to step away from music to focus on acting and self-growth. Alex gets real about creativity, taking breaks, and what it’s like being friends with your ex (yes, we go there 👀…

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Who’s the REAL Conspiracy Theorist? 1:08:04

3M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

This week, Bretman and Miss Kaaaye are talking all things spooky: dragon theories, the Antarctica ice wall, Bulgarian mountain portals, and the Mandela Effect. They read wild fan submissions, share a plumbing horror story, and break down whether pumpkin spice lattes are actually government mind control. Plus- viral drink tests, celeb album talk, an…

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Justine Rafael Returns: Family Drama, Taylor Swift, and The Summer We Turned Unhinged | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:03:44

3M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

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This Was a Bad Idea!!! 58:20

3M ago58:20

58:20

Bretman and Miss Kaaaye are back with Cat for pure chaos- shots every 10 minutes, sugar daddy confessions, and plenty of pop culture tea from Drag Race to Project Runway. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Cheese, Church, and Complete Chaos | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:01:58

3M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

AJ is officially unallergic to dairy again (bring on the pizza and ice cream 🧀🍦) and shares what it’s like going back to church after a long time ⛪. Meanwhile, Alyssa comes armed with the most unhinged questions you could possibly imagine 🤯—the kind that make AJ laugh, sweat, and maybe rethink life choices. On top of that, we dive into our favorite…

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Highly Guided, Highly Gorgeous 46:17

3M ago46:17

46:17

Bretman and Miss Kaaaye are back in the studio (AC on, birds off) and catching up on everything from Coachella lineup tea to the chaos of dapping up straight men. Bret shares wild stories about almost being in a music video, reconnecting with family friends who feel heaven-sent, and how the universe literally returned his lost wallet. Plus: Miss Ka…

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Hawaii, Haters, and How To See Us Live | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 33:32

3M ago33:32

33:32

We’re back with a special episode straight from Hawai‘i! 🌺 In this one, we dive into what makes the islands so special to us, open up about dealing with haters, and share all the details on how you can see us live on our upcoming Christmas tour. A little bit of travel, a little bit of real talk, and a lot of music — tune in for the vibes!…

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Track Meets Trauma 55:10

3M ago55:10

55:10

We showed up in our “sports day” fits, learned what a wide receiver actually is, dragged each other through an Olympic trivia quiz, and somehow ended up crying about dads (again). Plus, Princess drops a lil’ announcement! Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privac…

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Justine Rafael on Losing Her Middle Finger (and Other Childhood Stories) | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:21:34

3M ago1:21:34

1:21:34

This week, @justineyweeny joins us back on the pod! If you haven’t listened to our previous episodes Can You Be Friends With Your Ex? or Millennial vs. Gen Z, go back and catch those because Justine made appearances there — but this is her first time as a featured guest. We dive into what it was like growing up in a musical family, how she found he…

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History, But Make it Hot 52:20

4M ago52:20

52:20

Today on DBR, we’re time traveling! Princess redeems herself with her spicy fried rice, Miss K serves a cinnamon apple pie drink, and Bretman shows up as Farrah Fawcett-era glam. The crew spills tea, swaps wild travel stories, and debates which fictional characters really are them. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv…

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Ashley Argota: From Nickelodeon Child Star to Finding Her Voice | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:23:48

4M ago1:23:48

1:23:48

This week on Sweet or Savory, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Ashley Argota Torres — actor, singer, writer, and producer. Ashley takes us back to the very beginning of her journey in entertainment, from competing in talent shows to booking her first national tour in The Lion King at age 11, where she even met Kobe Bryant. She went on to sta…

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Big Hair, Bigger Tea 1:01:38

4M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

It’s Crazy Hair Day on DaBaddest Radio! Bretman and Miss K spill on viral hair hacks, their wildest childhood styles, and celeb inspo from Hannah Montana to Beyoncé. Plus, they dish on Taylor Swift’s engagement, Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, and a little Love Island mess. Shop Off-to-College at Amazon - and save on college, save the everday! With …

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Ariana Grande & David Foster’s Music Director: Behind the Music with Troy Laureta | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:19:07

4M ago1:19:07

1:19:07

What if we told you that behind some of the greatest musicians in the world is a Filipino music director? This week, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Troy Laureta: musical director, arranger, producer, and musician for some of the biggest names in the business — from Ariana Grande, David Foster, Katy Perry, and Andrea Bocelli to Filipino ico…

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The New Virus 50:55

4M ago50:55

50:55

Bretman survived Miami on two hours of sleep and a root canal, Princess turned urgent care into her runway, and Miss Kaaye is still fighting for the title of best driver. Welcome back to DaBaddest Radio, babes. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-se…

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Life Lately, Pineapple on Pizza, & Maybe Happy Ending with Alyssa & AJ | Sweet or Savory S4 E17 1:03:51

4M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

It’s just us this week! 🎙 For the first time in a while, we’re doing a solo pod to catch you up on everything we’ve been up to — and we’re so glad you’ve been loving all of our incredible guests lately. We recap about how we got to moderate Kaila Yu’s Fetishized book launch at Barnes & Noble, discuss the update on Maybe Happy Ending casting, and we…

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DaBaddest is BACK! 30:56

4M ago30:56

30:56

Season 2 kicks off with Bretman, Princess, and Miss Kaaye catching up on summer adventures, birthdays, new beginnings, and Bretman’s life post-breakup. From Japan trips to family chaos, fluffy steering wheels to tsunami scares, the baddest crew is back- sweaty, unfiltered, and ready to take on a new era of DaBaddest Radio. Shop Off-to-College at Am…

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Behind the Mic with Building the Band’s Siren Society | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:31:20

4M ago1:31:20

1:31:20

This week, we’re joined by the powerhouse band Siren Society — who you might recognize from Netflix’s Building the Band! 🎶 We chat about how we first met, the epic jam session we hosted at our house, and all the behind-the-scenes tea on what it was really like filming the show.They share how each of them was cast, what it’s like stepping into this …

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Da Best and Baddest Moments of Season 1 28:33

4M ago28:33

28:33

Before we serve up Season 2, let's take a quick stroll down memory lane and revisit some of our favorite moments from Season 1. Stay tuned for Season 2! Shop Off-to-College at Amazon - and save on college, save the everday! With Amazon's great deals and everyday low prices, you can find comfort in the chaos. Shop 'off to college' at Amazon. Save on…

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Home Economics 30:54

5M ago30:54

30:54

In our final summer school session, Bretman and Princess go head to head in the most challenging subject of all... Home Economics. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Francis Dominic on Content Creation, Labubus, and Lorcana! | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:18:38

5M ago1:18:38

1:18:38

This week, we’re joined by our friend Francis Dominic - a Filipino American content creator, Lorcana champion, and Labubu lover who you may have seen lighting up red carpets at movie premieres. We talk about his growth as a creator, advice he has for aspiring creators, how he stays present while living life online, and what it’s like to blend work …

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Sex-Ed 28:03

5M ago28:03

28:03

Join Bretman and Princess as they explore The Miracle of Life. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Science 19:11

5M ago19:11

19:11

Bretman and Princess go head-to-head in an ultimate science showdown! Remind us... what exactly does the mitochondria do? Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Asian Fetishes, Import Models, and MySpace Days with Kaila Yu | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:21:27

5M ago1:21:27

1:21:27

In this episode, we sit down with writer, former model, and OG MySpace star Kaila Yu to talk about her new book Fetishized. Kaila opens up about her journey through the spotlight — from living in the Inland Empire and internet fame to unpacking the stereotypes and cultural expectations she’s faced as an Asian woman in the public eye. We dive into i…

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Geography 19:44

5M ago19:44

19:44

Where in the world is Bretman Rock? Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Hawaiian History 22:20

5M ago22:20

22:20

Welcome back to class! Put your cute little time traveler cap on because today we’re diving into Hawaiian History, aloha style. To support Maui fire relief efforts: https://www.auw.org/about/maui-wildfire-relief/ https://www.mauirecovers.org/ Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt…

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From K-pop to Demon Hunters with Kevin Woo | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:15:23

5M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

n this episode, we sit down with singer, actor, and former U-KISS K-pop star Kevin Woo to talk about his incredible journey — from leaving the U.S. as a teenager to train as a K-pop idol in Korea, to starring in KPOP: The Musical on Broadway, to voicing Mystery Saja in K-pop Demon Hunters on Netflix, which hit #1 in 26 countries and topped 93 chart…

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Math. 29:25

5M ago29:25

29:25

Welcome back to class, Baddies! Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally and don't you dare forget to carry the 1 because today, we’re running the numbers and solving for (e)X... so long as you don’t call yours back. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell…

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SUMMER SCHOOL: English 27:29

5M ago27:29

27:29

Welcome to first period! Join us for a spelling bee... where we'll finally find out if Princess can spell Macchiato. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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French Filipino Culture Blesses Our Pod!!! Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:07:38

5M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

In this episode, we’re joined by our French Pinay friend HeyoLeah 🇫🇷🇵🇭🇩🇿We dive into her experience growing up between two cultures, what it’s like living between France and the Philippines, and how she stays deeply connected to both sides of her identity.She also teaches us some French slang (you’ll wanna take notes), tells the hilarious story of …

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SUMMER SCHOOL: Homeroom 25:49

5M ago25:49

25:49

Surprise baddies… Summer School is back in SESSION! We’re testing our book smarts this summer, but before we dive in, join us for a debrief in Homeroom. Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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Jesse Barrera: From Scene Kid to Studio Legend | Sweet or Savory with Alyssa & AJ 1:38:25

6M ago1:38:25

1:38:25

In this episode, we sit down with artist Jesse Barrera — Grammy winning writer, guitarist from My American Heart, multi-platinum producer, and lowkey fashion icon — to talk about the wild ride of being in a band, stepping behind the board, and stepping back out as an artist again. We get real about flops, staying inspired, and finding your voice in…