Best DMZ Podcasts (2026)

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THE EDM SCENE HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM... (ft. DMZ NEWS OFFICIAL) | EP. 84 1:38:47

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1h ago1:38:47

1:38:47

In episode 84 of the I’M PEAKING Podcast, we LOCK IN and sat down with DMZ News Official for an honest conversation about what’s really happening in the EDM scene right now. We talk festival red flags, mosh pit etiquette, social media brain rot, fake hype, and why the scene feels more serious than it used to. We also dive into real community vs fol…

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January 7, 2026 50:04

3h ago50:04

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Dive into the latest episode of The DMZ with Matt Lewis and Bill Scher, breaking down Donald Trump's bold foreign policy moves in 2026. From the dramatic arrest of Maduro in Venezuela and claims of U.S. oil interests, to Trump's persistent Greenland ambitions and comparisons to Teddy Roosevelt's imperialism – is this a coherent "Donroe Doctrine" or…

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Episode 223| December 22, 2025: 2026—The Year Ahead 1:04:09

15d ago1:04:09

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Political cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) preview the year ahead in politics and culture. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.comBy Ted Rall & Scott Stantis

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From Detroit To The Flight Line (Nick Beller) 2:25:25

4d ago2:25:25

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Send us a text A kid from Detroit peers into a recruiter’s window, falls for the shine of tiny tanks, and years later finds himself keeping real helicopters in the fight. That arc frames Nick’s 38-year journey across active duty and the Guard, from Fort Knox to the German border and night missions over Iraq. The details stick: flying low along a li…

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ALISON WONDERLAND OPENS UP ABOUT DEPRESSION, MISCARRIAGES, & GHOST WORLD | EP. 83 1:50:12

14d ago1:50:12

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In episode 83 of the I’M PEAKING Podcast, we sit down with Alexandra Sholler (aka Alison Wonderland) for a raw and honest conversation about why so many of us were searching for an escape when we first started raving, and where the rave scene feels like it’s headed today. From gloving and whether it’s starting to feel played out, to a wild Coachell…

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Episode 66: Red! 1:57:34

13d ago1:57:34

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We watch the noted Christmas movie Red, starring Bruce Willis, based on the Wildstorm/Vertigo comic by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner. More than any other commentary episode, we go waaaay off the rails this time. Hangovers and colds don't mix. Don't forget to email us! [email protected] Colby Park

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THE BEST & MOST UNDERWHELMING FESTIVALS OF 2025 (HONEST RECAP) | I'M PEAKING EP. 82 1:09:05

26d ago1:09:05

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In episode 82 of the I'M PEAKING Podcast, your hosts sit down and dive into current events that's been happening in the edm festival scene in this holiday episode. From the best and most underwhelming festivals of the year, to Tiësto possibly playing at the Pyramids of Giza, we discuss how far the scene has come. Wearing ear protection after discus…

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OOKAY'S "THIEF" GOT DENIED BY 4 RECORD LABELS BEFORE IT WAS RELEASED?! | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT EP. 9 1:03:43

1M ago1:03:43

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In Episode 9 of our Artist Spotlight, we sit down with future bass/trap legend Abe Laguna (aka OOKAY) to dive into the track that changed everything—“Thief.” Believe it or not, the song was rejected by four labels before becoming an unexpected wedding anthem. We also dove into the revival of future bass , the direction of Ookay's new album, why dan…

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Episode 221| December 4, 2025: Handicapping Midterms 2026 1:04:49

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Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) are joined by Alice Giordano to handicap next year's midterm elections. Alice Giordano is a reporter for Newsmax Magazine. She's a former political and news correspondent for The Epoch Times, The Boston Globe, and Associated Press and currently writes a monthly politi…

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ATURA'S HARD GROOVE EP IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR 😍 | FIRST PEAKS EP. 4 1:09:25

1M ago1:09:25

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On our fourth episode of FIRST PEAKS, we sat down with Hard Groove / French House producer Atura (aka Eric Peschke), who takes us inside his new EP “Rebirth”. The project explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup, blending heartfelt storytelling with Atura’s signature Hard Groove and French House influences as he steps into a bold new sonic ide…

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December 3, 2025 48:04

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On this week's episode of The DMZ, Bill Scher joins Matt Lewis to unpack the coming 2026 blue wave (Tennessee special election analysis), Trump's pardoning of a convicted narco-state president while ordering missile strikes on “drug boats” in the Caribbean, the big media scandal that has tongues wagging, and more!…

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How A Detroit Kid Became A Soldier, Leader, And Mentor (Chuck Fowlkes) 53:48

1M ago53:48

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Send us a text A Detroit childhood filled with Belle Isle picnics, DIY bike “Olympics,” and a grandparents’ house that welcomed everyone set the stage for Chuck’s lifelong commitment to service. We sit down with him to follow the arc from neighborhood games to a 30-year Army career, a leadership run at Consumers Energy, and a purposeful reinvention…

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From Detroit To The DMZ (Gerard Krenzel) 56:25

1M ago56:25

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Send us a text A sunburn that almost became a court-martial, an M60 that felt heavier than the moment, and a van painted the wrong color because there were no wheels to move it—Gerard’s life stitches together grit, humor, and unshakable work ethic. We sit down with an Army mechanic who asked for Vietnam and got Korea, learned fast under air-raid si…

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WILLIAM BLACK'S NEW ALBUM PUT US IN THE FEELS!! | FIRST PEAKS EP 3 1:02:54

2M ago1:02:54

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Join us on our third episode of our new series FIRST PEAKS, as we welcome BACK (yep, you read that right) and this time, he’s taking us deep into his new album, "The Shadow Realm." In this emotional album listening party, we sit down with Will to experience his new album for the first time, track by track. From battling demons in a digital world to…

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Episode 65: DMZ. 1:22:09

2M ago1:22:09

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We look at DMZ, the story of life in the midst of a modern civil war written by Brian Woods with art mostly by Riccardo Burchielli. It's a story with a clear sense of place and some very intriguing characters so naturally it was adapted into a soulless television series in 2022. We discuss both of those as well as the movie that essentially is a pr…

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From Detroit Streets To Duty And Film (Glen Wilkewitz) 1:19:26

1M ago1:19:26

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Send us a text A childhood reshaped by an expressway, a career born from a newspaper ad, and a camera that followed him from training fields to a war zone—Glenn Wilkewitz’s story is a masterclass in showing up when it counts. We sit down with Glenn to chart his path from Detroit neighborhoods and ROTC hallways to 30 years in the Air National Guard,…

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EVAN GIIA MADE A 60-MILLION STREAMED SONG... WASTED??! | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT EP. 8 1:07:19

2M ago1:07:19

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From opera stages to festival main stages, Evan GIIA’s journey into EDM is anything but typical. In this Artist Spotlight, she reveals the chaotic—and hilarious—story behind writing her breakout hit “Westworld” (yes, it started with a full-on power hour). We dive into her shift from classical vocalist to DJ/producer, what it’s like performing while…

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November 14, 2025 33:32

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New Jeffrey Epstein emails drop SAME DAY as Congress forces full file release. Is Trump hiding something? Matt Lewis & Bill Scher unpack the bombshell timing, Trump’s creepy history, and why even MAGA is cracking. PLUS: Your health insurance is about to jump $12,000–$22,000/year. A 60-year-old couple earning $85K will pay a QUARTER of their income …

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Running Toward Service: Michelle Boulter’s Path 46:46

2M ago46:46

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Send us a text What if the structure you craved as a kid became the engine of your entire life? Michelle Boulter takes us from dirt roads in Otsego, Michigan to ROTC drills, blistering Louisville barracks, and the jolt of basic training that taught her to love marksmanship and laugh at a tragically soft grenade throw. Commissioned in 1996 and moved…

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DMZ America Podcast Ep 219: Interview with Pat Bagley 1:06:03

2M ago1:06:03

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Hosts Ted Rall and Scott Stantis chat with and showcase the work of liberal editorial cartoonist Pat Bagley of the Salt Lake City Tribune, who decided to leave the United States in part because of the presidency of Donald Trump. Pat Bagley, born in 1956 in Salt Lake City, Utah, is an award-winning editorial cartoonist renowned for his sharp wit and…

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FELIX CARTAL'S NEW ALBUM IS BEAUTIFUL!! | FIRST PEAKS EP. 2 1:20:32

2M ago1:20:32

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Join us on our second episode of our new series FIRST PEAKS as we sit down with Felix Cartal to listen to his new album "I, SABATOGE" on release day!! From emotional rave anthems to glitchy club grooves, this album perfectly balances big festival energy with honest and introspective songwriting. We talk about identity crises, Berlin stories, airpla…

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DMZ America Podcast Ep 218: Interview with Cartoonist Chip Bok 58:20

2M ago58:20

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Hosts Ted Rall and Scott Stantis chat with and showcase the work of conservative editorial cartoonist Chip Bok. Chip Bok draws editorial cartoons for Creators Syndicate, syndicating his work to over 150 newspapers worldwide. A Copley News Service alum since 1985, he crafts biting commentary on politics, society, and pop culture from his Akron Beaco…

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DMZ America Podcast Ep 217: “Interview with Matt Wuerker” 1:20:43

2M ago1:20:43

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Tune in to the “DMZ America Podcast” as nationally-syndicated editorial cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis interview Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Matt Wuerker of “The Politico.” They’ll discuss their own cartoons about the news and issues of the week, as well as those of their peers. Don’t be surprised if the state of the media a…

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IF YOUR GIRL GOES BACKSTAGE WITH A DJ, IS IT OVER?? (ft. HAYDEN JANG) | I'M PEAKING EP. 80 1:49:30

2M ago1:49:30

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In episode 80 of the I'M PEAKING Podcast, we're joined by Gen Z comedian and creator Hayden Jang as we talk about micro-cheating, dating boundaries, and why clubbing might be losing its edge in 2025. From backstage drama to shoulder rides from strangers and the blurred lines of festival flirting, we’re diving deep into the chaos of modern relations…

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Episode 64: Superman and Vertigo's New Titles! 1:35:48

2M ago1:35:48

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A year after announcing a return of the imprint, DC has finally announced which titles will be coming to the new Vertigo Comics. They sound unique and interesting as Vertigo books should be. We then discuss James Gunn's Superman, the film that kickstarted the new cinematic DCU. It's less a review than a list of things we loved. Who was Sophia's fav…

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CAN YOU GET FIT FROM RAVING?? (ft. JIQUI) | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT EP. 7 1:01:15

3M ago1:01:15

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n Episode 7 of our Artist Spotlight series, we’re locking in with bass artist, Jordan Komarniski, (aka JIQUI)! From his 6 month gym transformation to hitting the decks strong with his Riddim and (recently) House music, Jiqui opens up about how fitness, production, and pure fun fuel everything he does on stage. We dive into how raves and festivals h…

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He Didn’t Want To Go To War, But He Went And Led Men (David Dargo) 2:08:35

3M ago2:08:35

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Send us a text A seven-acre childhood with backyard goalposts, glass oil jars at a full-service station, and pickup baseball games—Dave’s life started in motion and never really stopped. That momentum carried him from Delta Airlines to a draft notice, from Fort Jackson’s mess hall floor to a First Cav helicopter banking into a hot landing zone. Wha…

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From Navy Decks To School Fields (Bill Taft) 49:10

3M ago49:10

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Send us a text A quiet act of bravery can change the course of a life. For Bill Taft, it started with a decision to enlist rather than be drafted, a choice that led from Navy hangars and base gyms to school hallways, football sidelines, and a wrestling room he built from scratch. We sit down with Bill to chart a path defined by service, stamina, an…

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WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN RAVES?! | I'M PEAKING EP. 79 1:20:20

3M ago1:20:20

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In episode 79 of the I'M PEAKING Podcast, our hosts get spooky for our Halloween episode!! 👻 We dive into topics like survival tips you will need to know for the spooky festival weekend to a real talk about rave hookup culture; we cover all the chaos that comes with the season. Expect dumb mistakes, funny stories, and a few tangents like talking ab…

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Growing Up Midwest, Leading America’s Soldiers (Jim Vetter) 1:06:18

3M ago1:06:18

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Send us a text A snowy drive, a borrowed Camaro, and a Christmas party recruiter set everything in motion. From a one-stoplight town in Wisconsin to Fort Knox, Jim Vetter charted an unlikely path: split-option enlistment, tank crew at 18, and a meteoric rise to drill sergeant and commandant. We walk through the first shock at the bus, the carefully…

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A Soldier’s Road: From Istanbul To Afghanistan (Louis Goldstein) 1:35:26

3M ago1:35:26

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Send us a text A quarter-mile high school hallway, a foreign exchange year in Istanbul during 9/11, and a “beer man’s kid” from Minnesota don’t usually add up to route clearance in Helmand—yet that’s exactly where Lewis Goldstein’s path led. We sit down with Lewis to unpack a career built on unlikely turns: split-option enlistment, a boot-camp prop…

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Sea Stories, Second Chances 35:03

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Send us a text A Detroit-area rebel who ran to Florida at fifteen didn’t just find his way—he found the ocean. We sit down with Tim Kirn to trace a life that arcs from a crowded Michigan home to the steel decks of the USS Nimitz, where a Hollywood film crew rubbed shoulders with sailors and a teenage dropout learned how to lead, endure, and grow. W…

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From Lawn Darts To Hellfires: Childhood Chaos Meets Army Aviation (Jerry Binning) 1:38:51

3M ago1:38:51

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Send us a text A quiet Midwestern start. A detour through tank trails. And a cockpit view of the night the Gulf War truly began. We sit down with Jerry Binning to chart the improbable arc from Charlotte, Michigan to Fort Hood’s heat, Fort Rucker’s flight lines, and the Apache missions that punched a hole through Iraq’s radar on Day One. This isn’t …

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DMZ America Podcast Ep 216: “What Next for Gaza and Israel?” 1:17:41

3M ago1:17:41

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Tune in to the “DMZ America Podcast” as nationally-syndicated editorial cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis handicap the first phase of President Trump's Gaza Peace Plan, kicking off a possible end to the brutal two-year Israel-Hamas war. Israeli forces pull back from ravaged zones, and now Hamas is expected to release all 20 living hostages—plu…

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AVELLO WENT FROM TIKTOKS TO TOURING IN 3 MONTHS?! | EP. 78 1:31:17

3M ago1:31:17

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In episode 78 of the I'M PEAKING podcast features AVELLO whose rise has been nothing short of explosive. From viral TikToks to getting pulled on stage by Illenium. In this episode, he shares how he went from editing content in his bedroom to playing major festivals in just three months. We dive into the story behind his breakout “No Broke Boys” rem…

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LOST LANDS WAS...THERAPEUTIC?? | FESTIVAL RECAP 1:00:14

3M ago1:00:14

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Our first-ever Festival Recap Episode is here and we’re kicking things off with Lost Lands! From favorite sets and The Crater stage, to the moment everyone thought the “special guest” was T-PAIN, your hosts Nand, Daniel, Damien (EDM Cupid), and Dariush (Mashbit) dive into all the chaos, surprises, and unforgettable moments from the weekend.Mashbit …

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From orphanage to paratrooper to POW: Gino D’Ambrosio’s century of grit and grace 42:37

3M ago42:37

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Send us a text A century of memory folds into a single living room as we sit with Gino D’Ambrosio—paratrooper, POW, Detroiter—to hear how a glider drop before dawn and a quiet morning in Berlin shaped everything that came after. He takes us from St. Vincent’s orphanage to Cooley High to a blacked‑out sky over Normandy, where the plan fell apart and…

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WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST HOUSE SET YOU LIKED ft. DANIEL ALLAN | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT EP. 6 1:06:20

4M ago1:06:20

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In Episode 6 of Artist Spotlight, we’re joined by Daniel Allan—producer, songwriter, and one of the most exciting new voices in electronic music. From attending Lollapalooza at 14 to performing at major festivals, Daniel shares how his love for dance music began and the journey that has shaped his sound. We dive into the creative process behind tra…

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DMZ America Podcast Ep 215: "Democracy in Distress" 1:00:29

3M ago1:00:29

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Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (left-leaning firebrand) and Scott Stantis (right-wing straight shooter) ask why over half of Americans say democracy is on the ropes, unpack Zohran Mamdani's jaw-dropping poll surge in the NYC mayor's race, probe if social democratic vibes—like beefed-up welfare and worker protections—can actually work in the USA's c…

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WAX MOTIF COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF HOUSE MUSIC IN 2025?? | EP. 77 1:40:08

4M ago1:40:08

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In Episode 77 of the I’M PEAKING podcast features Daniel Chien, better known as WAX MOTIF. From PLUR vs. UNPLUR crowds and the return of Hard House to unreleased tracks from his upcoming album, Wax gets real about the evolution of house music. He opens up about writing camps, social media’s impact, touring life, and the differences between U.S. and…

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From Detroit to the Army: Ray Brennan's Journey 1:26:38

4M ago1:26:38

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Send us a text Ray Brennan's journey through mid-century America captures an era when neighborhood connections formed the bedrock of community life. Growing up in Detroit during the 1940s and 50s, Ray paints a vivid picture of Catholic parish life, neighborhood games, and the close-knit families that shaped his worldview. His stories of attending D…

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The Extraordinary Life of Jim Lynch 1:03:44

4M ago1:03:44

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Send us a text Jim Lynch's life journey unfolds like a living history book of post-WWII America. From his childhood in Brooklyn during wartime blackouts to his enlistment in the newly-formed Air Force at just 17, Lynch's story captures the spirit of a generation that shaped modern America. The centerpiece of his military career reads like a Cold Wa…

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Navy Corpsman: From Combat Medic to Civilian Life (Kevin Martin) 1:05:41

4M ago1:05:41

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Send us a text Kevin Martin's story is one of transformation, resilience, and the enduring search for purpose that defines the veteran experience. As a Navy Corpsman who served in Afghanistan's dangerous Helmand Province, Kevin offers listeners a candid glimpse into both the intensity of combat medicine and the profound challenges of returning home…

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DMZ America Podcast Ep 214: "Kamala Knew" 57:20

4M ago57:20

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It’s time for the DMZ America Podcast, where Left-leaning cartoonist Ted Rall and Right-wing firebrand Scott Stantis tackle the political firestorm that won’t go away no matter how much Democrats would like it to! The main event: Kamala Harris admits she knew about President Biden’s dementia, a revelation that’s shaking Washington to its core. This…

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ARE EDM INFLUENCERS RUINING THE RAVE SCENE?? | EP. 76 1:24:34

4M ago1:24:34

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Episode 16 of the I’M PEAKING podcast dives into the current state of the rave scene. From hot takes on EDM influencers and overcrowded festivals to PLUR culture, Burning Man drama, and even fights at Wasteland—we’re asking the big questions: Are we part of the problem? Are festivals actually getting worse? Or is this just what happens when undergr…

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WHY ARE HIP POP ARTISTS MAKING EDM NOW?? (ft. CHASSI) | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT EP. 5 1:02:20

4M ago1:02:20

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In Episode 5 of our Artist Spotlight series, we sit down with rising bass music producer and festival favorite Chassi. He opens up about the inspiration behind his sound, the role of mental health in his creative process, and how authenticity has helped him build a loyal fanbase. We also dive into his touring experiences, thoughts on the state of b…

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Ranger Rick's Wild Ride (Rick Burroughs) 1:43:31

5M ago1:43:31

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Send us a text From the opening moments when Charles "Ranger Rick" Burroughs reveals his childhood abuse at the hands of his stepfather, to the triumphant reunion with his son after a 45-year separation, this conversation captures the extraordinary resilience of a man who repeatedly built something from nothing. Born in Detroit and growing up betwe…

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Sailing Through Time: A Navy Veteran's Journey (Gary Scott) 34:55

5M ago34:55

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Send us a text From the biting winter cold of Great Lakes Naval Training Station to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, Gary Scott's naval journey shaped not just his military experience but the foundation of his civilian career. When faced with Vietnam deployment in 1971, Gary made the practical choice to join the Navy instead – where "t…

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From Naval Service to Veteran Advocacy: Carmencita Pinckney's Journey 47:11

5M ago47:11

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Send us a text A powerful conversation with Carmencita Pinckney reveals the journey of a remarkable woman whose life has been defined by service—first in uniform, and now as a tireless advocate for fellow veterans. Born on a Navy base to a Vietnam veteran father, Carmencita grew up immersed in military culture, moving between bases from Puerto Rico…

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DMZ America Podcast Ep 213: "Invasion: Chicago" 1:08:35

5M ago1:08:35

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Join Chicago Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis and his colleague Ted Rall on the DMZ America podcast to discuss Donald Trump’s plan to invade the Windy City with thousands of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement goons to Chicago, as part of his “law and order” push to go after crime and deport working-class immigrants to Third…