Best Funkatopia Podcasts (2025)

1
Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland Free 4 All - 09-16-2025 2:18:22

Play Pause

3d ago2:18:22

2:18:22

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland discuss the remastering of Around the World in a Day and discuss other purple topics, plus a surprise guest appearance by celebrated Prince photographer Steve Parke.By Funkatopia

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - 20 Greatest Funk Ballads of All Time 2:05:39

5h ago2:05:39

2:05:39

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF (Episode 29): This is the fifth Jam Fans Forum episode in which expert panelists provide their top picks in various funk music categories. This time around, we are taking on the typically sexy and romantic topic of the 5 Greatest Funk Ballads of All Time. DR GX’s Funk Ballad Definition: Produced by funk, fu…

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - More Bounce (to the Ounce) (Zapp) 15:37

1h ago15:37

15:37

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 13: “More Bounce (to th…

1
Free 4 All w/ Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland (09-09-2025) 2:18:43

1h ago2:18:43

2:18:43

Funkatopia hosts Mr. Christopher and NPG legend Michael Bland have an open discussion about the challenges with new Prince releases in a posthumous world. From rabid fans to misinformation to what you can probably actually expect. Plus, we open the phone lines to let the audience chime in to share what they would like to see. It's an action packed …

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - James "Plunky" Branch (Oneness of Juju) 1:15:12

4d ago1:15:12

1:15:12

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 28: Jazz saxophonist, songwriter, label owner, music & film producer, and educator James “Plunky” Branch. Since the early 1970s, he has led his band, originally known as Juju and today as Oneness, through some 30 albums and hundreds of performances throughout the world. He has been on bills with sta…

1
Interview: Tommy Barbarella 1:38:07

6d ago1:38:07

1:38:07

NPG keyboardist Tommy Barbarella joins Mr. Christopher and NPG drummer Michael Bland to catch up on music history, learn new stories about each other, talk about gear, and so much more.By Funkatopia

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - Bobby Douglas (Platinum Hook, Change, Chaka Khan) 1:30:44

11d ago1:30:44

1:30:44

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 27: Musical scholar, keyboardist and singer Bobby Douglas. Since the late 1970s, his studio and stage collaborations have included the classic dance group Platinum Hook, Change, the B.B. & Q. Band, High Fashion, Deodato, Melba Moore, Aleem, Lillo Thomas, Keith Sweat, George Benson, Madonna, Joe, Cha…

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - 20 Greatest Jazz-Funk Albums of All Time 2:26:31

18d ago2:26:31

2:26:31

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Welcome to the Where'd You Get Your Funk From? (Episode 26) Jam Fans Forum! This is the fourth Jam Fans Forum episode in which expert panelists provide their top picks in various funk music categories. This time around, we are taking on the improvisational topic of the 5 Greatest Jazz-Funk Albums of All Time. Joining in are t…

1
Interview - Photographer Allen Beaulieu 2:00:04

21d ago2:00:04

2:00:04

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with celebrated photographer Allen Beaulieu, the man responsible for the infamous photos of Prince's most genius eras including 1999, Dirty Mind, Controversy, and many others. Note, that this is a very visual show, so apologies to audio only listeners, but there are enough stories to warrant this journey.…

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - Slippin' Into Darkness (WAR) 15:05

1M ago15:05

15:05

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 12: “Slippin' Into Dark…

1
Interview: Jesse Johnson - The Final Interview 3:13:01

1M ago3:13:01

3:13:01

Jesse Johnson does his final interview ever (?) with Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland talking for over 3 hours on a variety of topics including playing inside of Paisley Park, new music, COVID, conspiracy theories, iPhone vs. Android, and much more including claiming that this will be his last interview that he will ever do. That means you HAVE to…

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - LeRoy Bell (Bell & James, Composer) 1:10:53

1M ago1:10:53

1:10:53

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 25: Singer-songwriter, producer, guitarist and drummer LeRoy Bell. With his famous uncle and Philly Sound hitmaker Thom Bell as a mentor, during the 1970s he wrote or co-wrote songs for Elton John, the Spinners, the O’Jays, the Temptations, Freda Payne, the Three Degrees, Teddy Pendergrass, Phyllis …

1
Interview: Guitarist Mike Scott 1:47:10

2M ago1:47:10

1:47:10

Guitarist Mike Scott sits down with Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland to discuss his humble beginnings and his decision to stay in Minneapolis which led to his work with Prince, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and beyond.By Funkatopia

1
"TRUTH IN RHYTHM" - Lonnie Liston Smith (Jazz Keyboard Giant), Part 2 of 2 44:46

1M ago44:46

44:46

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in a special edition of TRUTH IN RHYTHM, Episode 347 (Part 2 of 2): Iconic jazz keyboardist, producer and composer Lonnie Liston Smith! Beginning his recording career in the 1960s as a pianist for some of jazz’s most prolific figures, he went on to lead his own group and release more than a dozen albums during the 19…

1
"TRUTH IN RHYTHM" - Lonnie Liston Smith (Jazz Keyboard Giant), Part 1 of 2 42:17

2M ago42:17

42:17

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in a special edition of TRUTH IN RHYTHM, Episode 347 (Part 1 of 2): Iconic jazz keyboardist, producer and composer Lonnie Liston Smith! Beginning his recording career in the 1960s as a pianist for some of jazz’s most prolific figures, he went on to lead his own group and release more than a dozen albums during the 19…

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - 20 Greatest Live Funk Albums of All Time 2:00:49

2M ago2:00:49

2:00:49

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Welcome Where'd You Get Your Funk From? (Episode 24) Jam Fans Forum! This is the third Jam Fans Forum episode in which expert panelists provide their top picks in various funk music categories. This time around, we are taking on the scintillating topic of the 5 Greatest Live Funk Albums of All Time. Joining in are three disti…

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - Harrison Kennedy (Chairmen of the Board) 1:07:54

2M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 23: Canadian singer-songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player Harrison Kennedy. He is an original member of the 1970s soul group Chairmen of the Board (COTB), which from 1970-1973 amassed nine Top 40 R&B hits. Those included “Give Me Just a Little More Time,” “(You’ve Got Me) Dangling on a String,”…

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - Stretchin' Out (Bootsy's Rubber Band) 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 11: “Stretchin' Out (1976) by Bootsy's Rubber …

1
Interview: Maya McClean 1:34:43

3M ago1:34:43

1:34:43

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with Maya McClean. While she was mostly known for performing with her sister with Prince as The Twinz, she now shares her journey to becoming a spiritual life coach, life on her own, working with Prince, and much more including her upcoming album Awakening. She also graces the show with a full performance …

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - Fishbone (Tracey Singleton, John Williams, James Jones) 53:46

3M ago53:46

53:46

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 22: Three of the six members comprising the current lineup of the mighty, irreverent and sometimes outrageous rock and soul band, Fishbone. They are bassist James “Jimi Bills” Jones, guitarist Tracey “Spacey T” Singleton, and trumpeter and vocalist John “JS” Williams. Since the early 1980s Fishbone …

1
Interview: Jerry Hubbard 2:15:10

3M ago2:15:10

2:15:10

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with the legend behind the scenes Jerry Hubbard. He has been a solid pillar in the Minneapolis music scene from childhood. He's played with Prince, The Time, The Family, Jesse Johnson, was on Michael Jackson's label and so much more. Take a deep dive into Minneapolis music history as we discuss Minnesota's…

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - 20 Greatest Funk Album Debuts of All Time 1:47:06

3M ago1:47:06

1:47:06

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Welcome Where'd You Get Your Funk From? (Episode 21) Jam Fans Forum! This is the second of an ongoing line of episodes in which expert, authoritative panelists provide their top picks in various funk music categories. We are calling this series the Jam Fans Forum. This time around, we are taking on the really fun topic of the…

1
Interview: The Time Band 1:26:24

3M ago1:26:24

1:26:24

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with the Time Band featuring Jellybean Johnson, Monte Moir, Tori Ruffin, and Ricky Freeze Smith to discuss their history with Morris Day and the Time, their Masterclass, and plenty of behind the scenes stories.By Funkatopia

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - Traffik (Australian Funk Act) 1:33:33

3M ago1:33:33

1:33:33

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 20: Australian funk singer, composer and producer Traffik, who leads a four-member band of the same name. The group’s recently released album, “The Signs,” is a powerful mix of funk and rock that was 10 years in the making. Traff has also paired up with guitarist/engineer Simon Russell as the duo Ed…

1
Interview: Mohini Dey (Interview Only) 1:08:07

3M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland welcome Indian bassist Mohini Dey to chat about her current touring schedule, her past, her upbringing, childhood challenges, religion, space in music, cathartic performances, and much more.By Funkatopia

1
"TRUTH IN RHYTHM" - Tiny Tavares (Tavares) 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

Featured in a special edition of TRUTH IN RHYTHM, Episode 346: Founding member of the iconic all-brothers soul singing group Tavares – Perry Lee Tavares, better known as Tiny Tavares. From their 1973 debut album onward the brothers spent about a decade recording seven Top 20 R&B albums and 20 Top 40 R&B hits. Those included “Check It Out,” “She’s G…

1
2025 Prince Celebration Recap 2:49:57

3M ago2:49:57

2:49:57

Mr. Christopher sits down with Funkatopia co-host NPG drummer Michael Bland to discuss the 2025 Prince Celebration taking place in Minneapolis and Chanhassen, MN. We discuss the new music coming, the Celebration panels, unreleased music heard, plans for video releases, the rebirth of the NPG Music Club, and much more including addressing a few "Mr.…

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - Fight the Power (Isley Brothers) 20:31

4M ago20:31

20:31

Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 10: “Fight the Power” (1975) by The Isley Brot…

1
Interview: The Family (St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Jellybean Johnson, Susannah Melvoin, and Eric Leeds) PLUS Morris Hayes & Tony M (NPG) 2:59:15

4M ago2:59:15

2:59:15

Join Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland as they sit down with all of the members of The Family including St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Jellybean Johnson, Susannah Melvoin, and Eric Leeds. We discuss new FDeluxe music, the Prince Celebration performance and a wealth of purple stories. Then we top off the night with a surprise visit from New Power…

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - 20 Fantastic Funk Albums Everyone Should Own 2:35:33

4M ago2:35:33

2:35:33

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Welcome to the Where'd You Get Your Funk From? (Episode 19) Jam Fans Forum! This is the first of a planned ongoing series of Where’d You Get Your Funk From? editions in which expert, authoritative panelists provide their top picks in various funk music categories. Kicking it off is the super fun topic of the 5 Fantastic Funk …

1
Free 4 All with Philip Lasiter, Shelby J, and Damon D 2:11:50

4M ago2:11:50

2:11:50

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit with Philip Lassiter and Shelby J to discuss his new album Soul of the World and debut a new track. Plus Damon D joins to talk about his Minneapolis dance class. Then Mr. C and Michael chat about the upcoming Prince Celebration in Minnesota, the pricing, the events, as well as the external events in and around …

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - School Boy Crush (Average White Band) 15:48

4M ago15:48

15:48

Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 9: “School Boy Crush” (1975) by Average White …

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - Steve Scales (Talking Heads) 53:31

4M ago53:31

53:31

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 18: Percussionist Steve Scales, best known for his work with the Talking Heads, including their seminal “Stop Making Sense” lineup. He was also featured on Talking Heads member spin-offs, as well as artists like the B-52’s, Nona Hendryx, Peter Wolf, Tina Turner, Billy Squier, Psychedelic Furs, the E…

1
Interview: Fred Wesley 1:04:09

4M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit with the iconic trombonist Fred Wesley who was an integral part of the sound of James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic, the JB's, the Horny Horns, and many collaborations from Abraham Inc. to Van Morrison.By Funkatopia

1
Intervew: Cory Wong 1:17:51

5M ago1:17:51

1:17:51

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with funk maestro Cory Wong to discuss his history, Prince's influence, the Fearless Flyers, Vulfpeck, ADHD, working with Michael Bland, and so much more.By Funkatopia

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - Shakey Ground (The Temptations) 9:56

5M ago9:56

9:56

Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 8: “Shakey Ground” (1975) by The Temptations. …

1
Interview: Tower of Power Drummer David Garibaldi 1:34:21

5M ago1:34:21

1:34:21

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland welcome Tower of Power drumming legend David Garibaldi to discuss his time with Tower of Power, his near death experience with a train, the true story behind the 777-9311 drum track, his retirement, and what he's doing now.By Funkatopia

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - John F. Adams (Change, Amy Winehouse, Harry Belafonte) 1:32:51

5M ago1:32:51

1:32:51

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 17: Keyboardist, composer and music director John F. Adams. Since the late 1970s to present day, in both the studio and on the stage, he has worked with an impressive list of funk, soul and hip hop artists. They include B.T. Express, Change, Harry Belafonte, Keith Sweat, Amy Winehouse, Nas, Anthony …

1
40 Years of Prince's Around the World in a Day & 9 Years After Prince's Transition 2:45:54

5M ago2:45:54

2:45:54

Mr. Christopher and NPG drummer Michael Bland discuss the 40th anniversary of Prince's Purple Rain follow-up, Around the World in a Day. We also discuss how we've dealt with the loss of Prince 9 years later. Plus plenty of rabbit holes.By Funkatopia

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - Thank You (Fallentinme Be Mice Elf) (Sly and the Family Stone) 11:15

5M ago11:15

11:15

Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 7: “Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf)" (1969)…

1
Interview: Bassist Mononeon 1:06:10

5M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with bass gawd MonoNeon to discuss his upbringing, his wardrobe, the sock, Prince, the album he worked on with Prince (Black is the New Black), inspirations, and much more. Tune in and vibe out.By Funkatopia

1
Pre-Interview Show: Discussing MonoNeon (For a Little Bit) 2:01:01

5M ago2:01:01

2:01:01

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down to discuss the interview with MonoNeon and of course, in their usual style, it diverges into a full blown show that has very little to do with MonoNeon and all about Prince's legacy and whatever else they discuss. Which is everything purple.By Funkatopia

1
Discussion: Celebration 2025 Early Bird Special 2:06:50

6M ago2:06:50

2:06:50

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland discuss the newly released information on the Prince Celebration 2025. We talk about the pricing, the bands, the events, the hotels, transportation, and more. Including a visit from a special guest.By Funkatopia

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - DeShawn Alexander (Watermelon Funk) 1:39:11

5M ago1:39:11

1:39:11

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 16: Denver-based keyboardist, drummer, producer and composer DeShawn Alexander, leader of the group Watermelon Funk. Spending his childhood as a church organist and later attending the Berklee College of Music, his repertoire has spanned funk, hip hop, blues, jazz and rock. Artists he has worked or …

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - Dazz (Brick) 14:10

6M ago14:10

14:10

Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 6: “Dazz” (1976) by Brick. Your tour guide for…

1
Interview: Thomas Dolby 1:31:27

6M ago1:31:27

1:31:27

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with music luminary Thomas Dolby. We talk about his breakout success in the 80's, From his side projects, his hits like Hyperactive and She Blinded Me With Science, chilling with Michael Jackson, friendships with XTC's Andy Partridge, working with Todd Rundgren, and so much more.…

1
Where'd You Get Your Funk From? - Jara Harris (Slapbak) 1:13:28

6M ago1:13:28

1:13:28

** PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ** Featured in WYGYFF Episode 15: Jara Harris, multi-instrumentalist founder of killer Los Angeles-based funk band SlapBak. First appearing on Randy Jackson’s 1989 album Randy & the Gypsys, he founded SlapBak in 1990 and two years later delivered the debut LP, Fast Food Funkateers, which included guests Larry Blackmon of Cameo, …

1
Funkatopia Free 4All with Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland 2:39:31

6M ago2:39:31

2:39:31

Mr. Christopher and Funkatopia co-host Michael Bland discuss Prince, the Prince Celebration. Joni Mitchell, Meshell Ndegeocello, and tons of New Power Generation questions for Michael.By Funkatopia

1
On THE ONE . . . and Done! - Shining Star (Earth, Wind and Fire) 9:28

6M ago9:28

9:28

Welcome to On THE ONE . . . and Done! This is the new show that celebrates the greatest funk songs ever created. Please be sure to like, comment and share the show, and set your alert notifications so as to never miss a video. Thank you very much for your interest and support! Featured in OTOAD Episode 5: “Shining Star” (1975) by Earth, Wind and Fi…

1
Interview - Matt "Dr." Fink 1:50:06

7M ago1:50:06

1:50:06

Prince and the Revolution keyboardist Dr. Fink joins Mr. Christopher and NPG drummer Michael Bland in an extremely loose and rare interview discussing Rick James, drugs in the 80's, working with P. Diddy, Revolution memories, arrests, touring, the future, and so much more.By Funkatopia