Best Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling Podcasts (2025)

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Rock n Roll Grad School #227 Firefall's Jock Bartley on their "Friends & Family, Vol 2" 30:13

1d ago30:13

30:13

We talked with guitarist Jock Bartley when Firefall released their first "Friends & Family," and he's back to talk Vol 2. And, sure we talk about the record, but there's so much more to discuss. "Friends and Family, Vol 2" is available right now. For more information, check out Firefall's website.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

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Why? Episode 354- Furries 43:36

3d ago43:36

43:36

What is a furry? Who can be a furry? Are you a furry and you just don't know it? Flint and Camille from Anthro New England tell us all about the movement and why you may be a furry and not even know it. Anthro New England is a yearly convention held in Boston, Massachusetts. Next year's convention is January 15th through the 18th. For more informat…

1
Rock n Roll Grad School #226 Writer Gary Graff on the 501 Essential Albums of the 80s 47:43

8d ago47:43

47:43

Gary Graff has done it again. With a cadre of writers, Gary pulled together a list of 501 albums that he feels are the most indicative of the 1980s. (We talked with Gary before about his list of albums of the 90s.) And, while we don't get as heated as we did then, there is still some lively debate to go around- and that's the point. 501 Essential A…

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Why? Episode 353- I Know Catherine, the Log Lady 28:31

10d ago28:31

28:31

Catherine Coulson was an artist, in all senses of the word. Most people probably know her from her role as The Log Lady on David Lynch and Mark Frost's TV show, Twin Peaks. But that is just the beginning of Catherine's story. I Know Catherine, the Log Lady, is a fascinating look at a fascinating character and a study of reaching the end of your lif…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #225 Author Sean Egan on Bob Dylan's "Decade of Dissent" 41:22

15d ago41:22

41:22

In the 1960's Bob Dylan changed the world. How? And in what ways are we still dealing with the monumental changes that the future Noble prize winner kicked off? Sean Egan has written a new book about Dylan called "Decade of Dissent- How 1960's Bob Dylan Changed the World." It's a fascinating look at the creation and evolution of one of the world's …

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Why? Episode 352- Sex-O-Rama music 43:10

17d ago43:10

43:10

This week, we talk with one of the members of Sex-O-Rama. (What's his real name? What's his band name... we find out!) The group was originally formed to create fake porn music for folks to enjoy and, shockingly, things got out of hand and now they're onto volume 5. Sex-O-Rama volume 5: Invaders from the Pleasure Planet is available wherever you ge…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #224 Save Ferris' Monique Powell 33:24

22d ago33:24

33:24

Monique Powell and her band Save Ferris are back out on the road. (When are they not?) And on top of that, they have a new single, "Get Dancing," which, on top of being a fun song is good life advice. To find out when they are playing near you, check out their website.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

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Why? Episode 351- The Antique Vibrator Museum 50:46

24d ago50:46

50:46

They say those who don't learn the past are doomed to repeat it. What does that have to do with our guest? We're not really sure. Dr. Carol Queen, phd is the curator of the Antique Vibrator Museum, located inside the Good Vibrations store in San Francisco. (Other branches of the chain have some items on display too.) What is the history of the vibr…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #223 Toby Sebastian 39:22

29d ago39:22

39:22

Toby Sebastian is a multi-hyphenate artist. And with his new album, he adds another chapter to an already impressive body of work. Yeah, he's an actor, but this is all about his talent as a singer and a songwriter. "Eyes Light Up" is available right now. For more information check out Toby's website.…

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Why? Episode 350- Underseas Exploration and Living 39:03

1M ago39:03

39:03

Ian Koblick has made a living exploring underwater and learning about how man can live there. From his building of habitats for NASA to turning one habitat into an undersea hotel, Ian has devoted his life to sharing his love of the ocean with everyone. For more information about Ian's work, you can check out the Marine Resources Development Foundat…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #222 Peter Holsapple 40:09

1M ago40:09

40:09

You may know Peter Holsapple from his work with the great db's. Or you know him from his work with R.E.M.. Or you know him from his really great and smart songwriting. In case you don't, he's got a new record out, so you can get to know him. The Face of 68, is available right now wherever you get your records. For more information, you can follow P…

1
Why? Episode 349- The History of Nudist Films 46:23

1M ago46:23

46:23

Exploitation films are always a fascinating study. And some of the most fascinating movies are nudist film. Mark Storey has writing a fascinating history of the naturist film in the book, Cinema au Naturel. Cinema au Naturel is available right now wherever you get your books.By Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

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Rock n Roll Grad School #221 Talia Keys 37:53

1M ago37:53

37:53

Musician Talia Keys knows of which they speak. As a fierce advocate for people buying music before streaming it, their new album, From the Ashes is available on vinyl for over a month before streaming. The idea of supporting musicians shouldn't seem revolutionary, but, it kind of is. To get your own copy of From the Ashes, check out their website.…

1
Why? Episode 348- The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft 34:22

2M ago34:22

34:22

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft offers visitors a fascinating into the world of witchcraft and the history of the practice. Staffed and run by well educated folks, the museum offers both practitioners and non-practitioners a look into the history through objects and artifacts. We sat down with museum director Steven In…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #220 Radio Promoter Paul Rappaport on Stones, Floyds and Bosses 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

Paul Rappaport has had a fascinating career in the music industry that has led him to crossing paths with some of the most important musicians of the last century. Folks like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Now Rapp (as he's known to his friends) tells all the stories with his new book "Gliders Over Holl…

1
Why? Episode 347- Grant Philipo from the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum Pt 2 45:31

2M ago45:31

45:31

As promised, here is part two of our fascinating conversation with Grant Philipo, the founder of the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum. How fascinating? There was so much of it, we had to split it up into two episodes. Though, when you hear Grant's story, you will be aching to see his incredible work on display at the museum. For more information on the mu…

1
Rock n Roll Grad School #219: Gillian G Gaar on Queen's "Night at the Opera" 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

Queen's fourth record, "A Night at the Opera," was the one that set them apart from the rest. A rock album unlike any others, with all the various tricks and treats that have become part of the Queen style, is now celebrating it's 50th anniversary. Author Gillian G. Gaar has written a great new book, filled with fascinating information about the ma…

1
Why? Episode 346- Falling asleep with Northwoods Baseball 28:38

2M ago28:38

28:38

Mr King is the creator of a fascinating podcast designed for you to not stay awake for the whole thing. Calling back baseball on the radio, The Northwoods Baseball Network is designed to help you fall asleep- no big hits, no exciting plays. It's a wonderful way to drift off to dreamland. You can find Northwoods Baseball wherever you get your podcas…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #218: Author Jon Magidsohn on Crowded House 36:35

2M ago36:35

36:35

This is a special one for Heidi. She talks with Jon Magidsohn, author of a new book about her favorite band- Crowded House. Part of the "On Track" series by Sonic Bond Publishing, Magidsohn does exactly what is says on the cover- break down every Crowded House song. (And he does so with the help of an interview with Neil Finn to provide some of the…

1
Why? Episode 345- Grant Philipo from the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum 29:05

2M ago29:05

29:05

This week is a fascinating conversation with Gran Philipo, the founder of the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum. How fascinating? There was so much of it, we had to split it up into two episodes. (And we barely touch on the museum in the first part.) Though, when you hear Grant's story, you will be aching to see his incredible work on display at the museum…

1
Rock n Roll Grad School #217: Sex-O-Rama 38:56

2M ago38:56

38:56

This week, we talk with one of the members of Sex-O-Rama. (What's his real name? What's his band name... we find out!) The group was originally formed to create fake porn music for folks to enjoy and, shockingly, things got out of hand and now they're onto volume 5. Sex-O-Rama volume 5: Invaders from the Pleasure Planet is available wherever you ge…

1
Why? Episode 344- The Bumper Sticker Bandit 32:17

2M ago32:17

32:17

Isn't annoying when you see someone who parks so terribly, it makes life harder for everyone else? Well, there is a vigilante out there, placing insulting bumpers tickers on offending vehicles. He's called The Bumper Sticker Bandit and his stickers are now turning up all over the world. If you want to see some of his work, you can find him on TikTo…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #216: Deep Purple's Don Airey 37:42

3M ago37:42

37:42

Don Airey is metal royalty. He has played with some of the greatest artists ever and on songs you've heard thousands of times. With his newest solo record Pushed to the Edge, Don gathered some of his incredibly talented friends to make a real blast of a record that shows his great skill as a writer and, most importantly, as a musician. Pushed to th…

1
Why? Epsiode 343- The Aqualillies 46:25

3M ago46:25

46:25

The Aqualillies are a unique performance group, combining classic water ballet with a much more modern choreography. From movies and TV to weddings and other parties, there is no better way to celebrate than pool-side with synchronized swimming. For more information, check out their website.By Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

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Rock n Roll Grad School #215: Author Chris Sutton on Sparks: 1969-1979 46:32

3M ago46:32

46:32

You know how we feel about the Mael brothers and their band Sparks. So it was with great delight that we heard about Chris Sutton's new book, "Sparks 1969-1979: Every Album, Every Song" from Sonicbond Publishing. In the book, Chris takes a detailed look at the first decade of this incredibly influential band. For more information, check out the Son…

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Why? Episode 342- Peace Advocate and Author Gabriel Meyer 40:44

3M ago40:44

40:44

Gabriel Meyer has spent his life working towards encouraging peace between everyone. And in his new novel, On a Verge of a Verb, Meyer loosely adapts his own story into a tale of working for peace across the globe. Needless to say, it's a fascinating conversation when you get Gabriel talking about his experiences and what he's learned along the way…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #214: Ellis Mano Band 36:53

3M ago36:53

36:53

Ellis Mano Band is a Swiss band, who have been making music in various guises for decades. With their most recent album, they again use their skills to craft quality rock. (And it's not just us saying that- they opened for Deep Purple last summer.) Their new record Morph is available now wherever you get your music. For more information, check out …

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Why? Episode 341- Music Insider Paul Rappaport 48:44

3M ago48:44

48:44

For almost 30 years Paul Rappaport worked at Columbia records in the promotion department. That job led him to crossing paths with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd and many others. His new book (out April 1st) is called "Gliders Over Hollywood" and is available for pre-order.By Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

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Why? Episode 340- Music Engineer/Producer Glenn Berger 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

In another lifetime, Dr Glenn Berger found himself working at A&R studios in New York, along such music legends as Paul Simon, James Brown, Phoebe Snow and Bob Fosse. In his memoir, Never Say No to a Rock Star, Glenn recounts some of the most memorable moments in a career filled with them, at a time when musicians ruled the earth.…

1
Why? Episode 339- Naked Filmmaking with JP Riley 37:26

4M ago37:26

37:26

JP Riley has had quite the life so far, and he's not even close to done. After making the hit independent film Act Naturally in 2011, he's back with the follow-up, Act Supernaturally. On top of writing, directing and producing, (he's also worked on Eddie Murphy's Axel F and the video for Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down") he also wrote the mus…

1
Why? Epsiode 338- Boxing Ref Jack Reiss 44:34

4M ago44:34

44:34

Refereeing any sport is hard, but boxing? You try keeping a level head and pay attention to the right things with the lights, the judges, the cameras, the crowd... oh, and two people hitting each other very hard. Jack has taken his experience and is helping prepare other referees to be ready to go when the bell rings. For more information on Jack a…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #213 Tribute: Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits 43:58

4M ago43:58

43:58

This week it's another installment in "Tribute: A Tribute to Tributes," where we discuss another tribute album. This time it's one of the most 90's tributes ever made- featuring Liz Phair, Sublime, Sponge, Matthew Sweet and the Butthole Surfers, "Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits."By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

1
Why? Epsiode 337- Dog Sledding 35:33

4M ago35:33

35:33

Alex Therriault might have it all figured out. He's turned his love of animals and dog sledding into a successful business and racing career. Coming from a family of dog sledders, Alex still races and now offers tours and trips for people looking to learn more about these animals and the sport, or just to have a unique weekend in Maine. For more in…

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Why? Episode 336- The Unique History of Baseball Rubbing Mud 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

It's the only mud that's been used in major league baseball for almost 75 years- there's something about Lena Blackburne's Baseball Rubbing Mud. We talked with Jim Bintliff, the third-generation of his family to farm, harvest and supply rubbing mud for so many professional teams and sports. (The NFL also uses the mud too!) For more information, (an…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #212 Final Gravity 29:41

4M ago29:41

29:41

LA-based prog band Final Gravity has released a new EP and are promising a 2025 full of music. We talked with Mike Clark about the recording process and the love of prog rock bringing everyone together. You can download the new EP, Stormchaser, as well as their other releases on Band Camp and you can follow the band on Facebook.…

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Why? Episode 335- Tribute: Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits 43:58

5M ago43:58

43:58

This week it's another installment in "Tribute: A Tribute to Tributes," where we discuss another tribute album. This time it's one of the most 90's tributes ever made- featuring Liz Phair, Sublime, Sponge, Matthew Sweet and the Butthole Surfers, "Saturday Morning Cartoons' Greatest Hits."By Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

1
Rock n Roll Grad School #211 John McCutcheon 27:46

5M ago27:46

27:46

We get to sit down again with the great John McCutcheon. On top of being an amazing song writer, John is also a fascinating guy to talk with. We talk about the writing of his newest record, "Field of Stars," and new songs he's written about all sorts of things including Hank Aaron and the MS St Louis. For more information including tour dates, chec…

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Why? Episode 334- New Year, Same Us 31:41

5M ago31:41

31:41

Welcome to 2025. Please your wipe your feet. This week we thought we'd take a moment, sans guests, to discuss the pressing issues of the moment- namely, the new movie about Bob Dylan. And because we're us, there is a tangent or two, some beauty tips and references to the Titanic. Please enjoy.By Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

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Why? Episode 333- Redd Kross 43:55

5M ago43:55

43:55

When we started Why's sister podcast, Rock n' Roll Grad School, top of our dream list of guests was Redd Kross. We have been longtime fans of the band, and dreamed of discussing their work, along with that of Donny Osmond, Cheap Trick and the Velvet Underground with them. When it finally happened, it did not disappoint. The legendary band Redd Kros…

1
Rock n Roll Grad School #210 Happy Christmas! 35:30

5M ago35:30

35:30

It's our annual Christmas celebration, where we exchange gifts, complain and play music you probably haven't heard in a while. Enjoy!By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

1
Why? Episode 332- Christmas 34:49

5M ago34:49

34:49

It's our annual Christmas celebration, where we exchange gifts, complain and play music you probably haven't heard in a while. Enjoy!By Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

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Rock n Roll Grad School #209- American Standard: Cheap Trick 38:41

5M ago38:41

38:41

Here's an episode that we originally released on our sister show, Why? but if this isn't Grad School, well, we don't know what is. If you're like us, you need more Cheap Trick in your life. Thankfully, Ross Warner is here with his new book, American Standard: Cheap Trick from the bars to the Budokan and Beyond. It's a look at one of the great Ameri…

1
Why? Episode 331- Naked Wanderings with Nick and Lins 47:16

5M ago47:16

47:16

Several years ago, Nick and Lins decided to chuck it all and do what made them happy. And that was traveling around the world, exploring all the places for nudists to go and experience life. They've parlayed that love of naturism into a job, with a popular website, Patreon and YouTube page. For more information, check out their website.…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #208- Redd Kross 43:55

6M ago43:55

43:55

This is one that is some time in the making. The legendary band Redd Kross started in the early 80’s when Steven McDonald was just 11 years old. Along with his big brother Jeff, Redd Kross has been carving their own unique path through rock music. They've just released their 10th album (a double album), a memoir (Now You're One of Us) and a documen…

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Why? Episode 330- Movie Madness in Portland, OR 38:38

6M ago38:38

38:38

Movie Madness is a one-of-a-kind video store. Containing over 90,000 movies on a variety of formats, it is also the home to an amazing collection of film memorabilia. We talked with Matt Parnell, the the managing director and head curator for the store. For more information, check out their website.By Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling

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Rock n Roll Grad School #207- Roger Street Friedman 42:13

6M ago42:13

42:13

The last time we talked with Roger Street Friedman, he was talking about his most recent album, produced by Larry Campbell. Now with his new record, "Long Shadows," Roger has taken over the producer role and emerged with an incredibly personal record that resonates. For more information, check out Roger's website, or follow him on Facebook.…

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Why? Epsiode 329- Naked at the Museum 31:43

6M ago31:43

31:43

This week, our guests are from across the pond. As members of British Naturism, Ed and Keith worked together to organize a naked night at the Dorset Museum. And the event was a rousing success with amazing press coverage. (Ed and Keith had just finished up talking with the New York Times when we spoke.) We talked about the organization of the event…

1
Rock n Roll Grad School #206- 2L0T 33:46

6M ago33:46

33:46

2L0T is a fascinating collection of musicians, each with a unique set of skills all coming together to create fascinating music together. Their debut album, "Entropy," is available right now. For more information, you can check out their website.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

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Why? Episode 328- The CDC Museum 45:30

6M ago45:30

45:30

Wait... the CDC has a museum? They sure do. And it's a fascinating collection of items that show the width and breadth of the work the Centers for Disease Control has been doing for almost a century. We talked with Mary Hilpertshauser, the CDC Museum Collections Manager, about some of the unique items in the museums collection. (And there's show an…

1
Rock n Roll Grad School #205- Christmas with Yachtley Crew 36:31

6M ago36:31

36:31

We sit down with Philly Ocean and Sailor Hawkins to talk about Yachtley Crew's newest EP, Seas and Greetings- because what goes together better than Yacht rock and Christmas? For more information, you can check out the band's website, follow them on Facebook, or purchase the album from Earache Records.…

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Heidi Hedquist/ Luke Poling Podcasts

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