Best Pump Up The Volume Podcasts (2025)

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“I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls 57:40

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3d ago57:40

57:40

What happens when a hairdresser decides to buy a used synthesizer and start a band with his friend and his brother, despite having little musical experience? You get A Flock of Seagulls, a group whose sound (and haircuts) perfectly capture the spirit of the early 80s. The unforgettable music video for “I Ran (So Far Away)” became an MTV staple in t…

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Building a New Drinks Media Platform w Tim McKirdy | Bartender at Large ep 472 29:48

2d ago29:48

29:48

Today we are joined by Tim McKirdy, former Managing Editor of VinePair and host of Cocktail College. He discusses his new venture as co-founder of the independent podcast network, The Coaster. Tim shares the vision behind this new project and its first show, "Sauced." This weekly podcast, created with Sother Teague, explores the world of cooking wi…

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“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Elvin Bishop (f/ Erik J. Brown) 59:04

11d ago59:04

59:04

Long before his 1976 hit, Elvin Bishop was already one of the world’s most respected blues guitarists. Everyone from the Grateful Dead to Bo Diddley was eager to collaborate with him, and his work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band eventually earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite his confidence and experience as a world-cl…

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Pumping Up Your City w Ryan Ota | Bartender at Large ep 471 27:15

3d ago27:15

27:15

This week we sit down with Ryan Ota, the Director of Beverage Operations for MO-hospitality, known for bars like Paper Plane, Still OG / Alter Ego, and Mini Boss. He shares his experience running acclaimed craft cocktail programs in overlooked markets. Ryan discusses the unique advantages and challenges of building a bar scene outside of major hubs…

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“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon 1:00:57

17d ago1:00:57

1:00:57

It’s Halloween, so we thought it would be crazy not to dive into the legendary artist who brought us the lyric “little old lady got mutilated late last night.” That’s right…this week, we’re diving into the life and career of Warren Zevon and his most famous single, 1978’s “Werewolves of London.” A dark sense of humor paired with a songwriting voice…

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Comic Books & Cocktails w David Wondrich | Bartender at Large ep 470 26:11

19d ago26:11

26:11

This week, we are joined by acclaimed writer and cocktail historian David Wondrich, to discuss his newest book, the illustrated "The Comic Book History of the Cocktail." David shares why he chose this unique format to tell the story of drinks. As a James Beard Award-winner and editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, he brings deep …

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“Flood” by Jars of Clay (f/ Katie Hampton) 1:07:11

25d ago1:07:11

1:07:11

This week, we’re joined by Matt Kelly’s Christian Cringe co-host Katie Hampton to become one with the mud. Yes, we’re exploring the career and music of Jars of Clay, the rare mainstream crossover from the Christian music scene who made their mark in 1996 with the alternative rock radio hit “Flood.” Despite a bit of blowback from their religious fan…

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Mastering Agave Spirits w Agave Masters | Bartender at Large ep 469 32:36

17d ago32:36

32:36

Today we sit down with two leaders in agave spirits education, David Alan, Director of Advocacy for the Agave Spirits Portfolio at Bacardi USA, and Rob McCaughey, Global Head of Business Development at WSET. David shares how his program was built to support bartenders and grow the entire agave category, while Rob explains the unique structure of th…

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“You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead Or Alive 58:07

1M ago58:07

58:07

This week, our Patreon voted for us to explore the music and career of Dead or Alive, the British pop band responsible for the endlessly catchy and danceable 1985 single, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Led by the eccentric and androgynous Pete Burns, Dead or Alive were a perfect mix of the end of disco and the start of new wave. Their rise up…

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From World Class Champ to Published Author w Kaitlyn Stewart | Bartender at Large ep 468 31:52

24d ago31:52

31:52

This week we are joined by Kaitlyn Stewart, the 2017 World Class Bartender of the Year, also know as the social media phenomenon @LikableCocktails. She discusses her new book, "Three Cheers: Cocktails Three Ways." Kaitlyn explains the unique format, which presents recipes as classics, creative riffs, and zero-proof sips. She shares why this inclusi…

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“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton (f/ Eric Taft) 1:17:18

1M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Whether you were rockin’ out to it in 2002 or watching Terry Crews sing every word to it a few years later, Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” is a song that can stir up a lot of feelings and emotions for those who lived it. Even though the song’s earnest delivery and theater-kid presentation SHOULD make it an artifact from the turn of the centur…

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Cutting Edge Cocktails in a High-Volume Space w Maxwell Reis | Bartender at Large ep 467 27:10

1M ago27:10

27:10

This week we sit down with acclaimed bartender and partner Maxwell Reis to discuss his innovative work in Los Angeles. He shares his deep commitment to sustainability and his use of natural ingredients in cocktails. Maxwell talks about his creative process and how he balances modern ideas with classic traditions in bars that do serious volume. He a…

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The 2005 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft 1:13:10

2M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

The DREAM TEAM of Chris Fafalios, Matt Kelly, Matthew Milligan, and Tony Hartman are BACK to draft the very best albums from the year 2005. From the launch of YouTube to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, these albums were the soundtrack to a year filled with highs, lows, and in-betweens. Who will draft the very best collection of records with t…

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Exploring the Flavors of Oaxaca w Fabiola Santiago | Bartender at Large ep 466 26:56

1M ago26:56

26:56

This week, we are joined by Fabiola Santiago to discuss her important work with the non-profit organization, Mi Oaxaca. She explains their mission to preserve the Indigenous food and beverage cultures of Oaxaca. Fabiola shares how their new non-profit status will help expand their efforts. This work includes creating educational opportunities and b…

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“The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones (f/ Zak Shaffer) 48:29

2M ago48:29

48:29

This week, we're diving into one of the most bizarre R&B hits of the 80s. With its slick production and dramatic monologue, “The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones became a Top 10 smash in 1986 before fading into obscurity. Not EVERYONE forgot the track, however, as Donald Glover and the cast of Saturday Night Live resurrected it in 2018 with a spot-on an…

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The Whiskey Bible w Noah Rothbaum | Bartender at Large ep 464 35:30

2M ago35:30

35:30

This week we are joined by acclaimed cocktail writer Noah Rothbaum to discuss his new book, "The Whiskey Bible." This comprehensive guide is the result of his 25 years of researching and tasting whiskies from around the world. Noah takes us on a journey to solve whiskey mysteries, settle debates, and bust common myths. The book features in-depth re…

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Himkok at 10 Years w Maros Dzurus | Bartender at Large ep 465 26:18

2M ago26:18

26:18

We sit down with Maroš Dzurus, the bar manager of Oslo's world-renowned Himkok Bar and Distillerie. As the bar celebrates its 10th anniversary, we discuss how it stays at the forefront of the cocktail world. Maroš shares the philosophy behind their constant innovation and creative process. He explains how they keep their drinks and experience fresh…

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“Harlem Shake” by Baauer (f/ Chris Dalla Riva) 54:32

2M ago54:32

54:32

In early 2013, the Billboard Charts underwent a major change by incorporating YouTube streams into their formula. Almost immediately, the internet responded with chaos. The bizarre, bass-heavy electronica track “Harlem Shake” by producer Baauer skyrocketed to #1, fueled by a wave of absurd, meme-fueled dance videos that dominated social media. It b…

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Punchline “Somewhere To Land” Instant Reaction 51:03

2M ago51:03

51:03

Punchline’s new album Somewhere To Land was just released a few hours ago, and One Hit Thunder is here with some thoughts! Matt shares his feelings about every track, and Chris shares some insight into the writing, recording, and release of the next chapter in the Punchline story. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner…

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“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin 44:39

2M ago44:39

44:39

This week, we’re discussing the music and career of Berlin, a band whose biggest hit was, strangely, not really a Berlin song at all. “Take My Breath Away” soared into the stratosphere on the tailwinds of Top Gun in 1986, but it wasn’t a great representation of the sexy, upbeat new wave synth-pop that Berlin was known for. Join us as we journey dee…

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The 2025 MTV VMAs: Thoughts and Reactions 47:47

2M ago47:47

47:47

Chris and Matt discuss their thoughts on the 2025 VMAs, which strangely aired on CBS instead of MTV (which couldn’t be bothered to interrupt their nonstop stream of the show Ridiculousness to air their signature awards show!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

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Martini Expo w Robert Simonson | Bartender at Large ep 463 26:40

2M ago26:40

26:40

We are joined by renowned cocktail writer Robert Simonson to discuss the first-ever Martini Expo in New York City. He tells us about this unique convention dedicated entirely to the history and culture of the Martini. The event will feature seminars, tastings, guest bartenders, and a special Martini dinner. Robert explains his inspiration for creat…

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“Bodies” by Drowning Pool (f/ Kyle Kuchta) 1:03:39

2M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

To be honest, when this week’s guest Kyle Kuchta pitched Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” to us for an episode, we braced ourselves for a terrible listening experience. Instead, what we got was some solid hard rock and a tragic story about vocalist Dave Williams, who seemed to be a solid dude with a great attitude who was taken from this world much too soo…

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Rhum Agricole w Ben Jones | Bartender at Large ep 462 29:14

2M ago29:14

29:14

Join us for a fascinating talk with Ben Jones from Rhum Clément. He delves into the unique history and production of Rhum Agricole. Jones, U.S. Managing Director of SPIRIBAM, explains what makes this style of rum so distinct from all others. He also shares the rich heritage behind the Clément brand. Listen now to discover the story of this exceptio…

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“Always Something There to Remind Me” by Naked Eyes (f/ Mark Popeney) 1:03:30

3M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

This week on One Hit Thunder, we’re joined by special guest Mark Popeney of the Nevermind The Music podcast to discuss Naked Eyes and their 1983 hit “Always Something There to Remind Me.” Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song found new life in the synth pop era thanks to Naked Eyes' inventive production and reliance on cuttin…

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Bar Consulting & Work Life Balance w Sean Finter | Bartender at Large ep 461 29:02

2M ago29:02

29:02

This week, we are joined by industry entrepreneur and hospitality guru, Sean Finter, bar coach of Finter Group, and founder of the consulting firm, Barmetrix. During his years as a consultant, he and his team opened 26 offices in 8 countries, but at huge cost to his health and personal life. In many ways, he conquered the bar consultancy world, yet…

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“Walking In Memphis” by Marc Cohn (f/ Evan Fonseca) 50:24

3M ago50:24

50:24

In an attempt to combat a case of writer's block, struggling songwriter Marc Cohn took a trip to Memphis. A chance encounter at a café resulted in one of the most beloved adult contemporary songs of the 90s. “Walking In Memphis” has stood the test of time, and this week, we’re joined by Phantom of the Podpera co-host Evan Fonseca to touch down in t…

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The Finer Points of Garnish w Joaquin Simo | Bartender at Large ep 460 29:14

3M ago29:14

29:14

We sit down with award-winning bartender Joaquin Simo, Global Brand Ambassador and mixologist for On the Rocks Cocktails, to talk about the details of a great drink. He shares his expert thoughts on the purpose and art of the cocktail garnish. We also learn about his new role and work with On the Rocks Cocktails. Joaquin explains the process behind…

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“It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock 39:53

3M ago39:53

39:53

HIT IT! Few tracks ignite a dance floor like Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 classic, “It Takes Two.” Built around an infectious sample from Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It),” this platinum-certified anthem didn’t just dominate clubs—it helped hip-hop cross over into the mainstream. Despite the duo’s explosive debut, follow-up efforts like Rob Base’s…

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Awards Season w Naren Young | Bartender at Large ep 459 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

Join us for a conversation with award-winning bartender Naren Young, creative director of Sweet Liberty, Medium Cool and Zebra Club in Miami. In the show, we discuss the world of cocktail awards and the pros & cons of what they mean for the industry. Naren shares his unique perspective from both judging and winning these awards, as well as all the …

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“Tainted Love by Soft Cell (f/Paul Menotiades) 45:06

3M ago45:06

45:06

This week, our good friend Paul Menotiades returns to help us unpack the unlikely rise of Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop smash, “Tainted Love.” Originally a 1965 Northern Soul obscurity by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell's eerie, slowed-down cover became a global sensation, topping charts in 17 countries and spending a record-breaking 43 weeks on the U.S. Bill…

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Live from the Irish House at Tales of the Cocktail | Bartender at Large ep 458 1:05:31

3M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Join us for a live & on location recording from Tales of the Cocktail at New Orleans' Irish House, featuring Ireland's finest in drinks and hospitality. Tim Herlihy & Leah Doyle, of Lost Irish, share the revival of historic Irish spirits, while Dave Mulligan, owner of Bar 1661, dives into modern Irish cocktail culture. Kealan Finlay Mulligan, of Ma…

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“Runaway” by Del Shannon (f/ Scott Mellinger) 52:09

4M ago52:09

52:09

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Scott Mellinger to explore Del Shannon's 1961 chart-topping hit, "Runaway." This early rock and roll classic is renowned for its haunting falsetto vocals and the groundbreaking Musitron solo—a keyboard instrument invented by Shannon's collaborator, Max Crook, that added a futuristic flair to the track.…

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Talking Cocktails w Run the Jewels | Bartender at Large ep 457 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

Legendary hip-hop duo Run the Jewels—EL-P and Killer Mike—stop by to spill the tea (and the liquor) on their new line of canned cocktails, Juice Runners. They break down the flavors, the creative process behind the brand, and how it ties into their music and lifestyle. Of course, no RTJ interview is complete without some industry insights, and a fe…