Best Funkatopia Podcasts (2026)

1
12-16-2025 - Free 4 All 2:29:12

Play Pause

8d ago2:29:12

2:29:12

Join Mr. Christopher and NPG/Soul Asylum drummer Michael Bland as they discuss the 50th anniversary of Parliament's Mothership Connection, the 11th anniversary of D'Angelo's Black Messiah, and also chat about their first vinyl memory and first album bought with their money. Plus tons of other topics including what it must be like to be famous and u…

1
12-02-2025 - Around the World in a Day Unboxing 2:09:10

8d ago2:09:10

2:09:10

Join Mr. Christopher as he unboxes the Deluxe edition of Around the World in a Day alongside NPG drumming legend Michael Bland. It's a first-hand reaction as Mr. Christopher avoided reading or viewing all online reviews and unboxings to have a complete surprise. We also discuss Record Store Day and the Because Sound Matters Purple Rain vinyl releas…

1
11-25-2025 - Jellybean Johnson Celebration 2:31:08

8d ago2:31:08

2:31:08

Join Mr. Christopher and NPG legend Michael Bland as they reflect on the life of Jellybean Johnson who recently transitioned. Also, a brief discussion on the remastering of Around the World in a Day and expectations and early reactions.By Funkatopia

1
11-11-2025 Free 4 All 2:16:56

8d ago2:16:56

2:16:56

Join Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland as they discuss the Grammy nominees, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, bands that are still not inducted, and other random topics.By Funkatopia

1
11-04-2025 Free 4 All - 4th Day of November 2:18:14

8d ago2:18:14

2:18:14

On the 4th day of November, we need a purple high. Join Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland as we discuss the Save the Date announcement from the Prince Estate for the 2026 Prince Celebration and what we might be able to expect, the Diamonds and Love bootleg drop, public feedback from the Purple Rain Broadway play, amusement parks, and much more.…

1
Interview: Lisa Coleman (Interview Only) 1:17:04

2M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland welcome celebrated Prince and the revolution keyboardist Lisa Coleman,. We discuss her early days, Joining Prince's band, writing issues, problems on the road, the amazing Wendy and Lisa albums, and so much more. It's a purple-licious show, but with the focus on the ladies.…

1
10-21-2025 - Free 4 All: What Do U Want From the Estate? 2:11:30

2M ago2:11:30

2:11:30

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland discuss what the Prince Estate is planning to release. We also discuss the user wish list and expectations around releases and what they want to see. A very lively discussion filled with hopeful, but realistic banter.By Funkatopia

1
Danny Bedrosian - Prince's Controversy - D'Angelo 2:35:48

3M ago2:35:48

2:35:48

Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland sit down with Parliament Funkadelic's keyboardist Danny Bedrosian to discuss his new book covering P-Funk's 1975 where they dropped Chocolate City, Let's Take it to the Stage, and Mothership Connection. Then we reflect on the passing of D'Angelo and look back at his legacy. Then we close it up celebrating the 44th …

1
09-30-2025 Purple Artifact Show 2:23:50

3M ago2:23:50

2:23:50

Mr. Christopher and NPG legend Michael Bland welcome Eric Rogers of the Paisley 5 & Dime, an online purple auction house and community that specializes in Prince memorabilia and artifacts. We'll show and discuss some of the most rare items from Prince's long and storied career.By Funkatopia

1
The 20 Best Debut Albums Free 4 All (09-23-2025) 2:29:31

3M ago2:29:31

2:29:31

Mr. Christopher and NPG legend Michael Bland to showcase their 20 favorite debut albums from a wide variety of music styles. Funk, neo-soul, rock, and more are all celebrated in this temporary visit into the music minds of the Funkatopia Live crew.By Funkatopia

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

3M 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
Free 4 All w/ Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland (09-09-2025) 2:18:43

4M 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
Interview: Tommy Barbarella 1:38:07

4M 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
Interview - Photographer Allen Beaulieu 2:00:04

5M 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
Interview: Jesse Johnson - The Final Interview 3:13:01

5M 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
Interview: Guitarist Mike Scott 1:47:10

5M 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
Interview: Maya McClean 1:34:43

6M 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
Interview: Jerry Hubbard 2:15:10

6M 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
Interview: The Time Band 1:26:24

6M 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
Interview: Mohini Dey (Interview Only) 1:08:07

7M 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
2025 Prince Celebration Recap 2:49:57

7M 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
Interview: The Family (St. Paul Peterson, Jerome Benton, Jellybean Johnson, Susannah Melvoin, and Eric Leeds) PLUS Morris Hayes & Tony M (NPG) 2:59:15

7M 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
Free 4 All with Philip Lasiter, Shelby J, and Damon D 2:11:50

7M 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
Interview: Fred Wesley 1:04:09

8M 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

8M 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
Interview: Tower of Power Drummer David Garibaldi 1:34:21

8M 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
40 Years of Prince's Around the World in a Day & 9 Years After Prince's Transition 2:45:54

8M 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
Interview: Bassist Mononeon 1:06:10

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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
Interview: Thomas Dolby 1:31:27

9M 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
Funkatopia Free 4All with Mr. Christopher and Michael Bland 2:39:31

10M 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
Interview - Matt "Dr." Fink 1:50:06

10M 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

1
Michael Bland Free 4 All: Netflix Prince Doc, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Record Store Day and More 2:06:50

11M ago2:06:50

2:06:50

Michael Bland returns to Funkatopia Live to discuss more on the cancelled Netflix Prince documentary, the 2025 nominations for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, plus other highly notable bands that still haven't been nominated. PLUS. we also discuss the new list for Record Store Day 2025 and much more.…

1
Interview: Patavian and Danny Bedrosian of Parliament Funkadelic 1:28:56

11M ago1:28:56

1:28:56

Mr. Christopher sits down with Patavian and Danny Bedrosian of George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic as they release Patavian's new album The Red Balloon. Patavian is the granddaughter of funk icon George Clinton and is married to long time Parliament Funkadelic keyboardist Danny Bedrosian. We discuss her family history, her poetry used for this alb…

1
40th Anniversary of Jesse Johnson's Revue with Jesse Johnson 2:53:09

11M ago2:53:09

2:53:09

Jesse Johnson returns to Funkatopia to help Mr. Christopher celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jesse Johnson's Revue. Jesse breaks down the history, the stories behind each track, instruments being used, and so much more including his take on the Netflix Prince documentary cancellation.By Funkatopia

1
Michael Bland Free 4 All 1:15:34

11M ago1:15:34

1:15:34

NPG drummer Michael Bland returns to Funkatopia to discuss the cancellation of the Netflix Prince documentary, Kendrick Lamar's Superbowl performance and more.By Funkatopia

1
Mr. Christopher's Grammy Getdown 2:02:53

11M ago2:02:53

2:02:53

Mr. Christopher sits down with Funkatopians to chat about the 2025 Grammys including the highlights and lowlifes. Prince's Lifetime Achievement Award, Quincy Jones tribute, Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. announcement regarding the inclusivity changes and overhaul of the Grammy electorate, the big winners and losers, and much more. Also, upcoming event…

1
Interview: D'Vibes (Watermelon Funk) 1:12:29

12M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

Mr. Christopher sits down with Deshawn D'Vibes Alexander of Watermelon Funk to discuss his beginnings, his work with Kingfish, the origin of Watermelon Funk, their journey, and the DNA they share with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Adam Shmeeans Smirnoff (Lettuce Guitarist) 40:57

12M ago40:57

40:57

Mr. Christopher sits down with Lettuce guitarist Adam Smirnoff aka Shmeeans. We discuss the origins of Lettuce, their creation process, Live in Tokyo, Prince, bootleggers, and so much more.By Funkatopia

1
12-31-2024 - A Funkatopia New Years Eve Hang 4:57:20

1y ago4:57:20

4:57:20

Mr. Christopher and special guests ring in 2025 with the longest Funkatopia Live show on record at 5 hours. We talk about what was wrought in 2024, upcoming Prince events, and we also welcome Eric Rogers (Paisley 5 and Dime), Eric Leeds, Greg Boyer, Damon Dickson, Sheila from the Brides of Funkenstein, DuJuan Elliot of the Blackshires, and TC Ellis…

1
Interview: Sharon L Nelson 1:37:09

1y ago1:37:09

1:37:09

Mr. Christopher sits down with Prince's sister Sharon L Nelson to discuss her childhood, the lineage, being Prince's sister, and her new book When It Rains, It's Purple.Note: Sharon had to join via a 3rd party bluetooth connection, so her audio is hot. Apologies that we couldn't resolve her technical issues beforehand.…

1
Interview: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie 49:02

1y ago49:02

49:02

Mr. Christopher interviews legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie who is the most recorded drummer in history being on over 4000 albums including Miles Davis, Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and many others. We talk about his career, his style, and book.By Funkatopia

1
Mr. Christopher's Birthday Bash 2:35:16

1y ago2:35:16

2:35:16

Mr. Christopher celebrates his birthday with a BUNCH of special guests including St. Paul Peterson, Duane Tudahl, Ashley Tamar Davis, Gilbert Davison, Atlanta Bliss, Sheila Horne, Mayte Garcia, Dawn Silva and Sheila Brody-Head Amuka (Brides of Funkenstein), Mic Murphy (The System), Mychael Gabriel (Sheila E), and Tori Ruffin (The Time, Freakjuice).…

1
Interview: George Porter Jr. (The Meters) 1:02:26

1y ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Mr. Christopher sits down with funk bass legend George Porter Jr., co-founder of The Meters to discuss his lifetime of work and a brand new album with his band The Running Pardners.By Funkatopia

1
Interview: Matt Blistan aka Atlanta Bliss 2:27:21

1y ago2:27:21

2:27:21

We sit down with Matt Blistan aka Atlanta Bliss where we discuss his work starting as Prince's first trumpet player and performing on Parade, Sign O' the Times, Lovesexy, and many more. Plus the release of his brand new book Mind, Body, Trumpet.By Funkatopia

1
Full Interview: Michael Bland - Love Symbol Album Chat 3:11:43

1y ago3:11:43

3:11:43

NPG drummer Michael Bland joins Mr. Christopher to break down Prince's Love Symbol album track by track. But as always, we have MANY stories and funky rabbit holes including a discussion on Questlove, Canadian funk nights, and much more.By Funkatopia

1
Cat Glover Tribute and Soundstage 2:07:09

1+ y ago2:07:09

2:07:09

We chat about the passing of the iconic dancer Cat Glover and her work with Prince on Sign O' the Times and Lovesexy and welcome special guest Michael Dean from Podcast Juice who extensively interviewed her twice. Then we share 7 tracks of new funk music artists that we feel should be added to your playlist. NOTE: There is an 8 minute tribute video…

1
Interview: Sheila Brody-Head aka Amuka 1:55:22

1+ y ago1:55:22

1:55:22

We interview Sheila Brody-Head aka Amuka and Sheila Horne from the Brides of Funkenstein, P-Funk All Stars, Public Enemy, and more. She shares deep stories of George Clinton, the Brides, Chuck D and Public Enemy, Bootsy Collins, and so much more.By Funkatopia

1
The Prince Documentary Discussion Show 1:42:39

1+ y ago1:42:39

1:42:39

Mr. Christopher breaks down the Ezra Edelman Netflix Prince documentary The Book of Prince. We discuss what we know so far about the 9 hour documentary including the content, the objections of the Prince Estate, the potential damage it could cause the Prince legacy, the stories of abuse and neglect, and so much more.…