Best Jake Gillis Podcasts (2025)

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My Heart is in the East, But My Body is in the Far East: A Look at the Impact of Post-Army Travel w/ Professor Chaim Noy (Season 3 Finale) 37:22

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1d ago37:22

37:22

For so many young Israelis, finishing the army isn’t just the end of one chapter — it’s the beginning of another. Within weeks of trading uniforms for backpacks, thousands set off across South America, India, the Far East, or even closer to home, searching for freedom, identity, and sometimes a bit of healing. What is it about post-army travel that…

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Talkin' Rock with Par from Sabaton and Bilmuri 35:14

4d ago35:14

35:14

Two great guests...one mediocre podcast! On this episode of Talkin' Rock, Pär Sundström of Sabaton joins me first to talk about their upcoming album, Legends. They'll be touring the States and beyond in 2026. We also talk about their new record deal, breaking in America, history, and more. Next up, it's Johnny Franck. His "band" Bilmuri is pumping …

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Talkin' Rock with Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Return To Dust - RIFF FEST Episode 36:12

6d ago36:12

36:12

Over the weekend, WRIF hosted our annual Riff Fest at Pine Knob. I interviewed the three main stage bands before the show that night. Up first, it's Ben Burnley from Breaking Benjamin. Ben's fun to talk with. We discussed his influences, yacht rock, new BB music, his home studio, and more. Matt and Adam from Three Days Grace are next. It's the firs…

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Just Dance: Spreading Joy and Light Through Movement w/ DJ Raphi 47:50

8d ago47:50

47:50

Our guest has taken the Jewish music scene and social media feeds around the world by storm. DJ Raphi is more than just a DJ; he’s an entertainer, educator, and cultural innovator. With his high-energy mixes, choreographed dances, and viral videos, he’s managed to take Jewish tradition and give it a beat that resonates with a global audience. What …

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Talkin' Rock with Chris Daughtry and Yachtley Crew guitarist Tommy Buoy 27:24

10d ago27:24

27:24

It's Friday, and another episode of Talkin' Rock. Chris Daughtry is up first. Part 2 of Shock To The Stem dropped last week. We talk about that, including the latest single "The Bottom". We discuss playing in front of his peers, singing Journey with Joey Belladonna of Anthrax, and more. Tommy Buoy from Yachtley Crew is next to wrap up the episode. …

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Tremper's Guide to the Galaxy: Turning Strangers into Storytellers w/ Yair Agmon 31:15

14d ago31:15

31:15

In this episode of Sababoosh, we’re hitting the road with Yair Agmon. Yair is a writer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work captures the beauty and contradictions of Israeli life. You may know him from his show on Kan and his unforgettable short films, where everyday encounters turn into windows onto the soul of Israel. In this conversation, we’r…

1
Talkin' Rock with Billy Sheehan and Mike Krompass from The Fell, along with Jake Diab and Joe Coccimiglio from Autumn Kings 39:42

17d ago39:42

39:42

On this week's episode, I talk with Billy Sheehan and Mike Krompass from The Fell, along with Jake Diab and Joe Coccimiglio from Autumn Kings. The Fell is a band that Mike founded 10 years ago. They've dropped two singles, Killswitch and Face Out - the title track. They have an EP coming out in October, with the full-length album coming out in 2026…

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There's a New Hebrew in Town: The Evolution of an Ancient Language w/ Elon Gilad 36:40

20d ago36:40

36:40

In this episode of Sababoosh, we’re diving into the fascinating, quirky, and sometimes surprising world of the Hebrew language — from ancient roots to modern slang. Our guest, Elon Gilad, is a journalist, author, and language enthusiast whose work explores how Hebrew evolved , adapted, and reinvented itself over thousands of years. We’ll talk about…

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The Funeral Portrait on Talkin' Rock with Meltdown 31:15

1M ago31:15

31:15

It's great to reconnect with the guys from The Funeral Portrait. All the boys came by: singer Lee Jennings, guitarists Cody Weissinger and Caleb Freihaut, with bassist Robert Weston, and drummer Homer Umbanhower. Their album Greetings From Suffacate City is about to turn one on September 13th, and it's been a whirlwind year for the boys. From a tou…

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Talkin' Rock with Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson 34:04

1M ago34:04

34:04

Typically, when I post the artists I have on the show, I also include the band they're in. For this episode, that's not necessary. Up first, The Metal God, Rob Halford, joins me to talk all things Judas Priest, and their upcoming tour with Alice Cooper. He talks to me about his relationship with the theatrical legend. The topic of Ozzy's passing ca…

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Talkin' Rock with Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, and Dennis Dunaway from the Alice Cooper band 48:32

2M ago48:32

48:32

It's another two-for-one on Talkin' Rock! Up first, drumming legend, Mike Portnoy. He and Dream Theater are about to kick off their fall tour, with a stop at the Fox Theater on September 21st. We discussed his love for the Beatles, his relationship with Neil Peart, and the multiple bands he is a part of. He shared his thoughts on the passing of Ozz…

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Talkin' Rock with Tom Keifer and Night Ranger's Brad Gillis 57:27

2M ago57:27

57:27

An honor to have two of my faves on this week's episode of Talkin' Rock. Tom Keifer and Brad Gillis' music has been with me practically my whole life. Tom Keifer is up first. We discuss what's on tap for his band, with a date at the Royal Oak Music Theater on September 4th. What about new music? Tom answers that question, too. He also told me stori…

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Judaism in Color: Pluralism, Argument, and the Rise of Israeli Judaism w/ Hillel Israel CEO Rabbi Noga Brenner Samia 39:41

2M ago39:41

39:41

In this episode, we explore the rich and often overlooked middle ground of Jewish life in Israel—beyond the binary of Haredi and secular. Our guest, Rabbi Noga Brenner Samia, offers a deep and nuanced look at pluralism in Israeli society, where many are forging meaningful Jewish identities outside traditional categories. As the Executive Director o…

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Talkin' Rock with Steve Jones, Eric Martin, and Great White's Mark Kendall 1:05:16

2M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

It's a jammed-packed episode of the non-award-winning Talkin' Rock podcast. The legendary Steve Jones is up first to discuss his upcoming tour. He told me how much he loves touring with this band. We talked about the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, are there any "rock stars" left, and lots more. Really cool to talk with him for the first time. Mr. Big's …

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Internet Famous, Kibbutz Normal: Being Vulnerable, Raising Kids, and Staying Rooted when Millions are Following Along w/ Superstar Comic Artists Yehuda and Maya Devir 55:23

2M ago55:23

55:23

In this episode, we’re joined by two of the most beloved figures in Israeli pop culture — Maya and Yehuda Devir, the husband-and-wife illustrator duo behind One of Those Days, the wildly popular comic series that captures the ups, downs, and hilarity of everyday life. With over 9 million devoted followers around the world, Maya and Yehuda are the m…

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Remembering Ozzy Osbourne with David Ellefson on Talkin' Rock 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

This conversation began as a discussion about the Back To The Beginning concert. David and I recorded it on Monday afternoon, while he was doing some stuff in London. With the passing of Ozzy on Tuesday, I shelved it until now. David was kind enough to call in and talk about the Prince of Darkness on my show Tuesday, so I incorporated it into today…

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Drummer Tommy Clufetos Talks Back To The Beginning And More On Talkin' Rock 20:28

2M ago20:28

20:28

Always great to catch up with drummer Tommy Clufetos, and this time was no different. He played in Ozzy's band for the Back to the Beginning concert, so I had to ask him about that. I mean, the chance to play Ozzy's last concert is an unreal assignment. Tommy talked about being there with fellow Detroiter Chad Smith, who also played during the day.…

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All of the Above: Life as a Minority in Israel w/ Jonathan Elkhoury 54:07

3M ago54:07

54:07

🎉Sababoosh's 25th Episode🎉 In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Elkhoury—a gay, Christian, Lebanese-Israeli—to explore what it's like to hold multiple identities in an already complicated country. From his childhood as the son of a South Lebanon Army officer who fled to Israel, to his experiences navigating Israeli society as an Arab, a Chris…

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To Catch A Unicorn: Tech, Government, and the Age of AI w/ Lightricks Chief of Staff Aaron Kalman 43:24

3M ago43:24

43:24

Today, we're diving into one of Israel’s proudest and most fascinating exports: hi-tech innovation. From the invention of the USB drive to cutting-edge cybersecurity and mobile apps used worldwide, Israel has earned its nickname — the “Start-Up Nation.” But how did this tiny country, with limited natural resources and constant geopolitical tension,…

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Drumming Legend Vinny Appice and Jesse Leach from Killswitch Engage are on Talkin' Rock with Meltdown 54:00

3M ago54:00

54:00

Two great artists, one mediocre host - it's Talkin' Rock with Meltdown. I just realized I opened by saying this is "the final" episode of Talkin' Rock. That's because I'm on vacation next week. There will be more! Sometimes my brain doesn't work right when I'm staring down the barrel of 10 days off! Ok, here we go.... Up first, it's drumming legend…

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Talkin' Rock with Wolf Van Halen and John Jackson of the Bon Scott Estate 34:55

3M ago34:55

34:55

Wolfgang Van Halen returns to Talkin' Rock. We discuss is latest song and video, The End. It's horror-themed, so we had to talk about horror movies a little bit. He told me why he isn't going to the final Black Sabbath show, how he works on his music in the studio, and more. To close out the episode, it's John Jackson from the Bon Scott estate. It …

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Talkin' Rock with Creed's Scott Stapp, Eric Vanlerberghe from I Prevail, and Badflower's Josh Katz 47:19

3M ago47:19

47:19

It's a triple bill of singers on this episode of Talkin' Rock. Scott Stapp starts us off as he talks about Creed hitting the big stages again. He spoke about how it was for him personally and professionally. His latest solo album is stellar, and he just released a new single called 'Deadman's Trigger'. He says something cool is coming from the sing…

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Keeping the Doctor Away with Play: The Transformative Power of Bringing Together Kids and the Elderly w/ Gil Shliser 48:01

4M ago48:01

48:01

In a world that often keeps generations apart—in separate spaces, rhythms, and conversations—a quietly revolutionary Israeli TV show called שמונים וארבע / 4 + 80 asks: what if we brought them together? The show follows a beautiful experiment that pairs kindergartners with residents of retirement homes, creating a shared space for joy, curiosity, vu…

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Talkin' Rock with Avatar's Johannes Eckerström 34:16

4M ago34:16

34:16

It's always great to catch up with Johannes from Avatar. I think this is my third or fourth time interviewing him. Full disclosure: I'm an Avatar fan! Their new single “Captain Goat” is a wild ride—both musically and visually. The video dives deep into Greek and Norse mythology, Scandinavian folklore, and includes a very sexy siren (his words). “Wh…

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Talkin' Rock with Sammy Hagar, Doug Aldrich of the Dead Daisies, and Firehouse's Nate Peck 1:04:18

4M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Sammy Hagar is up first this week. His new song "Encore, Thank You, Goodnight" is out now. Sammy talks about the song, how it came to him in a dream, and why Wolfgang Van Halen didn't play on it. Sammy is really upfront and candid when he talks, which is appreciated. He also shared his thoughts on playing the last Ozzy/Black Sabbath show and the so…

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Talkin' Rock with Triumph's Gil Moore, Music Author Martin Popoff, and All Within My Hands director Renee Richardson 1:20:25

4M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

On this episode of Talkin' Rock, it's one rocker, an author, and the woman who runs Metallica's very successful All Within My Hands foundation. Up first, it's the legendary drummer Gil Moore of Triumph. The Magic Power - An All-Star Tribute To Triumph drops on June 6th, and it's packed with rock heavy hitters—Slash, Alex Lifeson, Dee Snider, Doroth…

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Talkin' Rock with Chris Jericho and In Theory's Mike Mostert 1:03:34

5M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Two great guests, one non-award-winning podcast! Chris Jericho is up first. The wrestling legend was in Detroit with his band Fozzy, as they celebrated 25 years. It was their final show on this run, and they chose District 142 to close it out. Of course, I had to ask him about the passing of wrestler Sabu. He told a story of the last time they conn…

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Koolulam and the Power of Collective Song w/ Co-Founder and CEO Michal Shahaf 42:27

5M ago42:27

42:27

When you think about what brings people together — across borders, languages, and beliefs — few forces are as powerful as music. And in a country as complex as Israel, the need for connection, empathy, and unity has never been greater. That’s where Koolulam comes in. Founded on the simple but radical idea that strangers singing together can shift h…

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Piggy D On Playing With Manson, Zombie, Horror, and More 37:02

5M ago37:02

37:02

I first met Piggy D at a stop at Pine Knob north of Detroit during the Rob Zombie 2018 tour. I was introduced to him through my friend, John 5. Right off the hop, I found him very easy to talk to. I was thrilled when he agreed to do Talkin' Rock. He's currently on tour, this time with Marilyn Manson. We talk about the differences between playing wi…

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Talkin' Rock with David Ellefson, Tom Hunting of Exodus, and Zouzou of Soraia 1:16:20

5M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

It's another jam-packed episode of Talkin' Rock with Meltdown. First up, it's David Ellefson. This guy has so many projects in the works, but I thought we'd talk to discuss his documentary about the late Nick Menza. We got to that, but first, we talked about seeing Alice In Chains for the first time, and why he has so many projects. He said he just…

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Shtiesel's Universal Charm: Writing Ultra-Orthodox Characters for a Universal Audience w/ Co-Creator Yehonatan Indursky 43:06

5M ago43:06

43:06

In this episode, we dive into a part of Israeli society that is often seen but not always fully understood: the Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, community. In Israel, the relationship between Haredim and other sectors of society can be tense — shaped by deep differences in lifestyle, belief, and visions for the country's future. Too often, the Haredi wor…

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Guitarists Alex Lifeson of RUSH and Phil X are on Talkin' Rock 51:39

6M ago51:39

51:39

On this episode, two Canadian guitarists. Alex Liefson is first. The latest Envy of None album dropped last week. He talked about the album and his thoughts on solos - there are only a few on this record - and how he would describe the EON music, as well as working with Andy Curran on it. Of course, we talked RUSH. How was it to create with a guy l…

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Talkin' Rock with Zach Myers of Shinedown and the Legendary Ted Nugent 1:08:04

6M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Zach Myers and Ted Nugent join me for two completely different conversations this week on Talkin' Rock. Zach is up first, as he was in studio with me earlier this week promoting Shinedown's upcoming Dance, Kid, Dance tour this summer. With a couple of new songs out to wet the whistle of SD fans, he says the album is not close to being done. "We're …

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People of the Book: Inside Israel's National Library w/ Head of Collections Dr. Raquel Ukeles 39:56

6M ago39:56

39:56

In this episode, we journey into the heart of Israel’s cultural and intellectual heritage with a deep dive into the National Library of Israel. This institution isn’t just a repository of books—it’s a living archive of the Jewish people’s story, a keeper of memories that spans millennia. Here, ancient manuscripts and modern texts alike converge, pr…

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John 5 Returns To Talk KISS & More On Talkin' Rock 27:02

6M ago27:02

27:02

John 5’s KISS collection is next level—so much so that he’s opening it up to the public in May for a special museum-style walkthrough in Los Angeles. But don’t expect a little shrine in a basement somewhere. We’re talking full-blown KISS history from 1973 to 1983 when the band was under Bill Aucoin’s management and before they ditched the makeup fo…

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Rik Emmett of Triumph, Leigh Kakaty from Pop Evil, and Metal Shop host Charlie Kendall are on Talkin' Rock 1:32:21

7M ago1:32:21

1:32:21

It's a jam-packed episode of Talkin' Rock with three guests. Legendary Triumph frontman Rik Emmett is up first. His new book, Ten Telecators Tales drops on the 25th. He speaks about the book, why he wrote it, and more. We did talk about Triumph....the band's heyday, his strengths, and how I thought he never got the credit he deserved for his guitar…

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Talkin' Rock with Ghost's Tobias Forge and Billy Morrison 32:47

7M ago32:47

32:47

On this episode of Talkin' Rock, Tobias Forge - the man behind Ghost - is my first guest. The new album, Skeleta, drops on April 25th with a massive tour after that. One that includes playing the famous Madison Square Garden. He spoke with me about what a dream come true that is. Of course, we discuss the album and the new track, Satanized. The vid…

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Talkin' Rock with Wednesday 13 and Autumn Kings 49:06

7M ago49:06

49:06

Wednesday 13 starts us up on this episode. His new album, Mid Death Crisis, drops on April 25th. I had to get 13 on the show for a few reasons, including that he's a huge horror movie fan like myself. Yes, we did talk a little horror. I also wanted him to talk about the new album and tour. The first single, "When The Devil Commands" is a crunchy ho…

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Turning up the Radio: Israeli Music and Broadcasting Culture w/ Galgalatz Host Ahinoam Baer 43:35

7M ago43:35

43:35

In this episode of Sababoosh, we dive into the story of Galgalatz, Israel’s most popular radio station and a cultural powerhouse that has shaped the Israeli music scene for decades. Known for its eclectic mix of music, from local hits to global chart-toppers, Galgalatz serves as the soundtrack of daily life in Israel. We’ll explore how it became th…

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Guitar Legend Kenny Wayne Shepherd Returns To Talkin' Rock 26:54

7M ago26:54

26:54

I had a chance to talk with Kenny Wayne Shepherd about his upcoming 2025 Tour with Experience Hendrix, a fresh album with blues legend Bobby Rush, and the 30th anniversary of his breakout record, Ledbetter Heights. Oh, and let’s not forget his obsession with muscle cars. The Experience Hendrix Tour: A Shredder’s Dream KWS is heading back to Detroit…

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Bridging the Divide: Religion, Secularism, and Unity in Israel w/ Chairman of Tzohar Rabbi David Stav 38:41

8M ago38:41

38:41

In this episode of Sababoosh, Jake sits down with Rabbi David Stav, the chairman of Tzohar. They explore the complex relationship between secular and religious Jews in Israel, discussing key issues like marriage laws, Shabbat observance, and military service. Rabbi Stav offers insights into how Tzohar works to bridge these divides through inclusive…

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The Way with Dorothy on Talkin' Rock 22:46

8M ago22:46

22:46

What's better than talking to Dorothy? Talking to her on Valentine's Day! It was nice of the singer/songwriter to give me some time to talk about her upcoming album 'The Way'. The album comes out on March 14th, but the buzz is already building as she's released a few down-and-dirty blues-based rockers off of it. As far as the title is concerned, Do…

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Science, Innovation, and Academia at Ben-Gurion University w/ BGU President Professor Daniel Chamovitz 31:26

8M ago31:26

31:26

In this episode ofSababoosh, Professor Daniel Chamovitz, President of Ben-Gurion University, joins Jake for a conversation on the unique culture of higher education in Israel and specifically at Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Professor Chamovitz discusses the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion (DI), emphasizing how BGU serves a…

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Jimi Hendrix Catalog Director John McDermott is on Talkin' Rock 25:24

8M ago25:24

25:24

If you don't know John McDermott, he's been the guardian of Jimi Hendrix's musical legacy for nearly 30 years. He's the kind of guy with stories you can't Google, insights you can't fake, and a lot of passion for preserving one of rock's greatest icons. We talked about everything from Hendrix's unreleased gems to their upcoming Experience Hendrix t…

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Guitar Legend Marty Friedman is on Talkin' Rock 22:50

8M ago22:50

22:50

Marty Friedman is playing the Token Lounge on Friday, January 31st, but first, he spoke with me on numerous topics. His latest book is called Dreaming Japanese. In the book, he talks about the highs and lows of playing in a monstrous band like Megadeth, leaving and starting over in a foreign land. He said he read other autobiographies to give himse…

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Telling Israel's Story: The Power of Personal Stories w/ Israel Story’s Mishy Harman 46:31

8M ago46:31

46:31

In this episode of Sababoosh, Jake sits down with Mishy Harman, the master storyteller behind Israel Story, to explore the art of telling Israel’s story. Through his unique lens, Mishy shares how the microphone becomes a magic wand, giving voice to untold narratives and revealing the empathy and common threads that unite us all. From unexpected con…

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Hardy and Daughtry are on Talkin' Rock with Meltdown 31:51

8M ago31:51

31:51

Two gifted singer/songwriters are on Talkin' Rock this week. Up first it's Hardy. His new album "Live From Red Rocks" drops on February 7th. As he told me, it's a career-spanning live look at his career. We also talked about his early musical influences, which included a lot of nu-metal bands from the early 2000s. He also told me about one rock leg…

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John Gallagher of Raven Kicks Off 2025 on Talkin' Rock 28:42

9M ago28:42

28:42

Kicking off 2025 with an interview with John Gallagher of Raven. They have a new EP coming out on February 14th. It features five new songs and three live tracks, all from different decades. He told me about the songs, and one he said is the heaviest song Raven has ever done. John also told me they're well into working on new music, so it sounds li…

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Talkin' Rock with Ace Frehley, Bumblefoot, LYLVC, and Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl 1:27:16

10M ago1:27:16

1:27:16

It's another packed episode, thanks for listening! Ace Frehley starts us off. He's playing Soaring Eagle on the 29th, the last gig of the year for him. That show is with Stephen Pearcy of RATT. He told me he's working on his next album, Origins 3. We talked about the crazy drones flying around by his house. We also talked about the days of KISS and…

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Stand-Up Nation: The Rise of Israeli Stand-Up Comedy w/ Kobi Balulu 34:53

10M ago34:53

34:53

Join me for a hilarious and insightful conversation with Kobi Balulu, a talented Israeli stand-up comedian who has conquered stages both in Israel and England. In this episode, Kobi shares his unique perspective on the world of stand up comedy, discussing the cultural nuances and comedic challenges of performing in different countries. We delve int…