Best The Robert Hooks Show Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 480 Paul Irmiter (local filmmaker) 1:04:58

14h ago1:04:58

1:04:58

MN filmaker Paul Irmiter (39 Seconds) joins us to talk process, story and many other fascinating facets of filmaking. Hit latest full-length documentary '39 Seconds' tell the very little-known story of a man who many considered the greatest baseball player of his generation. It's an incredible story, and the story about making this film is also ver…

1
Ep 479 Edie Rae 1:09:17

6d ago1:09:17

1:09:17

Edie Rae (The Edie Rae Band, The deLinda's, etc) makes her inaugural visit to the SmartStart MN studio! From humble beginnings in Spread Eagle, WI, she brings a lifetime of songwriting, storytelling and a fierce love of the Twin Cities music community to the conversation. She runs her own record label, is bringing out a MN Music themed cookbook, an…

1
Ep 478 Breanne Marie (of Breanne Marie and the Front Porch Sinners) 57:14

14d ago57:14

57:14

What exactly is a front porch sinner? You'll just have to listen to find out. This outstanding Duluthian band has a new album coming out soon...if only enough people kick on their Kickstarter campaign. https://tinyurl.com/525yusfk We had a great conversation with Breanne and found out why she's so passion about their music AND she shared secret pla…

1
Ep 477 Youa Vang 59:10

15d ago59:10

59:10

Our old friend, Youa Vang stopped by to share what she's working on at the Ramsey County Historical Society and of course her amazing cross-stitch work with her sister. Third Daughter, Restless Daughter work can be found at 3drdcrafts.com and on all the socials. See them at Art-A-Whirl this year. We love Youa!…

1
Ep 476 Chris Mozena & Ira Ford (Hook & Ladder Bong Show 4/20) 56:11

18d ago56:11

56:11

This Sunday may be Easter, but it's also 4/20!! Chris Mozena, Executive Director of the Hook & Ladder, tells us all about the annual ZEN20 celebration. Stoner bingo, live music (dosh!!!) and a coule rounds of The Bong Show, hosted by local comedian Ira Ford. Tune in turn on and turn out this Sunday for this highest of holidays! Cheers!!…

1
475 Matthew French 52:49

22d ago52:49

52:49

Matthew French comes back to the 'cast and opens up a vein! We go unexpectedly deep on his journey with mental health. We also hear three songs from his new full length "Circles', which is largely informed by his aforementioned journey. The new album streams everywhere May 1st. You can also check him out live in Duluth on 4/27. Find out more at mfr…

1
Ep 474 Drew Peterson (40 Watt Bulb) 50:30

28d ago50:30

50:30

These days, Drew Peterson is a solo artist, but he used to be the main man behind Midwestern greats 40 Watt Bulb. This Friday (4/11) at the Hook and Ladder, Drew and company will be playing 40 Watt's debut release 'Shovel's Length Short' in it's entirety to celbrate the 21st anniversay of that release. We talk life in rural Minnesota, on the road a…

1
Ep 473 Ryan Robert Nelson (Actor, Improvisor, Writer, singer) 1:01:20

30d ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Ryan Robert Nelson joined us on today's show! You've seen him in local TV commericals, in local productions for many years at Brave New Workshop and Yellow Tree Theater and now Ryan joins us to talk to us about his current project, the Folsom Prison Experience and original Johnny Cash tribute show that is touring and will arrive at the Fitzgeral th…

1
472 Martin Devaney 55:04

1M ago55:04

55:04

It's the return of the Unofficial Mayor of St. Paul! Once again, Martin Devaney is back in the SmartStartMN Studio. We talk about his latest release, Blueprint For A Ghost, and his upcoming gigs. I'm glas Martin is a friend of the show. Enjoy!

1
Ep 471 Local author Scott Berndt 56:52

1M ago56:52

56:52

This time, we are joined by MN author Scott Berndt. His book John Cleese Saved My Life...and Other True Tales of Pop, Politics and Prayer is an illuminating look at the intersection of Life, Music and Perspective. A very thoughtful man with great taste in music. Enjoy!

1
Ep 470 Jim Meyer 1:04:55

1M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Reknowned MN music writer Jim Meyer joins to talk about the halcyon days of writing about the scene for City Pages. We also cover his time at the Minnesota Daily, The Star Tribune, writing for a major record retailer and more. After a twenty year absence from music journalism he's back on Substack. We cover a lot of ground and he chose some excelle…

1
Ep 469 Kung Fu Hippies (Chad Whitaker) 49:50

1M ago49:50

49:50

Chad Whittaker (Kung Fu Hippies) is back! Kung Fu Hippies are also back with a brand new album 5+ years in the making. 'North' will be released Friday March 28, and their massive album release extravaganza will happen the following night at Bunker's. The new songs sound great! Just listen for yourself. Enjoy!…

1
Ep 468 Keri Noble and Matt Patrick 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

Yay! It's the return of my dear, dear friend Keri Noble! She just recorded a brand new album in a highly unothodox manner. She brought along Matt Patrick (The Library Recording Studio) who helped her with this unlikely, yet wonderful project. We also debut three brand new songs! This one warmed my heart. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!…

1
Ep 467 Cosgrove (The All Irish Show) 1:30:01

2M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

John Cosgrove joined us for the All Irish edition of the show in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Always great craic with Johnny! Enjoy the tunes and the cheeky banter.

1
Ep 466 Mike Michel (The Orange Goodness & Indie Rock Den) 54:14

2M ago54:14

54:14

Mike Michel is more than the main brain behind the band The Orange Goodness. He's also a frequent musical collaborator, educator and a wealth of musical knowledge and good stories. His Indie Rock Den series (think School Of Rock for adults) has an upcoming showcase and is taking applicants for the next series. Enjoy!…

1
Ep 465 Dylan Hicks 55:57

2M ago55:57

55:57

This time Dylan Hicks stops by to talk about the life and times of...Dylan Hicks. We also cover his upcoming show at the Dakota with Sarah Morris, and hear plenty of his music. Enjoy!

1
Ep 464 Elizabeth Ghandour from ELOUR 1:02:35

2M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

We were joined by Elizabeth Ghandour from the band ELOUR. She's the main singer and songwriter for the band. This was a band stumbled into at The Big Turn festival a couple of weeks ago and we knew we had to have her on. She plays one live and a couple off of her last album. Shows coming up. Check your local listings.…

1
Ep 463 Turn Turn Turn (Adam Levy & Barb Brystad-Sans Savannah Smith 1:02:54

2M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Two-thirds of Turn Turn Turn stopped by to premier their new song "Hungry Ghosts", which is being released on Friday, February 298th. Lovely conversation with Adam and Barb. Enjoy!

1
Ep 462 Sean's review of Big Turn Music Festival 44:45

2M ago44:45

44:45

Sean and his wifey went to the Big Turn Music Festival this last weekend. He reviews the entire weekend and picked some songs that he absolutely loved on trip. Please subscribe and share.

1
Ep 461 Karan Casey (Zoom interview from Cork Ireland) 58:39

3M ago58:39

58:39

The lovely and fierce Karan Casey spent an hour with us today to discuss her music which is rooted in passion and social justice. She's performed with James Taylor, The Dubliners, The Chieftain's and many others. She'll be performing at Celtic Junction in St. Paul on March 16th and tickets are still available. Slainte'!…

1
Ep 460 Pam Linton 1:07:06

3M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Minnesota's own Pam Linton joined us to talk about her life as a country music performer, her life with country star Sherwyn Linton and her upcoming CD release party of "Songs of the Carter Family" on March 14th at Crooner's Supper Club in Fridley. Get tickets before they're gone!

1
Ep 459 Michael Anschel OA Design Build Architecture 1:06:38

3M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Our dear friend and sponsor, Michael Anschel of OA Design, Build, Architecture joined us to let out some frustration about the current administration and to give some hope for our entire nation. We talk Super Bowl halftime show, his fantastic business and so much more. Enjoy!

1
ep 458 Sarah Morris & Doug Collins "Family Dinner" at The White Squirrel 1:02:03

3M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Sarah Morris and Doug Collins treated us to three live songs in the SmartStartMN studio. We shared "Plinko" stories, "petting the Ginko" and much much more. They are both old friends of the show, so this one is particularly silly. They will be at the White Squirrel the last Wednesday of every month until the end of time. Enjoy!…

1
Ep 457 RIP Rob Sheeley 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

Friend of the show, Ric Menck, joins us to pay tribute to Rob Sheeley. Rob was many things throughout his life, but probably best known as the proprietor and spritual core of the the Hopkins record store, Mill City Sound. We talk about the man and play some of his favorite songs. Enjoy!

1
Ep 456 Bicycle 48:15

3M ago48:15

48:15

It's going to be close to 50 degrees in Minneapolis today. Sean has a hankerin' for a bike ride. That's today's theme. Enjoy!

1
Ep 455 Brian is back! 42:22

3M ago42:22

42:22

Brian is back from an illness. He talks about it on the show and his path moving forward. You'll hear some great tunes...a few tears from both of us, and some hope!

1
Ep454 Julius Collins (Greazy Meal, Dr. Mambo's Combo, Prince Tributes & More)! 1:07:10

4M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

My dear friend, Julius Collins comes out swinging! We talk about the Trumpster fire, what's wrong and right with America. Vikings intergenerational heartbreak. And, Juice picks some outstanding tunes, from Greazy Meal to Prince, to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Check out his Marvin Gaye tribute at the historic Capri Theatre on the North Side in Fe…

1
Ep 453 John Cosgrove (Cover Songs) 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

John Cosgrove (our Irish brother) talked about his Minnesota connections traveling to Ireland. We talked a bit about what the Irish think about our recent election and John and I share many cover songs and why we love it when an artist makes the cover their own. Enjoy the craic!

1
Ep 452 John Cosgrove (Accents) 58:52

4M ago58:52

58:52

Our good friend John Cosgrove joined as co-host today. John is from near northern Ireland and he shared a bevy of great stories about growing up in Ireland and we focused the music around the trend of performers singing with their original accents, instead of trying to sound American. We had a blast!…

1
Ep 451 Katy Vernon Co-host 2 1:01:24

4M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Katy Vernon is back to talk about her music, music she loves and about her version of spirituality and so much more. Enjoy! Help her fund the new Favourite Girl album by going to GoFundMe.com and searching "Favourite Girl" (in that funky English spelling.

1
Ep 450 Katy Vernon Co-host 58:11

4M ago58:11

58:11

Katy Vernon was on the show. We talked a ton about her new music with her band, Favourite Girl and upcoming events like the Women's March and an event at White Squirrel. We added a dose of recovery and mental health solutions as well. Enjoy!

1
Ep 449 Front Row Paul 2025! 50:35

4M ago50:35

50:35

You say you want a resolution, well, ya know... Front Row Paul is back as co-host and this time we talk about what he's looking forward to in 2025, live shows, golf and giving back. He pulled some great tunes for this show. Enjoy!

1
Ep 448 Front Row Paul (Engebretson) 55:04

4M ago55:04

55:04

Are you kidding me? Front Row Paul was on the show with me today, filling in as co-host while Brian is out. We talked about the history of FRP and how he fell in love with music, a little politics and even some golf. Enjoy!

1
Ep 447 Aaron Seymour 2024 YIR and 2025 Early Look 1:06:58

4M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Aaron Seymour joins the Brian Oake Show once again. This time he highlights his favorite songs and shows of 2024 and previews his hopes and fears of 2025. Enjoy!

1
E 446 Aaron Seymour Christmas 1:00:30

4M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

You may remember him from such bands as The Widgets, The Delilahs or even Bleek & Grimm. I know him as Aaron Seymour, international man of mystery. Aaron and I played some of our favorite Christmas tunes and told stories of getting the gifts we almost wanted as children. Thanks to Aaron for co-hosting. We're all hoping Brian is on the mend and will…

1
Ep 445 Doug Collins Christmas 46:48

5M ago46:48

46:48

Doug Collins co-hosted the show again and we talked about Christmas past and present, but ignored the future. He picked some great tunes and shared some great stories. Enjoy!

1
Ep 444 Doug Collins (Co-host!) 55:42

5M ago55:42

55:42

Doug Collins came in to co-host the Brian Oake Show. Brian is out with an illness. Please send good vibes his way. We talked about the passing of the incredible Slim Dunlap. We also talked about the year that was 2024 and what Doug has coming up in 2025. Enjoy!

1
Ep 443 Lizz Winstead 52:27

5M ago52:27

52:27

Lizz Winstead! Lizz mother-effin' Winstead was on the show today to promote Vajamma Party at the Parkway Theater and her year in review show (year 15 and it's fantastic). We'll link to tickets in the promos. Great conversation and a GIGANTIC holiday food tip!

1
Ep 442- Ben Cook-Feltz Holiday Spectacular! 44:11

5M ago44:11

44:11

Our good friend, Ben Cook-Feltz stopped by to bring us some holiday cheer with some of the great tunes off his Merry BCF-ing Christmas album. He's doing a show with special guests this Sunday, 18/8 from 2pm-4ish on Sunday at the Cedar Cultural Center. This is a kid-friendly show. It all benefits the Rein In Sarcoma foundation. Cheers!…

1
Ep 441 Ed Cohen from SmartStartMN (Thanksgiving 2024) 47:48

5M ago47:48

47:48

Our good friend, Ed Cohen from SmartStartMN joined us to talk about Thanksgiving and Ikesgiving at First Avenue on Wednesday night. Christ Costello, The Delilah's and then Ike will perform. Great music and great conversation. What are you thankful for this year?

1
Ep 440 5 Year Anniversary Show LIVE from HiFI Hair & Records MPLS 55:16

6M ago55:16

55:16

We did the show live for the very first time. We were at HiFi Hair & Records and our friend Jon Clifford hosted the whole shindig. Thank you again to SmartStartMN.com/thebrianoakeshow and OADesignbuild.com for sponsoring. Thanks to Ben & Aaron from Fairwell Milwaukee and Molly Maher & Steve from Molly Maher & Her Disbelievers for performing. We tru…

1
Ep 439 Ben Lubeck & Aaron Markson from Fairwell Milwaukee 48:07

6M ago48:07

48:07

Ben Lubeck and Aaron Markson of the band Farewell Milwaukee join us in anticipation of their Brian Oake Show 5 year anniversary performance at HiFi Hair & Records this Thursday at 5pm. They perform two songs in this episode that are not to be missed. Please subscribe and share. Thanks!

1
Ep 438 Molly Maher 52:44

6M ago52:44

52:44

Local music legend Molly Maher joins us this week AND! joins us one week from tonight to perform at our 5 Year Anniversary show for the podcast. It's free!! Find out everything you need to know and learn much more about this fascinating performer on this episode. Cheers!

1
Ep 437 Jon Clifford HiFi Hair & Records 51:41

6M ago51:41

51:41

Woo Hoo! The 5th annivesary of our show is next week! It's free event , and filled with excellent music. It's happening early at Hi-Fi Hair and Records, so who better to check in with than our dear friend Jon Clifford!?! This is a fun one. Oh, we may have said a few things about it being election day...Enjoy!!…

1
436 Jillian Rae 54:25

6M ago54:25

54:25

This time, Jillian Rae! She has a new Halloween single and a big video release show this Thursday at Icehouse. She's freaking rad. Listen learn, and enjoy!

1
Ep 435 Northwoods Goth 54:42

6M ago54:42

54:42

Allow us to introduce you to Nothwoods Goth. Founders Katie Shapiro and Laura Menck join us to talk about this very Minnesotan entrepreneurial endeavor. Moody, homey and maybe just a little spooky, this is a company that's got my attention. Enjoy!

1
Ep 434 Jayce Roberts - The Driftless Area 52:47

6M ago52:47

52:47

This episode, our guest is Jayce Roberts of the MN band The Driftless Area. We talk about the band, their latest release (Terminal Moraine) and upcoming opportunities to enjoy the music live. Enjoy!By The Brian Oake Show

1
Ep 433 Gretchen and Lisa from Prairie Fire Choir 53:09

7M ago53:09

53:09

Welcome back! Today, we talk to Gretchen Gallagher and Lisa Mulcahy-Heyman, co-directors of the board for an amazing local non-profit choral celebration, Prairie Fire Choir. An amazing ensemble of like minded individuals who all believe that social justice is just as importand as an evening's entertainment. They have two more performances befor the…

1
Ep 432 Katy Tessman and Gilda's Club MN 49:38

7M ago49:38

49:38

Our old friend Katy Tessman joins us with Shaunequa James and Gina Parker from Gildasclubmn.org to discuss their fantastic event that's happening Friday October 18th at IcehouseMPLS (add a dot com to that to get tickets). Laura Hugo will be peforming right before Katy Tessman performs. Proceeds all go to Gilda's Club in Minnesota. It's a terrific o…

1
Ep 431 Jeffrey Morris 1:09:43

7M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

It had been too long! Writer, producer, director and all-around creative wrangler Jeffrey Morris is back. Once again, he shares his love of 80s music and also his insatiable love of Sc-Fi. He's working on publications, two AMAZING documentaries and a major motion picture. He's so clever and kind. I recommend giving this one a listen. Cheers!…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Robert Hooks Show Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen