My Weekly Mixtape: Music Discovery & Nostalgia

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• Still Climbing: Tom Keifer of Cinderella Reflects on the Band’s Legacy & His Solo Career 28.06.2026 32Min.

  This week, we're revisiting my feature-length interview with Tom Keifer, legendary Cinderella frontman, as he reflects on the band's enduring legacy, his acclaimed solo career, and the challenges that nearly ended it.In this in-depth conversation, Tom shares the stories behind his critically acclaimed solo albums The Way Life Goes (2013) and Rise (2019), offering insight into his songwriting process, musical influences, and the transition from Cinderella frontman to solo artist. He also opens up about his long and difficult battle with vocal cord paralysis—a challenge that nearly ended his career—and the determination it took to rebuild his voice and return to the stage.We also dive into the story behind the 2017 re-recording of Cinderella's iconic hit "Nobody's Fool," featuring Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, along with so much more from across the Cinderella catalog and Tom's ongoing musical journey.Honest, thoughtful, and full of great stories, this conversation is a deep dive into resilience, reinvention, and legacy—or, as Tom would say—one for rock and roll.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Laurie Berkner on Children’s Music and the Strange Reality of an Audience That Keeps Growing Up 21.06.2026 57Min.

  There’s a moment every parent (or anyone who’s been around kids long enough) recognizes — a song that gets played over and over again… and somehow doesn’t wear out its welcome. That space — where something clicks for kids and doesn’t lose the room for the adults — is harder to pull off than it sounds. And it’s exactly where Laurie Berkner has lived for decades.This week, she joins me to talk about her new album, Walking With The Penguins — her first full collection of original songs in five years — and what it actually takes to make music that connects with kids without ever talking down to them.We get into the push and pull behind songs that invite movement (especially when kids are being told to sit still), how interactivity becomes part of the songwriting itself, and why the best children’s music often works on a level that goes way beyond what people expect.But what really stuck with me is something you don’t always think about — her audience is constantly changing. Kids grow up, new ones come in, and the cycle just keeps going. We talk about what that feels like as an artist… and what it means to create songs that live in someone’s earliest memories, even if they age out of them later.It’s a conversation about craft, longevity, and a kind of musical impact that doesn’t always get talked about enough.Photo Credit: Jayme Thornton🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Rachel Bolan Talks Gargoyle of the Garden State, Punk Attitude, and Writing Beyond Skid Row 14.06.2026 28Min.

  Most people remember their first concert. I’ve talked about mine more than a few times — David Lee Roth and Poison on the 1988 Skyscraper tour. But the second one hits differently for a lot of people.For me, it was Aerosmith and Skid Row on the Pump tour in 1990. I was 12, standing there completely wide-eyed, when Skid Row tore into “Piece of Me” and something just clicked — that bass line. That moment revealed how much attitude and power could live in the low end, and it played a big role in me picking up a bass.This week, I’m joined by Rachel Bolan of Skid Row to talk about his debut solo record Gargoyle of the Garden State. We get into the DNA of the album — how it leans into his punk influences while still reflecting decades of defining Skid Row’s sound — and what punk really means when you strip it down to attitude over genre. We also talk about creative freedom after years in a band with a defined identity, and what it means to step outside that without losing your voice.The conversation also covers collaboration, as Gargoyles features appearances from Corey Taylor, Nuno Bettencourt, Danko Jones, Steve Conte, Damon Johnson as well as contributions from fellow Skid Row bandmates — and how outside voices can either elevate a track or shift its intent. And, as a longtime obsession of mine, we dig into cover songs, ranging from Skid Row’s “Psycho Therapy” to Bolan’s take on Oasis’ “Rock & Roll Star,” and the balance between honoring an original and making it your own.A conversation about influence, identity, and the long arc of music that started with a bass line in 1990 that still echoes today.Photo Credit: Anabel DFlux🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Why Slow Covers Hit Harder: 10 Upbeat Songs Turned Ballads 08.06.2026 52Min.

  Upbeat dance classics, pop anthems and heavier rock songs give you one feeling — but what happens when you slow them down, strip them back, and see what lies beneath the surface? This week on My Weekly Mixtape, I explore why slow cover songs often hit harder than the originals, taking familiar pop, rock, and dance hits and reshaping them into something far more intimate.Across 10 mellow cover versions, I look at how tempo, space, and vocal delivery can completely transform the meaning of a song you thought you already knew. Does a feel-good pop anthem still work when it’s turned into a ballad? Can slowing things down turn energy into vulnerability, or nostalgia into an emotional gut punch?Whether it’s the power of hearing lyrics without a driving beat, revisiting songs from a different stage of life, or discovering new emotional weight in familiar words, this episode dives into how slowed-down covers create intimacy, expose hidden emotion, and in some cases become the definitive version.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• The Best Dance Songs of the Last 25 Years (2000–2025): 10 Timeless Club Classics 31.05.2026 46Min.

  Can you narrow 25 years of dance classics into 10 songs? Nice try if you say it's easy!This week, Jay Sweet joins me to dive into the tracks that kept crowds moving from the early 2000s straight through today — ten songs that shaped twenty-five years of parties, playlists, wedding receptions, late-night drives, and every moment in between.We’re looking at the hooks, the beats, and the cultural waves that turned these songs into staples, exploring how dance music evolved over the last quarter century. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or discovering these eras for the first time, this countdown is your guided tour through twenty-five years of pure energy.Get ready to hit the dance floor with two guys who couldn't dance if we tried!🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Rush Deep Cuts: Uncovering 15 Hidden Gems to Celebrate The Band's Fifty Something Tour 25.05.2026 53Min.

  Is there such a thing as a Rush deep cut? To the diehards, absolutely not — but that shouldn’t stop us from trying! As the band gears up for their long-anticipated Fifty Something anniversary tour, I am throwing back to an episode where I was the guest, and joined Steve & Gerry on the Something For Nothing: A Rush Fancast.In this discussion, we set out to celebrate the overlooked corners of one of the most iconic catalogs in rock history, and wrack our brains to come up with five not-so-popular-but-definitely-should-be Rush songs each — tracks that may not dominate classic rock radio but reveal the band’s depth, ambition, and evolution.No hits. No concert staples. From early prog explorations to later-era experimentation, this episode dives into underrated Rush songs, forgotten fan favorites, and deep album cuts that showcase the brilliance of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. Whether it’s intricate musicianship, storytelling, or emotional weight hiding beneath the surface, these songs remind us why Rush’s legacy continues to grow fifty years on.Whether you’re a lifelong Rush obsessive, gearing up to see them on this tour, or a newer listener curious about what lies beyond the hits, this episode is a love letter to Rush deep cuts — the riffs, the risks, and the moments that still reward close listening decades later.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Something Good Waiting Down This Road: 10 Tom Petty Songs To Fuel Your Road Trip 17.05.2026 43Min.

  Few artists soundtrack the open road quite like Tom Petty. From radio-dominant anthems to overlooked gems hiding deeper in the catalog, his songs feel engineered for long stretches of highway, glowing dashboards, and miles that slip by unnoticed.This 10-song Tom Petty road trip playlist brings together the familiar hits you instinctively reach for and the lesser-known tracks that hit just as hard. It’s the natural extension of the idea I first teased in my “Moonlit Miles: 10 After-Hours Songs to Fuel That Solo Late-Night Drive” episode — trading isolation for motion, and reflection for momentum.Whether you’re driving solo after dark, chasing daylight across state lines, or just craving music that understands the pull of freedom and restlessness, this mix is built for the journey. Press play, settle in, and let Mr. Petty handle the miles.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Kenny Wayne Shepherd: 30 Years of Ledbetter Heights and the Road He’s Traveled 10.05.2026 32Min.

  Thirty years after Ledbetter Heights first introduced Kenny Wayne Shepherd to the world, we circle back — not just to revisit the songs, but to understand what happens when you’ve lived with them for decades. From the raw instinct of a 17-year-old finding his voice to the perspective that only time, touring, and life can bring, this conversation digs into how those early recordings hold up — and where they’ve evolved.We get into the musicians behind the music — both then and now — and the subtle ways one can reshape something familiar without breaking what made it connect in the first place.There’s a closer look at how certain songs have grown onstage, why some moments are better left live, and what it means to revisit that youthful energy all these years later.And for anyone who found their way in through “Deja Voodoo,” “Born With A Broken Heart” or “Why We Cry,” or has spent years with the entire album in rotation, this discussion is about more than just a milestone — it’s about how music lives within us, and why some records never really leave us.Photo Credit: Jim Arbogast🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Mixtape Moment: The Day I Almost Backed Into B.B. King and His Legendary Guitar Lucille 07.05.2026 10Min.

  Working in network radio in the early 2000s was a nonstop rollercoaster—long, unpredictable hours, the constant pressure of a 24/7 operation, and a news cycle that could reshape your entire life in an instant. But on the flip side, it also meant crossing paths with the biggest names in music, movies, and television as they moved through studios to appear on stations across the country.This is one of those moments.It’s the story of my brush with greatness—the time I almost backed into B.B. King, who happened to be moving between studios holding his guitar, Lucille. What happened next was a split second interaction that I’ll never forget, and a reminder that legends don’t just exist on stage—they carry themselves that way in real life, too.B.B. King has always been a musical icon to me, but on this day in 2000, he became something more: a living legend, right in front of me.And Lucille was every bit as glorious in person as you could ever imagine.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Eva Under Fire’s Amanda Lyberg Gets “Villainous,” Embraces the Villain, and Redefines Identity 03.05.2026 35Min.

  It’s been a few years since Amanda Lyberg of Eva Under Fire last stopped by — and this time, the stakes feel different.This week, we dig into Villinous, a record that doesn’t just evolve the band’s sound, but reframes it — leaning hard into identity, perception, and what it really means to take back labels that were never meant to empower.A big part of that conversation centers around the title track, featuring Maria Brink of In This Moment — and how her presence doesn’t just elevate the song, but adds a whole new layer of intensity and perspective to its message.Across the album, you can hear the tension between individuality and expectation — how personal reflection collides with social media, pressure, and a world that rarely lets you slow down long enough to process any of it.We also get into the band’s sonic shift — what changed, what didn’t, and how those choices show up in the music — along with a really honest look at balancing life as both an artist and a therapist, and how that dual perspective shapes the songs in a way you might not expect.There’s a lot packed into this one — introspection, real-world perspective, and the kind of behind-the-scenes insight that gives these songs much more weight once you hear them.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Inside The Strike’s “Getaway”: Synths, Sax, and What Really Matters 26.04.2026 31Min.

  This week, I’m joined by Chris Crabb of The Strike — and we get into how a band built on ’80s new wave, synth pop, and yes, saxophone, turned “The Getaway” into a song that’s taken on a life of its own.From multiple versions on A Dream Through Open Eyes to a stripped-down take that’s now showing up in wedding first dances, we talk about how the same song can evolve — and what those reinterpretations reveal about it along the way.We also dig into the band’s sonic identity — how those throwback elements found their place in a modern mix — before jumping into “Famous,” a track that pairs bright, euphoric energy with a deeper look at fame culture, social media pressure, and what it actually means to be known.And then there’s “No Time To Waste,” which comes from a completely different headspace and rounds things out in a way that feels both urgent and reflective.It’s a conversation about sound, perspective, and how songs don’t always stay the same — even when the people behind them do.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• A Heavy 180: 10 Times Heavy Bands Took a Sharp Mellow Turn… and Nailed It 20.04.2026 47Min.

  Heavy bands are known for distortion, volume, and power — but every so often, they make a screeching pivot, turning the amps down and letting something quieter speak louder.This week, I dig into 10 moments where bands best known for crushing riffs, intense vocals, or sheer sonic force take a sharp left turn, stepping into mellow, stripped-down, or unexpectedly introspective territory.These are the songs that catch you off guard — be it the introspective lyrics, emotional musical pivots, and varying instrumentation that reveal a different dimension of bands you might not expect to tread in these musical waters.Because heaviness isn’t just about volume — sometimes it’s about the emotional core.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Your Next Favorite Band: 10 Underrated Acts You Need On Your Radar 12.04.2026 46Min.

  Discover your next favorite band on this week’s episode as I’m joined by Patreon Mixtaper Chad Lamasa to shine a light on 10 underrated artists who deserve way more attention. We’re digging into the kind of bands you stumble across and immediately start telling friends about — the ones flying just under the mainstream radar but making music that resonates as much, if not more, than artists that are already household names.Together, we discuss what makes these groups underrated, why they should already be on your radar, and how word of mouth still plays a huge role in discovering great new music.If you’re searching for emerging artists and bandsbefore everyone else catches on, and don’t want to rely on a streaming algorithm, this episode is built for you.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Beyond the Black (Album): 10 Metallica Songs That Define the Post-Thrash Era 05.04.2026 52Min.

  What's your goto post-black album Metallica track? Fans love to debate the band’s evolution, but one thing’s for sure: the post–Black Album era is packed with powerful, creative, and unfairly overlooked tunes.In this week’s episode, Zack Derby of The Neatcast joins me to dig deep into Metallica’s modern catalog—everything from the Load era through today—to spotlight 10 tracks that prove the band never stopped pushing forward.No covers. No live versions of old favorites. Just a curated set of original Metallica songs that highlight the riffs, grooves, songwriting, experimentation, and heavy energy that defined the band long after their classic thrash years.If you've ever heard someone say “Metallica hasn’t had a good song since the thrash era,” this mix is here to challenge that myth—10 times over. Tune in and explore the evolution of Metallica beyond the Black Album, one track at a time.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Alien Ant Farm’s Dryden Mitchell on 25 Years of ANThology and the Journey to “Reasons” 29.03.2026 39Min.

  This week, I’m joined by Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm to trace the band’s journey: from the early $100 EP and Love Songs recordings—when tracks like “S.S. Recognize” and “Wishing” were still finding their final form—to the tongue-in-cheek Greatest Hits release that arrived before the band had even broken nationally.From there, we dig into the era that launched the band worldwide: ANThology, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. Dryden reflects on the explosion of the band’s cover of “Smooth Criminal” (originally by Michael Jackson), the momentum behind songs like “Movies” & “Attitude,” and how hidden tracks like “Orange Appeal” managed to survive the jump from Cassette & CD era hidden-track Easter eggs to modern streaming.Along the way we talk about what it was like working with Dean DeLeo and Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots on TruANT, and dig into some deeper catalog moments: from the cult-favorite 3rd Draft tour CD release that became Up In the Attic, to the band’s evolving approach to album titles, long gaps between releases, and how those breaks shaped later records like Always & Forever and Mantras.And of course, we talk about what’s happening now: the upcoming ANThology anniversary vinyl release and the brand-new single “Reasons,” written by Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome—plus what fans can expect from the band’s next chapter.If you’ve been spinning Alien Ant Farm since the early-2000s radio days—or you’re just discovering the band—this one goes deep into the catalog, the stories, and the moments that shaped the band over the last 30 years!🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Let’s Get Weird: Jon “Bermuda”Schwartz on 45+ Years Behind the Kit For “Weird Al” Yankovic 22.03.2026 1Std. 38Min.

  There are certain artists who become part of the soundtrack to your life — and if you’re lucky, sometimes you get to sit down with the people responsible for it. This week, I’m joined by the man who has been keeping the beat behind “Weird Al” Yankovic for more than four decades: drummer Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz.From a chance meeting through the legendary Dr. Demento show and playing drums on an accordion case during the early recording of “Another One Rides The Bus,” to the moment MTV helped launch Weird Al into the pop culture stratosphere, Bermuda shares stories from inside one of the most unique careers in music.We dive into the evolution of Weird Al’s sound — including the shift from the raw production of the self-titled debut album to the hyper-accurate musical recreations heard on In 3D and beyond. Bermuda also breaks down how the band studies and reconstructs an artist’s style for spot-on parodies and style pastiches, including the Devo-inspired “Dare To Be Stupid.”Along the way, we talk about collaborations with the artists themselves — like the Dire Straits connection behind the “Money For Nothing / Beverly Hillbillies” parody from UHF, as well as working with Taylor Hanson, Dwezil Zappa and Ray Manzarek of The Doors, the musical puzzle of assembling Weird Al’s legendary polka medleys, and the full story behind the fan-favorite epic “Albuquerque.”Digging deeper, Bermuda reflects on the hardest drum sound he’s ever had to recreate for a song, whether a Weird Al Super Bowl Halftime Show has ever been discussed beyond social media, and his thoughts on if Mandatory Fun is truly Al’s last full-length studio album. We also touch on the case for Weird Al’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, among many other topics!Photo Credit: Kamal Asar🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Jake Thistle Talks American Idol, Musical Influences, and the Reality Behind the Competition 15.03.2026 36Min.

  This week, I’m joined by American Idol Top 20 contestant and New Jersey artist Jake Thistle to talk about his experience performing on one of television’s biggest music stages.Jake shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of American Idol — from the strategy behind song choices (including his audition take on Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home”) to the pressure of performing original music in front of the judges and a national audience, as he did with his song “Sleep On Me.”We also dive into his roots in the New Jersey music scene, the artists who helped shape his sound — including Tom Petty and John Hiatt — and the moment he realized music was his path in life.Along the way, we preview his latest single “Alone, Together,” and Jake shares three songs he thinks deserve a spot on your musical radar.Whether you’re already a fan of Jake’s music, an American Idol faithful, or simply curious about the reality behind televised music competitions, this conversation offers a candid look at the journey behind the music.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Weakened Friends’ Feels Like Hell: Sonia Sturino on Anxiety, Burnout, and Survival 11.03.2026 47Min.

  This week, I’m joined by Weakened Friends’ Sonia Sturino to dig into Feels Like Hell, the band’s 2025 release that captures the emotional whiplash of modern life with biting honesty and melodic grit.We talk about the mindset behind the album, how exhaustion, anxiety, and self-reflection shaped the songwriting, and why Feels Like Hell feels like both a breaking point and a breakthrough.From loud-quiet dynamics to lyrics that don’t flinch, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how the band translated real-world pressure into a record that resonates deeply — especially if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed but kept moving anyway. Sonia opens up about trusting raw instincts, embracing honesty in songwriting, and how that vulnerability has deepened the connection with fans.We also get into the nuts and bolts: working with Don Giovanni Records, the surreal collaboration with Buckethead on “NPC,” song dynamics across the record, the band’s cover of Ednaswap’s “Torn,” and why Feels Like Hell was built to be experienced as a full album — not just a collection of singles.This episode is about survival, growth, and finding clarity on the other side of burnout. Then there’s the incredible music!🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Iconic Album Covers That Rock: How Unforgettable Art Shapes a Legendary Playlist 08.03.2026 1Std. 11Min.

  Ever judge an album by its cover? This week on My Weekly Mixtape, Jay Sweet joins me as we flip through some virtual record crates to curate a playlist inspired by the most iconic album covers of all time. From legendary imagery to unforgettable records, we’re turning that visual inspiration into a killer mix of songs — and exploring what makes album art just as timeless, meaningful, and memorable as the music inside.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Mixtape Moment: Bruce Johnston, a Bottle of Fiji Water, and a Beach Boys Story I’ll Never Forget 06.03.2026 8Min.

  Welcome to the launch of a new kind of bonus episode I’m calling Mixtape Moments — short stories sparked by a recent news item or an anecdote I haven’t yet found a place for in a full-length episode.There’s no set timetable for how often these will appear, but the format opens the door to new ways of experiencing My Weekly Mixtape — including quick hitters when the moment calls for it, whether it’s reacting to breaking news, a surprise album release, or a story that simply can’t wait.This premiere Mixtape Moment was inspired by this week’s news that Bruce Johnston is stepping away from The Beach Boys after more than six decades with the band.So join me as I celebrate Bruce’s remarkable journey with the band, while sharing a personal story about how a simple act of mid-concert kindness — a bottle of FIJI Water — became an unforgettable memory for this longtime fan.🎙️ LEARN MORE🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠👕 Shop MWM Gear: https://myweeklymixtape-shop.fourthwall.com/