Bonus: Cliff Booth, Papa John Phillips, and the Myth of California Dreamin’

John Coltrane, too many kids’ baseball games, and a growing obsession with Quentin Tarantino’s next movie. Plus, how Tarantino changed my mind about the Mamas and the Papas, the disturbing story of Papa John Phillips, Buddy Holly’s plane crash, and your voicemails, texts, dms, and more.   

Buddy Holly: Did the Rock ‘n’ Roll Pioneer Shoot Down His Own Plane?

“The day the music died” refers to February 3, 1959, as that was the day the plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper crashed, killing everyone on board. The official cause of the crash points to a young, inexperienced pilot and poor weather conditions. But two months later, w…

Britney Spears (Pt. 2): Lithium, Las Vegas, and a Long-Awaited Emancipation

Britney Spears’ 13-year conservatorship was an arrangement so strict and unfeeling that it left her without any control of her career, loopy on lithium, and completely silenced for the sake of seeing her sons and boyfriend. As Britney suffered in silence, she worked nearly non-stop, generating more…

Britney Spears (Pt. 1): Trauma Pop

No musician owned pop music quite like Britney Spears at the turn of the century. After graduating from Mississippi tween queen to full-fledged American superstar, her fame exploded at a time when tabloids circled celebrities like prey. 30 to 45 predatory paparazzi would follow Britney’s every move…

Bonus: Good Vs. Evil, Brian vs. Keith, Blind Melon, and Buddy Holly

Halloween is over. Evil fading toward good, and grace. Thanksgiving is upon us. Keith Richards’ quiet charity vs. Brian Jones, the irredeemable Stone. Plus, we hear from you on Reggie Watts, Madonna, Blind Melon, and more.

Shannon Hoon: Blind Melon, Bee Girls, and the Courage to Say Yes

Blind Melon's Shannon Hoon lived for freedom—on stage in drag, tripping at Woodstock, or swinging mic stands at security guards. From Lafayette to Los Angeles., his journey was a beautiful, brutal high, until it all came crashing down on a tour bus in New Orleans. This is the story of a voice that …

Madonna (Rewind): Music as Sex and Sex as Power in the Reign of the Queen of Pop

Madonna always knew her life would be art. She rose through the late 70s New York scene reinventing pop iconography and feminism alike. But whether it was Toronto police threatening her for indecency, her short-fuse husband, Hollywood bros exploiting her charisma, or far worse, Madonna learned quic…

Bonus: Reggie Watts’ Ego Was Too Big to Kill

Unpacking Reggie Watts and the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Corrosive evil. The bad guys (from music history) hiding in plain sight. Plus, Reggie Watts had us talking about John Hughes and now we’re talking about John Carpenter and great music from horror movies as well as your voicemails, texts, dm…

Reggie Watts: Is Reggie Watts the Guy Your Mother Warned You and/or Your Sister About?

On this episode: an unprecedented comedic talent, the power of celebrity, and the power of Ketamine. The death of Reggie Watts’ ex-girlfriend Katherine McCollough and allegations of abuse about the man your mom may or may not have warned you and/or your sister about, Reggie Watts. This episode con…

AC/DC Pt. 2 (Rewind): Dirty Deeds, Dead Friends, and Murder for Hire

This is the story of the greatest rock ’n’ roll band on earth. AC/DC was forged in discipline, sharpened by grief, resurrected by obsession … and nearly undone by one final dirty deed that no one saw coming: murder. This episode was originally published on November 4, 2025. For a full list of con…