Chris DeMakes A Podcast
Chris DeMakes
Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris's passion for music and songwriting fuels engaging discussions on lyrics, melodies, production techniques, and cultural context. Combining informative storytelling, interviews, and analysis, the podcast appeals to music lovers, die-hard fans, and anyone curious about the songwriting process. It provides insight into the artistry behind timeless songs, making it perfect for those seeking inspiration or simply wanting to immerse themselves in musical magic.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 15min
A Band Called Punchline Ep. 3: The Rewind EP
By 2002, things had kicked into high gear for Punchline. They had decided to pursue music full-time, and relentless touring soon followed. Grassroots promotion and a DIY outlook had helped them gain a strong following, especially in their hometown of Pittsburgh, and a follow-up to 2001’s Major Motion Picture album was the next step. The 4 musically ambitious tracks on The Rewind EP would help propel Punchline to the next level, and they soon signed to a growing independent record label. The excitement and spirit of this era is captured by the band members and a variety of friends in this episode.
Subscribe to A Band Called Punchline wherever you get your podcasts.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5chEn3nnF3pSv2zIzPUPMo?si=d7a75149007a47f0
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-band-called-punchline/id1609331063
Check out the new Punchline album Somewhere To Land.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3Wy3NVQerLtyRm4sn27dOv?si=AMrDmylVRbKxNljgOWKr_g
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/somewhere-to-land/1821472685
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
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Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 3min
Throwback Thursday: Reese Roper discusses Five Iron Frenzy’s “Zen and the Art of Xenophobia”
This week's Throwback Thursday was originally released on May 30th, 2022, as Episode 105 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features a conversation with Reese Roper of Five Iron Frenzy about the song “Zen and the Art of Xenophobia.” Chris and Reese unpack how the song came together, why humor and sarcasm were essential tools for tackling heavier themes like faith, hypocrisy, and cultural frustration, and what was happening creatively for the band at the time. It’s an interesting look at the mindset behind one of Five Iron Frenzy’s most talked-about songs, making this episode a fun listen for fans of thoughtful, socially aware songwriting.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 15min
Ep. 291: Ryan Key discusses Yellowcard’s “Better Days”
In this episode, Chris sits down with Ryan Key of Yellowcard to explore the band’s surreal return after what had once been a definitive breakup. Ryan reflects on the emotional and creative spark that led to their comeback single “Better Days” and explains how collaborating with Travis Barker brought a fresh perspective to the studio. He shares how an open and experimental approach shaped the songwriting, why vulnerability fueled some of his strongest vocal work to date, and how kindness within the band has been essential to their evolution. The conversation also looks at the growing generational crossover in their audience, with new fans singing alongside longtime listeners while Yellowcard stays true to the sound that first defined them.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 6min
Throwback Thursday: Chad Price discusses All’s “Original Me”
This week’s Throwback Thursday rewinds to Episode 107 from June 13th, 2022, when Chad Price stopped by to unpack All’s rip-roaring opener “Original Me,” the song that kicked off 1993’s Breaking Things and ushered in his era as the band’s new vocalist, even if his memory of the finer details was a little fuzzy.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 11min
Ep. 290: Nick Thompson discusses Hit the Lights “Bodybag”
This week, Hit the Lights vocalist Nick Thompson joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s beloved 2006 single “Bodybag.” With tongue-in-cheek lyrics paying tribute to the beatdown hardcore bands that inspired Nick and his bandmates during their formative years in the Ohio suburbs, the song captures the spirit of that era perfectly. Combined with its catchy melodies, memorable guitar riffs, and slick Matt Squire production, “Bodybag” has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with fans decades later. Tune in for a fun and insightful look back at how it all came together.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 13min
Throwback Thursday: Ben Lee discusses his song “Catch My Disease”
This week’s throwback is to Episode 144, first released February 27, 2023, when Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee sat in to unpack “Catch My Disease,” the irresistible 2005 single that earned Song of the Year at the APRA Awards and picked up a whole new audience after landing on Grey’s Anatomy. In this episode, Ben breaks down how the song came together, the ideas behind its feel-good energy, and why it became such a defining moment in his career.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
The 2025 Year-End Wrap
Chris and Chris are once again joined by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly to reflect on all the songs that were featured on the show in the past year. Together, they crown the Chris DeMakes A Podcast SONG OF THE YEAR, an honor that went to “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America in the 2024 Wrap.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 22, 2025 • 55min
Ep. 289: A discussion on Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas”
In the final episode of their four-part December series, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios wrap things up with Elton John’s festive classic “Step Into Christmas.” They talk about the song’s spontaneous feel, the lighthearted lyrics, and the unmistakable style shaped by Elton’s longtime collaborators Gus Dudgeon and Bernie Taupin. The conversation touches on the Phil Spector-inspired wall of sound production, the standout bass line, and that gloriously chaotic outro that perfectly captures the energy of early ’70s rock. From its iconic music video to its unexpected return to the charts decades later, this episode celebrates how “Step Into Christmas” became one of the all-time holiday favorites.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 18, 2025 • 28min
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Chris, Chris, and Kris (Kringle)” episode
This is a sneak preview episode of The After Party. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into how we got the Santa Claus (aka SINTERKLAAS) that we know and love today.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 15, 2025 • 51min
Ep. 288: A discussion on The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping”
In the 1981 holiday season, The Waitresses delivered a refreshingly offbeat gift with their single “Christmas Wrapping.” Written by Chris Butler, who openly admitted his dislike for the holidays, the song was pieced together from leftover riffs and lyrics he scribbled down in a taxi on the way to the studio. With Patty Donahue’s cool, talk-sing delivery and a groove that blended sarcasm with sincerity, the track perfectly captured the chaotic mix of exhaustion and joy that defines the season. Though it was only a modest hit at first, “Christmas Wrapping” has since become a perennial favorite, standing tall among the countless festive tunes that come and go each year. In this episode, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios unpack what makes this unlikely holiday anthem continue to resonate more than four decades later.
Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes
For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/
Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
