60 Songs That Explain the '90s

Rob explores the joy, terror, and fulfillment of fatherhood through one of classic rock’s dynamic frontmen, Tom Petty. Rob runs down Petty’s career, including his MTV music video impact, the ‘Wildflowers’ standout “It’s Good to Be King,” and how Petty prepared him for the most transformative experience of his life. Plus, a big announcement about the future of the show.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Stephen Rodrick Producer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Harvilla explores the legacy of Tupac Shakur, one of the most important figures hip-hop ever birthed and a person whose life was defined by contradictions. He breaks down Tupac’s rise in music and Hollywood and his latter-day stint at Death Row Records, including the mega-hit “California Love.”This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Andreas HaleProducer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sage Francis, a renowned rapper and poet known for his impactful contributions to hip-hop, joins the discussion about Rage Against the Machine's anthem, 'Killing in the Name.' The conversation dives into the band's bold call against police brutality and political corruption during the 1990s. They reflect on historical events like the Rodney King incident, the intersection of music and activism, and the balance between political authenticity and commercial success. Francis also shares insights on the evolving relationship between hip hop and political music, emphasizing its role in societal discourse.

Rob explores the memory of a lost love in Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor.” Tracking her rise to fame first as a member of the Fugees then as a solo star, he dissects how she spoke her truth and in doing so became one of the greatest singers and rappers ever.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Daphne BrooksProducer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob explores what happens when you make music your everything. Through the lens of Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz, Rob breaks down the band’s ballad “A Long December” before The Ringer’s Bill Simmons joins to contemplate Adam’s struggle to prioritize happiness.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Bill Simmons Producer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fiona Apple, alt-rock superstar with outspoken antics and views on exploitation, discusses her radical nature and controversial Spin article, as well as topics like sexual assault and eating disorders.

Rob explores the spiritual and sexy Carlos Santana. Assisted by Matchbox 20 vocalist Rob Thomas, Santana created what may have been the song of the decade, “Smooth.” Rob looks into the guitarist’s passion for collaboration and how record mogul Clive Davis took the ’70s rock legend and turned him into a 1990s Billboard chart-topping force.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Leila CoboProducer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob explores the Fierce Five, a.k.a. the Spice Girls, who became the biggest-selling girl group in the world following the success of their smash hit “Wannabe.” Rob tracks their rise to international stardom, a failed film, and the attempt to spread “Girl Power” across the globe.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Laura SnapesProducer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob explores the spiritual genius of the late rapper DMX. He observes X’s power of prayer, recounts the rapper’s destructive childhood, and tells the tale of how the breakout hit “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” came to be.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Shea SerranoProducer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob explores the obsessive and eerily constructed hit “Creep,” which arrived on Radiohead’s debut album, ‘Pablo Honey.’ He discusses the origins of the track, the exhaustion caused by the song’s commercial success, and the power of ’90s rock.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Annie ZaleskiProducer: Justin SaylesAssociate Producer: Lani Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices