The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Stephen Pearcy, founder and frontman of Ratt, joins Billy Corgan for a conversation that swings from the near-fatal accident that first pushed him toward music to the creative vision that shaped Ratt’s distinctive sound alongside guitarist Robbin Crosby. They trace Pearcy’s all-out hustle through the LA club circuit, following Van Halen’s blueprint while drawing from unexpected influences like David Bowie, Blue Öyster Cult, and Adam Ant—elements that gave Ratt a melodic edge that set them apart from their metal contemporaries. Pearcy speaks candidly about internal fractures, the business decisions that changed everything, why he believes Ratt was uniquely positioned to survive the grunge era and what it means to be an OG of the ’80s scene still driven to perform decades later.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this wide-ranging conversation, Billy Corgan sits down with writer and cultural commentator Conrad Flynn for a deep dive into the shadowy intersections of rock music, occult influences, and Hollywood's secret history. Conrad, grandson of legendary actor Robert Conrad and press agent Harry Flynn, shares unique insider perspectives on Old Hollywood's hidden dynamics—from Mercury Records' satanic marketing gimmicks with the band Coven to his grandfather's connections with the Manson family trial. The conversation explores the CIA's involvement in 1960s counterculture through figures like Gregory Bateson and Allen Ginsberg, and the spiritual dimensions of musical creativity. Billy opens up about his own experiences with LSD revealing hidden layers in his music, and his belief that fame literally alters your DNA.  From Kenneth Anger to Joy Division, from the Velvet Underground's occult connections to AI as the new digital oracle, this conversation refuses easy answers while fearlessly exploring the mystical, the controversial, and the unexplained forces shaping entertainment and culture.   Billy Corgan sits down with writer and cultural commentator Conrad Flynn for a gripping conversation exploring rock music, the occult, and Hollywood’s hidden power structures. Drawing on Flynn’s Old Hollywood lineage—grandson of actor Robert Conrad and press agent Harry Flynn—the episode connects Mercury Records’ satanic marketing, the Manson era, CIA ties to 1960s counterculture, psychedelics, and the spiritual mechanics of music. Corgan opens up about LSD’s impact on his creativity, the psychological cost of fame and why rock music—once a dominant force for cultural change—has lost its edge. From Kenneth Anger and the Velvet Underground to AI as a modern oracle and the internet as a new Tower of Babel. it challenges listeners to look closer at the stories we accept and the truths hiding in plain sight. Billy Corgan sits down with writer and cultural commentator Conrad Flynn for a wide-ranging, provocative conversation that cuts through rock mythology, Hollywood lore, and the hidden forces shaping culture. What begins with Flynn’s Substack The Flynn Effect quickly expands into a deep dive on Old Hollywood power, family legacies, rock music’s long flirtation with mysticism, and why artists seem uniquely tuned to unseen energies. Corgan and Flynn connect dots between Charles Manson, Kenneth Anger, psychedelics, Gnosticism, CIA influence, and the spiritual mechanics of music—while grappling with uncomfortable questions about fame, trauma, cover-ups, and who really controls the narrative. Funny, unsettling, and unexpectedly personal, this episode doesn’t preach or sensationalize—it challenges listeners to look closer at the stories we accept and the truths hiding in plain sight. Listen now and decide for yourself where myth ends and reality begins.   Billy Corgan sits down with writer and cultural commentator Conrad Flynn for a gripping, wide-ranging conversation exploring rock music, the occult, and Hollywood’s hidden power structures. Drawing on Flynn’s Old Hollywood lineage, grandson of actor Robert Conrad and press agent Harry Flynn, the discussion touches on controversial music-industry marketing tactics, the Manson era, CIA ties to 1960s counterculture, psychedelics, and the spiritual mechanics of music. Corgan opens up about LSD’s impact on his creativity, the psychological cost of fame, and why rock music, once a dominant force for cultural change, has lost its edge.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan talks with filmmaker Dan Farah about The Age of Disclosure and the explosive claims from 34 military and intelligence insiders who say UAP activity—including over Area 51—is real and long concealed. They dig into the alleged 80-year cover-up, a hidden Legacy Program tied to crash retrievals and reverse engineering, the rebranding from UFO to UAP, and why disclosure is happening now—touching on nuclear sites, global tech races, and what it all means for humanity’s future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan welcomes legendary actress and animal advocate Linda Blair for an intimate conversation that goes far beyond The Exorcist. Linda reflects on growing up as a child model who booked 75+ commercials, the surreal whiplash of becoming “the avatar of what’s spooky,” and what it really felt like being a kid inside a Hollywood machine that wouldn’t let her step off. From there, the episode opens into her deeper mission—how animals (and especially horses) became her sanctuary, how veganism and advocacy grew from pain into purpose, and why she’s still fighting for the voiceless. Then the conversation takes a wild holiday turn when Santa crashes the set with a rescued desert puppy—named “Billy.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan sits down with legendary actor and storyteller Chazz Palminteri to retrace the unbelievable true story behind A Bronx Tale — a mafia murder witnessed at age nine, a Hollywood firing from Swifty Lazar, and the moment poverty and desperation pushed him to take control of his own destiny. Chazz reveals how turning down $1 million to protect his story led to a handshake deal with Robert De Niro that changed his life. Together they dive into the emotional core of the film — fathers and sons, loyalty vs. survival and share deeply human stories about parenting, superstition, faith, teaching their kids strength without the scars — and why “wasted talent” still haunts them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Corgan sits down with guitar icon Vernon Reid — founder of Living Colour and the Grammy-winning force behind miles of electric innovation — for a high-voltage conversation about rewriting the rules of rock. Vernon traces his path from discovering Coltrane to NYC’s avant-garde scene, as well as the precient rise of the Black Rock Coalition. He opens up about the lightning-strike creation of “Cult of Personality,” the surreal shockwaves of their SNL performance, and the pressures that come with success — from label politics to the creative toll on the band. They dive into AI’s existential threat to art, and how the “holy ghost” of a live show can turn a stage into a spiritual event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack Douglas, a legendary producer known for his work with icons like John Lennon and Aerosmith, shares captivating stories from his illustrious career. He recounts how Lennon pulled him from obscurity in Liverpool, the dynamics of recording 'Imagine' away from Phil Spector, and the creative processes behind Aerosmith’s early albums. Douglas also explores the challenges of collaborating with Yoko Ono, his innovative production techniques, and the raw energy of Cheap Trick's debut, offering a treasure trove of rock history insights.

Billy Corgan sits down with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company) for a sharp, funny, and revealing dive into 50 years of rock majesty. Simon traces his journey from growing up in poverty to the lightning-bolt moment drums grabbed him, the fateful coin flip that led him to Paul Kossoff and the creation of “All Right Now,” and then to forming Bad Company with Paul Rodgers and Mick Ralphs. Together, they dive into the grooves of Stax vs. Motown, the genius of Al Jackson Jr., Ringo Starr, and Charlie Watts, and the art of serving the song rather than showing off chops. Along the way, Simon shares stories about Jimmy Page, John Bonham, Steve Marriott, and Queen. It’s a masterclass in rock history and rhythm. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful and emotional conversation, Wendy Dio joins Billy Corgan to share the brilliance of her late husband, Ronnie James Dio, from their first meeting at the Rainbow to the creation of Blackmore’s Rainbow, following Ozzy in Black Sabbath, and his breakthrough with his own band, Dio. Wendy reveals how Ronnie stayed true to his vision, refusing to chase hits, and how his humility, brilliance, and devotion to fans made him a legend. She and Billy discuss the origins of the devil horns, the making of “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark,” and the enduring legacy Wendy continues through the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Subscribe to the Magnificent Others YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyCorganTMO?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Curtis Duffy, an award-winning Michelin-starred chef, shares his journey from a tragic childhood to culinary stardom. He discusses the discipline and creativity required in the kitchen, comparing seasonal menus to crafting music albums. Duffy also delves into his experience with the demanding world of Michelin evaluations and emphasizes the importance of strong relationships with farmers for sourcing quality ingredients. He reflects on his commitment to excellence and the innovative trends shaping the future of dining.