

Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith
Sappenin' Podcast
Presented by Emo’s Not Dead. Sean Smith, frontman of recently-reunited Welsh gold-selling emo rock band The Blackout, and Morgan Richards, international music journalist, team up to bring you a podcast full of exclusive insight, chaos and laughter, with star studded guests from every corner of entertainment. Take a look behind the scenes with your favourite musicians, wrestlers, comedians, drag queens, actors, industry names and more! Find out Sappenin’ this week. New episodes available every Friday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
EP. 355 - Alive with Jenna McDougall (Hevenshe / Tonight Alive)
The Other Side. Life affirming femme rock goddess, spiritual lyricist and Tonight Alive wonder, Jenna McDougle, is our guest on Episode 355 of Sappenin' Podcast! The Australian emo starlight joins us in front of a live audience at 2000 Trees Festival 2025, for a humbly candid conversation on returning to music with Hevenshe, taking time to find herself and exclusive updates on the bands longterm future. In this live audience podcast setting, McDougle reflects on learning to appreciate a whirlwind life journey, stepping away from the industry machine vs being thrown into the spotlight from a young age, why a short hiatus took a dramatic turn, reuniting for Melbourne anniversary shows, current commitments, exploring nature, solo project freedom, becoming a fully independent artist, safe space forgiveness, ridiculous scene rivalries, reconnecting a sisterhood with Tay Jardine (We Are The In Crowd), important advice, sining at Sydney opera house, a spooky green orb and more! Turn it up and join Sean and Morgan to find out Sappenin' this week!Follow us on Social Media:Twitter: @sappeninpodInstagram: @sappeninpodSpecial thank you to our Sappenin' Podcast Patreons:Join the Sappenin' Podcast Community: Patreon.com/Sappenin.Kylie Wheeler, Janelle Caston, Paul Hirschfield, Tony Michael, Scarlet Charlton, Dilly Grimwood, Mitch Perry, Nathan Crawshaw, Molly Molloy, James Bowerbank, Amee Louise, Kat Bessant, Kieran Lewis, Alexandra Pemblington, Jonathan Gutierrez, Jenni Robinson, Stuart McNaught, Jenni Munster, Louis Cook, Carl Pendlebury, James Mcnaught, Martina McManus, Jason Heredia, John&Emma, Danny Eaton, RahRah James, Sian Foynes, Evan, Ollie Amesbury, Dan Peregreen, Emily Perry, Kalila Keane, Adam Parslow, Josh Crisp, Vicki Henshaw, Laura Russell, Fraser Cummings, Sophie Ansell, Kyle Smith, Connor Lewins, Billy Hunter, Harry Radford, George Evans, Em Evans Roberts, Thomas O’Neill, Sinead O'Halloran, Kael Braham, Jade Austin, Charlie Wood, Aurora Winchester, Jordan Harris, James Page, Georgie Hopkinson, Helen Anyetta, John Wilson, Lisa Sullivan, Ayla Emo, Kelly Young, Jennifer Dean, Tj Ambler-Shattock, Chaz Howkins, Michael Snowden, Justine Baddeley, David Winchurch, Jim Farrell, Scott Evans, Andrew Simpson, Shaun Croucher, Lewis Sluman, Ellie Gowers, Luke Wardle, Grazyna McGroarty, Nathan Matheson, Matt Roberts, Joshua Lewis, Erin Howard,, Chris Harris, Lucy Neill, Amy Thomas, Jessie Hellier, Stevie Burke, Robert Pike, Anthony Matthews, Samantha Neville, Sarah Maher, Owen Davies, Bethan Downing, Jessica Tiernan, Danielle Oldershaw, Samantha Bowen, Ruby Price, Jule Ferl, Alice Wood, Billy Parmiter, Emma Musgrave, Rhian Friggens, Hannah Kenyon, Patrick Floyd, Hayley Taylor, Loz Sanchez, Cerys Andrews, Dan Johnson, Eva B, Emma Barber, Helen Macbeth, Melissa Mercury, Joshua Ryan, Cate Stevenson, Emily Moorhouse, Jacob Turner, Madeleine Inez, Robert Byrne, Christopher Goldring, Chris Lincoln, Beth Gayler, Lesley Dargie-Walker, Sabina Grosch, Tom Hylands, Andrew Keech, Kerry Beckett, Leanne Gerrard, Ieuan Wheeler, Hannah Rachael, Gemma Graham, Andy Wastell, Jay Smith, Nuala Clark, Liam Connolly, Lavender Martin, Lloyd Pinder, Ghostly Grimoire, Amy Hogg.Diolch and Thank You x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 2025 • 57min
EP. 354 - Phil Bayer (FLOYA)
Love In Fiction. Emo hyme conductor, sunshine post-pop visionary and silver balloon gift-giver, Phil Bayer, is our guest on Episode 354 of Sappenin' Podcast! The FLOYA vocalist exclusively reveals secrets on the bands newly embraced live reputation, getting a second chance to pursue music and the heartwarming storyboard leading to their double collaboration with Grumble Bee and Airports. In this conversation, Bayer opens up on evolving from the metalcore scene to capturing summer dopamine audio, turning writing trips into exotic creative adventures, establishing unexpected German cult followings in Japan, Australia and Europe, why he almost stepped away from the industry all together, privately auditioning for Marvs ex-band ALAZKA, ego-shattering reviews vs finding his voice, laugh out loud tour memes, awkward venues, Radar Festival reviews, new music plans, hearing the taste of ejaculation and more! Turn it up and join Sean and Morgan to find out Sappenin' this week!Follow us on Social Media:Twitter: @sappeninpodInstagram: @sappeninpodSpecial thank you to our Sappenin' Podcast Patreons:Join the Sappenin' Podcast Community: Patreon.com/Sappenin.Kylie Wheeler, Janelle Caston, Paul Hirschfield, Tony Michael, Scarlet Charlton, Dilly Grimwood, Mitch Perry, Nathan Crawshaw, Molly Molloy, James Bowerbank, Amee Louise, Kat Bessant, Kieran Lewis, Alexandra Pemblington, Jonathan Gutierrez, Jenni Robinson, Stuart McNaught, Jenni Munster, Louis Cook, Carl Pendlebury, James Mcnaught, Martina McManus, Jason Heredia, John&Emma, Danny Eaton, RahRah James, Sian Foynes, Evan, Ollie Amesbury, Dan Peregreen, Emily Perry, Kalila Keane, Adam Parslow, Josh Crisp, Vicki Henshaw, Laura Russell, Fraser Cummings, Sophie Ansell, Kyle Smith, Connor Lewins, Billy Hunter, Harry Radford, George Evans, Em Evans Roberts, Thomas O’Neill, Sinead O'Halloran, Kael Braham, Jade Austin, Charlie Wood, Aurora Winchester, Jordan Harris, James Page, Georgie Hopkinson, Helen Anyetta, John Wilson, Lisa Sullivan, Ayla Emo, Kelly Young, Jennifer Dean, Tj Ambler-Shattock, Chaz Howkins, Michael Snowden, Justine Baddeley, David Winchurch, Jim Farrell, Scott Evans, Andrew Simpson, Shaun Croucher, Lewis Sluman, Ellie Gowers, Luke Wardle, Grazyna McGroarty, Nathan Matheson, Matt Roberts, Joshua Lewis, Erin Howard,, Chris Harris, Lucy Neill, Amy Thomas, Jessie Hellier, Stevie Burke, Robert Pike, Anthony Matthews, Samantha Neville, Sarah Maher, Owen Davies, Bethan Downing, Jessica Tiernan, Danielle Oldershaw, Samantha Bowen, Ruby Price, Jule Ferl, Alice Wood, Billy Parmiter, Emma Musgrave, Rhian Friggens, Hannah Kenyon, Patrick Floyd, Hayley Taylor, Loz Sanchez, Cerys Andrews, Dan Johnson, Eva B, Emma Barber, Helen Macbeth, Melissa Mercury, Joshua Ryan, Cate Stevenson, Emily Moorhouse, Jacob Turner, Madeleine Inez, Robert Byrne, Christopher Goldring, Chris Lincoln, Beth Gayler, Lesley Dargie-Walker, Sabina Grosch, Tom Hylands, Andrew Keech, Kerry Beckett, Leanne Gerrard, Ieuan Wheeler, Hannah Rachael, Gemma Graham, Andy Wastell, Jay Smith, Nuala Clark, Liam Connolly, Lavender Martin, Lloyd Pinder, Ghostly Grimoire, Amy Hogg.Diolch and Thank You x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 2025 • 58min
EP. 353 - Halestorm (Lzzy Hale & Joe Hottinger)
Lzzy Hale, Grammy-winning powerhouse and frontwoman of Halestorm, and guitarist Joe Hottinger join the conversation. They delve into their latest album 'Everest' and reflect on their journey through the rock scene. Listeners get backstage anecdotes, including heartfelt tributes to Black Sabbath and the balance of personal connections on tour. The duo also shares their funny tour experiences and how Lzzy's lyrics empower women. Plus, they reveal plans for a lively Nerf gun battle at future concerts!

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 8min
EP. 352 - Chris Freeman (Hot Mulligan)
Chris Freeman, co-vocalist of Hot Mulligan and a skateboarding photographer, brings his wit and charm to the conversation. He shares the secrets behind their quirky song titles and discusses their unique blend of humor and seriousness in music. From memorable tour stories and managing the chaos of fame to his unexpected love for go-karting, Freeman gives fans a glimpse into the band’s creative world. He even touches on his experiences writing for wrestling. Tune in for a lively mix of laughs and insights!

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 2min
EP. 351 - Trailblazing Modern Metal with Maria Lessing (Future Palace), Charlie Rolfe (As Everything Unfolds) and Alice Lake (Lake Malice)
Join Maria Lessing (Future Palace), Charlie Rolfe (As Everything Unfolds), and Alice Lake (Lake Malice), three powerhouse frontwomen redefining modern metal. They discuss their unique journeys through the industry, tackling stereotypes and gender inequality with humor and style. Expect candid tales about stage mishaps, tour essentials, and the balance between artistry and audience expectations. Their vibrant anecdotes on camaraderie, makeup tips, and even catering hacks reveal the fun and challenges of life on the road in the music scene.

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h
EP. 350 - Moon Valjean #2 (Goldfinger / Greek Fire / Ex-Story Of The Year)
Moon Valjean, guitarist for Goldfinger and founding member of Story Of The Year, shares his vibrant journey in the alternative music scene. He discusses exciting details about Greek Fire’s future and reflects on his iconic backflip retirement, replaced by a Tony Hawk-approved spin-kick. The conversation dives into the essence of collaboration within Goldfinger and the authentic experience of live performances. Moon shares hilarious backstage anecdotes, including an unexpected encounter with a duck, and reminisces about cherished milestones in his career.

Aug 1, 2025 • 2h
EP. 349 - Warped Tour: Long Beach 2025 (Black Veil Brides, Cobra Starship, Taylor Acorn, Silverstein, Charlotte Sands, Nothing Nowhere, LØLØ, Matt Cutshall)
This week features Gabe Saporta, frontman of Cobra Starship and skincare entrepreneur, alongside pop-punk sensation Taylor Acorn, who shares her new record deal excitement. Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides reminisces about Warped Tour's influence on his life. Charlotte Sands delights with stories from her recent collaborations, while Shane Told of Silverstein reflects on festival legacies. Joe Mulherin, aka Nothing, Nowhere, discusses blending genres, and Matt Cutshall adds humor from the emo scene. They dive into unforgettable festival moments, music industry insights, and the vibrant connection that keeps fans and artists united.

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
EP. 348 - AJ Perdomo (The Dangerous Summer) | Live @ 2000 Trees Festival 2025
AJ Perdomo from The Dangerous Summer takes the stage at 2000 Trees Festival to share the band's exciting new chapter. He recounts hilarious tour stories, including spontaneous engagements and memorable festival antics. The conversation dives into the evolution of emo, reflecting on past influences like Taking Back Sunday. AJ also touches on connections made in the music scene, highlighting the joy of community at festivals. Expect laughter, heartfelt moments, and insights into the vibrant world of touring musicians.

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 35min
EP. 347 - 2000 Trees Festival 2025 (Taking Back Sunday, Coheed and Cambria, Baby Lasagna, Twin Atlantic, Stick To Your Guns, Lowlives)
Join a star-studded lineup featuring Travis Stever from Coheed and Cambria, Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday, Croatian singer-songwriter Baby Lasagna, Twin Atlantic's Sam McTrusty, Jesse Barnett from Stick to Your Guns, and Luke Johnson of Lowlives. They share hilarious backstage gossip and vibrant festival memories from 2000 Trees. Discussions range from the thrill of live performances to the quirky realities of touring, all filled with nostalgia and laughs. Celebrate the unique music community and the wild ride of life on the road!

Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
EP. 346 - Live with Aaron Gillespie (Underoath)
Aaron Gillespie, the talented drummer and vocalist of Underoath, shares his journey in front of a live audience in Manchester. He candidly discusses the band's influence and their hiatus, calling it a blessing. Aaron opens up about his personal lyrics, ghostwriting experiences, and even his love for British culture, including a humorous take on biscuits. The conversation also touches on collaborations with artists like Charlotte Sands and the emotional depth of songwriting, making for an engaging dive into music's impact on life and identity.