

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

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.

Jul 3, 2025 • 47min
EP. 345 - Sophie Lloyd (MGK)
Guitar virtuoso Sophie Lloyd joins the conversation, sharing her rise from viral YouTube sensation to touring with Machine Gun Kelly. She delves into her experiences at Download Festival, personal milestones, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Sophie reflects on the impact she's making for women in guitar culture and discusses collaborations with artists like Lzzy Hale and Matt Heafy. Expect tales of backstage antics, wedding ring woes, and her fangirl moments with iconic musicians, all while embracing the joy of her musical journey.

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 19min
EP. 344 - The Rebirth of Nixon Newell | FKA: Tegan Nox (WWE)
Nixon Newell, a talented professional wrestler formerly known as Tegan Nox in WWE, shares her journey of reinvention on the independent scene. She opens up about the challenges of leaving WWE, her fresh perspective on mental health, and the importance of creative freedom. Nixon humorously discusses her unconventional fears, the push for better representation of women in wrestling, and her new OnlyFans venture. With lively banter and exclusive insights, she reflects on her passion for wrestling and her vision for the future.

Jun 20, 2025 • 2h 16min
EP. 343 - Download Festival 2025 (McFly, Bullet For My Valentine, Paddy Considine, Shinedown, Kids In Glass Houses, Hatebreed, Cradle Of Filth, Elliot Minor, AWOLNATION, Holy Wars)
Harry Judd, the talented drummer of McFly, discusses how the band earned acceptance in the music scene. Matt Tuck, frontman of Bullet For My Valentine, reflects on farewell moments with 'The Poison.' Shinedown's Eric Bass shares insights on his new solo project. Viral sensation Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION reminisces about his career journey. Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth talks about his engagement, while Hatebreed's Jamie Jasta explores the evolution of festivals. Alex Davies of Elliot Minor celebrates their return to Download after 17 years, and Kat Leon of Holy Wars shares her experiences.