Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean Smith

Matt Pryor, iconic frontman of The Get Up Kids and solo artist, dives into his journey of sobriety and the challenges of touring sober for the first time. He reflects on the impact of nostalgia and anniversary tours on his mental health, celebrating music rather than competing. Pryor shares his DIY approach to music, contrasting independent releases with major label struggles, and offers hilarious anecdotes, including a memorable performance at a Mormon frat house. His new album, The Salton Sea, highlights his candidness about sobriety and vulnerability in songwriting.

Jaret Reddick, lead singer of Bowling For Soup, and Brendan B. Brown, frontman of Wheatus, join for a lively discussion on their pop-punk history and friendship. They delve into the struggles of touring, sharing harrowing tales from the road and the bittersweet nature of hit singles. Excitement bubbles over as they reveal their plans for the monumental Wembley 2025 show. They also reflect on the genre's resurgence, muse about alternate takes on their iconic songs, and share bucket list dreams, leaving fans eager for what's next.

Lauren Ash, the award-winning actress known for her role as Dina on Superstore, dives into her exciting transition to music as a punk-rock solo artist. She shares the inspiration behind her debut album, 'Call Me When You Get This', revealing personal breakup stories and her love for bands like Green Day and The Offspring. Lauren also discusses the challenges of touring independently, the need for industry standards, and how her acting background influences her music promotion. Plus, she reflects on the unexpected resurgence of Superstore after its cancellation.

Jeff Stinco, the classically trained guitarist of Simple Plan, dives into the band's fascinating journey. He shares tales from touring Europe with The Offspring and Avril Lavigne, and the band's evolution post-pandemic. Stinco discusses overcoming industry hurdles, the surprising TikTok revival of 'I'm Just A Kid', and recording under the legendary Bob Rock. He reflects on the challenges of balancing pop and punk identities and hints at exciting new music on the horizon. Plus, enjoy amusing anecdotes about stage antics and UFOs!

Join Adam Rigozzi and Freddie Whatmore of Lastelle as they share their latest EP releases and chat about the band's unique visual direction. They dive into hilarious touring mishaps, including a trampoline accident and gatecrashing a friend's honeymoon for WrestleMania. The duo discusses their community-focused initiatives and the strategy behind splitting their album into two EPs. Expect quirky anecdotes about unexpected flugelhorn solos, favorite coffee flavors, and the emotional weight of their lyrics.

In this lively chat, Kayleigh Goldsworthy, a singer-songwriter and talented violinist for My Chemical Romance’s Black Parade, shares her unique journey from classical music to punk. She reveals how she landed her role in the iconic band, the camaraderie with Frank Iero, and insights on the evolving production of their shows. Kayleigh also discusses her solo music aspirations, the challenges of independent artistry, and her upcoming projects, including donating her song 'Easy' to support the ACLU. Plus, ghost stories and UFO beliefs add a quirky twist!

Cody Ko, an internet sensation and comedian, takes a break from marathon training to chat about his journey from software engineer to comedy superstar. He shares fascinating insights on his marathon experiences, his love for pop-punk music, and his hilarious takes on trash reality shows. Cody discusses the creative constraints of Vine, his stand-up hesitations, and the evolution of his DJing skills. Plus, he lightheartedly reflects on UFO skepticism and his whimsical rider request for cream of mushroom soup!

Jesse Leach, the dynamic frontman of Killswitch Engage, dives into the band's 25th anniversary celebrations and the journey of their new album, 'Consequence.' He shares his heartfelt gratitude for being able to tour after vocal surgery, revealing how it enhanced his singing technique. Jesse discusses his playful stage presence, memorable opening for Iron Maiden, and the importance of preserving vocal health on the road. He also touches on intriguing UFO experiences and his passion for writing wrestling themes, making this conversation a blend of music and the mysterious.

James Veck-Gilodi, the talented frontman of Deaf Havana, shares his journey through sobriety and personal transformations as the band prepares for their new album. He discusses the challenges behind scrapping a completed record for something better and highlights the dynamic of continuing as a duo with his brother. With raw honesty, he reflects on his struggles with alcohol, therapy, and the importance of being present during performances. Plus, hear about his unexpected connection to Busted and hilarious memories from unusual gigs!

James 'Bob' Davies, the guitarist and songwriter for Raiders, shares his experiences balancing music between Raiders and his former band, The Blackout. He reveals the reasoning behind Raiders' DIY approach and their decision to release their new EP on Bandcamp. Bob discusses the challenges of modern music promotion and the importance of authenticity in live performances. He also expresses excitement for the future, hinting at possible upcoming shows for The Blackout and highlights the camaraderie within the local music scene.