This week, I break down 12 standout country songs that defined the genre in 2025. But what defines country music this year? Here’s a hint: it’s not just the chart-toppers. Sure, there are foot-stomping anthems and soul-stirring ballads, but I also highlight the artists and bands on the rise — ready to set the stage ablaze in 2026. Tune in and hear the heart, grit, and energy that made country music impossible to ignore in 2025.

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This week, DT Carel, host of the YouTube show ⁠SpaceCastle⁠ joins me to dive into the sounds that defined 2025! Join us as we break down 20 essential tracks that span punk, rock, hip-hop, alternative, pop & beyond.

From explosive hooks and high-energy anthems to unexpected collaborations and boundary-pushing tracks, we unpack what makes each song stand out and why they helped shape the musical landscape this year.

Tune in as we guide you through a year’s worth of sonic highlights that’ll have you hitting repeat well into 2026!

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This week, I’m hanging out with Jaret Reddick, the lead singer, guitarist, and all-around creative engine behind Bowling For Soup, as he looks back on three decades of pop-punk chaos, catchy hooks, and perfectly timed humor.

We get into how the band balances goofy songs with genuine heartfelt moments, why “Belgium” keeps reinventing itself, and how BFS ended up becoming a Radio Disney staple. Jaret talks about the band’s wide-ranging covers—from Miley Cyrus to Hanson to Taylor Swift—our shared love of power ballads (including his personal top three), and how he wound up becoming the voice of Chuck E. Cheese.

We also dig into the impact of the band’s Grammy nomination, collaborations with Blues Traveler, The Dollyrots, and Bret Michaels of Poison, the long-running “Stacy’s Mom” misconception, and the real story behind “1985,” SR-71, and Butch Walker. Jaret also breaks down what it was like writing a song for Alexa Bliss and teaming up with WWE for the music video.

Whether you’ve been blasting BFS since the ’90s (when they had horns) or you’re discovering their world for the first time, this episode delivers laughs, nostalgia, and a glimpse at what’s next for the band in 2026 and beyond!

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This week, we get 'For Real' with Eric Hirshberg, the former CEO of Activision and Deutsch LA, whose world is now centered around music. Known for leading iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Skylanders, and Destiny, Eric shares how music has run alongside his career and ultimately inspired his new single, “For Real,” the second of his collaborations with GRAMMY-nominated soul artist Aloe Blacc (their first was 2024’s “I Love Not Drinking”).

We dive into how Eric blends his folk and Americana roots with Aloe’s soulful style, creating music that feels authentic for both artists while carrying a message about stepping back from negativity and the pressures of social media.

Our conversation also offers a glimpse into Eric’s upcoming 2026 album, More Is Not The Answer, and how “For Real” sets the tone for what’s to come. Along the way, we explore the songs that define him and his unique perspective on building a creative life that bridges technology, business, and music.

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This week, we’re celebrating two timeless soundtracks with the legendary Paul Williams, the award-winning songwriter behind Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and The Muppet Movie, including the beloved classic (as well as my favorite song of all time) “Rainbow Connection.”

Paul shares the stories behind these unforgettable soundtracks & the films they’re connected to, his creative partnership with Jim Henson, and what it’s like bringing heart, humor, and hope to generations through music.

We also dive into his work as President of ASCAP, his collaborations with Daft Punk, Portugal. The Man, Willie Nelson, Jason Mraz, and more, along with stories from Phantom of the Paradise and another Muppet holiday classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol.

If you grew up loving The Muppets, know every step of Carrots the Dancing Horse’s routine, or find yourself rocking out to the Riverbottom Nightmare Band every holiday season, I promise this episode is as sweet as honeysuckle on the vine, ma!

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This week, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the songs that shaped my love of music — as well as the person who made it all possible, my father, who we sadly lost to pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

In this episode, I’m diving into 20 tracks that I’m eternally grateful & thankful for. Each one is tied to a moment, memory, lesson, or simply a staple of the famed “Friday Night Music Night” events I would enjoy with my parents growing up.

The songs he shared with me growing up, taught me how to listen to music — and, now in hindsight, also taught me how music can truly bridge generations.

I love you Dad.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, so hopefully one day we can end this horrible disease once and for all.

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Not all ’80s hair bands were defined by Aqua Net & eyeliner. There were countless hooks, killer guitar work, and songs that still resonate decades later. In this week’s episode, I break down 10 tracks that defied the stereotypes, exceeded the expectations and continue to remind us why ’80s hard rock still goes to 11!

Thank you to Jay Sweet for sending in this week’s playlist concept.

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This week, I’m pulling the plug—literally. Join me as I curate a playlist of 10 incredible unplugged performances where artists & bands strip songs down to their core, revealing a whole new level of emotion, energy, and meaning. These acoustic takes prove the fact that sometimes less really is more.

Thank you to Patreon Mixtaper Cactus Pete for sending in this week’s playlist concept.

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