Caught on the Mike...

Nights in Stereo isn't just a band—it's a story nearly two decades in the making. The LA-based trio, made up of 9-1-1: Lone Star's Ronen Rubinstein, Jonny Shoer, and Rodrigo Rodarte, recently released their debut EP Second Nature—a collection that fuses retro-grunge, shoegaze, and indie pop into something cinematic, emotional, and timeless. In this episode, the band opens up about the friendships and chance encounters that shaped their path, how the pandemic sparked a new creative era, and the process of reimagining old demos into something fresh and powerful. We also dive into Ronen's balance between acting and music, the unique universe the band has built for their fans, and what lies ahead now that Second Nature is out in the world. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering their lo-fi late-night sound, this conversation pulls you straight into the heart of Nights in Stereo's journey.

Beauty School Dropout are shaking up the rock world — and in this episode, they join the conversation to talk about their explosive rise, their latest single “TWO OF US,” and their highly anticipated debut album Where Did All the Butterflies Go? Produced by the legendary Neal Avron (Fall Out Boy, twenty one pilots, Linkin Park), the album marks a bold new chapter for the band. From the emotional depth behind “TWO OF US” to the creative chaos of recording tracks like “SEX APPEAL,” “FEVER,” and “ON YOUR LIPS,” BSD break down how they're redefining rock for a new generation. We also dive into their unforgettable live shows — from sold-out headline tours and festival stages at Lollapalooza and Download Festival, to massive arena tours with blink-182, Alkaline Trio, and jxdn. The band also shares stories about collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, including Mark Hoppus, Alex Gaskarth, MOD SUN, and Royal & the Serpent, while staying true to their core vision: celebrating individuality, freedom, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Beauty School Dropout, this episode gives you an inside look at the passion, grit, and raw energy driving one of today's most exciting bands.

Travie McCoy, frontman of Gym Class Heroes, joins me for an in-depth conversation about his artistic journey, the music that shaped him, and the legacy of a band that broke boundaries. From forming Gym Class Heroes in high school to topping the charts with songs like Cupid's Chokehold and Stereo Hearts, Travie reflects on how the band's unique fusion of hip hop, rock, funk, and pop resonated with fans around the world. He opens up about personal growth, creativity, and the resilience it takes to keep evolving as an artist. We also discuss collaborations with some of music's biggest names, his solo career, and what it means to bring new energy and perspective into his work today. More than just a trip down memory lane, this episode is a look at artistry, transformation, and the timeless impact of music. If you've ever been moved by a Gym Class Heroes track or connected with Travie's solo work, this episode is a must-listen.

Baltimore alt-rock veterans Have Mercy are back with their sixth studio album, the loneliest place i've ever been—a record fueled by vulnerability, loss, and late-night reflections. In this episode, frontman Brian Swindle opens up about the band's journey from their early days in the Baltimore scene, through the highs of breakout albums like The Earth Pushed Back and A Place of Our Own, the heartbreak of loss and disbandment, and the revival that's led to their most honest work yet. We dive into the stories behind new singles “august 17” and “tv glows,” what it means to make music that lingers in life's quietest moments, and how Have Mercy continues to grow while honoring their past.

Grammy-winning trumpet player, producer, and songwriter Emiliano Torres and virtuoso singer Camilo Rafael Sierra join me for a deep dive into the world of Xperimento—Miami's ultimate musical fusion squad.Blending reggae, Latin soul, funk, and global sounds, Xperimento has been electrifying audiences since emerging from Miami's underground music scene in 2009. Along the way, they've shared the stage with legends like Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Juanes, and even had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of Prince jumping in on one of their shows. Their chemistry as lifelong friends, combined with the band's multicultural roots—spanning Puerto Rico, Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba—creates a sound that is as diverse as it is infectious.In this episode, Emiliano and Camilo open up about the energy that fuels their live performances, their travels performing for U.S. troops across the globe, and the creative process behind their self-produced EP Diferente and their brand-new single “Walked Away.”If you're looking for stories filled with passion, culture, and nonstop rhythm, this conversation brings it all.

Ten years ago, X Ambassadors changed the alt-rock landscape with their debut album VHS, delivering unforgettable anthems like “Renegades” and “Unsteady.” Now, frontman Sam Nelson Harris reflects on a decade of growth, success, and transformation as the band prepares to release VHS(X)—a bold reimagining of the record that first put them on the map. In this conversation, Sam talks about revisiting the songs that launched their career and what they mean to him today, the creative process of breathing new life into fan favorites, and how re-recording tracks like “Renegades” offered surprising new perspectives. He also shares what fans can expect from the upcoming VHS(X) Tour, reflects on the band's evolution from VHS to their latest album Townie, and dives into how his experiences writing and collaborating with artists like Rihanna, Eminem, and The Weeknd have shaped his artistry. This episode is both a celebration of the past and a glimpse into the future of one of alternative music's most influential bands.

What happens when the raw energy of Black Flag collides with the timeless spirit of Bill Monroe? That's exactly the question Water Tower has been answering since 2005. Founded in Portland and now thriving in Los Angeles, the band has built a reputation for their fearless DIY approach and genre-bending sound that seamlessly blends bluegrass, old-time, and punk rock. In this episode, Kenny Feinstein (lead vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin) and Tommy Drinkard (banjo, vocals) share how their unique musical DNA fuses tradition with rebellion, the impact of their move from Portland to LA, and how the band has evolved through different lineups and stages. They also reflect on their collaborations with icons like Ron Reyes of Black Flag and Nick Hexum of 311, their journey from street performances to viral videos, and what it's like adapting their sound for radically different crowds—from the Vans Warped Tour to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Along the way, they reveal the passion and persistence that continue to drive Water Tower as they carve out their own path in modern music. If you love music that breaks rules while honoring its roots, this conversation is for you.

Like Ghosts has been shaping the emo and alt-rock scene out of San Antonio since 2014—building a sound full of raw emotion and melodic grit.

From chart-topping success with Blue Moon Ghetto to shaping Omaha's music scene through his new venture, Omaha Music Group, Matt Banta has a knack for creating the unforgettable. In this episode, we explore his journey through the highs and lessons of the music industry, his passion for nurturing local talent, and the exciting next chapter with his latest project, Space To Play—including an upcoming album you won't want to miss. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Matt's work for the first time, this conversation offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at a true creative force.

From platinum records to pop culture icon—Ryan Cabrera opens up in a candid conversation about fame, authenticity, and navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. We talk about his early success, the lessons learned along the way, and how he continues to evolve as an artist and person. A raw, reflective, and surprisingly funny look behind the curtain of a career that helped define an era.

What happens when two Grammy-winning legends—Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman and songwriter/producer Billy Mann—reconnect decades after sharing a high school vocal program and a deep love for harmony, storytelling, and soul?You get - CHOSEN FAMILY..In this heartfelt episode of Caught on the Mike, we explore the origins of Chosen Family, their new collaborative project born out of shared roots in Philly, personal growth, and the bond of fatherhood—both raising sons on the autism spectrum.From packed arenas with Boyz II Men to hit songs with P!nk, David Guetta, and John Legend, these two icons share stories of rediscovery, vulnerability, and building something new with purpose. Their upcoming album Generation Us is more than a record—it's a movement for connection, compassion, and creativity.This conversation is a rare glimpse into the kind of friendship that time, music, and shared mission only deepen.

This week on Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Alex Dugan, the magnetic frontman of Culture Wars, to talk about the band's latest single “Lies”—a raw, emotional 90s-tinged alt-rock ballad that's already making waves. We get into the heart of the song's origin—written in the aftermath of heartbreak and betrayal, and shaped by the realization that everything musically was about to change. Inspired by a life-altering New Order concert and years in the making, “Lies” has grown from synth beginnings to a powerful full-band anthem that now closes every Culture Wars show. Alex opens up about the vulnerability behind the lyrics, the band's sonic evolution, and how this track paved the way for everything Culture Wars would become. We also talk about their massive year—touring with Wallows, Keane, and LANY, hitting the top 20 on alt radio, and gearing up for their headline shows in LA and NYC. This is more than just a conversation about a song—it's a conversation about trusting your gut, healing through art, and finding the courage to put it all out there.

In this episode, we're joined by none other than Collin Walsh, the voice behind Grayscale. Collin gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the band's latest chapter—kicking off with their new single “Not Afraid to Die”, a bold, synth-infused track that marks a major shift in their sound and direction. We talk about what it's like going independent, the emotional layers behind recent tracks like “Mum II” and “Summer Clothes”, and even dive into how the band (and industry) is evolving, and thow hey're doing it on their own terms. Plus, Collin teases what fans can expect from Grayscale's upcoming tour with Our Last Night—from new setlists to life on the road, it's clear they're more fired up than ever. If you're a longtime fan or just getting into the band, this is the perfect time to catch up with Grayscale and hear where they're headed next.

On this episode of Caught On The Mike, I'm joined by the incredibly talented Hector Anchondo — winner of the 2020 International Blues Challenge and a powerful force in the modern blues scene. From his early days blending Latin, reggae, and rock, to becoming a nationally recognized blues artist, Hector's journey is one of passion, resilience, and raw talent. We also reflect on our shared roots in Omaha's iconic Ranch Bowl and the evolution of the local music community. Whether you're a longtime blues fan or simply love hearing from authentic artists with real stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this high-octane episode of Caught on the Mike, Mike sits down with Cody Hanson and Marshal Dutton of the multi-platinum rock band Hinder to talk all things music, creativity, and the fire behind their latest album. From the gritty realities of songwriting on the road to the evolution of their sound and chemistry in the studio, Cody and Marshal open up about what fuels their process and what fans can expect from their newest work. Whether you're a longtime Hinder fan or a lover of the creative grind, this episode delivers insight, laughs, and plenty of rock ‘n' roll energy.

In this episode, I'm joined by Charlie and Kevin Jordan Ries—aka The Ries Brothers—a genre-bending sibling duo fusing rock, reggae, funk, and soul into one unforgettable sound. We dive into their journey from local gigs to touring with legends like G. Love and 311, talk creative process, road life, and their latest summer-ready single, “Golden Sun.” If you're into good vibes, great music, and real conversation—this one's for you.

In this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Dominic Casciato, Head Coach of Union Omaha, to talk all things soccer, strategy, and leadership. From his international coaching journey to leading one of USL League One's most exciting clubs, Dominic shares his insights on what it takes to build a winning culture on and off the pitch. We dive into the evolving landscape of American soccer, the importance of developing talent, and how Union Omaha is striving to create a lasting legacy in the heartland. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mindset of a top-level coach who's pushing boundaries and elevating the game.

Back in the late '90s, when I was diving headfirst into the world of playing in bands, I was like a sponge—soaking up every bit of inspiration from the best of the best. One of the biggest influences on me when it came to stage presence and connecting with an audience was someone I now have the privilege of calling a friend: Steve Ewing of The Urge This is Steve's second time on the show—and I can't wait to share this latest episode with all of you. Even more pumped to see The Urge live again on July 12 in Omaha. You do not want to miss it!

Frnd Crcl, pronounced "Friend Circle," is a band based in Vineland, NJ, steadily making a name for themselves in the pop punk scene. Formed in 2018, they began to turn heads with the release of their sophomore album, Internet Noise, which dropped during the chaotic year of 2020. Often compared to pop punk heavyweights like Blink-182 and Sum 41, FRND CRCL is now aiming to carve out their own unique identity with their upcoming release, JRSY FRSH, set to drop on May 30. Joining me on the podcast today is Zac Johnson of FRND CRCL. We dive into the band's journey—past, present, and future—and explore our perspectives on creativity in today's ever-evolving music industry.

Nick Hexum is best known as the frontman of the band 311, which has now been together for over 30 years. In fact, their 1995 breakthrough release, commonly and affectionately referred to as "the Blue Album," turns 30 years old on July 11, 2025—just one day before their concert in their hometown of Omaha, NE, for 89.7 The River's 30th birthday bash. Throughout 311's career, they have released 14 studio albums, many of which reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 charts. The band has maintained its longevity through constant touring and by building a loyal, worldwide fanbase. In the eyes of many—including myself—311 is summertime's most favorite band. In 2025, Nick is taking his creativity to another level by releasing what he describes as 25 solo songs across multiple EPs. The first two, "Waxing Nostalgic" and "Full Memories," dropped in February and April of this year. These solo releases showcase a noticeable shift toward vulnerability and transparency. The themes revolve around coming to terms with one's relationship with nostalgia while also looking ahead to the future. A strong influence in this material is Nick's role as a father, husband, and all-around family man, resulting in a refreshing honesty conveyed through well-crafted Americana music. As a long time 311 fan, I personally, have been trying to manifest this conversation for five years and am glad to have had the opportunity to express my gratitude to Nick in this episode.

In this episode, I get the pleasure of speaking with actors, directors, producers, creators and best friends: Jennifer Nangle and Charles Chudabala! These award winning actors and producers of over 100 films share their experiences from the indie horror world, DIY filmmaking tips, and BEYOND. While also talking about THEIR podcast: Beyond The Body Count. A lot of laughs and a lot of fun!!

In a world that feels like it's crashing and burning every day, sometimes you just need to disassociate, and get lost in vibey, hyperpop, and punk.. CLUB PUNK.. Tyler and Alex (the duo that make up MOVIESTARZ) are creating a perfect space to lose yourself in as they break boundaries not only with their music, but also in their visuals. With every release they put out, they are offering a complete creative experience from sound and artwork to fashion. The group also have their own clothing brand - Newport Bleach- which you may be familiar with, as the brand that designed a custom tee to help raise money for Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt when they lost their home to the LA fires. Their debut single “CLUB PUNK” is an energetic, edgy anthem that serves as the perfect introduction to MOVIESTARZ's mission to smash genre boundaries and create something entirely new. Produced in collaboration with THE FUND (Tessa Violet, VALE, Zach Gordon.) Today, I get the pleasure of discussing this new and exciting project with Tyler and Alex; and get an in-depth perspective on their mission to share it with the world.

It's Dynasty Combat Sports week!! A full week of great episodes leading up to the May 3, 2025 event - Spring Brawl- at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE! Tyler Berger is a former NCAA wrestler for the University of Nebraska and on May 3, he will be making his professional debut in Lincoln, NE! A one time high school and collegiate standout; Tyler made his way to Lincoln from Oregan and is now based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he began his MMA journey which he intends to turn into a pathway towards the UFC. In this episode, I get the pleasure of speaking with Tyler- talking about his background, how fatherhood has shaped his mindset, and what fans have to look forward to on May 5!!

It's Dynasty Combat Sports week!! A full week of great episodes leading up to the May 3, 2025 event - Spring Brawl- at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE! Justin Weaver is a long-time midwestern MMA vet- a veteran of the armed forces with a collegiate wrestling background- and just recently, added the title of entrepreneur to his resume with the opening of his own MMA gym- Magnum MMA. In this episode, I get the pleasure of speaking with Justin- talking about his background, what it's going to be like sharing a fight card with his son (youth wrestling,) and what fans have to look forward to on May 5!!

It's Dynasty Combat Sports week!!A full week of great episodes leading up to the May 3, 2025 event - Spring Brawl- at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE!Bubba Wilson is a former NCAA wrestler for the University of Nebraska and on May 3, he will be making his MMA debut! A one time high school standout; Bubba made his way to Lincoln and earned a degree in engineering and now begins his MMA journey ahead of a move to Florida. In this episode, I get the pleasure of speaking with Bubba- talking about his background, what his favorite tequila is, and what fans have to look forward to on May 5!!

It's Dynasty Combat Sports week!! A full week of great episodes leading up to the May 3, 2025 event - Spring Brawl- at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE! Alexis Myers is a multi-sport athlete, an even DJ by profession, an amateur MMA fighter with an undefeated record, an Anti-Bullying advocate- and... THE VOICE of Dynasty Combat Sports! "Dynasty Announce Team Assemble!" In this episode, I get the pleasure of speaking with Alexis- talking about her background, what makes midwest MMA special, and what fans have to look forward to on May 5!!

Sunburnt is a high energy trio that does their best to inject a little sunshine into everyday life's ups and downs. Embracing the spirit of Southern California's pop, alternative, hardcore, and pop punk traditions, SUNBURNT fuses these influences into a tidy and modern package. Justin, Will, and Alex have all played in various bands for over 15 years and decided after the pandemic that they still had things to say. The band shuns the shiny themes of modern pop music for a real and personal approach to adult life. SUNBURNT is bringing the heat with no patience for the fake. They take concept in name as a metaphor for working a long day in the sun, comparatively; to spending days on the road, nights in cramped venues, and a lifetime creating music. To them, SUNBURNT is a badge of honor and a culmination of an adolescence hard at work to find their own sound.

Bron Theron started his film career by making documentaries on graffiti art. He toured with several hip hop groups and created a hip hopumentary film called "Primal Rap" . He has written and directed several projects in the comedy genre. He recently finished the film-noir/Paranormal film "Half Dead Fred," and "Pancake Man." Currently, he is in production on his next film- "Fear Anonymous." He lives in Long Beach California and works as a professional muralist.

Josh, aka “isitjosh”, is an independent artist blending pop-punk, alternative rock, and pop, drawing inspiration from the music that surrounded him growing up. Originally born in New Hampshire, raised in Omaha, and now based in Philadelphia, he started out playing drums long before he was singing in bands like Take Me To Vegas and Hurricane Like Me. Now, “isitjosh” is a self-made solo artist who simply refuses to give up. Josh has built his new audience from the ground floor, with over 1 million streams and landing on 10,000+ user playlists through grassroots support and social media alone. His sound is nostalgic but modern and genre bending - pulling from the 2000s emo umbrella, alt rock staples like Third Eye Blind and Matchbox Twenty, and pop influences like The Weeknd and Justin Bieber. At its heart, Josh's music is about real experiences and honest storytelling. Without a label or major backing, he continues to connect with listeners through an authentic songwriting approach and a dedicated fanbase who supports him every step of the way.

With a string of releases that include 4 top 40 charting songs from the new singles “Vampire” and “FERRARI RED” to the smash EP daydream drama, VIOLET NIGHT has garnered a dedicated fan base and praise for their music. The band merges alternative rock, indie pop, and ambient layers, creating a sound that's both ethereal and unfiltered. Their music draws inspiration from personal experiences and the human condition, often exploring themes of self-discovery, introspection, existentialism, and the complexities of relationships. They combine hauntingly emotive vocals and lush instrumentation to create an immersive sonic landscape that invites audiences to delve into their introspective narratives. In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Connor Pohl of Violet Night and learning the mechanics of what makes this band run!!

Tucker Charron is an Omaha, NE based MMA bantamweight fighter. He trains out of the prestigious Premier Combat Center- also based in Omaha. I got the opportunity to catch up and learn a little bit more about Tucker ahead of his bout on March 14, 2025 at the Astro Amphitheater in LaVista, Nebraska for Dynasty Combat Sports St. Patty's Showdown!

Bridge The Gap is a collective of four friends who toured hard and released music together in the '90s and early '00s. After putting down their instruments for a time to start families and ark on careers, these gentlemen reorganized as a new band with a fresh creative perspective and a burning passion to share their brand of skate-punk with the world. In this episode, frontman Chad Jensen joins me to talk about their forthcoming release: “Gainsayer” (produced by Bill Stevensen - ALL, The Descendents) and we get into both the band's past and future…

Corin Nemec is an American actor, producer, artist, and screenwriter best known for playing the title character in the sitcom Parker Lewis Can't Lose (1990–1993), Jonas Quinn in the science fiction series Stargate SG-1, and Harold Lauder in the miniseries The Stand. What many DON'T know is that he is a life-long graffiti artist fully embracing all elements of hip hop culture - and these days spends a lot of time on varied interests- making him a modern "renaissance man.”I was glad to connect with him for this episode and can't wait for you to learn more about all of his other work outside of acting. 

Eric Bass is best known as the co-songwriter, producer, and bassist for multi-platinum rock institution: Shinedown, who holds the record for most No. 1 singles on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.In November 2024, he released his first solo single: “MindControl,” from his debut solo album, slated for release on February 28, 2025.“Eric BassPresents: I Had a Name” is an immersive, expansive, and richly thematic work. As well versed in KISS and Van Halen as to Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, Bass poured passion and  creativity into I Had a Name.In this episode, we had a great talk about this; the upcoming Shinedown tour, and our coping mechanisms with mental health. It does get deep; so extra discretion is advised.

Patti Negri, renowned Psychic-Medium and "Good Witch," is best known for her recurring role on Travel Channel and Discovery Plus's #1 show Ghost Adventures, as well as the top paranormal series on YouTube, TFIL Overnight with Elton Castee. An international bestselling author, Patti wrote Old World Magick for the Modern World: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques to Balance, Empower, & Create a Life You Love, and her upcoming book, Dollcraft, set to be released by Llewellyn in 2025, explores haunted dolls and magical poppets. Beyond television, Patti has made appearances on a variety of shows, including Portals to Hell, MasterChef, Wipeout, and America's Got Talent, while also collaborating with popular influencers and crossover talents such as Lilly Singh, LaurDIY, Good Mythical Morning, and AwesomenessTV. Her work extends to magazine covers, contributions to over 20 books, and conducting séances for radio, film, and television, working with Hollywood legends like Emma Stone, Jon Voight, Josh Duhamel, Chevy Chase, and Gregory Hines. Patti is also a prominent voice in the podcasting world, hosting the award-winning weekly show The Witching Hour and co-hosting The Witch's Movie Coven. She is a founding partner and Vice President of Paraflixx.com, a streaming service dedicated to the paranormal, and serves as the founding partner and Headmistress of University Magickus (magicku.org), an online school specializing in spirituality and mysticism.

We have a lot of athletes from the world of combat sports (MMA, Boxing) on the show- talking about how they got to where they are.... But, do we really talk about what happens behind the curtain to make it all possible?? The business of booking and making fights is a complicated one. Involving promoters, booking agents, managers, lawyers, doctors, publicists-- you get the point... What if there was a disruption in the business simplifying the entire process start to finish??Enter: Fightbook.My next guest hopes to introduce that disruption and change the game of booking fights for the better. Mark Habibi is an entrepreneur, manager, and figurehead of Fightbook as well as Wise Owl Boxing. He joins the show today to talk about this exciting new platform and his hopes of changing the industry.

One of my favorite parts of this show is getting to reflect back on the complexities of person's career, especially in the realms of music and art. So, it's an extra treat when I get the opportunity to talk with someone just climbing up that ladder. Capri is a young Canadian pop singer and songwriter now living in LA. She holds a Guinness World Record for singing 80 anthems in 80 countries in their native languages. Her songs and videos have amassed millions of streams and one of her recent releases, Arcade, hit #17 on the Billboard charts. We talk about all this, and more, including the recent TikTok shut down controversy and the marketing strength of the platform itself.

Sharna Burgess is best known for being a "Dancing with the Stars" judge in Australia and Pro Dancer on "Dancing with the Stars" in the U.S.. When Sharna joined DWTS U.S. in season 12 she quickly became a fan favorite after her season with actor and comedian, Andy Dick. Known for her fiery red hair and emotional storytelling, she completed 18 seasons on DWTS. Sharna has placed in the top 3 five times and she won the competition in U.S. season 27 with celebrity partner Bobby Bones. Sharna got to share her love of DWTS and dance with her partner Brian Austin Green on her final season with the show, season 30. The couple now share their son Zane Walker Green. We have a fantastic conversation about recent events, parenting & step parenting, and making quality time with your significant other. We also discuss Sharna's foray into film with the future release of the horror thriller, 3 Killer Pigs.

Ross Benes is the award-winning author of The Sex Effect and Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold. He's written for Esquire, Entertainment Weekly, Robot Butt, and Rolling Stone. He's regularly interviewed by Marketplace, Bloomberg TV, and the LA Times about his entertainment industry analysis. His next book: 1999- The Year That Low Culture Conquered America And Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times drops in April - and we have a discussion about all things 90's pop culture and it's parallels to today..

There is nothing more fun than getting the opportunity to talk with someone that is not afraid to be their authentic self. As a long term resident of the state of Nebraska, that fun only becomes more exciting when that person loves and is equally beloved of their home city. Wayne Sullivan is an MMA fighter and entrepreneur based out of Omaha, NE. His next fight is January 17, 2025 for Dynasty Combat Sports New Year's Knockouts at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena. I not only have the privilege of a front row seat at the fight for this main eventer, but also get to give you all a front row seat into the mind of one of Omaha's favorite sons.

In this episode, I reflect briefly on 20224 while sharing the goals of the show for 2025! This year we are looking at spreading our wings further through the 3 c's: Collaboration, Creativity, and Culture. Listen to learn more!

Anthony Davis better known by his stage name “Ant,” is a DJ and hip hop producer best known as being one half of the phenomenal group- “Atmosphere. “ He has worked with some of the best in the business (mostly aligned with the Rhymesayers Entertainment record label), such as Brother Ali, I Self Devine, Felt and The Dynospectrum. This January, he releases the 3rd entry in the solo “Collection of Sounds” series with “Collection of Sounds Vol. 3.” Then follows it up with Brother Ali's “Satisfied Soul” and Atmosphere's tour in support of the 20th anniversary of “You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having.” We discuss all of this, plus get his insight in how he envisions releases and collections of music. It's not a huge secret that Atmosphere is my favorite group, Rhymesayers is one of my favorite collectives, and the great artists that make up all of it are some of my favorite people!www.rhymesayers.comwww.caughtonthemike.com

When you watch a movie in a crowded theater, you give your undivided attention to the experience itself. Your senses lock into the action on the screen and the sound from the speakers, and you're completely immersed. World's First Cinema replicate the moviegoing experience in their music. The Los Angeles-based duo—John Sinclair and Fil Thorpe—project a myriad of intimate emotions across widescreen soundscapes underpinned by scenes of alternative, indie, pop, and electronic. After amassing over 20 million streams and counting and earning widespread acclaim from WONDERLAND., EUPHORIA., Earmilk, The Line of Best Fit, and many more. A mutual friend invited John and Fil to a game night, and they naturally started chatting. A few weeks later, they met up for a session, cooking up their 2020 debut single “Can't Feel Anything.” It eventually generated 2.2 million Spotify streams followed by “Red Run Cold” with 7.5 million Spotify streams. Both songs adorned their debut Rituals EP in 2021. They inspired tastemaker praise with “Supernatural.” Of the latter, The Line of Best Fit urged, “think Panic! at the Disco meets Michael Jackson's ‘Thriller' – it's fun, funky and spooky,” and WONDERLAND. attested, “the L.A.-based duo are redefining pop one theatrical rock melody at a time.” Carrying this momentum into 2022, “Young Beast” generated 1.7 million Spotify streams, and they teamed up with Punctual for the fan favorite “Castles.” In the end, World's First Cinema present an escape worthy of the big screen, and you'll never want the credits to roll.www.caughtonthemike.com

Hope Misner is a Nebraska City based MMA Bantamweight fighter and personal trainer. Though her fight career is young, her ambitions are big and include having a goal to inspire young women all over the area to enter in a mostly male dominated sport. In this episode, we discuss her entry into MMA a passion for fitness, and even discuss a few hyped up fitness myths and truths and their effectiveness as people set forth into the new year. Hope's next fight is on December 28, 2024 at Pinnacle Bank Arena for Dynasty Combat Sport's Seasons Beatings.

As the current year draws to a close, a sense of optimism builds inside all of us- but only after we take a personal inventory of the year before. We evaluate how we spent our time, what our "purpose" is, and who we spent that time with. Most times, it reinvigorates our sense of curiosity to better understand ourselves and the world around us. Enter my next guest and FANTASTIC conversation. Randy Spelling is a former actor and current life coach He is one-third of the triumvirate that hosts the fantastic podcast "Old-ish" (alongside Sharna Burgess and Brian Austin Green.) A show where age old questions meet new age answers. Honored to call Randy a friend and have this fantastic conversation!www.randyspelling.comwww.caughtonthemike.com