Dope Nostalgia

For the first time since 2020, an in-studio recording of DNP! No Zoom interview, because Colin Krieger is back, sitting down in person with Naomi to talk about "The Most Dangerous Band in the World", G n' Fn' R. Some obscure GNR facts, Axl's voice over the years, the painful wait for "Chinese Democracy", the reunion, how much would you spend on a concert ticket, the Tushy bidet, Velvet Revolver, health issues, and more.

Semisonic drummer Jacob Slichter is my guest today! We talk about the history of Minneapolis music, The "Music That Makes Community" organization, payola for radio play, Columbia House, and their smash hit that still ends the night at the pub today, "Closing Time". Also, Taliyah and Erika are here for another chat with Gen Z about 90's music.

Moist is one of the biggest rock bands in Canadian history! Especially in the Big Shiny Tunes Era - the 90's. Moist bassist Jeff Pearce & guitarist Jonathan Gallivan chat with me about the band, Wordle, Bif Naked's appearance in the video "Believe Me", The Napster Era, computer talk, Jonathan's band My Brilliant Beast, what's on their rider, and the latest incredible Moist album, "The End of the Ocean".

Kickass drummer/instructor Benjamin Hans joins me from Nashville! He's worked with such greats as Trixter, Eric Martin, and Kip Winger, and shares some stories. We talk about his jazz album, living and working in Nashville, vinyl, magazines, and more! We start the show with talking to our Gen Z friend Koda about her 90's knowledge.

Dr. Kelly Jakubowski is a renowned professor of Music Psychology at Durham University in the UK. We discuss how music affects our brains. Is nostalgia healthy? We talk about the link between music & memories, remembering song lyrics from decades ago, thinking new music sucks and "ours" is the best, how music affects Dementia & Alzheimer's, perfect & relative pitch, and the song that gets stuck in your head, the earworm.

Let's talk about singer turned successful actress, Billie Piper! A UK treasure, she released 2 successful pop albums before taking acting seriously, and my guest Mariel Bassori of the YouTube channel "Mariel Talks Pop" loves them! Mariel also does artist interviews with the popstars of the 90's and early 2000's, so we discuss what goes into finding our guests.

Sweet, soulful vocalist Tiffany Villarreal joins me to share her story! Having worked with Dr. Dre, Missy Elliot, Raekwon, Baby Bash, 2Pac, and more, she has lived the music industry and seen it's dark side. A former member of R&B group 702, we talk about these experiences, her strong and inspiring faith, the music we loved in the '90's, and her new music on her YouTube channel, including her courageous track "Woman".

Our friend Karella Cummings is back! We cover a lot of 90's TV history in this episode. The main subject is Jamie Walters, singer of the hit song "How Do You Talk To An Angel?" from the show "The Heights". We discuss 90210, abusive boyfriends on TV, Flintstones, Drew Barrymore, virginity, Levi's jeans, Degrassi, and a lot more.

Damon Sharpe started his musical journey as a dancer, and singer/actor in the TV boyband Guys Next Door. His artistry exploded ever since, as he became one of the world's most sought after DJ's, songwriters, and producers. Damon and I talk about his songwriting process, writing the J-Lo hit "Love Don't Cost A Thing", winning a Grammy, coaching on X-Factor, teen magazines, his record label BRAINJACK music, and so much more!

This episode is long and slick and olive green! Quinn & Charlie are here from The Give 'Em Hell Boys, longtime friends of DNP. We decided to go back in time to the beginnings of band Sugar Ray. Mark McGrath and friends started as Shrinky Dinx, doing heavier music in the early 90's, then changed it up a wee bit. Are they sellouts? We also talk Howard Stern and "The Psychedelic Bee", Golden Girls, and A LOT of yacht rock.

My guest today Urmi Hossain and I dive into the 1999 Britney Spears debut smash album "...Baby One More Time"! We cover the earliest days of her solo career, how Jive Records used her album to promote the latest BSB release, why it oddly says "Hit Me", the Don Philip incident, and a track-by-track review.

It's 1990, and "Dirty Cash (Money Talks)" is a huge dance hit. Fast forward to 2024, and it goes through a revival on the Netflix series "Monsters", the story of the Menéndez brothers. Writer and producer Mick Walsh is my guest to talk about the days of being a member of production group The Adventures of Stevie V.

For the DNP 5th Anniversary celebration, we welcome back the very first guest of the podcast - Tim Stephens, former guitarist of EMF! We talk about what has happened in the last 5 years. His new single, "Texas Girl", is out February 9th.

5 years? YES! We celebrate with podcast friends Jimmy, Dan, Greg, Jo, and Kendra, recounting favourite moments in DNP history. We play the silliest, raunchiest, and rowdiest 90's trivia you'll ever hear. Play along and let us know how you scored! Also, we listen to Jimmy's dildo memoirs.

In honour of DNP's 5th Anniversary, this is a very special episode featuring one of the most successful vocal groups of all time - 98 Degrees! Jeff Timmons, Drew Lachey, and Nick Lachey join me to discuss the new single "Got U", the new album "Full Circle" which drops May 9th, their country hit with Brett Kissel, favourite tours, TRL, and some Canadian memories.

Jon G is back to talk about the biggest UK pop group of the late 90's - S Club! Formerly S Club 7, they had both a TV series and a string of huge hits on the charts. Although some members recently reunited, they sadly lost member Paul Cattermole in 2023. Recently after recording this episode, Jon G interviewed S Club member Jon Lee. You can learn more on Jon's social media pages. Jon and I also talk about his experience on the red carpet at TIFF interviewing celebrities like the legend, Robbie Williams, 299 Queen Street West documentary, Nasri from Magic! and more.

All 4 original members of Hollywood Records girl group Nobody's Angel have reunited for a DNP exclusive episode! Sarah, Ali, Stacey, and Amy Sue join me to look back at their days under the Disney label. Who moved to Canada? We talk recording in the "We Are The World" and A&M Records studios, Twinkle Time, opening for Britney, Boy Meets World, and how the music industry machine can prey on young artists.

Happy 2025! We kick off the new year with bassist Chris McLernon as our guest. Playing with bands Saigon Kick, Cold Sweat, Cold Gin, and more. We chat about Gerri Miller and her magazine "Metal Edge", early use of email addresses and other tech, his production company, cruises, and other musical memories!

This week we feature a flashback to our December 2020 Christmas episode! Merry Christmas, friends. Welcome my friends Kendra and Lauren to the show, as we compare the greatest Christmas albums of the 90's, just in time for you to build a playlist! We also talk about why people hate Christmas songs, drink and festively giv'er.

The first time DNP has featured 2 legendary artists at once! R&B vocal groups Hi-Five & H-Town have collaborated on a hot new single, and we bring it to you. Their huge hits "I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)" and "Knockin' Da Boots" were gamechangers. Treston and Shazam join us to talk about their fallen brothers Dino & Tony, Being on the shows Soul Train, Arsenio, and playing The Apollo, the book "HIATUS", and some favourite deep cuts.

One of the most talented drummers in the game, Jonathan Mover has played with legendary artists such as Alice Cooper, Aretha Franklin, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Fuel, Saigon Kick, and more. He tells us about spending time in the USSR in the '90's, working with these huge stars of music, and his band ProgJect!

Songwriting legend Desmond Child joins me and I try not to fangirl! Having written some of the most important songs of the last 40 years+, he shares the details of collaborations, industry truths, "TWO : The Story of Roman & Nyro", the movie about his family, and we celebrate his biography, "LIVING ON A PRAYER : BIG SONGS, BIG LIFE". Now released on audiobook! Get your copy at www.desmondchild.com . Desmond orchestrated our youth, and continues to write timeless hits to this day.

DC The Brain Supreme of hip-hop group Tag Team is here! There is much to learn about the Denver turned Atlanta group and their southern bass origins. "Whoomp! (There It Is)" is a party anthem, a sports anthem, and one of the biggest hip-hop singles of all time. DC Glenn teaches us on how to be most affective at what you do, and shares a vast amount of knowledge about business. 

I talked to several husbands about their wives' love of the New Kids on The Block, and how they deal with it. Some of them have been to concerts and cruises, and have became fans themselves! We learn about how they support their wives, what annoys them, embarrassing moments, who is their favourite New Kid, and is there a line that's going too far? Sam, Greg, Nick, John, & Tyrone were wonderful! I also talk to male Blockheads Jeremy and Joseph about their fandom, how they became fans, and solidify that NKOTB is for everyone, not just the girls.

This band is super important to me. I adore their music, and what a privilege to have this conversation with the bassist of Canadian rock band Default, Dave Benedict! He's one of the best bassists you'll ever see live, and he's enjoying making music with Default as well as new band Robby Hurricane. We talk the best Default album tracks, their relationship with Chad Kroeger and touring with Nickelback, The end of TNT Records, his record label with drummer Danny Craig, the song Richard Marx wrote with Default, and so much more.

In late June, Naomi and her co-host pal James P. White had a trip planned to teach kids light saber combat and see Paula Abdul & New Kids On The Block in California. WestJet abruptly canceled our flight due to the mechanics strike, so we got in the car and DROVE there. We tell all about our adventure, joined by guest Rebecca, our host in her lovely home! Casinos, bedbugs, Chick Fil-A, Cracker Barrel, Jimmy's Joe Mac encounter, bickering, meeting Paula Abdul, LucasFilm, The Golden Gate Bridge, role playing meet and greets, 4th of July, and Canada Day on the road. Fuck You, WestJet.

Our friends Karella and Sherol are here to talk Jon Secada! He started his career as a music teacher turned member of Miami Sound Machine, then ruled the charts with his single "Just Another Day". We are all over the map, talking MJ's "HIStory", TLC's RAV4's, my car boombox, J-Lo & Ben, The definition of "Zaddy", AOL dialup, and old school phone hotlines.

In the early 90's, a new kind of soulful hip hop emerged on the scene with the arrival of P.M. Dawn, and their smash hit "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss". Brothers Prince Be and Eternal became influential to many future hip hop artists. Their cousin Doc G. joined the group, and spent Prince Be's final years with him. Doc G now represents the group. Although some feel the move is controversial, Doc G confronts the naysayers. Today, he is speaking on this podcast about his experiences, as we give admiration to the talent and life of Prince Be, who passed in 2016. 

My guest is Stefan from the MLVC Podcast! Your source for all things Madonna. Stefan has had some memorable moments with the Queen of Pop that he shares. She did SO MUCH in the 90's, and we talk Justify My Love, her Oscars date with MJ, Maverick Records, Dick Tracy, Evita, and a surprise track featuring 2Pac.

My guest Tyler from Rave & Drool Podcast is here to talk about the music of Joey Lawrence! The teen idol who starred in TV's "Blossom" released several albums, starting with his self-titled debut. The song "Nothing My Love Can't Fix" was a bonafide hit! Does Joey really smell like a zoo? we also touch on some NKOTB talk, sibling podcasts, cruises, and great random music chat!

My guest is photographer Mike Hipple, author of the book "Lived Through That: 90's Musicians Today". a fantastic, well formatted read for any music fan of the decade. He chats about working with Krist Novoselic, Dave Holmes, Tanya Donelly, Adrian Young of No Doubt, and more.

Tim and Jason from Dig Me Out Podcast are my guests, and this topic is deep - What caused the death of hair metal? The days of hard partying, groupies, and hairspray were wearing thin on many. We like to blame the grunge era, but were other factors at play? Record companies, power ballads, college rock, oversaturation, and more are discussed. Which rockers survived the blow? (maybe literally)...

My guest is Jamie from The 80's & 90's Podcast! Our topic: One of the greatest dance acts of the decade - C+C Music Factory. Founded by producers David Cole and Robert Clivilles, they had smash hits all over the Billboard charts, and their fair share of controversy, heartbreak, and legal drama. They worked on mixes for popular artists, as well as creating the group Seduction. We discuss the loss of David Cole, and Freedom Williams continuing to use the group's name to market himself as a performer.

A happy reunion with my pals Andrew, Charlie, and Greg from the podcast "It's A Conspiracy!". We tackle some crazy stories about Nirvana, Weezer, Paula Abdul, and Shazaam, the Monster of the Week, Greg's time travel, and Chonks has a disgusting snack.

From the days of BSB, NSYNC, and Britney comes the girl group Innosense! Member Veronica Davidson (formerly Finn) is here to get nostalgic with me. She replaced Britney Spears in the group, and was Justin Timberlake's first girlfriend. She shares stories of fun times, meeting artists like Pink, the Britney sleepover, and we celebrate her successful career post-Innosense. 

Decided to give you a short episode during our road trip travels, following the first 2 shows of New Kids On The Block's Magic Summer Tour! Adrian from Rattail, and Chrissy & Rebecca from Meow Meow Crew are driving from Chicago to Detroit, recounting the first 2 shows, spoiler free. I share the details of my individual meet and greet with the group, as close as I remember from my scattered memory and nerves! Some wording might be a guestimate. It you'd like to be on a Magic Summer Road episode, find me in Detroit, Wheatland, and Mountain View, and be on the show! 

TikTok and IG creator @retro.avocado AKA Janine DeMichele Baggett is my guest, as we share experiences of growing up in a Christian household. We have common ground in that we were limited to what we were allowed to listen to in music. Janine loved the music of Stacie Orrico, and we talk about her song catalogue and her influence on us. With over 18.5M likes on TikTok for her fun, retro videos, Janine is one to follow!

My guest Lyndsay owns the TikTok channel "Nostalgia Canadiana", and posts the best VHS finds. She informed me of a group I had no idea existed: KIDEO! 3 talented rock musicians who made a children's TV show on YTV and other international outlets. Both Rush and a Blue Jays pitcher made music with them. We also talk EP/LP/SP speeds and retro commercials.  If you remember KIDEO, make sure you contact us with your KIDEO memories.

Eric, Tim, and Joe from "Somewhere In Time Podcast" are here to discuss the band that has been credited with influencing Nu-Metal and blew up the scene in the early '90's - Faith No More. Vocalist Mike Patton has been labeled as one of the greatest rock singers ever. We talk about his gross stage antics, their beef with GNR and RHCP, Mr. Bungle, and how the band seemed to not get along.

My guest Joe Valenzuela of Milk Carton Pop Stars blog is here to chat about Deee-Lite! I considered them crazy weird when they debuted in 1990 with the smash hit "Groove Is In The Heart", but that song has lasted over the decades and now has a solid place in dance music history. We talk about members Lady Miss Kier, DJ Dmitri, and Towa Tei, their collab with Bootsy Collins, long jewel boxes for CD's, and more!

Shaleena from "Everything 90s Podcast" is the guest, as us 2 Canucks chat about Canadian R&B princess Keshia Chante! She has also been dubbed Drake's first girlfriend, so we do a small study on his lyrics about "Kiki". We talk about her excellent music, and her beef with Bow Wow when co-hosting "106 & Park".  I also debut a new segment where I chat with Gen Z and younger Millennials about their 90's knowledge.

For DNP's 200th episode, we are honoured to bring you a reunion 31 years in the making - R&B group Perfect Gentlemen are here! Members Stephen Starr, Maurice Starr Jr., Taymullah Abdur-Rahman (Tyrone), and Corey Blakely are all here to reminisce and enjoy each other's company once again. We discuss New Edition & NKOTB, Being on Oprah and Arsenio, Favourite PG tracks, and the legendary Maurice Starr. Huge thank you to Corey Blakely for bringing his brothers together to make it happen, and my co-host, the talented Karella Cummings!

Welcome DJ AK, DJ Bethie, KellyMo, and DJ Miss T from No More Games Radio! This is our first ever battle of the boybands! All 15 men from BSB, NSYNC, and NKOTB compete in various categories. Let's have some friendly competition and show our love for ALL of them.

My special guest is self defense coach/public speaker Randy King of randykinglive.com. On this episode, we talk about one of Canada's most popular bands - Our Lady Peace. Is their name religious? Raine's unique vocals, that time they opened for GNR, and that time Randy did security at the OLP concert.

Keyboardist Andy Alston joins me from Glasgow, Scotland to talk about his band Del Amitri, and other musical projects! He is also a professor, and teaches prisoners. He tells stories of his time with lead singer Justin Currie and the band over the years.

My guest Jon G revisits the music and the fun of one of Canada's best known boybands : B4-4. Beyond the tans and frosted tips, they made great songs. Only one of them was obviously about oral sex! Ohad, Ryan, and Dan seem to be doing great in their current careers. The twins formed a duo called RyanDan as well as being Shania's backup singers. Jon and I also talk about The Muchmusic documentary screenings and our cool experiences with our Much VJ interviews.

Honoured to have this musical talent as a guest - Sandra St. Victor is here to share the story of The Family Stand. We also discuss her solo albums, her travels, being on Letterman, writing and producing the Paula Abdul album "Spellbound", Daughters of Soul, and more!

On January 27th, 2020, the first episode of Dope Nostalgia aired. 4 years later, it's still a blast to make this podcast, connecting with friends, fans, and artists who shaped the decade. Recorded LIVE on YouTube, January 28th, 2024. Full video and chat available on YouTube. Special guests Kendra, Niskers, Jimmy, Rebecca, Chrissy, and Adrian are all here to celebrate. Lots of sharing about our 90's childhoods from different perspectives and ages. 

This week's guest is a former member of R&B group RIFF - Kenny J. Wilkins! We discuss his new music, his experiences and passion for music, and dive into a discussion based around the OG blueprint of the modern boyband - supergroup New Edition.

Singer/songwriter Melanie Doane is my guest! With hits like "Adam's Rib" and "Waiting For The Tide To Turn", she was a staple on Canadian airwaves! Now she hosts and produces a children's show, "Ukulele U" on CBC, and heads up a music program that's getting over a 1000 children a week playing the ukulele! Learn how you can help support the school at www.doanemusicschool.ca.