Lise.FM

Melvin Knight joins me at the Illinois College of Media's audio suite to tell me about the influences behind his soulful sound. From his mother, an accomplished opera singer, to Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Melvin brings me on a journey through his amazingly rich musical past. Then, we put it all together and hear his new single with his fabulous band The Amber Sky, "Ice Cream," and he tells me about his upcoming album, Shades oF Us.

They play Weezer. They play Elton John. They play Stacy's Mom. They're The Hitmen of Chicago, also known as your new favorite night out! The band is composed of: composer and pianoman Ben Montalbano from indie folk band Matthaus (my first ever guest on Lise.FM), singer/songwriter Dan Durley (my second ever guest on Lise.FM), Erik Opland from Fay Ray (FKA Church Booty), Danny Masterson (voice of an angel, guitar playing skills of the devil) and Justin Peters (a singing drummer who loves Bowie, need I say more?. They tell me about how it feels to start a super group in their 20s, how they managed to compile a set list containing both "Tiny Dancer" AND "Stacy's Mom," and where they see this group going (like your sister's wedding, if she's still looking for a band!)

Episode 43 - Homegrown Chicago band Forest Home joins me in studio to talk about the makings of their unique indie math-rock sound. Members Kevin, Andy, Alayne & Eric take turns talking about the influences they bring to the table - from Weezer & Radiohead to Sleater Kinney, Forth Wanderers and This Town Needs Guns - and how they work together to synthesize all of these into one cohesive and unique, “Forest Homey” sound. At the end of our chat, they debut “Above Me,” a track off their forthcoming album, Wastement.

Episode 42: I spend an hour with Paul Rust, creator, executive producer and starring actor of LOVE on Netflix! He tells me about pitching the concept as a movie with his wife and co-creator Lesley Arfin to Judd Apatow, and why they decided to turn it into a show instead. He also tells me about his influences, which range from Pee-Wee, to Paul Thomas-Anderson, to Prince (a fellow midwestern boy, like Paul himself). He also tells me why he loves to create joyous, light-hearted comedies and gives me a peek into what’s to come on the final season of (what happens to be my favorite show) LOVE! Photocred: Never Not Notes

Jimmie Swagger, founder of the amazing Boy Toys Pocket Cabaret joins me to talk about his journey from cheerleading to burlesque, he tells me about where he gets his fiery confidence from and he sites some other performers and choreographers who he gets inspiration from. Oh, and he also teaches me how to remove a sleeve ;) Music this week by the amazing @arne-parrott - find out more on his website aptunes.com

EPISODE 40: Celebrity Fitness Expert Andrea Metcalf joins me to tell me all about her latest business venture and passion: Studios Fuse. Chicago's very first "fitness mall," Studios Fuse features four amazingly fun and unique boutique work-out spaces: from indoor surf core to glow in the dark yoga. But I find out in our conversation that this isn't what defines Andrea: she's a long time fitness instructor, broadcaster and entrepreneur. She tells me about her five biggest influences - from Jane Fonda, who she got to sat down with and interview, to Chicago media leader and client/friend of her's, Larry Wert. Along the way, Andrea shares some amazingly astute observations on the ever-transforming health & fitness industry, collaboration both in the fitness studio and the TV studio and the importance of finding a work out that you love. I reckon you'll find one you simply adore at Studios Fuse, located at 2215 N Halsted in Chicago. I'll meet you there for a juice and an avocado toast at their Juice RX bar after your amazingly entertaining and efficient workout :) The music on today's show is "Your Heartbeat Is" by the sparking queen of the Chicago glitch pop scene and former guest of this very show, @emilybluemusic. You can find it wherever you listen to your music

Jason Balla, guitarist & vocalist from Chicago-based NE-HI, joins me in the studio to talk about the musical influences he brings to the table when writing for and playing with the band. From Wire, to Brian Eno's No New York compilation, to Women, he walks me through the artists that have taught him the minimalist, no-wave sound he knows and loves. We also chat about where he gets inspiration from when it comes to song-writing, what the band likes to listen to on the road (shoutout, U Talkin' U2 To Me?) and he tells me about collaborating with Jamilia Woods. Music by NE-HI themselves

The amazing musical duo JT Nero and Allison Russell from Birds of Chicago join me to talk about their musical and artistic roots. Allison talks about growing up in Montreal in a strict music household, and the albums she used to get in secret from her aunt Janet. JT tells me about who has inspired his songwriting throughout the years and why he fell in love with Allison as a songwriter. They talk about the early days of the early days of their love story and why they were "afraid of being a couple," so as to not mess up their musical chemistry, and we get to hear a few of their beautiful tracks.

After seeing his amazing one-man show, "Do You Love Me?" about race and identity last week at Collaboraction, I invited rapper, performer & entrepreneur Makia to join me on a bonus Martin Luther King Day inspired episode of the show. He tells me about the first time he ever wrapped, as a nervous 19 year old, and how listening to Kanye in the shower helped him develop his cadence and confidence. He also talked about how entrepreneurs like P. Diddy & Garry Vaynerchuk inspire his hustle, how Will Smith inspires him to work across all different platforms & how his Dad has served as a role model for him as a black man and a musician throughout the years. Catch Makia's show, which is a part of the Encounters series through the 20th of January at Collaboraction, or his show on the 18th at Flat Iron. Also, follow him on Soundcloud, @therealmakia!

In her Instagram profile, 17 year-old Kylie Spence says, "I've probably written a song about you," and after talking to her on this week's episode & learning about the breadth of her blooming body of work, I'm going to bet she has. Kylie tells me about why she picked singing & songwriting as her mode of creativity & she explains to me some of her biggest influences - from Coldplay to her teachers. We also get to hear her latest tune, "The L Word," which was released on Jungle Strut Music in late 2017. Follow this girl on her magical musical journey, because I have a feeling she's got more special things ahead.

Let's start the 2018 calendar year with a very important & inspiring conversation on feminism and self-betterment! I'm joined by the amazing Amelia Hruby, who just wrote & self-published her first book, Fifty Feminist Mantras. She tells me how the idea was born from her #FeministMantraMonday posts on Instagram, and then she delved into some of the fantastic women and travel experiences that have inspired her throughout the years. Music by Chicago-grown band Forest Home, who I intend to have on the show real soon!

T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house, people were listening to the Lise.FM Christmas special. The great Rick Kogan and I warm our hands by the metaphorical fire of inspired conversation to talk about his Christmases past - from snowy winters in Old Town to lavish parties at the Playboy Mansion. Also, I'm honored to share a sneak peek of the forthcoming @palettes Christmas song, 'Snowflake,' by @crapface and @hopboxmusic. Follow them and hear the whole track tomorrow!

According to Steven Galanis, founder and CEO of Cameo, the selfie is the new signature. Based on this unique, but highly accurate mantra, it's his company's mission to provide the world of fans with selfie shoutout videos - while giving influencers, Youtubers, and athletes a brand-positive means to an end (you know, instead of all the #ads). Steven sits down with me this week to talk about how he got from aspirations to be a hockey player to trading to working for LinkedIn and, finally, to starting-up the amazingly popular Cameo. He tells me about his entrepreneurial spirit and the people and experiences that helped him to get where he is today.

EPISODE 32: Tom Hush, co-host of much-loved No Coast Cinema podcast on WGN Plus, graces me with his presence on the show this week and we take a stroll through memory lane in compiling his eclectic list of film influences. We start where we, 1993-babies, should start: The Lion King, and Tom talks about just how obsessed he was with that special movie. We move on to talk about Tarantino, Roger Ebert, Breathless and the Chicago film community which he has fallen deeper and deeper in love with as he records each episode of NCC. Music by the wonderful @officialimotep on @palettes

EPISODE 31: Founder & Executive Director of Chicago Detours Amanda Scotese joins me on the show this week to talk about the winding path that lead her to give amazing, story-rich tours of Chicago, of course noting her influences along the way. She brings us back to her first "solo" trip to Cancun her senior year of high school and then flies us over to the South of Italy to talk about working with Rick Steves and his tour company for 10 years. She also attributes certain writers and Chicago reporters with teaching her how to find stories in an urban geography. In the end, she talks about what sets her tours apart from others and why it's so important and special to spread hundreds of Chicago stories to her tour groups.

EPISODE 30: You know what they say: thirty, flirty & thriving! Real talk though, super cool that my podcast has exited its 20s before I myself have. And what better way to celebrate than with Chicago's own DJ Ca$h Era, of Louder Than a Bomb, Northwestern, & WGN Radio fame! She joins me in studio to talk about when and why she started mixing music, we compare DJ naming experiences (mine is DJ Graham Cracker) and she tells me how Chance the Rapper, DJ INC an Kevin Coval have all shaped her DJ career. Music mixed by @DJCashEra herself!

This week, the amazing Lauren Engel joins me to talk about her YouTube series Sidewalk Talk, where she has interviewed artists like Ryan Hemsworth, Gnash, Y2K & Skylar Spence while walking around sunny LA. She tells me about growing up in Hong Kong in her own little musical bubble and we talk about how her background in photography, loving music and her natural introversion influenced her to take up vlogging. Lauren also cites some of her favorite photographers and interviewers that have inspired her style and committment. Music by @aobeats

This week, the lovely Ash Kordik (who happens to be one of my best friends from college) joins me for a chat on what drives her spontaneous creativity. We talk about the powerful law of attraction, Ashley's undying curiosity and fascination with possibility over reality, and she cited a couple influential sources: from Audrey Hepburn to her dear Grandfather. She also previews some upcoming storytelling projects she's working on in and around Chicago, and shares her new favorite song by Chicago's own @ne-hi and @jamilawoods, "The Times I'm Not There."

This week, I get to talk to rising pop-star and producer Boy Sim, who calls in from LA. He tells me about seeing Britney Spears put on a kick ass show when he was only 4 and, from then on, thinking, "shit, I can do that." He walks me through his several musical identities and their accompanying influences and tells me how he finally landed on Boy Sim. He also talks about the magic of performing live and how his background in theatre brought out his confidence and helped him thrive in the spotlight. @boysim @palettes

EPISODE 26: Chicago’s first ever Youth Poet Laureate, E’mon Lauren joins me on the show this week to talk about her brand new book of poems, Commando! She tells me about finding and embracing writing and poetry at a young age, participating in different Louder Than a Bomb teams throughout high school and finding confidence in her unique and powerful voice. Then, she walked me through her influences, which range from the streets of Chicago to her artistic and strong—willed Mother, Laura, to Gwendolyn Brooks, Kanye West and re-runs of ’A Different World.’ Finally, E’mon shares a couple of her poems (and I get the chills).

On episode 25 of the show, stylist, author and motivational speaker Sam Sparks, joins me in the studio alongside the lovely Nadia Torrence. Sam tells me about how he became Steve Harvey's assistant personal stylist and in what amazing ways his life has changed since then. He also shares his main style and philosophical influencers, and tells me the beautiful story of his little sister, whose spirit guides him through his journey. music by @palettes and @statues

This week I'm joined by Scott Smith, who co-wrote and directed 'Chasing the Blues,' which premieres this weekend at the Chicago Film Festival. He tells me about how he found himself writing and making films, how he met his co-writer Kevin Guilfoile and explains why he looks up to director Steven Soderbergh (it's not just because they have similar glasses). He also explains the film's storyline, talks about why blues is so central to the story and tells me what it's like to work with Jon Lovitz, Catch Scott, Jon and the film at the Chicago Film Festival!

Episode 23 - This week I'm joined Rich Cohen to talk about his new book, "The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse." Rich tells me about how he found his writing idols and what he learned from each of them - from Joan Didion to Tom Wolfe - and he reflects on his early days as a writer, working as a receptionist at The New Yorker. Then, of course, we talk Cubs baseball: he tells me about his first time at Wrigley Field, growing up a Cubs fan in a Yankees household and getting his heartbroken time and time again by the team (until, of course, the fateful 2016 World Series win). Music this week from the @palettes Relief compilation - "Without You by @crapface, @thisiszackbruce & @moistbreezy

I don't know about you, but this podcast is 22...episodes old! Ok, these number puns are way too easy and I should stop. Or not? Lmk. More importantly, Dan and Mariel from Chicago based band FAY RAY (FKA Church Booty) join me on the show this week to talk about their amazing 8-piece band and its journey from their first fateful show in an Urbana student living room to their upcoming release, No Love EP. We also talk about their influences - which range from Stevie (Wonder, not Nicks) to Snarky Puppy to R. Kelly (jkjk). They preview their next couple shows and we get to hear a sneak peek of their new single "Stuck." Oh, and we give a shout out to basically every one we went to college with. Check them out on Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp or follow them on Facebook/Twitter/IG!

Sean Neumann, the brains behind Single Player, joins me for a chat about his influences - which range from AC/DC and Shania Twain to the Champaign-Urbana music scene and his awesome friends. He also tells me why his songs are so short, what he loves about playing music with his friends and how journalism ties into his musical ventures.

This week I'm joined by Chicago trip-hop/R&B duo, Deadly Habits, which is made up of Evan Lyman and Animah Boakye. Evan and Animah share their origin story (aka how Buzz Magazine at the U of I brought them together), talk about their shared and distinctly different influences and tell me about their insanely cool debut album, Night Vision, and the accompanying gifs that photographer/visual artist Animah made for each song. At the end of the show, we even get to hear a song from Night Vision, "Under The Serious Moonlight." To find out more about Deadly Habits and to listen to their album, go to their website: www.deadlyhabits.com or check them out on Bandcamp.

This week, I'm joined by theatre mastermind and old friend of mine, Genevieve Fowler. She tells me all about her upcoming production of "Here Comes the Tide, There Goes the Girl" an original adaptation of Hamlet that goes up this weekend at the Hairpin Art Center in Logan Square. She also tells me about her biggest theatrical influences, explains why theatre provides such an important platform for conversations on social change and together, we berate the dreaded 'talkback.' Find tickets for the show here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/here-comes-the-tidethere-goes-the-girl-tickets-37352914573 Music this week by @hopboxmusic

This week, I’m joined by a man who needs no introduction…but I’ll give him one, anyway. It’s the great Rick Kogan. You may know him from the Chicago Tribune, WGN Radio or the Billy Goat, and if you don’t, you will after listening to this. I’m lucky enough to be Rick’s producer on his Sunday evening program at WGN Radio, After Hours with Rick Kogan, but, after recording this episode of my podcast, I realized just how little I actually knew about his past. I had no idea his Dad was a Chicago newspaper great, who started the first Arts & Entertainment section in any newspaper, ever. I also had no idea that Rick, like me, spent his 20th year of life abroad - the main difference was that he went with no study abroad program or scholarship fund to speak of, and that he gambled 500 of his remaining dollars away in Monte Carlo. Rick tells me all about his early years, his main influences and shares some advice he would have given himself at 24. Music: Marshall's Field by @FayRayMusic

You know him from Shrink, Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ and Drunk History....the delightful Tim Baltz joins me on the show this week to talk about getting his start on the stage, finding his comedic idols and making the move to LA. He also shares his philosophy on collaboration, talks about his contribution to great podcasts like Comedy Bang Bang and With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus and we nerd out on our shared love for Chicago public access shows from the late 90s and, of course, the Cubbies. Music this week from @hopboxmusic @crapface and @palettes.

This week I'm joined by a literal renaissance man, Arne Parrott, or, as he is known at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, Dylan Robertson. Arne tells me all about his musical and comedic influences - from the Barenaked Ladies and Eminem to Monty Python and Shakespeare. He also plays some of his hilarious songs and talks about why he loves to write music.

Actor, comedian and fellow Cubs fan Chris Witaske joined me on the show this week to talk to me all about his influences: from The Simpsons and Bill Murray to Bob Odenkirk and David Letterman. We also chat about his years at Second City, his move from Chicago to LA, his appearance on New Girl and how he went from auditioning for 3 different parts on Love to landing a spot on the show as a character based on him...whose name is also Chris! Music this week by @crapface @hopboxmusic and @palettes

Painter & muralist Langston Allston joins me to talk about his installation "When People Could Fly" at Humbolt Park's Slate Gallery. He describes the exhibition's visual narrative, tells me why he wanted to make a "room-sized comic" and shares the stories, artists and music that guided him to the end result. Visit Langston's website to find out more: www.langstonallston.com. Music by @thisiszackbruce and @palettes

Tom Hush from No Coast Cinema Podcast on WGN Plus fills-in for Lise on this edition of Lise.FM. Alex DePompei is a musician and radio host based out of Chicago. He talks about his initial introduction to music and how he became an avid fan and champion of country music. You can check out his band Junker Bliss at https://junkerbliss.bandcamp.com/ and listen to his show Country Breakfast every Saturday morning from 8-9am on wluw.org. You can also listen to Tom's podcast No Coast Cinema at http://wgnradio.com/category/wgn-plus/no-coast-cinema/

The great White Mystery band joined me for episode 12 of the podcast to talk about their influences - from GG Allin to Andy Warhol! Sister and brother Alex and Francis also told me about the candy wrapper that inspired their band name, talked about why they love the Chicago music scene so much and discussed their insanely cool telepathic connection.

Nadia Torrence, also known as "_nadixo_" on Instagram, joins me on this week's episode to catch up, since we haven't seen each other since high school. Then, she tells me the story behind her instafame and indulges me with some of her magical influences, which include her Mom, Michelle Obama and Issa Rae. Along the way, Nadia doles out some damn good advice on how to stay graceful in times of turmoil and what it means to "water yourself" in life. Music by @palettes and @oylo

Damn, is it already episode 10?! What better way to celebrate than to feature my first ever start-up! Kimberly Jackson is the brain behind "Stand-In," an app that connects new friends through events. She joined me to talk about the app and to give credit to the forces that have inspired her to follow through on her vision: from her Mom to Shark Tank. Find out more about the app here: http://getastandin.com/

This week I'm joined by the lovely Lorna Bennett Samatas, a life coach, meditation guide & yoga/barre instructor. We talk about her journey toward mindful living and then she tells me about the four practices she teaches to help ignite positive change, growth & transformation. Along the way, she dispels some common misconceptions surrounding mindfulness & at the end, she treats us to a guided meditation. Find out more about Lorna's Week of Zen at https://weekofzen.com/. Music by @amyaxegale & @palettes

This week I'm joined by Elliot and Collin from The Bank Notes, an up-and-coming reggae/blues band from sweet home Chicago. Elliot is the band's songwriter, so he revealed his biggest influences - from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Eminem to his Dad's band, Salt Creek Boys. Collin and Elliot also share a couple stripped down original tunes from The Bank Notes.

For the Father's Day edition of the podcast, I interview none other than my dear Pappy, better known as Dave "Catfish" Graham. We listen to the music he's heard throughout his life, and he talks about where he draws influence from -- from folk to Frank Zappa. We might even sing a couple self-fulfilling covers along the way... but you'll have to listen for yourself to find out. Happy Pappy Day!

This week on Lise.FM, I sat down with Chicago filmmaker Giancarlo Iannotta and completely butchered his name. He forgave me, and we moved on to talk about his first feature length film, MY COUNTRY, which tells the story of two long lost brothers - one from Chicago and one from Rome. Then, he talked about his influences, which range from The Beatles & punk/ska music to the mumblecore film movement & WGN.

Amy Guth, a true renaissance woman, joined me on the podcast this week to talk about the music, movies & poetry she draws from in her own her writing, reporting, feminism & film-making. She talks about her childhood, her favorite film director David Lynch, her part in the riot girl movement, her love for The Smiths and her fascination with language, and then she shares a couple excerpts of her own work. Music from @HopBoxMusic and @Palettes

Episode 4: I sit down with Emily Blue and try to guess her influences. I fail miserably, so she takes over, talking about what she has gleaned from Regina Spektor, Maroon 5, Solange and the Champaign scene. We also talk about our iPhone Notes, favorite Beyonce music videos, the new almost-concept-album by Tara Terra and she shares a single from her solo project, Bubble Gum Acid Pop.

Episode 3 - My dear, old friend Dan Durley joins me to talk about finding his solo sound with help from Wilco, Neil Young, SPILL & Ratboys. Then, he shares the title track from his upcoming album, "Stone Feet."

Episode 2: where I am joined by Ben Montalbano from Matthäus to talk about his songwriting influences: from Bach & Paul Simon to Blake Mills & poet Philip Levine. At the end of the episode we get to hear a the band's brand new single "To the Years." thank you so much to @sanmatthaus :)

Episode 1: where I, your genial host, take you warmly by the hand for a little walk through what you can expect from the show. Think of it as an audible mission statement. Enjoy :) Music by @amyaxegale and @palettes