Set Lusting Bruce: The Springsteen Podcast

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes writer and musician David Starkey to Set Listing Bruce to discuss Starkey's book On Track: Bruce Springsteen 1973–1987, Every Album, Every Song and his lifelong relationship to Springsteen's recorded work. Starkey shares how growing up between Sacramento and summers in Beaumont shaped his musical tastes, from Johnny Cash and Aerosmith to discovering Springsteen via Greetings and being captivated by Born to Run and Darkness on the Edge of Town. They talk about the current tour, its political tone, Tom Morello's guitar work, ticket prices, and setlist debates. Starkey explains his writing process, what he learned by re-listening (especially the importance of piano), and why 1987 marks an era's end. The conversation also touches on poetry vs. lyrics, Starkey's interview series The Creative Community, upcoming projects, and the “Mary question” from Thunder Road. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Bruce-Springsteen-1973-1987/David-Starkey/On-Track/9781789524710 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:39 Meeting David 02:03 Early Music Obsessions 03:44 Family Sounds and Travel 06:59 Johnny Cash Tangent 09:04 Finding Springsteen 10:03 Live Shows and Politics 13:54 Ticket Prices Debate 14:28 Writing and Poetry 18:08 Why This Bruce Book 20:05 Born in the USA Memories 22:14 Researching the Albums 23:53 Why Stop at 1987 25:43 Concert Banter Debate 26:59 River Tour Pacing 27:55 Writing More Personally 29:33 Hot Takes On Songs 30:51 Family Discovers Nebraska 32:06 Biopic Who Is It For 34:35 Bruce Creative Evolution 36:46 Never Repeating Himself 39:41 His Interview Show Origins 41:09 Next Books And Memoir 44:12 Where To Find The Book 45:54 Final Thanks And Signoff 46:24 Podcast Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pride Month Reflections, Bruce as Lifeline, and the Thunder Road “Mary” Question (with Beverly) Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Beverly, a longtime Bruce Springsteen fan from Missouri now living in Kentucky, to discuss how Springsteen's writing—especially around gender and politics—has resonated throughout her life. Beverly shares growing up with little music at home, discovering Bruce through “Dancing in the Dark” at 17, and how Born in the U.S.A. became her gateway to the full catalog. She recounts missing the Born in the U.S.A. tour, first seeing Bruce on the Human Touch/Lucky Town tour, later seeing the E Street Band on the Reunion Tour, and attending about 25 shows including Wrecking Ball-era dates and Springsteen on Broadway. They talk about fandom as comfort during family milestones, illness, and political turmoil, favorite tour moments and speeches, underrated songs she hopes to hear (“Spare Parts,” “Moonlight Motel”), and end with Beverly's answer to whether Mary gets in the car in “Thunder Road.” 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:24 Beverly Background 02:06 Growing Up Without Music 04:02 First Records and Covers 05:05 Discovering Bruce at 17 09:21 First Concerts and Tours 11:20 Counting Shows and Empty Nest 12:05 Bruce and Bourbon Trip 15:07 Concert Adventures and Broadway 17:05 Songs as Family Soundtrack 18:29 Bruce Politics and Hope 21:41 Letter to You in 2020 24:40 Passing Fandom to Kids 27:31 Nebraska and Dark Stories 28:02 Tour Highlights and Moments 28:27 Speeches Hit Hard 29:06 Defending the Setlist 29:55 Catalog Depth Debate 32:17 Songs Change With Age 34:00 Lyrics as Lifelines 35:56 Family Fan Moments 37:02 Songs Theyre Chasing 42:04 Whats Next for Bruce 43:13 Reunion Tour to Rising 53:11 Thunder Road vs Sandy 54:56 Final Thanks and Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes John Gulla to Set Lusting Bruce for a wide-ranging conversation beyond Springsteen. John, a Miami native, describes discovering music early, teaching himself by ear, forming a high-school a cappella group that pursued recording contracts and moved from Miami to New York and Washington, DC, before he left the group around age 25 due to financial realities and marketing challenges. He discusses choosing bass guitar, being left-handed, and returning to the University of Miami by working there to complete a Classics degree and a master's. A devoted Firefly fan, John recounts contributing to The Signal and attending Awesome Con. He then pitches his six-year Rumcast podcast, explaining rum's global diversity, additive issues, and entry recommendations, plus their Rumcast Reserve bottlings. John answers the “Mary question.” https://www.rumcast.com/ 00:00 Patreon Thanks 01:29 Meet John and Tonight's Topics 02:03 Early Music Spark 03:05 Musical Home and Learning by Ear 05:45 High School A Cappella Crew 07:08 Chasing the Dream to NYC 08:15 MTV Karaoke and Record Deals 09:35 When to Walk Away 13:01 Parents Support and Band Fallout 15:33 Marketing Challenges and Aftermath 16:53 Why Bass Guitar 19:15 Reinventing Through College 21:50 Classics and Love of Latin 24:24 Firefly Fandom Begins 27:24 The Signal and Early Podcasting 30:09 Awesome Con Trip 31:40 Panels and Fandom Fun 32:37 Rumcast Origin Story 36:20 Rum Rules and Additives 41:13 Starter Rum Picks 45:54 Firefly Podcast Pact 46:19 Animated Firefly Hopes 49:48 Why Firefly Endures 52:30 Rumcast Reserve Update 53:26 Thunder Road Mary 56:04 Wrap and Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Springsteen fan Audrey Hunn, a Philly-born travel agent and craft business owner, who recalls discovering Bruce through The River at summer camp and building friendships via the E Street community and her nearly 10,000-member Facebook group, “Calling All Bruce Springsteen Fans.” Audrey estimates she has attended close to 200 shows, praises the latest tour's sound, song choices, and the Morello “Ghost of Tom Joad” performance, and describes pivotal experiences: her first show in Philadelphia the night John Lennon was killed, getting a long-sought jacket autograph at the Sirius “Carousel” Promise event, enduring an overnight wait to be first at a Freehold book signing, hosting Jake Clemons for a living-room show, and dancing with Bruce during “Dancing in the Dark” after 56 days sober. She discusses nine years of sobriety, how Bruce's music helped, and answers that Mary Question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Denver-based Springsteen fan Tracey Konigsbauer, who grew up in Philadelphia and says Bruce has always been in her blood. Tracey shares her musical influences (soul, R&B, Prince, The Roots, classic hip hop, The Beatles), her own playing (saxophone inspired by Clarence Clemons, plus guitar), and her move to Colorado. She discusses how Tunnel of Love became her gateway to deeply absorbing Bruce's lyrics, reflects on seeing Bruce seven times on the East Coast (including Meadowlands and Philly), and recalls an emotional 2012 Philly performance of “Jungleland” after Clarence's passing as Jake Clemons took the solo. Tracey talks about Bruce and politics, songs she loves and chases, being moved by “I'll See You in My Dreams,” her local music life in Denver, and answers the “Thunder Road” question: she doesn't think Mary gets in the car. 00:00 Show Intro 00:48 Meet Tracey 02:38 Denver And East Coast Shows 04:43 Musical Roots And Influences 06:52 Moving Without A Network 10:36 Discovering Bruce Early 11:43 Tunnel Of Love Connection 14:37 Seven Shows And Favorites 16:17 Jungleland Without Clarence 18:08 Bruce And Politics 22:13 Songs That Matter Most 23:24 Top Bruce Picks 23:57 Shore Album Memories 24:40 Marys Place Porch Flashback 26:23 Husband Joins The Fun 28:36 Songs Still Chasing 29:39 Letter To You Grief 31:59 Concert Buddies And First Show 33:00 Red Rocks And Summer Shows 36:41 Sports Allegiance And Bruce Truce 39:19 Does Mary Get In 40:45 Final Thoughts And Real Estate 43:34 Podcast Farewell Message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a cross over episode, JKL Media Reviews discusses Rebecca Ross's YA romantasy Divine Rivals, chosen by Karen after previous picks by Lou and Jesse. Lou, not a romance fan, says the book didn't change his view of romance novels and critiques passive characters, trope-heavy misunderstandings, and underdeveloped worldbuilding, especially the vague setting and limited exploration of the warring gods Dakra and Enva. Jesse enjoys the premise of a WWI-like magical war, likes the characters and love story, and praises elements like the magic typewriters, Roman's conflict with his family, and supportive elders. The group debates the typewriters as a plot device, the gods' role in the war, and the twist involving Iris's brother Forest, then speculates about where the sequel Ruthless Vows will take the story. 00:00 Intro and Pick 01:15 Lou Romance Skeptic 02:22 Jesse Loves Premise 05:26 Lou Worldbuilding Critique 08:04 Why This Book 12:15 Comfort Food Debate 19:10 Magic Typewriters 24:43 Deceit and Tropes 29:05 Genre Tropes Talk 31:11 Flanagan Does Carrie 31:51 Gods And War Lore 35:04 Worldbuilding Complaints 38:53 Forest Twist Reveal 43:47 Romance Tropes Debate 48:29 Dakra Cold Or Hot 49:18 Predictions Next Book 51:28 Wrap Up And Thanks 56:37 Where To Find Us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes John Mountain, a longtime Bruce Springsteen fan now living in Bakersfield, California, who first connected with Bruce through the 1981 “No Nukes” concert film and was especially moved by “The River.” John shares his early musical influences, love of movies and horror, and how Springsteen's songs feel cinematic, including connections between “Nebraska” and Terrence Malick's “Badlands.” He recounts seeing Springsteen live three times—finding the “other band” show disappointing, loving the solo “Ghost of Tom Joad” tour stop, and praising the 1999 E Street Band reunion. John also discusses Springsteen's politics, favorite artists and albums, and picks standout Bruce tracks. 00:48 Meet John 01:59 Growing Up With Music 04:18 First Records And Elton 05:11 Discovering Bruce Via No Nukes 09:24 Movies And Nebraska 12:25 Seeing Bruce Live 17:08 Politics And Patriotism 19:49 Moving To California 21:27 Horror Movies Deep Dive 24:21 Mike Flanagan Favorites 27:03 Flanagan Film Picks 28:14 Core Cast Spotlight 31:36 Back To Music Talk 31:56 Murder Ballads Deep Dive 34:47 Wide-Ranging Favorites 37:57 Bruce Album Breakdown 42:34 Thunder Road Mary Debate 44:24 Social Media And Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson welcomes retired Dallas sportscasting legend Dale Hansen, who reflects on covering the Cowboys across decades, loving sports more for drama than wins and losses, and feeling lucky throughout a 41-year TV career. Hansen discusses his 2019 journalism speech about speaking truth to power and worries about U.S. politics and media capitulation, then traces his lifelong connection to music through radio, his eclectic tastes, and why Bruce Springsteen's live shows—especially the Austin concert—still amaze him. He shares stories about Elvis, Waylon and Willie, Rod Stewart gifting him a signed soccer ball, meeting icons like Staubach, Nicklaus, and Mickey Mantle, and the enduring impact of his “Thank God for Kids” tradition, while also promoting his podcast, A Dallas Dialogue with Dale. https://www.youtube.com/@DallasDialoguewithDale 01:37 Meet Dale Hansen 03:06 Cowboys Highs Lows 06:38 Local TV Changing 08:23 Journalism Truth Power 11:22 Radio Dreams Early Music 14:42 Eclectic Tastes Springsteen 16:39 Austin Show Behind Stage 19:52 Elvis Waylon Memories 26:09 Rod Stewart Soccer Ball 29:55 First Springsteen Cotton Bowl 33:04 Politics Division Friends 35:57 Art Versus Politics 37:16 Springsteen Politics Debate 38:34 Fox News Bubble 39:02 Hitler Quote Test 40:51 Confronting Conservatives 44:25 Artists And Politics 44:56 Ticket Price Rant 46:51 Turn The Dial 50:10 Beating Verne Lundquist 53:52 Starstruck Encounters 57:25 Super Bowl Lucky Life 01:00:54 Springsteen Concert Tales 01:04:54 Thank God For Kids 01:09:42 Landry Superman Story 01:13:05 Dale Podcast Wrap 01:15:09 Show Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Dallas sportswriter Tim Cowlishaw to Set Lusting Bruce, beginning with a discussion about Dallas teams potentially leaving the American Airlines Center area and the impact on fans and downtown. Cowlishaw shares his upbringing in Tulsa, New Jersey, and Texas, early musical influences like Beatles and The Who, and how a King Biscuit Flower Hour Columbia Records ad led him to Bruce Springsteen's The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. He recounts a canceled 1974 Dallas show and finally seeing Springsteen up close at The Bottom Line in 1975, leading to roughly 30 concerts over the years, including 1984 Chicago shows. They discuss setlist predictability, Bruce's political remarks on recent tours, favorite albums and books, and how Springsteen's work ethic influenced Cowlishaw's writing, along with talk of Taylor Swift, Radiohead, and the “Does Mary get in the car?” question. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:50 Dallas Teams Leaving 04:40 Growing Up With Music 06:32 Discovering Bruce 08:19 First Show Cancelled 09:20 Bottom Line Breakthrough 13:12 Chasing Shows Stories 19:21 Setlists And Politics 21:17 Favorite Albums And Books 24:24 Nebraska Movie Debate 26:00 Writing Influences 26:33 Bruce Work Ethic Lesson 28:16 Still Writing Columns 29:43 Mavs Missteps Brunson 32:50 Taylor Swift Live 35:50 Radiohead Berlin Trip 38:54 Cowboys Season Outlook 40:30 Around the Horn Reflections 41:15 Thunder Road Mary Debate 43:11 Backstreets Terry Meaning 45:13 Wrap Up Social Links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes new guest Dr. Rob Yonover, a Hawaii-based scientist, inventor of military survival gear, and lifelong music fan. Rob recalls seeing Bruce Springsteen in Miami in 1975 and shares his connections to Perry Farrell, along with a deep love for Bob Dylan and a desert-island album pick list (Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited," Jane's Addiction's "Nothing's Shocking," and Sublime's "40 Ounces to Freedom"). Jesse shares his own three albums and how seeing Springsteen live in 2002 sparked an obsession that led to 20+ shows. They discuss album-focused listening, the downsides of phones and streaming culture, favorite concert stories, Rob's Shark Tank experience with his StreamR invention, and the podcast's “Mary question.,” http://seerescuestreamer.com/ 01:28 Meet Rob 02:13 First Springsteen Show 04:31 Desert Island Albums 07:24 Jesse Picks Three 09:50 Tracks 2 Overload 12:29 Growing Up in Miami 14:46 Album Listening Debate 17:44 Discovering Dylan 20:26 Jesse Springsteen Origin 23:57 Phones at Concerts 27:54 Wild Concert Stories 33:36 No Electricity Grandpa 34:14 Radio and Music Discovery 38:30 Becoming a Scientist 41:35 Volcanoes to Scholarships 43:20 StreamR Survival Invention 46:37 Shark Tank Showdown 52:08 Phones Apps and AI Rant 53:46 Thunder Road Mary Debate 57:28 Dylan Springsteen Legacy 01:01:09 Where to Find Rob 01:01:55 Final Bruce and Signoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Mireille Cameron, his Zendesk account manager, to Set Lusting Bruce to discuss her South Louisiana and North Carolina upbringing, early musical influences (Cajun, Zydeco, jazz, bluegrass, Prince), and how music shaped her life. Mireille shares why she finally saw Bruce Springsteen for the first time on the current tour in Cleveland over Memorial Day weekend, drawn by his longevity, message, and the communal, family-oriented concert culture. They talk about the show's powerful opening, standout moments like “Long Walk Home,” the band's energy and size, Bruce's three-hour no-break performance, and audience reactions. Mireille and her husband compare the experience to other live-music bucket list shows, discuss artists they've seen and hope to see, and she answers the podcast's “Mary” question. 00:39 Work Worlds Collide 01:57 Growing Up Musical 03:57 Louisiana Culture Vibes 06:28 No Music Rebellion 09:00 First Bruce Show Plans 10:45 Arena Family Energy 12:17 Opening Punch War 15:59 Surprises And Stamina 19:18 Band Highlights And Encore 22:58 Balancing Fans and Growth 24:21 Hopeful Songs and Unity 26:01 Bucket List Concerts 28:51 Local Shows and Folk Finds 30:00 New Orleans Music Trip 31:23 Festivals Food and Family 32:48 Clifton Chenier VIP Moment 34:48 Thunder Road Car Debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Scott Shea—author of All the Leaves Are Brown and a forthcoming Waylon Jennings book—to discuss the anniversary of Bruce Springsteen signing with Columbia Records in June 1972 and the recent death of Clive Davis. Shea highlights Springsteen's rare 54-year label loyalty, early rocky years, and how Born to Run marked progress before larger commercial success arrived with The River and “Hungry Heart.” He recounts the origin story of Springsteen's deal, focusing on manager Mike Appel's cold calls, John Hammond's pivotal audition, and Clive Davis approving the signing. They also discuss Columbia's artist roster, Davis's career arc from Columbia to founding Arista, Springsteen's evolving vocals and live arrangements, reactions to the latest tour's political tone, and Shea's ongoing research for his Waylon Jennings biography. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:51 Meet Scott Shea 02:13 Columbia Anniversary 04:51 Why Bruce Stayed 06:49 Band Loyalty Talk 08:50 Clive Davis Passing 09:59 Hammond and Appel Story 20:02 Cold Call Breakthrough 21:25 The Audition Moment 23:12 What If He Was Missed 23:44 Cafferty Career What Ifs 24:59 Clive Davis Origins 26:16 Columbia Breakthrough Signings 27:28 Arista Records Reinvention 28:56 Springsteen Tour Politics 30:40 Cranky Bruce And Banter 33:12 Born In USA Outtakes 36:44 Waylon Book Progress 39:02 Wrap Up And Plugs 40:05 Podcast Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes back musician and actor Levi Petree to catch up on Bruce Springsteen, starting with reactions to recent shows and the tour's purposeful, righteous energy, including standout moments like “War” into “Born in the U.S.A.,” “Long Walk Home,” “House of a Thousand Guitars,” “American Skin (41 Shots),” and the Tom Morello “Tom Joad” performance, plus crowd differences and setlist changes between nights. They discuss Springsteen's onstage comments condemning political violence, the challenge of balancing deep cuts with casual-fan expectations, and the craft of setlist construction. Levi shares mixed feelings about the film “Delivery From Nowhere,” then talks about Springsteen's unreleased-albums tracks before spotlighting his new EP “Sunday Morning Donut Run,” including the nearly seven-minute closer “A Big Love,” and where to stream it. https://www.levipetree.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes writer, podcaster, and comedian Courtney Kocak, who grew up in small-town Minnesota and now splits time between Austin and Los Angeles, to discuss her debut memoir, Girl Gone Wild. Courtney traces her musical influences from classic rock radio and movie soundtracks to college-era rap, indie, and classic rock, and shares how reading and acting shaped her love of storytelling. She recounts joining the Girls Gone Wild tour via a Craigslist ad, realizing the behind-the-scenes coercion and exploitation, and leaving after seven weeks amid depression and financial stress. The conversation follows her pivot from acting to writing, essaying, and podcasting, including her long-running show Private Parts Unknown, plus The Bleeders and Podcast Bestie, and touches on Stevie Nicks, Lilith Fair, stand-up goals, and the “Thunder Road” question of whether Mary gets in the car. https://www.courtneykocak.com/ 00:00 Patreon Thanks 01:28 Meet Courtney Kocak 03:38 Growing Up With Music 07:10 College Tastes And Mixes 09:36 Books And Acting Bug 12:17 Acting School And Regrets 16:00 Girls Gone Wild Origins 19:20 Behind The Scenes Reality 20:52 Leaving The Tour 23:41 Finding Meaning Afterward 25:49 Funny Book Chapters 27:01 Leaving Acting for Writing 31:02 Finding Her Voice 31:43 Stevie Nicks Obsession 33:47 Private Parts Unknown 39:39 Creative Bucket List 40:50 Stand-Up and Perspective 44:41 Thunder Road Mary Debate 47:31 Where to Find Courtney 49:05 Final Sign-Off and Blessing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a JKL Media Podcast one-off special, Lou introduces Canadian prog-rock/metal trio Rush and asks Karen and Jesse for reactions, starting with a yes/no on Geddy Lee's voice (Karen yes, Jesse no). Lou frames Rush as a technically revered “musician's band,” outlines the members' roles, and compares their music to headphone-focused listening like Pink Floyd. Karen and Jesse discuss songs from Lou's list—both like “The Spirit of Radio,” Karen names “Tom Sawyer” as her favorite and relates to “Subdivisions,” while Jesse says many tracks sound similar but appreciates the lyrics and openness to the experience. They praise the 2010 documentary for its celebrity supporters and for revealing the band's low-drama, nerdy camaraderie, highlighting Alex Lifeson's humor and Neil Peart's tragedy and return to music, and they note interest in a needed “chapter two” and the band's later-era touring and new drummer Anika Nilles. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:39 Geddy Voice Debate 01:23 Rush Primer 03:04 Song List Reactions 04:03 Rush Recognition Talk 07:56 Karen Favorites 10:22 Documentary Overview 11:53 Karen Doc Impressions 15:14 Jesse Doc Takeaways 18:36 Toronto Roots and Memories 20:04 Rick Moranis Connection 20:55 Neil Peart Tragedy 21:26 Band Reunites Again 21:43 Neil Peart Cancer Secret 22:50 Annika Nilles Joins Tour 24:48 Why Rush Endures 26:48 Comedy And Early Memories 29:10 Musicianship Deep Dive 32:09 Low Drama Band Culture 34:25 Canada Love And Fandom 37:33 Live Videos And Wrap Up 40:13 Where To Find Everyone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson steps outside the Springsteen universe for a B-side conversation with Ernest Lineberger, a retired Naval officer and former Texas Instruments supervisor/industrial engineer who ran for Congress in a tough Texas district, lost the 2024 general election, then continued organizing town halls, protests, and outreach before losing a subsequent primary. Lineberger discusses why voters change their minds, the need for better-informed civic engagement, and frustration with politics as a “team sport,” including concerns about executive overreach, tariffs, and billionaire influence. He shares a childhood shaped by frequent moves, time in Italy and Monterey, and his Navy chaplain father's strong influence on his Christian beliefs and inclusivity. Now fully retired, he's supporting candidates like Vicki Goodwin, planning reunions, and promoting his memoir, There I Was. The episode closes with the show's “Thunder Road” Mary question. 00:00 B-Side Detour Intro 00:49 Meet Ernest Lineberger 02:30 Navy Career and TI 03:59 Why I Ran for Congress 06:26 Campaign Grind and Primary Loss 08:10 Texas Democrats Outlook 09:57 Representation and Fairness 11:20 Changing Minds in Politics 17:00 Early Music and Moving Abroad 19:56 Monterey High School Years 23:20 Faith and Community Values 26:35 Military Base Upbringing 27:29 Politeness and Listening 29:23 Why Veterans Matter 33:38 Getting Informed to Vote 36:07 Common Ground and Cynicism 38:58 Springsteen and Hope 41:27 America Abroad and Trust 43:38 Life After Campaigning 44:04 Book Stories and Motivation 47:18 Service and Gratitude 50:59 Thunder Road Mary Question 52:13 How to Reach Ernest 53:54 Podcast Wrap and Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saying thanks for all the support this month as we explored other stories under the Bruce Umbrella. Please think about supporting the podcast by going to https://patreon.com/setlustingbruce and joining my Patreon Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Sylvan Groth, his Perfectly Good Podcast co-host, who shares growing up in suburban Boston, coming out as bi in the 1990s amid increased queer visibility, and facing emotional abuse and slurs from her stepfather while her mother tried to keep peace. Sylvan describes finding refuge with her aunt in Vermont—where a pride flag on a barn signaled safety—and how Springsteen albums and mix tapes helped her cope, even as her stepfather also loved Bruce. The conversation reflects on grief, activism, and joy, the idea of “family of origin” versus “family of choice,” and the importance of common ground, compassion, and honest storytelling amid polarization. 00:00 Pride in Bruce Intro 01:48 Podcast Welcome 03:09 Sylvan Coming Out Story 06:48 Home Life and Safety 07:52 Vermont Refuge and Bruce 09:23 Why Pride Matters 10:06 Slurs and Breaking Point 12:14 Finding Common Ground 18:19 Faith and Scripture Debate 20:51 Self Acceptance and Activism 24:22 Politics and Polarization 25:36 Thanks and Where to Listen 27:29 Pride in Bruce Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse and returning guest Arlen Schumer recap Arlen's last-minute Madison Square Garden show experience, praise the E Street Band (including Tom Morello and Max Weinberg), and criticize modern concert phone use and disengaged audience behavior. They then discuss “Backstreets,” focusing on a fan essay suggesting the song's gender-ambiguous “Terry” and certain lyrics could reflect a homosexual relationship or the pressures of hiding identity, including mention of an outtake version with a alternate lyrics and Bruce's later LGBTQ+ support like “Streets of Philadelphia.” Find more about Arlen here - https://arlenschumer.com/ Disclaimer - anyone uncomfortable with two straight White men discussing possible queer themes please skip the episode. I do not want to offend or hurt anyone's feelings. 00:00 Pride in Bruce Intro 01:48 Content Disclaimer 03:14 Meet Arlen Guest 04:03 MSG Show Recap 05:37 Phones and Crowd Energy 09:32 E Street Band Praise 12:41 Why Pride in Bruce 16:07 Backstreets Setup 24:37 Pepperoni Eyed Theory 35:06 Lyrics Through Queer Lens 38:34 Bruce and Subculture Context 41:38 Hidden Love Backstreets 43:25 Terry Name Choice 43:45 Lyrics Rewriting Craft 45:17 Theory Behind Sad Eyes 47:06 Lies Truth Closet 49:20 Asbury Park Back Streets 50:33 Studio Versus Live 53:05 Artists Masculinity Queerness 01:01:47 Art That Makes Feel 01:04:51 Rights And Closing 01:05:35 Where To Find Arlen 01:08:14 Farewell Pride Bruce Month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Catch our latest chat where Ken Schaefer and I explore Stephen King's 'The Long Walk' adaptation and its thought-provoking themes. Ken also shares his thoughts on the new series from the creaters of STranger Things - The Boroughs #StephenKing #MovieNight" #dufferbrothers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alonso Duralde joins the podcast to discuss his upbringing in an immigrant Spanish family in Atlanta, early influences from radio, classical music, and repertory cinema, and how Siskel & Ebert inspired him to pursue criticism. Duralde shares insights from his book Hollywood Pride, covering LGBTQ+ representation and creators from silent film to Everything Everywhere All at Once, plus surprises from his research. They talk Hallmark movies and how Duralde became part of the Deck the Hallmark team, his Christmas movie books, and “music biopic fatigue,” including thoughts on Deliver Me From Nowhere. Duralde reflects on queer identity and the impact of artists like Jimmy Somerville. http://www.patreon.com/LinoleumKnife http://www.patreon.com/bfastallday https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/maximum-film/ In Stores Now: HAVE YOURSELF A MOVIE LITTLE CHRISTMAS, Revised and Updated Second Edition (Bloomsbury) https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/have-yourself-a-movie-little-christmas-9781493087440 In Stores Now: HOLLYWOOD PRIDE (TCM/Running Press) https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alonso-duralde/hollywood-pride/9780762485895/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we continue Pride in Bruce, here is a re-releases a favorite 2017 conversation, edited to focus on guest Bella Pori's joyful song discussion Jesse Jackson and Bella briefly discuss political engagement and gun reform before diving into Bella's “Bruce Springsteen, gay as heck” lens on interpreting queer subtext in art. Bella shares her picks—“Streets of Philadelphia,” “Backstreets,” “This Hard Land,” “Bobby Jean,” “Frankie Fell in Love,” “Pink Cadillac,” and an honorable mention for “Rosalita”—and they reflect on representation, differing perspectives, and listener feedback. 00:00 Pride in Bruce Launch 01:48 Revisiting Bella Episode 03:13 Meet the Host and Guest 03:46 Politics and Civic Action 05:46 Gun Reform Conversation 09:09 Summer Updates and AIDS Curriculum 10:19 Why These Songs Feel Queer 14:17 Queer Subtext in Media 20:31 Debating Interpretations Online 22:04 Song One Streets of Philadelphia 24:34 Backstreets as Queer Love 26:06 This Hard Land Reading 27:46 Outlander and Gay Portrayals 29:29 Bobby Jean as Lesbian 33:52 Frankie Meets Pink Cadillac 34:59 Rosalita and Gender Flips 37:27 Feedback and Representation 40:09 Heroes and Doctor Who 41:42 Wrap Up and Call to Action 43:04 Pride Month Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson interviews Jason Bisogni, a Westchester, New York marketing professional and lifelong music fan, about his path into classic rock, his early concert experiences, and the moment he became a dedicated Springsteen fan after seeing the 1999 E Street Band reunion tour. Jason shares that he came out later in life (to two people at 39, more fully at 41 in 2021) and explains how Bruce's lyrics took on new meaning afterward, citing songs like “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Trapped,” “Living Proof,” and “Two Hearts.” He credits Bob Dylan's “It's All Over Now, Baby Blue” line “He not busy being born is busy dying” as pivotal, discusses chasing songs live, recounts meeting Bruce several times, and answers the “Mary” question. 00:00 Pride in Bruce Intro 01:48 Meet Jesse and Jason 02:21 Jason's Music Roots 03:18 Family Soundtrack Growing Up 06:43 Wrestling Detour and WWE 11:45 Concerts That Sparked It 14:59 Finding Bruce Springsteen 17:29 First E Street Show Magic 19:34 Counting Shows and Fandom 20:48 Static Setlist Debate 24:25 Health, Travel, and Missing Shows 26:27 Bruce and Coming Out Journey 27:01 Coming Out With The Boss 29:32 Lyrics Hit Different Now 32:07 Gay Icon Podcast Picks 34:23 Forever Favorites Playlist 38:18 Born Or Busy Dying 41:04 Songs Still Chasing Live 43:24 Meeting Bruce Stories 48:25 Thunder Road Mary Debate 50:39 Gratitude Pride Month Wrap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're bringing back one of our favorite conversations as part of Pride 2026. Co-host Bella joins Jesse to talk with Jesse — radio producer, drag performer, and co-host of The Boss Belongs to Us — about her podcast, her love of Bruce Springsteen's music, and the question at the heart of it all: Is Bruce a queer icon? If you haven't heard it, you're in for a treat. If you have, it's absolutely worth another listen. https://open.spotify.com/show/33BxEoWfbSJ22NWap9pxhU?si=0bad4f80e3364f20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off Pride in Bruce Month with guest Nico Stratus, a Toronto-based writer originally from Canada's Yukon. Niko describes growing up in a music- and book-filled home, later leaving construction work after coming out as trans, and building a writing career through online essays, including an early op-ed that prompted an attempted libel threat. Nico recounts discovering Bruce Springsteen later in life—initially misreading Born in the U.S.A.—and connecting deeply to Bruce's earnestness, storytelling, and songs like “Dancing in the Dark,” “Thunder Road,” “Drive All Night,” and Nebraska tracks. Nico discusses their book, The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman, a memoir-mixtape where “Dancing in the Dark” becomes a pivotal catalyst for coming out, and shares where to find their work online. Find out more about Niko here - https://www.nikostratis.com/ Amazon Link for The Dad Rock that Made me a Women - here https://a.co/d/0git0VZh 00:00 Pride in Bruce Intro 01:48 Meet Jesse and Nico 02:10 Tattoo and Cancer Talk 02:46 Nico Background Story 04:03 Music in the Yukon 09:35 Reading and Escape 11:13 Comics Marvel vs DC 13:56 Becoming a Writer 17:02 First Op-Ed and Lawsuit 18:01 Discovering Springsteen 20:56 Why Bruce Hit Home 22:58 Dancing in the Dark Deep Dive 27:10 Writing the Dad Rock Book 29:14 Mixtape Memoir Blueprint 30:55 Springsteen Awakening Moment 32:34 Impostor Syndrome and Belonging 35:57 Good Tired Dream Work 37:59 Never Seen Bruce Live 38:55 Songs That Shaped Me 42:49 Queer Icon Bruce Debate 44:58 Why Read the Book 49:56 Does Mary Get In 53:24 Where to Find Nico 55:08 Pride Month Signoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Perfectly Good Podcast—where the hosts normally rank John Hiatt songs A to Z—Jesse and Sylvan welcome guest Lilly Hiatt to talk about her own career. Lilly recalls starting guitar at 12, overcoming shyness to perform, and beginning songwriting in middle school, describing how melodies and lyrics arrive together and how she captures ideas on voice memos. She explains how songs develop at different speeds, how albums reflect a specific time period, and how collaboration shapes unexpected recording outcomes, including working with her husband Colby on Forever and their project Domestic Bliss. Lilly shares early memories touring with her dad, favorite venues, thoughts on Napster's impact on making a living through touring, and influences like Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska. She discusses personal songs “Ray,” “Thoughts,” and “Impostor,” then plugs upcoming Texas-area shows and encourages fans to support by buying merch and records at gigs. 00:00 Cold Open Dialogue 00:53 Podcast Intro And Guest Reveal 02:12 First Meeting And Fan Story 03:11 Early Guitar And Stage Nerves 05:46 Writing Songs And Poetry Roots 06:56 Songwriting Process And Tools 11:33 Building Albums And Collaboration 14:51 Domestic Bliss With Husband 15:41 Growing Up On Tour 16:35 Backstage Hello From Linda 17:52 Tour Life And Favorite Venues 23:50 Napster Era And Music Business 25:27 Touring Economics And Team 27:15 Touring Help Needed 27:45 Pearl Jam Origins 29:27 Eddie Vedder Shoutout 30:15 Writing Ray for Sister 31:15 Family Bonds and Aunt Life 33:43 Thoughts Voicemail Choice 34:57 Producer Magic Explained 37:25 Nashville Identity and Genre 39:24 Creative Goals Abroad 40:32 Springsteen Nebraska Deep Dive 43:02 Impostor Verse Backstory 47:27 Shows Merch and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Los Angeles–based musician and music teacher Jake Cassman, who shares his path from growing up in Berkeley on classic rock and '90s alternative to discovering Bruce Springsteen later through a 2008 Obama rally performance, long bus rides through New Jersey, and years playing dueling pianos. Jake discusses teaching recording and songwriting at The Geffen Academy, the realities of freelancing (busking, weddings, improv), and how COVID ended live work and pushed him into a USC master's program that led to greater stability and new opportunities, including producing for the podcast Switched on Pop. He explains why he shifted from the Drunken Logic moniker to releasing music under his own name, introduces his album Idling High, performs “We All Look the Same,” and talks songwriting, storytelling, and favorite Springsteen albums, ending with the classic Thunder Road question. https://www.jakecassman.com/music 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:00 Teaching Music in LA 03:00 TeachRock and Music Education 04:27 Writing and Community Programs 05:35 Growing Up With Rock 07:32 Finding Bruce Springsteen 09:14 Early Music Obsession 10:31 Dueling Pianos Stories 12:31 Requests and Deep Cuts 15:10 Freelance Music Career 17:38 Rebranding as Jake Kassman 19:17 Pandemic Shock and Pivot 22:41 Freelancing and Saying Yes 25:52 Better Paying Gigs 26:32 Idling High Origins 28:15 We All Look the Same 33:33 Storytelling Gets Universal 36:19 Bruce Road Trip Deep Dive 39:28 Next Creative Steps 40:40 Pop Podcast Tangent 44:00 Thunder Road Debate 47:53 Where To Find Jake 49:34 Final Wrap And Thanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this B-side episode, host Jesse Jackson talks with electro-punk pioneer Peter Pepper, calling from Shibuya, Tokyo, about growing up in rural Florida feeling alienated, discovering punk and industrial music, and channeling creativity through early audio editing into a music career. Peter shares how playing the State Theatre in St. Petersburg became a breakthrough moment, how “electro-punk” emerged organically around 1999–2001, and stories from touring, including Asbury Park's Stone Pony in 2001 and a later tour moment with Wes Borland. They discuss the realities of life on the road, modern pressures of permanent online records, and how a friend's recommendation led Peter to build a life between Japan and Bali. Peter previews his May 20 release “We're From Florida” and a forthcoming blues project, then answers Jesse's “Mary question” about Thunder Road. https://www.peterpepper.net/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3PWK1iZunlFBPGG5CMpMh0?si=b9tXZRimTXqSUIeILG5Crg 00:00 B-Side Welcome 00:49 Meet Peter Pepper 02:00 Florida Roots 04:01 Finding Punk Scene 05:37 Outsider Identity 12:43 Creative Awakening 15:08 Learning By Doing 18:37 Creating In Public 22:40 First Big Break 27:18 Electro Punk Origins 29:50 Building Electro Punk 32:37 Labels And Movements 33:45 Stone Pony Ghost Town 38:44 Wes Borland Moment 41:21 Tour Life Offstage 44:03 Why Japan Became Home 48:28 New Music Plans 50:29 Thunder Road Mary Question 52:44 Goodbyes And Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson opens a B-side episode of Set Lusting Bruce with musician and worship leader Brigitte Donahoe, who shares her journey from growing up in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, California, and Michigan to becoming a songwriter, wife, and homeschooling mom of two. Brigitte discusses her eclectic influences ('90s rock/ska, R&B vocalists, and later country), her complicated early church experience, and a pivotal youth conference encounter that brought her back to faith. She describes starting songwriting at 14, releasing her first EP Restored, and performing at festivals, churches, and Christian nights at local bars. She also reflects on “Cherish Moments,” her grief-inspired song “Keep On,” her desire to make rock music, and her hope for more listening and grace in the church. https://brigittedonoho.com/home 00:00 B-Side Welcome 01:14 Meet Brigitte 01:59 Growing Up Musical 03:30 Country Music Conversion 05:34 Faith Roots and Doubts 07:14 Choosing Belief 11:14 Music Takes Over 12:52 Songwriting Calling 15:23 Going Pro in Music 16:26 Through His Eyes Story 18:06 Faith and Politics Divide 20:34 Church Needs Grace 22:37 Assume Good Intent 22:59 Cherish Moments Talk 24:05 Better Days Mindset 26:06 Starting Live Gigs 26:57 Missing The CD Era 28:11 Dreaming Of Rock 30:25 Touring As A Family 31:52 Songs That Heal Grief 36:34 Farewell And Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Tom to discuss the current Bruce Springsteen tour, upcoming shows in DC, Austin, and Atlanta, and reactions to the set list, including excitement about rarely played songs like “Born in the U.S.A.” Tom introduces his new Substack, “Blue Collar Costumes: A Comparative Study of Bruce Springsteen, Stephen King, and the World That Made Them,” which supports a larger book project exploring parallels between Springsteen and King—similar East Coast working-class roots, complicated or absent fathers, and mothers as driving forces—within a broader post–World War II social history. Tom outlines the Substack's monthly themes and posting schedule, starting in May, including a first theme on “Fractured Fathers,” plus Tolkien posts and fiction. They also discuss recent King adaptations and favorite King books, and share subscription details. https://bluecollarcostumes.substack.com/ 00:39 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:00 Tour Talk and Setlist Buzz 04:37 New Project Reveal 06:41 Bruce and King Parallels 11:23 Substack Format and Themes 15:31 Stephen King Adaptations 17:32 Favorite King Books 20:21 Where to Find Substack 22:16 Pricing and Subscriber Tiers 27:08 Wrap Up and Farewell 28:08 Housekeeping and Links https://bluecollarcostumes.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Michael C back to discuss Jake Thistle's American Idol elimination, arguing Jake's strengths are his songwriting, frontman rapport, versatility in changing vocal styles across artists (Petty, Jackson Browne, Bruce, Phil Collins, John Hiatt), and strong character, with hopes for continued success and mention of an April 29 Monmouth University show with Vinny “Mad Dog” Lopez. They shift to Springsteen concerts, set lists, and the tour's anger/war-related themes, including opening with “War,” plus commentary that Bruce has been political since early songs. Michael then defends tribute bands as an affordable way to keep music alive, stressing quality performance, vocal range, and audience engagement, and prefers live performance over studio. Jesse closes with podcast contact info and other projects, including a John Hiatt podcast. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:55 Jake Idol Exit 02:22 Why Jake Connects 04:00 Influences And Praise 09:35 Jake Live Shows 12:06 Talent Beyond Voice 14:06 Bruce Tour Plans 15:44 Setlist And Politics 17:50 Tribute Bands Value 22:12 What Makes Tribute Great 25:11 Live Beats Studio 26:46 Cover Bands Setlists 28:58 Hooking New Fans 30:30 Tributes Keep Legacy 31:44 Politics And Critics 34:06 Proving Greatness Live 37:08 Respecting Tributes 38:13 Clive Davis Connection 40:54 Goodbyes And Contacts 42:57 Radio Hits Paradox 45:09 Podcast Housekeeping 47:03 Final Sign Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson presents a B-side episode of Set Lusting Bruce featuring Neat, a Punjabi Thai Sikh independent recording artist and development psychology graduate student from Bangkok who moved to New York at 25. Neat describes growing up with Bollywood and religious music, discovering Western artists like Britney Spears and Eminem, and secretly writing lyrics that sparked her own songwriting; her father destroyed her rap cassettes, prompting her to graffiti her wall in protest. She explains how music “found” her repeatedly, including through her Thailand-based Freedom of Expression project empowering girls, and later after surviving years of domestic violence, coercive control, and a nine-year New York family-court custody battle she says ignored psychological abuse. Her song and video “Rise” recount and reenact these experiences, fueling advocacy and a Change.org petition. She discusses cultural-musical blending, upcoming singles and videos, and plans for an EP or album, and shares a message of resilience and seeking help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0NUUhrMHrQ ProtectChildrenNY – Child Protection Reform Initiative: https://www.change.org/ProtectChildrenNY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes music journalist, publicist, label executive, and manager Danny Goldberg for a B-side conversation about music memories and Bruce Springsteen connections. Goldberg recounts growing up in Hastings-on-Hudson with classical, folk, and cast albums, then shifting to rock after discovering Dylan, the Beatles, and the Stones, and later covering Woodstock for Billboard in 1969. He explains moving from criticism to publicity, becoming Led Zeppelin's publicist, and shaping press narratives around their massive ticket sales amid skeptical critics. Goldberg discusses co-directing and co-producing the 1979 No Nukes film, meeting Springsteen during editing, and securing approval to use key performances after adding political context. He also talks about his books, including the reissued memoir Bumping Into Geniuses, reacts emotionally to Springsteen's “Streets of Philadelphia,” praises the Nebraska film Deliver Me From Nowhere, shares work with Bonnie Raitt and Steve Earle, and answers the “Mary” question about Thunder Road. https://www.dannygoldberg.com 00:37 Meet Danny Goldberg 01:38 No Nukes and Bruce 03:21 Growing Up Musical 05:00 Rock Awakening 08:22 First Bruce Encounter 08:46 Books and Writing 10:28 Billboard and Woodstock 13:43 From Critic to Publicist 17:21 What Publicists Do 21:15 Led Zeppelin PR Win 26:17 Aiming for Management 27:44 First Book Teaser 28:03 Left Lost Teen Spirit 28:52 Bumping Into Geniuses 29:34 Why Write Memoirs 30:25 Streets of Minneapolis 33:20 No Nukes Editing 35:39 Politics In The Cut 36:49 Deliver Me From Nowhere 40:11 Bonnie Raitt And Hyatt 41:55 Whats Next Ahead 43:41 Mary Question Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The echoes of Sunday night in Austin are still alive with me. The joy, unity, and tender moments at the Springsteen concert served as a reminder of the goodness we can foster in the world. Do yourself a favor and soak up this experience if you can! Email me at Setlustingbruce@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few thoughts on the show in Austin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson introduces a B-side episode of Set Lusting Bruce featuring Ryan Riker, a North Dakota native and retired Army infantry lieutenant colonel who served 23 years with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Ryan recalls early music influences (country fairs, Vanilla Ice, Pearl Jam) and discusses how music and visiting performers helped soldiers feel connected during deployments. He describes a Catholic upbringing, struggles with alcoholism and prescription drug abuse, and a turning point after his last drink on November 26, 2023, followed by AA, renewed Christian faith, job loss, divorce, and rebuilding his life by starting a business. Ryan explains his coaching and writing focused on trauma, limiting beliefs, and healing, outlines his podcast “Our Healer, Our Protector,” and shares goals of supporting his daughters and speaking to youth. https://ourprotectordevelopment.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Jeff Blum, a Chicago-based freelance sports and entertainment writer and para-professional working with autistic students. They briefly discuss current sports topics including the Bulls' streaky season, trades, and franchise management, plus comparisons to other struggling teams. Jeff shares limited impressions of Springsteen's large “Tracks 2” set, mentions favorite deep cuts, and discusses seeing the Springsteen-related film, praising its entertainment value and its connection to renewed appreciation for the album Nebraska. The conversation then shifts to Aaron Sorkin's work, starting with Sports Night and covering The American President, A Few Good Men, The West Wing, The Newsroom, Moneyball, The Social Network, Steve Jobs, Molly's Game, and Charlie Wilson's War, emphasizing sharp dialogue, morality, journalism standards, and changing media culture. Jeff plugs upcoming writing on the Olympics and a list of 1976 albums turning 50 in 2026, and Jesse closes with show contact and network information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Schaefer is one of my dearest friends. He watches at least one movie a night and sometimes two. He loves B Movies, the cheesier the better. I asked his thoughts on the 2025 film Sinners and he had thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Jesse discuss the significance of the 2026 Land of Hope and Dreams tour. Jesse argues the 2026 tour is a “patriotic protest tour” centered on democracy, freedom, and the Constitution, citing song choices like “War,” a reclaimed “Born in the U.S.A.,” “Purple Rain,” and “Clampdown,” and suggests it may serve as a punctuation mark in Springsteen's story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes London-based journalist Maddie Frye to a “timey-wimey” episode of Set Lusting Bruce, exploring her path to Bruce Springsteen and U2 and how music shaped her spiritual and political awakening. Maddie, who writes about religion, sex, politics, and pop culture, describes growing up near London with parents who loved Bowie, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, and Genesis, discovering U2 at 12–13 through All That You Can't Leave Behind, and finding Springsteen via a 2006 BBC broadcast of the Seeger Sessions that felt both political and spiritually transformative. She discusses working backward through Bruce's catalog, key live shows (including London 2013 and Liverpool with Paul McCartney), family connections to Springsteen, and reflections on religion's relationship with power. Maddie answers the “Thunder Road” question—Mary gets in the car—and shares where to find her Substack, U2 and Us. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:45 Meet Maddie 01:55 Growing Up Musical Roots 04:07 Finding Bruce via Seeger 06:23 Seeger Sessions Meaning 10:30 Working Backwards Catalog 14:12 Live Shows Life Changes 18:54 How Many Shows Seen 20:45 Discovering U2 Obsession 23:20 Fandom Numbers Talk 24:52 Writing Religion Politics 25:02 Music Sparks Big Questions 26:24 Faith Through Lyrics 28:00 Reading Toward Belief 29:22 Faithless Research Journey 32:53 Religion Meets Politics 36:13 Radical Gospel Values 41:01 Privilege Luck and Power 44:03 Liverpool Show Memories 46:06 Facing Mortality of Icons 48:24 Thunder Road Mary Answer 49:48 Where to Find Maddie 50:53 Podcast Wrap and Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some fans aren't thrilled with the Land of Hope and Dreams setlist — and Jesse has thoughts. He shares his HBO (Hot Bruce Opinion) and invites anyone who disagrees to send their counter‑take to setlustingbruce@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices