THE PLUG W/ JUSTIN JAY

MGMT are the musical duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, known for creating irresistibly catchy, genre-blurring music. Since their time as art students in the early 2000s, they've released five studio albums, garnered critical acclaim, and cultivated a devoted fan base. Their newest album Loss of Life is available now. In this episode, we dive into how they continually push the boundaries of pop and indie music while still maintaining their unmistakable sound. We also discuss the politics of performing at Madison Square Garden, their unexpected rise to TikTok fame, and how their views on drugs have evolved since their debut album. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with the artists behind the hits 'Kids' and 'Little Dark Age Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

T.J. Miller is a standup comedian and actor who has appeared on Silicon Valley, Deadpool, Transformers, and numerous comedy specials. Although he's had a taste of Hollywood success, lately he's chosen a different path. Rather than chasing acting roles on the west coast, he's made the conscious choice to live in New York City and continue to tirelessly refine his skills as a Manhattan standup comic. This week we sit down to discuss why being a respected comic is more important to him than being recognized as a great actor. We'll also find out what being a philosophy major taught him about comedy and what happens when you spill a drink on someone at a party wearing a gold-sequined tuxedo. Don't miss this special episode recorded live at Newsstand Studios in Rockefeller Center. *This episode was recorded prior to the WGA and SAG strikes. The Plug w/ Justin Jay wholeheartedly supports the efforts of actors and writers and stands in solidarity with its union members. To learn more please see the links below.. https://www.sagaftrastrike.org/ https://www.wgacontract2023.org/strike-hub Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Sachs is an esteemed New York artist that makes handcrafted mixed media sculptures that are provocative and whimsical. His Chanel chainsaw, oversized painting of Krusty The Clown, and elaborate recreations of NASA spacecraft are mesmerizing. You can find his work in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim and in venerable galleries across the globe. This week, we sit down to discuss the bizarre politics of the art world, his philosophy on dedication and successes, and ponder why it's so difficult to get quality ding repair for a surfboard. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa Andersen is a Surfing Hall of Fame inductee and a 4 time consecutive world champion. As a teenager, she left behind a troubled home life in Florida to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional surfer. By 25, she was ranked the best female surfer on the planet. With her aggressive yet elegant style, she helped transform the entire perception of female competitive surfing. This episode we sit down to discuss the emotional challenges of being the subject of a documentary film about your life, we hear some hilarious behind the scenes stories from her years on tour, and we learn how opening the door for an entire generation of female surfers didn't necessary translate to massive economic success. Tune in for a compelling story of perseverance and determination from this true icon of the sport. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Hawk is the most recognizable skateboarder on the planet. This episode, we discuss his experiences with Jackass, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and how dominating contests as a teenage skateboarder left him feeling like an outsider amongst his peers. We also chat about Tony's documentary film "Until The Wheels Fall Off” which chronicles his amazing evolution from a lanky adolescent skater to a global action sports sensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Ament plays bass in Pearl Jam and is a founding member of the band. He's also been an avid skateboarding since he was a teenager. He's self-financed the construction of over 27 skate parks across his home state of Montana. It's a source of immense gratification for him, and he often visits these parks in person to sweep the concrete, skate with the kids, and witness firsthand the impact that he's made. This week we sit down to chat about his new band Deaf Charlie, his experience traveling with Pearl Jam vs a side project, and why he's going on a 1200 mile skateboarding mission with kids that he met at one of his skateparks. Plus, find out who Jeff gives his Plug of The Week to. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Mannion is a music and portrait photographer who has shot an astounding 300 album covers. He's worked with virtually every prominent name in hip-hop from Jay Z to DMX, Eminem to Nas. His portrait of DMX dripping in crimson blood stands as one of the most iconic images ever taken of the late rapper. In this episode we discuss how to keep the momentum of a successful photography career going when magazines are approaching extinction, and the demand for album packaging has basically been reduced to a thumbnail on a music streaming app. We also discuss his time assisting for Richard Avedon, and hear some on-set stories from his shoots with Gucci Mane, Nipsey Hussle, Mos Def, and many more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dante Ross is a music producer and pioneering hip-hop A&R executive. During his time at Tommy Boy and Elektra Records he played a pivotal role in the success of acts such as De La Soul, Brand Nubian, Busta Rhymes, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, MF Doom, Everlast, and Old Dirty Bastard. In his new autobiography titled "Son of The City," he recounts with vivid detail his formative years growing up on Manhattan's Lower East Side and his involvement with the vibrant subcultures of skateboarding, punk rock, and hip-hop. Tune in for a captivationg conversation with one of the most enduring and influential figures from the golden age of hip-hop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roy Wood Jr. is a multi-talented comedian who's not afraid to tackle sensitive issues relating to race or social class. He's appeared on The Daily Show, hosted the prestigious White House Correspondents dinner, and has garnered critical acclaim for his numerous standup specials. His Comedy Central special Imperfect Messenger is masterclass on how how comedy can be a tool not just to entertain but to unify and inspire conversation. In this episode we discuss the perils of critiquing the black community, why he refused to pull punches while doing comedy in front of President Biden, and how Jack Bauer from the tv show 24 relates to being in the entertainment business. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dick Cavett is a trailblazing tv host who played a defining role in shaping the talk format during the late 1960s. His show eventually became the favored place for legends like Ali, Lennon, Brando and Hendrix to a sit down for a compelling long-form conversation rarely seen on television today. This week we sit down to find out how a humble small town boy from Nebraska went from a comedy writer to Groucho Marx and Jerry Lewis to become an icon of television and one of the most revered talk show hosts of all time. Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at: theplugpodcast.jj@gmail.com https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/ https://justinjay.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Devendra Banhart is a prolific artist and musician who has earned a reputation for his genre-defying sound. Drawing from an incredibly diverse range of influences, he's released 10 studio albums and cultivated a loyal fanbase spanning from Santiago to Silverlake. In this episode we sit down for a chat with this Texas-born, Venezuela-raised, and San Francisco educated singer about psilocybin mushroom trips, sneaking backstage at a Guns and Roses show in South America as a teenager, and how skateboarding videos from the 80's influenced his musical tastes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Perez-Shadi directed the iconic music videos for House of Pain's "Jump Around”, The Beastie Boys' "Gratitude”, and he's collaborated with streetwear brands like Supreme, Stussy, and Billionaire Boys Club. For over three decades, David has been a prominent figure in downtown New York, documenting hip-hop, skateboarding, and graffiti for over three decades. In this episode, we'll dive into David's journey from a shy bike messenger from the Bronx to becoming the go-to photographer for some of the coolest brands and artists in the game. We'll also hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes tales from his most chaotic shoots and learn what happened when the RZA went missing during a big budget video.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tinker Hatfield is widely considered to be one of the most influential sneaker designers of all time. During his time at Nike, he's collaborated with legendary athletes like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant to create some of the most iconic and beloved sneakers of all time, from the Air Jordan to the Air Max. He is quite literally the Michael Jordan of Jordans. In this episode, we chat with Tinker about how design, performance, cutting-edge materials and marketing have helped create an entire subculture where sneakers are commodities sold for thousands of dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nathan Florence is a big-wave charger from the North Shore and brother to 2X world champion surfer John John Florence. In the past few years, Nathan has made a name for himself by tackling some of the biggest and most consequential waves on the planet. But it's not just his surfing that's earned him a following. He's also known for his compelling social media content, providing fans with an inside look at his life as a pro surfer and adventure-seeker. Join us as we chat with Nathan about what lessons he's learned from his brother, some skills he's acquired to survive a wipeout at Pipeline, and why we might have reached a tipping point of chaos in the lineups on the North Shore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny Clinch is one of the most sought after music photographers in the business. He's shot iconic photos of music royalty from Tupac to Springsteen to Johnny Cash. This episode we discuss what it takes to get consistently compelling photos out of extremely famous people. We also hear what Willie Nelson and Merl Haggard do on the back of their tour bus, and what happens when you shoot at San Quentin prison and leave a $2000 lens behind. Don't miss this candid conversation with the man behind some of your favorite rock photos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pat O'Connell starred in the classic surf film Endless Summer 2 and competed on the world tour. He eventually transitioned into executive leadership positions at Hurley, the World Surf League, and he is currently president of John John Florence's brand Florence Marine X. Needless to say, Pat has a unique perspective on the culture and the business of surfing. In this episode, we discuss some of the challenges of building a successful brand, hear how the North Shore has changed, and learn why competitive surfing will never be the new golf. Don't miss a candid conversation with this industry insider and Momentum Generation alum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are heartbroken to hear about the death of Art Brewer. We just lost a true icon of surf photograph. Art Brewer's archive of surf photos from the 70's, 80's and 90s contain countless iconic images that helped to visually define the entire sport of surfing. We had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Art last year. This week we pay tribute to this titan of surf photography with a special re-release of our conversation. Art sheds some light on the state of modern photography, how some photos take on a new meaning with age, and why Bunker Spreckels tried to shoot him in South Africa. Thank you Art for the countless classic images. Rest in Peace, Art.

Damon Way is a designer, brand marketer, and the co-founder of DC Shoes. With the help of his brother, pioneering skateboarder Danny Way, DC become one of the most sought after skate brands of the 90's. Under Way's guidance, DC was one of the first streetwear brands to succsessfluly implelment artist collaborations and limited edition releases into their product line. In 2004, DC was sold to Quiksilver and the brand slowly lost much of its luster without his creative control. In this episode, we sit down to discuss whether skateboarders or surfers have better style, why the music that we listen to no longer defines our identities, and why Toyota Prius headlights are so damn ugly. 

Chris Shiflett plays guitar in the Foo Fighters and hosts the podcast Walking The Floor. This episode, we sit down for our second in-depth conversation with the Santa Barbara native. It's been a year of extreme highs and lows for him - he got inducted into the Rock and Roll of Hall of Fame, but also had to endure the tragic death of close friend and bandmate Taylor Hawkins. We discuss the differences between flying a private jet to play sold out stadiums vs the smaller intimate shows that he's been playing to promote his upcoming solo album. Don't miss checking out some behind the scenes stories from this rock veteran on this special episode with our first repeat-guest on The Plug

Alex Corporan was the manager for original Supreme store in NYC from 1996-2004. This episode, we sit down for some behind the scenes stories about what actually went down in the legendary back-room of the store as we go for a deep dive on the history of the brand. We also discuss his close relationship with the late great Jake Burton, and  hear about Alex's recently released 10 year anniversary edition of his ode to NY skateboarding, FULL BLEED,.

MC Serch made his mark in the rap duo 3rd Bass with classic hits such as The Gas Face, Brooklyn Queens, and Pop Goes The Weasel. In 1994, he executive produced the iconic debut album Illmatic by Nas. Since then, he has continued to be a major force behind the scenes in the music industry. Listen in as we hear about his insane encounters as a young battle rapper in Far Rockaway, Queens, his first experience traveling to LA while having a hit put on his life by MC Hammer, and how his continued emphasis on learning, personal growth and surrounding himself with positive people has affected his entrepreneurial success. Don't miss this season 4 premiere episode with one of the most enduring figures in hip-hop.

Ryan McGinness is a critically acclaimed artist with works in the permanent collection of the MOMA. He uses icons, logos and public symbols to explore the power and influence they have on our visual language. Tune in as we discuss how he once destroyed his studio with pigmented fish oil for a conceptual party, and how he got 50 naked people to show up his studio to have their bodies covered in neon paint. 

Jasper Jay is a bright and inquisitive 1st grader with an extremely mature grasp of language, and a deep appreciation for humor. He's been forced to endure a lot over the past few years, but throughout the disruptions of a global pandemic, persistent mask wearing, active shooter drills and the death of a grandparent, he's remained optimistic and compassionate. It's the only reality that he's ever known, and he's ok with it. This week we sit down for a special Father's Day conversation and peer into the mind of this wildly imaginative 6 years old.

Trevor "Trouble" Andrew is a professional snowboarder, musician and the artist behind the wildly successful Gucci Ghost motif. This episode we discuss how Trevor  appropriated the logo from one of the most recognizable luxury brands in the world, and instead of receiving a cease and desist order, he was instead offered an official collaboration with Gucci. We also get deep on NFTs, the punk-rock DIY spirit, and his family life. Don't miss the fascinating story from this must-talented creative juggernaut. 

Sam Jones is the director of the critically acclaimed documentary Until The Wheels Fall Off about the life of legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk... But his path to success as an accomplished still photographer and film director took many divergent  turns along the way. This episode we sit down to discuss what makes a compelling documentary,  we hear some tricks for dealing with celebrity egos, and we learn how Sam's  passion for music, motorcycles  and skateboarding led him to where he is today. 

Leo Fitzpatrick is a New York City based actor and gallery owner. in 1995 he starred in the movie KIDS with an ensemble cast of first-time actors from the downtown skate scene. The explicit sex and drug use in the film was over the top, but it felt eerily verite and disturbing. The fallout from his role in the movie was harsh. Since then, he's appeared in many TV and film roles, but lately he's been focusing his energy on his passion for fine art. During the height of the pandemic, he opened Public Access Gallery on the Lower East Side. His intention was to create an art space that could foster the sense of community reminiscent of the extended family of skaters that he found as a teenager. This week on The Plug, we sit down to discuss the impact that KIDS had on him, and learn why you should never be intimidated to walk into high-end gallery. Tune in to this special episode for some bonafide 90's New York tales.

Tony Hawk is undoubtedly the most famous skateboarder in history. This week we sit down to discuss Jackass, fatherhood, and how his experiences of dominating contests as a young skateboarder left him feeling like an outcast amongst outcasts. We'll also chat about his new awe-inspiring documentary film Until The Wheels Fall Off. Drop in for the Season 3 premiere. 

LP is gifted singer and songwriter with over 2 billion streams to her name. In addition to performing her own material, she's written hit songs for some of the biggest artists on the planet including Cher, Celine Dion, Rita Ora and Rihanna. This week we sit down for a conversation to discuss her new album Churches and talk about what it's like when lyrics that you write in a notebook become an international hit single sung by someone else. 

Juliana Canfield plays Jess Jordan on HBO's critically acclaimed series Succession. Since her debut on season one, the show has become one of the most talked about series on television. This week we sit down for some behind the scenes tales, we hear why working with this ensemble cast is so magical, and learn why the solitude of being an only child helped inspire her to pursue acting. Tune in for a candid conversation with this charming and talented rising star.

Art Brewer's archive of surf photos from the 70's, 80's and 90s contain countless iconic images that helped to visually define the sport of surfing. This week, Art sits down to shed some light on the current state of photography, how some photos take on a new meaning with age, and why Bunker Spreckels tried to shoot him in South Africa. Drop in for a candid conversation with the man behind so many classic surf photos. 

Helene Yorke is a prolific stage and screen actress that can currently be seen in the critically acclaimed HBO comedy series The Other Two. This episode we sit down to discuss the perseverance, faith and dedication that it takes to become the proverbial 10 Year Overnight Success. Listen in as she tells some behind the scenes stories, and gives some insight into what it feels like to be having  a well deserved moment in the spotlight. 

Michael Muller is one of the most sought after commercial photographers in the business. He's shot countless movie posters and celebrities throughout his career while successfully navigating the minefields of superstar egos. How does he do it? He's armed with the unique perspective and confidence that you get from facing your fears and swimming with sharks - actual great white sharks. He's gone on over 35 shark diving expeditions. This week we discuss his fascinating career path , hear some juicy Hollywood tales, and get to the bottom of what it's like to come face to face with a mighty predator. 

David Hershkovits co-founded New York City's iconic Paper Magazine in the 1980's. Before the internet, before social media influencers, and before the restaurant on your corner had their own publicist, if wanted to stay informed about art, fashion, music, food or clubs in New York City, you read Paper Magazine - it was the go to guide for anything culturally relevant downtown and beyond. This week on The Plug Podcast, David drops in for a conversation about  the history of downtown culture, what can be learned from the challenges that the city has faced, and contemplate what a post-covid New York City might look like

Wyatt Cenac is a gifted writer, standup comic, former correspondent on The Daily Show, and the creator of HBO's Problem Areas. This week he sits down to discuss the unique power of humor to affect social change, and weigh in on the current state of comedy in a landscape full of Twitter trolls and the easily offended.

Mick Fanning is a 3 time World Champion surfer, a father, and an entrepreneur. This week, we sit down to discuss the personal sacrifices that he had to make in order to be the best in the world, hear his thoughts on life after the competitive tour, and chat about how he copes with the persistent questions related to his 2015 shark attack on live television. Don't miss this Season 2 premiere episode.

Brian Austin Green is a panelist on the hit tv show The Masked Dancer. He's appeared in countless television shows, but it's his role as David Silver on the series Beverly Hills 90210 that brought him mainstream recognition over 30 years ago. This week we sit down to discuss the challenges of self growth and career reinvention, some misconceptions about fame, and why nostalgia for 90's hip-hop is completely justified.

Tom Sachs is an esteemed New York artist that makes handcrafted mixed media sculptures that are provocative and whimsical. His Chanel chainsaw, oversized painting of Krusty The Clown, and elaborate recreations of NASA spacecraft are mesmerizing. You can find his work in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim and in venerable galleries across the globe. This week, we sit down to discuss the bizarre politics of the art world, his philosophy on dedication and successes, and ponder why it's so difficult to get quality ding repair for a surfboard. 

Evan Mock is of the most sought after young models on the planet. He used to spend his days surfing and skating on the North Shore… then a chance encounter with Tom Sachs and Frank Ocean changed his life forever. He's now a fixture on European runways, Time Square billboards, and he recently had a custom Louis Vuitton manquen made in his likeness. This week, we present a special bonus episode of The Plug recorded on the North Shore just steps away from the Banzai Skatepark where it all began We discuss how surfing affects his perspective on fame, why he still loves New York City, and how he plans on buying his parents a new home as a result of a mistake with a pair of hair clippers. 

Benji Weatherley is one of the most fascinating characters in Hawaii. He's a skilled conversationalist, he's best friends with Kelly Slater, and he got Metallica to play at his wedding. Surfers aren't usually expected to be deep thinkers or to exude charisma. So when you meet a surfer who oozes personality, wit and an innate gift for storytelling, they make an impression on you. Listen in as Benji gets deep about his struggles with addiction and depression, his relationship with the late Jake Burton, and why the North Shore has lost some of its edge. 

Dick Page is one of the most influential makeup artists of his generation. In the 1990's, fashion as entertainment became a mainstream cultural phenomenon - Dick was front and center for it all. His work has appeared in virtually every major fashion magazine, and he's collaborated with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Helmut Lang, Marc Jacobs and too many more to mention. Listen in as he discusses the birth of the supermodel as cultural icon, getting free McDonalds fries with Kate Moss, and why the Instant Pot is so fantastic. Photo: Shana Jade Trajanoska @shanajade

Bill Sherman has been the music supervisor for Sesame Street for nearly a decade. He's also a founding member of the groundbreaking hip-hop improv troupe known as Freestyle Love Supreme featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame.  Listen in as Bill discusses the challenges of keeping Sesame Street modern, how the success of Hamilton affected friendships, and what it's like to work behind the scenes on one of the most beloved tv shows in history.

The Strokes are one of the most influential NYC rock bands of all time. Along with his four other bandmates, Albert Hammond Jr. helped create a sound and a look that inspired countless bands since they released their flawless debut album Is This It in 2001. Since then, every member of the band has branched off to work on solo albums or side projects - but the chemistry and camaraderie of the Strokes is a powerful force. They always  somehow gravitate back together to record another Strokes album. This week,  Albert sits down to discuss the challenges of being a solo artist, his relationship with fame, and how surfing has taught him to appreciate being in the moment. 

Herbie Fletcher has had a profound impact on the landscape of surf culture. In addition to pioneering the surfboard traction pad, his family has been at the forefront of tow-in surfing, aerial maneuvers, and big wave riding. You might have seen him on the North Shore hanging out with a man in purple pajamas - that's his close friend and collaborator Julian Schnabel. From the imposing white walls of Chelsea art galleries, to the Pipe House on the North Shore, Herbie Fletcher has left his mark. This week, Herbie drops in to discuss how somebody so influential in the sport of surfing has also been able to have a successful career in the exclusive world of fine art.

Spencer Tunick creates awe-inspiring fine art photographs with massive groups of nude people in pubic spaces. As you can imagine, he's no stranger to controversy, arrest, and unfavorable media coverage. This week we sit down to hear exactly how his unique journey began, we discuss some of his first installations in New York's East Village, and we learn how he forced the entire US Supreme Court to examine his nude photos. 

Listen in as music producer and MGMT frontman Andrew VanWyngarden joins us to discuss the misconceptions of fame, his Icelandic surf adventures, and how the bleak winters in Rockaway Beach keep him focused and inspired. 

Early California skateboarding... Punk Rock... 80's Hip-Hop... Glen E. Friedman was there with his camera to capture all 3 of these seminal youth movements. Listen in as we discuss his new book featuring Run DMC and The Beastie Boys, the extreme DIY determination of Black Flag, and the one subject that he's still in pursuit of. 

Ireland Basinger Baldwin is a smart and confident millennial with a tattooed body and exquisite genes. This week we sit down for a candid conversation about the impact of social media, her struggles with eating disorders & body issues, and how she navigates being the celebrity offspring of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. 

P-Rod - One of the most accomplished skateboarders of all time drops in to discuss racism, what skaters actually discriminate against, and how failure has prepared him for his burgeoning second act in Hollywood. 

Listen in as pro-surfer and Ambassador of Positivity Kassia Meador drops by to discuss the rich surf history of Malibu, the challenges of running a female owned business, and what attending a dinner party in a haunted Swedish castle taught her about efficiency.

Listen in as the lead guitarist for Foo Fighters and Santa Barbara native drops by to discuss fame, fatherhood, and whether you can ever truly go home again.