The Popko Project

In this high-energy and hilariously heartfelt episode, I'm joined by the chaotic creatives behind Kitchen Teeth, one of NEPA's most refreshingly raw and wildly original bands. And they've got something BIG brewing—literally and musically.

In this episode, we sit down with the dynamic minds behind Bellwether Ritual, a rising force in the Lehigh Valley stoner/doom rock scene. We talk everything from the band's gritty origins during the pandemic to their evolving sound that blends grunge roots, Black Sabbath fuzz, and haunting vocal harmonies.

In this episode, we welcome Tiny Ships, a New Jersey-based band that's making waves with heartfelt songwriting, sold-out shows, and a deep commitment to mental health awareness. What started as a studio project during COVID has quickly evolved into a powerful, emotionally honest band blending singer-songwriter sensibility with influences from metal, hardcore, pop, and everything […]

In this episode, we’re joined by Ben from UK post-hardcore/alternative band Acres to talk about their highly anticipated new album The Host, out NOW. Ben dives into the band’s evolution from melodic hardcore to a genre-blending force, working with producer Landon Tewers (The Plot In You), and the creative process of crafting an album with […]

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Camille, the powerhouse vocalist of the French metalcore band Novelists, to talk about their upcoming album Coda, out May 16. We dive into Camille’s journey joining the band just a year and a half ago, the emotional depth of the new record, her experience touring the […]

In this episode of The Popko Project, we welcome Charlie Biscotto — aka the man who accidentally broke the internet by running up a down escalator at WrestleMania 41. What started as a post family dinner gathering and casual Instagram scroll turned into viral fame when host Popko realized the man in the now-iconic video […]

Ep. 229 of The Popko Project Podcast is here featuring Debt Neglector – Orlando punk band with a brand new LP that, well… Kinda Rips

In this episode, Popko catches up with genre-blending powerhouse Nathan James, fresh off tour with Attila and gearing up for his debut album release this July. Nathan opens up about the deeply personal inspiration behind his hit single “Alienation”, a track born from a storm of anxiety, identity struggles, and raw creative energy. He also […]

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, host Popko sits down with Nick Bruce, owner and manager of Wise Crackers Comedy Club located inside Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Nick shares the behind-the-scenes reality of running a comedy club — from booking nationally touring stand-up comedians to cleaning up after rowdy nights and dealing with everything in between. Discover […]

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Isaac Friend, a rising folk/Americana artist whose music is deeply rooted in storytelling, emotion, and raw authenticity. Isaac opens up about his journey as a musician, from his early days discovering the power of songwriting to his experiences performing and recording. We explore […]

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Dennis Condusta, a true creative powerhouse. As the production manager at Axelrad Screen Printing, founding member of Astorian Stigmata, content creator, DIY enthusiast, BMX rider, father, and husband, Dennis brings passion and dedication to everything he does. We dive into his journey in […]

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Craig Johns Jr., frontman of the rising rock/metal band, The Dark. With heavy riffs, industrial energy, and raw emotion, The Dark is quickly gaining momentum—going viral on TikTok and securing a spot on the Warped Tour revival. Craig shares the band's origin story, his collaboration with Alan Ashby (Of Mice […]

Buckle up, folks—this one's a banger. On this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with UFC middleweight Andre Petroski, a straight-up savage inside the octagon and a calculated competitor who's all about putting in the work. Fresh off his third consecutive win, Andre talks about the fight game, the brutal weight cuts, […]

In this episode, we sit down with Katerina Nicole, a rising force in the rock/metalcore scene, on the day of her 30th birthday—and instead of partying, she's here talking music, passion, and the wild journey that led to her debut EP, Serene In Violent Oceans. Katerina opens up about her transition from pop and EDM […]

Comedian, podcaster, and laughter yoga leader Jeannine Luby joins the show for a deep dive into the power of humor, mental health, and creating space for meaningful conversations. We talk about her journey in stand-up, the challenges of being a female comedian, and why laughter—yes, even forced laughter—can actually rewire your brain for the better. […]

Dive into the dark and thrilling world of Harrisburg-based metal band Suicide Puppets in this electrifying episode of The Popko Project Podcast. Popko unravels the band’s two-decade journey through the music scene, exploring their unapologetically unique sound, horror-inspired lyrics, and theatrical live performances. Join Veritas and Twisty as they share: The evolution of the band from its gritty […]

In Episode 216, Popko hosts Lives Lost, an alt-metal band from Hershey, PA. The band opens up about their creative process, personal stories, and upcoming projects, delivering a compelling conversation packed with inspiration and insight. Highlights from the Episode:

In Episode 215, Popko sits down with Janine from the electrifying Scottish band Vukovi to talk about their upcoming album, My God Has Got A Gun, set to release on January 24, 2025. Janine shares insights into the creative process behind their bold, genre-blending music and how the band embraced a fearless approach to songwriting, […]

In episode 214 of The Popko Project Podcast, Popko sits down with musician and songwriter Ed Randazzo for a deep, no-holds-barred conversation about creativity, life, and the power of music. Ed's got a new album out, Wishing on a Train, and it's packed with bluesy, soulful tracks that hit hard and stay with you. They […]

On this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, Popko dives deep with Stoneside., the Texas-based band turning raw emotion and real-life stories into heavy, atmospheric music. Vocalist David aka “DC” and bassist Robb join the show to break down their creative process, the inspiration behind their music, and what drives them to push boundaries in […]

Alright, this one's wild. Popko sits down with the up-and-coming indie rock crew Spellslinger—self-proclaimed “your local wizard's favorite indie band.” These guys (and gal) are straight out of Scranton, and they've got the energy, humor, and stories to prove it. They talk about how they came together, their influences (everything from Green Day to King […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Cat Matthews, a talented singer-songwriter blending country and rock with heartfelt storytelling. Cat reflects on his musical journey, from his early days of rock influences like Bruce Springsteen to his pivot into country music during the pandemic. The discussion delves into his songwriting process, the challenges of the […]

In this heartfelt episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with John Van Deusen, an incredibly talented singer-songwriter known for his deep, introspective lyrics and powerful vocals. Fresh off the release of his fifth solo album, Anthem Sprinter, John opens up about his journey in music, the evolution of his sound, and the influences […]

In episode 209 of The Popko Project Podcast, Popko welcomes alt-pop band LOYALS, fresh off the release of their latest EP, Love Me Bad. Bandmates Dane and Andrew dive into the five-year journey that led to this new collection, revealing how it marks a “reset” for their sound and reflects personal experiences. Known for their […]

In Episode 208 of The Popko Project Podcast, we dive into the gritty, nostalgic heart of Wilkes-Barre's punk scene with poet Andrea Janov, who's bringing the vibe of the city's DIY shows, late-night dives, and raw emotion straight to the page. Her book Mix Tapes and Photo Albums isn't just poetry; it's a coming-of-age soundtrack […]

In episode 207 of The Popko Project, we dive into the gritty world of heavy metal with none other than Gore., a rising powerhouse from Texas. This band is bringing a fresh sound that's heavy, emotional, and unapologetically raw. We chat about their whirlwind year, from their first tour to the release of their highly […]

In episode 206 of The Popko Project Podcast, we bring you a captivating conversation with none other than Long Island musician Dan Cooney! Buckle up as we dive deep into his musical journey, starting from humble beginnings with high school bands to crafting incredible solo records. Dan shares the story behind his latest single, “This […]

In Episode 205 of The Popko Project Podcast, we’re joined by Addison and Rae of the dynamic band rosecoloredworld! The duo shares their inspiring journey from solo artists to forming rosecoloredworld, and the trials and triumphs that have shaped their signature sound. We dive into their creative process, touching on their latest releases like “All […]

In Episode 204 of The Popko Project Podcast, we chat with Timmy and Jimmy Brown, the brothers behind the band Dose of Adolescence. The episode dives into the band’s journey, which began in 1999 in Southern California, where they were deeply influenced by the skate-punk scene. The brothers share their early experiences in the music […]

In episode 203 of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Australian musician Leah Martin Brown, frontwoman of Evol Walks, to talk about her exciting journey in the music industry. Leah shares insights into her latest solo project, produced by legendary Mutt Lange, known for his work with Def Leppard and AC/DC. We discuss […]

In episode 202 of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Cooney, a multi-talented writer, director, and producer, to talk about her recent film Wild Fire. Jennifer opens up about her journey from a family business to filmmaking, and how her late discovery of screenwriting and directing changed her life. She shares personal […]

Welcome to episode 201 of The Popko Project Podcast. In this episode, we welcome Joe Caviston, a well-known figure in the Scranton music scene, to discuss the 11th Annual Electric City Music Conference which begins on September 12th with the Steamtown Music Awards at The V-Spot Bar in Scranton. And then on September 13th and […]

In this milestone 200th episode, we sit down with Richard Patrick, the frontman of Filter, to discuss the highs and lows of his career, from the band’s early days in the 90s to their current tour with legends like Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper. Richard opens up about the challenges of the music industry, his […]

Welcome to episode 199 of The Popko Project Podcast. Today, we’ve got an absolute legend in the house—Aaron Fink. You might know him as a former member of Breaking Benjamin, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Aaron's been all over the map, playing with bands like Lifer, Stardog Champion, and Earshot, and he's […]

Welcome to The Popko Project Podcast, episode 198. Today, we’re diving deep into the pulse-pounding world of one of South Florida’s most electrifying young bands—Chained Saint. Now, listen, not many can say they’ve worked with legends like Alice In Chains and earned praise from Mastodon before even hitting 18, but these guys have done it. […]

Welcome to episode 197 of The Popko Project Podcast, where we dive deep into the vibrant world of music, media, and entertainment. Today we are thrilled to welcome Jake from the band Autumn Kings from Detroit, MI. Described as what would happen if Linkin Park and Fall Out Boy had a baby, Autumn Kings brings […]

Welcome to episode 196 of The Popko Project Podcast featuring rock band, Portland Frank. The gentlemen are back at it with a brand new single called “Buck”. But it’s not what you’d expect after hearing their earlier recordings which are available streaming everywhere. We talk about what inspired this new song and how adding strings […]

Hey friends, welcome to Episode 195 of The Popko Project! Today we’ve got something special for you—Canadian rockers Calling All Captains. These guys are the real deal, combining the best of pop-punk and post-hardcore into a killer sound that’s both catchy and hard-hitting. They’re here to talk about their upcoming EP, “(e)motion sickness,” dropping via […]

On episode 194 of The Popko Project podcast, we dive into the world of Riley Loftus, a force in the music scene who's carving her path with grit and groove. Riley credits her independence, early mentors like Neil Nicastro, and unwavering family support for fueling her journey. From auditioning for Steamtown American Idol and The […]

Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to another episode of The Popko Project Podcast! Today, on episode 193, we’ve got a special guest for you: Keven Martinez, the mastermind behind The Middleman Podcast. We dive deep into who Keven Martinez really is, what sparked the creation of The Middleman Podcast, and how it’s evolved over time. […]

Welcome to Episode 191 of The Popko Project Podcast! This week, Popko sits down with Kyle Demko, a talented musician hailing from Pennsylvania known for his diverse musical ventures and genuine community spirit. In this episode, Kyle shares insights into his dynamic music career, spanning solo projects to full band collaborations. Listeners will hear about […]

Join us for Episode 190 of The Popko Project Podcast as we sit down with the dynamic emo/post-hardcore band, If Kansas Had Trees, hailing from Pennsylvania. In this captivating episode, we delve into the band’s journey of growing together and learning to trust one another throughout the creative process. We also explore important topics such […]

Tune in to Episode 189 of The Popko Project Podcast for an electrifying dive into the metalcore scene with EverChanger, hailing from Massachusetts. Host Popko kicks off with humor, albeit some failed attempts, before delving deep into the origins of EverChanger amidst the demise of Buried Giants. From the intriguing backstory of their name to […]

Welcome to Episode 188 of The Popko Project Podcast! In this exciting episode, we feature Ben Bailey, the host of the hit series “Cash Cab ” and a nationally touring comedian. Join us as we dive into Ben’s upcoming show at The Ritz Theater in downtown Scranton on Saturday, May 25th. We explore how he […]

In this episode of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with comedian Tyler Rothrock from Nazareth, PA. Join us as we dive into a variety of topics, including the craft of comedy and the journey of making comedy a career. We also talk about comedy shows vs. live music shows and we discuss his […]

Tune in to Episode 186 of The Popko Project Podcast for an exclusive peek into the world of indie pop band, Bad Bad Hats, hailing from Minnesota. Join us as we dive deep into the heart of their latest self-titled album, released just last month. From the genesis of their infectious tunes to the nitty-gritty […]

Welcome to Episode 185 of The Popko Project Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of punk with Florida’s very own Suck Brick Kid. Join us as we explore the anticipation surrounding their upcoming album, “The End Is What I Want,” set to drop on May 17th via Smartpunk Records. Discover the […]