Podcasts about Popko

Content Advisory: This episode includes discussion of suicide, mental health, grief, and loss. Listener/viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available by calling or texting 988 (U.S. and Canada) or by contacting your local crisis resources.Burial Ground is back!In Episode 273, I sit down with members of the legendary NEPA hardcore pioneers to talk about the band's return, their brand-new EP, and the legacy they've built over more than three decades. We dive into the origins of Burial Ground, their influence on the hardcore scene, and how modern technology made it possible for the band—now spread across the country—to create new music together.One of the most moving moments of the conversation centers around "Forever Friends," a powerful new track featuring the late Jamie White's vocals, reconstructed from a 1996 live recording using modern AI technology. The band shares the emotional story behind finishing one final song with their friend and honoring his legacy.We also spend a significant part of the episode discussing Hardcore For Husvar, the annual benefit show created in memory of Neil Husvar. From celebrating the NEPA hardcore community to raising awareness for mental health through NAMI and funding scholarships in Neil's name, this conversation highlights the incredible bonds that music creates—and why those connections matter now more than ever. Hardcore For Husvar will take place July 25th 2026 at St. Mary's Center in Scranton.If you're a fan of hardcore music, NEPA's rich music history, or conversations about friendship, loss, resilience, and creating something meaningful, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Special thanks to our sponsors:-Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services-Ionic Development-The V-Spot Bar-Scotch Sauce – makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky. Get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com with promo code POPKO.

What happens when you walk away from a successful career to pursue the thing you can't stop thinking about?In Episode 272 of The Popko Project Podcast, host Popko sits down with singer-songwriter Jonathon Penn to discuss his journey from a career in finance to becoming an independent musician. Jonathon shares the inspiration behind his new album, It Took a Long Time To Get Young, and opens up about creativity, songwriting, self-doubt, family, and what it means to build a life around purpose instead of expectations.The conversation explores the challenges of leaving a stable career, rediscovering your artistic voice, and navigating today's independent music industry. Jonathon also discusses how fatherhood, the loss of his dad, and years spent away from music ultimately shaped the songs on his latest record.If you're interested in indie music, singer-songwriters, songwriting, creativity, career changes, independent artists, Americana, alternative rock, or personal growth, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Jonathon Penn left a successful career in finance to pursue music• The making of It Took a Long Time To Get Young• Finding creativity again after years away from songwriting• The realities of being an independent musician in the streaming era• Balancing family, ambition, and artistic fulfillment• Songwriting, inspiration, and trusting your creative instincts• The stories behind "Hawk Circling," "Wildfire," "Gold Rush," and moreListen to Jonathon Penn's music on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music.If you enjoy conversations with musicians, artists, creatives, and independent creators, be sure to follow The Popko Project Podcast for new episodes featuring compelling guests and authentic conversations about music, creativity, and life.

In Episode 265, Popko sits down with musician, producer, and former Citizen King member Kristian Riley for a deep dive into a career that spans from ‘90s radio fame to today's ever-evolving music landscape. Kristian reflects on his time in Citizen King, the band behind the hit “Better Days (And the Bottom Drops Out)” sharing […]

In Episode 265, Popko sits down with musician, producer, and former Citizen King member Kristian Riley for a deep dive into a career that spans from ‘90s radio fame to today's ever-evolving music landscape. Kristian reflects on his time in Citizen King, the band behind the hit “Better Days (And the Bottom Drops Out)” sharing […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Logan from Scarlett O'Hara for a high-energy, no-BS conversation about music, identity, and staying real in today's scene. The Texas-based metalcore band isn't holding anything back — and neither is this interview. They get into the band's evolution, creative mindset, and what it takes to stand out while […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Logan from Scarlett O'Hara for a high-energy, no-BS conversation about music, identity, and staying real in today's scene. The Texas-based metalcore band isn't holding anything back — and neither is this interview. They get into the band's evolution, creative mindset, and what it takes to stand out while […]

On Episode 257 of The Popko Project Podcast, I'm joined by Tysoul for a conversation that's equal parts real talk and creative fuel. We get into the moments that shaped him, what drives his sound, and how he balances passion with the pressure to keep leveling up. We dig into the creative process, the influences […]

On Episode 257 of The Popko Project Podcast, I'm joined by Tysoul for a conversation that's equal parts real talk and creative fuel. We get into the moments that shaped him, what drives his sound, and how he balances passion with the pressure to keep leveling up. We dig into the creative process, the influences […]

Episode 256 – In A Perfect Sky | The Popko Project Podcast

Episode 256 – In A Perfect Sky | The Popko Project Podcast

About This Episode In this episode, Popko sits down with Ray Meoni and Kyle Johnson to talk about Scranton Skalidays 2025, happening December 20th at The Ritz Theater in downtown Scranton. Skalidays has become a Northeast PA holiday tradition — a massive celebration of ska, punk, and community. Now in its fourth year, Skalidays continues […]

About This Episode In this episode, Popko sits down with Ray Meoni and Kyle Johnson to talk about Scranton Skalidays 2025, happening December 20th at The Ritz Theater in downtown Scranton. Skalidays has become a Northeast PA holiday tradition — a massive celebration of ska, punk, and community. Now in its fourth year, Skalidays continues […]

Guest: Nick Summons, Founder of Dunder Mixin Entertainment Podcast: The Popko Project Podcast Presented by: Keller's Garden Center & Landscaping Services • Ionic Development • The V-Spot Bar • Scotch Sauce Hot Sauce — Makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce.

Guest: Nick Summons, Founder of Dunder Mixin Entertainment Podcast: The Popko Project Podcast Presented by: Keller's Garden Center & Landscaping Services • Ionic Development • The V-Spot Bar • Scotch Sauce Hot Sauce — Makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce.

Welcome to Episode 253 of The Popko Project Podcast, featuring a powerful conversation with Olivia Elizabeth Basar — a rising NEPA artist sharing her creative journey, musical influences, and what drives her to keep making honest, heartfelt music. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Olivia for the first time, this episode dives into […]

Welcome to Episode 253 of The Popko Project Podcast, featuring a powerful conversation with Olivia Elizabeth Basar — a rising NEPA artist sharing her creative journey, musical influences, and what drives her to keep making honest, heartfelt music. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering Olivia for the first time, this episode dives into […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Atari + Mari, a music duo that's doing something different — real emotion, real connection, and no filter. We talk about how they built their unique lo-fi sound, why sad songs matter, and how music can actually help people get through some dark stuff. This one goes deep […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Joe Caviston, the driving force behind the Electric City Music Conference and the Steamtown Music Awards, now entering their 12th year. Joe reflects on the journey from humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Scranton music scene, and why this massive effort is his way of giving […]

In this episode of The Popko Project, Popko hangs out with the awesome humans behind American Television — a D.C.-based punk band that's been pushing out melodic anthems with a message for over a decade. We dive deep into their upcoming EP, You Are Not Alone (dropping September 19), which delivers a rallying cry for […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Joe Caviston, the driving force behind the Electric City Music Conference and the Steamtown Music Awards, now entering their 12th year. Joe reflects on the journey from humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Scranton music scene, and why this massive effort is his way of giving […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Atari + Mari, a music duo that's doing something different — real emotion, real connection, and no filter. We talk about how they built their unique lo-fi sound, why sad songs matter, and how music can actually help people get through some dark stuff. This one goes deep […]

In this episode of The Popko Project, Popko hangs out with the awesome humans behind American Television — a D.C.-based punk band that's been pushing out melodic anthems with a message for over a decade. We dive deep into their upcoming EP, You Are Not Alone (dropping September 19), which delivers a rallying cry for […]

After over a decade since their last full-length release, Sainthood Reps are back and louder than ever. In this episode, Popko sits down with Derek to talk about the band's origins, the Long Island scene that shaped them, and their highly anticipated new record, Dull Bliss, dropping September 26th. They dive into the chaos of […]

After over a decade since their last full-length release, Sainthood Reps are back and louder than ever. In this episode, Popko sits down with Derek to talk about the band's origins, the Long Island scene that shaped them, and their highly anticipated new record, Dull Bliss, dropping September 26th. They dive into the chaos of […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Zach from Denver hardcore/nu-metal/hip-hop fusion band Fox Lake to talk about their brand-new full-length album New World Heat (released August 1). Zach dives into the two-year creative process behind the record, how the band built it around the concept of “pure adrenaline,” and why they fully embraced their […]

In this episode, Popko sits down with Zach from Denver hardcore/nu-metal/hip-hop fusion band Fox Lake to talk about their brand-new full-length album New World Heat (released August 1). Zach dives into the two-year creative process behind the record, how the band built it around the concept of “pure adrenaline,” and why they fully embraced their […]

This week, Popko sits down with Austin from Pittsburgh rock outfit Rex Tycoon to talk about their debut full-length album “No Limit 2 Love”, now out everywhere. They dive into:

This week, Popko sits down with Austin from Pittsburgh rock outfit Rex Tycoon to talk about their debut full-length album “No Limit 2 Love”, now out everywhere. They dive into: