Chris DeMakes A Podcast
Chris DeMakes of Less Than Jake discusses the ins and outs of songwriting with a variety of guests from the world of music.
Chris DeMakes
Show overview
Chris DeMakes A Podcast has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 447 episodes, alongside 54 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 470 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run an hour to ninety minutes — most land between 58 min and 1h 11m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. The publisher flags most episodes as explicit, so expect adult themes or strong language throughout. It is catalogued as a EN-language Music show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 40 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 102 episodes published. Published by Chris DeMakes.
From the publisher
Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris's passion for music and songwriting fuels engaging discussions on lyrics, melodies, production techniques, and cultural context. Combining informative storytelling, interviews, and analysis, the podcast appeals to music lovers, die-hard fans, and anyone curious about the songwriting process. It provides insight into the artistry behind timeless songs, making it perfect for those seeking inspiration or simply wanting to immerse themselves in musical magic.
Latest Episodes
View all 447 episodesEp. 303: Josh Fiedler discusses The Juliana Theory’s “Do You Believe Me?”
Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend”
Ep. 302: Linus Dotson discusses Linus of Hollywood’s “Thank You for Making Me Feel…Better”
Throwback Thursday: Songs That Changed The World
Ep. 301: Ken Block discusses Sister Hazel’s “Change Your Mind”
Throwback Thursday: Jacoby Shaddix discusses Papa Roach’s “Last Resort”
Ep. 300: Chris Ballew discusses The Presidents of The United States of America’s “Kitty”
Throwback Thursday: Fee Waybill discusses The Tubes “She’s a Beauty”
Ep. 299: Will Gold discusses Lovejoy’s “Scoundrels”
Throwback Thursday: Sondre Lerche discusses his song “Bad Law”
EThis week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 99 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast on April 18th, 2022. In this episode, Norwegian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Sondre Lerche tells the story behind his 2014 single “Bad Law”, an indie-pop gem that’s equal parts danceable and chaotic. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 Ep 298Ep. 298: Rachel Bolan discusses Skid Row’s “I Remember You”
EIn this episode, Skid Row bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan tells the story behind the band’s 1989 smash hit, “I Remember You.” He traces the song back to its humble beginnings, written in the “Green Room” at his parents’ house, and talks about channeling young love, late-night drives, and summer nostalgia into lyrics that still hit decades later. Produced by the legendary Michael Wagener, the song keeps listeners engaged throughout its five-plus-minute runtime, so much so that a radio edit never even existed. Tune in for a fun conversation about a song that continues to endure today, as evidenced by its inclusion in one of 2025’s biggest box-office hits. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Throwback Thursday: Exchanging Weird Songs
EThis week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released on March 24th, 2025, as an episode of The After Party. In this very fun edition of the show, Chris and Chris each give each other five strange songs to check out, and then they have a short discussion about each one. From Björk to Ween to Celtic Frost to Sexyy Red, the guys explore some unique (and sometimes hilarious) songs. If you enjoy this episode, head over to ChrisDeMakes.com to get instant access to hundreds of episodes of The After Party! Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defeat DeMakes Episode 12
EAs a month of Defeat DeMakes episodes comes to a close, Chris DeMakes tries to improve to above .500 against friend of the show Johnny Yetsconish. In a music trivia battle that spans questions from the mid 1970s until modern day, Chris vs. Johnny serves as the perfect clash to end a fun run of episodes. If YOU’D like to be a future contestant on Defeat DeMakes, be sure to sign up for the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Patreon at ChrisDeMakes.com! Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Throwback Thursday: Jamie Woolford discusses The Stereo’s “New Tokyo Is Calling”
EThis week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released on April 11th, 2022, as Episode 98 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features guitarist, vocalist, and producer Jamie Woolford discussing the writing and recording of The Stereo’s fan favorite 2001 single “New Tokyo Is Calling.” Tune in to hear the story behind this insanely catchy power pop classic. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defeat DeMakes Episode 11
EThis week, Chris DeMakes faces some of his stiffest competition yet, as he takes on Matt Kelly (of One Hit Thunder / Weird Al-gorithm / Horror Movie Night) in yet another battle of music trivia knowledge. Play along at home and see if YOU’D have won, and head to ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Patreon for YOUR chance at DEFEATING DEMAKES in the future! Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Throwback Thursday: Roger Joseph Manning Jr. discusses Jellyfish’s “New Mistake”
EThis week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 129 (originally released on November 14th, 2022) in which Jellyfish’s Roger Joseph Manning Jr. discusses the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 1993 single “New Mistake.” Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defeat DeMakes Episode 10
EAlmost four years TO THE DAY since the last time he was a contestant, Tom Brantley makes his return to avenge his loss on St. Patrick’s Day of 2022! In this episode, Chris and Tom battle it out until the end, but who’s the true MATERIAL BOY? Tune in for this epic battle of music trivia knowledge. If YOU’D like to be a future contestant on Defeat DeMakes, be sure to sign up for the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Patreon at ChrisDeMakes.com! Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Throwback Thursday: Howi Spangler discusses Ballyhoo!'s "Walk Away"
EOriginally released on July 31st, 2023, as Episode 166 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this Throwback Thursday episode features Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! discussing the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2011 single “Walk Away.” Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Defeat DeMakes Episode 9
EThe best music trivia podcast game show in the world is back again! This week, Philadelphia DJ A.J. Santini steps in to take on Chris DeMakes in an epic battle of music knowledge. Play along to see if YOU would’ve indeed DEFEATED DEMAKES, and sign up for the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com for a chance to be a future contestant. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Band Called Punchline Ep. 5: 37 Everywhere
EIn early 2005, Punchline faced a career crossroads with the departure of guitarist and vocalist Paul Menotiades. With determination on high in the face of adversity, the original three members turned to longtime friend Greg Wood — a shredding guitarist with a unique voice and a commanding stage presence — to fill the void in their lineup. What followed was a relentless international tour schedule and the recording and release of a landmark album. In this episode, the band and an array of friends and colleagues tell the story of the 37 Everywhere era. Subscribe to A Band Called Punchline wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5chEn3nnF3pSv2zIzPUPMo?si=d7a75149007a47f0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-band-called-punchline/id1609331063 Check out the new Punchline album Somewhere To Land. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3Wy3NVQerLtyRm4sn27dOv?si=AMrDmylVRbKxNljgOWKr_g Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/somewhere-to-land/1821472685 Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices