The Bob Lefsetz Podcast

Maria Konnikova is the author of the new bestseller "The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win." A Ph.D. psychologist/staff writer at "The New Yorker," Konnikova decides to tackle poker, a game she doesn't even know how to play, because it's a metaphor for life and she wants to investigate luck. Listen to gain insight into poker as well as game theory and the ins and outs of the poker circuit. I've never played poker and I loved "The Biggest Bluff." I believe you'll love what Maria Konnikova has to say in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaan Uhelszki was senior editor at "Creem" and is the co-writer of the new documentary on the legendary music magazine. Listen to hear tales of Lester Bangs, her appearance on stage with KISS, how Ronnie Van Zant predicted his death and how Cameron Crowe inspired the arc of the film. Jaan's got stories, and she tells them! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney Don Passman literally wrote the book on the music business: "All You Need to Know About the Music Business." Here we delve deeply into today's deal landscape, as well as Don's story, how he got to be one of the foremost lawyers in the music business. If you want to know about record deals, and publishing deals, and 360 deals and touring deals...this is the place! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harlan Coben's latest book, "The Boy From The Woods," entered the "New York Times" best seller chart at #1 in April. His breakthrough, "Tell No One," was made into a Top Ten-listed film, and presently Coben has four successful series on Netflix: "The Five," "Safe," "The Stranger" and "The Woods." Listen as Coben lays down the truth of the writing life, and the long hard road to getting film and television projects into production. Despite spending his days writing, Coben is a great conversationalist whose words are laden with insight. Listen. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former worldwide head of music at WME, Marc Geiger has history as an agent, a record company executive and a tech founder. Known as a seer, here Marc dives into the inner workings of the agency business and assesses the concert landscape. Listen for insights into the music industry as well as Geiger's history, from UCSD to Hollywood. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Rudge started out with the Who, and then went on to manage the Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. Tune in to hear what it's like at the pinnacle of rock and roll. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. His new memoir, "Remain in Love," is being released on July 21st. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creator of "Bosch," Michael Connelly's new book "Fair Warning" currently sits at number seven on the "New York Times" best-seller list. Listen as we cover Connelly's transition from newspaper reporter to full time novelist, and the intricacies of the production of the hit Amazon television show starring Titus Welliver. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of my conversation with legendary record producer Bob Ezrin we delve deeply into his production of the first Peter Gabriel album and Pink Floyd's "The Wall," and further discuss his work with Alice Cooper as well as Deep Purple, the Kings, Phish and so much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of my conversation with legendary record producer Bob Ezrin we discuss his upbringing in Toronto, his journey into record production with Jack Richardson, and his meeting, signing and producing Alice Cooper as well as producing Lou Reed's "Berlin." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Kolker is the author of the best-selling book "Hidden Valley Road" (an Oprah's Book Club choice!) as well as the "New York" magazine article upon which the HBO feature film "Bad Education" is based and the book "Lost Girls," the film of which recently debuted on Netflix. First, we explore the mechanics of a book deal, how "Hidden Valley Road" came to be, and then we go deep into the essence of the story, about the Galvin family of Colorado Springs, with twelve children, six of whom became schizophrenic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The oracle from St. Louis, Sarah Kendzior is the author of the bestselling books "The View From Flyover Country" and "Hiding in Plain Sight." You can see her in bits and pieces on MSNBC and Seth Meyers, but here we go deep, covering her life story, tales of self-publishing, fear of selling out to the man and her love of metal music. For a fresh and honest take on today's political landscape, Sarah Kendzior is the one. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer/investor/musician Roger McNamee was there at the beginning of the tech revolution, ultimately becoming a venture capitalist, most notably with Bono in Elevation Partners. An investor in Facebook, McNamee is now a critic, his book "Zucked" took on the negative consequences of social media. Roger is insightful and articulate and raises the questions that too many in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. do not. Listen as we discuss today's cultural, political and technical landscape. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician/engineer/producer Bob Rock has been on every side of it, from a hit record with his band the Payola$ to engineering “Slippery When Wet” to producing the Black Album. Listen to hear stories of Bob seeing the Beatles at the airport in Winnipeg to being in the studio with everybody from Aerosmith to Michael Buble to Van Morrison. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's right, Bosch! But you also know Titus from "Deadwood," "Lost," "NYPD Blue" and so many other TV shows and films. Welliver is educated and articulate, a trained actor, he takes his craft seriously. Listen to hear his story, which has enough twists and turns to be a movie itself! Furthermore, you'll get so much insight into being an artist. I truly connected with Titus! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bassist for the Go-Go's, Kathy Valentine recently published a memoir, "All I Ever Wanted," that is a must-read. Listen as she tells tales of growing up without limits as the daughter of a single parent, venturing to Los Angeles to make it and becoming a member of the Go-Go's. Valentine is articulate and quite the raconteur, you'll dig this. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join manager Jake Gold and me as we discuss life in the music business in the new world of Covid-19, along with political and musical differences between Canada and the U.S. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Watson started in A&R at Sony Music and then went on to manage Silverchair, Missy Higgins, Midnight Oil and more. Listen to how a guy from Down Under breaks acts internationally. (Recorded live at Australian Music Week.) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken West is a fascinating guy. Most concert promoters are business people, but Ken is an artist. Ken co-created the legendary Australian festival Big Day Out, but first he went to art school. Listen to Ken tell stories about Nick Cave and Christo and his other influences. He's a raconteur as well as an entrepreneur. This podcast was recorded live at Australian Music Week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn Bridges was the head of corporate communications at PolyGram, EMI, Warner Music, Time and even Al Jazeera. Dawn's recent clients include Spotify, Pluto TV and the Harvard Business Review. Hear Dawn's story from UCLA to today, from dealing with Wall Street, stock price is always paramount to CEOs, to the CEOs themselves. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Membership & Business Development Officer of SOCAN, Michael McCarty is a member of the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. McCarty started off as a recording engineer at Jack Richardson's Nimbus 9 and had a long tenure running EMI Music Publishing Canada. Listen to Michael talk about the mission of SOCAN and changes in the music business. You don't have to be Canadian to get this, it's a worldwide business and Toronto is an epicenter of musical development. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician, writer, producer...listen to hear stories of Dave's upbringing in Sunderland, his band Longdancer's tenure with Elton John and Rocket Records, how he met Annie Lennox and how they borrowed money to make the first Eurythmics album, how he wrote the chorus of Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More" and how Dylan called him and they made movies together and... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of Nederlander Concerts, Alex Hodges started in Macon with his school buddy Phil Walden and ultimately went from day to day with Otis Redding to agent for the Capricorn bands to the manager for Gregg Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughan and...listen for the stories! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's right, Mr. "Honey, I'm Good." You've got to listen to this if you're a recording artist, even if you have no idea who Andy Grammer is. We dig down deep into what it's like to be an artist in today's niche-focused world. Grammer is a deep-thinker, and he's also a participant, someone who writes a hundred songs to get two good ones. Andy busked on the Third Street Promenade for years before his breakthrough. Listen to find out how he made it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emilio Castillo is the only person who's been in every iteration of Tower of Power. It was a joy talking to Emilio, hearing how he formed the band, their various record deals, rehab, marriage, Bill Graham, Ted Templeman... Even if you think you're not interested in TOP you will love Emilio's stories, learning how he went from there to here. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Glorious Sons are a rock band from Canada, where they have scored ten Top 5 rock tracks and have won two Junos (Canada's Grammys) for Rock Album of the Year. They're presently on tour north and south of the border, lighting up audiences at every stop. Listen as I talk to the band's guitarist and lead singer, as well as their manager and label rep. They don't believe rock is dead. After listening, you might not either! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al Schmitt is a legendary sound engineer who has worked with everybody from Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney to Steely Dan and scores more. Furthermore he produced Jefferson Airplane's "Volunteers" and Jackson Browne's "Late For The Sky." Al even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right outside Capitol Records, where he prefers to work to this day. Listen to hear Al's story. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, Larry Mestel started out as a CPA and shortly thereafter was drafted by a client to Island Records, and after stints at Arista and Virgin he quit to start Primary Wave, a new wave publishing company with its own marketing department. Listen to hear how Larry and Primary Wave are breaking norms. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer/producer/performer Desmond Child gives a master class in songwriting, as well as reciting his history from Miami Beach to Hollywood. Hear how the man wrote "You Give Love A Bad Name" with Bon Jovi and "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" with Aerosmith and so much more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Musician, songwriter, entrepreneur Pete Wentz is much more than the bassist for Fall Out Boy. Listen to hear about this summer's stadium tour with Green Day and Weezer as well as Pete's upbringing, his love of tennis and the view from the stage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A progenitor of the electronic music scene, Pete Tong had his residency at Pacha, is still on the BBC and is now touring arenas with the Heritage Orchestra playing Ibiza Classics. Meanwhile, he's still DJ'ing all over the world. Yup, Pete's just that busy! Listen to learn how Pete and the scene evolved. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer/songwriter/gunslinger Dave Mason was a member of Traffic, wrote "Feelin' Alright" as well as "Only You Know And I Know" (popularized by Delaney & Bonnie when they were on tour with Dave and Eric Clapton), and was the creator of the perfect debut album "Alone Together" and recorded the smash hit "We Just Disagree." Now that's a CV! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Kitman is not only a music manager, he's the New York Bureau Chief at "Automobile" magazine. In addition to his column in "Automobile," Kitman's National Magazine Award-winning commentary has appeared in "The New York Times," "The Nation," "GQ," "Foreign Affairs" and more. Listen as Kitman gives the scoop on SUVs (they make more profits for the manufacturers and handle much worse than sedans) and his history managing They Might Be Giants.Check out some of Jamie's columns here: https://bit.ly/39BiZKq Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holly George-Warren is the author of a new book on Janis Joplin entitled "Janis: Her Life and Music." Tune in for insights into Janis, along with tales from Ms. George-Warren's career working at "Rolling Stone" and authoring sixteen books on topics as varied as Woodstock, Alex Chilton and country & western music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He created AOR, the album-oriented rock radio format. He designed the original XM channels. Legendary radio programmer Lee Abrams is just not another consultant, listen to glean his insights.Howard Stern talks to Hillary Clinton about Lee Abrams (start at 15:20): https://bit.ly/2Q9D8OTYou can also read some of Lee's musings here: https://bit.ly/2RZxBN2 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's right, Mr. Foreigner, who also co-produced Van Halen's "5150," Billy Joel's "Storm Front," and more. Hear how Mick struck gold with French superstar Johnny Hallyday and then conspired to create the chart-topping rock band whose songs are indelibly imprinted upon our brains. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Corson is the co-chairman and chief operating officer of Warner Records. Listen… Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Alpert manages the Chainsmokers and runs Disruptor Records, a joint venture with Sony Music. Listen to how a whip-smart millennial has navigated the music business...from nightclubs to number one! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett is only six days older than I am. I was scared he'd be off-putting, as a result of his height and bald head, but there are few people I've interviewed I've related to more. We cover the history of the Oils as well as Peter's tenure in the Australian government and what it was like playing in a band after his parents passed and... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian late night TV host, producer, husband of Suzanne Somers and her career guru, Hamel has been there and done that and has great stories, he holds back nothing! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An agent, a publisher, a label majordomo and now a manager, not only has Richard Griffiths worn all the hats, he's a seer when it comes to careers. Richard and his partner Harry Magee and their firm Modest! Management were honored with the 2019 Music Industry Trusts Award on November 4th in London. Modest! has steered the careers of One Direction, the Spice Girls, 5 Seconds of Summer, Olly Murs, Niall Horan, Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The manager of The Who, Judas Priest and...need I say more? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tour-de-force, writer/performer/stand-up Whitney Cummings is whip-smart and quick with a quip. Listen as we plumb the depths of Hollywood, social media, her career, her personality, her personal life... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney extraordinaire Peter Paterno represents a who's who of clients. Listen to hear his story from Orange County to Harvey Mudd to signing Queen at Hollywood Records to Metallica to Dr. Dre to "Blurred Lines" to... Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manager Ron Stone has been involved with everybody from Crosby, Stills & Nash to Joni Mitchell to Bonnie Raitt to Rickie Lee Jones. Listen to hear tales of what it was like in L.A. in the sixties and more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Carson was there in the heyday of Atlantic Records in the U.K. He signed AC/DC and was the only guy at the label Led Zeppelin would talk to. He's managed everyone from Plant and Page to ELP and still handles Foreigner. This guy's got stories! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The King of the Great American Songbook, Michael Feinstein is a player, a singer and an archivist, he's born to and dedicated to the music. A legend with numerous albums and TV shows, you should listen to this even if only modern music floats your boat, hear how an outcast followed the music to success, how a true original was accepted by Ira Gershwin and the public at large. From the piano bar to the Hollywood Bowl, it's a mighty long way down not only rock and roll, but all music, to the TOP! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Majordomo of the Zappa Trust, son of Frank and Gail (as they told him to call them from birth), TV show host, writer, entrepreneur, Ahmet Zappa grew up by the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen, he has stories to tell. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Limeliters to the Smothers Brothers, Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood and even Gallagher, Ken Kragen is a legendary manager and one of the main drivers behind "We Are The World." Listen to hear his history, as well as the tale of that legendary charity project. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the original Rhino Brothers (along with Richard Foos), Harold went from playing to writing to CBS college rep and ultimately Rhino Records, then just a record shop. Harold was the one who expanded the brand into recordings, with Wild Man Fischer, the Temple Kazoo Orchestra, the Winos and more, ultimately leading to the distribution of the Turtles' catalog. Listen to the story of how Harold and Rhino succeeded by doing it their way. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.