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The (Mostly) 80s Music Podcast: What Difference Does It Make?

The (Mostly) 80s Music Podcast: What Difference Does It Make?

299 episodes — Page 3 of 6

S12 Ep 15Happy Movember!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...at least for those allowed to grow a moustache in the month of November, aka Movember. The reason for this moustache celebration is because two Aussies (Travis Garone and Luke Slattery) wanted to create awareness for men's health issues. Cut to twenty years later, and the movement is bigger than ever. To celebrate the month, we invited Max Skinner, Community Development Manager representing Movember. We talk about the history, the ideas, and the causes they support. Of course, we also talk about our favorite musicians and songs that best represent the 'mo. Dave has a page set up for Movember donations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 3, 202340 min

S12 Ep 15The Singers Talk To Jason Thomas Gordon

Jason Thomas Gordon came up with a brilliant idea. Why don't I talk to some of the best- loved singers, and ask them about their voices? Seven years later, we have The Singers Talk, a mind-blowing book featuring interviews with 75 iconic artists, from Bryan Adams to Thom Yorke. Jason asks the same set of questions to each singer, to understand the various ways they approach the same subject. Now, JTG enters our virtual studio and allows US to ask HIM the same type of questions. All proceeds from the sales of this book go towards Music Gives To St. Jude's Kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 20, 202357 min

S12 Ep 14Joan Baez: I Am A Noise

Music icon and social activist Joan Baez has clearly made a difference for the better in our lives, through her songs and by her bravery in standing up for her beliefs. Directors Karen O’Connor, Miri Navasky, and Maeve O’Boyle have made the documentary Joan Baez: I Am A Noise. In it, Joan takes an honest look back, and a deep look inward, as she tries to make sense of her large, history-making life, and the personal struggles she's kept private. We talk with the Directors about how they were able to properly represent Joan's career and life issues, and through our chat, WE learn much more about Joan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 13, 202331 min

S12 Ep 13We’re In This With Howard Jones

Howard Jones is celebrating his 40th anniversary creating the music we love in a very big way. First is the release of Celebrate It Together: The Very Best Of Howard Jones 1983-2023, a 4 CD set of his music, broken down into four categories — Popular Hits, Electro, Chill, and Curiosities. Second is the release of his “fanthology” book, entitled Howard Jones – We’re In This Together, comprised of over 350 contributions from fans sharing their favorite memories and anecdotes about his concerts, music, personal encounters, and more. Last, but certainly not least, Howard steps into our virtual studio to reflect back on his 40 years of creating music. We do have a special bonus, as superfan Dorit joins us to talk about her entry in Howard Jones' book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6, 202333 min

S12 Ep 12Holly Knight Is The Warrior

Barry Manilow may write the songs that make the Boomers sing, but when it comes to Gen X, look no further than Holly Knight. This member of the Songwriters Hall Of Fame has written smash hits for Pat Benatar, Aerosmith, Heart, KISS, Rod Stewart, and she is most noted for her collaboration with Tina Turner on nine songs, including "The Best" and "Better Be Good To Me". Holly steps into our virtual studio to talk about her memoir, I Am The Warrior: My Crazy Life Writing The Hits and Rocking The MTV Eighties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 29, 20231h 1m

S12 Ep 11Firefall Plays With Friends & Family

Jock Bartley, co-founder of the band Firefall, steps into our virtual studio to share stories about the friends and family that helped shape the sound of the band. Friends & Family also just happens to be the album title of Firefall's new album, a collection of cover songs inspired by the artists with whom they've played in the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 22, 202355 min

S12 Ep 11The 80s TV Ladies Guest Star On What Difference Does It Make

Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson, aka The 80s TV Ladies, guest star on a very special episode of What Difference Does It Make. We remember our favorite TV theme songs, debate sides when Ross and Rachel were on a break, and pay homage to Mike Post. Spoiler alert! Our talk continues when WE are the very special guests on The 80s TV Ladies podcast. Stay tuned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 15, 202347 min

S12 Ep 10Steve Rosen chases Edward Van Halen's Tones

It all started back at The Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip when Steve Rosen, an up and coming music journalist met a young up and coming guitarist by the name of Edward Van Halen. The two hit it off immediately and Steve documented the rise of Edward's band for the next 26 years through numerous interviews . The result is Steve's book, Tonechaser, a detailed look into the life of Edward Van Halen. Steve steps into our virtual studio to give us the details and how this all came together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 202342 min

S12 Ep 9The Immediate Family Are Family

Our previous episode with Denny Tedesco discussing The Immediate Family documentary gives us a great opportunity to revisit our talk from October 2020 with Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel and Steve Postell. If those names are not familiar, just know that they are the musicians that play with Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Don Henley, James Taylor, Phil Collins, Keith Richards, and Carole King, to name just a few. The Immediate Family not only have their debut self-titled album out now but the documentary will soon be released at the end of 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 202351 min

S12 Ep 7Mick Wall Lives Life In The Fast Lane

Author Mick Wall used to live life in the fast lane, back when he was a music publicist in the 70s for Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, and Dire Straits among many others. Nowadays he writes books about artists like Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin and Metallica. Life In The Fast Lane: The Eagles' Reckless Ride Down The Rock & Roll Highway is his latest book. Mick takes us into the Laurel Canyon music scene, the egos and in-fighting, and of course, the songs that helped launch one of the most iconic American bands of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 11, 202350 min

S12 Ep 6Lynn McDonnell Gives Us All Access

Music Industry veteran Lynn McDonnell answers to many names, "Gunga Din Lynn", "Gungolla The Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla", "Lynner, Lynner What's for Dinner" or just plain "Nails". She enters the What Difference Does It Make virtual studio to take us on her career journey, from Doctor's assistant to Life Coach. Oh yeah, in between, she has been one of the most passionate music industry professionals in the business. Lynn shares stories of mall shopping with Gwen Stefani, waiting for Marilyn Manson to apply his makeup, living on Snoop Dog time when you're trying to make an 8AM morning show, and many others. Lynn is currently the Triple A editor for the soon-to-be shuttering All Access, an influential and beloved online radio and music industry source, so we get the inside scoop on what it takes to put out a daily publication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 20231h 3m

S12 Ep 5Annie Zaleski Raises Her Glass To P!NK

Annie Zaleski returns to What Difference Does It Make to discuss her latest book, P!NK: Raise Your Glass. Besides being an enormously talented writer, Annie is just a big ol' music nerd at heart. With that in mind, she's more than happy to talk about Chrissie Hynde's jacket, the location of Nate Ruess, and why she has yet to see a P!NK concert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 28, 202352 min

S12 Ep 4Dean Sabatino Cleans Up The Dead Milkmen

Dean Sabatino aka Dean Clean drummer for The Dead Milkmen steps into our virtual studio to virtually show us around the Quaker City aka Philadelphia. Quaker City Quiet Pills is the latest album from the band and Dean talks us through the process of creating new songs and lets us in on stories behind some of the band's best known songs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 21, 202341 min

S12 Ep 3Mark Altman Is The Greatest Geek Ever!

"They're here", "Ellll-eeeee-ooooot", "Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!". If you're like us, you immediately recognize these are quotes from Poltergeist, E.T. and Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan. And they all arrived in the year 1982. Mark Altman is so aware of what a magical time this was for movies, that he produced a 4-part series entitled Greatest Geek Year Ever: 1982. Mark was all too happy to step inside our virtual studio to elaborate on the films that helped shape who he is today. Greatest Geek Year Ever: 1982 is currently showing on The CW and is available for viewing on the app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 14, 202353 min

S12 Ep 2How Did Emiel Spoelder Find Himself With A Dream Syndicate Documentary?

Emiel Spoelder fell under The Dream Syndicate spell almost by accident. He went to see a Ryan Adams concert and the opening band was Steve Wynn and The Miracle 3. He fell in love with the band immediately, in particular, singer Steve Wynn. He met Steve and his mother, and she “suggests" Emiel make a documentary about her son. And that's exactly what he did! Of course, it wasn't that simple. Emiel lays out all the ins and outs of making an independent film on our podcast. It's a fascinating listen and the good news is, The Dream Syndicate: How Did We Find Ourselves Here? is now available on Amazon Prime Video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23, 202347 min

S12 Ep 1Ally Probst and Joel Willis Lay Down The Dad Law

The old saying goes, “We eventually become our parents", but is that really true? Fortunately, we have Ally Probst and Joel Willis to put in print the mandatory laws all Dads must obey when they encounter a certain situation. Their book is entitled Dad Law: The Definitive Reference for All Things Dad. In the book, they answer all our burning questions. Should I really threaten to turn this car around? Should I let my kids beat me at Mario Kart? Should I mention how much cooler music was back in my day? All will be revealed in this informative episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 9, 20231h 8m

S8 Ep 10Richard Blade Talks Up Imposters

Congratulations are in order for Richard Blade. Los Angeles Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez will introduce a resolution declaring June 9, 2023, “RICHARD BLADE DAY," with the award presented on JUNE 6th for the best-selling author, world-renowned on-air personality and radio show host. It turns out Richard Blade may just be an "Imposter". Los Angelenos know him as the voice that introduced a generation to 80s music bands like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, INXS, and The Cure. In fact, you can still hear him seven days a week on SiriusXM's 1st Wave channel. However, the truth is that Richard Blade is ALSO a writer...and a good one at that. His latest book is Imposters, based on the true story of Mike Evans and John "JT" Thomas". Mike was one half of the morning show at KROQ in the early 80s. It was Mike that sat Richard down and told him this incredible story that Richard felt compelled to share with the world. It was a real treat to have Richard enter our virtual studios and we discovered so much more than we expected of his own unique story. As Richard might say, "It's gonna be great!" Check out the audible version of Richard Blade's memoir "World In My Eyes" with a free month subscription courtesy of your friends at What Difference Does It Make. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 2, 20231h 12m

S11 Ep 18Scott Aukerman Adds The Bang! Bang! To Our 1986 Music Countdown

Scott Aukerman is first and foremost an amazingly funny and creative comedian. You know him as the creator and host of Comedy Bang! Bang!, and he's also one of the co-creators of "Between Two Ferns" with Zach Galifianakis. Scott is also a huge music fan, as you can hear on his comedic podcasts dedicated to U2, REM, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Talking Heads. And he has just released a book dedicated to the cast of characters created for Comedy Bang! Bang! We seized this opportunity to invite Scott to step into our virtual studios to give his hot takes and personal anecdotes on the top 10 songs from the 1986 year-end chart from The World Famous KROQ in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 20231h 28m

S11 Ep 17Michael Halloran Is Radios In Motion

Michael Halloran heard XTC's "Radios In Motion" and took the lyrics to heart: "And all my kids are complaining, that there's nowhere to go." He gave the kids somewhere to go, first in Detroit with his own Radios In Motion show on WDET. Then he really created a stir at 91X in San Diego with his evening show, before rising to the rank of Program Director. Mike's got opinions and plenty of stories to tell, as we look back at another one of his former stations, KROQ, and songs #20 to #11 from their 1986 year-end playlist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 19, 20231h 3m

S11 Ep 16Steven Blush Introduces Disco To Rock

Depending on your age, you either initially loved or hated disco. No matter your age now, you love songs like "I Was Made For Lovin' You" by KISS and "Shakedown Street" by The Grateful Dead and don't even think twice that they were once considered taboo by their fanbase. Author Steven Blush covers this era in his new book, "When Rock Met Disco". In it, he covers the good, "Call Me" by Blondie, the bad, an actual disco version of "Stairway To Heaven", and the ugly, The Chicago White Sox Disco Demolition Day. It's a great chat, so put on your boogie shoes...or air buds, as Steven Blush takes us back to that Saturday Night Fever era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5, 202341 min

S11 Ep 15Ever Fallen In Love? with Craig Rosen

We love friend-of-the-show, Craig Rosen, and we love his passion for music. This makes him the perfect guest to look at songs 30 to 21 from the 1986 KROQ year-end playlist. Does he like the Fine Young Cannibals reworking of his beloved Buzzcock's song, "Ever Fallen In Love?" Does he prefer Frente's "Bizarre Love Triangle" over New Order’s? All will be revealed as Craig steps into our virtual studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 202355 min

S11 Ep 14Glen Matlock Sees Consequences Coming

Glen Matlock has seen a lot, and he pours it all out on his new solo album, Consequences Coming. Glen steps into our virtual studio to discuss his solo career and the amazing band he's assembled. But no chat with Glen would be complete without us asking about The Sex Pistols, what life was like working with Vivienne Westwood at her shop, SEX, and what his favorite song is to play as the touring bass man in Blondie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 202353 min

S11 Ep 13Debora Iyall of Romeo Void

There is no doubt that Debora Iyall, lead singer of the band Romeo Void, knows her way around a memorable lyric. "A Girl In Trouble Is A Temporary Thing", "Talk Dirty To Me”, and of course, "I Might Like You Better If We Slept Together" from the song "Never Say Never", all came from the mind…and experience...of Debora. Her band made a name for itself in the San Francisco scene in the early 80s, and now a recording, Live From The Mabuhay Gardens, November 14, 1980 has surfaced, and captures the band as they were first establishing themselves. The recording from that night will be released on Record Store Day on galaxy-blue colored vinyl. We happily welcome Debora into our virtual studios to bring us up to speed on her life, her side projects, plus everything you may want to know about Romeo Void. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 202350 min

S11 Ep 12Sam Zniber: Radio Prodigy

Sam Zniber knew he wanted to be on the radio. So at the tender age of 14, he stepped into the office of his local top 40 radio station and let the Manager know exactly what he was doing wrong. To the Manager's credit, he listened to this brash kid and offered him an airshift. And so began Sam's radio journey, and what a journey it's been! Sam has programmed radio stations from Sydney, Australia to Miami, Florida to Paris, France. Currently heard on Radio Nostalgie, he also runs MusicDatak, his own music research company. Today Sam steps into the What Difference Does It Make virtual studio to discuss his career, and to offer his opinion on the music played back in 1986 from the World-Famous KROQ in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7, 202352 min

S11 Ep 11Benji McPhail Discovers Music At KXT 91.7 in Dallas

Benji McPhail is the Program Director and Morning Show host at KXT 91.7 in Dallas. He's been leading the charge of music discovery since his days at the legendary KBCO in Boulder, Colorado. Today, Benji accepts our challenge of discovering music from the year 1986, based on the year-end playlist from the World Famous KROQ in Los Angeles. As Love & Rockets might say, "All aboard the Express Kundalini"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31, 20231h 2m

S11 Ep 10Max Tolkoff on 91X, Alternative Radio and KROQ from 1986

Max Tolkoff has an opinion or two on the state of Alternative radio. This is the man responsible for The Edge format which eventually wound up on over 30 Alternative radio stations by the mid 90’s. Max tells tales on how his love of skiing, biking, and bad gambling decisions led to his career in the 80’s as the Program Director for 91X in San Diego, followed by stints at WFNX in Boston, and Indie 103.1 in Los Angeles. After all that, we analyze a ten song chunk of music played on KROQ in 1986. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 24, 20231h 2m

S11 Ep 9Lynn Goldsmith: Not Just A Rock and Roll Photographer

Lynn Goldsmith is an artist of many hats, painter of conceptional images, film director, even co-manager at one point for Grand Funk Railroad. But the reason we are thrilled to talk with Lynn today are the images she has created with her camera. There is not enough space to list the hundreds of museums, galleries and magazines that have featured her work, but let's just say that if you are a music fan, you have had the honor of viewing her artistry. She has fourteen published photography books, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, KISS, and The Police. Her latest book is called Music In The 80s, so we are thrilled to welcome Lynn Goldsmith into our virtual studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10, 202352 min

S11 Ep 8Steve Kilbey of The Church

Steve Kilbey of The Church does not have a stop button. He's been releasing music for over 40 years, that's 26 albums with The Church, 7 solo albums and a plethora of collaborations with his musical friends. He's also a writer, a poet and an artist. Somehow this ARIA (Australian) Hall of Fame Inductee found time to sit down with us and talk about the band's latest album, The Hypnogogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 202350 min

S11 Ep 7Dennis Constantine, Adult Rocker

Dennis Constantine is a radio visionary. Finding himself at a new radio station, he saw a niche in a market filled with rock radio stations. Instead of cutting down the music library to a small playlist of songs, he focused on introducing new music and deeper cuts by well-loved artists. Yes, this was rock music for adults. Dennis built KBCO from a low-power Boulder station to the number one station in the Denver market, with a unique mix of music and personalities attuned to the Colorado audience. Soon he was using his skills to create radio stations nationwide. You can hear him currently on Arizona's Adult Alternative KVNA, as he continues to consult radio stations around the country. Today, Dennis enters our virtual studio to discuss his career, and to offer his opinion on songs 70 to 61 from the 1986 KROQ year-end playlist. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 202354 min

S11 Ep 6Jake "The 80s Never Ended In My Book" Rudh

Simply put, Jake Rudh is an old soul in the best of ways. He stayed indoors as a child to watch MTV. When grunge took hold in the early 90s, he was working at a swing era radio station. He even named his dog Harry. Not after Styles, but Connick Jr. He proudly represents the 80s music era with his Transmission radio show every Thursday evening on The Current in Minneapolis. He is also the founder of Transmission dance nights at the legendary First Avenue music club. He now joins our podcast to discuss his career, and to offer his opinion on a ten song chunk of music from the 1986 KROQ year-end playlist. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 202357 min

S11 Ep 5The Rock Report with Rita Wilde

Rita Wilde is simply put, a radio legend, having spent over 25 years as a DJ, Music Director and Program Director at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. She epitomizes the rock fan's dream of playing and talking about the music and actually getting to meet and talk with your rock idols. Rita represents all of us, which is why we love to hear her enthusiasm whenever she flips on a mic. She shares our joy in the music. So, of course it was our joy to invite Rita into our virtual studio to talk about her career and the music she continues to love with "no surrender" (shoutout to Springsteen) in site. Afterwards, we discuss a station to the extreme right of 95.5, 106.7 to be exact, as we get to songs 90 to 81 from the 1986 KROQ year end playlist. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 3, 20231h 2m

S11 Ep 4Having A Sit With Buzz Knight

Usually you can hear Buzz Knight "Takin' A Walk" as he does on his own podcast but today we "have a sit" with this radio executive. We find out about how he got his start in the business and what he has learned over the decades of a storied career. We then get into our look at songs 100 to 91 from the KROQ 1986 year end playlist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 27, 20231h 2m

S11 Ep 3The World Famous KROQ in 1986

The year is 1986, and the music on the radio for the kids of LA is going through some changes. KROQ has a new next-door neighbor on the dial, called Power 106. The music KROQ is playing has a little more rhythm in its step. I guess you could say, “the dream team is in the house" as we start our look at the top 106.7 songs played on The World Famous KROQ. This week, it's songs 106.7 to 101. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 202339 min

S11 Ep 1Craig Rosen New Year, Old Friend

We welcome back music journalist and friend-of-the-show, Craig Rosen, into the What Difference Does It Make garage with a toast to the new year. Craig is hitting a milestone year, so we ask the author of The Billboard Book of Number One Albums, "What was the number one album the year you were born?”. Craig guides us through his top albums of 2022, and we also remember the extraordinary work of Terry Hall. And what would a visit by Craig be without talk about Costco? What could possibly be Craig's "Pick Of The Year" at his favorite warehouse club store? We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6, 202354 min

S10 Ep 27David Is Out In The Wild

David Wild steps out of his comfy zone writing for The Grammy Awards and the upcoming TV salute to Paul Simon (airing on CBS on December 21), and enters into the wild of our studio/garage. David faces the hard-hitting questions, like "Which rock stars are shorter than he is?" and tries to understand why we can't remember the host of last year's Grammys (Spoiler: it's Trevor Noah. He's also hosting next year.). We also pay tribute to Christine McVie, salute the brilliance of Paul Simon, and try to understand why the ladies love LL Cool J, but LL seems to love David Wild. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 202251 min

S10 Ep 26The Adventures of Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson grew up loving radio, comedy, and with an appreciation for the absurd. These qualities made Mark uniquely qualified to create one of the most iconic morning radio shows in history. The Mark & Brian show started out in Birmingham, Alabama, but within a year, made its way to Los Angeles and 95.5 KLOS. It quickly became the #1 morning show in the #2 market. Mark & Brian were inducted into the Radio Hall Of Fame in 2020. Mark's memoir, Don't Bump The Record, Kid: My Adventures with Mark & Brian is out now, and he steps into our virtual studio to regale us with some of his (mis)adventures. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 202256 min

S10 Ep 25Elton John at 75

If you're still "high as a kite" from watching Elton John's final US show at Dodger Stadium, we just might have the podcast episode for you. Gillian Gaar has authored a beautiful coffee table book, Elton John @75, examining Sir Elton through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events. Gillian steps into our virtual studios to say so much about Sad Songs and much more related to the Rocket Man. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25, 202240 min

What Difference Does It Make Trailer

trailer

What is the What Difference Does It Make podcast? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 14, 20220 min

S10 Ep 24Michael Lockwood finds Lions and Ghosts

Michael Lockwood has lived a full musician's life. Starting out with the band Lions & Ghosts, he lived the dream of getting signed to a major label, and releasing two albums in the 80s. Following the dissolution of the band came work on movie soundtracks and collaborations with Aimee Mann, Carly Simon and Fiona Apple. He now runs Sparkle Plenty Records, and one of the first orders of business is to finally give a proper re-release of Lions & Ghosts debut album, Velvet Kiss, Lick Of The Lime. We get deep into Michael’s history, and the ins-and-outs of the music business as we welcome Michael to the What Difference Does It Make Podcast. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 202251 min

S10 Ep 23Steve Rapport: Mostly Rock n' Roll Photographer

Steve Rapport's camera has taken him on quite a journey, from the very beginning, shooting Robert Plant's Honeydrippers while he was at University, to being in the camera well at Live Aid, getting shots of Freddie Mercury and Bono. His journey continues now in New Orleans where he has the good fortune to capture Amy Schumer and Arcade Fire in action. And WE have the good fortune to talk with Steve about his life and career today on the podcast. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4, 202246 min

S10 Ep 22Guy Pratt and Gary Kemp hold a Saucerful of Secrets

We continue our two-part look at Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets with two guys from the band. One guy is Guy Pratt. He's played with Pink Floyd, Roxy Music, Madonna, The Smiths, Echo & The Bunnymen, Tears For Fears, and the list goes on. We also have a friend of the show, Gary Kemp. You know him as the guitarist and principal songwriter for Spandau Ballet. Currently, they are spending their time with Nick Mason, recreating the music of Pink Floyd circa 1967-1972. We get into all the secrets this week on the What Difference Does It Make podcast. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21, 202225 min

S10 Ep 21Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason is bringing early Pink Floyd music back to life by taking it on the road with his band, Saucerful of Secrets. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member steps into our virtual studios to talk about the music he created with Pink Floyd from 1967 to 1972, and the all-star band he assembled to recreate these iconic songs. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 14, 202223 min

S10 Ep 20Stevie Nicks: Mirror in the Sky

There is no denying that Stevie Nicks has captivated audiences since she first burst onto the music scene in the mid 70s. It is a combination of a uniquely gifted rock and roll voice, songwriting chops, and a distinctive look that led to her musical journey. Author Simon Morrison explores these elements and so much more in his latest book, Mirror in the Sky: The Life and Music of Stevie Nicks. Simon steps into the What Difference Does It Make virtual studios to further cement the case as to why Stevie is the first woman to be twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 7, 202246 min

S10 Ep 19The Smithereens Have Been Found

The Smithereens dominated modern rock radio in the early 80s to mid 90s with songs like "Only A Memory" and "A Girl Like You". Despite the tragic loss of their lead singer, Pat DiNizio, the band soldiers on with guest vocalists Marshall Crenshaw and The Gin Blossoms Robin Wilson taking the vocals. Guitarist Jim Babjak and drummer Dennis Diken visit the What Difference Does It Make virtual studios and talk up their passion for 60s pop songs, the road to success, and this mysterious lost album from the 90s, strangely enough, called The Lost Album. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 202255 min

S10 Ep 18Lost 80s Live In San Diego

Thanks to Rob Juarez, founder of the Lost 80s Live concerts, this is quite possibly our most 80s music episode ever. We went down to San Diego to learn why the artists and fans keep coming back to these shows. We talk with members of Wang Chung, Animotion, and The Untouchables. We also talk to some passionate fans that still love the music that shaped their lives. We wrap it all up by talking with the man himself, Rob Juarez. The What Difference Does It Make Podcast are proud members of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23, 202231 min

S10 Ep 17Heathers: The Musical

Director Andy Fickman has brought Heathers back to life. Yes, the beloved dark comedy classic, Heathers, is now a movie musical and it is so "very". Andy takes us through the ten year process of making this daydream a reality. And Andy may be so crazy, you'd swear he had a "brain tumor for breakfast". After you listen to our podcast, watch the movie, now a musical, and streaming on Roku. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 16, 202235 min

S10 Ep 16David Bowie at 75

This year, David Bowie would have turned 75. To recognize this occasion, Rock Historian/Author/Podcaster Martin Popoff has authored a coffee table book, simply called Bowie @75. One might think Martin would love everything about Bowie, but being the contrarian he is, Martin makes his opinion known as we touch on a number of the significant landmark moments in Bowie's storied career. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 9, 202250 min

S10 Ep 14The Brother Brothers go Cover to Cover

Twin brothers Adam and David Moss have been harmonizing together since their days as kids trapped in their parents car, forced to listen to 60s folk and show tunes. As it turns out, they actually love this music, and now we benefit from it, courtesy of The Brother Brothers latest album, Cover to Cover. It's a love letter of sorts, dedicated to the music that has inspired them throughout their lives. Adam and David talk with What Difference Does It Make to detail the journey that led them to cover these classic pop and folk songs. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 202245 min

S10 Ep 13LOST 80s LIVE has been found

Rob Juarez is the mastermind behind the Lost 80s Live shows. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the concert series that features so many of your favorite 80s bands like Devo, ABC, and A Flock of Seagulls. We get into Rob's story on how he came to create the brand, and all the hard work that goes into putting on a show. It's all on The What Difference Does It Make podcast. We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 202245 min

S1 Ep 7MTV Anniversary Part 2

We continue our look at the first songs played on MTV by reviewing videos 16 to 25. In this episode, we agree that Iron Maiden segueing into REO Speedwagon is a horrible idea. Holly learns about Mr. Briefcase, AND she teaches Dave about the real meaning behind Phil Collins, "In The Air Tonight". After all this excitement, we test ourselves with a little MTV trivia quiz. It'll make you demand, "I want my MTV podcast!" We are a proud member of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5, 202233 min