What does it really take to make it as a rock artist in today’s world? In this episode of The Dangerous Jim Show, Jim sits down with Cincinnati hard rock artist Mick Blankenship for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about the realities of building a music career from the ground up. From recording albums on a budget and going viral on YouTube, to touring across the country and navigating the business side of the industry, Mick breaks down what most people never see. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to pursue music at a high level without a major label, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Follow Mick at https://www.mickblankenship.com/ For show inquiries: askdangerousjim@gmail.com

Coming Up on the Dangerous Jim Show 2.0, I'm excited to introduce the legendary Mick Blankenship as my next guest. With millions of YouTube views, Mick Blankenship has made a significant impact on the music scene, and I can't wait to dive into how he achieved such success. He has two full-length albums and numerous singles and videos under his belt, and has toured with a variety of artists.

This episode is part of a new series I'm calling "The Hustlers," where I spotlight independent artists who are dedicated to writing their own songs and working hard to make a name for themselves. We'll explore what it's like to navigate the music industry as an independent artist in today's market. Join me as we uncover the journey of Mick Blankenship on the next Dangerous Jim Show! Join us on The Podcast Playground or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, I reflect on my nostalgic feelings as I approach my 61st birthday, focusing on my childhood memories of the Cincinnati Reds during the Big Red Machine era. Growing up in Green Hills, Ohio, I was fortunate to experience the Reds' excitement during their success in the mid-1970s, including their two World Series victories in 1975 and 1976.

I share vivid memories of local legends such as Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan, and how their presence in the community made baseball a significant part of my childhood. I reminisce about the unique atmosphere of opening day, when skipping school was common to attend the game, and the joy of listening to the games on AM radio with my neighbors as we all shared in the excitement of the Reds' performances.

One of my most cherished memories is attending a game in 1974 with my mom, where Hank Aaron was on the verge of breaking Babe Ruth's home run record. I describe the thrill of witnessing Aaron hit his 714th home run at Riverfront Stadium, a moment that brought together fans regardless of their team loyalties.

As I conclude the episode, I express my appreciation for those nostalgic times and look forward to the upcoming 2026 season, inviting listeners to share in the memories and excitement of baseball.