Send us a text

Take a wild ride through rock history and roadside adventures as Mike and Tom deliver another unpredictable episode filled with concert tales and travel mishaps.

Mike's musical heart is set ablaze after witnessing The Warning—three sisters from Monterrey, Mexico—deliver a face-melting performance at The Ritz in Raleigh. His VIP experience (which he didn't even realize he had purchased) granted him early access, signed memorabilia, and encounters with possibly the greatest bartender in North Carolina. Mike dives deep into the band's remarkable origin story: how these three sisters began playing instruments before age eight, learned on Rock Band video games, and accidentally went viral with a Metallica cover originally intended just for their grandparents. By the time they formed their band in 2013, they were just 13, 11, and 8 years old—yet their talent was already undeniable.

Meanwhile, Tom recounts his eventful journey to Cherokee that quickly spiraled into chaos. What started as a simple road trip became a traveling circus complete with two chihuahuas, an extra dog (who promptly got carsick), and mysteriously appearing birds. His colorful description of entering an Indian Reservation dispensary wearing "a cowboy hat and a red cannabis shirt" with camouflage shorts paints the perfect picture of culture clash. The trip home featured the special anxiety only car trouble three hours from home can bring—though somehow the vehicle ran better at highway speeds than when idling.

Between Mike's musical discovery and Tom's misadventures, the episode captures everything fans love about this podcast: authentic experiences, unexpected twists, and the undeniable chemistry between hosts who find humor in life's chaotic moments. Listen in as they prove once again that the alternative path makes for the best stories.

Send us a text

Mike and Tom pay tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, reflecting on his extraordinary journey from Black Sabbath pioneer to solo superstar and cultural icon. They explore the musical evolution, personal struggles, and unforgettable legacy of the Prince of Darkness who defied expectations and transformed heavy metal.

• From working-class Birmingham to pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath in the late 1960s
• The creation of landmark albums like Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality that defined the metal genre
• Ozzy's remarkable comeback after being fired from Black Sabbath, launching an even more successful solo career
• The crucial partnership with Randy Rhoads and later guitarists Jake E Lee and Zakk Wylde
• How Sharon Osbourne's management and support helped transform Ozzy's career and life
• The infamous bat and dove incidents that contributed to Ozzy's wild reputation
• Ozzy's humanization through The Osbournes reality show, introducing him to new generations
• His battle with Parkinson's disease and determination to perform despite health challenges
• The emotional final performance at the Black Sabbath tribute concert shortly before his death
• Personal reflections on how Ozzy's music served as the soundtrack to Mike and Tom's lives

Send us a text

Send us a text

Step into a time machine to 1976, when America celebrated its bicentennial, bell-bottoms were wide, and the musical landscape was experiencing a revolution unlike any other. This vibrant year saw rock music expanding to fill stadiums while punk kicked down the establishment's door and disco seduced reluctant dancers across the country.

Mike and Tom share their personal connections to this transformative year with palpable enthusiasm, exploring how Boston's groundbreaking debut album, Queen's operatic masterpiece "Bohemian Rhapsody," and the Eagles' mysterious "Hotel California" created the soundtrack to their formative years. Their genuine excitement bubbles over as they recall discovering Kiss at age 9-13, marveling at Steven Tyler's vocal range on "Dream On," and forming air bands with friends to perform Bay City Rollers hits.

Beyond music, the hosts paint a vivid picture of 1976 America – a nation draped in patriotic red, white, and blue everything (including toilet paper!), where CB radios connected truckers and civilians alike, and innovations like Apple Computer were quietly changing the world. The conversation weaves through cultural touchstones from Rocky to Charlie's Angels, creating a rich tapestry of nostalgia.

The hosts don't just catalog songs; they reveal how these tracks became intertwined with their personal experiences, from first crushes to childhood dreams of rock stardom. Tom's confession about using country music and Dr. Hook to get through lonely summers on the farm stands alongside Mike's memories of cutting guitar shapes from wood – authentic moments that show how deeply music shapes our identities.

Ready to rediscover the year when Queen, the Ramones, and Donna Summer somehow shared the same cultural moment? Join us for this joyful deep dive into the music that defined 1976 and the people who loved it. Leave a message on our website at mtalpod.com – we'd love to hear your musical memories!

Send us a text

Step into a world where bell-bottoms were the height of fashion, rock music blared from 8-track players, and not a single person worried about gluten. Mike and Tom, your guides through this time-warped musical landscape, transport you back to 1975 – a pivotal year that shaped not just music, but an entire generation's cultural identity.

The hosts share deeply personal connections to the year's biggest hits. Tom reveals how the Eagles' "Best of My Love" takes him back to childhood days learning to operate a combine harvester, while Mike recalls how Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" blew his 13-year-old mind with its revolutionary structure and theatrical power. Their different ages – Mike entering his teen years and Tom at just 8 – create a fascinating contrast in how they experienced these cultural touchstones.

As they methodically work through Billboard's Top 40 from 1975, each song unlocks memories and stories. From Sweet's "Ballroom Blitz" to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," the music becomes a gateway to discussions about growing up, first crushes, lost friends, and family relationships. The hosts don't just play critic – they lay bare how these songs became emotional bookmarks in their lives, still resonating decades later.

Between musical explorations, Mike and Tom take a nostalgic detour into 1975's popular toys – the Pet Rock, Weebles that "wobbled but didn't fall down," and the Green Machine that rivaled the Big Wheel. Tom's confession about stealing (and later returning) a much-coveted "Squirmle" toy adds a touch of childhood mischief to the conversation.

Their regular characters Pip and Squeak provide comic relief with their bickering about a recent photo shoot, creating a perfect balance to the sometimes poignant musical memories. Join this journey through time where the memories might be fuzzy, but the emotions and music remain crystal clear. Next week, the adventure continues into 1976!

Send us a text

Step into a time machine with Mike and Tom as they transport you back to 1974 – that fascinating transitional year when music was caught between the fading echoes of counterculture and the emerging sounds that would define the late 70s.

What exactly is a "post-hippie hangover"? It's the perfect description for 1974's musical landscape, where rock was splintering into countless subgenres while soul evolved and disco's first sparkles appeared on the horizon. The guys expertly navigate through the year's defining sounds – from Led Zeppelin's peak touring years to Queen's breakthrough with "Killer Queen," from David Bowie's dystopian glam rock to Stevie Wonder's soul masterpieces.

But what makes this episode truly special is the deep dive into one-hit wonders that dominated 1974 before vanishing into obscurity. Remember "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks? That melodramatic yet somehow cheerful song about death that had everyone either sobbing or rolling their eyes? Or "Rock the Boat" by the Hughes Corporation – arguably the first disco hit to top the charts before the genre fully exploded?

The conversation takes a hilariously chaotic turn when Pip and Squeak burst into the studio, determined to defend "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" and Jim Stafford's "Wildwood Weed" as underappreciated classics. Their passionate (if somewhat unhinged) musical commentary provides the perfect counterpoint to Mike and Tom's more structured exploration of the era.

Don't miss the "What Were They Thinking?" segment highlighting the strangest hits of 1974, including Ray Stevens' inexplicable chart-topper "The Streak" and Paul Anka's cringe-worthy "Having My Baby" (which critics have called one of the worst #1 songs of all time). Between technological shifts like the rise of FM radio and cassettes replacing 8-tracks, 1974 emerges as the weird, wonderful middle child of the decade – not as revolutionary as 1967 or as flashy as 1977, but laying essential groundwork for everything from punk to arena rock.

Ready to continue this musical journey through time? Subscribe now and join us next week for our deep dive into 1975!

Send us a text

Step into the musical time machine as Mike and Tom explore the soundtrack of 1973 – a year when rock anthems, soul classics, and unforgettable ballads dominated the airwaves. What began as casual workplace conversations about beloved songs has transformed into a passionate deep dive through the year's defining hits.

From Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" to Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia," the hosts offer fascinating insights and personal memories triggered by these timeless classics. The episode reveals surprising discoveries about familiar tunes – songs they've loved for years but never knew the titles of, or beloved melodies whose artists remained mysteries until now. These revelations highlight how deeply music embeds itself in our memories, often detached from the details of who created it.

The hosts' enthusiasm reaches its peak when discussing personal favorites that didn't make the Billboard Top 40 – including Aerosmith's "Dream On," Deep Purple's iconic "Smoke on the Water," and Golden Earring's driving anthem "Radar Love." Their stories capture why these songs continue to resonate decades later, becoming soundtracks to pivotal moments in listeners' lives. Between reminiscences of backyard bonfires and high school jukeboxes, Mike and Tom demonstrate how 1973's diverse musical landscape – spanning rock, soul, country, and pop – created cultural touchstones that transcend generations.

Whether you lived through 1973 or are discovering these classics for the first time, this episode offers both nostalgia and fresh perspective on a year where musical boundaries dissolved and unforgettable hits emerged. Subscribe now and join us next week as we continue our journey through the decades with the greatest hits of 1974!

Send us a text

Ready for a podcast that bounces between courtroom scandals and Chuck Berry's only number one hit without missing a beat? We've got you covered.

The gavel comes down hard in this episode as we tackle the bizarre case of two Democratic judges arrested for harboring illegal immigrants. One judge allegedly helped an undocumented defendant escape ICE agents through a courthouse back door, while another kept a suspected Venezuelan gang member as a "handyman" in their guest house. As we unpack the legal and ethical implications, we can't help but wonder what motivates supposedly impartial judges to risk their careers and freedom for such actions.

But this isn't just a current events show. We take a delightful detour into the musical treasure trove of 1972, sharing personal stories about iconic tracks that defined an era. From Don McLean's "American Pie" (no, it wasn't about Lynyrd Skynyrd) to Badfinger's Beatles-esque "No Matter What," these songs carry powerful memories. Mike recalls making out to The Raspberries' "Go All the Way," while Tom shares how Dr. Hook's "Sylvia's Mother" became the soundtrack to lonely summer days on his sister's farm, played endlessly on an 8-track player.

Of course, our resident troublemakers Pip and Squeak crash the party with their own questionable 1972 selections. Chuck Berry's innuendo-laden "My Ding-a-Ling" makes an appearance, as does something about a dead skunk in the middle of the road. The segment culminates in our discovery of perhaps the strangest song of 1972 – a track called "Jungle Fever" that leaves us genuinely wondering if we're hearing torture, kidnapping, or something else entirely.

Whether you're a music enthusiast, a news junkie, or just someone who appreciates unfiltered conversation, this episode delivers on all fronts. Subscribe now and join us next week as we explore the musical landscape of 1973!