My Weekly Mixtape: Music Discovery & Nostalgia – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, DT Carel, host of the YouTube show ⁠SpaceCastle⁠ joins me to dive into the sounds that defined 2025! Join us as we break down 20 essential tracks that span punk, rock, hip-hop, alternative, pop & beyond.

From explosive hooks and high-energy anthems to unexpected collaborations and boundary-pushing tracks, we unpack what makes each song stand out and why they helped shape the musical landscape this year.

Tune in as we guide you through a year’s worth of sonic highlights that’ll have you hitting repeat well into 2026!

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

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This week, I’m hanging out with Jaret Reddick, the lead singer, guitarist, and all-around creative engine behind Bowling For Soup, as he looks back on three decades of pop-punk chaos, catchy hooks, and perfectly timed humor.

We get into how the band balances goofy songs with genuine heartfelt moments, why “Belgium” keeps reinventing itself, and how BFS ended up becoming a Radio Disney staple. Jaret talks about the band’s wide-ranging covers—from Miley Cyrus to Hanson to Taylor Swift—our shared love of power ballads (including his personal top three), and how he wound up becoming the voice of Chuck E. Cheese.

We also dig into the impact of the band’s Grammy nomination, collaborations with Blues Traveler, The Dollyrots, and Bret Michaels of Poison, the long-running “Stacy’s Mom” misconception, and the real story behind “1985,” SR-71, and Butch Walker. Jaret also breaks down what it was like writing a song for Alexa Bliss and teaming up with WWE for the music video.

Whether you’ve been blasting BFS since the ’90s (when they had horns) or you’re discovering their world for the first time, this episode delivers laughs, nostalgia, and a glimpse at what’s next for the band in 2026 and beyond!

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

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This week, I am talking with previous My Weekly Mixtape guests, friends of the show & the amazing Patreon Mixtapers, and hearing their stories about what song made them each fall in love with music.

Guests appearing (in no particular order): Barry Kerch & Eric Bass of Shinedown, Ed Toth of The Doobie Brothers / Vertical Horizon, CJ Pierce of Drowning Pool, Tim Foreman of Switchfoot, Cody Hanson of Hinder, Chris Ballew of The Presidents of The United States of America, Steve Bowman of Counting Crows, Paul Williams, Chris Vos of The Record Company, Doug Aldrich of The Dead Daisies, Paul Jackson of Blackberry Smoke, Jon Loree of Tantric & Smile Empty Soul, Jim Loughlin of moe., Don Jamieson of RockStrap & VH1’s That Metal Show, Coco Kinnon of Winona Fighter, DT Carel of SpaceCastle, Carrie Cunningham, Jim & Lindsay Butler of Children of the 80’s, Sean Faust, Bob Spear, Jay Sweet, Jason Whissell of It’s Not That Bad / There Can Only Be One, Zack Derby of NeatCast, Kevin Brown of The Tom Petty Project, Leah Jones of The Struts Life, Sylvan Groth & Jesse Jackson of Perfectly Good Podcast, Greg Vorob of Reel Reactions, Dave Zalatoris of Beer In Front, and last (but certainly not least!) several of the incredible Patreon Mixtapers: Chad Lamasa, Brandon from VA, Philip Bergman & Tom Hutchinson.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠

This week, I’m joined by Jamie DiTringo of The Sees, and together we’re building a high-energy playlist packed with our favorite Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 hit songs from the 1990s. From era-defining anthems to blink-and-you-missed-it one-week wonders, these are the chart-toppers that ruled radio, MTV, and car stereos throughout the decade — no deep cuts allowed, unless they actually hit #1.

Just like the popular Billboard Number 1 Hit Songs from the 1980s episode, this is a non-stop hit fest celebrating the songs that shaped pop culture and dominated the charts during the ‘90s. If it topped the Billboard Hot 100, it’s fair game.

We also take a deep dive into The Sees’ debut album, Conversations With My Future Self, breaking down the band’s alt-rock sound and creative approach.

If you’re craving ‘90s nostalgia & 20 chart-topping hits, this episode is a must-listen.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠

This week I'm joined by Bryan W. Scott, lead singer of Union Underground, as we dive deep into the stories behind the songs from the band’s explosive debut album, ...An Education In Rebellion. From writing and recording to the album’s impact on early 2000s rock, Bryan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what made this record a standout in the nu-metal and hard rock era.

We also talk about what it was like touring with Linkin Park at the height of their rise & Union Underground’s unforgettable live cover of Pantera’s “Cowboys From Hell” with Dave Williams of Drowning Pool during Ozzfest 2001 in New Jersey.

Plus, we explore how “Across The Nation” became the official theme song for WWE Monday Night Raw from 2002 to 2006, dive into music from Bryan’s other projects—Cult To Follow and Into The Fire—and discuss his recent solo cover of the Eagles’ classic “Take It Easy.”

If you're a fan of 2000s rock, nu-metal nostalgia, or just want the full story behind some of the genre’s most iconic moments, this episode delivers.

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠

This week, I’m joined by Patreon Mixtaper Philip Bergman, and together we’re making the definitive case for why Weird Al Yankovic belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

We curate a 20-song playlist that goes far beyond the novelty label, exploring the full scope of Al’s brilliance — from iconic song parodies and flawless style pastiches to his legendary polka medleys and criminally underrated original tracks. Along the way, we dig into his unmatched musical precision, cultural impact, and decades-long influence on rock, pop, hip-hop and comedy alike.

This episode isn’t just a celebration of Weird Al’s funniest moments — it’s a deeper look at his musicianship, innovation, and longevity, and why humor has always had a rightful place in rock history.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or finally discovering how deep his catalog runs, this is a love letter — and a persuasive argument — for one of music’s most original voices.

Much like UHF, this playlist’s got it all.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠

This week, I’m joined by rising blues rock force Jax Hollow as we dial into the modern side of the blues rock spectrum — gritty riffs, soulful vocals, and that unmistakable blend of tradition and reinvention.

Together, we curate a playlist spotlighting the best of modern blues rock, featuring artists who are carrying the torch forward while pushing the genre into new territory. From fuzzed-out guitar tones to emotionally raw songwriting, these are songs built for loud speakers, late-night drives, and anyone craving blues rock that still feels dangerous.

We also take a deep dive into Jax’s album, Only The Wild Ones, unpacking the stories, influences, and creative choices behind a record that captures the restless spirit of today’s blues rock scene. Jax also shares what it was like to be personally invited by Melissa Etheridge to open her show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium—one of Nashville’s most legendary stages. Along the way, we talk songwriting, authenticity, and what it means to make blues-based music in a modern rock landscape.

If you’re a fan of contemporary blues rock, modern guitar-driven rock, or artists redefining the blues for a new generation, this episode hits right where it should.

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

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This week I’m joined by legendary songwriter and producer Desmond Child, and we’re pulling back the curtain on the stories behind some of the biggest rock songs of all time. From KISS and Bon Jovi to Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Cher, Meat Loaf, and beyond — Desmond has been at the center of it all, helping shape the sound of rock radio for decades.

We talk about the shifting musical landscape of the early 1990s, his instinct for writing unforgettable key changes, and what it was really like working with Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman on Bat Out of Hell III — including how Slipknot unexpectedly influenced the album’s heavier edge. Desmond also clears up one of rock’s longest-running debates — why KISS’ “I Was Made for Loving You” isn’t actually a disco song — and reflects on the band’s emotional final show at Madison Square Garden.

It’s a deep dive into songwriting, legacy, and the moments that turn great songs into rock history.

For even more music and memories, be sure to check out The Ultimate Desmond Child Playlist, Vol. 2!

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🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠

This week I'm joined by Jesse Jackson, host of Set Lusting Bruce, and together we’re curating a playlist filled with our favorite songs from the one and only Bruce Springsteen. From iconic hits to deeper album cuts, we’re celebrating the full scope of The Boss’s legendary career.

Whether you’re a longtime E Street diehard or just discovering Springsteen’s catalog, this playlist aims to strike the perfect balance—highlighting the anthems that made him a rock icon and the hidden gems that showcase his depth as a songwriter and storyteller.

Did we succeed in creating a mix that resonates with both casual listeners and devoted Springsteen superfans? Press play and find out!

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠

This week I'm joined by Steve, co-host of Something For Nothing: A Rush Fancast, and together we’re curating a playlist packed with our favorite songs from progressive rock legends Rush. From their early hard rock beginnings to their complex, synth-driven epics and later-era masterpieces, this mixtape spans the full evolution of one of rock’s most innovative and influential bands.

We dive into the band’s iconic catalog—highlighting fan-favorite deep cuts, classic radio staples, and underrated gems from albums like 2112, Moving Pictures, Hemispheres, Grace Under Pressure, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong Rush fan or just starting to explore their discography, this playlist offers something for everyone.

Did we manage to build a Rush mixtape that appeals to both casual listeners and hardcore fans of Geddy, Alex, and Neil? There’s only one way to find out—tune in and take the musical journey with us!

🎙️ LEARN MORE

🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠

💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠

🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠

📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠