Explore every episode of the podcast Talk Louder

Ron Keel

It’s Ron Keel’s world and we’re just living in it. From Steeler, Keel and Black Sabbath to southern rock and country, Ron Keel captures the many sounds of his career on new album, “KEELWORLD.” He joins us to discuss the new album, past history, working with Gene Simmons, his short-lived (but contractually ongoing?) Black Sabbath gig and the irresistible qualities of “’80s cheese.” Oh, there’s also an early Pantera connection. Saddle up! It’s a fun ride.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Michael Sweet

On the eve of releasing new album, “When We Were Kings,” Stryper frontman Michael Sweet joins us to discuss his vocal technique (thanks, Rob Halford!), the decadent days of Roxx Regime, that time Stryper was billed with Slayer and touring as a co-lead vocalist and guitarist for rock legends, Boston.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Johnny Goudie

His alternative, pop-rock band, Goudie, was signed by Metallica drummer

Lars Ulrich who was impressed enough to release the album “Peep Show” in

2000. Besides his namesake band, Johnny Goudie has also made a name for

himself with the Austin-based bands, Mr. Rocket Baby and Skyrocket,

among others. Since 2011, he’s hosted the “How Did I Get Here?” podcast,

which is a question worth asking considering his Lars connection and

work with members of the Go-Go’s, Fastball, the BoDeans and others. He

joins us to discuss all this and more.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Bad Marriage

Bad Marriage guitarist Mike Fitz and newcomer Tommy Skeoch (ex-Tesla) join us discuss the band’s new chemistry, past history, an upcoming tour with Vandenberg, how a metal detector inspired a new song and that time Eddie Money kicked open their dressing room door to praise the band’s name in his best (unintentional) Rodney Dangerfield voice.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Rick Ventura

Featured on Riot’s seminal hard rock/heavy metal albums, “Fire Down Under” and “Restless Breed,” guitarist Rick Ventura was poised for stardom on the strength of high-profile tours with Rush, Black Sabbath, Sammy Hagar and Rainbow. He also had the immense respect of his peers (Hello, Lars Ulrich!). So, what happened? Sharpen your swords and pour some tequila as we dig into Rick’s storied past, his new music with Riot Act, the story behind Riot’s oft-maligned album covers and the heartfelt humility of leaving his mark.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Logan Olivero

Central Texas may seem like an unlikely spawning ground for a symphonic black metal band, but long-running Vesperian Sorrow is turning the tide. Singer Logan Olivero joins us to discuss latest album, “Awaken the Greylight,” his wide-ranging vocal influences, his proud affiliation with “the worst band in the world” (Complete, look ‘em up!) and the time his Texas hospitality “backfired” on Polish metal band, Vader.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mr. Lifto

Using pierced body parts to lift heavy objects is a huge “no thanks!” for most people -- but Mr. Lifto isn’t most people! He joins us to discuss (disgust?) touring with Lollapalooza as part of the Jim Rose Circus; shenanigans with Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Ministry and others; the “Circus of the Scars” documentary; shocking the talk show circuit; painful injuries; “bile beer;” and the time David Bowie made him wet his pants.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jeremy Asbrock

He plays guitar for Ace Frehley AND Gene Simmons in their respective solo bands -- obviously quite the rocket ride for any lifelong KISS fan. Jeremy Asbrock joins us to discuss his band Rock City Machine Co., touring with his childhood idols (and the songs they wouldn’t play), his favorite KISS deep cuts, jamming with Robin Zander and how he was secretly “ripped” during Ace Frehley’s “Cherry Medicine” video.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Steve Conte

If you only know Steve Conte for his top-shelf work in the Michael Monroe band, you’re missing the bigger picture of his wildly impressive career. The singer/songwriter/guitarist joins us to discuss his latest album, “The Concrete Jangle,” his years with the New York Dolls, that time he jammed with Chuck Berry, his ongoing hot streak with Michael Monroe and so much more. The guy just oozes rock’n’roll.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Chuck Billy

He’s an undisputed titan of thrash who shows no signs of surrender after 40 years in the pit. Testament vocalist Chuck Billy joins us to discuss the remastered versions of “The Legacy” and “The New Order,” the upcoming Klash of the Titans tour with Kreator and Possessed, new drummer Chris Dovas, the band that changed his life, memories of the 2008 Metal Masters Tour and the hilarious pranks of Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Bobby Landgraf

He works for Pantera as Rex Brown’s bass tech and tours the world’s biggest arenas and stadiums delivering the band’s crushing sonic onslaught. He’s also documenting all the behind-the-scenes footage on his popular “Crew From Hell 2.0” YouTube channel. Bobby Landgraf joins us to discuss the logistical magnitude of opening stadium shows for Metallica, headlining arenas and sheds with Pantera, his history with metal supergroup Down, that time he stepped in on bass for an ailing Rex Brown in front of 60,000 people (or more?) and why nothing short of skilled professionalism will cut it in the big leagues.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Carl Canedy

From his drumming with veteran New York metal band, The Rods, through his production credits with Anthrax, Overkill, Exciter and others, Carl Canedy has enough stories to fill a book. So, he did! He joins us to discuss his new book, “Tales of a Wild Dog,” The Rods’ new album, “Rattle the Cage,” his early band, Raw Meat, a “Spinal Tap” moment with Judas Priest and a memorable backstage meeting with Randy Rhoads.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

John Corabi

He’s back with The Dead Daisies and gearing up for a summer tour to promote the September release of new album, “Light ‘Em Up.” John Corabi joins us to discuss all things Daisies, a memorable meeting with Steve Marriott (and Peter Frampton), partying with Queen and the 30th anniversary of his album with Motley Crue.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

John Perez

Band names don’t come much gnarlier than Rotting Corpse, but guitarist John Perez had his reservations when it was bestowed upon his mid-80s Texas thrash crew. He later formed doom metal stalwarts Solitude Aeturnus and dabbled in psych metal with Liquid Sound Company. He joins us to discuss the early Texas thrash scene, touring with Paul Di’Anno, his record label, tour managing Candlemass, St. Vitus and others, and why Hell’s Heroes 2024 was the perfect gig.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mike Deleon

His brutal guitar riffs power the death-metal gore of Flesh Hoarder, but he’s equally hooked on the bubble-gum glam of Poison. Our fellow Texan Mike Deleon joins us to discuss his collaborations with Philip Anselmo, Max Cavalera, Pantera, Billy Milano and an all-star cast of Bay Area thrash-metal titans.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Wolf Hoffmann

In 1982, he unknowingly pioneered speed metal with the jaw-dropping “Fast as a Shark.” Today, he’s still thrashing his trademark Flying V after more than four decades. Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann joins us to discuss new album, “Humanoid,” his first tour of America (opening for KISS), the story behind “I’m a Rebel” and AC/DC, his preferred studio guitar (it’s not what you think) and the album he points to as a pivotal triumph in his long and illustrious career.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Don Jamieson

Don Jamieson returns to discuss his new stand-up comedy album, “No Sleep ‘Til McSorley’s,” the healing power of Motorhead (and McSorley’s ale!), the boob joke gone wrong and why AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds” always brings out his inner Angus Young.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Damon Johnson

For a southern kid with no path forward to the big leagues of rock’n’roll, Damon Johnson has scored an enviable number of mind-blowing victories. He joins us for a super-insightful and endearingly nerdy conversation about the enormity of playing with Lynyrd Skynyrd; his hilarious audition for Alice Cooper (and subsequent “Spinal Tap” moment); his absolute reverence for Thin Lizzy; how Stevie Nicks recorded one of his songs; and why he never travels without a cowbell.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Phil Demmel

From his early years with Vio-lence through a prolific career with Machine Head and onto his current role in Kerry King’s band, guitarist Phil Demmel is thrash-metal royalty. Did we mention he’s also filled in for Slayer, Overkill, Testament, Lamb of God and others? He joins us to discuss the upcoming Kerry King album, “From Hell I Rise,” (due May 17), his impressive collection of drumsticks, his proudest albums, an upcoming project with Armored Saint vocalist John Bush (whoops!) and high praise from Billy Gibbons.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tuk Smith

His knack for infectious songs is matched only by his electric personality. Singer/songwriter Tuk Smith returns to discuss his new music, the evil of algorithms and jamming onstage with Cheap Trick. Plus, why Paul Stanley is his KISS spirit animal and how Bon Scott and Michael Monroe inspired a tattoo habit that’s not without its drunken regrets.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Max Cavalera: GAAD

He’s a thrash-metal titan who’s passing the axe to his son and fully enjoying the family camaraderie of their crust-grind band, Go Ahead and Die. Max Cavalera joins us from the road where he’s relishing the full-contact return to his sweaty metal roots. We also learn about pizza fatigue, “goosebump moments,” meeting the Ramones and the time Sepultura blew Dave Grohl’s speakers.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mark Zonder

He joined Fates Warning in 1989 and immediately established himself as one of prog-metal’s most critically acclaimed drummers. Mark Zonder joins us to discuss his time with Fates, his recent albums with A-Z (featuring Fates vocalist Ray Alder) and his recently reactivated band, Warlord.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Bryan Small

Bryan Small has stories to tell and we always enjoy the ride. The longstanding, real-deal frontman for The Hangmen joins us to discuss the new album, “Stories to Tell,” the characters in the songs, an in-the-works documentary and why the 1980’s scene in East L.A. was as quietly vibrant as the Sunset Strip.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Monsters of Rock Cruise

Our own Jason McMaster shares his highlights of the 2024 Monsters of Rock Cruise where he played with Dangerous Toys, was interviewed by Eddie Trunk and walked away with the ultimate souvenir -- Glenn Hughes’ coffee cup!  (Live photos by Faith Watson)

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Abaddon

He discovered Black Sabbath while babysitting and later designed one of metal’s most iconic (and demonic) logos for his blasphemous metal band, Venom. He also had Slayer and Metallica as opening acts, including a gig in which Venom blew a hole through the stage during one of their first U.S. appearances. Drummer Abaddon joins us to discuss his band’s deep-rooted, black-metal influence, “Spinal Tap” moments, setting Johnny Zazula’s kitchen on fire and opinions on the extreme metal bands that followed in Venom’s hoofprints.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Frank Hannon

As a founding member of Tesla, guitarist Frank Hannon sold millions of albums with rock-radio hits “Modern Day Cowboy,” “Little Suzi,” “Love Song,” “Signs” and “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out).” He also reintroduced acoustic guitars to a new generation of hard-rock fans (although he’s far too humble to take credit). He joins us to discuss the 1987 Texxas Jam, Def Leppard’s Steve Clark, Ronnie Montrose, Dicky Betts, Mick Mars and David Lee Roth's powdery pinky scoop.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Kurdt Vanderhoof

He jokingly calls himself the other “Kurdt” from Aberdeen, WA, but as the founding guitarist of Metal Church, he’s made his own mark as one of heavy metal’s most enduring champions. Kurdt Vanderhoof joins us to discuss the most recent (and excellent) Metal Church album, “Congregation of Annihilation;” his AC/DC-style rock band, Hall Aflame; his prog-rock project, Presto Ballet; and the recently published Metal Church book, “Beyond the Black.” We also learn the party-hardy origins of the name Metal Church. You’re gonna love this guy!

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jacob Bunton

From humble beginnings in Alabama to landing on “The Other Side of Mars,” Jacob Bunton went from a $60 guitar to being the primary lead singer on the new Mick Mars album. In a rare interview (he hates talking about himself), the quietly successful vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and big-time movie/pop-music composer joins us to discuss his previous bands, Mick Mars, his love of Fastway, a vocal lesson from Bruce Dickinson and how Guns N’ Roses’ Hall of Fame induction derailed his band with Steven Adler. We also make him choose between Danzig, the Misfits or Samhain; and the Dead Boys versus Lords of the New Church.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Noisy Mama

In 1991, Noisy Mama had a record deal, a video on MTV and a charismatic singer with a voice that rivaled Cinderella, Johnny Crash, Kix, Great White and other blues-soaked screamers. Singer Paul Skowron joins us to discuss his shot at fame in the age of grunge, his interim projects and his renewed determination to revive Noisy Mama in 2024.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Fugitive

Quickly emerging as one of metal’s most ballistic bands, Texas-based Fugitive is a neck-snapping collision of new-generation ferocity and old-school, thrash-punk attack. Guitarist Blake Ibanez and vocalist Seth Gilmore join us to discuss their songwriting process, new album timeline, earliest musical memories and the now-legendary 2023 Power Trip reunion in Austin.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Nigel Glockler

British heavy metal legends Saxon continue their triumphant crusade with new album, “Hell, Fire and Damnation.” Drummer Nigel Glockler returns to discuss the album, upcoming tour, his missed opportunity to hang out with Freddie Mercury and the time Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos nearly filled in for Saxon.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Max Norman

He produced some of heavy metal’s most legendary albums, including definitive classics by Ozzy Osbourne and Megadeth. He’s also helmed fan-favorites from Lynch Mob, Dirty Looks, Dangerous Toys, Loudness, Y&T, Armored Saint and many more. Max Norman indulges us with stories about Randy Rhoads, Ozzy and Dave Mustaine. He also tells us about the time he and Henrik Ostergaard escaped a potential barroom beat-down; how he nearly produced Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell;” how a duct-tape trick with Paul Rodgers was repeated with Jason McMaster; and the clever recording techniques you never knew were all a part of the process.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Dave Prewitt

For nearly four decades, archivist and award-winning local television host Dave Prewitt has captured Austin’s world-renowned live music scene on countless hours of video. He’s also hung out with actress Milla Jovovich, recorded the last on-camera interview with comedian Bill Hicks, kicked Blur out of his studio and helped Stevie Ray Vaughan fix his carburetor. He joins us to discuss his undying (and unpaid) passion for music and why he continues giving up nights and weekends to meet his self-inflicted deadlines.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Brion Gamboa

What’s it like on “The Other Side of Mars?” Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Brion Gamboa joins us to discuss how he landed vocal credits on the new Mick Mars album, his musical upbringing, why handcuffing himself to his guitar was the ultimate show of rebellion and how he upset “Star Search” host Ed McMahon. Sorry, Ed.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

2023 Year in Review

Dave and Jason look back on the highlights and news of 2023, including memorable guests, adventures at the RockNPod convention, KISS farewell, the resurgence of Watchtower, the new-generation, thrash-metal fury of Fugitive and more.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Danny Lilker

As a founding member of Anthrax and a trooper in S.O.D., bassist Danny Lilker helped pioneer -- and merge -- the thrash metal/crossover genres. He joins us to speak all things metal – including his biography, Nuclear Assault, Brutal Truth, black metal, grindcore, his respect for Voivod, thoughts on Pantera and why he's content to be semi-retired after decades in the trenches.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

“Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of the Back Room”

The Back Room in Austin, TX, spent 33 years as a cultural hub for long hair, short skirts, cheap drinks and rock’n’roll mayhem. Captured in all its decadent glory in the upcoming documentary, “Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of the Back Room,” the venue’s history – including the launch of Dangerous Toys, the 2 Live Crew riot, all-nighters with Motorhead, the nuclear blast of Pantera and the hair-tangling exploits of Pearl Jam -- is finally retold by those who survived the volume, chaos and stench. Film director Budro Partida and producer John Jew join us to discuss their exhaustive research, revelations and their team’s tireless dedication to getting it right. This episode is dedicated to the memory and Nathan Olivarez.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mark Lopes

Metal Church singer Marc Lopes found his calling after seeing Iron Maiden’s “Run to the Hills” on MTV. He joins us to discuss his debut Metal Church album, “Congregation of Annihilation,” his time with Ross the Boss of Manowar fame and his ongoing band, Let Us Prey.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Rik Fox

He was an early member of WASP (and gave the band its name) before teaming up with an unknown Yngwie Malmsteen, vocalist Ron Keel and drummer Mark Edwards to record the 1983 underground metal classic album, “Steeler.” Today, he’s the bassist for Freakshow alongside former members of Quiet Riot, WASP/Metal Church and Miss Crazy. Rik Fox joins us to discuss Freakshow’s new album, “So Shall it Be,” his early days witnessing the formation of KISS, his tenures in WASP and Steeler, and his brief appearances in “Wayne’s World” and “The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years.”

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Christian Shields

He was corrupted by KISS at an early age (sound familiar?) and quickly became a student of the rock’n’roll hustle. Austin-based Christian Shields joins us to discuss his arena-ready rock, the art of self-promotion and how he landed the role of Jason McMaster in the upcoming music venue documentary, “Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of the Back Room.”

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Paul Lidel

His raunchy guitar riffs and high-voltage solos have powered Dirty Looks, Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth, Adrenaline Factor and 99 Crimes. Paul Lidel joins us to discuss -- take a deep breath -- his latest project, Paul Lidel’s Scream Therapy; joining Dangerous Toys; the revamped Dirty Looks (with our own Jason McMaster on vocals); his time with Lizzy Borden; opening for KISS; and his audition with Ronnie James Dio. Look out!

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

George Lynch

He shot to fame in the ‘80s as lead guitarist in Dokken where his wicked solos immediately placed him in an elite class of all-time greats. George Lynch cracks us up while discussing his latest Lynch Mob album, “Babylon,” auditioning for Ozzy, touring with Metallica, the hypothetical possibility of joining Judas Priest and how Kajagoogoo was an early inspiration.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jason & Dave Riffs

We revisit our original, two-man format and discuss Jason’s recent fly-out gigs with Watchtower (all the way to Germany!), Dangerous Toys and Dirty Looks. We also comment on new albums by the Rolling Stones, Buckcherry, Lower Class Brats, the Hangmen and Dave’s bargain-bin UFO obsession.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Frank Meyer

Frank Meyer is a veteran punk-rock’n’roller whose credits include the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, Trading Aces and Spaghetti & Frank (a collab with Eddie Spaghetti of Supersuckers). He’s also an accomplished author and filmmaker whose newly released documentary, “Freestyle 101: Hip-Hop History,” is receiving rave reviews for its insightful exploration of freestyling, rap music and hip-hop culture. He also lands cameo appearances by heavy hitters Ice-T, Chuck D, B-Real, Fat Joe, members of Wu-Tang Clan and more. Yeeeaaahhhh, boy!

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jarvis Leatherby

He’s a founding member of traditional metal revivalists Night Demon and also plays in cult-status metal heroes, Cirith Ungol. Bassist Jarvis Leatherby joins us to discuss his music and wide-ranging business background, his Valen Halen connection, jamming with Uli Jon Roth and how 2 Live Crew and NWA got him hooked on music.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Wendy Dio

She was married to legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio and also managed his career through lean times and massive success. Wendy Dio joins us to discuss the recent release of the DVD and Blu-Ray Deluxe editions of the critically-acclaimed documentary, “Dio: Dreamers Never Die.” We also discuss the new CD and LP box set release of Dio’s final four studio albums (1996-2004); the wild antics of Jimmy Bain and why Ronnie initially hated “Rainbow in the Dark.”

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tony Higbee

He plays guitar in Tom Keifer’s band, but considers life itself to be his greatest Cinderella story. Tony Higbee joins us to discuss his small-town upbringing, his fight against cancer and how his move to Nashville and jobs in music retail led to gigs with Keifer and Brother Cane.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Riverboat Gamblers

Known for their highwire live performances and frantically melodic punk rock, the Riverboat Gamblers have been wowing audiences for more than two decades. With the 20th anniversary reissue of their pivotal 2003 album, “Something to Crow About,” we ask vocalist Mike Wiebe and guitarist Fadi El-Assad to tell us what’s what.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Nikki Stringfield

As a teenager, Nikki Stringfield was an admitted “goth nerd” who later moved from her native Texas to Los Angeles where she quickly joined the internationally popular tribute band, the Iron Maidens. Today, she divides her time between the Maidens, Heaven Below and her solo career, which is now in full swing with the recent release of her debut, full-length album, “Apocrypha.” (Photo credits: Adam Hendershott and David Castillo)

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tracii Guns

Back for a second appearance on the Talk Louder Podcast, guitar hero Tracii Guns discusses his latest side band Blackbird Angels; their new album “Solsorte;” his approach to writing for multiple projects; why Danzig would have been a fun collaborator; and why you don’t want to hear “we’re out of ice” when partying with the band.

Created and Produced by Jared Tuten