Bandsplain

Chris Ryan, film and culture commentator, and Sean Fennessey, music critic, team up to build an ’80s movie soundtrack Hall of Fame. They set rules, argue over impact versus discovery, and debate landmarks from Purple Rain to Top Gun. Expect punk, New Wave, mixtape curation, single‑artist scores, and spirited defenses of underrated picks.

Arielle Gordon, music journalist known for writing about emo, walks through The Get Up Kids' rise. She traces their mix of punk energy and big feelings. They explore key albums, lineup changes, and the band's role shaping third-wave emo. Moments of near-misses and lasting influence get highlighted.

Penelope Spheeris, filmmaker who captured L.A. subcultures from punk to Wayne's World. Alex Ross Perry, director and film scholar known for Pavements and Videoheaven. They revisit The Decline of Western Civilization trilogy. They discuss DIY filmmaking, the film's visual language and MTV influence, key bands and moments, and how the films preserved and shaped cultural memory.

Pleasant Gehman, artist, author, and musician who lived the 1970s–80s LA punk scene, shares firsthand memories. She recounts meeting Darby Crash and the chaotic Orpheum debut. Short scenes paint the Mask club, Canterbury Apartments, DIY culture, the making of GI, and the band’s wild final days.

Chris Ryan, music writer at The Ringer and emo/indie historian, and Patrick Flynn, Boston punk/hardcore frontman (Have Heart, Fiddlehead), draft influential emo bands live. They trade origin stories, debate which bands truly count, and pick era-defining acts from the 80s to today. Expect spirited defenses, regional shout-outs, and a playful look at what being emotionally charged in music really means.

Amanda Dobbins, journalist and cultural commentator, joins a Valentine’s Day mailbag packed with mixtape picks, breakup advice, and quirky gift tips. Barry Johnson, lead singer and songwriter of Joyce Manor, discusses Torrance roots, songwriting, and the band’s new album. Short, funny conversations jump between pop-culture romances and punk-rock memories.

Rob Mahoney, writer and editor known for music and sports coverage, traces American Football’s Midwestern roots and unlikely rise. He highlights the band’s alternate tunings, jazz‑influenced drumming, looping and odd time signatures. They also explore LP1’s lo‑fi recording choices and how internet rediscovery and the iconic house photo turned the record into a cultural touchstone.

Jerry Hsu, pro skateboarder, photographer, and founder of Sci‑Fi Fantasy, talks about how music shaped skate videos. He recalls formative 411 and Enjoi moments. They trace DIY roots to cinematic productions, debate Dinosaur Jr. and hip‑hop influences, and discuss licensing, mixtape editing, and music discovery through skate culture.

Rob Fitzpatrick, a writer and podcaster known for his music journalism, joins Yasi to dissect the intriguing narrative of Portishead. They explore the band's meticulous music-making process and unique sound that sets them apart from peers in Bristol's music scene. The discussion covers their complicated relationship with fame, the emotional rawness of Beth Gibbons’ vocals, and the artistic tension in their lyrics. Fitzpatrick also addresses the band’s legacy and the challenges they faced in navigating commercial success.

Shaad D’Souza, a noted music critic known for his insights into pop and indie music, discusses the most anticipated albums of 2026, diving into emerging artists and comeback hopes, including Courtney Love and Lana Del Rey. Kevin Lee Kharas, the frontman of Real Lies, shares behind-the-scenes details about his band's latest album, reflecting on his eclectic musical influences and the emotional depth of their work. They also explore the impact of digital life on songwriting and the nostalgia woven throughout music.