Best Chris DeMakes Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 264: Tim Williams discusses Vision of Disorder’s “Living to Die” 1:19:38

16h ago1:19:38

1:19:38

On this episode, Vision of Disorder vocalist Tim Williams discusses the creation of their 2001 single "Living to Die" from the album From Bliss to Devastation. Tim opens up about the deeply personal lyrics, written during a difficult time when he was dealing with his father's illness and his own inner struggles. He also reflects on working with pro…

1
Bob (f/Chris DeMakes) 46:26

24d ago46:26

46:26

This week we are joined by Podcaster and Less Than Jake front-man Chris DeMakes to discuss Al's tribute to Bob Dylan and Palindromes... Bob! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
Check and Mate! - This Week In Retro 224 1:01:43

2d ago1:01:43

1:01:43

🛠 Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com/ for all your PCB needs! 🛠 ChatGPT makes excuses as to why an Atari 2600 beat it at chess. Wing Commander gets a neat update to stop it getting ahead of itself on modern systems and an Atari 2600 Earthquake gets some attention. 00:00 - Show Opening 04:05 - Checkmate For ChatGPT Story Link: https://www.tomsha…

1
Al TV 9 (f/ Witney Seibold) 1:11:51

3d ago1:11:51

1:11:51

This week we tackle the first of two VH1 version of ALTV with writer Witney Seibold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
Throwback Thursday: Aaron Barrett and Scott Klopfenstein discuss Reel Big Fish's "Sell Out" 1:38:32

4d ago1:38:32

1:38:32

In this Throwback Thursday episode—originally released as Episode 162 on July 3rd, 2023—Chris sits down with Aaron Barrett and Scott Klopfenstein of Reel Big Fish to talk all about their 1996 hit, “Sell Out.” The song became an instant ska-punk anthem, blasting onto radio and MTV while poking fun at the music industry’s obsession with, well, sellin…

1
Ep. 263: Limahl discusses Kajagoogoo’s “Too Shy” 1:26:59

8d ago1:26:59

1:26:59

In this episode, Limahl shares the story behind Kajagoogoo’s 1983 smash hit “Too Shy,” reflecting on the band’s rapid rise from local gigs to global stardom. He details his chance meeting with Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, whose mentorship helped land them a deal with EMI, and breaks down the experimental recording process that gave “Too Shy” its dis…

1
Happy Birthday ATARI ST - This Week In Retro 223 1:05:56

9d ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Join us as we talk about the Atari ST as it turns 40 years old! The Dolphin emulator gets an update and GOG puts its cards on the table regarding game preservation. All this and a cat attack plus your answers to the Community Question Of The Week. Pixel Addict magazine issue 29 is ready! Latest retro games reviewed: Capcom Arcade Stadium (Switch/Xb…

1
Genius in France (f/Lisa Hammer) 1:06:01

10d ago1:06:01

1:06:01

This week we are joined by Lisa Hammer to discuss the final track of Poodle Hat. On this chaotic closure Al pays homage to Frank Zappa with Genius in France! Lisa Hammer is a New York independent filmmaker and musician. She is best known for her DIY/Punk/Surrealist/German Expressionist films, lush music videos, and experimental horror-fairy tales a…

1
Throwback Thursday: John Feldmann discusses Goldfinger’s “Superman” 1:22:21

11d ago1:22:21

1:22:21

In this Throwback Thursday episode, originally released on June 5th, 2023, John Feldmann of Goldfinger sat in for Episode 158 to break down the writing and recording of their 1997 single “Superman.” He shares how the song evolved in the studio, the creative choices that shaped its energetic sound, and how it became an unexpected fan favorite—thanks…

1
Ep. 262: Ian Dench discusses EMF's "Unbelievable" 1:25:22

15d ago1:25:22

1:25:22

In this episode, Ian Dench of EMF joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s explosive 1991 hit, “Unbelievable.” From its instantly recognizable hook to its genre-blending sound, the song became a cultural phenomenon and an enduring stadium anthem. Ian offers a look behind the curtain at the song’s construction, including its…

1
Star Wars: X-Wing Gets An Upgrade - This Week In Retro 222 1:04:36

16d ago1:04:36

1:04:36

🛠 Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com/ for all your PCB needs! 🛠 Delve into the making of Myst and its sequels. Check out the amazing work on revamping X-Wing. Are you fan of PDAs? It is time for another hour of retro computing/gaming chat. PAUG Gaming Day Footage: https://youtu.be/hL7vvB_-ApQ?si=TAWpmYXpOMp0m25u 00:00 - Show Opening 04:17 - Mys…

1
eBay 39:53

17d ago39:53

39:53

This week we discuss Al's Backstreet Boys parody "eBay" a song that seems to get better the more out dated it becomes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
Ep. 261: Roger Lima discusses Less Than Jake’s “Sunny Side” 1:09:32

22d ago1:09:32

1:09:32

On this episode, Chris is joined by his Less Than Jake bandmate Roger Lima to dive into the writing and recording of their 2024 single "Sunny Side." The conversation explores the song’s layered instrumentation, dynamic horn arrangements, and emotionally resonant lyrics that center on self-realization, identity, and personal growth. Inspired by a fa…

1
Hot Tubs & Car Phones - This Week In Retro 221 59:24

23d ago59:24

59:24

Back to the 80s where everyone had a Filofax and wore power suits! Remember how some coders wanted to be rock-stars? How can you spot a fake coding book and a certain pinball game has made a return. All this and more in this week's retro computing podcast. As we patiently wait for the next issue of Pixel Addict to come along why not check out https…

1
Ep. 260: Elyse Rogers discusses Dance Hall Crashers “Lost Again” 1:07:14

26d ago1:07:14

1:07:14

On this episode, Elyse Rogers of Dance Hall Crashers joins Chris to talk about the writing and recording of the band’s 1997 fan favorite single, “Lost Again.” Elyse reflects on the group’s collaborative dynamic, the comfort and shared vision she found working with producer Stoker, and how the song’s lyrics touch on personal and industry struggles f…

1
Ep. 259: J Navarro discusses The Suicide Machines “S.O.S.” 1:05:26

29d ago1:05:26

1:05:26

In this episode, J Navarro of The Suicide Machines joins the show to discuss the origins and last-minute magic behind “S.O.S.,” a fan-favorite track from their 1996 debut Destruction By Definition. J reveals that the song nearly didn’t make the album, coming together late in the recording process after a scramble to finish it. At the time, the band…

1
Half A Century Of Type-Ins - This Week In Retro 220 54:18

1M ago54:18

54:18

We are joined by James (WhatHoSnorkers) to discuss a new video that shows how DMA Design reinvented the puzzle game, to remember the computerised Raleigh Vektar, and how it seems that 50 years have now passed since the very first type in game was released. Whether you remember the Amiga, BBC Micro, Apple II, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, …

1
Ode to a Superhero 43:44

1M ago43:44

43:44

This week we tackle Al's second Billy Joel parody (but first one officially released) which takes his signature song "Piano Man" and makes it a tribute to the Sam Raimi/Tobey McGuire Spiderman movies. It's ... something. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
Throwback Thursday: Tahlena Chikami discusses Bite Me Bambi's "Bad Boyfriend" 1:17:53

1M ago1:17:53

1:17:53

It’s a special Throwback Thursday edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and while the show usually digs deep into the archives, this week’s rewind only takes us back a few months to a standout February episode featuring Tahlena Chikami of Bite Me Bambi. With her band hitting the road on Less Than Jake’s Summer Circus tour, it’s the perfect time to re…

1
Ep. 258: Brittany Luna and Tim Hildebrand discuss Catbite’s “Tired of Talk (feat. Patrick Stump)” 1:12:30

1M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

On this episode, Tim Hildebrand and Brittany Luna of Catbite dive into the creation of their 2025 single “Tired of Talk (feat. Patrick Stump),” unpacking the experimental production process, the emotional layers of the lyrics, and the evolution of their ska-meets-pop sound. They reflect on the joys and challenges of writing as a couple, the magic o…

1
Video Games Aren’t Real, They Can’t Hurt You! - This Week In Retro 219 1:03:00

1M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

🛠 Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com/ for all your PCB needs! 🛠 Have you ever played an online game and found no other users? Have you ever wanted to get to know Sinistar better? Have you no clue which iconic retro gaming character is turning 45? If the answer to any of these is yes then we can help! 00:00 - Show Opening 07:15 - Back to 1980! S…

1
It's May 16th! Revisiting Ep. 51: Joey Cape discusses Lagwagon's "May 16" 1:22:41

1M ago1:22:41

1:22:41

It’s May 16th, so it’s only fitting to revisit Episode 51 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, featuring Joey Cape of Lagwagon. Originally released on May 16th, 2021, this fan-favorite episode dives deep into the creation of the band’s beloved anthem “May 16.” Joey shares the real-life events that inspired the song, and reflects on the emotional headspace h…

1
Why Does This Always Happen To Me? (f/Allie Goertz) 51:57

1M ago51:57

51:57

Past guest and Ben Folds superfan Allie Goertz is back to talk about the song "Why Does This Always Happen To Me?" The song is an homage to Ben Folds Five and in a rare situation, Al is accompanied by Ben Folds on piano for this track! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
Throwback Thursday: Angelo Moore discusses Fishbone's "Party At Ground Zero" 1:27:30

1M ago1:27:30

1:27:30

This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to Episode 245 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, originally released on February 17th, 2025, with none other than Angelo Moore of Fishbone. In this lively and eye-opening chat, Angelo breaks down the making of their explosive 1985 single “Party At Ground Zero”—a wild mix of ska, punk, funk, and soul with an en…

1
Ep. 257: JR Wasilewski discusses Less Than Jake’s “Walking Pipebomb” 1:14:47

1M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

This week, Chris is joined by his Less Than Jake bandmate JR Wasilewski to break down the writing and recording of "Walking Pipebomb" from the band's Uncharted EP. JR shares how a Dance Hall Crashers song sparked the initial idea, how his signature guitar style shaped the sound, and why the demo remained nearly identical to the final version. The c…

1
Was 2000 The Best Year For Gaming? - This Week In Retro 218 54:17

1M ago54:17

54:17

Thank you for joining us once again for another look at some up to date news for out of date tech. Jason joins us and has selected a story about distraction free computing using DOS. Chris returns and looks at a fantastic video about gaming in the year 2000. Dave's interest was piqued by the news that an anti-piracy campaign itself used pirated con…

1
A Complicated Song (f/Robert Bacon) 51:30

2M ago51:30

51:30

This week we are joined by Robert Bacon of the Internet Supreme Court to discuss the Avril Lavigne parody A Complicated Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
Throwback Thursday: Bert McCracken discusses The Used's "The Taste of Ink" 1:20:36

2M ago1:20:36

1:20:36

In this Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, originally released on May 1, 2023, Bert McCracken of The Used sits down with Chris to unpack the writing and recording of the band’s breakout single, “The Taste of Ink.” McCracken takes listeners back to the early 2000s, when the song—written in a basement in Provo, Utah—captured the r…

1
Ep. 256: Stacy Jones discusses American Hi-Fi’s “Flavor of the Weak” 1:25:57

2M ago1:25:57

1:25:57

This week, Stacy Jones sits in to share the story behind American Hi-Fi’s 2001 breakout hit, “Flavor of the Weak.” From his early days as Veruca Salt’s touring drummer to stepping into the spotlight as a frontman, Stacy discusses the evolution of his career, the challenges of reinvention, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on t…

1
Outrun On The Big Telly - This Week In Retro 217 1:12:07

2M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

🛠 Check out PCBWay at https://pcbway.com/ for all your PCB needs! 🛠 Outrun is getting a movie, an Australian arcade is closing its doors and can you get Windows 3.1 to run on a Game Boy? They started together so it seemed fitting they should be together again on Neil's last day as a regular host! John from Amigos Retro Gaming joins us for a chat. W…

1
Wanna B Ur Lovr 45:23

2M ago45:23

45:23

Today we discuss Prince and Beck and the weird cross section you find both of them in the Weird Al original "Wanna B UR Lovr" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
Ep. 255: A discussion on Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.)" 1:07:52

2M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

This week, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios take a deep dive into Coolio’s massive 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” unpacking the song’s gripping themes, powerful lyrics, and lasting cultural impact. From the Stevie Wonder sample that gave it its foundation to the haunting choir that set its tone, they break down the song’s composition and the intens…

1
Super Fast Win 98 Install - This Week In Retro 216 1:00:39

2M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Bill Gates predicted the online future way back in 1993, how much did he get right? Was the first 3D game made in 1992? And what if you could install Windows 98 is just a couple of minutes? Clint from LGR joins us to talk about these fascinating subjects and more. You can see more from Clint over at LGR https://www.youtube.com/@LGR We are sponsored…

1
Angry White Boy Polka 1:07:17

2M ago1:07:17

1:07:17

The Matts discuss the angriest whitest polka in Al's catalogue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chris DeMakes Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide