Best Chris DeMakes Podcasts (2025)

1
Throwback Thursday: Andrew Dost discusses Fun.’s “We Are Young” 1:14:49

12h ago1:14:49

1:14:49

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode takes a walk back in time to exactly two years ago today, when Andrew Dost sat in to discuss the writing, recording, release, and massive success of Fun.’s smash hit 2012 single “We Are Young.” The song went on to become one of the biggest songs of the 2010s after an astounding eight-week run at #1 on the Hot …

1
Ep. 271: Jesse Leach discusses Killswitch Engage’s “In Due Time” 1:01:05

3d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

On this episode, Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage opens up about the writing and recording of the band's powerful 2013 single "In Due Time," marking his return to the group after a decade-long absence. Jesse and Chris explore how personal growth, emotional honesty, and a deep musical chemistry—especially with guitarist and producer Adam Dutkiewicz—…

1
Throwback Thursday: John Oates discusses Daryl Hall & John Oates “Maneater” 1:03:02

8d ago1:03:02

1:03:02

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, the spotlight returns to Episode 156 (originally released on May 22nd, 2023) for a standout conversation with John Oates, one half of the most successful musical duo in pop history. With 29 charting hits and six #1 singles, Hall & Oates left an unforgettable mark on the music world, and their 1982 smash “Maneater…

1
Ep. 270: Mike Tramp discusses White Lion’s “Wait” 1:06:14

11d ago1:06:14

1:06:14

In this week's episode, Mike Tramp of White Lion reflects on the writing and recording of the band’s 1987 hit “Wait,” a song that helped catapult them into the mainstream after years of grinding it out in clubs. He shares the story behind the track’s evolution, from early edits to its polished final version, and offers insight into his unique, ego-…

1
Throwback Thursday: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels discusses Run-DMC’s “It’s Tricky” 1:10:02

15d ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels joins Chris DeMakes in this Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to unpack the story behind Run‑DMC’s classic 1987 single, “It’s Tricky.” DMC dives deep into the song’s creation—recounting the writing sessions with Joseph “Run” Simmons and producer Rick Rubin, the fusion of hip‑hop and rock elements (includin…

1
Bruce Fitzhugh and Rocky Gray: Living Sacrifice | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 59:17

16d ago59:17

59:17

Mason chats with Bruce Fitzhugh and Rocky Gray about their influential album, The Hammering Process. They chat about how the album came together, the legacy of it, playing it at Furnace Fest, and much more. Check out Living Sacrifice here: https://www.instagram.com/livingsacrificemetal Get tickets for Furnace Fest here: https://www.furnacefest.us F…

1
Ep. 269: Bella Peadon discusses her song “Ms Montana” 1:09:02

18d ago1:09:02

1:09:02

On this episode, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Bella Peadon opens up about the inspiration and creative process behind her 2025 single “Ms Montana.” Written during a pivotal transition in her life, the song captures Bella’s leap of faith as she left behind expectations and followed her instincts to Montana—a move that deeply shaped both her sound…

1
Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Tony Sly and No Use For A Name’s “International You Day” 53:17

22d ago53:17

53:17

It’s July 31st, and fans around the world are observing Tony Sly Day in remembrance of the late Tony Sly, beloved frontman of No Use for a Name, who passed away in 2012. This year marks the first official Tony Sly Day, and to honor the occasion, this Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 144, originally released on August 1st, 2022, which tak…

1
Ep. 268: Jason McMaster discusses Dangerous Toys “Scared” 1:15:59

25d ago1:15:59

1:15:59

On this episode, Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys takes us behind the scenes of the band’s 1989 hit “Scared,” a track born from fear, adrenaline, and a deep love for theatrical rock. Inspired by Alice Cooper and crafted in a quirky home studio setting, “Scared” blends personal storytelling with pounding percussion and a structure that wastes no tim…

1
Throwback Thursday: Josh Caterer discusses Smoking Popes “Megan” 1:16:36

29d ago1:16:36

1:16:36

On this Throwback Thursday episode, originally released as Episode 150 on April 10th, 2023, Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes joins the show to discuss “Megan,” a fan-favorite deep cut from the band’s 1997 major label debut Destination Failure. Though tucked near the end of the album, the song found a lasting connection with listeners thanks to its ten…

1
Christian Nielsen: Meadows | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 1:03:41

1M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Cullen and Mason chat with Christian from Meadows. They chat about what the hardcore community means to the band, what the band is up to these days, their upcoming Furnace Fest set, and much more. Check out Meadows: https://www.mdwsband.com Get tickets for Furnace Fest here: https://www.furnacefest.us Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/theblacks…

1
Ep. 267: Nick Wheeler discusses The All-American Rejects “Gives You Hell” 1:34:25

1M ago1:34:25

1:34:25

In this week’s episode, Nick Wheeler of The All-American Rejects joins Chris to unpack the wild and rewarding process behind their 2008 chart-topper “Gives You Hell.” From its uncertain beginnings to becoming the band’s biggest hit, Nick shares how quirky chords, a tongue-in-cheek lyrical edge, and a shift from punk roots to pop polish shaped the t…

1
Throwback Thursday: Brett Gurewitz discusses Bad Religon’s “Stranger Than Fiction” 1:06:45

1M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

This week, Chris DeMakes A Podcast is throwing it back to Episode 104 from May 23rd, 2022, when Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion joined the show to talk about the writing, recording, and legacy of their 1994 single "Stranger Than Fiction." Taken from the album of the same name, the song showcases Brett’s sharp lyrical voice and knack for melody, and …

1
Chris DeMakes: Less Than Jake | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 46:36

1M ago46:36

46:36

Cullen and Mason chat with Chris DeMakes from Less Than Jake about the band's history, their legacy in ska, if they are making new music, and their upcoming show at Furnace Fest. Check out Less Than Jake here: https://lessthanjake.com Get tickets for Furnace Fest here: https://www.furnacefest.us Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/theblacksheeppo…

1
Ep. 266: Fred LeBlanc discusses Cowboy Mouth’s “Jenny Says” 55:21

1M ago55:21

55:21

In this episode, Chris is joined by Fred LeBlanc, the high-energy frontman and drummer of Cowboy Mouth, to break down the story behind their signature song “Jenny Says.” Originally written during Fred’s stint in Dash Rip Rock, the song went through several incarnations before becoming a crowd-commanding anthem and a staple of Cowboy Mouth’s famousl…

1
Throwback Thursday: Milo Aukerman discusses Descendents “Hope” 1:11:40

1M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

For Throwback Thursday this week, we’re revisiting Episode 102—originally released on May 9, 2022—when Milo Aukerman sat in to share the story behind the 1982 Descendents fan favorite “Hope.” Milo talks about writing the song as a young, awkward romantic, how it found its way onto Milo Goes to College, and what it was like recording one of the most…

1
Andrew Herman: Johnny Booth | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 1:11:16

1M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Cullen and Mason chat with Andrew Herman from Johnny Booth. They chat about the band's history, their love for hardcore music, their upcoming show at Furnace Fest, and much more. Check out Johnny Booth here: https://linktr.ee/JohnnyBooth Get tickets for Furnace Fest here: https://www.furnacefest.us Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/theblackshee…

1
Ep. 265: Tracy Bonham discusses her song “Mother Mother” 1:13:13

2M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

On this episode, Tracy Bonham sits in to break down her explosive 1996 single "Mother Mother." From her early days as a classical violinist to the raw vocal power that defined her biggest hit, Tracy shares how the song evolved both lyrically and emotionally. She opens up about the recording of her debut album, navigating sudden success in the '90s …

1
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “The Most Romantic After Party Ever” episode 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

After Party Week wraps up in heartfelt fashion here at Chris DeMakes A Podcast with a lovingly selected gem from the archives. Originally released on February 13th, 2023, Episode 91 of The After Party brings the romance with a celebration of love songs—those perfect tracks that make you swoon, cry, or sing your heart out. It’s the kind of episode t…

1
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Album Tracks That Should’ve Been Singles” episode 37:06

2M ago37:06

37:06

After Party Week keeps rolling here at Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and today’s spotlight is on a more recent fan-favorite episode of The After Party. Originally released on November 11th, 2024, Episode 183 features a special guest appearance by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly, as he joins Chris and producer Chris Fafalios to dig into a fun and often-deba…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chris DeMakes Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

1
The BlackSheep Podcast: Presented by HM Magazine

The BlackSheep Podcast: Presented by HM Magazine

1
Throwback Thursday: Andrew Dost discusses Fun.’s “We Are Young” 1:14:49

1
Ep. 271: Jesse Leach discusses Killswitch Engage’s “In Due Time” 1:01:05

1
Throwback Thursday: John Oates discusses Daryl Hall & John Oates “Maneater” 1:03:02

1
Ep. 270: Mike Tramp discusses White Lion’s “Wait” 1:06:14

1
Throwback Thursday: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels discusses Run-DMC’s “It’s Tricky” 1:10:02

1
Bruce Fitzhugh and Rocky Gray: Living Sacrifice | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 59:17

1
Ep. 269: Bella Peadon discusses her song “Ms Montana” 1:09:02

1
Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Tony Sly and No Use For A Name’s “International You Day” 53:17

1
Ep. 268: Jason McMaster discusses Dangerous Toys “Scared” 1:15:59

1
Throwback Thursday: Josh Caterer discusses Smoking Popes “Megan” 1:16:36

1
Christian Nielsen: Meadows | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 1:03:41

1
Ep. 267: Nick Wheeler discusses The All-American Rejects “Gives You Hell” 1:34:25

1
Throwback Thursday: Brett Gurewitz discusses Bad Religon’s “Stranger Than Fiction” 1:06:45

1
Chris DeMakes: Less Than Jake | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 46:36

1
Ep. 266: Fred LeBlanc discusses Cowboy Mouth’s “Jenny Says” 55:21

1
Throwback Thursday: Milo Aukerman discusses Descendents “Hope” 1:11:40

1
Andrew Herman: Johnny Booth | Furnace Fest 2025 Series 1:11:16

1
Ep. 265: Tracy Bonham discusses her song “Mother Mother” 1:13:13

1
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “The Most Romantic After Party Ever” episode 37:04

1
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Album Tracks That Should’ve Been Singles” episode 37:06

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