Best Joe Zappa Podcasts (2025)

1
LUMA Recap and the 4 Big Advertising Trends 28:08

18h ago28:08

28:08

Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa break down what happened at DMS by LUMA, highlighting four trends: the Outcomes Era, AI transformation, the war for the open internet, and the explosion of creators. They dive deep into how open internet adtech companies can position themselves against the walled gardens by leaning into transparency and whether creators r…

1
Episode 266 - Carol Leifer 1:16:36

13h ago1:16:36

1:16:36

The incredibly talented Carol Leifer joins us at the table! Everything Carol touches seems to turn to gold - Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and now Hacks. Carol shares behind the scenes stories of writing for each of these hit shows. She also discusses why kids can absolutely not be at her stand up shows. Enjoy! Check out Carol's new book How to W…

1
Tour Prep, Gear Gab, and Stage Smarts with Buddy Gibbons 1:15:15

1d ago1:15:15

1:15:15

Buddy Gibbons returns to Gig Gab to share how he’s gearing up for a nostalgia-fueled tour with Stephen Glickman and the Big Time Rush fanbase. From rollerblading around Wembley to off-road RC cars for downtime, Buddy’s prepping body and mind for the grind. He and Dave dig into how playing without a click can feel naked, why RokTempo and Russian Dra…

1
SWYM Messaging Workshop with CEO Ravi Patel 38:07

8d ago38:07

38:07

Joe Zappa and Eric Franchi workshop to SWYM story in real-time, unearthing with Ravi Patel how to describe SWYM's differentiated approach to its eponymous mission: helping advertisers to stop wasting their money. They discuss the many curation / quality plays out there and how SWYM differs as well as the evolution from ad buying 1.0 to 2.0 to (now)…

1
Episode 265 - Mike Birbiglia 1:10:51

8d ago1:10:51

1:10:51

This week on Breaking Bread Mike Birbiglia joins us at the table! Two Italian comedians in one booth - what could go wrong?! Tom and Mike share old Comedy Cellar stories, discuss thoughts on the Pope, and whether or not they would feel comfortable sharing a sleeping bag. Enjoy! Check out Mike's new special The Good Life on Netflix May 27th. Thank y…

1
The Pork Tornadoes Playbook: Mike Schulte on Building a Successful Band 1:03:18

10d ago1:03:18

1:03:18

This week on Gig Gab, you’re diving deep with Mike Schulte of The Pork Tornadoes as he joins Dave Hamilton to share real-world insights on making your gigs—and your band—better. You’ll get actionable tips on using splitter snakes without frying your gear, plus a no-nonsense breakdown of how standing (or not) while singing can shape your stage prese…

1
Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) Rock Legend Series #16 - Ep 277 57:49

10d ago57:49

57:49

Part 16 of the Rock Legend Series focuses on vocalist and guitarist Chris Cornell of Soundgarden. We talk about Chris’s upbringing, musical journey, death, and his impact on the music industry. Follow us at: https://instagram.com/musically_meditated Contact: [email protected]

1
Retail Media Messaging Workshop with Kevel CEO James Avery 29:35

15d ago29:35

29:35

Kevel CEO James Avery joins Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa on the pod to discuss how Kevel has evolved over the years, the current retail media landscape, and what the space will look like in five years. Also, Eric and Joe do a deep dive on Kevel's story, and the three workshop the company's messaging in real-time.…

1
Episode 264 - Atsuko Okatsuka 1:01:52

15d ago1:01:52

1:01:52

This week Atsuko Okatsuka joins us at the table! It's never a great sign when Ira Glass informs you that you have a story worth telling, which is exactly what happened to Atsuko. She discusses life in Japan, being kidnapped by her grandma and moving to the US. She also shares how she found out she wasn't married to her "husband." Enjoy! Check out A…

1
The DIY Booking Revolution: GigSalad’s Impact on Musicians 48:03

16d ago48:03

48:03

GigSalad’s Mark Steiner joins this week’s Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children’s theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You’ll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company that helps 110,000+ performers get paid. From the Glenn Mi…

1
How to Turn Your Value Prop into a Story 26:55

22d ago26:55

26:55

Joe rants at Eric about how to turn a company's value proposition into a compelling story that brings more customers and those who influence them into a company's circle. Also, Joe and Eric cover how to optimize for a team of smart folks who make complicated things simple, the value of playing long-term games with long-term people, and the emerging…

1
Episode 263 - Aaron Weber 1:03:00

22d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

The hilarious Aaron Weber joins us at the table! Fresh off his first ever special and fresh off a flight from Nashville, Aaron sits down with Tom to discuss comedy, football, and belly buttons. Typical table talk. Enjoy! Check out Aaron Weber's special Signature Dish right here on YouTube! -----------0:00:00 Intro0:00:45 Welcome and suitcases0:02:0…

1
The Rise & Fall & Rise of The Zombies with Robin Platts on Reading Is Funktamental 57:58

23d ago57:58

57:58

Six decades after they stormed the British and American charts in 1964, The Zombies are possibly more popular than ever. Their biggest hits, ‘She’s Not There’, ‘Tell Her No’ and ‘Time of the Season’ have been played more than 14 million times on U.S. radio alone. Praised by critics, discovered by a new generation of fans, and inducted into the Rock…

1
The Mallett Brothers’ DIY Formula: 2,000 Superfans and 120 Shows a Year 58:30

23d ago58:30

58:30

You’re about to get the roadmap from Luke and Will Mallett of The Mallett Brothers on what it really takes to make music a career. From playing 120 shows a year to building a loyal tribe of 2,000 superfans, the brothers break down how live gigs aren’t just part of the job—they are the job. You’ll hear how they’ve learned to follow the seasons, bala…

1
Kaleidoscope Crux w/ Max Binet - Ep 276 1:32:44

29d ago1:32:44

1:32:44

Episode 276 features guitarist, vocalist, audio engineer Max Binet of the band Kaleidoscope Crux. Max and I talk about his Louisiana roots, his musical background, NOLA sludge, gear and new Kaleidoscope Crux EP “Through the Portal”. Through the Portal drops August 11 Julia’s War, Pleasure Tapes, and Candlepin Records. We close out the episode with …

1
Is It POSSIBLE for Jeff Green to Crush it on LinkedIn? 38:52

29d ago38:52

38:52

Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa discuss POSSIBLE joining the ranks of adtech’s tentpole events, how many brands were there, the two ways to approach events (spontaneous connections or maniacal planning), brand-startup connections, and Joe Zawadzki’s recognizable floppy hair. Plus, Joe analyzes The Trade Desk CEO Jeff Green’s LinkedIn presence and explai…

1
Episode 262 - Ike Barinholtz 1:20:48

29d ago1:20:48

1:20:48

This week Ike Barinholtz joins us at the table! He's a renaissance man! He writes, acts, AND cooks. He's so skilled, his talents rubbed off on his father who starred in Jury Duty. Tom and Ike discuss the future of Hollywood, possibly starring in a movie together, and share their favorite recipes! Enjoy! Go to WildGrain.com/PAPA for free croissants …

1
Real-World Band Hacks: IEM Mixes, Click Track Starts, and Calendar Control 57:53

1M ago57:53

57:53

If your band’s live setup feels more like organized chaos than controlled power, this episode’s for you. We’re diving into real-world band hacks that actually make a difference—from tightening up your IEM mixes with split snakes, to using a click track to start songs like a pro. You’ll also hear why phantom power isn’t the villain it’s made out to …

1
The Next $1B Commerce Media Business with PayPal Ads GM Dr. Mark Grether 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

Dr. Mark Grether joins the pod to talk about the four components of a massive commerce media business, how to maximize the opportunity for advertisers, why he joined PayPal to build their commerce media network after building Uber's ad business to $1B in revenue, and how AI is changing commerce media for advertisers, media owners, and consumers.…

1
Episode 261 - Ed Helms 1:06:58

1M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

This week comedian, banjo player, and history buff Ed Helms joins us at the table! Ed and Tom discuss some of history's biggest snafu's and the fact that somehow, we always make it through. Ed also shares about some of the biggest moments in his career: The Daily Show, The Hangover, and let's face it, probably his appearance on this podcast. If you…

1
From Prince to Gaga to JJ Lin: Scottie Baldwin's Audio Adventures 1:23:23

1M ago1:23:23

1:23:23

What’s it like going from drum tech to mixing stadium shows for legends? In this week’s Gig Gab, you join Scottie Baldwin and Dave Hamilton as they dive into the artistry behind live sound. From getting the call from Prince’s drummer to Sheila E nudging him toward sound, Scottie shares tricks like frequency gating and translating wild artist reques…

1
From Brand Safety to Suitability with Michael Bishop and Rich Raddon 30:19

1M ago30:19

30:19

OpenAds CTO (and former Moat engineer) Michael Bishop and Zefr CEO Rich Raddon join Eric and Joe to discuss the evidence-based case (or lack thereof) for brand safety, why we should shift our mindset from safety to suitability and contextual targeting, the link between suitability and performance, and how AI is changing the space. Plus, Michael dro…

1
Episode 260 - Keegan-Michael Key 1:19:48

1M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

This week Keegan-Michael Key joins us at the table! Keegan and Tom take a deep dive into the history of comedy, sketch vs improv, and evergreen jokes. Don't worry they talk about other things too like: bats, aura rings, and living in trees. Enjoy! Check out Keegan's audio book, “The History of Sketch Comedy,” out now! -------------------------- 0:0…

1
Is Your Band Bookable? ECE’s Checklist for Success 1:10:40

1M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

This week on Gig Gab, you’re in for a deep dive into the gigging grind with guest co-host Derek Patten from ECE, EastCoast Entertainment. You’ll learn exactly what makes a band bookable—from tight chops to killer promo, a sharp social presence, and professional polish. If you’re not posting on Instagram, you’re not even in the conversation. Whether…

1
AI, Work Productivity Gaps, and Customer Experience with Crosshatch CEO Soren Larson 48:44

2M ago48:44

48:44

Friend of the pod and Crosshatch CEO Soren Larson joins Eric and Joe to discuss how AI is transforming venture scaling and bootstrapped business building, the hot sectors of adtech, and how LLMs will change the customer experience. Plus, Soren is now a car guy, and Joe presses Eric on the dark secrets of VC secret society.…

1
Episode 259 - Tim Dillon 1:01:51

2M ago1:01:51

1:01:51

This week Tim Dillon joins us at the table! Good news, he has an opinion on everything: NY vs LA, the stock market crash, Joe Rogen's influence on the election, and much more. Enjoy! Check out Tim's new Netflix special on 4/15, "I'm Your Mother". ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00:00 Intro 0:0…

1
Monique Powell of Save Ferris: Ska, Struggles, and Sweet Comebacks 57:45

2M ago57:45

57:45

Monique Powell of Save Ferris joins you for a no-holds-barred dive into the grind, grit, and glory behind making a band thrive. From opera training to ska dreams, Monique shares how preparation and passion powered her transformation from “Mo Sing Song” to full-on band manager (and back again…and forth again). You’ll hear how she navigated shifting …

1
The OpenAI Ad Opportunity, Second-Time Founders, and Reading Your Coworkers 48:31

2M ago48:31

48:31

OpenAI says it won’t build an ad business. Joe and Eric say it will — and it’ll be massive. Plus, how AI is boosting margins, why adtech disproportionately rewards second-time founders, and what Eric’s Enneagram type reveals.By Joe Zappa

1
Legendary Producer Joe Boyd on World Music & London Music Scene in the '60s 57:29

2M ago57:29

57:29

Guests: Joe Boyd, Record Producer & Author of And the Roots of Rhythm Remain Joe Boyd is a legend in music. He was the soundman when Dylan went electric at Newport, the founder of the legendary UFO club in London, and the producer of seminal works by Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, John Martyn, Fairport Convention, R.E.M., and many more. In the 1980s, Boyd…

1
Episode 258 - Kevin Bacon 1:13:18

2M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

This week Kevin Bacon joins us at the (New York) table! He reflects on the massive success he's had from Animal House to Footloose to JFK. He recalls the jump from waiting tables to being on a private jet with Liza Minnelli! Catch his latest work, The Bondsman now streaming on Prime Video. Enjoy! Go to Wildgrain.com/PAPA or use promo code PAPA to g…

1
The Vaultmeister’s Voice: Joe Travers on Zappa, Duran Duran, and the Power of Performance 1:09:08

2M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

This week, you’ll dive headfirst into the wild ride of Joe Travers’ drumming journey—from pounding out St. Patrick’s Day gigs to landing his dream job playing Zappa’s music. Joe shares how knowing exactly what you want—and fearlessly putting yourself out there—can open doors you never imagined. You’ll hear what it’s like grooving through complex Za…

1
Lynn Strait (Snot) Rock Legend Series #15 - Ep 275 51:48

2M ago51:48

51:48

Part 15 of the rock legend series focuses on vocalist Lynn Strait of Snot. We talk about Lynn’s upbringing, musical journey, funny stories, and his impact on Nu-Metal and beyond. Follow us at: https://instagram.com/musically_meditated Contact: [email protected]

1
AI for the Open Web and Product-Market Fit Is Like ... Porn? 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

Eric dons his professorial glasses and trots out his most sumptuous-sounding microphone to hold office hours as he and Joe discuss the performance TV thesis' equivalent for the open web, how Joe can work with early-stage startup founders, and how you know you have product-market fit (hint: it's like porn).…

1
Episode 257 - Seth Rogen 1:02:44

2M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

This week on Breaking Bread Seth Rogen joins us at the table! He discusses all things about his new Apple+ series, The Studio - the inspiration, finding the humor in Hollywood studio execs, and having no one to blame but himself for creating difficult filming situations. He also shares an INSANE story about filming with a real tiger and fearing dea…

1
Booking SXSW Like a Pro with Parker Woodland 55:06

2M ago55:06

55:06

Thinking about SXSW? Erin Walter and Keri Cinquina from Parker Woodland break it all down for you—from applying to playing like a pro. You’ll learn how to reach out to anyone and everyone to book your showcases, why hitting up radio stations and non-profits matters, and how to stack your SXSW week like a mini tour. Don’t skip the conference session…

1
A Deep Dive into Adtech M&A with Azerion’s Matt Newcomb 41:57

2M ago41:57

41:57

Matt Newcomb, head of Azerion in the US, UK, and APAC, joins Eric Franchi and Joe Zappa to dive deep into mergers and acquisitions. They discuss how the CEO can maximize a company's chances of a favorable exit, integration best practices, what will drive adtech M&A over the next couple of years, and war stories. Joe promises to visit Eric in his nu…

1
Episode 256 - Chelsea Handler 1:02:32

2M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

This week the infamous Chelsea Handler joins us at the table. We get to break bread with Chelsea just minutes after she received the news that her new book hit NYT #1 best seller! She also shares about her new special, always knowing she'd be famous, and learning how to control her reactions. Can't get enough? Subscribe to Breaking Bread With Tom P…

1
How to Attend SXSW: Tips from Gig Gab and Roadcase Podcast 1:21:06

2M ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Get ready to conquer SXSW with insider tips from this special crossover episode of Gig Gab and the Roadcase Podcast. You’ll learn how to plan your badge, map your venue hits—from Antone’s to Mohawk—and navigate scooter passes like a pro. Plus, we’re sharing can’t-miss bands, food finds, and surprise performances that’ll level up your festival game.…

1
Cloakroom w/ Bobby Markos (Part 3) - Ep 274 1:30:55

3M ago1:30:55

1:30:55

Bassist Bobby Markos of "Cloakroom" joins us on Episode 274. Third time is a charm. Bobby talks about birdwatching, Documa, NASCAR, and Cloakroom’s new album “Last Leg of The Human Table”. Make sure you check out Cloakroom on their upcoming tour, and at Slide Away NY & LA. Support the Cloak’s here : https://www.lastlegofthehumantable.com/ Slide Awa…

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