Kutless: Grit, Grace, and Guitar Riffs
The latest episode of The Rock Pod is a deep, loud, and heartfelt dive into the story of Kutless—the band that fused post-grunge rock with faith-fueled anthems and helped shape a generation of Christian music fans.
🎙️ Host Jimmy unpacks Kutless’ rise from Portland’s college scene to national tours, worship chart-toppers like Strong Tower, and their bold move into mainstream and ministry crossover. The episode features behind-the-scenes stories, music deep cuts, and an honest look at the band's evolution over more than two decades.
But this episode also comes with weight.
In July 2025, Kutless’ longtime guitarist James Mead suffered a stroke and is now facing a long road to recovery. James has been with the band since day one—his guitar work defined their sound and spirit. He’s not just a band member—he’s family to so many in the rock and worship community.
💚 A GoFundMe has been set up to help James, his wife Lindsay, and their son Jacob cover medical expenses during this incredibly difficult time. If Kutless or James’ music has ever meant something to you, please consider giving or sharing the campaign.
👉 Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-mead-medical-recovery-fund
🎧 Stream the episode now at TheRockPod.com, and join us in celebrating Kutless’ legacy while lifting up one of its founding voices.
#Kutless #TheRockPod #rocknroll #podcast
Shadow King: The Supergroup That Vanished
In the early '90s, while the rock world braced for a grunge tidal wave, a powerhouse supergroup quietly assembled: Shadow King — fronted by Lou Gramm of Foreigner, featuring Vivian Campbell (Dio, Whitesnake), Bruce Turgon, and Kevin Valentine. With that lineup, you'd expect a hard rock juggernaut.
What we got was one killer self-titled album in 1991... and then? Silence.
No big tour. No second record. Just one legendary live show in London and a melodic hard rock gem lost in the shuffle of shifting radio formats and flannel-clad rebellion.
Despite the short run, Shadow King's lone album holds up with big riffs, arena-ready choruses, and Gramm’s unmistakable vocals at full force. It's a band that never got the push — or the time — it deserved.
But rock fans never forget. Shadow King may have vanished fast, but their sound still echoes loud in our speakers.
🎧 Dive deeper into their story in our latest episode of The Rock Pod — streaming now.
#ShadowKing #TheRockPod #Podcast #RocknRoll #RockHistory #LouGramm #VivianCampbell
What Is The Rock Pod?
The Rock Pod is a music commentary podcast hosted by Jimmy, self‑described “rock trivia junkie” and liner‑note fanatic. It delivers deeply researched episodes chronicling the wildest, funniest, and most surprising tales from rock’s history—from glam and punk to grunge and classic rock.
📅 Schedule & Format
New episodes released twice a week, typically on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Episodes vary in length, from concise 10–15 minute vignettes to epic multi-hour deep dives into major artists or movements.
The tone blends dry wit, rock trivia, and storytelling flair—balancing research with humor and enthusiasm.
🧨 Topics & Themes
Each episode focuses on one core theme, such as:
Iconic bands and legendary albums (e.g. Tom Petty, Ozzy Osbourne)
One-hit wonders and cult favorites—from obscure hits to vanishing bands.
Music scandals, feuds, and backstage chaos—rock lore at its rawest.
Highlights from recent episodes include:
Tom Petty: American Rebel (Part 1) – Jimmy traces Petty's rise and the making of his legacy.
Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness – a three‑hour odyssey through Sabbath, solo career, TV stardom, and madness.
Beck: The Art of Being a Loser and Loving It – the shape‑shifting legend unpacked via albums from Loser to Hyperspace.
💡 Why It Stands Out
Fully scripted and thoroughly researched—seriously informative, not just chatter.
Jimmy’s personality brings wry humor, passion, and immense rock knowledge to every topic.
A sway-free blend of fan enthusiasm and factual storytelling, ideal for long-time disciples or newcomers eager for mythic backstage tales.
📺 Extras & Listening Platforms
Official website at TheRockPod.com features show archives, merch, episode notes, and links to support the creator RSS.com+1Spotify+1Spotify+10TheRockPod.com+10Apple Podcasts+10.
Available on Apple Podcasts, RSS.com, and other major podcast platforms RSS.com+1RSS.com+1.
✅ Is The Rock Pod For You?
If you love:
Rock history and trivia
Deep dives into albums, feuds, and behind-the-scenes stories
Witty narration with musical insight
Bite-size episodes or marathon listening sessions
Then The Rock Pod is a perfect fit.
🎧 How to Listen
Visit TheRockPod.com for show notes, podcasts, and support info RSS.com.
Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, RSS.com, or your favorite podcast app.
Tune in on Tuesdays and Fridays for new episodes, and crank it up to eleven.
Whether you're discovering rock icons anew or revisiting classic tales, The Rock Pod is your backstage pass to the music, mayhem, and unforgettable stories behind rock ’n’ roll. Ready to press play?
Ozzy Osbourne / Prince of Darkness
From his bat-biting antics to reality TV stardom, Ozzy Osbourne’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
From his bat-biting antics to reality TV stardom, Ozzy Osbourne’s journey has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, Jimmy explores the chaotic, hilarious, and legendary life of the Prince of Darkness. We’re talking Black Sabbath, solo triumphs, The Osbournes TV years, and the wild, unapologetic legacy of one of rock’s most iconic figures. Whether it’s his legendary riffs, his chaotic personal life, or his iconic place in metal history, we’re breaking it all down—one bite at a time.
Pull up a chair and join us on this wild ride into Ozzy’s world of music, madness, and mayhem.
RIP Ozzy! / Absolute Legend!
#TheRockPod #NoRulesJustRock #ILoveRockNRoll #RockAndRollRoyalty #TurnItUp #Podcast #TheRockPod #MusicHistory #RockLegends #StayLoud #RockandRollHallofFame #RockandRoll #TheRockPod #MusicPodcast #Ozzy #OzzyOsbourne #PrinceofDarkness
Maximum R&B, Mayhem and Mod Madness: The Who
Get ready to smash guitars, swing microphones, and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of sound and fury—this week on The Rock Pod, we're unleashing a deep dive into the legendary story of The Who.
From their roots in London's mod scene to the explosion of My Generation, the operatic heights of Tommy and Quadrophenia, and the turbulent lives of rock icons Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and the incomparable Keith Moon—we’re covering every amp-blowing moment, onstage riot, and backroom brawl.
This episode explores:\n
The birth of The Who and their mod revolution
Pete Townshend’s spiritual obsessions and rock operas
Keith Moon’s legendary chaos and tragic demise
How Who’s Next rewrote the rules of rock
The band's breakups, reunions, and enduring legacy
Packed with outrageous stories, iconic tracks, and more backstage drama than a hotel room post-tour, this is the definitive Who history—told with humor, heart, and plenty of volume.
Listen now, and remember: Don’t get fooled again.
🎧 Listen at TheRockPod.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
Take It To The Limit: The Eagles
In this episode of The Rock Pod, we take you through the soaring highs and brutal behind-the-scenes brawls of one of America’s greatest rock bands: The Eagles. From their roots in the Laurel Canyon scene and early days backing Linda Ronstadt to the perfectionist fury that fueled classics like Hotel California, this episode unpacks the full story — the hits, the fights, the fallout, and the legacy.
Expect candid quotes from band members, wild tour antics (chainsaws included), high-stakes recording sessions, and the infamous Long Beach concert where tempers boiled over mid-performance. With humor, insight, and a healthy dose of harmony, Jimmy explores how this band built the soundtrack of California—and nearly destroyed each other doing it.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just learning to “Take It Easy,” this episode delivers the full ride.
🎧 Listen now at TheRockPod.com
Like A Stone: The Chris Cornell Story
From the echoing halls of Seattle’s grunge scene to the global stages of rock royalty, Chris Cornell carved out a legacy as one of the most powerful and emotive voices in music history. In this special episode, we take you on a journey through the life of the late, great frontman of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog.
We will talk about:
His early life and influences
The rise of Soundgarden and the birth of grunge
Audioslave’s revolutionary run
Deep dives into his solo work, reunions, and lasting legacy
The tragic loss—and the impact he left behind
With in-depth storytelling, candid commentary, and a few well-placed jokes (because come on, it’s The Rock Pod), this episode is for die-hard fans, curious newcomers, and anyone who’s ever screamed along to “Rusty Cage” in the car.
Plug in. Turn it up. Feel it.
Only on The Rock Pod.
Welcome To The Floyd Side Of The Moon: Pink Floyd
The Wall was the apex of Pink Floyd’s ambition and dysfunction. It was a literal wall on stage — 40 feet tall, blocking the band from the audience. Waters barely interacted with anyone. Gilmour insisted on performing Comfortably Numb from the top of the wall to avoid the chaos below.
After the breakup, it seemed reconciliation was impossible… until Live 8 in 2005. For the first time in over 20 years, the classic lineup reunited on stage. It was magical — but fleeting. Waters was quoted afterward as saying it was “emotional” but not something he’d repeat. Gilmour, likewise, seemed over it.
When Wright died in 2008, the final nail went into the reunion coffin.
Today, Pink Floyd isn’t just a band — it’s a brand, a mythology, a sound you can’t quite explain but instantly recognize. Dark Side still charts every year. The Wall gets quoted in political protests. And somewhere, a college freshman is staring at a dorm room ceiling wondering if time really is a relative concept.
“They started as trippy kids messing with echo pedals. They became gods of rock. Then they sued each other into oblivion. That’s Pink Floyd.”
Listen To The Episode
#PinkFloyd #DavidGilmour #RogerWaters #TheWall #DarkSideOfTheMoon #RockLegends #TheRockPod
Check Out Our Spotify Playlist
You really should check out our Spotify Playlist!
It features some of our favorite music of artists we have highlighted on The Rock Pod!
Addicted To Cool: Robert Palmer
In 1974, Robert Palmer drops his solo debut, Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley. And oh boy, it is funky.
Produced by Lowell George of Little Feat, recorded in New Orleans, and backed by The Meters—this album was Palmer’s love letter to Southern funk and groove. The title track, originally by Allen Toussaint, is smoother than a jazz cigarette.
Now here’s the thing—this album didn’t chart like crazy, but it got Palmer noticed. Critics loved him. Musicians loved him. He was the cool guy’s cool guy.
And his next few albums? Wildly diverse. Pressure Drop brought reggae. Some People Can Do What They Like? Funk-rock and soul with a splash of island vibes.
Palmer didn’t care about sticking to one sound—he was too curious, too stylish, too unwilling to settle. He was like Bowie’s funky cousin who read GQ religiously.
In 1985 he drops Riptide. Boom. Robert Palmer becomes a household name. The man. The myth. The music video legend.
Drive All Night: The Cars
"So, let’s rewind to the mid-’70s. We’re in Boston—where the rock is loud, the bars are dark, and everyone’s trying to either be Aerosmith or beat Aerosmith. Two guys—Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr—are about to do neither."
"They’ve been in bands together for years. Like actual years. Obscure ones with names like Milkwood and Richard and the Rabbits. And yeah, those names sound like 70s cereal mascots who only appear on PBS."
"But eventually—somehow—they find the right mix of people."
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Ric Ocasek – Looks like he was designed by Tim Burton. Deadpan. Genius. Also, poet.
Benjamin Orr – The pretty one. Smooth voice. Bass player. Voice of 'Drive', 'Bye Bye Love', 'Let’s Go'—so, you know, kind of a big deal.
Greg Hawkes – Keyboard wizard. A guy who probably knew the difference between a Juno-60 and a Prophet-5 in his sleep.
Elliot Easton – Lefty guitarist. Could shred, but never had to. Thinks before he plays.
David Robinson – Drummer, style king. Formerly of The Modern Lovers. Has taste. Has sunglasses. Probably owns a gallery.
"With this lineup? They weren’t trying to be arena rock. They were trying to be smart. Radio-friendly. Slick. Tight. With lyrics that were wry but not whiny. And music that felt like it was written in a garage… and then filtered through a space station."
"They hit the local Boston scene and explode. Labels circle like buzzards at a synth-pop picnic.”
Fleetwood Mac: Rumours, Romance & Rock n Roll!
Fleetwood Mac was a band defined by change, heartbreak, resilience, and incredible songwriting. They taught us that music can come from chaos. That sometimes the most dysfunctional relationships can produce the most beautiful art.
They also taught us that if you're going to throw shade, at least do it over a killer bassline.
Whether you’re Team Stevie, Team Lindsey, Team Christine, or just vibing with Mick in the back, there’s a Mac song out there that speaks to you.
And…just in case you were living under a rock for the past few decades, do yourself a favor and go listen to Rumours!
You’ll thank me later!
Black Sabbath: Lords of Heavy
In this doom-laden dive into rock history, we explore the thunderous rise of Black Sabbath — the band that birthed heavy metal from the gray skies of Birmingham. From Tony Iommi's finger accident that reshaped rock guitar forever, to Ozzy Osbourne's chaotic charm and the dark power of Paranoid, we’re breaking down the riffs, the myths, and the madness.
Expect deep cuts, weird facts, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you're a Sabbath superfan or just Sabbath-curious, this one's for you.
Turn it up. Feel the riff. Enter the Sabbath.
Remember to Like, Follow, and Share!
Peace!
More Cowbell, White Wedding & Brass Monkey!
From More Cowbell, to White Wedding, to Brass Monkey…this weeks episodes have it all!
What a week of PowerHouse episodes for The Rock Pod!
We took a deep dive into the mystery, the mayhem, and the metal behind one of rock’s most misunderstood bands.
From Godzilla to guitar gods, cowbells to cult classics — of course, we are talking about Blue Öyster Cult.
We next took a look at the punk-fueled, peroxide-powered world of Billy “Freaking” Idol! We went beyond White Wedding and Rebel Yell to uncover the wild ride of a man who went from London punk clubs to MTV godhood.
And we finished the week off with our Bonus Episode on Brass Monkeys, Rhymes & the Revolutionary World of the best Hip Hop Group ever…the Beastie Boys!
You need to Click Here to Give ‘em a Listen!
#BillyIdol #BlueOysterCult #BeastieBoys #TheRockPod #podcast #rockandroll #hiphop
Launch Week Was A Success
Launch Week Was A Success!
Be sure to like, subscribe and give us a 5 Star Review!
We worked hard and had fun during launch week! We released 5 episodes into the webosphere and got some really positive feedback!
Episode #1 / Ram Jam & Black Betty
Episode #2 / Psycho Killer Vibes: The Talking Heads
Episode #3 / Lipstick, Leather, and Loud Guitars: The New York Dolls
Episode #4 / Grammatrain: Grunge, Grit & Growing Up
Episode #5 / Golden Earring: More Than Just Radar Love
Be sure to check them out where ever you listen to podcasts! Also be sure to like and give us a Five Star review!
Thrift Store Finds
The family and I ventured out to an Antique Mall this weekend. As we were looking through all of the furnture, knock knacks and odds and ends junk in general, we ran across a couple of booths who were selling old vinyl…
The family and I ventured out to an Antique Mall this weekend. As we were looking through all of the furnture, knock knacks and odds and ends junk in general, we ran across a couple of booths who were selling old vinyl…so of course I got completely side tracked and found these few little gems!
Loggins and Messina - Mother Lode from 1974
The Knack - Get The Knack from 1979 (be sure to watch for an episode about this one)
The Edgar Winter Group - Shock Treatment from 1974
Boz Skaggs - Silk Degrees from 1976
Needless to say, I will be spinning some of these in the studio over the next week or so!
What’s in your LP collection? Click Here to Let Me Know!
Peace!
Released Our First Short Episode
Released our first short episode…
We released our first short episode yesterday! Ram Jam & Black Betty! Be sure to check it out by clicking here!