Spout Podcast

Tamara Dhia sits down with Two Feet for an honest conversation about creativity, sobriety, and finding his next musical direction. He opens up about his new EP Songs for February, why he’s releasing music faster than ever, and how fan feedback is shaping what comes next. Two Feet also reflects on creating from a sober place for the first time, the truth behind the “tortured artist” myth, and the life-changing moment that forced him to reset everything. Plus, he talks about his upcoming tour, collaborating with artists like Suki Waterhouse and Michele Morrone, and the songs new listeners should hear first to understand who he is as an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After more than 20 years away from music, the singer behind the Y2K hit “I Wanna Be Bad” returns with a deeply personal new album titled Amanda — named after her birth name and a reflection of who she is today. In this episode of the Spout Podcast, Willa opens up about her return to music, navigating fame during the early-2000s pop boom, and the journey that led her back to the studio. She shares stories from the peak of the TRL era, working alongside pop icons like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, and Mandy Moore, and how the industry often pitted her against them. Willa also discusses the deeply personal experiences that shaped this new chapter, including her diagnosis with PNES seizures, the importance of mental health for artists, and why she chose to return as an independent artist in full control of her music. Plus, she reflects on her pivot into entrepreneurship, building a successful interior design business, and why stepping away from music may have been the best decision she ever made. Now, she’s ready to return to the stage with her first-ever headline tour and a new body of work that represents her most authentic self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel Grae joins Tamara Dhia to unpack her debut album Turned Into Me, out March 6. She describes the record as “a hug to my younger self,” built in emotional pairs that contrast past and present — from codependency to independence, toxic love to healthy relationships, and the shift from shrinking herself to standing firm. Rachel shares the turning point behind the empowering opener “Run With the River,” the vulnerable rewrite that became “Come a Day,” and the anger-fueled clarity of “Me and Your Ego.” She also talks candidly about dating as a songwriter, the promise she once made not to write a bad song about someone, and the lyric that captures the album’s core: “I’m sorry for her, but I’m grateful she turned into me.” The conversation revisits the TikTok moment that pushed “Friend Like Me” into the spotlight — filmed casually while making eggs — and what that taught her about authenticity, audience connection, and letting go of perfection. Rachel discusses performing unreleased songs on tour in the UK and Europe, preparing for a move to Nashville, and why she believes the city’s songwriting culture hits differently. She also reflects on “Outsider,” the early release that built her community, and how healing has changed the way she writes — and the way she sees herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Archuleta joins to talk about his deeply personal new memoir, Devout — and the raw three-song EP that accompanies the audiobook. David opens up about growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrestling with faith and sexuality, and the emotional toll of trying to reconcile religion with his identity as a queer man. He shares what it was like to feel called to honesty while simultaneously feeling pressured to hide, and how writing this book became a turning point in reclaiming his voice. The conversation explores: Why Devout became the right vessel for his story The courage it took to overshare — about family, faith, and dating Recording the audiobook in his own voice and the unexpected impact it had The vulnerable EP that serves as a musical prequel to his current era What he’d say to “younger David” stepping into the spotlight on American Idol Finding joy today — from the gym to the beach to late-night EDM shows Devout is out now, with the exclusive EP available through the audiobook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Spout Podcast, Tamara Dhia and Nick Major break down the biggest headlines in pop culture and there’s no shortage of drama. Bad Bunny is fresh off a massive Super Bowl halftime moment, but Devin Booker isn’t exactly applauding. With Kendall Jenner back in the mix, the love triangle narrative resurfaces and the petty shade continues. Maya Hawke secretly tied the knot in New York City, turning her Valentine’s Day wedding into a full Stranger Things reunion, minus two very noticeable cast members. The internet has questions. Following the heartbreaking loss of Dawson’s Creek star James VanDerBeek, a multi-million dollar GoFundMe for his family sparks online backlash. The hosts unpack both sides of the debate and the larger issue of medical costs in America. At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, organizers reportedly ran out of condoms in just three days inside the Olympic Village. Yes, really. The episode also dives into Ryan Murphy’s dramatized take on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, Harry Styles stepping into full creative control of London’s Meltdown Festival, the return of Warped Tour, Netflix reviving Star Search with live voting, the newest season of Love Is Blind, and former President Obama’s latest comments on extraterrestrial life. Concerts, controversy, culture and a few unanswered questions about aliens — all in one episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Spout, Erik Zachary and Tamara Dhia break down the most talked-about Super Bowl halftime shows of all time and why Bad Bunny’s performance landed so differently. From the sugarcane fields of Puerto Rico recreated on the field, to the now-iconic “human trees,” to surprise moments with Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, this wasn’t just a halftime show. Erik pulls back the curtain on the production mechanics (including the real reason those “trees” were people), while Tamara dives into the symbolism, representation, and emotional impact  especially for viewers who didn’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy the show. They also unpack: Why this became the most-watched halftime show ever The subtle (and not-so-subtle) cultural callbacks you might’ve missed Lady Gaga’s salsa-infused moment and why it added to the show The wedding on the field, the child watching his future self, and the power of visual storytelling Celebrity sightings, box-seat politics, and why hate-watching still counts What modern halftime shows get wrong and why this one got it right Whether you’re here for the music, the production, the culture, or the bigger conversation about live moments that actually matter, this episode is about why Bad Bunny didn’t just headline the Super Bowl… he reminded us why we still watch it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Grammys gave us something we haven’t had in a while: a reason to actually watch live. Spout hosts, Erik Zachary and Tamara Dhia break down the biggest moments from music’s biggest night, from Bad Bunny’s emotional Album of the Year win to Olivia Dean taking home Best New Artist. They debate surprise wins, standout performances, questionable choices, and the moments that had everyone texting each other “did that really just happen?” Highlights include: Bad Bunny’s  win and why it felt bigger than music Best New Artist and why live vocals still matter Trevor Noah’s final turn as host and who should host next Bieber, Bruno, Gaga, Sabrina, and the performances that worked (and didn’t) Lola Young’s F bomb Cher’s unforgettable or regrettable moment Pharrell’s Impact Award speech Red carpet fashion, bold choices, and Chapel Roan doing Chapel Roan things This is a fan-and-industry take on a Grammy Awards show that finally remembered how to be entertaining again.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mothica breaks down the world-building behind her new music and visuals, including the release of “Evergreen Misery” and “Save Your Roses,” and the upcoming five-song EP Somewhere In Between (out February 20). What started as an inside joke has evolved into a full creative universe — complete with lore, symbolism, and a heavier sonic direction fans are already calling “Rocka.” Mothica opens up about sobriety, rehab, anxiety, and the hard decision to cancel a major tour to prioritize her mental health. She talks candidly about addiction, creative rebirth, and learning to live in the gray area between extremes. The episode also goes into: Why this era leans heavier and more rock-driven The meaning behind Somewhere In Between Re-releasing “Vices” and rewriting its future Touring again after recovery and what’s different this time Her love of practical effects, moth lore, and visual storytelling Shrek, All Star, and why it somehow all makes sense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Zummo is in one of those rare chapters artists don’t plan for, but earn. Two years after his last appearance, the Sum 41 drummer returns to Spout fresh off a world farewell tour, the release of his debut book Unbreakable Rhythm, and a new era with Electric Callboy—all while redefining what longevity, wellness, and purpose look like in modern music. In this wide-ranging conversation, Frank opens up about: Writing Unbreakable Rhythm: My Journey Through Music, Wellness & Mental Strength and why this wasn’t a typical rock memoir How School of Rock workshops unexpectedly turned into life-changing mental health conversations with kids and families Playing an NFL stadium with students, raising money for teen suicide prevention, and turning music into impact Filling in for Tommy Lee, closing out Sum 41, and why there was never a “Plan B” Joining Electric Callboy, covering “Still Waiting,” and navigating the fear of “what’s next” after a band ends Creating a soundtrack EP tied to the book—with artwork designed by his own kids Touring, fatherhood, wellness routines, and building a career meant to last decades, not burn out If you care about music, longevity, mental health, or building a life that actually sustains the work—you’ll want this one. 🎧 Unbreakable Rhythm is available now in print, audiobook (narrated by Frank), and digital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Addison and Rae of rosecoloredworld join Spout for a raw conversation about turning chaos into art—and surviving long enough to see it work. They talk about writing through wildfires and burnout, meeting in Hollywood days after Tom Petty’s death, and building a band the slow way—bedroom demos, relentless posting, and belief when no one was watching. We unpack how “Hanging On By a Thread” went viral nine months after release, what it meant to tour with The Used, and why their new era is being recorded with live drums, real amps, and zero shortcuts. Also discussed: “Rock Bottom Has a Basement” New single “Too Far Gone” The exhaustion and empowerment of being an artist in 2026 Why friend breakups can hurt worse than romantic ones Touring dreams, rock cruises, and what’s coming next This episode is about grit, gratitude, and why rock still hits hardest when it’s made by real humans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five years to the day after Villain changed everything, Lily Rose hits a career milestone most artists only dream about — a platinum record, a sold-out tour, and a fully realized debut album. In this conversation, Lily Rose sits down with Erik Zachary to talk about the long road from part-time jobs and basketball refereeing to standing on the Opry stage, sharing it with artists she grew up idolizing. They dig into what actually makes a song connect, why Nashville has quietly become a pop-rock incubator, and how Lily studies crowds, choruses, and human behavior as closely as she studies music. Lily opens up about: The five-year journey of Villain and why it still closes her shows Her debut album I Know What I Want and why cohesion mattered more than chasing singles Writing with intention, collaboration, and honesty instead of formulas Touring life, burnout, and why downtime fuels her creativity How live arrangements, crowd energy, and discipline separate good shows from unforgettable ones This episode is a masterclass in patience, perspective, and playing the long game — for artists, creators, and anyone trying to build something that lasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Spout Podcast, host Erik Zachary sits down with global breakout artist WizTheMc for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about momentum, creativity, and what success really feels like once the numbers start exploding. Fresh off performing at London’s O2 Arena and riding the global success of his Yebo EP, Wiz opens up about the surreal experience of watching “Show Me Love” surpass 500 million Spotify streams, the pressure that comes with viral growth, and why big numbers don’t always translate to peace of mind. The conversation dives deep into: The emotional aftermath of releasing a project and why post-release “anti-climax” is real Building immersive fan experiences beyond the internet with intimate Yebo Nights The meaning behind fan-favorite track “Left Will Go Right” and trusting uncertainty Wiz’s hands-on approach to visuals, editing, and storytelling Mental health, imposter syndrome, and staying grounded while playing arenas Why following excitement, not strategy, shaped his journey from Berlin to Toronto to the world Wiz also reflects on his early years grinding through open mics, editing his own videos, and redefining success on his own terms—proving that overnight success is usually a decade in the making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Spout Podcast, host Tamara Dhia sits down with cultural icon Daisy Fuentes for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about career longevity, reinvention, love after 40, and why aging is power. Daisy reflects on breaking into MTV during its absolute peak, becoming the first Latina VJ, and hosting House of Styleat a moment in pop culture that will never be replicated. She shares the real story behind her audition, how manifestation worked long before social media, and why authenticity—not polish—is what actually connects. Beyond MTV, Daisy opens up about evolving past the spotlight, building a fashion brand that has lasted for decades, and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than ego. The conversation turns deeply personal as she talks about aging gracefully on her own terms, dating in today’s world, and meeting her husband later in life. This episode is thoughtful, funny, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating change, ambition, or reinvention in their second (or third) act. In this episode, we cover: MTV’s golden era and why it can’t be recreated Becoming the first Latina MTV VJ Relationships and the impact of social media Aging gracefully and reclaiming confidence Love, marriage, and dating after 40 They story of her marriage to Richard Marx Building a long-lasting brand as a female entrepreneur Why evolving matters more than reinventing If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to stay relevant, fulfilled, and powerful as life changes—this conversation is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Spout, Nick Major sits down with the Virginia-born, LA-based artist to talk about her evolution from viral POV creator to full-throttle alt-rock force. Bailey opens up about her newest single “Critical,” her heaviest release yet, and what pulled her toward darker, louder sounds after growing up on pop rock, musical theater, and bands like Evanescence, I Prevail, and Slipknot. She shares what it was like working with producer Erik Ron, discovering the freedom of breakdowns and heavy guitars, and why this next chapter of music feels like the most honest version of her yet. The conversation traces her journey from competitive swimmer to COVID-era TikTok breakout, navigating internet criticism, and slowly earning the confidence to step out from skits and into original music—even when the audience wasn’t ready. Bailey also talks about songwriting as survival, Disney influences shaping her sense of drama, family support, LA culture shock, touring dreams, tattoos, and why she’s officially done playing it safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two weeks before releasing a twenty-song double album and two weeks before becoming a first-time father, Cooper Alan sat down with Erik Zachary — and yes, he’s feeling all the emotions at once. In this episode, Cooper talks about choosing “Starting the Show” for his Today Show debut and why it was the rare moment where one of his own songs actually made him cry. He explains how Winston-Salem turned into a sprawling two-disc project, why he kept adding tracks until the absolute last second, and how writing every day has become both his routine and his reset. Cooper also opens up about the whirlwind of impending parenthood, the surprisingly unhelpful advice people give new dads, and the grounding force of the hometown he loves so much. He shares the stories behind Winston-Salem’s quirks, the family moments that shaped this record, and the mental-health journey that inspired the Cooper Alan Foundation — now one of the most meaningful parts of his career. From shoeys in Australia to an upcoming UK run, from working with Flo Rida to navigating the strange feeling of not wanting to listen to his own music once it’s out, Cooper is honest, funny, and fully himself. And as he prepares for both a new album and a new baby, he reflects on what he hopes people feel when they hear this project front to back. Winston-Salem is out now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Spout, host Nick Major sits down with genre-bending artist Charlotte Sands for a wide-open conversation about touring, creativity, independence, and the strange, exhilarating world of being a musician in 2025. Charlotte opens up about her move from Nashville to LA, why touring feels like her “dream reality,” and how she balances stimulation, routine, and the chaos of life on the road. She and Nick swap travel-hacks (including an inflatable neck pillow demo), laugh about Halloween guilt, and dive into what it’s like to thrive creatively in an era where social media demands nonstop output. They unpack Charlotte’s sonic evolution—from rock-leaning releases to acoustic influences and experimental pop—plus the stories behind her latest singles “Afterlife,” “Hush,” and more. Charlotte shares how she approaches genre without limits, what inspires her writing, and how she unexpectedly ended up co-writing “In My Head” for Demi Lovato. The conversation also explores her childhood music roots, the blue-hair origin story, her dad’s DIY home studio, touring with Youngblud, collaborating with The Maine and Taking Back Sunday, and what it actually felt like to attend (and play) Warped Tour for the very first time. Charlotte also teases new music, new shows, and what fans can expect heading into 2026—plus an honest look at the pressure, thrill, and gratitude that drive her as an independent artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Spout, host Tamara Dhia sits down with rising alt-pop force Sophie Powers—an artist redefining what it means to build a world, an aesthetic, and a career completely on her own terms. Sophie opens up about the wave of singles kicking off her 2025, why her long-awaited album won’t land until 2026, and how she’s building an entire sonic and visual universe to match it. She breaks down the five-year journey behind her deeply personal new single “Spiderwebs,” the emotional weight she carried while writing it, and what it feels like to finally release a track rooted in survival, therapy, and truth. From her viral Crash Adams freestyle (60M+ views), to directing her own visuals, to shooting music videos on an iPhone, to performing K-Pop collabs on festival stages in Korea, Sophie details the process, discipline, and surprising side quests that shape her artistry. She opens up about going independent after being dropped, the reality of financing and controlling her work, and why she’s never been more creatively free. They also get into fan culture, deadpan delivery, touring with YUNGBLUD, EDM roots, the story behind Grimes’ Coachella-played remix, and yes—how she ended up spending eight hours in a mud tank promoting her single “Muddy.” Plus: K-Pop fandoms, hot chocolate reviews, performing at Warp Tour Orlando, and a teaser about a major upcoming collaboration dropping this December. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashnikko joins Nick Major for a wildly fun and unexpectedly heartfelt deep dive into Smooches, her bold new era filled with bunny-coded visuals, body-horror buck teeth, alter-egos, and the most personal music of her career. In this episode, Ashnikko opens up about:    •   The making of Smooches, her most autobiographical album yet    •   How Sunday Smooch became the mischievous lead character of the Smooch World universe    •   Learning to create from joy instead of pressure (and why TikTok virality can be a trap)    •   The surprising stories behind “It Girl,” “Lip Smacker,” “Skin Cleared,” and her favorite lyrics    •   Her evolution from teenage poet to global touring artist    •   How heartbreak, intuition, and healing shaped the new music    •   The ambitious vision for her upcoming Smooch World Tour—think musical theater meets cabaret meets fever-dream circus    •   Her love of side quests: fossil hunting, sword-making, crafts with her mom, pottery, and building household items from scratch    •   Life on the road with her dog Wednesday (aka Winnie Penny Chickadee Chicken Chach Chicken Girl) It’s Ashnikko like you’ve never heard her—witty, introspective, creatively unhinged, and fully in command of her artistic universe. If you’re a fan of bold pop, world-building artists, or creative reinvention, this episode is a must-listen. Check out Smooches everywhere now and catch Ashnikko on tour across the globe. ⁠https://www.skims.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Days before his debut album There I Go dropped, rising country artist Vincent Mason sits down with Tamara Dhia to talk about the three-year journey behind the record and how heartbreak, hustle, and a John Mayer co-sign helped shape it. Mason opens up about writing his fastest-growing single “Damn I Do,” what he learned touring with Luke Bryan, and why playing the Grand Ole Opry still makes him nervous. He also shares stories from the road, the song that changed everything (“How Is a Dance Floor”), and how Peyton Manning ended up in one of his tour announcement videos. Highlights: The story behind There I Go and its emotional timeline John Mayer calling his songwriting “101” Lessons from Luke Bryan, Parker McCollum & Riley Green From opener to headliner: selling out How Is a Dance Floor Tour The Grand Ole Opry moment that left him speechless Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://www.skims.com/spout⁠ #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Singer-songwriter Lily Lane joins Nick Major on Spout to talk about her bold new era and upcoming EP, Domesticated— a cheeky, soulful reflection on marriage, womanhood, and redefining what “happily ever after” really means. Lily opens up about the inspiration behind her latest singles “Don’t Stop,” “Crybaby,” and “Reciprocation,” and why her favorite unreleased track, “Amnesia,” might be her most personal yet. She shares how her love of Motown shaped her sound, how growing up in Boston led her to NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, and why she’ll always be “extra gluten, please.” From collecting stop-sign purses to writing Christmas songs to being proposed to mid–wiffle ball game, Lily’s storytelling is as colorful as her music. Plus, she and Nick dive into the nostalgia of Warped Tour, Kelly Clarkson’s legacy, and what it means to make music that lasts longer than the algorithm. Stream Lily Lane’s Domesticated EP, out November 28th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices