Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes listeners to a B-side episode of Set Listing Bruce featuring returning Springsteen fans Carrie and Nancy to talk about Brandi Carlile. Jesse shares his “Road to Damascus” moment after seeing Carlile in Fort Worth, and Carrie and Nancy recount how they discovered her music, including Carrie’s entry point through The Highwomen and Nancy’s first show in Nashville during a stormy night that included Wynonna Judd’s first public appearance after her mother’s death. They discuss Carlile’s charisma, humor, gratitude, political courage, faith, and her Bruce-like relationship with fans, plus the deep bond and shared business arrangement with bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth. The conversation covers soundcheck fundraisers, favorite and “chased” songs, The Highwomen, and album recommendations, ending with Jesse’s reflections on community and artists who match great art with admirable character. 00:00 Patreon Thanks 01:29 Episode Setup 02:47 Meet Nancy and Carrie 04:35 Carrie Finds Brandi 06:36 Nancy’s First Show Magic 10:14 Fort Worth Lightning Moment 14:30 Stage Presence Like Bruce 21:47 Band Loyalty and The Twins 28:44 Courage and Activism 31:20 Faith and Inclusivity 35:49 Authenticity and Banter 36:44 Tram Trouble Story 37:24 How Many Shows Seen 38:03 Chasing Simple Man 40:01 Soundcheck Tickets Explained 41:45 Nancy’s Song Request 43:47 Highwomen Love and Loss 47:40 Livestream Moments and Lyrics 50:43 Final Thoughts and Next Time 53:35 Listener Recommendations 55:09 Closing Blessing and Tattoo Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Russell Van Brocklen, a New York State–funded dyslexia researcher, to discuss how Bruce Springsteen’s music—especially “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Born to Run”—sparked his love of music and mirrors the “spark” dyslexic learners need. Russell shares his own path from severe reading and writing struggles and damaging academic setbacks to developing a writing-first, typing-based intervention that builds skills by focusing on a student’s specialty, moving from specific details to big picture, and using word analysis and articulation. He explains why traditional “well-rounded” schooling and accommodations often fail dyslexics, describes outcomes from his studies and case examples, and outlines guidance for parents. Russell also answers the “Mary question” about “Thunder Road,” and provides contact info at dyslexiaclasses.com. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:49 Meet Russell’s Story 02:35 Finding Bruce Early 04:16 Born in the USA Impact 09:23 Dyslexia and the Brain 12:54 Teaching Through Hooks 15:45 Born to Run Spark 18:12 Deep Dive and Lyrics 21:27 Dancing in the Dark Layers 23:25 Diagnosed and Determined 24:28 ADHD and Finding Purpose 28:13 Fixing a Broken System 29:46 Typing Over Handwriting 30:37 Interest Driven Learning 31:57 Specific To General Method 32:47 Why Schools Resist 35:03 Program Breakdown 36:40 When To Start Help 38:23 Reed Success Story 39:59 Parents Biggest Mistake 42:01 Motivation By Chores 44:25 Bruce Live Shows Talk 46:47 Thunder Road Mary Debate 48:18 Where To Find Russell 49:13 Podcast Wrap Up 49:47 Host Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gang is back to discuss week 3 of the NFL Season. We have Rich, Jean Marie, Joe Kay, Holly Mac and me discussing the ins and outs of their teams. We discuss injuries, records, heartbreaks and happiness. Let us know your thoughts on your team by sending us an email to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson welcomes Matt Donnelly for his third appearance on a B-side “Set Listing Bruce” episode that detours from Springsteen into Matt’s life in comedy and magic. Matt recounts how a dare from Penn Jillette led him to learn magic with mentor Johnny Thompson, tour with Piff the Magic Dragon, and build routines through problem-solving, tension, and performance. He discusses nerves onstage, the work of writing and “mascot” duties on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and shares the story of Moxie Jillette being motivated to fool Penn & Teller. They talk about luck and risk in show business, Springsteen’s long-standing political outspokenness, and criticism of the film Deliver Me From Nowhere. Matt plugs upcoming touring plans, Jokers of Magic, Virgin Voyages work, and his podcasts and Patreon. https://mattdonnellymagic.com/ 00:37 Matt Returns 01:25 Vegas Life Update 02:30 Magic Origin Story 03:54 Why Magic Clicked 06:47 Building A Killer Routine 10:35 Performance And Audience Trust 14:12 Nerves And High Stakes 16:46 Fool Us Behind The Scenes 19:41 Mascot Writer Role 21:13 Moxie Pep Talk Twist 24:18 Protecting Moxie’s Well being 24:53 Dream Job Reality Check 27:16 Luck Risks and Connections 29:42 Springsteen Breakthrough Myth 31:53 Bruce Gets Political Again 34:40 Nebraska Biopic Misfire 38:45 What’s Next for Matt 40:13 Cruise Ship Pros and Cons 41:29 Podcasts and Communities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Arlen Schumer, who discusses his Twilight Zone book and debates standout episodes including “Eye of the Beholder,” “To Serve Man,” and “Walking Distance,” while previewing a September webinar deconstructing “Shadow Play.” Schumer then shares his opening-day visit to the newly renamed Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, praising its first-class architecture, interior design, and dense, well-presented exhibits, including a detail about matching wood to Bruce’s guitar. The conversation ranges into Springsteen’s influences, the “Boss” nickname, Bruce’s cultural stature compared with Elvis, Dylan, The Beatles, and Hendrix, and the role of managers Mike Appel and Jon Landau in his career. Schumer also notes rising interest from Black audiences via reaction videos and plugs his website and upcoming events. https://arlenschumer.com/ 00:00 Patreon Thanks 01:29 Meet Arlen 02:03 Twilight Zone Favorites 07:47 Serling Legacy Today 11:13 Twilight Zone Meets Bruce 13:07 Springsteen Center Opens 14:21 Design Details Tour 20:48 Why Not The Boss 21:48 Bruce As The King 27:06 Biopic Scenes And Myth 30:02 Appel Hammond Landau 36:28 Appel Versus Landau 38:11 Outtakes And Alternate Albums 39:17 Bruce As Generational Icon 41:10 Dylan Beatles And Jungleland 48:05 Modesty Influences And Museum 51:47 Unreleased Songs Deep Dive 54:59 Archives Beyond Bruce 56:42 Race Audience And Reaction Videos 01:02:47 Where To Find Arlen 01:03:51 Twilight Zone Events 01:06:47 Farewell And Listener Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices