Songfacts Podcast

On this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers speaks with Don Barnes, founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and longtime voice of 38 Special, as the band celebrates 50 years and the release of Milestone, their first new studio album in more than two decades. We dig into the stories behind some of the songs that helped define 38 Special, including “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You,” and how the band found its signature balance of Southern rock muscle and undeniable melody. Don also talks about making Milestone, what it means to still be creating new music five decades in, and the chemistry and songwriting instincts that have kept 38 Special moving forward. Along the way, he reflects on the band's remarkable longevity, the songs he wishes he'd written, and what he's learned from a lifetime of making music that's built to last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers sits down with Wolfgang Van Halen — the musician, songwriter, and driving force behind Mammoth — to talk about his new album The End. Already being celebrated as his most confident and cohesive work yet, The End finds Wolf refining his sound and stakes in a way that feels like a real artistic milestone. We dig into how the record came together, how his creative process has evolved across three albums, and the internal shifts that happen when you start enjoying exactly who you are musically. Along the way, Wolf also opens up about the lifelong challenge of forging his own path in rock while honoring — and redefining — a legendary family legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ring in the season with us with our 6th Annual Holiday Episode! Each year, we invite some podcast friends from the Pantheon Podcast Network to join us and share the songs that help soundtrack their holidays. You’ll hear from: I’m In Love With That Song My Weekly Mixtape Play That Rock n’ Roll Prisoners of Rock and Roll Ugly American Werewolf in London What Difference Does It Make From classic rock deep dives to alternative favorites and thoughtful music storytelling, these podcasts all approach music a little differently, which makes this episode such a fun listen. Expect great stories, unexpected picks, and maybe even a new holiday favorite for your playlist. Enjoy! And welcome to the annual Songfacts Podcast holiday tradition.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this new episode of the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers is joined by one of the true architects of funk: the legendary Bootsy Collins. His sound is unmistakable — the cosmic basslines, the deep pocket, the joyful energy that defines generations of funk. Bootsy walks us through his new project, Album of the Year: #1 Funkateer, which he describes as a statement of “what funk is.” We talk about the spark that set this album in motion, what keeps his creativity flowing after decades in the game, and how his formative years with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic continue to shape his music. We’re also treated to a special cameo from his manager and wife, Patti Collins, who adds a behind-the-scenes story about one of the album’s tracks. If you’re a fan of Bootsy, funk history, or just incredible musical storytelling, this is one you won’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Keller has lived more than one musical life. He first made his mark as a guitarist and co-writer in Tommy Tutone — yes, the band behind “867-5309/Jenny.” But that was just the beginning. After years on the road, Jim shifted gears and built a remarkable career behind the scenes, managing artists like Philip Glass and helping shape the business side of some of modern music’s most distinctive voices. Now, he’s returned to his own songwriting roots with End of the World — an album that blends grit, humor, and heart in equal measure. In this episode, Jim talks about what it’s like to reinvent yourself in the music world, how his time with Glass changed the way he thinks about creativity, and the stories behind his new record. Listen in for a conversation that spans decades — from the neon glow of early ‘80s pop to the quiet persistence of an artist still chasing great songs. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodpods⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Connect with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For the stories behind the songs, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Songfacts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Proud member of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pantheon Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices