The Spark Parade - SoundSage

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What happens when an eight-year-old kid sees the opening shot of Mike Nichols’ 1988 classic Working Girl for the very first time? If that kid is Emmy-winning comedian, actor, and podcast host Bryan Safi (9-1-1, Ask Ronna, Attitudes!), it sparks a lifelong dream to move to New York City and a career built on unapologetic, sharp comedy.

In this episode of The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze sits down with Bryan Safi to chat about his Spark: the iconic 80s romantic comedy Working Girl, starring Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver and Harrison Ford.

They gush about the genius of Mike Nichols, the cultural impact of Carly Simon’s Oscar-winning anthem "Let the River Run" and the absolute madness of late-80s hair styling.

🎧 In this episode, we cover: The Iconic Opening: Why the Statue of Liberty opening sequence remains one of the greatest movie intros in cinema history. * 80s Aesthetics & Staten Island Hair: The outrageous bangs, crimping and fashion that defined an era of film. * Sigourney Weaver vs. Melanie Griffith: How Working Girl subverted corporate tropes and delivered two masterclasses in comedic performance. * The Power of Creative Authenticity: Bryan on overcoming early industry homophobia in comedy and learning to lean into his signature camp sensibility as his greatest strength. * Behind-the-Scenes Movie Trivia:* Why the studio almost replaced Carly Simon with The Eagles' "Witchy Woman" and how Harrison Ford took a back seat to let the women shine.

Catch Bryan live in NYC in Are You Mad At Me? at the HERE Arts Center, watch him on ABC's 9-1-1, and listen to his hit podcasts Ask Ronna and Attitudes!.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What happens when a major Hollywood studio trades gritty, nitty-gritty realism for hyper-stylized queer camp and neon aesthetics? Host Adam Unze sits down with the brilliant comedian, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 finalist and performance artist Bosco to dive deep into her Spark: Joel Schumacher’s 1995 cult-classic superhero movie, Batman Forever.

Bosco shares how growing up with a well-loved VHS of Batman Forever permanently shaped her comedic consciousness and approach to drag showmanship.

She break down why the world wasn't quite ready for Joel Schumacher’s overtly gay-tuned iconography in the mid-90s—including the infamous rubber bat-nipples, tight leather suit-up and latex capes.

Plus, Bosco reveals how the maximalist, scenery-chewing villainy of the film directly inspired her upcoming live comedy show.

Note: This is our final episode before our scheduled hiatus! The Spark Parade is taking a short summer break to recharge the batteries, but we will see you right back here with fresh episodes in the autumn!

🎧 Inside the Episode: Childhood Lore & Delta Binging: How a lifelong obsession with Batman Forever culminated in an adult flight marathon of the entire Joel Schumacher filmography. * The Gay Lexicon of Gotham: Decoding the homoeroticism of the mid-90s bat-suit, rubber nipples and the iconic "twink and daddy" dynamic of Batman and Robin. * The Hollywood Feud: The legendary behind-the-scenes tension between Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face) and Jim Carrey (The Riddler), and the art of chewing the scenery. * Pedestrian vs. Adonis: How Val Kilmer and George Clooney shifted the cultural paradigm to demanding that Batman must be "super duper hot." * Drag Inspiration:* How painting with broad, loud and powerful strokes influenced Bosco's performance style and upcoming theater production.

⭐ Connect with the Show & Guest: See Bosco Live: Don't miss Bosco's spectacular new live comedy and drag show, The Marvelous Misgender*!

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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How did a short-lived 2005 TV satire accurately predict our modern obsession with social media and internet culture?

Host Adam Unze sits down with brilliant comedian, writer and performance artist Morgan Bassichis to dive into their Spark: Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King’s cult-classic comedy masterpiece, HBO’s The Comeback.

Morgan tells Adam how the iconic Valerie Cherish profoundly shaped their comedic consciousness. They unpack the deeply queer themes of Valerie's survival in the "economy of attention," the beautiful emotional anchor of her relationship with her hairstylist Mickey and how the culture finally caught up with the show's dark prophecy of fame.

Plus, Adam shares his second and final round of unfiltered movie reviews from the Tribeca Film Festival, tracking the top new documentaries and indie features to add to your watchlist.

🎧 Inside the Episode:

Early Adopter Status: Why The Comeback has spent twenty years acting as a cultural litmus test.

The Queer Legacy of Valerie Cherish: Subverting tropes, camp culture and navigating precarity.

Mickey & Jane: Celebrating television's most complex, morally gray supporting dynamics.

Tribeca Part 2 Review Roundup: Adam's honest takes on true-crime documentary Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders, the Jocelyn Wildenstein doc Lion Queen, magician thriller doc Stealing Magic, and Gabriel Basso's influencer drama Iconoclast.

⭐ Connect with the Show:

See Morgan Live: Get your tickets to Morgan’s brilliant New York comedy show, Can I Be Frank!

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This week, Adam welcomes the ultimate "Broadway Baby" of drag, Ginger Minj, who brings her lifelong passion for musical theater to the parade to break down her ultimate artistic spark: Jon M. Chu’s spectacular 2024 cinematic adaptation of Wicked.

Adam and Ginger dive deep into the Emerald City, exploring how a childhood introduction to The Wizard of Oz at three years old became a brilliant Technicolor metaphor for escaping a claustrophobic small town. They trace the rich, explicit queer and trans history woven into L. Frank Baum's original 1900 book series, celebrate the undeniable, magical chemistry between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and swap legendary backstage stories from the Broadway production.

Adam also gives the first part of his Tribeca Festival highlights for this year!

🎙️ In This Episode, We Discuss: The Munchkinland Metaphor: Ginger's grandmother, a 1939 baby, and the three miracles of that year (including Tina Turner!). * The Backstage Tea: Witnessing the legendary, tense, post-Tony Awards energy between Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on stage. * The Secret Trans History of Oz: Uncovering the century-old story of Princess Ozma and Tip, and how the source material was ahead of its time. * Reclaiming the Narrative: How Ginger found her inner Elphaba while handling online critics during RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. * The Subliminal Power of Glitter:* Why musical theater is the perfect Trojan horse for sparking vital conversations about inclusion and political erasure.

🌟 About Our Guest:Ginger Minj is a powerhouse performer, actress, singer, and author who first captured global attention as a finalist on season seven of RuPaul's Drag Race and All Stars 6, before winning All Stars 10. A brilliant theatrical force, she has seamlessly crossed over from the mainstage to major feature films, appearing in Netflix’s Dumplin’ and Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2. She is also the author of Southern Hospitality and an acclaimed recording artist.

🎫 Support the Guest & See Her Live! Watch: Catch Ginger starring alongside a runway of drag royalty in the wild new action-comedy disaster movie Stop! That! Train!, hitting theaters June 12th! * See Her Live This Summer: If you're in Atlanta or Provincetown, grab tickets immediately to Liked: For Gay, a raunchy, hilarious Wicked* parody show starring Ginger Minj and Jujubee. Playing at Atlanta’s Out Front Theatre through June 28th, and heading to P-Town this July!

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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How does a small-town kid from Indiana find the courage to reject traditional pop-star expectations and build a fiercely independent music career? On this episode of The Spark Parade, Adam sits down with indie-pop singer-songwriter Lauren Sanderson to explore the artistic impact of Pink’s multi-platinum 2008 album, Funhouse.

Sanderson details her vivid childhood memories of discovering Pink’s music and explains how the pop icon served as a vital guide for self-discovery, identity, and creative defiance. The conversation dives deep into Pink’s unique positioning as a queer-coded mainstream artist, her mastery of balancing vulnerable lyricism with high-octane rock swagger, and her rare ability to use comedic relief to make complex, painful personal trials universally digestible.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

The Catalyst of "Don't Let Me Get Me": Lauren shares the unforgettable emotional breakthrough of hearing Pink as a young tomboy growing up in Indiana.
Dismantling the Pop-Star Mold: An analysis of Pink's refusal to conform to the hyper-feminine, highly commercialized industry standards of the late 2000s.
The Power of Radical Authenticity: Why top-tier icons choose to protect their genuine identity rather than over-explaining their artistic choices.
Queer-Coded Mainstream Spaces: A look back at how Pink fostered inclusive, safe environments for listeners navigating their own sexuality during an era with limited mainstream representation.
Pacing and Showmanship: Lauren breaks down her deep admiration for Pink's unparalleled athletic live performances and strict professional dedication.

About Tonight's Guest: Lauren Sanderson

Lauren Sanderson is a powerhouse indie-pop force recognized for her unapologetic DIY work ethic, boundary-pushing genre blends, and uncompromising vulnerability. Dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe space for her audience, Sanderson has cultivated a global community of fans through her electrifying live performances and raw songwriting. Her latest album Lauren is out now.

About the Album: Pink's Funhouse

Released in October 2008, Funhouse is the fifth studio album by global superstar Pink. Written in the wake of a painful marital separation, the record stands as a masterclass in creative resilience, seamlessly pairing aggressive, defiant rock anthems with quiet, acoustic introspection. The album yielded massive international hits, including "So What," "Sober," and "Please Don't Leave Me".

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Tony Award-winning actor and acclaimed singer-songwriter John Gallagher Jr. (Spring Awakening, The Newsroom, 10 Cloverfield Lane) joins Adam to chat about his Spark: The Replacements' front man Paul Westerberg’s raw, soulful 1993 solo debut, 14 Songs.

John opens up about discovering the record during a blue period with his own songwriting and how Westerberg’s "not taking it too seriously" studio philosophy became his ultimate creative mantra.

What’s inside this episode:

The Actor’s Rental Car Epiphany: How a film shoot in California led John to a deep-dive into Westerberg’s post-Replacements catalog.
The Winona Ryder Vintage Tee: A wild, exclusive story about acting opposite Hollywood icon Winona Ryder and the piece of 1991 rock history she pulled out of a grocery bag for him.
The Songwriting Mantra: Why "What would Paul Westerberg do?" is the exact framework John uses in the studio to embrace mistakes and stop overthinking the music.

John Gallagher Jr.’s brilliant new EP, Almost OK, officially releases on May 29th.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The irrepressible electro-pop visionary Kiesza sits down with Adam to discuss the album that redefined her understanding of sonic "language": Pink Floyd’s 1973 masterpiece, The Dark Side of the Moon.

Kiesza shares the cinematic story of hearing the album for the first time while hitchhiking through the Canadian mountains under a full moon, an experience that cemented her belief that music should be a holistic, transformative journey rather than a collection of two-minute "streaming slop."

Inside the Episode:

The "Mad Scientist" Phase: How Pink Floyd’s pioneering use of panning and analog textures inspired the creation of Kiesza's new project, Dancing and Crying: Vol. 3.
Tactile Creativity: Why Kiesza moved into an analog studio to "live-play" the mixing board like an instrument.
Breaking the Rules: The story behind the improvised, wordless vocal tracks and the impromptu "hallway sessions" with an opera singer.
Art as Survival: Kiesza opens up about using dance as a way to process the "unspoken" emotions of her life-altering recovery and creative rebirth.

Check out Kiesza’s latest release, Dancing and Crying: Vol. 3, featuring the hit single "When I'm Dancing" and the atmospheric closer "After Party."

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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"Gene Kelly redefined what it meant to be a leading man." 🕺✨

On today’s episode of The Spark Parade, Adam Unze welcomes the Grammy-winning powerhouse and original Hamilton cast member, Sydney James Harcourt.

Sydney joins the pod to celebrate his personal Spark: the legendary Gene Kelly and the 1952 cinematic masterpiece, Singin' in the Rain. We dive deep into Kelly’s athletic, effortless masculinity, the resilient optimism of that iconic title sequence and how Sydney channels that same grace today on Broadway.

Sydney is currently starring as the legendary Rum Tum Tugger in Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre (Opening Night: April 7, 2026!).

In this episode, we discuss:

The transition from Hamilton to Hollywood.
How Gene Kelly made athleticism look like art.
Breaking down the "stoic leading man" trope.
Sydney’s approach to playing the Rum Tum Tugger in NYC’s most talked-about revival.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What is it about a fedora, a whip, and a "history avenger" that sparks a lifelong obsession? This week on The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze is joined by Broadway powerhouse and star of HBO’s The Gilded Age, Claybourne Elder.

Claybourne takes us back to a small-town theater in Utah to revisit the 1989 masterpiece, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. We dive deep into the "virile" energy of Harrison Ford, the brilliance of Sean Connery and why this film provided a vital sense of adventure for kids growing up in the 80s.

From secret script polishes by Tom Stoppard to Clay’s surreal experience acting alongside Indy legend John Rhys-Davies, this episode is a celebration of the "monoculture" blockbuster and the art that shapes who we become.

What We Discuss:

[00:05] Growing up in Springville, Utah, and the magic of the Villa Theater.
[01:05] Harrison Ford: The "Whip Daddy" and history’s sexiest Avenger.
[02:55] Defining a "type": How Indy influenced Clay’s taste in men and mentors.
[04:40] Why "straight-boy coded" adventures resonated so deeply with queer kids.
[05:15] The Father-Son dynamic: Family legacy and the heart of The Last Crusade.
[09:08] The Golden Age of Practical Effects (and the truth about the "clean" rats).
[13:14] Missing the Monoculture: The community experience of the summer movie.
[19:17] From Fan to Adventurer: How Indiana Jones inspired Clay’s world travels.
[21:20] Behind the Scenes: Working with John Rhys-Davies on set.

Connect with Claybourne Elder:

New Album: Pre-save/Listen to If The Stars Were Mine (Out April 3!)
Live in NYC: Get tickets for Clay’s April residency at 54 Below.
Instagram: @claybourneelder

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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"You don't have glass bones. You can take life's knocks." ✨

In this episode of The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze sits down with Michelle Joy, the mesmerizing frontwoman of the dream-pop sensation Cannons. As the band prepares to release their highly anticipated new album, Everything Glows, Michelle joins us to deep-dive into the 2001 French masterpiece that shaped her artistic identity: Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amélie.

Michelle opens up about discovering the film during a lonely first year of college and how the quirky, observant world of Amélie Poulain provided a "warm blanket" during a time of personal family trauma. We discuss the transition from being a "shy, daydreaming girl" to performing on global stages, and why the film’s message of vulnerability is the ultimate creative catalyst.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "Glass Bones" Epiphany: How one line of dialogue helped Michelle face her fears and step into the spotlight.
Visual Magic: The influence of Amélie’s iconic color palette and cinematography on the aesthetic of Cannons.
Magical Realism in Music: Why "small pleasures" and "mini-mysteries" are essential to the dream-pop sound.
Overcoming Trauma: The profound connection between the film’s narrative and Michelle’s own experience with parental illness.
Style & Identity: The "Amélie Phase" that led to a lifelong love for French culture and Doc Martens.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Can 90s camp actually save classical art? This week on The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze sits down with classically trained soprano and celebrated video essayist Khadija Mbowe to dive into their "Spark": Baz Luhrmann’s neon-soaked, 1996 cinematic fever dream, Romeo + Juliet.

From reenacting Juliet’s death scene on a suburban couch at age five to mixing "WAP" with "Habanera" in their own operatic productions, Khadija explains how this film gave them the ultimate creative permission to "commit to the cuckoo."

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Baz Style: Breaking down the "drug shot" pacing and the iconic 1996 costume design that still dominates mood boards today.
Mercutio’s Cultural Reset: The radical impact of Harold Perrineau’s performance and the "Alt-Black Girl" aesthetic in 90s cinema.
Classical Training vs. Creative Freedom: Khadija’s journey from rigid opera school to founding Operatica, where Rachmaninoff meets Cardi B.
#JusticeForNia: A passionate deep dive into the brilliance of director Nia DaCosta and why her work (including 28 Years Later) is the modern spiritual successor to the 90s "chaos" aesthetic.
The Rumi Philosophy: Why "words spoken from the heart will enter the heart" is the guiding principle for modern creators.

Connect with Khadija Mbowe: YouTube: Khadija Mbowe * Instagram: @khadija.mbowe * Website:* Operatica

Follow The Spark Parade: Instagram/TikTok: @sparkparade * YouTube: The Spark Parade Channel * Support the Show:* Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Keywords: Khadija Mbowe, Baz Luhrmann, Romeo and Juliet 1996, Leonardo DiCaprio, Harold Perrineau, Nia DaCosta, 28 Years Later, Opera Fusion, Alt-Black Girl Aesthetic, Video Essayist, Shakespeare Modernized, Creative Process, The Spark Parade, Adam Unze.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Is Another Cinderella Story actually the best adaptation of all time? Rising pop icon Hemlocke Springs (the mind behind the viral hit "Girlfriend") joins Adam to explain why this 2008 Selena Gomez classic is her ultimate creative "Spark." 🥀✨

From the depths of the $5 Walmart DVD bin to the high-stakes choreography of the "Mary and Joey" dance-off, Hemlocke breaks down how this movie defined an entire generation’s pop aesthetic. We dive into the genius of Jane Lynch as the ultimate pop-star stepmother, the "leather and tutus" style of the character Tati, and the tech-debate that will forever date the film: Was the Zune actually a better "glass slipper" than the original?

But it’s not all nostalgia—Adam drops a "childhood-ruining" truth bomb about the real-life age gap between the lead actors that leaves Hemlocke (and maybe you) questioning everything. 💀

In this episode, we discuss:

The $5 Origin Story: How a random Walmart purchase fueled a DIY pop career.
Nostalgia Tech: The rise and fall of the Microsoft Zune.
Fashion Sparks: Why "Tati" is the unsung style hero of the 2000s.
The Joey Parker Reveal: Navigating the "icky" side of teen movie casting.
New Classic: Why the soundtrack (featuring Drew Seeley) still hits in 2026.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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After a brief hiatus, The Spark Parade is back! To kick off our new season, we are joined by a literal legend, the Mother of Mothers and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner, Sasha Colby. Sasha joins host Adam Unze to deep-dive into the album that provided her blueprint for survival: Janet Jackson’s 1997 masterpiece, The Velvet Rope.

In this raw and deeply personal interview, Sasha Colby opens up about her journey from Waimānalo, Hawaii, to the global stage. She reveals how she used dance as therapy to navigate family trauma and why Janet’s "gay-coded" interludes gave her a sense of belonging long before she found her community. From the nostalgia of Sam Goody listening stations to the revolutionary choreography of Tina Landon, this episode explores the intersection of art, identity, and queer joy.

In this episode, we discuss: Sasha Colby’s Early Inspirations: Discovering Janet Jackson at 13 and the magic of 90s record stores. * Dance as Healing: How the "What About" performance at the VH1 Fashion Awards helped Sasha process domestic abuse and trauma. * The Velvet Rope Legacy: Why this album remains the "Queer Bible" and a foundational text for sexual freedom. * Radical Allyship: Janet’s fearless commitment to the AIDS crisis and the LGBTQ+ community in 1997. * The Art of Longevity: Why Janet Jackson deserves her "flowers" for a career built on authenticity rather than chasing fame. * Cultural Connections: Comparing the "explicitly queer" energy of The Velvet Rope to Beyoncé’s Renaissance***.

About Sasha Colby:Sasha Colby is a world-renowned drag performer, activist, and the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15. A Miss Continental 2012 titleholder, Sasha has spent decades as a leader in the trans and drag communities, known for her "Goddess" stage presence and mastery of contemporary dance.

About The Velvet Rope:Released in 1997, Janet Jackson’s sixth studio album tackled depression, social issues, and domestic violence while blending R&B, trip-hop, and electronic sounds. Featuring the hit "Together Again," it is cited by many as one of the most influential pop albums of all time.

✨ SUPPORT THE PARADE: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts! It’s the best way to help new listeners find the show.

📺 WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW: For the visual experience, including archival clips of Janet and Sasha, subscribe to The Spark Parade on YouTube.

FOLLOW US: Instagram: @sparkparade TikTok: @sparkparade

Sasha Colby: @sashacolby

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this high-voltage episode of The Spark Parade Podcast, host Adam welcomes actor Jefferson White (Yellowstone, Chicago Fire) to dive deep into the film that ignited his creative "spark": the 2003 sci-fi action epic, The Matrix Reloaded.

Jefferson shares his vivid, almost electric memory of seeing the trailer for the first time—calling it his favorite movie before the film even released! The discussion explores the incredible cultural phenomenon of The Matrix and the immense pressure and excitement surrounding the sequel.

This is an episode for anyone who felt the thrilling, transformative power of The Matrix trilogy. Get ready for a deep dive into pure, unadulterated cinematic excitement!

Don't forget to check out Jefferson's new movie Drink And Be Merry! Just in time for the holiday season.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Indie-pop songwriter and producer Carter Vail joins Adam to talk about how Wes Anderson’s film The Royal Tenenbaums became a major creative Spark in his life.

Carter shares how discovering the movie in high school—and being struck by its soundtrack, meticulous visual style and mix of whimsy and deep sadness—reshaped the way he thinks about storytelling, world-building and emotional honesty in his own music and videos.

From his “Richie Tenenbaum” headband phase to the way he uses color palettes and character details in his visual work, Carter explains why this film still feels endlessly rewatchable and creatively energizing.

You’ll also hear Adam and Carter dig into Wes Anderson’s evolution as a filmmaker, the balance between style and substance and why The Royal Tenenbaums might be Anderson’s most emotionally effective film. They discuss grief, family dynamics, taboo romance, and what it means to make art that’s specific, vulnerable and sometimes polarizing instead of “digestible slop.”

What you’ll hear in this episode:

How The Royal Tenenbaums blew Carter’s mind as a teen and pushed him toward being an artist
Why Wes Anderson’s visual style and color choices are so influential for musicians and filmmakers
The emotional impact of balancing whimsy, humor, and devastating moments
How Carter channels character-driven storytelling and big feelings into his songwriting and videos
Thoughts on risk-taking, originality, and not playing it “cool” in creative work

About Carter Vail:

Carter Vail is an American indie-pop songwriter, producer, and content creator known for blending melodic, emotionally rich songs with offbeat humor and viral musical sketches. After studying audio engineering at the University of Miami, he began releasing music in the late 2010s and has since put out projects including Red Eyes, The Interstellar Tennis Championship and 100 Cowboys, building a devoted audience across streaming platforms and social media.

About The Royal Tenenbaums:

Released in 2001, The Royal Tenenbaums is a comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson about a dysfunctional family of former child prodigies navigating failure, grief and reconciliation. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller and Luke Wilson, the film is celebrated for its symmetrical framing, carefully curated color palettes and eclectic soundtrack. It has become a defining work in Anderson’s filmography and a lasting influence on contemporary visual storytelling.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Award-winning songwriter and composer Jeremiah Fraites, co-founder of The Lumineers, joins Adam to explore the powerful impact of Bruce Springsteen’s minimalist masterpiece, Nebraska.

Jeremiah reveals how Springsteen’s stripped-down storytelling and raw, lo-fi production inspired his own creative journey—from writing chart-topping hits with The Lumineers to scoring the feature film Deliver Me From Nowhere, which tells the story behind Nebraska’s creation.

Discover how Nebraska’s themes of vulnerability, artistry, and blue-collar Americana resonate across generations of musicians and why Jerome believes this album changed the musical landscape forever. This candid conversation also delves into Jeremiah’s process composing for film (including The Long Walk), lessons learned from Springsteen’s risk-taking and the lasting influence of home-recorded innovation.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

How Nebraska transformed Jeremiah’s views on songwriting and vulnerability
The creative spark and intention behind scoring Deliver Me From Nowhere
The continued influence of Nebraska’s lo-fi recording techniques
The parallels between Springsteen’s career-defining risks and The Lumineers’ artistic choices
Reflections on authenticity, musical legacy, and American storytelling

About the Guest:

Jeremiah Fraites is a Grammy-nominated composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, known for his work with The Lumineers and acclaimed film scores including Deliver Me From Nowhere and The Long Walk.

About Nebraska:

Released in 1982, Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska is an influential, stripped-back album recorded solo on a four-track cassette recorder. Its stark, narrative-driven songs—and themes of isolation, honesty and hope—have earned it a place among the most celebrated works in rock history.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Sophie Ellis-Bextor joins Adam to talk about her Spark: Charli XCX’s bold and boundary-pushing album Brat.

They share the story of how the album’s daring production and confessional lyrics sparked Sophie’s creative inspiration just before it exploded into the mainstream. From its genre-blurring sound to its cross-generational appeal, they explore how Brat embodies the fearless honesty and queer cultural vibrancy shaping today’s pop music landscape.

If you love innovative pop, authentic songwriting or insights into the evolving music industry, this episode is your gateway to a fascinating conversation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Sophie’s first encounter with Charli XCX’s Brat and family connections
How Brat’s bold, minimalistic sound challenged pop conventions
The importance of honesty and vulnerability in modern songwriting
Brat’s impact across different generations and queer communities
Sophie’s reflections on her own career reinvention and classic hits like “Murder on the Dancefloor”

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Join comedian and actor Gianmarco Soresi for a campy, nostalgic journey into his Spark: Spiceworld, the 1997 Spice Girls album and film phenomenon. Gianmarco share memories of first hearing the album in childhood, the theatrical personas of Baby Spice and friends and the explosive pop energy that defined an era.

Gianmarco dives into the group’s dynamic, the album’s enduring charm, and why Spice Girls remain a touchstone of girl power, camp, and 90s pop culture.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Spiceworld introduced Gianmarco to the power of camp and theatrical pop
The chaotic, hilarious plot of the Spice World movie
The Spice Girls’ impact on 90s culture and girl power anthems
Behind-the-scenes insights on the band’s fame and solo projects
Why Gianmarco still listens to and celebrates Spiceworld today

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Join legendary horror drag icons The Boulet Brothers for a campy, queer journey into their Spark: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Adam and the Boulets share first encounters with the groundbreaking cult film, its impact on their lives, and why it remains a loud, proud anthem for queer joy, radical self-expression, and chosen family.

Swantula takes us back to being a closeted 14-year-old, blown away by Rocky Horror’s uninhibited queerness, campy horror, and radical self-expression that expanded their world overnight. Drac recalls renting the VHS and falling in love with the iconic queer characters that spoke to their gothic, outsider spirit.

We dive into queer representation, midnight screenings, Tim Curry’s unforgettable Frank-N-Furter, and the legendary audience participation that keeps the cult classic alive. The Boulet Brothers break down what makes Rocky Horror a radical anthem of chosen family, joy, and queer celebration — and how it continues to inspire their boundary-pushing drag art and TV series Dragula.

You’ll also hear about The Boulet Brothers’ latest creative projects and why their Rocky Horror Spark lights their queer artistry to this day.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Rocky Horror hit Swantula and Drac at formative moments
The unique mix of horror, camp, musical theater and queer culture
The cultural impact and enduring legacy of Rocky Horror midnight shows
The meaning behind “Don’t Dream It, Be It” for the Boulet Brothers
Why Rocky Horror’s queer spirit fuels Dragula and their work today

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Matt and Trevor of Cheat Codes sit down with Adam Unze to talk about their Spark: the movie Ready Player One.

They share the story of how the film’s immersive virtual reality and flood of pop culture Easter eggs blew their minds and sparked creative inspiration. From parallels between gaming, music and business to navigating the future of AI and virtual worlds, they explore how Ready Player One reflects the community, creativity and boundary-pushing spirit that drives their music career.

If you love EDM, gaming culture, futuristic visions or collaborative creativity, this episode is your gateway to an inspiring conversation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Ready Player One felt ahead of its time and parallels today’s tech reality
The importance of community and collaboration in music and virtual worlds
Gaming as a metaphor for creativity and business success
Impacts of AI and emerging technologies on art and connections
How Cheat Codes blends genres and crafts immersive live experiences
Pop culture Easter eggs, VR performances, and the future of entertainment

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low joins Adam to share the story of his Spark: Jimmy Eat World’s Futures.

Alex takes us back to his teenage years in Baltimore, discovering Futures on a chance trip to the record store and instantly connecting with the album’s emotional depth, powerful rock energy and flawless sequencing. From the freedom of those first windows-down drives to how Gil Norton’s masterful production revealed the band’s most refined work, Alex explains why Futures remains a peak creative moment in Jimmy Eat World’s career — and a defining influence on his own songwriting.

We dive into nostalgia, label pressure, creative integrity and how artists navigate expectations after a major breakthrough. Alex breaks down the peaks, valleys and sequencing magic that make Futures endlessly replayable, plus why it’s the perfect soundtrack for a sunset drive.

You’ll also hear about All Time Low’s upcoming album Everyone’s Talking! out October 17, 2025, and why fans should be excited for a fresh batch of anthems from one of pop-punk’s most beloved bands.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Alex discovered Jimmy Eat World’s Futures and why it resonated instantly
The emotional and political themes that make the album timeless
The challenges Jimmy Eat World faced creating Futures after breakout success
Why production choices kept the album powerful without listener fatigue
Alex’s advice for the best way to experience Futures in full

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Pop singer-songwriter Maggie Lindemann joins Adam to share how Lana Del Rey’s landmark album Born to Die sparked her creative journey. Maggie opens up about falling in love with Lana’s cinematic world, relatable storytelling and signature Old Hollywood-meets-Tumblr vibe—and explains how that influence shaped her own music.

In this episode:

How Born to Die inspired Maggie’s angsty, alt-pop sound
Nostalgia, performance nerves, and Tumblr-era fandom
Why Lana Del Rey’s persona and visuals shifted pop culture
Thoughts on pop stardom, authenticity, and growing as an artist
Maggie’s new album I Feel Everything out October 17, 2025

About Maggie Lindemann:

A Dallas-raised, LA-based artist best known for her viral hit “Pretty Girl,” Maggie is praised for her raw lyrics, pop-punk attitude and boundary-pushing style. With over 1.6 billion streams and projects like Suckerpunch, she’s carving a bold new lane for Gen-Z pop.

About Born To Die:

Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die (2012) fused cinematic pop, hip-hop and nostalgia, spawning hits like “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans.” The album redefined pop stardom, charted for over 500 weeks and continues to influence a generation.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter Cam joins Adam for an intimate conversation about her Spark: the Indigo Girls’ acclaimed album All That We Let In.

Cam explores her journey from discovering the Indigo Girls at choir camp, to wearing out her copy of the album, to becoming friends and collaborators with Emily Saliers herself. The episode delves into the ways this folk-rock classic continues to shape Cam’s songwriting, activism and sense of community in country music and beyond.

Episode Highlights

Cam’s first encounter with the Indigo Girls and the everlasting impact of All That We Let In
How the Indigo Girls’ harmonies and activism shaped Cam’s creative voice
Stories about meeting her heroes, collaborating with Emily Saliers, and friendship in the music industry
A conversation on family, identity, and what it means to create from a place of authenticity
Insights into Cam’s new album "All Things Light" and her musical evolution

About Cam:

Cam is a Grammy-winning, genre-bending country singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged storytelling and acclaimed hits like “Burning House,” “Diane,” and “Redwood Tree.” She is a celebrated solo artist, songwriter for stars like Beyoncé and Sam Smith, a global touring act, and a passionate advocate for diversity in music. Cam won a Grammy in 2024 for her contributions to Beyoncé’s album "Cowboy Carter," continuing her legacy as a voice for inclusion and innovation.

About Indigo Girls & All That We Let In:

The Indigo Girls’ 2004 album All That We Let In is celebrated for its stunning harmonies, personal lyricism, and blend of folk, country, and rock influences. The album showcases the duo’s enduring commitment to activism, storytelling, and musical risk-taking, featuring standout tracks like “Perfect World,” “Dairy Queen,” and the beloved title track.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Award-winning comedian, writer, and actress Chanel Ali joins host Adam to talk about her Spark—Alan Parker’s 1980 musical drama Fame. Chanel discusses how the film shaped her creative journey, from childhood dreams of performing to the realities of making it as an artist in New York City. The conversation covers ambition, life lessons, arts education, and what it takes to chase success both on stage and off.

Episode Highlights:

Chanel’s early connection to Fame and the performing arts
How Fame influenced her self-discovery and artistic drive
Lessons from arts education and navigating the entertainment world
How grit, perseverance, and community have helped Chanel thrive
Candid anecdotes about ambition and making her own opportunities

Quick Chanel Ali Facts:

Chanel Ali is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress based in New York City. She was named one of Deadline’s 15 Comedians to Watch in 2025 after the breakout success of her one-woman show Relative Stranger, which premiered at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured internationally. Chanel’s credits include MTV’s Girl Code, TruTV’s Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks, Starz’s Night Train with Wyatt Cenac, Netflix’s Dash & Lily, Comedy Central’s Taking the Stage and Speak Up, and Food Network’s Food Debate!. See Chanel live at Soho Playhouse, September 17–28.

Quick Fame Facts:

Fame (1980) is a musical drama directed by Alan Parker. The movie follows a group of students at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts and chronicles their struggles and triumphs. Fame won Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, and inspired a TV series, stage musical, and global performing arts movement.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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UK pop sensation Mimi Webb chats with Adam about her Spark: the timeless romantic comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Mimi reveals how the film’s witty banter, unexpected twists, and real emotional moments shaped her love of rom-coms—and inspired her own songwriting, including her new track “Romcom.”

Episode Highlights:

Why How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is Mimi’s go-to comfort movie—and her favorite for breakups
Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey’s iconic chemistry, improv scenes, and rom-com legacy
The magic of New York City, unforgettable fashion moments, and surprising behind-the-scenes stories
How the film’s twisty romance and comedic vulnerability fueled Mimi’s creativity and belief in real movie moments
The influence of rom-com fantasy and unexpected love stories on Mimi’s sophomore album Confessions (out September 12th)

Quick Mimi Webb Facts:

Mimi Webb is a multi-platinum British singer-songwriter, known for her powerhouse vocals and deeply personal lyrics. After global success with singles like “Good Without” and “House on Fire,” she’s back with her sophomore album Confessions, dropping September 12th. Mimi has earned BRIT Award and Ivor Novello nominations, and stands out for her honest storytelling and captivating live performances.

Quick Movie Facts:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) is a beloved rom-com directed by Donald Petrie. Magazine writer Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) and ad exec Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey) face off in a hilarious battle of wills—uncovering love in all its unpredictable glory. Set against glamorous NYC backgrounds with iconic scenes (that yellow dress!), the film remains a must-watch for romantic comedy fans worldwide.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Australian music sensation G Flip sits down with Adam to explore the surprising source of their creative spark: Pixar’s beloved animated film Cars. G Flip shares how watching Cars with their dad became a powerful family tradition, why Lightning McQueen’s journey resonated so deeply, and how Pixar’s emotional storytelling helped shape their identity—both as an artist and as a person.

Episode Highlights:

The impact of Cars on G Flip’s childhood and their special bond with their dad
How Pixar classics like Cars and Toy Story inspired G Flip’s music and emotional openness
Reflections on growing up non-binary, safe spaces for self-expression, and the value of showing emotion
Road trips, Route 66, Radiator Springs, and the real-world inspiration behind Pixar’s attention to detail
Lessons from Lightning McQueen: humility, fame, and the importance of community
Making music, touring, and the role of family support in G Flip’s journey

About G Flip:

G Flip is an award-winning, non-binary singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Melbourne. Known for their energetic performances and heartfelt anthems, they’ve built a global fanbase and continue to break ground for LGBTQ+ voices in pop and alternative music.

About Cars:

Pixar’s Cars follows racecar Lightning McQueen as he finds friendship, love, and purpose in the small town of Radiator Springs. With stunning animation and memorable characters, Cars is an emotional ride for audiences of all ages.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter grandson joins Adam to explore his musical spark: Rage Against the Machine’s legendary album The Battle of Los Angeles. Grandson shares how this politically charged, genre-blending rock album influenced his journey from hip-hop-loving Canadian teen to international hitmaker—breaking down the record’s impact on his identity, artistry, and activism.

What’s Inside Musical Origin Story: Grandson reveals how rock, rap, and guitar-driven hip-hop led him to Rage Against the Machine—and why The Battle of Los Angeles gave him permission to express vulnerability and anger authentically. * Album Analysis: The discussion unpacks the complexities and evolution behind Rage’s third album, its uncompromising sound, and the creative rifts and powerful clarity that defined its production. * Artistry and Activism: Grandson connects the explosive energy and political urgency of Rage’s music to his own career, from shaping his songwriting to inspiring civic engagement and progressive causes. * Legacy and Motivation: Learn why The Battle of Los Angeles* continues to be a call to action for listeners, pushing them to “get off the sidelines” and find agency, purpose, and community—even in the face of failure or industry pressure. *

About GrandsonGrandson is a boundary-pushing artist and activist, known for his fusion of rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. His breakthrough singles “Blood // Water” and “Dirty” turned him into a global sensation, and his bold lyricism has fueled collaborations with Tom Morello, Travis Barker, and other icons. Grandson’s records and electrifying live shows tackle urgent themes—from political upheaval to mental health—embodying the kind of social conviction that Rage Against the Machine pioneered. This tone is especially prevalent on his third album Inertia.

About The Battle of Los AngelesReleased in 1999, The Battle of Los Angeles is Rage Against the Machine’s Grammy-winning third studio album. Its incendiary lyrics, innovative genre mashups, and relentless energy cemented Rage’s legacy as both musical and political disruptors. Featuring classics like “Guerrilla Radio,” “Calm Like A Bomb,” and “Testify,” the album remains a staple of protest, self-expression, and musical rebellion.

Why Listen?* A must-hear for fans of Rage Against the Machine, political music, and genre-blending rock. * Grandson’s perspective is motivational, raw, and deeply personal—essential for music lovers, creators, and activists. * The conversation explores how inspiration, courage, and self-expression tie art to real-world action.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Acclaimed pop songwriter and artist Bonnie McKee joins Adam to dive into her spark: the cult comedy classic Wayne’s World. Bonnie shares how the film’s humor, music, and fiercely independent spirit shaped her creative outlook—and why its soundtrack and lo-fi, DIY energy still fuel her work today.

What’s Inside Wayne’s World & Childhood Inspiration: Bonnie discusses how Wayne’s World* was a key part of her childhood, influencing her music, style, and approach to authenticity as an artist. * Music, MTV, and Movie Soundtracks: Insights on how the film’s MTV-era aesthetic and legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody” scene inspired Bonnie’s own music and visuals. * Staying True to Yourself: Candid conversation about creative independence, selling out, and the connection between public access TV and today’s YouTube/TikTok world. * The Penelope Spheeris Touch: A look at the trailblazing direction of Penelope Spheeris, plus love for Cassandra’s underdog story and Tia Carrere’s musical breakthrough. * From Soundtrack to Stage: Bonnie spills on how Wayne and Garth’s wild, quirky fandom mirrors her own as a super-fan, and why those 90s pop culture moments still hit so hard.

About Bonnie McKeeBonnie McKee is a gold-certified pop artist, legendary queer songwriter, and hitmaker behind ten #1 singles—including “Roar,” “California Gurls,” and “Teenage Dream” for Katy Perry, as well as chart-toppers for Britney Spears, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Taio Cruz, Ke$ha, and more. Her latest solo LP, praised by Variety, Rolling Stone, and People, showcases her signature blend of nostalgia, hooks, and bold storytelling. Bonnie is currently on tour—grab tickets and experience her high-energy live show!

About Wayne’s WorldDirected by Penelope Spheeris and released in 1992, Wayne’s World stars Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as rock-loving cable access hosts Wayne and Garth. The film became a pop culture sensation thanks to its iconic catchphrases, hilarious MTV-inspired visuals, and a soundtrack that catapulted Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” back into the charts. A timeless ode to music fandom, authenticity, and the power of independent creators, it remains a must-see comedy for every generation.

Why Listen?* Perfect for fans of Bonnie McKee, 90s pop culture, movie soundtracks, and anyone passionate about the creative spark behind hit music. * Insightful anecdotes on songwriting, industry authenticity, and how the movies we love leave a lifelong mark. * Get a peek behind the scenes with one of pop’s songwriting legends as she breaks down the intersection of music, comedy, and personal inspiration.

Keywords: Bonnie McKee, Wayne’s World, pop songwriter, movie soundtrack, 90s comedy, MTV aesthetic, Bohemian Rhapsody, Penelope Spheeris, Katy Perry, podcast, music inspiration, music podcast, comedy film

Press play for a nostalgia-packed, musically inspired ride with one of pop’s boldest voices!

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Adam sits down with rising country star William Beckmann to talk all about his spark: Robert Rodriguez’s iconic action film Desperado. William shares how seeing Desperado—filmed right in his hometown of Acuña, Mexico—had a massive impact on his music, style, and creative vision.

What’s Inside A Hometown Connection: William recounts recognizing streets, bars, and even old teachers in Desperado, and what it’s like growing up near a famous movie set. * Movie Magic Meets Real Life: Discover how William filmed a music video at the legendary Corona Club—home to the film’s most famous shootout—and how seeing family friends on screen brought the story to life. * Creativity on a Budget: Learn about Robert Rodriguez’s scrappy, fearless approach to filmmaking, turning a seven-thousand-dollar indie film (El Mariachi) into a Hollywood cult classic, and why those clever creative choices inspire William’s approach to songwriting and stage shows. * Style and Authenticity: Hear how Desperado* influenced William’s signature look—blending mariachi flair with classic country style—and why having a unique personal brand matters in today’s music scene. * The Power of Specificity: William and Adam dig into the art of saying more with less, what it means to find your voice, and how the smallest artistic details make the biggest impact.

About William BeckmannWilliam Beckmann is taking the country world by storm with his deep, timeless baritone and a modern twist on classic country storytelling. Raised in Del Rio, Texas, William blends American country, classic rock, and traditional mariachi influences into songs full of heart, nostalgia, and border-town swagger. His debut major label album Whiskey Lies & Alibis is out now on Warner Music Nashville, and he’s hitting the road for over 100 shows a year.

About DesperadoDirected by Robert Rodriguez and released in 1995, Desperado stars Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek in a stylish, high-octane action movie that cemented Rodriguez’s signature look and established new standards for creative, low-budget filmmaking. Part of the director’s “Mexico Trilogy,” the film blends western drama, explosive action, and unforgettable style—making it a cult favorite for movie fans everywhere.

Why Listen?* Perfect for fans of William Beckmann, country music, movies, or anyone interested in the intersection of art, style, and storytelling. * Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, creative inspiration, and practical wisdom on making your mark with limited resources.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode SummaryFitz, frontman of chart-topping indie soul-pop group Fitz and The Tantrums, reveals how Jeff Buckley’s iconic album Grace set him on his journey to finding his authentic voice as an artist and inspired a whole new approach to singing, songwriting, and performance.

What’s Inside Discovery of a Classic: Fitz shares how he discovered Jeff Buckley’s Grace years after Buckley’s passing and why the record instantly captivated him with its emotional honesty and vocal brilliance. * Finding True Artistic Voice: Explore Fitz’s realization that authenticity—rather than imitation—is the key to creating impactful music. Hear about the struggles, setbacks, and breakthroughs on the way to developing the Fitz and The Tantrums sound. * Vocal Lessons from Buckley: Fitz breaks down the technical and emotional qualities that make Buckley’s singing so legendary, including the impressive falsetto, genre-bending range, and raw vulnerability. * The Legacy of Grace: Discover how Grace* continues to shape the worlds of indie, alternative, and pop music, influencing singers from Thom Yorke to Matt Bellamy and beyond. * Stage Presence and Synergy: Fitz reflects on how learning to connect with bandmates, audiences, and his own voice transformed the live show experience—and why joy and alchemy are at the heart of great music.

About Fitz and The TantrumsFitz and The Tantrums is an indie pop/soul band known for their energetic performances and catchy hits like “HandClap” and “Out of My League.” With a career spanning over 15 years and a reputation for blending throwback influences with a modern edge, the band continues to evolve with each release.

About Jeff Buckley’s GraceGrace, Jeff Buckley’s only complete studio album, was released in 1994 and is recognized as one of the most influential albums of the ’90s. Featuring Buckley’s haunting vocals and masterful songwriting, it spawned the now-iconic cover of “Hallelujah.” The album’s lasting impact is felt across indie, rock, and pop music worldwide.

Why Listen?* Perfect for fans of Fitz and The Tantrums, Jeff Buckley, and anyone passionate about creativity, songwriting, and the search for artistic identity. * Practical, heartfelt insights on navigating your artistic journey and the power of finding your own voice. * Inspiration for musicians, performers, and music lovers alike—learn how the albums that change us can spark new eras of creative freedom.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Matt Weedon from TORS joins Adam for a lively, heartfelt chat about the classic musical comedy The Blues Brothers. Find out why this wild, joyous movie was a defining moment in Matt’s creative journey and how its blend of music and chaos still shapes his songwriting—and TORS’s energetic live shows—today.

What’s Inside Origin Story: Matt recounts his first late-night viewing of The Blues Brothers with his family, sparking a lifelong love of music, comedy, and performance. * Creative Freedom: Insights into how the movie’s joyful chaos and anything-goes energy inspired Matt’s approach to writing and playing music. * Behind the Band: Discover how the film’s message about having fun, taking artistic risks, and celebrating music for its own sake became a guiding force for TORS. * The Power of Fun: Discussion on why balancing silliness and emotion is key—both in The Blues Brothers and on stage with TORS. * Legacy of the Film: Explore the ongoing impact of The Blues Brothers* as a cult classic, featuring musical icons and a legendary soundtrack that introduced blues, soul, and R&B to new generations.

About TORSTORS are a British indie folk trio from Devon, known for their harmonies, big hooks, and live shows bursting with joy and singalongs. Recently signed to Glassnote Records, their new EP Songs From The Road Vol. 1 drops July 24th, and they kick off a major world tour this August.

About The Blues BrothersDirected by John Landis and released in 1980, The Blues Brothers stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood Blues, two brothers on a musical “mission from God.” Packed with musical legends like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown, and featuring unforgettable car chases and comedy, the film is a cult classic loved for its unfiltered fun, iconic soundtrack, and celebration of blues and soul music.

Why Listen? Perfect for fans of TORS, The Blues Brothers*, and anyone who loves music, comedy, and the stories that spark creativity. * Get exclusive insight into the creative mindset of an acclaimed indie band. * Reflect on how great art—no matter how silly or serious—can inspire generations of artists.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Activist, model, and writer Munroe Bergdorf sits down with Adam to talk about her spark: the cult classic queer comedy But I’m a Cheerleader. Hear Munroe’s personal story discovering the film, why it remains a game-changer for queer representation, and how its fearless humor and camp style shaped her path as a trailblazer.

What’s Inside Origin Story: Munroe shares the story of renting But I’m a Cheerleader from Blockbuster as a teen and finding queer joy, self-acceptance, and unexpected inspiration from the now-iconic film. * Queer Visibility in Film: Learn how the movie’s razor-sharp satire of conversion therapy, pastel aesthetic, and joyful queer storytelling offered both healing and laughter during hard times. * Representation Matters: Adam and Munroe discuss why authentic, joyful queer stories—made by queer creators—matter, especially in a world where LGBTQIA+ voices are often silenced. * Reflections on Activism: Munroe talks about the legacy of growing up queer during Section 28 in the UK, the importance of supportive community, and how media like But I’m a Cheerleader paved the way for her own work as an activist, author, and media leader. * Cultural Impact: Explore the enduring influence of But I’m a Cheerleader*—from its legendary cast (including RuPaul, Natasha Lyonne, and Clea DuVall) to its impact on generations of queer audiences and creatives. *

About Munroe BergdorfMunroe Bergdorf is a globally recognized writer, model, broadcaster, and LGBTQIA+ activist. She’s British Vogue’s contributing editor, an award-winning author, and the star of LOVE & RAGE: MUNROE BERGDORF, the brand-new documentary telling her own story and the fight for trans visibility. Her second book, Talk To Me, is out now.

About But I’m a CheerleaderReleased in 1999 and directed by Jamie Babbit, But I’m a Cheerleader is a groundbreaking queer comedy that follows Megan (Natasha Lyonne) as she’s sent to a conversion therapy camp. Its pastel sets, absurdist humor, and focus on authentic queer joy have made it one of the most beloved LGBTQIA+ movies of all time.

Why Listen? Perfect for fans of Munroe Bergdorf, queer cinema, pop culture buffs, and anyone looking for heartfelt conversations about identity and inspiration. * Get real talk about coming out, forging pride through media, and how stories like But I’m a Cheerleader* continue to spark hope and creativity.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Ready for a trip down music memory lane? On this episode, Adam hangs out with Katie and Jules from The Ting Tings to talk all about the album that shaped their sound: Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms.

What’s Inside

First Dire Straits Memories: Katie and Jules share how Brothers in Arms became the soundtrack to their childhoods and teen years—think car rides, record store windows, and stealing albums from siblings.
Why Brothers in Arms Still Hits: Find out why this album is still a go-to for The Ting Tings, and how Mark Knopfler’s songwriting and guitar playing continue to inspire their music today.
Studio Magic & Innovation: The duo talks about the groundbreaking production on Brothers in Arms, from its crystal-clear sound to its record-breaking CD sales, and how it set the bar for studio albums.
The Art of Songwriting: Adam, Katie, and Jules dive into why the storytelling and musicianship on this album make it timeless—and what today’s artists can learn from it.
Favorite Tracks & Stories: Hear which songs from Brothers in Arms Katie and Jules keep coming back to, and how those tracks influenced their own new music.

About The Ting Tings

The Ting Tings are a UK indie pop duo known for their massive hits like “That’s Not My Name” and “Shut Up and Let Me Go.” Their music is packed with catchy hooks, bold energy, and a love for mixing genres. Their latest record is out now and brings a fresh twist to the classic sounds that inspired them. They're new album Home is out now.

About Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms

Released in 1985, Brothers in Arms is one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring hits like “Money for Nothing,” “Walk of Life,” and the epic title track. The album blends rock, pop, and a little bit of everything else, earning multiple Grammy Awards and a legendary spot in music history.

Why Listen?

Perfect for fans of The Ting Tings, Dire Straits, and anyone who loves hearing how classic albums inspire new music.
Get behind-the-scenes stories about songwriting, band life, and what it takes to make a record that stands the test of time.
Hear how Brothers in Arms keeps sparking creativity for artists today.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith joins Adam to talk about her biggest musical inspiration: Adele’s breakthrough album, 21. Lauren shares how hearing “Rolling in the Deep” as a kid changed everything for her, why Adele’s powerhouse vocals and honest songwriting became her comfort zone and how 21 shaped her own journey as an artist.

Lauren opens up about singing Adele songs at every competition, learning every vocal nuance and how Adele’s ability to blend genres and emotions inspired her to find her own voice. Adam and Lauren also discuss the impact of 21’s massive hits—like “Someone Like You,” “Rumour Has It” and “Turning Tables”—and what makes the album a timeless classic for songwriters and fans alike.

About Lauren Spencer Smith:

Lauren is a chart-topping singer-songwriter known for her raw vocals and relatable lyrics. She first gained major attention as an American Idol finalist and has since built a global fanbase with her viral singles and debut album. Lauren's new album The Art Of Being A Mess is out now!

About Adele’s 21:

Released in 2011, Adele’s 21 is one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century, featuring hits like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain.” The album blends soul, pop, blues, and country influences, earning multiple Grammy Awards including Album of the Year. 21 is praised for its emotional depth, unforgettable melodies, and Adele’s stunning vocal performances.

In this episode:

Lauren’s first memories of hearing Adele and buying her music
Why 21 became Lauren’s comfort album and creative blueprint
The influence of Adele’s vocals, songwriting, and genre-blending on Lauren’s own music
How personal storytelling and emotional honesty make 21 a modern classic
Favorite tracks from 21 and the stories behind them

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Comedian and impressionist Matt Friend joins Adam to talk about the movie that sparked his comedy journey: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. In this episode, Matt and Adam dive deep into the entire Austin Powers franchise, unpacking the iconic characters, endlessly quotable gags, and the unique comedic genius of Mike Myers.

Matt shares how watching Austin Powers as a four-year-old completely changed his life, inspiring him to start mimicking voices and setting him on a path to becoming one of the most exciting young comedians today. From his early days obsessing over DVDs and Blockbuster runs to his viral celebrity impressions and appearances on The Howard Stern Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Simpsons, and Family Guy, Matt reflects on how the Austin Powers films shaped his love of character-driven, physical, and absurdist comedy.

About Matt Friend:

Matt Friend is a comedian, actor, and impressionist with over two million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. He’s known for his spot-on celebrity impressions (over 250 in his repertoire!), viral comedy interviews, and performances at major events like the Netflix Is A Joke Festival and the White House Correspondents Dinner. Matt has voiced characters for The Simpsons and Family Guy.

About The Spy Who Shagged Me :

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me is the second film in the Austin Powers franchise, released in 1999 and directed by Jay Roach. The film stars Mike Myers in multiple roles—Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Fat Bastard—and features Heather Graham, Michael York, Rob Lowe, and Seth Green. The story follows Dr. Evil as he travels back to the 1960s to steal Austin’s mojo, leading to outrageous adventures, time travel hijinks, and a parade of unforgettable characters. The Spy Who Shagged Me became a box office hit, grossing over $300 million worldwide, and introduced fan favorites like Mini-Me and Fat Bastard. Its mix of slapstick, innuendo, and pop culture parody cemented its status as a comedy classic.

In this episode:

Matt’s origin story with Austin Powers and why The Spy Who Shagged Me stands out
The influence of Mike Myers’ multi-character performances on Matt’s own comedy and impressions
Favorite scenes, supporting characters, and the film’s hilarious attention to detail
How the Austin Powers movies inspired Matt’s career, from childhood mimicry to viral stardom

Keywords:

Matt Friend, Austin Powers, The Spy Who Shagged Me, Mike Myers, comedy podcast, celebrity impressions, Adam Unze, The Spark Parade, viral comedian, Blockbuster nostalgia, Netflix Is A Joke Festival, The Simpsons, Family Guy, pop culture, comedy movies, 90s movies, cult classics, Mini-Me, Fat Bastard, Dr. Evil, Heather Graham, Michael York, Seth Green, Rob Lowe, Jay Roach, parody, slapstick, character comedy

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The second and final part of Adam's recap of the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode of The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze (@sparkparade) sits down with Kyle Gordon, the New York-based comedian, actor, musician, songwriter, and improviser who’s taken the internet by storm. With over 6 million followers and a billion views across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more, Kyle’s unique characters and pitch-perfect musical parodies—like his viral hit “Planet of the Bass”—have made him a household name and landed him on Variety’s 2023 “New Power” List.

Kyle shares his comedic origin story, from watching A Mighty Wind with his family to how Christopher Guest’s films shaped his sense of humor and approach to improv. Adam and Kyle break down what makes Guest’s mockumentaries so special: the improvisational brilliance of the ensemble cast, the meticulous character work, and the decades-long commitment to the bit that brings these worlds to life. They also discuss the legacy of A Mighty Wind, its cult status, and why its hyper-specific comedy resonates so deeply with fans and performers alike.

And then Adam gives his first of two recaps of his picks from the Tribeca Film Festival!

Key topics in this episode:

Kyle Gordon’s early memories of A Mighty Wind and discovering Christopher Guest’s filmography
The influence of improvisation and ensemble trust in Guest’s movies
Deep character development and how it fuels comedic spontaneity
The legacy of A Mighty Wind and its place in comedy history
Kyle’s journey as a viral comedian, from live comedy in NYC to international recognition, and his debut album “Kyle Gordon is Great”

About Kyle Gordon:

Kyle is a multi-talented performer known for his innovative online comedy, musical parodies, and standout characters. His 2023 hit “Planet of the Bass” was named Song of the Summer by major outlets. He’s performed with the Jonas Brothers, appeared on The Simpsons, Comedy Central, Adult Swim, and Fortnite, and his debut album debuted in the Billboard Comedy Albums top 10.

About A Mighty Wind:

A Mighty Wind (2003) is Christopher Guest’s loving send-up of the folk music world, featuring an all-star ensemble cast improvising their way through a tribute concert reunion. The film’s razor-sharp satire and affection for its subject have earned it a devoted cult following.

Listen for:

Behind-the-scenes stories about improv, character work, and the joys of hyper-specific comedy
Insights into the creative process of one of today’s most exciting comedians
A celebration of Christopher Guest’s enduring influence on comedy

Keywords:

Kyle Gordon, The Spark Parade, Adam Unze, A Mighty Wind, Christopher Guest, comedy podcast, improvisation, musical comedy, viral comedian, Planet of the Bass, comedy ensemble, character work, Billboard Comedy Albums, mockumentary, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, folk music, cult comedy, podcast interview

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Singer-songwriter Julia Wolf joins Adam to talk about her love for Twilight — the blockbuster film that defined a generation.

In this episode, Julia opens up about how Twilight helped her through her teenage years, why she connected so deeply with Bella Swan, and how the intense emotions of first love, heartbreak, and identity shaped both the story and her own life.

We also explore the iconic performances by Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the film’s distinctive visual style, and the cultural impact of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance saga.

Whether you were Team Edward, Team Jacob, or just obsessed with the Twilight soundtrack, this conversation dives deep into what made the series unforgettable — and how its legacy continues to inspire artists like Julia today.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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What album shaped Tune-Yards’ Merrill Garbus as both an artist and a person? Ani DiFranco’s Not a Pretty Girl.

In this episode of The Spark Parade, Merrill joins host Adam Unze to reflect on the raw, political, and poetic power of DiFranco’s groundbreaking 1995 album.

They explore how the record helped her find her voice, challenged traditional ideas of femininity and artistry, and set the tone for Tune-Yards’ fiercely original sound.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Ani, Tune-Yards, or just looking for creative inspiration, you’ll find something to spark your imagination here.

Highlights include:

The lasting influence of Not a Pretty Girl
Ani DiFranco’s impact on feminist songwriting and DIY culture
How Merrill found artistic freedom in Ani’s boldness
The power of music to unlock identity and creative purpose

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Damian Kulash, lead singer and guitarist of OK Go, joins Adam for an unforgettable conversation about the album that changed his life: Fugazi’s landmark 1990 release Repeater.

Damian shares his teenage memories of discovering Fugazi in the heart of the Washington, D.C. punk scene and how Repeater gave him a blueprint for making music that was raw, political, human, and totally accessible. From DIY shows in churches to five-dollar ticket prices and all-ages gigs, Fugazi’s ethos left a permanent imprint on him — and helped shape his approach to music, art, and live performance.

We get deep into:

The power of seeing music made by real people, in real time
How Repeater became a gateway to punk, DIY ethics, and artistic empowerment
The surprising parallels between Prince and Fugazi
Why the D.C. hardcore scene was a “religion” for creative kids
How that same mindset lives on in OK Go’s genre-bending videos and music

Whether you're a lifelong Fugazi fan or just discovering the magic of Repeater, this one’s a wild, inspiring ride.

About Repeater:

Released in 1990, Repeater is the debut full-length album by legendary post-hardcore band Fugazi. Combining punk aggression with experimental songwriting and a fiercely independent ethic, the album set a new standard for underground rock. It remains one of the most influential records of the 1990s.

About Damian Kulash:

Damian Kulash is the frontman of Grammy-winning alt-rock band OK Go, renowned for their groundbreaking music videos and inventive pop-rock sound. OK Go’s commitment to DIY creativity and visual storytelling has earned them a global fanbase — and it all traces back to the raw power of bands like Fugazi.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Legendary singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega joins Adam to discuss her deep connection to Lou Reed’s 1973 concept album Berlin — a haunting, operatic record that became a major influence on her songwriting, especially her iconic hit “Luka.”

Suzanne shares how seeing Lou Reed live for the first time at Columbia University blew her mind, how Berlin’s brutal honesty shaped her approach to writing about difficult subjects, and why pairing dark lyrics with upbeat melodies can create something truly powerful. She also reflects on Reed’s raw, confrontational style and how it taught her to be fearless in her own artistry.

Whether you're a fan of Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega, Berlin or behind-the-scenes stories of iconic songs like Luka, this episode is a must-listen.

Suzanne's new album Flying With Angels is out on May 2nd.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Legendary drum and bass DJ and producer Goldie joins Adam for a deep dive into the cultural force that helped shape his identity: the groundbreaking graffiti documentary Style Wars.

From his first encounters with the film and Subway Art to his close relationships with graffiti pioneers like Henry Chalfant and TATS CRU, Goldie unpacks the profound connection between street art and jungle music.

He also reveals how the layering, rebellion, and cryptic complexity of graffiti mirrors his approach to music production — especially on his new Rufige Kru album Alpha Omega, dropping May 15, 2025.

As Goldie tours the U.S. throughout April and May 2025, he’s reflecting on the sounds and visuals that influenced generations of underground artists. Hear how graffiti and drum and bass intertwine, why Style Wars still matters 50 years on, and what it means to leave your mark — whether it’s on a train, a wall, or a record.

Don’t miss Goldie live on tour this spring — and get ready for Alpha Omega, out May 15th.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

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Filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel, Half Nelson) join Adam for a rich and nostalgic dive into two beloved films: Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining.

They explore how both films shaped their creative lives, the emotional and stylistic impact of each, and their unique experiences discovering them. From Flea’s surprise cameo in The Outsiders' Rumble scene to Ryan’s unforgettable VHS-era first watch of The Shining (cut off right at “Here’s Johnny!”), the conversation touches on everything from childhood wonder to directorial style, from film adaptations to haunting performances.

Along the way, they dig into:

The stylistic choices in The Outsiders and Coppola's vision
The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa and its unexpected founder
The eerie magic of The Shining's unsettling performances
The lore, fan theories, and filmmaking myths surrounding The Shining

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This week on The Spark Parade, Adam is joined by the incredible musician Corook for a deep dive into Juno, the 2007 indie classic starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera. Together, they unpack the film's raw honesty, its nuanced approach to teenage life, and the way it portrays relationships with humor and depth.

Adam and Corook also explore Elliot Page’s groundbreaking career and the complexities of looking back on past work through the lens of identity and transition. They discuss the broader cultural impact of Juno, its handling of pro-choice themes, and how its understated realism makes it a standout coming-of-age story.

Plus, they reflect on the importance of visibility for trans and queer artists, the bravery of living authentically in the public eye, and why Page’s continued presence in Hollywood matters now more than ever.

And, of course, there's a little Christopher Nolan news thrown in for good measure!

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode, Adam Unze sits down with ZORA, the genre-blurring artist and producer, to dive deep into the nostalgic world of Spy Kids 2 and its lasting cultural impact. They discuss why the film remains iconic, how early-2000s music and aesthetics shape ZORA’s sound, the evolution of nostalgia-driven reboots, and the unexpected celebrity connections of the Spy Kids cast. Plus, ZORA shares insights into her creative process and how pop culture influences her artistry. This conversation is a must-listen for music lovers, film buffs, and pop culture enthusiasts alike!

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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🎙️ In this episode, host Adam sits down with singer-songwriter David Gray to explore his deep connection to Van Morrison’s iconic album Astral Weeks. From his first listen at university to his eventual obsession, David unpacks the album’s hypnotic power, poetic brilliance, and unique soundscapes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Astral Weeks shaped David Gray’s musical journey

✅ The poetic intensity and raw experimentation behind Van Morrison’s masterpiece

✅ Why Astral Weeks remains one of the most enigmatic and influential albums of all time

✅ The connection between Van Morrison’s songwriting and the Irish literary tradition

🔊 Whether you’re a longtime Van Morrison fan or new to Astral Weeks, this conversation offers fresh insights into one of the most celebrated albums in music history.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Singer and songwriter Bishop Briggs loves the sweeping emo theatricality of My Chemical Romance's breakout album The Black Parade. She's drawn to its punchy lyrics and anthemic melodies, but also loves the risk taking aesthetics that border on camp. In a wide ranging conversation, Bishop talks to Adam about her love for MCR, Lady Gaga's fearlessness, the exciting rise of queer artists like Lil' Nas X and Chappell Roan.

Follow The Spark Parade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

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Prolific actor Chris Diamantopoulos latched onto George Michael's monster hit solo debut album Faith at a young age. It resonated with him as a fellow singer of Greek descent, but he was also blown away by Michael's songwriting prowess and the singular sound of his legendary singing voice. He's marveled at Michael's ability to create timeless songs without any formal training and has come back to his work for inspiration time and time again.

Catch Chris in the The Sticky on Amazon Prime Video when it premieres on 12/6!

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Singer and musician Lubalin has been infatuated with Steven Spielberg's classic sci-fi family movie E.T. The story's emotional depth and (for a kids movie) surprisingly complex character development stuck with him from the moment he first saw it as a child through to adulthood. The production design and overall aesthetic have had a big impact on his own work and have informed his approach to connecting with audiences.

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GRAMMY-Award winning songwriting and composing duo, Barlow & Bear (Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow) have been breaking boundaries in musical theater by independently carving their own path in the heavily male dominated space. Part of their success is their vastly different tastes and influences, as evidenced by their Spark choices. Abigail absolutely loves Katy Perry's breakout album One Of The Boys, with its massive pop hits "I Kissed A Girl" and "Hot N Cold." In contrast, Emily Bear has always adored the 1961 film version of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece West Side Story. Those opposing forces blend together perfectly in their music for Disney's highly anticipated sequel Moana 2!

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Bastille front man Dan Smith first saw Scream as a pre-teen and instead of being terrified, he was instantly hooked on the horror genre. It was also his gateway to a whole world of cinema, including films by directors like David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick. Scream had a huge influence on his approach to music making, helping him to infuse his work with references from other mediums.

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Singer and songwriter Rosie Lowe became infatuated with Erykah Badu's second album Mama's Gun at an early age. She's continued to love its eclectic musicality and powerful melodies into adulthood. But it's the lyrics that hit her the hardest. Badu talks about body image, heartbreak, motherhood and other weighty topics with humor and joy. It's a combination that has had a profound impact on Lowe both personally and professionally.

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Irish singer, songwriter and musician Orla Gartland has always been fascinated by Imogen Heap's unique approach to music making. Her use of ambient sounds and new technologies has always pushed Heap's work to the forefront of the musical landscape. Gartland is enamored of Heap's lyrics and her forward thinking production and has taken inspiration from both in her own work.

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Singer/songwriter KIMBRA loves the creativity and experimentation that runs through The Love Below, Andre 3000's half of Outcast's monster hit double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. She loves his fearlessness and its served as a model in the creation of her own work. Andre 3000 took a left turn from hip hop to genre's including r'n'b, soul and jazz. The experiment paid of an the double album has become the highest grossing rap album of all time.

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Maxïmo Park front man Paul Smith's first CD purchase was George Michael's legendary album Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1. The album imprinted itself on his brain because of Michael's skill as a lyricist and musician. But he was also infatuated with the album's weirdness. Excluding the hit single Freedom '90, it's an album full of ballads and meandering melodies. It was a radical act for one of the biggest pop stars in the world and it's influence continues to reverberate across a broad swathe of musical genres.

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Travis front man Fran Healy first heard about the Academy Award nominated film Aftersun in an interview about the importance of music in film. This reference would resonate through Healy's relationship with the film. It spoke to him and sunk into his consciousness in a way that only music had done before. He watched Aftersun over and over, getting something new from the narrative and performances with each viewing.

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Singer, songwriter and producer Noga Erez first taste of Kendrick Lamar's masterpiece To Pimp A Butterfly came when its smash hit single Alright was played for her on the set of one of her music videos. From there, she quickly became infatuated with the beats, rhymes and broad range of sonic influences evident in each of To Pimp A Butterfly's tracks. She's drawn inspiration from Lamar's work for her third studio album The Vandalist.

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The Killer's Game director JJ Perry has idolized Jackie Chan's work throughout his adult life, but it was Chan's career defining film Armor Of God that cemented Perry's devotion to his work. Chan's dedication to his craft, complete fearlessness and infectious joy provided Perry with a template for his career as a stuntman and film director, a template that he continues to apply to his work to this day.

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Singer/songwriter Ashe sits down with Adam to talk about her Spark, Carole King's record breaking, earth shattering, emotionally devastating masterpiece Tapestry. Ashe talks about the direct impact Tapestry had on her songwriting and the inspiration she drew from it while composing her highly anticipated new album Wilson.

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FOALS and Yannis & The Yaw front man Yannis Philippakis was hooked on the singular sounds of Pixies legendary debut album Surfer Rosa from the first time he heard it. Since becoming a musician himself, Surfer Rosa has influenced the way he plays guitar and his approach to writing and recording music. His personal connection to the album even extends to a stint as Kim Deal's pen pal!

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Singer, songwriter, producer and engineer Sam Evian has always loved The Beatles music, but seeing Peter Jackson's epic Beatles documentary had a profound effect on the way he makes music. The live to tape recording style used by the band (everyone in the same room playing together live) inspired Evian's preferred production set up and laid the groundwork for the recording of his latest album Plunge.

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Nick Carpenter, better known as Medium Build, has been a huge Weird Al Yankovic fan since childhood and he clearly remembers getting Yankovic's tenth album Running With Scissors as soon as it was released. Carpenter loves Yankovic's humor, the way he blends multiple musical genres and his daring use of instruments that are rarely found in pop music like the accordian.

Medium Build's latest album Country is out now.

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Musical comedian Sarah Hester Ross loves School Of Rock's... music and comedy, which has (perhaps obviously) had a huge impact on her career path. She really admires Jack Black's warm, funny performance, but also recognizes his skilled musicianship and incredible improvisations.

Catch Sarah at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August with her show Sarah Hester Ross Is What?

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Singer, songwriter and front woman of the band Rainbow Kitten Surprise, first saw the film Scott Pilgrim Vs The World as a teenager while living in her home state of North Carolina. She loved the energy of the music and the film's depiction of queerness. The way the onscreen bands played their interest has had an effect on her own playing throughout her career.

The new Rainbow Kitten Surprise album Love Hate Music Box is out now.

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Bethenny Frankel doesn't really watch much TV, but she found The Handmaid's Tale during the pandemic and was so drawn to its compelling performances and topical themes that she breezed through the entire series. Bethenny finds The Handmaid's Tale to be both a cautionary tale about the world we could be heading towards and a reflection of the world in which we live.

Bethenny appears in the Lifetime Original Movie Danger In The Dorm, which is out now.

Our Tribeca Film Festival coverage concludes with a look at mesmerizing music documentary They All Came Out to Montreux, neo-noir crime dramedy Lake George and US Narrative Competition winner Griffin In Summer, a coming of age story about a 14 year old playwright.

Listen to Bethenny's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill has loved Captain EO, the Michael Jackson starring short film that accompanied an attraction at Disney's theme parks, since she was a small child. She loves it's message of spreading joy and positivity through music and has used those principles throughout her career.

The first of a two part Tribeca Film Festival series kicks off with a look at queer buddy comedy Rent Free, heart wrenching family drama Color Book, straight buddy comedy Sacramento and moving documentary I'm Your Venus.

Listen to Judith's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Singer, songwriter and queer icon Daphne Guinness first listened to David Bowie's sensational fourteenth album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) when she bought it with her saved up pocket money as a child. Little did she know she'd later work with the man himself on her own debut album! Scary Monsters provided a template for Guinness' musical output, her work ethic in the studio and her willingness to push the boundaries of her sound.

Daphne Guinness' new album Sleep is out now.

Listen to Daphne's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Singer/songwriter Girli started watching the classic Reese Witherspoon movie Legally Blonde as a small child and loved that it embraced a traditionally girlie femininity while still embraces feminist principles like the right to self-determination and self-sufficiency. Legally Blonde mostly adheres to a romantic comedy structure and Girli loved that the romance wasn't between two people, but rather between the lead character Elle Woods and herself.

Girli's new album Matriarch is out now!

Listen to Girl's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Actor, singer and songwriter Maya Hawke's first encountered Euripedes' The Bacchae as a high school drama student. She appeared in a production of the play and it had a profound impact on the way she looked at the practice of acting. The deep connection between the ancient storytelling and the contemporary events in her life was powerful and personal. That connection has echoed throughout her career as an artist.

Be sure to check out The new Maya Hawke album Chaos Angel, whichis out 5/31 here.

Listen to Maya Hawke now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer/songwriter Sasha Alex Sloan was so taken by the limited series Fleishman Is In Trouble that it inspired a song on her new album Me Again. Sloan connected with the series' themes of facing middle age, the breakdown of relationships and the pressures put on women to be all things at once.

Be sure to check out Me Again which is out now and learn more about Sasha Alex Sloan here.

Listen to Sasha Alex Sloan now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Shannon and The Clams vocalist Shannon Shaw has been drawn to Patsy Cline's smooth, sad, devastating voice since she was a small child and the songs on Patsy Cline's 12 Greatest Hits have had a huge impact on her own songwriting. The desperation in the storytelling, the songs' soaring bridges and choices in Cline's vocal delivery have provided a writing and performing template for Shaw. The album also had an profound effect on her personal life by providing an early source of artistic connection with her mother.

The new Shannon And The Clams album The Moon Is In The Wrong Place is out now.

Listen to Shannon Shaw talk about Patsy Cline. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Dark Matter author, screenwriter, and showrunner Blake Crouch was more than familiar with Cormac McCarthy's bleak but beloved novel No Country for Old Men by the time the Coen brothers adapted it for the big screen. Even still, those dang Coens blew his expectations out of the water. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Crouch gushes about the film No Country for Old Men.

Crouch talks about the film adaptation's bold choices, like eschewing a traditional score and downplaying the use of dialogue, as well as how such decisions helped elevate the film's visceral impact. Crouch has since drawn inspiration from the Coen brothers' artistic fearlessness, especially when it comes to adapting the written word, as is the case for his new Apple TV+ series Dark Matter.

Listen to Dark Matter's Blake Crouch talk about No Country for Old Men. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Canadian singer-songwriter Jade Bird's musical journey was sparked by a lifelong love for Alanis Morissette's groundbreaking alternative rock album, Jagged Little Pill. Introduced to the album by her mother as a child, it wasn't until years later, when Bird embarked on her own creative awakening as a musician, that she developed a deeply impacted appreciation for the album's songwriting. The album's feminist themes, confessional lyrics, and full-on rock and grunge sound continue to lay the foundation for her own sound.

Listen to Jade Bird dive into Jagged Little Pill on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Check out Jade Bird's new EP Burn The Hard Drive which is out now!

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Rapper Rico Nasty and producer/DJ Boys Noize have made a habit out of turning genres on their head, stepping outside of drawn lines, and adding a somewhat aggressive bent to whatever project they happen to be currently working on. So, it comes as no surprise that both absolutely love the idiosyncratic, wildly creative, one of a kind artist Arca. Listen to Rico Nasty and Boys Noize explain why they admire Arca so much on this episode of The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Both Rico Nasty and Boys Noise immediately took to Arca's talents of melding genres, her boundless imagination, and her prolific output. "It's one of my favorite things to see in music," Rico Nasty explains. "It's just something to be studied. The grind is insane, for real."

"I'm going to go out there and say that she might be the greatest artist of our generation right now," Boys Noize adds. "When you see her perform or you listen to her music, it makes people so confident, as well, [in] being different or not being afraid to be who you are. That's so powerful."

Listen to Rico Nasty and Boys Noize talk about Arca on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Be sure to check out the Rico Nasty and Boys Noize's HVRDC0RE DR3AMZ ep is out now.

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X Ambassador's frontman Sam Nelson Harris was so blown away by Richard Linklater's bold and wildly ambitious film Boyhood that he saw it twice in the same day. And it's a three-hour movie! Sam was struck by the dedication needed to create a film in small increments over 12 years, but it was the end result that really made an impact. He saw himself in the story of a young boy growing up and facing all of the joys and challenges of childhood.

Be sure to check out the new X Ambassadors album Townie.

Listen to X Ambassador's frontman Sam Nelson chat on this episode of The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Fallout actors Ella Purnell and Aaron Moten understand the power of artistic re-interpretation. So, when it comes to their respective 'sparks,' both actors chose songs performed by someone other than who originally wrote the piece. Purnell gravitated towards Brandi Carlile’s breakout hit “The Story,” which was originally recorded by members of her band, while Moten picked Glenn Gould’s recording of the “Goldberg Variations,” which was originally penned by, well, Johann Sebastian Bach. Listen to the two chat on this episode of The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Riddle of Fire director Weston Razooli first watched Hayao Miyazaki's animated classic Princess Mononoke on a laptop at his boarding school. Even on a small screen, the film transported him to a strange and wonderful world, a world that has continued to inspire his work ever since. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Razooli recalls the magical experience and its lasting effects. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Razooli talks about falling head over heels for the detailed storytelling, gorgeous animation, and unforgettable voice work. Just as important, however, is how he admires the strength of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's negotiating tactics when dealing with difficult Hollywood distributors.

Listen to Weston Razooli dive into Princess Mononoke on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Be sure to check out Weston Razooli's Riddle Of Fire here.

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Night Court actor Nyambi Nyambi was enthralled with Kim Jung Gi's sprawling, interconnected covers for Marvel Comics' Civil War II series not just for their artistry, but for the masterful artistic practices used to create it. He attended multiple live demonstrations of Kim's work before his untimely death and has applied his details to his work as a visual artist and an actor.

Be sure to check out Nyambi Nyambi in Night Court on Tuesday nights on NBC.

Listen to Nyambi Nyambi gush over the album on this episode of The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

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Chicano Batman guitarist Carlos Arévalo was given Radiohead’s seminal album Kid A as a Halloween present from his mother, and amidst the sugar rush, the album absolutely blew his mind. The dramatic shift in Radiohead’s stylistic direction and their experiments with electronic sounds opened Arévalo up to a new world of musical possibilities. Listen to him gush over the album on this episode of The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

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Ghosts actor Asher Grodman loves everything about Sidney Lumet's classic Al Pacino starring film Dog Day Afternoon. The story and its themes touch him deeply, but its the legendary performances by the incredible ensemble that really stick with him. Pacino's unselfconscious, honest portrayal of a complicated real-life character is a masterclass in screen acting. The film has aged incredibly well and was tackling subjects like gay and trans rights in a thoughful and nuanced way nearly fifty years ago.

Check out Asher Grodman is in Ghosts, which airs on CBS on Thursday nights.

Listen to Asher Grodman dive into Dog Day Afternoon on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Ever since hearing their self-titled debut, SHAED felt a special kinship with Sylvan Esso. Both bands came from a folky, acoustic background and were experimenting with electronic sounds -- not to mention they were both family ventures. On this episode of The Spark Parade, SHAED explains how Sylvan Esso helped to further shape their musical style. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

SHAED originally started as a straightforward folk band, but after running into trouble finding a drummer, they began looking for other outlets. When they heard Sylvan Esso’s electronic flourishes and programmed percussion, though, a whole new world opened up for them, and the solution to their troubles became clear. Ever since, they've been following their own passion for folktronica.

Listen to SHAED dive into Sylvan Esso's self-titled debut on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Check out SHAED's new single “Rocket in the Sky” here and stay tuned for their upcoming album Spinning Out, which drops on June 14th.

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Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto loves everything about Missy Elliott’s second album Da Real World. The non-stop bangers, the icy production from Timbaland, the tight vocal harmonies -- it's basically flawless. More than just quality music, though, the record also reminds Ditto of a time when her musical taste was starting to truly develop. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Ditto explains how the album shaped her young mind. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Missy Elliott as a whole would go on to heavily influence Gossip, as the group looked to Southern soul music for inspiration. Hear how it manifested on the band's comeback effort, Real Power, here.

Listen to Beth Ditto dive into Missy Elliott's Da Real World on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Comedian Bassem Youssef, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, discovered Billy Joel's "Pressure" in an unlikely place -- midway through an episode of Amazon's superhero satire The Boys. From the first notes, he knew he had to seek out the song for himself. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Youssef explains how he fell in love with the track once he did. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The more Youssef dove into "Pressure," the more he connected with its energetic synth-rock vibe, soaring melodies, and themes of dealing with stress.

Listen to Bassem Youssef dive into Billy Joel's "Pressure" on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Self-described drag clown and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner JIMBO first got into Pee-wee's Playhouse, predictably, as a child. And yet, even as an adult, the program's unparalleled creativity continues to have a huge influence on her outlook, art, and even home decor. On this episode of The Spark Parade, JIMBO explores her deep connection with the TV show. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Talking about Pee-wee's Playhouse, JIMBO takes particular note of the show's queer -- or at least drag -- aesthetic, as well as how its content boldly treated kids like adults.

Listen to JIMBO gush over Pee-wee's Playhouse on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer, songwriter, and visual artist Allie X loves Christopher Guest’s highly influential mockumentary Waiting For Guffman so much that it’s become a somewhat of litmus test for her. If she meets someone and they love Guffman, she knows they’ll get along. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Allie X explores her deep connection with the film. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The artist touches on the emotional component of the film, zoning in on how even though it's hilarious, it also reflects the real struggle of being an artist in an industry that often crushes dreams.

The artist also explains her link to the world of theater and recalls the concentrated communities that develop during a production -- something she feels Guffman nails.

Listen to Allie X gush over Waiting For Guffman on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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The moment he read it, Everything Everything frontman Jonathan Higgs fell in love with the satirical absurdity of Chris Bacheldor's Bear V Shark and its skewering of our modern reliance on technology and entertainment. It inspired the complex backstory underpinning Everything's new album Mountainhead and affirmed Jonathan's broader worldview.

Check Everything Everything's new album Mountainhead here.

Listen to Everything Everything's Jonathan Higgs talk about all this and more above, or on your preferred podcast provider, and make sure to follow and review to support the show. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Take a guess how many times The Holdovers writer David Hemingson has seen the British cult classic film Withnail and I. Maybe 10? Perhaps 20? Try upwards of 40. On this episode of The Spark Parade Hemmingson explains what it about the film that keeps him coming back. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hemingson gushes about everything from the sharp dialogue to the charismatic performances (including the incandescent Richard E. Grant in his debut role) to the bleak setting. He even keeps a copy of its screenplay on his desk at all times -- a reminder of how much of an impact it's had on his work (look out for references in The Holdovers).

Listen to The Holdovers writer David Hemingson talk about Withnail and I above, or on your preferred podcast provider, and make sure to follow and review to support the show. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Real Estate frontman Martin Courtney had loved Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete and Pete as a child, but he was understandably skeptical of how it might hold up when it came time to show it to his own kids. Fortunately, Courtney discovered that it was everything he remembered and more. Listen to the singer chat about his rediscovery on this episode of The Spark Parade above, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Courtney dives into how, as an adult, he found that the show's weird, sweet, funny nature helped it transcend the pitfalls similar shows from the time fall into. He ended up being so taken by his reconnection with the show that Real Estate created a Pete and Pete-themed video for their new song "Water Underground."

Listen to Real Estate's Martin Courtney talk about The Adventures of Pete and Pete above, or on your preferred podcast provider, and make sure to follow and review to support the show. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

When you are done listening, be sure to check out Real Estate album Daniel, out 2/23 here.

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Of all places, Mitch Rowland discovered Charles Mingus' seminal jazz album The Clown at a pizza restaurant. The singer, songwriter, and Harry Styles collaborator was scrolling through his coworkers iPod when the album jumped out at him. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Rowland explains just how instrumental that pizza-adjacent moment was. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Rowland continues to be mesmerized by classic tracks like "Haitian Fight Song" to this day, with the record as whole remaining a core inspiration for the songwriter's own work. As a fan, he comes back to The Clown often to marvel at its audacious take on jazz playing and song structure.

Listen to Mitch Rowland talk Charles Mingus' The Clown above, or on your preferred podcast provider, and make sure to follow and review to support the show. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Make sure check Rowlands tour which kickoffs in San Francisco on 2/25, all dates and links to purchase tickets can be found here.

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This week on The Spark Parade, The Beaches front-woman Jordan Miller recalls the time her tour manager introduced her to True Romance, the cult classic written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott. Listen to Miller explain the film's immediate impact above, and don't forget to follow and review The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Hooked from the first frame, Miller details how she loved the film's bright colors, ultra-violence, and -- most of all -- titular romance. She’s watched and re-watched it so many times, she admits, that it has ultimately shaped her perception of romantic relationships throughout her adult life.

Listen to Miller talk Tony Scott's True Romance above. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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On this episode of The Spark Parade, Atmosphere’s DJ and producer Ant discusses seeing a live performance of Hancock's instrumental hip-hop classic "Rockit" at age 13, a performance that ultimately led him to become absolutely obsessed with art of scratching. Listen to the full conversation above, and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

After catching the live performance, the recorded version of the song (as well as the album it came from, Future Shock) became an all-time favorite for the budding producer. Ant reflects on the personal importance of the track, why it inspired him to master the scratching techniques it displayed, and how strange it was that the song became a hit.

Listen to Ant talk about Herbie Hancock's "Rockit," scratching, and more above, or on your preferred podcast provider. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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On this episode of The Spark Parade, Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter, producer, and activist Justin Tranter talks about feeling completely entranced the first time they heard Ani DiFranco’s song "Swan Dive." Listen to the full conversation above, and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Tranter instantly fell in love with “Swan Dive” and its poetic message of self-empowerment. Ever since, it's continued to shape their taste and songwriting process.

Listen to Tranter talk about DiFranco, their songwriting, and more above, or on your preferred podcast provider. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Percy Jackson and The Olympians star Aryan Simhadri was a bit skeptical when he first saw The Devil Wears Prada, but he quickly became enthralled with the incredible acting and sharp storytelling. On this episode of The Spark Parade, the actor explains how it wasn't just the glitz, glamour, and fashion that drew him, but the powerhouse that is Meryl Streep.

Listen to the full conversation with Simhadri above, and please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Host Adam Unze (The Opus) explores creativity in all its forms on The Spark Parade by asking musicians, artists, comedians, and other creators to share the single cultural work that has most inspired them. Whether it comes from the world of music, film, comedy, visual art, or literature, we all have something that sparks our own creative desires. On The Spark Parade, guests reveal the single piece of art that ignites within them to fire of creation.

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Ted star Max Burkholder might have been born in the '90s, but the 1980 cult classic Airplane! still resonated with him like few other comedies before or since. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Burkholder gushes about the silly world of Airplane!, a style of comedy that grabbed him and never let go.

The actor admits that, upon first viewing, the performances in the film were so subtle he didn't realize it was a comedy. He's since grown to adore its blend of deadpan humor, slapstick, and surrealism, and it's proven to be a major influence for his work on Ted, a show from another one of his creative heroes, Seth MacFarlane.

Listen to Max Burkholder talk about Airplane! via the player above. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

All episodes of Ted are streaming on Peacock and you can learn more about Max Burkholder here.

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When Sleater-Kinney's Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker discovered Patti Smith's legendary debut album Horses, an artistic earthquake occurred in both of their lives. They were blown away by Smith's fearless, challenging lyrics and melodies and Robert Mapplethorpe's stunning portrait on the album's cover. Horses has remained a constant source of inspiration in Sleater-Kinney's decades long career, as the band has travelled the globe playing iconic venues infused with the spirit of Smith's music and that of her contemporaries.

Be sure to check out Sleater-Kinney's new album Little Rope, a record that was completed in the aftermath of a deadly car accident involving Brownstein’s mother and stepfather in late 2022, which is releasing 1/19 here!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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As a lifelong Janet Jackson stan, actress, singer, and drag superstar Peppermint loves Janet's entire back catalog. But her self-titled fifth album has a special place in Peppermint's heart. It represents a major leap forward in Janet's style and sound, as well as her public advocacy for the queer community. And, Peppermint has been so inspired by Janet's choreography that she's recreated two of her videos!

Learn more about Peppermint here and be sure to check her out in Peacock's The Traitors, a competition show, hosted by Alan Cumming, where contestants play the ultimate murder mystery game to win a prize of up to $250,000.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Actor and content creator Sam Song Li (The Brothers Son, Never Have I ever, and Better Call Saul) was bowled over when he first saw Damien Chazelle's frenetic music school nightmare Whiplash. Li was even compelled to seek out acting classes that mirrored the film's hard-edged approach to artistic practice - albeit a less extreme version. In look back, he still sees the value of brutal honesty in furthering artists' careers, but he also sees the drawbacks and limitations of relentless negative feedback.

Learn more about Sam Song Li here and be sure to check him out in Netflix's The Brothers Sonstarring alongsideMichelle Yeoh and Justin Chien.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Happy Holidays! The Spark Parade is off this week, but, in honor of the release of the movie musical version of The Color Purple, we are doing an encore presentation of this amazing interview with the one and only Bob The Drag Queen.

Bob The Drag Queen has seen/read every iteration (book, film, and stage), but she's found herself coming back to Steven Spielberg's Oscar-nominated adaptation over and over. Whoopi Goldberg's breakout role as Celie is at the heart of Bob's attraction to the film. It's a striking, subtle, heartfelt performance that's touched Bob so deeply she's become a huge Whoopi stan.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer, songwriter and producer Jesse Boykins III was introduced to The Fifth Element by his college roommate (who happened to be Jonah Hill!). He was hooked on the film's style and storytelling from the first frame and has continually revisited it as a source of creative inspiration throughout his career. Jean Paul Gaultier's costume design combined with Luc Besson's unique storytelling to create a distinctive sci-fi landscape, one that showed Boykins the power of combining masculine and feminine energies in his artistry.

Listen as Jesse Boykins III talks about what this film means to him and how it continues to influence his work on this latest episode of The Spark Parade. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

For more from Trinity the Truck, check outTrinity Ruins Christmas: The Musical, the accompanying book, and even more on her website.

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Drag Race superstar Trinity the Tuck loves the bonkers campiness of the queer classic movie Death Becomes Her for lots of reasons; the deliciously over-the-top performances by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, the iconic fashion, and the ridiculous story have had Trinity hooked since the first time she saw it. She watches it multiple times a year and it's influence has even seeped into her drag.

Listen as Trinity tracks the impact Death Becomes Her has had on her own career on this latest episode of The Spark Parade. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

For more from Trinity the Truck, check outTrinity Ruins Christmas: The Musical, the accompanying book, and even more on her website.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

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Rapper, singer, and writer Dessa first came across Dave Eggers' memoir A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genious as a college student and was immediately drawn to its wild, vibrant prose. Eggers' frankness and honesty had a huge influence on Dessa's own writing. Her live performances have also been inspired by his unusual, subversive book readings.

Check out Dessa's new album Bury The Lede here!

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Comedian and actor Amanda Seales loved The Cosby Show as a child and it had a profound effect on the development of her own comedy. It taught her to bring a personal slant to her stand-up. It's also incredibly important to her because it was a huge step forward for Black representation across all media and was one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.

Of course, the legacy of the show has been severely tarnished by disgraceful revelations about its namesake. Seales and host Adam Unze address the elephant in the room and whether it’s possible to separate art from artist. At the same time, they acknowledge that The Cosby Show was more than just one individual, and its influence on young Black people in the the ’80s like Seales was very real.

Check out Seales' new documentary In Amanda We Trust here!

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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As a young man, The Polyphonic Spree's Tim DeLaughter found a strong connection with a small piece of Ennio Morricone's score to The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. Il Forte (The Strong) is an instrumental piece that has moved and inspired DeLaughter in a way that no other music has. It acted as entrance music for The Polyphonic Spree concerts and provided an emotional foundation for much of his own writing.

The new The Polyphonic Spree album Salvage Enterprise is out now learn more about the band and the album here.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Cold War Kids' Nathan Willett and Matt Maust are obsessed with all things U2, so it's no surprise that they love Davis Guggenheim's documentary about the making of one of the band's biggest albums, Achtung Baby. Seeing U2's creative process and the intraband turmoil that ensued at the height of their fame gave Willett and Maust a different perspective on their own careers and musical methodology.

The Cold War Kids self-titled Cold War Kids album is out know and you cand find 2024 tour dates here.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Comedian, actress, and author Phoebe Robinson first saw Sex In The City as a college freshman and has binge-watched the whole series annually ever since. She loves the camaraderie between the four leads, the sex positivity, and the nuanced take on romantic relationships. She is not, however, a fan of the SATC big screen outings or the poorly received sequel series And Just Like That...

Phoebe Robins is currently on her Messy AF tour through 12/7 find out here.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer-songwriter Angie McMahon watched the mycelium-centered documentary Fantastic Fungi during the height of COVID and it radically changed how she sees the world. It brought the interconnectedness of the natural world into sharp focus for McMahon and that concept served as a major inspiration for her new album Light, Dark, Light Again.

Check out Angie's new album today!

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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The first time she saw David Lynch's neo noir classic Blue Velvet, singer and songwriter Slayyyter was immediately drawn to its distinctive visual style. The saturated colors and dramatic lighting acted as a mood board for her new album STARFUCKER. She was particularly captivated by Isabella Rossellini's lounge singer character Dorothy and incorporated elements of her story into the album's songwriting process.

Check out Slayyyter's new album STARFUCKER and you can catch her on tour from now through mid-November by following this link.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Shamir had Charlotte Sometimes' Sideways EP on repeat throughout high school and it's never come out of heavy rotation. The simple honesty of her lyrics and her strong melodies gave him hope that he could find success as a performer someday. He loved that it wasn't a groundbreaking project, but rather a solid example of the kind of songwriting and production that felt familiar to him.

Check out Shamir's new album Homo Anxietatem and learn about future tour dates here.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Until The Ribbon Breaks' Pete Lawrie Winfield has a very close relationship with Run The Jewels' seminal second album Run The Jewels 2. The production, the rhymes, the features, and every element of it have impacted him personally and professionally. And he had a front-row seat to the creation of that masterpiece and it changed the course of his life and career.

Check out Until The Ribbon Breaks' new single and video "Nature Mother" featuring Emoni Wilkins! It is a meditation on the connection of the human spirit and the land around us.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Comedian, actor, activist and icon Margaret Cho has loved Todd Haynes' work since his first film Superstar, but his glam rock pseudo-biopic Velvet Goldmine has always been her favorite of his films. She loves the way it centers queerness through the lens of some of her favorite artists, namely David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed. She loves the music, the costumes, and art direction, but is particularly enamored of the fearless performances by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, and Toni Collette.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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RnB singer Maeta has cried every time she's watched Forrest Gump. She's so touched by the lead character's open heart, kindness, and life philosophy that she can't help but get emotional. She's also fascinated by the process used in creating the film and the impact it's had on generations of fans since its release.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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From the moment her older sister introduced her to Edward Scissorhands, singer/songwriter Oh Land felt a kinship with the lead character, as well as his love interest, Kim. As a pre-adolescent trying to make sense of the world, she felt connected both to the isolation and awkwardness channeled through Edward and the romance and whimsy that shone out of Kim. Danny Elfman's score also left an indelible imprint on her young mind and has been a constant source of inspiration in the development of her own work.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Yoke Lore (aka Adrian Galvin) has always been interested in philosophy and religion, so Neil Stephenson's seminal cyber-punk novel Snow Crash may not have seemed like a natural fit for him. But it's a book full of references to spiritual practices, linguistics, and other areas that piqued his interest. It's also a book that predicted the concept of the metaverse and other technological advancements, thereby bridging the gap between ancient rituals and futurism.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Speedy Ortiz founder and frontwoman Sadie Dupuis has always loved comics, so when she spotted a French language version of Ghost World as a tween, she didn't let the language barrier stand in the way of her enjoyment. Her connection to the book grew exponentially when she bought a copy in English and she felt a kinship with its teenage protagonists. She was initially disappointed by Terry Zwigoff's film, a radical departure from the source material, but has since come to appreciate it as an alternate version of the same events.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Bob The Drag Queen loves The Color Purple. She's seen/read every iteration (book, film, and stage), but she's found herself coming back to Steven Spielberg's Oscar-nominated adaptation over and over. Whoopi Goldberg's breakout role as Celie is at the heart of Bob's attraction to the film. It's a striking, subtle, heartfelt performance that's touched Bob so deeply she's become a huge Whoopi stan.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Comedian, actor, writer, and musical artist Jaboukie was already a fan of The Drums when their second album was released, but Portamento was the project that solidified his relationship with the band. Singer Jonny Pierce had just come out publicly and Jaboukie immediately saw the connection between Pierce's queerness and Portamento's thematic landscape. He was drawn to the vulnerable honesty in the lyrics and his high school years were powered by its sparse, beachy sound.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Mobland director Nicholas Maggio first saw Quentin Tarintino's directorial debut Reservoir Dogs at the tender age of 13 and it was the coolest thing he had ever seen. His affection for it has grown as his own career as a filmmaker has developed. When he revisited it as an adult, he has been awestruck by the audacious storytelling, novel plot devices, and incredible performances. It's had a profound impact on his career path and provided endless inspiration for his own work.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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The sounds of '90s and 2000s RnB have always spoken to singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tone Stith and Usher's career-defining third album 8701 is at the top of his list for albums of that era. It produced mega-hits like "U Remind Me" and "U Got It Bad" and featured production from superstars like The Neptunes and Jermaine Dupri, ensuring its global success. In addition to Usher, Tone's influences extend to artists like Jazmine Sullivan, Michael Jackson, and Prince, all of whom have informed his songcraft and vocal style.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Dreamin' Wild director Bill Pohlad first had his mind blown by Radiohead's OK Computer while working in Dublin and it's been one of his go-to albums ever since. Not just for the pleasure of listening to it, but also for the inspiration it provides while Pohlad is editing his films. It's a cinematic album that provided inspiration while he worked on his new film Dreamin' Wild about musicians Donnie And Joe Emerson whose lost album was rediscovered and brought to a new audience decades after its original release.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Showrunner, producer, and writer Max Borenstein (HBO's Winning Time: The Rise Of The Lakers Dynasty) was always drawn to WB Yeats work, but one poem resonated with him above all the others. The Circus Animals' Desertion, one of Yeates' final published works in his lifetime, is about looking back on a lifetime of achievements, grappling with writer's block, and the perils of trying to match past successes in the final years of your life. Max found parallels to celebrity culture, our obsession with social media, and many other aspects of the modern world. His relationship with the poem has grown and changed as he's grappled with his own success and with recent bereavements and it's been a touchstone and source of inspiration throughout his career in entertainment.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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With a music producer father and a dancer/choreographer mother, Kylie Cantrall grew up with a front-row seat in the entertainment industry. As a result, music biopics struck a particular chord with her. None moreso than VH1's megahit CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. Cantrall loved the eerily accurate performances and music video recreations, but the incorporation of TLC's phenomenal back catalog was the clincher. She was so hooked on the movie that she watched it dozens of times and still considers it to be one of her all-time favorites.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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The Aces' front woman Cristal Ramirez's was obsessed with Paramore's Riot! from the moment it was first played for her. The energy and lyrics both blew her pre-teen mind, but it was Hayley Williams who really caught her attention. A flame-haired teenager who lead a successful rock band in a male-dominated industry, Williams provided endless inspiration for Ramirez as her own musical aspirations took flight. As a dedicated Paramore fan, she's always seen the band as a beacon of light and a force for good in the world.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer and actor Kenzie was home-schooled, so she didn't have a typical high school experience. As a result, teen movies really struck a chord with her and 10 Things I Hate About You was at the top of the list. She loved the characters, the love story, and all of the stereotypical late 90's high school drama. The movie has brought her massive amounts of joy and she rewatches it whenever she gets a chance.

Kenzie’s new single, “Anatomy” is out now. Listen and learn more here.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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The relentless silliness of Todd Phillip's smash hit comedy Old School is contrasted by the relatable everyman characters played by its breakout stars Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn. Comedian, actor, and podcaster David Gborie saw Old School as the moment when comedic leads became less polished and more like normal people who happened to be joke machines. It was one of the era-defining films that set him on a comedy career path and helped him to believe he could make it in the industry.

Please be sure to check David's podcast My Momma Told Me hereand check information about his new comedy tour The Aluminium Foil Tour here.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer/songwriter Morgan Kibby was already a huge fan of GaHee Park's work when she discovered Tipsy Lovers hanging in her aunt's home! She was immediately drawn to the painting and its playful, voyeuristic depiction of lovers embracing while peering through martini glasses. Kibby is enamored with Park's ability to infuse her work with a unique blend of eroticism and surrealism, a delicate balance that few artists are able to achieve.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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As a teenager, Bratmobile frontwoman Allison Wolfe was drawn to bands led by powerful, magnetic women. When Bow Wow Wow released their second album When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Gets Going, she was mesmerized by the raw energy of its twelve short, sharp songs. The newly launched MTV left her in awe of singer Anabella Lwin's commanding stage presence and distinctive style, which proved a huge source of inspiration in Wolfe's own work as a musician.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Unlike many of her peers, soul singer Acantha Lang’s primary inspiration didn’t come from R’n’B. Her musical foundation is rooted in the blues and the first time she heard Koko Taylor’s legendary album I Got What It Takes. The distinct rawness in Taylor’s vocal performance spoke to Lang in a way that’s stuck with her for her entire career. Taylor's ability to transform the blues into joyful, life-affirming music is unparalleled and her music continues to influence artists across a wide spectrum of musical disciplines and genres.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Actor and Comedian Hal Sparks (Queer As Folk) has been a KISS mega-fan for as long as he can remember. He saw the poster for KISS' monster hit album Destroyer and his jaw dropped. He's been in awe of its artistry and musicianship ever since. Destroyer helped to cement KISS as globe-dominating rock superstars. It produced a string of hits and provided a perfect vessel for KISS' particular brand of rock theatricality. Hal's love for the band has only grown since the release of Destroyer, as has his encyclopedic knowledge of the band's history.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Director Katherine Propper's Lost Soulz, a meditative film about music making, self-discovery, and friendship, had its world premiere at this year's Tribeca film festival. Its star, rising rapper Sauve Sidle, saw parallels between his personal journey, his character arc in the film, and the story of Eminem's much-lauded, Oscar-winning turn in Curtis Hanson's 8 Mile. Finding a community of like-minded artists can have a huge impact on a musician and that collaborative spirit runs through 8 Mile and Lost Soulz both behind and in front of the camera. Eminem and Sauve both used their real-world artistic processes to create their on-screen personas, as well as some unforgettable music. We'll also take a look at some of my favorites from this year's Tribeca film festival: including the mind-bending, Tierra Whack starring pseudo-documentary Cypher, winner of Best U.S. Narrative Feature.

Be sure to check out Lost Soulz and the rest amazing content at the TriBeCa Film Festival.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Le Tigre's self-titled debut album holds a special place in the hearts of Dream Wife's Alice Go and Rakel Mjöll. The punk-meets-electro-pop sound and queer feminist overtones of the album struck a chord with both of them as teenagers and eventually helped to inspire the sound of their own music. Then, a chance encounter with Le Tigre member JD Samson led to an ongoing mutual lovefest between the two bands, culminating in Dream Wife's opening slot on Le Tigre's long-awaited reunion tour!

Be sure to check out Dream Wife's new album Social Lubrication - out now!

Listen to Dream Wife's Alice Go and Rakel Mjöll chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Actor Brian J Smith was in awe of Asghar Farhadi's Oscar-winning film A Separation after he saw it for the first time. Subsequent viewings have only increased his admiration for the complex story of the acrimonious dissolution of a couple's relationship and the repercussions that follow. A Separation refuses to pass judgment on its characters. Every one of them is fully realized and makes both good and bad decisions throughout. It's a true reflection of the human condition and the lengths to which we all will go to protect the people we love.

Listen to Brian J Smith chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Podcaster and comedian Jon Lovett is an avid gamer who discovered the acclaimed Outer Wilds in the thick of COVID lockdown. The game's sweet simplicity provided a perfect escape from the pandemic bleakness surrounding him and it quickly became his favorite game of all time. Eschewing the violence that is so prevalent in many of the gaming world's biggest titles, it is a meditative space adventure broken up into 22-minute cycles. The joy of low-stakes exploration struck such a chord with Lovett that he gets emotional when he speaks about his love for Outer Wilds.

Be sure to check out Jon Lovett's projects at Crooked Media!

Listen to Jon Lovett chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Alex Garland's film Annihilation combines meditative storytelling with visceral body horror and action, all of which drew in AJJ frontman Sean Bonnette from the first time he saw it. So much so that he watched it over and over again while it was in theaters. He loved the movie's juxtaposition of otherwordly natural beauty with startling bouts of extreme violence, all set to an ambitious and unsettling score from Ben Salisbury and Portishead's Geoff Barrow. Bonnette is a true film aficionado who's been inspired by all Alex Garland's other works including Men and Devs, as well as the singular cinematic vision of Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Be sure to check AJJ's new album Disposable Everything, out 5/26!

Listen to AJJ frontman Sean Bonnette chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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It's a buy one, get one free episode! First up is Cub Sport frontman Tim Nelson, who was so drawn to Jay Hulme's poem Jesus At The Gay Bar that the band's new album shares its name. Nelson grew up in a devout Christian community and struggled to reconcile his religious upbringing with his queerness. His mother has fully embraced his identity and Nelson saw parallels to the strength of their bond in Hulme's depiction of Jesus' compassion. In the second half of the episode, TEKE::TEKE bassist Mishka Stein shares his love for Ridley Scott's magnum opus Blade Runner. Since childhood, Stein has been drawn to the beauty in every frame of Blade Runner, its poetic dialogue, and the atmospheric soundscape provided by Vangelis' legendary score.

Listen to Cub Sport frontman Tim Nelson and TEKE::TEKE bassist Mishka Stein chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Broken Lizard's Jay Chandrasekhar and Kevin Heffernan have created some incredible comedy classics like Super Troopers, so it's no surprise that they're both sparked by other legendary comedians. For Jay, it was love at first sight when he first experienced Eddie Murphy's big screen debut 48 hrs. He's drawn tons of inspiration from the movie's delicate balance between a gritty cop thriller and a light-hearted buddy comedy. Kevin has been obsessed with Steve Martin's classic comedy album A Wild And Crazy Guy from the moment he first heard it as a kid. It's a snapshot of a rock star comedian at the peak of his powers and it's massive success provided a template for decades of stand-up comedy specials.

Be sure to check Broken Lizard's new film Quasi, which is out now on Hulu.

Listen to Broken Lizard's Jay Chandrasekhar and Kevin Heffernan chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Michael Brun happened upon "One More Time," the lead single from Daft Punk's seminal album Discovery, and was instantly transported to an exciting new musical realm. That feeling was enhanced tenfold when he heard the entire album. He was influenced by so many aspects of the album and its promotion: the diverse group of influences that were apparent in the music, Daft Punk's futuristic/robotic aesthetic, and the anime videos that created a narrative structure for Discovery. His mind was blown by the creative ingenuity on display and it set him on a path that would come to define his career as an artist.

Listen to Michael Brun chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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As a tween, Palehound’s El Kempner had her tiny mind blown by Avril Lavinge’s smash hit debut album Let Go. Packed full of pop-punk bangers, it helped Kempner break out of the Disney radio lane she’d inhabited to that point. She loved Lavigne’s relatable lyrics and resonated with her queer-coded skater style. Even 20 years after its release, Kempner still has Let Go on repeat.

Listen to Palehound’s El Kempner chat about all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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On the Consequence Podcast debut of The Spark Parade, host Adam Unze is joined by the wonder that is Kid Koala to talk about Dead Alive (also known as Braindead).

Kid Koala has loved Peter Jackson’s legendarily gory and hilarious third film since the moment he first laid eyes on it. It’s since become a part of his artistic DNA. He’s drawn inspiration from the black humor, incredible practical special effects, and unique visual style that have been imitated by genre filmmakers for over 30 years.

Listen to Kid Koala chat about all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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There are awesome changes happening!

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Jazz saxophonist Marcus Strickland joins me to talk about his Spark, John Coltrane's legendary magnus opus A Love Supreme.

How does music convey complex ideas when it contains no words? Marcus and I talked about Coltrane's ability to infuse his music with meaning and his unique ability to replicate the live music experience on his albums.

Links:

Marcus Strickland

A Love Supreme

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DJ, producer and recording artist Amtrac joins me to talk about his Spark, John Carpenter's seminal 1981 film Escape From New York.

The way we imagine the future changes constantly, but how accurate were the predictions made in the past about a future that's already happened to us? What difference does it make to a film when the director also writes the score? Will any other director ever have a run as incredible as the string of films Carpenter released in the '80's and 90's?

Amtrac and I tackle all of these questions and more!

Links:

Amtrac

Escape From New York

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My guest this week is singer, songwriter, producer and musician LOKRE who spoke to me about her Spark, Lauryn Hill's career high debut solo album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill.

How is anyone supposed to navigate fame? Is it a radical act to reject celebrity right at the moment it finds you? How did Ms. Hill write all of those stone cold classics?!

LOKRE and I give you the answers to all of these questions.

Links:

LOKRE

The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill

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Singer, songwriter and musician Zella Day joins me to talk about her Spark, Gaspar Noe's horror whirlwind Climax.

Dancers on acid trapped in a blizzard? We've got 'em. Do we have a forty-five minute single take? Yes indeed. What about a little Giorgio Moroder thrown in for good measure? Of course!

Zella and I talk about lockdown ennui, claustrophobia, harrowing horror movies and much more.

Links:

Zella Day

Climax

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Superstar cellist HAUSER spoke to me about his Spark, Baz Luhrman’s smash hit biopic Elvis.

What makes a great biopic? How can an actor channel the essence of a performer when the entire world knows their every move? How can artists persevere and make great art in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds? HAUSER and I have tackle these questions and so much more!

Links:

HAUSER

Elvis

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My guest is New York underground scene legend CHRISTEENE whose Spark is the New York underground queer film classic Pink Narcissus.

We talked about the impact Pink Narcissus has had on other art forms, the radical queerness depicted in it and the magical ability of artists to create incredible work with very few resources.

Links:

CHRISTEENE

Pink Narcissus

Andor

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The Roots' guitarist and vocalist Captain Kirk Douglas joins me to talk about his Spark is Pixar’s animated feature film Soul.

Kirk and I speak about the meaning of happiness and how artists in particular are affected by the universal desire to achieve it. We also talk about finding your purpose in life and what that means to each of us as individuals.

Links:

Captain Kirk Douglas

Soul

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Phoenix front man Thomas Mars joins me to talk about his Spark, It Was Twenty Years Ago Today is a 1987 British-made television documentary about the 1967 Summer of Love.

We talked about the beginnings of Phoenix and how they drew inspiration from the Beatles' process and sound. We touched on the singular nature of The Beatles influence and they're lasting impact on culture at large. And most importantly, I hung out with one of my favorite musicians!

Links:

Phoenix

It Was Twenty Years Ago Today

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Musician vocalist and electronic composer Tama Gucci spoke to me about his Spark, Brandy’s incredible stone cold classic album Afrodisiac.

Listen… that’s one of my favorite albums ever. I was so excited to have a chance to talk about it!

Tama Gucci and I spoke about the dramatic shift in Brandy's sound that came with this album, the fallout from it's relative commercial failure and the impact it's had on other musicians and the r'n'b world at large.

Links:

Tama Gucci

Afrodisiac

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Singer, songwriter and producer Cavetown joins me to talk about his Spark, the incredible animated series Adventure Time.

How can TV aimed at children change the minds and hearts of adults? Cavetown sees so much for adults to learn from Adventure Time and he's gained a greater appreciation for it from repeated viewings.

We talk his favorite characters, the show's storytelling and world building and its broad emotional range.

Links:

Cavetown

Adventure Time

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There's been a slight change of plans...

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There's been a slight change of plans...

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Singer/songwriter Lissie spoke to me about her Spark, Katherine May's autobiographical book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.

How can we cope with times of transition? What can we do to live in the moment when our lives are in flux?

Lissie and I talked through the concept of liminal space and how relevant it feels to events of the last few years. Heartbreak and despair, hope and joy... all of life's biggest emotions are on the table in this deeply personal conversation.

Links:

Lissie

Wintering

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Singer/songwriter Lissie spoke to me about her Spark, Katherine May's autobiographical book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.

How can we cope with times of transition? What can we do to live in the moment when our lives are in flux?

Lissie and I talked through the concept of liminal space and how relevant it feels to events of the last few years. Heartbreak and despair, hope and joy... all of life's biggest emotions are on the table in this deeply personal conversation.

Links:

Lissie

Wintering

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Singer/songwriter Zyah Belle spoke to me about her Spark, Jill Scott’s legendary first album Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Volume 1.

We spoke about Jill Scott’s place in the world of neo-soul and how her music transcends any genre classifications. We also got into the way women in the music industry are perceived, how their careers get compared to one another and how the image they present can affect the public’s perception of them.

Links:

Zyah Belle

Who Is Jill Scott?

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Artist, producer, engineer and remixer Patrick Holland speaks to me about his Spark is Robert Altman’s magnum opus (or at least, one of his greatest films) Nashville.

Nashville revolutionized ensemble films and paved the way for generations of filmmakers. Altman's use of improvisation, a large cast and a loose narrative structures helped to create one of the most unique and revered works in the history of film.

Patrick and I talked about Nashville's centering of music in film, the unparalleled work by it's amazing cast and it's languid tone and pacing.

Links:

Patrick Holland

Nashville

Sandman

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Portuguese singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist MARO spoke to me about her spark, Brazilian singer Simone’s breakout album Face A Face.

Simone's voice is era defining and Face A Face is a genre melding collection of beautiful and romantic songs. She is a legendary song interpreter, as famous for covering songs by other artists as she is for recording original music.

MARO and I talked about Simone's extraordinary ability to bring new life into old songs and the genderless quality of her voice, as well as marveling over her incredible, near 50 year career.

Links:

MARO

Simone

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Oakland rapper and vocalist Rexx Life Raj was inspired by Kid Cudi's major label debut Man On The Moon: The End Of Day from the moment he heard its lead single Day And Night.

He joins me to talk about the personal connection Cudi creates with his listeners and the process of creating deeply personal music. We also dig into the different approaches hip hop artists take, from Cudi's confessional singing/rapping/humming hybrid to Kendrick Lamar's dense and highly exalted poetry.

I also touch on my surprising Spark of the week: the reboot of Chip And Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+.

Links:

Rexx Life Raj

Man On The Moon: The End Of Day

Chip And Dale: Rescue Rangers

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Goon's Kenny Becker's joins me to talk about his Spark, Vincent Van Gogh's masterpiece Wheatfield With A Reaper.

How can a two dimensional painting feel like a vast three dimensional world? How did Van Gogh find beauty in the most mundane landscapes? Exactly how long did it take for Van Gogh's gloppy, impastoed paintings to dry? We tackled these important questions and so much more.

Links:

Goon

Wheatfield With A Reaper

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Comedian and actor Cocoa Brown who joined me to chat about her Spark, Leroy Campbell’s mixed media piece Standing Tall.

Cocoa was moved by Leroy Campbell's commitment to creating uplifting representations of the Black American experience. We spoke about the importance of representation in art, the dangers of omitting painful parts of our shared history from schools and the importance of building on the progress of our forebears.

Links:

Cocoa Brown

Leroy Campbell

Watcher

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Comedian and actor Helen Hong speaks with me about her Spark, the sci-fi TV classic Star Trek: The Next Generation.

We talked about representation in entertainment, we talked about in fighting between Star Trek fans and Helen schools me on the pronunciation of George Takei’s name.

Plus bonus some bonus Reading Rainbow chat get thrown in for good measure.

Links:

Helen Hong

Star Trek: The Next Generation

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Singer/songwriter UPSAHL joins me to chat about her Spark, Christopher Nolan's mind-bending space odyssey Interstellar. UPSAHL and I pondered both the nature of the universe and our love of movies.

How do art and science intersect? How can we reconcile our emotional impulses with the limits of our scientific knowledge? And most importantly, would you go on a space mission to colonize another planet?

Links:

UPSAHL

Interstellar

Heartstopper

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It's a bonus ep featuring an overview of my favorite films from the Tribeca Film Festival!

Links:

Butterfly In The Sky

God's Time

All Man: The International Male Story

Sophia

The Integrity Of Joseph Chambers

Nude Tuesday

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Composer and pianist BLKBOK joins me to talk about his spark, the film Green Book.

BLKBOK is a neo-classical musician and there are many parallels between his career and that of Dr. Don Shirley, the subject of Green Book.

We tackle lots of questions surrounding the intersection between music and the racist history of America: How does the traditional classical music establishment treat Black musicians? Can all forms of music cut across racial and socioeconomic barriers? Can classical music reach younger, more diverse audiences?

Links:

BLKBOK

Green Book

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I'm still on vacation, so here's one of my favorite past episodes to tide you over until I'm back!

I had an incredible conversation with comedian Chris Gethard about his spark of inspiration, the John Cusack starring comedy Grosse Pointe Blank.

But it’s also so much more than that. We talked about Chris’ relationship with Judd Apatow as well as Judd Apatow’s movies. We talked about Andy Kaufman. We talked about Cameron Crowe. We talked about comedy in general.

It’s a wide ranging and very exciting and super fun conversation. Seriously. I really, really loved this one and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

Links:

Chris Gethard

Grosse Pointe Blank

Fin

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I'm on vacation this week, so here's a repeat of my fantastic chat with inger/songwriter/producer Roosevelt who joined me to talk about his Spark , Norwegian/German band The Whitest Boy Alive's second album Rules.

We talk about the thrill of making dance music with live instruments, the intense bond between musicians and the crowds they perform to and our mutual excitement about the hope of returning to live events.

Links:

Roosevelt

Rules

Hell Hath No Fury

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My guest today is singer/songwriter MILCK who spoke to me about her Spark, Kahlil Gibran’s globe dominating book The Prophet.

What's at the root of all religious doctrine? Is there common ground on which all of humanity can agree?

MILCK and I tackle these giant ideas and also talk about humanizing our idols and embracing their flaws.

Links:

MILCK

The Prophet

MEN

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Singer/songwriter Sam James joins me to chat about his Spark, Dave Matthews Band's chart topping major label debut Under The Table And Dreaming.

But we got into so much more than that! We talked about the state of the music industry, the pressure for musicians to promote their own work and make a name for themselves (particularly on social media) and as is the case with so many of my guests, we reminisced about the days of old when physical media was still a thing.

Links:

Sam James

Under The Table And Dreaming

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Singer/songwriter/harpist TATYANA joins me to chat about her Spark and our shared obsession, ABBA Gold.

What makes a perfect pop song? How has a pop act like ABBA had such a lasting cultural impact on a massive international scale?

TATYANA spoke to me about the effect ABBA’s music has had on the way she thinks about songwriting, as well as its ability to draw even the most reluctant listener to the dance floor.

Links:

ABBA Gold

TATYANA

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Film director Richard Ledes spoke to me about his Spark, Robert Altman’s classic adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye.

What makes a great film adaptation of a book? Does the director have a responsibility to stay true to the book's spirit or should they develop an entirely new version of the story based on their own vision?

Richard and I tackled these questions and dug into the impact Altman's work has had on both of us, as well as the world of cinema.

Links:

The Long Goodbye

Adieu Lacan

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The spectacular singer songwriter November Ultra joins me for a joyful chat about her spark, The Sound Of Music.

November's work has drawn lots of inspiration from musicals, particularly those from the 1960's. She shared her childhood memories of watching The Sound Of Music with her grandfather, the emotional impact of its songs and the way her relationship with the film has grown and changed throughout her life.

November Ultra's fantastic debut album Bedroom Walls is out now.

Links:

November Ultra

The Sound Of Music

A Strange Loop

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Lola Kirke joins me to talk about her spark, Miranda Lambert's chart topping double album The Weight Of These Wings.

Kirke, a native New Yorker, reminisces about her discovery of and subsequent love for country music. Her love for country music's storytelling, melodies and songcraft had a huge impact on her own songwriting.

Lola Kirke

The Weight Of These Wings

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Walt Disco front person James Potter joins me to speak about… well, about a lot of things.

We used A Knight’s Tale as a jumping off point, but this is a pretty freeform, wide ranging chat, in the best possible way. We spoke a lot about the relationship between music and film, the benefits of artistic shapeshifting and the rewards that can be reaped by making potentially risky choices.

Walt Disco

A Knight's Tale

Cyrano De Bergerac

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Matt Lowell, front man of indie rock band Lo Moon spoke to me about his spark Kurt Anderson’s book Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire.

This is a rare episode about a non-fiction work. Exciting, right? And we’re gonna get a little political here, which is EQUALLY if not more exciting, right?

What defines American exceptionalism? How was that concept developed in the first place?

Matt and I ponder the best and worst bits of being an American and speculate about a path forward for our nation.

Links:

Lo Moon

Fantasyland

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Singer/songwriter Tuelo joins me to talk about the inspiration she's drawn from Roald Dahl's children's literature classic The Witches. Tuelo touches on her childhood in South Africa and the confidence she built through the kinship she shared with Dahl's characters, ever when his stories frightened her. Do children's authors give their audiences enough credit for being able to handle life's toughest issues? Or did Roald Dahl traumatize generations of young readers with his the upsetting subject matter that was infused in his stories?

Links:

Tuelo

The Witches

Life And Beth

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The unknown is terrifying and just the hint of something beyond your field of vision can cause you to unravel.

Film director Ruth Paxton (A Banquet) joins me to talk about the inspiration she's drawn from the work of Scottish painter Ken Currie's painting Three Oncologists.

We explore the multilayered, often frightening nature of Currie's work and the impact it's had on Paxton's filmmaking.

Links:

Ruth Paxton

A Banquet

Three Oncologists

Severance

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Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Miles Francis joins me to chat about his spark, Backstreet Boys' world dominating fourth album Black And Blue. Miles and I dig into his deep love for BSB (and other 2000's pop) and the profound impact it's hard on his work. And we tackle the big questions in the world of pop: How important is lyrical content in a pop song and what does it take to make a global smash hit?

Links:

Miles Francis

Black And Blue

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Punk and folk singer songwriter Frank Turner joins me to talk about his spark Instrument, a documentary about seminal post-hardcore band Fugazi. What defines documentary filmmaking as a genre? How has Fugazi's approach to music making and marketing impacted the entire industry? How can artists create work in a way that stays true to their sociopolitical ideology? Frank and I dug into questions like these without taking ourselves or the subject matter too seriously.

Links:

Frank Turner

Instrument

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The Charlatans' front man and all around legend Tim Burgess joins me to talk about his spark (and our mutual obsession), David Lynch's groundbreaking TV series Twin Peaks.

It's always a joy when my guests pick an inspirational work that's also inspired me and this chat is no exception! Tim and I talk about the unique style that Twin Peaks injected into the television landscape, it's lasting impact on the broader cultural landscape and our shared love of all things Lynch.

Links:

Tim Burgess

Twin Peaks

Locke and Key

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TheatreArtLife co-founder Anna Robb joins me to talk about her spark, Salvador Dali's iconic masterpiece The Persistence Of Memory.

How does art shape our outlook on life and the world around us? Is the experience of viewing one painting enough to change a person permanently?

Anna spoke to me about the ways in which Dali's work helped to set her off on an arts oriented career path. We also spoke about the subjectivity of art and the magic of different perspectives on the same work.

Links:

Anna Robb

The Persistence Of Memory

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Seether drummer Johnny Humphrey joins me to talk about his spark, KISS' legendary live album Alive!

How can the experience of going to a rock concert be conveyed without visuals? KISS found the answer with a live album that salvaged their careers and put them on the path towards astronomical success.

In addition to our KISS deep dive, Johnny and I chatted about the unmatched feeling of browsing through a record store and the thrill of hearing your favorite band for the first time.

Links:

Seether

Alive!

Magic Still Exists

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I’m joined by Grammy nominated singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore who spoke to me about his spark, the Logo TV series Noah’s Arc. Mykal is warm and funny and smart and just an all around joy to chat with.

Noah's Arc was the first and only scripted series to focus on a group of black gay men and Mykal talks about the incredible experience of seeing his lived reality portrayed on TV for the first time.

Links:

Mykal Kilgore

Noah's Arc

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Musician JW Francis joins me to speak about his spark, Deerhunter's seminal and wildly successful album Halcyon Digest.

Difficult front man? Check. Staunch rejection of success? Check. An absolute banger of an album? Check. Our chat covers all of this and more.

Links:

JW Francis

Halcyon Digest

Foundation

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This week, New Zealand born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ladyhawke (aka Pip Brown) joins me to talk about her spark, The Last Of Us game series.

Pip and I talk about the joys of immersive world building and queer representation in gaming. We also ponder the existence of internet trolls and try our best to figure out their motives.

Ladyhawke's new album Time Flies is released on Friday, November 19th.

Links:

Ladyhawke

The Last Of Us

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

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This week, I'm joined by Australian rapper, singer and songwriter Allday to talk about his spark, the movie Home Alone!

We chatted about Home Alone's tremendous cultural impact and reminisced about the old days when you had to rent movies from movie store.

Links:

Allday

Home Alone

The Plinth

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This week I'm joined by Ambrose Kenny-Smith of The Warlocs and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard to talk about his spark Emitt Rhodes' self-titled second album

Although it never got the recognition it deserved, this album was an enormous influence for artists like Aimee Mann and Mac DeMarco. Rhodes wrote the album, played every instrument and produced it; all from his parents' garage.

The album's backstory is incredible and so is Ambrose's relationship to it.

Links:

Ambrose Kenny-Smith

Emitt Rhodes

Dune

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Another spectacular live show!

The Spark Parade partnered with Fotografiska NY for a live recording in celebration of more than 100 episodes of the podcast and the museums Andy Warhol: Photo Factory exhibition.

Three incredible guests joined me to talk about their New York-centric sparks: Catherine Cohen on Brigid Berlin's Polaroids, Melissa Lozada-Oliva on Because The Night by Patti Smith and Lachi on New York, New York by Frank Sinatra.

Links:

Fotografiska NY

Catherine Cohen

Melissa Lozada-Oliva

Lachi

Brigid Berlin's Polaroids

Because The Night

New York, New York

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It's the very first Spark Parade live show!!

Three fantastic guests join me live to talk about their sparks: DJ Sean McMahill on Grease 2, writer and podcaster Mijon Zulu on Slave Play and drag queen Neon Calypso on Nightgowns With Sasha Velour.

All the fun and informative conversations you expect from The Spark Parade, but this one's in front of a live audience at Brooklyn's incredible C'mon Everybody.

Links:

Sean McMahill

Mijon Zulu

Whispering Huntys

Neon Calypso

Grease 2

Slave Play

Nightgowns With Sasha Velour

C'mon Everybody

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Ghanaian-Australian musician Genesis Owusu joins me to talk about his spark, Kanye West’s album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

I’ve talked to a few people about Kanye and those conversations have, for the most part, focused entirely on his music and avoided talking too much about the chaos and controversy that followed him everywhere throughout his career. This conversation leans into a more holistic approach and we didn’t shy away from talking about Kanye’s complicated legacy.

Genesis and I spoke about the luxury and excess behind the scenes during the album's recording process, marvel at the collaborative nature of this musical benchmark and talk about the difficulty we both have with reconciling our love for Kanye's music with his often toxic public persona.

Links:

Genesis Owusu

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

There's Someone Inside Your House

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My guest is Grammy award winning keyboard virtuoso Cory Henry who spoke to me about his spark, Stevie Wonder’s album Journey Through “The Secret Life Of Plants”.

It's one of the strangest and least known albums in Stevie Wonder's back catalogue. Part film score, part concept album, it's full of beautiful melodies and unexpected changes of direction.

Cory's appreciation for this album has grown throughout his life and he loves helping his friends to discover it. We talk about the strange history of its creation and the impact it had on Wonder's career.

Plus, you'll get to hear my exclusive preview of Fantastic Fest!

Links:

Cory Henry

Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants

Fantastic Fest

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Singer/songwriter and actor Katelyn Tarver joins me to chat about her spark, an episode of Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast.

In her interview with Dax Shepard and Tim Ferriss, Brown talks about the power of relinquishing control. That interview inspired Katelyn to write the first single off of her upcoming album Subject To Change.

Katelyn and I talk about learning to accept the random nature of the universe, the perils of actors' auditions and drawing artistic inspiration from unlikely places.

Links:

Katelyn Tarver

Unlocking Us

The Eyes Of Tammy Faye

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This week, I'm joined by Grammy nominated roots rock duo Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe along with Sam Hyken of pioneering hybrid orchestra Nu Deco Ensemble to talk about their collective spark of inspiration Led Zeppelin’s 4th untitled album, commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin 4.

How do the biggest albums of all time sound to you? Do you hear them in a different way to anyone else in the world? How would you reinterpret that music if you wanted to make it your own?

Rebecca, Megan and Sam talk through the process of collaborating on their new album Paint The Roses: Live In Concert through the lens of Led Zeppelin's globe dominating magnum opus. We also get into the Zeppelin's unparalleled musicianship and the profound impact their music has had on modern rock and pop.

Paint The Roses: Live In Concert is out now!!

Links:

Paint The Roses: Live In Concert

Led Zeppelin IV

Songs In The Key Of Life

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I'm joined by the absolutely lovely musician James Felice of the Felice Brothers who spoke to me about his spark, Randy Newman’s classic album Sail Away.

For an entire generation, Newman's voice is inextricably linked to the Toy Story movies and other cinematic classics. But those recent career highlights can be a gateway into Newman's prolific career.

In addition to our chat about Sail Away, James and I speak about learning to appreciate music through older siblings and the lost joys of buying CD's blindly without ever hearing a note from them.

Links:

The Felice Brothers

Sail Away

American Rust

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In this repeat episode from last year, I had the enormous pleasure of speaking with Róisín Murphy (one of my musical and artistic heroes) about Terence Conran's classic The House Book, a guide to home interior design and decoration.

But that's only the tip of the iceberg. We spoke about Róisín's love of design and architecture, a formative road trip she took as a teenager and so, so much more.

Links:

Róisín Murphy

The House Book

Chapelle Notre Dame du Haut

Carlo Scarpa

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The hilarious singer, songwriter and comedic actress Natalie Burdick joins me to talk about her spark, the utterly bonkers viral short Too Many Cooks.

How weird is too weird when it comes to comedy? Can one short video cover every pop culture screen entertainment reference from the '70's, '80's and '90's?

Natalie and I talk about the lasting impact of Too Many Cooks on the comedy world, the changing comedic landscape and hanging out with stoners in college.

Links:

Natalie Burdick

Too Many Cooks

The Other Two

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Psychologist, life coach, heavy metal vocalist and podcaster Dr. Mike spoke to me about his spark, Steven Blush’s book American Hardcore: A Tribal History.

Dr. Mike's discovery of hardcore punk had a profound effect on his life and the way his sees the world. We dig into Blush's detailed recount of hardcore's history. The scene only lasted a decade, but it's influence has been felt by everyone from Dave Grohl to Flea.

Dr. Mike and I explore hardcore's chaotic energy and the vast network of hardcore micro-scenes in towns and cities across North America.

Links:

Dr. Mike

American Hardcore

The Chair

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This week, my guest is Award-winning Icelandic composer, musician and writer Barði Jóhannsson. This is a super exciting one for me because Bardi’s spark of inspiration is David Lynch’s Palm D’or winning thrill ride Wild At Heart, a film that we both adore.

How do prestige films become cult films? Why do people love weird films? And violent films? And divisive films? Barði and I dig into these questions and examine our infatuation with Lynch's entirely oevre.

We also explore our other cinematic obsessions and talk about the value of repeat film viewings.

Links:

Barði Jóhannsson

Wild At Heart

Eyes On The Prize: Hallowed Ground

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Small Black front man Josh Kolenik joins me to geek out about one of our mutual favorites, Peter Bogdanovich's era defining classic film The Last Picture Show.

It's a film that perfectly encapsulates the angst and anxiety of growing up and first love, while simultaneously nailing nostalgia for the past and the longing of regret.

Josh and I focus on the incredible performances (particularly those of Ellen Burstyn and Cloris Leachman), the beautifully sparse scenery and our changing connection to the film as we grow older.

Links:

Small Black

The Last Picture Show

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Singer Will Jay joins me to talk about his spark of inspiration: Kacey Musgraves’ world conquering fourth studio album Golden Hour.

How does music shape our memories and influence the way we see the world? What happens when a musician draws inspiration from new and unexpected sources? Golden Hour has touched Will deeply and we talk about the profound impact it's had on his songcraft and his outlook on performance. We dig into the variety of genres represented on the album and on the universal themes of Musgraves' writing.

Links:

Will Jay

Golden Hour

The Green Knight

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Broken Social Scene's bandleader Kevin Drew joins me to talk about his spark of Inspiration, Do Make Say Think's fifth album You, You're A History In Rust. Kevin is friends with the band (a couple of DMST's members are also in BSS), but he talks about being able to separate his personal relationships with the musicians from the music he loves so much.

Our conversation covers learning to live with grief, the beauty of film soundtracks, our mutual love for Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual and we also propose a collaboration between Do Make Say Think and Rihanna.

Kevin's brilliant new instrumental album Influences (under the K.D.A.P moniker) is out now on Arts And Crafts.

Links:

Kevin Drew

You, You're A History In Rust

Mary J Blige: My Life

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Singer/songwriter Laura Stevenson spoke to me about a cultural spark that is really remarkable. I don’t think that any other topic that I’ve discussed on this show has affected me as much as this one. Laura’s spark is Pasa Un Angel, a mixed media monotype fresco by fine artist and activist Claudia Bernardi, but we talked about Bernardi's entire body of work. She has lived an absolutely incredible life and survived through and witnessed unimaginable trauma.

This conversation is going to be a source of inspiration for you, but it also features discussion of some incredibly upsetting and horrifying human rights abuses that are the driving force behind Bernardi’s work. It's a moving and, for me, truly life changing discussion.

You’ll finish this episode wanting to know much more about Claudia Bernardi’s work and you’ll also be really excited to listen to Laura’s music.

Laura's fantastic self-titled album will be released on August 6th.

Links:

Pasa Un Angel

Laura Stevenson

24 Hours

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Multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and disabled disco innovator Cola Boyy joins me to talk about Agnes Varda's devastating 1985 film Vagabond. It's a stark portrait of a houseless young woman travelling the French countryside on her own. Cola Boyy is in awe of Sandrine Bonnaire's central performance and the film had a profound effect on him as a teenager. So much so that he flirted with the idea of travelling the country by boxcar.

Links:

Cola Boyy

Vagabond

The White Lotus

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Producer, director and creator Brian Volk-Weiss who is chatting with me about one of our mutual faves: Paul Thomas-Anderson’s Daniel Day-Lewis starring masterpiece There Will Be Blood. In fact, it's Brian's favorite film of all time!

We spoke about the film's genius casting, epic scope and lasting impact on filmmaking as a whole. We also get into the perils of judging a book (or film) by its cover and the rewarding experience of watching your favorite films over and over.

Brian Volk-Weiss

There Will Be Blood

Behind The Attraction

A Toy Store Near You Season

This Way Up

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Neo soul singer, songwriter and podcaster Rozzi joins me to talk about her spark of inspiration, Fleetwood Mac's world dominating album Rumors.

Rozzi talks about using the songs from Rumors to help her through tough times as an adolescent and the power that the album holds over the public consciousness.

And of course we talk about all of the behind the scenes drama and infighting involved in the album's creation.

Links:

Rozzi

Rumors

Black Widow

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I spoke with singer, songwriter and producer Shakka about his spark of inspiration, Frank Ocean’s groundbreaking mixtape Nostalgia Ultra.

Shakka really loves his chosen subject matter and is very knowledgeable about the context from which it arose. We spoke about the impact Frank Ocean’s music has had on him, but also about the roots and trajectory of Black British music.

And we also touched on the greatness of Michaela Coel, with whom Shakka has a personal relationship and they also worked together on Coel’s series Chewing Gum.

Links:

Shakka

Nostalgia Ultra

This Is Pop

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This week, I'm chatting with singer, songwriter, producer, gamer and podcaster mxmtoon (aka Maia) about her spark of inspiration, the Life Is Strange video game series. We talk about the world building and freedom of expression created in these games, streaming game play on Twitch, using your audience as scapegoats for tough decisions and Maia's very personal connection to the next game in the Life Is Strange saga.

Links:

mxmtoon

Life Is Strange

Rebecca Black

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This week, I had an incredible conversation with comedian Chris Gethard about his spark of inspiration, the John Cusack starring comedy Grosse Pointe Blank.

But it’s also so much more than that. We talked about Chris’ relationship with Judd Apatow as well as Judd Apatow’s movies. We talked about Andy Kaufman. We talked about Cameron Crowe. We talked about comedy in general.

It’s a wide ranging and very exciting and super fun conversation. Seriously. I really, really loved this one and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

Links:

Chris Gethard

Grosse Pointe Blank

Fin

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Singer Marzz joins me this week to talk about her spark of inspiration, Kehlani's smash hit debut album SweetSexySavage. We talk about the comfort Marzz found in listening to Kehlani's music as a teenager, the importance of out and proud queer, trans and gender non-conforming public figures and the joy of loving and accepting yourself.

Links:

Marzz

Sweet, Sexy, Savage

One In A Million

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Singer/songwriter Evann McIntosh joins me to chat about their love for The Versace Experience, a promotional mixtape created by Prince. Which means that I got to talk to an incredible artist about an artwork by one of MY favorite artists!

Evann tells me about their trip to Paisley Park (Prince's legendary creative hub), being gifted an original copy of the very rare Versace Experience cassette and the enormous influence that Prince has had on their work.

Links:

Evann McIntosh

The Versace Experience

Parade

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Brooklyn based band The FMs join me to geek out over their shared inspirational spark: Nine Inch Nails' sprawling third album The Fragile.

We touch on a lot of issues, including self-discovery and acceptance, first love, finding your community and your chosen family and high school drama.

And of course we talk a lot about the music itself and the album’s tumultuous gestation period

Links:

The FMs

The Fragile

High On The Hog

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Actor and musician Johnny Flynn (Stardust, Netflix' Lovesick) joins me to talk about his spark, William Butler Yates’ poem The Song Of Wandering Aengus.

We dive into Johnny’s personal connection to the poem, which stems from a variety of sources, including seeing his friend Jez Butterworth’s play The River which opens with this poem and his childhood wanderings through the natural world. But we also dig into broader concepts, like the influence of ancient folklore on modern art and the notion that there are no new ideas.

Links:

Johnny Flynn

The Song Of Wandering Aengus

Evelyn "Champagne" King

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Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri joins me to talk about her spark of inspiration (and the spark that started her band), Wim Wenders' southwestern road movie Paris, Texas. Sharleen shares never before heard details of the profound influence this film has had on her life and career. You'll hear her band's origin story and some incredible anecdotes about Sharleen's encounters with the director and star of Paris, Texas.

Links:

Sharleen Spiteri

Paris, Texas

Hacks

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Eighteen year old Indian American rapper, singer, songwriter and producer KOAD is a Brockhampton superfan, so it's no surprise that his inspirational spark is Brockhampton's magnum opus, the Saturation trilogy. KOAD talks about the influence this enormous body of work has had on his own music, how it helped him through some of the lowest points in his life and the sense of community he found in being a Brockhampton fan.

KOAD

Saturation Trilogy

Girls5eva

This episode is supported by:

Lone Star Plate

Stranger Than Christian

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Comedian and writer Max Silvestri joins me to geek out over the classic Oscar winning romantic comedy Moonstruck. We talked about the tremendous performances from Cher and the late, great Olympia Dukakis and also discussed the film's perfect balance between sweetly sincere drama and broad comedy. As an added bonus, we contrasted our Moonstruck chat with a little discussion on another of Max's favorites, Wes Anderson's The Royal Tennenbaums.

Links:

Max Silvestri

Moonstruck

The Royal Tennenbaums

Tales Of The City

This episode is supported by Before The Chorus and Factual America

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Singer/songwriter/producer Roosevelt joins me to talk about his spark of inspiration, Norwegian/German band The Whitest Boy Alive's second album Rules. We talk about the thrill of making dance music with live instruments, the intense bond between musicians and the crowds they perform to and our mutual excitement about the hope of returning to live events.

Links:

Roosevelt

Rules

Hell Hath No Fury

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This week, I'm joined by three time Tony nominee, singer and actor Joshua Henry to chat about our shared love for D'Angelo's genre bending classic debut album Brown Sugar. Joshua talks about Brown Sugar's impact on his life and career, and also deconstructs his favorite tracks. Best of all, he gave me a few quick tastes of his incredible singing voice.

Links:

Joshua Henry

Brown Sugar

Mare Of Easttown

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This week, I'm joined by FLYTE frontman Will Taylor to talk about his spark of inspiration, the Oscar winning Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman film Kramer Vs Kramer. Will speaks about how the film's events mirrored aspects of his own parents' divorce, we dive into some of the weighty issues covered in it (child custody battles, work life balance, feminism) and take a look at the real life drama that Dustin Hoffman created on set.

Links:

FLYTE

Kramer Vs Kramer

All I Need

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This week, I spoke with musician Skullcrusher (Helen Balentine) about the inspiration she's drawn from Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar winning animated feature Spirited Away. We talk about powerful female protagonists being underestimated in films, the wildly imaginative style of Studio Ghibli and we marvel at the intense emotional response evoked by hand drawn animation.

Links:

Skullcrusher

Spirited Away

Leave The World Behind

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Musician and filmmaker Amiture joins me to talk about the profound and immediate effect Stom Sogo's experimental short film Guided By Voices had on him as a college student. We talk about the power of abstraction in film, our mutual affection for the artform of music videos and the way that a single exposure to a piece of art can change the course of your life.

Amiture

Guided By Voices

Tina

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Rapper, singer/songwriter and producer Pell joins me to talk about Kanye West's legendary second album, Late Registration. We talk about it's lyrical and musical complexity, the dramatic effect it had on hip hop, r'n'b and pop production and the deliciousness of the albums many featured guest appearances.

Links:

Pell

Late Registration

Mama's Gun

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Singer/songwriter and musician Evan Stephens Hall joins me to talk about the inspiration he's drawn from Kazuo Ishiguro's Booker Prize winning novel The Remains Of The Day. We touch on English repression, unrequited love and the pressures of duty and loyalty under the looming shadow of fascism.

Links:

Evan Stephens Hall/Pinegrove

The Remains Of The Day

In And Of Itself

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Tineka Smith and Alex Court, authors of Mixed Up: Confessions Of An Interracial Couple, join me to chat about Brit Bennett's sensational novel The Vanishing Half. We dive into the book's complex themes (including colorism, the concept of passing and trans identities) and how some of them reflect Tineka and Alex real life experiences as an interracial couple.

Links:

Mixed Up: Confessions Of An Interracial Couple

The Vanishing Half

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Composer and producer Adrian Younge joins me to geek out about his spark of inspiration: Marvin Gaye's classic album What's Going On, which celebrates it's 50th anniversary this year. How does music reflect our personal history? How does it reflect the history of our nation? Adrian and I speak about the cultural context in which What's Going On was created, the lasting impact the album has had on his music and the history of Blackness in America.

Links:

Adrian Younge

What's Going On

Daft Punk

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This week, I'm doing a deep dive into the brain melting world of Alex Garland's limited TV series Devs with comedian, writer and actor Yassir Lester (Black Monday, Duncanville).

We dig into the brilliance of Alex Garland's body of work, geek out over other genre fair (like Watchmen!) and wax poetic about the philosophical and existential themes in Devs.

It's truly one of the best conversations I've had yet!

Warning: if you haven't watched Devs yet, spoilers abound.

Links:

Yassir Lester

Devs

Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar

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It's a crossover episode!!

Musicians and fellow podcasters AJ Marks and Megan Sola-Guinto join me to talk about two cultural works from opposite sides of the comedy spectrum: classic horror comedy Scary Movie and legendary TV political satire The Daily Show.

Where's the crossover, you say? Well, I'm also a guest on AJ and Megan's fantastic podcast American Idiots Abroad this week! We're giving you DOUBLE the normal amount of fun. You're welcome.

Links:

American Idiots Abroad

AJ Marks

Megan Sola-Guinto

Black Art: In The Absence Of Light

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Who needs a short, sharp blast of sunshine in their gloomy winter day?

*literally everyone raises their hand

Thought so! Here it comes! This week I had a frankly adorable conversation with super talented musician Claud about their love for one of my fave tv shows, Broad City.

We talked about all of the lols Broad City has brought us over the years, life in NYC and Claud remembers their chance encounter with Abbi Jacobson in LA. Sounds like the most fun you've ever had, doesn't it? It is!!

Ps Claud's BRILLIANT debut album Super Monster is out this Friday!!!

Links:

Claud

Broad City

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Musician Guy Blakeslee (The Entrance Band) joins me to talk about a recording one of the most pivotal moments in Bob Dylan's career: the infamous 1966 "Judas" concert. We spoke about Dylan's musical methodology and ever changing artistry, as well as the profound effect he's had on Guy's life and work. This concert was an Earth shattering moment in the history of rock music. You don't want to miss this one!

Links:

Guy Blakeslee

Live 1966: The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert

Friendsgiving

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What's in store this week, you ask? Why, it's the inimitable Buzzy Lee (aka Sasha Spielberg) chatting to me about her love for John Singer Sargent's hauntingly beautiful painting The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit.

Sasha and I talked about her childhood discovery of the painting in an art class, the joys of collaborating on art with your friends and finding the delicate balance between darkness and light. We also spoke about the creation of Buzzy Lee's brilliant debut album Spoiled Love, which is out this Friday!!

Woo hoo! A podcast to listen to now and an album to look forward to on new music Friday!

Show notes:

Buzzy Lee

The Daughters Of Edward Darley Boit

Sam Cooke: Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963

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Congratulations on your new POTUS and VP, America! As a new president gift, here's my delightful chat with comedian Joyelle Johnson about her love for cinema classic Gone With The Wind. We cover flouncy dresses, unapologetically bratty rich people, portrayals of Black people in film and our current dizzying political climate. This one is a real hoot!

Links:

Joyelle Johnson

Gone With The Wind

Search Party

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What a week, right? Could anyone use a little reprieve from the chaos and insanity swirling around us? Well, I've got you covered, baby! I had a delightful conversation with comedian/composer Matt Buechele about his love for South Park: Bigger, Longer And Uncut, the notorious 1999 full length feature film version of Comedy Central's South Park. Matt and I show appreciation for the South Park team's reverence for musical theater conventions and laugh at the outrageous filthiness of the boundary pushing classic.

Links:

Matt Buechele

South Park: Bigger Longer And Uncut

Kajillionaire

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Happy New Year! Coming up this week, you’ll hear my chat with singer/songwriter/producer Elujay about his love for HBO’s recent hit horror drama Lovecraft Country. We also spoke a bit about last summer’s global protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd, as well as some lighter fare, talking about how much we both miss going to the movies. It's an incredible chat and it's great way to kick off 2021 (if I do say so myself).

Links:

Elujay

Lovecraft Country

Joan As Policewoman's Real Life

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It's the last episode of the year! Let's end this garbage year on a high note, shall we? I spoke to director Michael Walker (whose new film PAINT is on demand everywhere right now!) about his love for Robert Crumb's era defining Zap Comix No. 1. We delve into the enormous influence Crumb has had on the comic industry and on the world of fine art. In my totally unbiased opinion, it's a great episode! Check it ouuuuuuut!!

Michael Walker

Zap Comix No. 1

The Vanishing Half

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This week, I'm taking on one of the most famous and revered albums in history, The Beatles 1968 stone cold classic The White Album. But I'm not doing it alone! I had a little help from Jake Luppen (the singer/guitarist from Hippo Campus and newly minted solo artist as Lupin). We spoke about the impact The White Album has had on him as an artist, the benefits of band infighting in the studio and much, much more.

Links:

Lupin

The White Album

Road Of The Lonely Ones

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So... this happened! I had the enormous pleasure of speaking with Róisín Murphy (one of my musical and artistic heroes) about Terence Conran's classic The House Book, a guide to home interior design and decoration. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. We spoke about Róisín's love of design and architecture, a formative road trip she took as a teenager and so, so much more. This one is an absolute delight! Talk about ending the year on a high note!!

Links:

Róisín Murphy

The House Book

Chapelle Notre Dame du Haut

Carlo Scarpa

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Ever thought to yourself "Self, what is conceptual art and is it supposed to be funny or serious"? Well, this week... I've got answers for you. I talked to comedian and art critic Christina Catherine Martinez (one of Vuture's comedians you should know in 2020!) about her love for Giovanni Anselmo's Sculpture That Eats. Does the sculpture actually eat? Listen to find out!

Christina Catherine Martinez

Sculpture That Eats

Industry

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What drives people to commit bank robberies? What happens when you look past the tropes and stock characters in heist movies? Author S.A. Cosby joins me to dig into one of his favorite (and most influential) cultural works, David Mackenzie's 2016 neo-western heist film Hell Or Highwater.

S.A. Cosby

Hell Or Highwater

Sparkle

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Get ready for some post-election joy! I got to reminisce with legendary singer/songwriter Conor Oberst about one of my favorite '90's TV shows, Northern Exposure. We talked about the show's glorious weirdness, it's unforgettable characters (including one who was Conor's first crush) and also dug into the value of subverting expectations in art. It's a real hoot!

Links:

Conor Oberst

Northern Exposure

The Great British Baking Show

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Now that we're past election day, let's de-stress with a chat about something super chill and supremely soothing. I spoke to musician Charles Spearin (Broken Social Scene and Do Make Say Think) about Godfrey Reggio's classic experimental film Koyaanisqatsi, which features the music of certified legend Philip Glass. Have a listen and watch all your election related anxiety melt away.

Links:

Charles Spearin

Broken Social Scene

Do Make Say Think

Koyaanisqatsi

His House

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You're craving a deep dive into an experimental pop classic, aren't you? Well, lucky you 'cause it's time to dig in to the weird and wonderful world of Animal Collective's seminal 2009 album Merriweather Post Pavilion with singer/songwriter Henry Hall.

Henry Hall

Merriweather Post Pavilion

We Are Who We Are

Vote!!

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It's a pre-election bonus episode! The arts are suffering terribly due to the pandemic and arts funding is on the ballot, so I want to champion organizations that provide support to entertainers. Alexandria Bellivan of The Actors Fund chatted with me about how the pilot episode of HBO's hit comedy Barry has inspired her in her work as a career development specialist for entertainment professionals.

Links:

Alexandria Bellivan

Barry

The Actors Fund

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It's the back end of October, so it's time to get SPOOKY! This week, I'm digging into the brilliance of Ari Aster's 2018 instant horror classic Hereditary with pop supremos and horror fanatics HYYTS.

Links:

HYYTS

Hereditary

Gerald's Game

Vote!

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It's true. I got to talk to the incomparable Gavin Turek! Speaking to a singer of Gavin's caliber about the vocalists who have influenced her is already exciting, but that's before you know that her influences are Tame Impala, Brittany Howard and Raphael Saadiq! Gavin and I had a great chat about those legendary singers, her penchant for winning concert tickets from radio stations and so much more!!

Gavin Turek

Tame Impala

Brittany Howard

Raphael Saadiq

Lucy Pearl

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Who controls the meaning of an artwork? The artist? The viewer? Both? Singer and author Will Young joins me for a super fun chat about the inspiration he's drawn from René Magritte's work. We also dig into Will's acting career, the perils of taking art too seriously and much more!!

Will Young⚡

Rene Magritte's The Treachery Of Images⚡

Rate and review the show⚡

Social links and contact info⚡

VOTE!⚡

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This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with award-winning lawyer, podcaster and creative Raifa Rafiq about two novels written by black women: Tayari Jones' An American Marriage and Bernardine Evaristo's Girl, Woman, Other. We dig into the heavier themes of both novels (racism in policing, racial profiling, grief, homophobia) and also luxuriate in the joy of reading stories about black love, both romantic and platonic.

Raifa Rafiq

Tayari Jones

Bernardine Evaristo

This Thing Changed My Life

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So... there's no new episode this week. In light of the massive global protests against police brutality sparked by the murder of George Floyd, I'm going to pause the show for a while. If you're protesting, please stay as safe as you can and look out for your fellow protesters. Love and solidarity. #blacklivesmatter

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The new episode is out today featuring my conversation with the brilliant artist Babak Ganjei about his love for musician David Berman and artist Mike Kelley. It's a really lovely conversation, but self-promotion feels preposterous right now. If you're protesting, you have my love and solidarity. Please stay safe and look out for one another.

Links:

Ways You Can Help

Babak Ganjei

David Berman

Mike Kelley

Insecure

Janelle Monae

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This is it, ya'll. The week when The Spark Parade becomes FULLY INTERACTIVE! Firstly, you'll get to hear my incredible chat with singer songwriter Astræa about her love for titan of film composing Hans Zimmer, superstar pop songwriter and producer Max Martin and the film Pay It Forward. And then, you get the chance to be part of the show! I'm going to start focusing on a different artistic element each week and this week's topic is film and TV scoring! Tell me about your favorite score on The Spark Parade's social media (@sparkparade) and I might read out your choice on next week's episode! Can you handle that level of fame?

Links:

Astræa

Hans Zimmer

Max Martin

Pay It Forward

The Trip To Greece

Chloe x Halle

Homecoming

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*Backstreet Boys voice Oh my god, I'm back agaaaaaaaain! Did you miss me? I slept non-stop for two weeks and now I'm refreshed and ready to deliver the goods. Which goods are those? Why, my delightful and charming chat with writer Brian Moylan about his love for poet, writer and art critic Frank O'Hara and legendary playwright Tennessee Williams. Sounds like a real hoot, don't it? And if that's not enough for you, I also give some sage advice about how and when you should challenge yourself with "difficult" art.

Links:

Brian Moylan

Frank O'Hara

Tennessee Williams

Wind Of Change

Rabbit Hole

Jungle Fever

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It's documentary week at The Spark Parade. How intellectual! I had a chat with author Niven Govinden about his love for a coupla queer classics: Paris Is Burning (Jennie Livingston’s legendary examination of ball culture in late 1980's Harlem) and Truth Or Dare (Alek Keshishian’s 1991 film which famously followed Madonna’s Blond Ambition world tour). Sounds delightful, doesn't it? Well, guess what? It IS delightful. And you'll also hear my musings about the benefits of broad representation in art. It's your lucky day.

Links:

Niven Govinden

Paris Is Burning

Truth Or Dare

Better Call Saul

Unorthodox

Jamie XX

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It's Wednesday again! Isn't it? Who knows? What is time anymore? Let's try to focus on the good stuff. Namely, my chat with The Hoosiers and White Tail Falls front man Irwin Sparkes about his love for a trio of powerhouse musical acts: Bruce Springsteen, Guns N' Roses and Moses Sumney. We covered so much ground, folks. You're gonna love it. And you get to hear me babble a bit about artists who procrastinate. You literally can't wait, can you?

Links:

Irwin Sparkes

Bruce Springsteen

Guns N' Roses

Moses Sumney

Devs

Little Dragon

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Well done! Another week of the Chronicles Of Indoors is complete. Which means you deserve another dose of sweet distraction and you'd better believe I've got one for you. On this week's episode, I've got a de-fucking-lightful chat with Grammy nominated vocalist, pianist and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis about her love for fellow Grammy nominees Sara Bareilles, Dolly Parton and a little bit of Elton John thrown in for good measure. Plus, I talk a bit about my first experiences with different types of art when I was a wee tyke. AWWWWWW! Adorable, right?

Links:

Nicole Zuraitis

Sara Bareilles

Dolly Parton

Elton John

Esthero

Club Quarantine

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Another week into the quarantimes. Are you all surviving? I've got another hot plate of distraction to help keep you going. I had a lovely chat with James Barr and Dan Hudson from the UK's #1 LGBTQ+ comedy podcast A Gay And A NonGay about their love for seminal grunge superstars Nirvana and seminal pop superstars The Spice Girls. We really ran the gamut, folks. And I also talked a bit about my history with collecting art memorabilia. Wow, right? You've suddenly got so much to look forward to.

Links:

A Gay And A NonGay

Nirvana

The Spice Girls

Amber Mark

Empress Of

Dave

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How's your new agoraphobic life treating you? Need something to take your mind off of it? Say no more! I've got the perfect remedy... this week's episode!! I had an awesome chat with author Paul Tremblay about his love for the seminal punk/post-punk/grunge/alternative band Husker Du and the solo work of legendary Husker Du member Bob Mould. And I also rambled on about my favorite children's books. Sounds like a thrill a minute, doesn't it?!

Links:

Paul Tremblay

Husker Du

Bob Mould

Ezra Jack Keats

Tomie dePaola

Shut Up And Play The Piano

Elsewhere

Ben UFO

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It's the 50th episode, ya'll!! Let's have a big party! Virtually! With lots of social distancing! What does that look like? Listening to the latest Spark Parade episode in your underwear on your couch!! YAAAAY! This week, you'll hear my chat with Fireside Mystery Theatre co-founder Ali Silva about her love for both actor and radio drama legend Agnes Moorehead and up and coming playwright William Shakespeare. Sounds like a bucket of fun, right? It's not. It's TWENTY buckets of fun. I hope you can handle it. And you'll also get to hear me ramble on about the joys of expanding your tastes in art. I really know how to throw a 50th episode party, don't I?

Links:

Ali Silva

Agnes Moorehead

William Shakespeare

Maria Bamford

Fourteen Poems

The Weeknd

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What a fucking week. Everything feels so scary and overwhelming right now. We're all feeling pretty hopeless and helpless, but we have to do our best to keep joy in our lives in spite of all our stress. It may not be much in the face of this crisis, but I'm gonna keep putting out this little podcast to at least offer you some kind of distraction. I hope it can make you smile a few times too. And I think this week's episode has a good chance of making that happen. I had so much fun talking to comedian Mia Jackson about her love for three movies: La Bamba, What's Love Got To Do With It and 9 To 5. It's truly one of my favorite episodes of this show. Enjoy it, stay safe, stay home and wash your motherfucking hands.

Links:

Mia Jackson

La Bamba

What's Love Got To Do With It

9 To 5

Jessie Ware

Jessy Lanza

Four Tet

Maude Martha

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Hey kids! Don’t get too excited, there’s still no new episode this week. But actually, do get pretty excited because I’m going to be at Listen Up, Brooklyn! this coming Saturday March 14th from 7-9:30 at the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library! It’s a fantastic podcasting event with panels featuring people from WNYC, This American Life and lots more. Plus, I’ll be there chatting to folks about The Spark Parade. If you’re in Brooklyn on Saturday, come on over and say hi! That’s it for this week, but I’ll be back with a brand new episode next week. Until then, be good, have a fun week and hopefully I’ll see you on Saturday. BYEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

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Oh my god! So much stuff, so little time! This week's episode includes my frankly incredible chat with Loud Media Entertainment founder Asher Levin about his love for 2 filmmakers (John Hughes and David Fincher) and a musician (Kanye West), but I also talk about the way art helps me to remember the finer details of my life. PLUS, as an added bonus, it's my birthday weeek! SCREEEEEEEAM!!

Links:

Asher Levin

John Hughes

David Fincher

Kanye West

The Invisible Man

Moses Sumney

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How often do I get to interview a pop prince about a pop princess? Not often enough! I got lucky for the new episode and had a super fun conversation with the mind blowingly brilliant Boy Radio about the legendary Britney Spears. Sounds incredible, doesn't it? That's because IT IS!!! And to cap it all off, I also talk about about the nature of fandom. Unmissable content, friends.

Links:

Boy Radio

Britney Spears

High Fidelity

Grimes

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Do you like to experience old friends reuniting to shoot the shit about some amazing art? You DO?! Then I've got quite the episode for you! I spoke to style and beauty writer, creative consultant and, most importantly, my pal Melissa Magsaysay about her love for for the 1979 film Quadrophenia, which was loosely based on The Who’s album of the same name, tv cooking shows (as a whole, but don’t worry, we get into specifics) and artist Mark Bradford, who is known for creating grid-like paintings combining collage with paint, among other work. And I also talk about my theory that everything is connected to art and I give you a truckload of art recommendations. Woo hoo!!

Links:

Melissa Magsaysay

Quadrophenia

Mark Bradford

The Outsider

High Maintenance

Chaos In The CBD

Jim Henson At MOMI

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Whoops. Looks like I've outdone myself AGAIN! This week's super fun episode features my delightful conversation with synth pop superstar Ariana And The Rose about her love for world renowned light and space artist James Turrell, immersive theater (using Sleep No More as a jumping off point) and fellow synth pop superstars Goldfrapp. And if that's not enough to get your boat well and truly floating, I ramble on about experiencing art in unexpected ways. Sounds like your dream podcast, doesn't it?

Links:

Ariana And The Rose

James Turrell

Sleep No More

Goldfrapp

Birds Of Prey

The Lodge

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Sometimes, I put out an episode that's so jam packed with great stuff that it's basically bursting at the seams. That is the case this week, my friends. I had a spectacular chat with singer/songwriter/recording artist/master of a thousand genres Candice Hoyes about her love for legendary singer Minnie Riperton. And we dip our toes in the Stevie Wonder/Tina Turner/Beyonce waters too. And as a super special extra bonus, I talk a bit about the artistic development process. Exciting times, I tell thee.

Links:

Candice Hoyes

Minnie Ripperton

Stevie Wonder

Tina Turner

Beyonce

Amber Mark

International Center Of Photography

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Guys! Guess what? I've got ANOTHER amazing episode for you! How does this keep happening, you ask? Because I'm good at my job, babes. And this week I'm serving up a hot plate of artist Andrew Brischler talking about his love for Wes Craven's 90's horror classic Scream and queen of all media Oprah Winfrey. Need more? I've got you covered. I'll also be talking about artistic micro-genres. Huh? What? Just listen. All will be explained.

Links:

Andrew Brischler

Scream

Oprah Winfrey

The Duke Of Burgundy

Lion Babe

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Need a perfect way to combat the January blues? I can help, friend! Listen to my chat with Jess Peterson (CEO and EP of Mighty Oak creative studio who make incredible handmade animation and design) about her love for iconic 1980's sitcom The Golden Girls and the queen of the known universe Missy Elliott (this is obviously a totally objective conversation on my part...). I also waffle on a bit about the emotional responses that art evokes. Wow. Sounds so weighty and cerebral, right? It is, dudes. It really is.

Links:

Jess Peterson

The Golden Girls

Missy Elliott

1917

Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar

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Wow! It's a new year and the same old me coming at you with the first episode of 2020. Will the thrills never end? No, they will not! This week, I'm chatting to travel writer and YouTuber Jimmy Im about his love for classic horror film A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and the spooky, young adult books written by Christopher Pike. It's like Halloween in January! Plus, I ramble on about coming of age surrounded by club culture. Cool idea, right?

Links:

Jimmy Im

A Nightmare On Elm Street 3

Christopher Pike

What We Do In The Shadows

Kindness

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It's the last Spark Parade of 2019 and we're going out in style, folks! This week, I had a chat with filmmaker Todd Verow about his love for horror icon and literary giant Stephen King, filmmaker, playwright, essayist and all around multi-hyphenate Rainer Werner Fassbinder AND artist/filmmaker/producer Andy Warhol. Plus, as an added holiday bonus, this episode features my rambling thoughts about artistic universe building. What the hell does that mean? Listen to the episode and find out!

Links:

Todd Verow

Stephen King

Rainer Werner Fassbinder

Andy Warhol

Kaytranada

Uncut Gems

GoFundMe

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I hate to be predictable, but I've got ANOTHER amazing episode for you. I had a positively delightful conversation with actor Thusitha Jayasundera about her love for the 1977 disco infused John Travolta starring film Saturday Night Fever, the 1976 Spike Milligan adapted reading of The Snow Goose, a novella by Paul Gallico AND Susan Raye's 1971 recording of the song LA International Airport. So much great stuff packed into one tiny episode! And I also blab a bit about the factors that influence our opinions on and tastes in art. So intellectual!

Links:

Thusitha Jayasundera

Saturday Night Fever

The Snow Goose

LA International Airport

Judgment Day

In Fabric

His Dark Materials

GoFundMe

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I'm back from my turkey break!! Yesss! And I've got an amazing conversation for you to listen to! DOUBLE yesss!! I spoke to superstar designer Kerin Rose Gold about her love for the Muppets and The Beatles. Iconic subject matter, wouldn't you say. Added bonus: I wax lyrical about the discovering art upon it's release vs discovering art when it's ingrained in popular culture. Totally fascinating, innit.

Links:

Kerin Rose Gold

The Muppets

The Beatles

Portishead

To Kill A Mockingbird

Queen And Slim

The Irishman

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It's a special Thanksgiving episode. Because it's the week before Thanksgiving and for no other reason!! If you need a tenuous link, I'm very thankful for my conversation with actor/writer/journalist James Kleinmann about his love for the 1980 Christopher Reeve starring classic film Superman 2. We had a million lols talking about it and you will have a million and four lols listening to it. Promise! And you'll hear me talk about the kind of art that scares me. Oooooh! Just in time for Thanksgiving! The spookiest holiday of them all!!

Links:

James Kleinmann

Superman 2

The Lighthouse

Knives Out

Richard Serra

A Bridge Between You And Everyone

The Gag

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Guess what? It's another action packed episode!! What a surprise, right? This week I'm chatting with DJ/producer/activist Zeke Thomas about his love for up and coming singer Michael Jackson's music. You may have heard of him... :-) One review has already called this conversation "unmissable". I wrote that review myself before the episode was released, but it still counts! I also talked a bit about the recipe for creating a convincing performance as an actor. Doesn't that sound extremely intriguing? Yes, it really does, doesn't it?

Links:

Zeke Thomas

Michael Jackson

Doctor Sleep

Michael Kiwanuka

Yayoi Kusama

Anish Kapoor

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This week's episode is so packed full of fun stuff that it would burst its seams if it had them!! I had a laugh and a half talking to Back To Life director Chris Sweeney about his love for singers Lauryn Hill and Sade, as well as the classic Whoopi Goldberg starring film Sister Act. Great guest, great discussion topics... I've really outdone myself this time! And I also do a little thinking out loud on the subject of musicians who are famous for a very limited amount of music. What does that even mean? Listen to the episode and find out!!

Links:

Chris Sweeney

Back To Life

Lauryn Hill

Sade

Sister Act

Mrs. Fletcher

Living With Yourself

This Way Up

Downtown '81

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OOOOOOOOOH! It's the Halloween episode!! Kind of!! In that it's being released the same week as Halloween. That's basically the only connection. BUT... I had a super duper fantastic conversation with illustrator, author and animation director Steven Lenton about his love for Nintendo games. And I think we'd all take that over Halloween any day, right? I also talk about preserving the mystery around artwork before you experience. See? Mystery is spooky!!

Links:

Steven Lenton

Nintendo

Parasite

Watchmen

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Sha-BLAM! It's another cracking 'sode (do you think that will catch on as an abbreviation for episode?). I had a chat with actor Joseph May about his love for rock gods Led Zeppelin, Harold Pinter’s seminal 1960 play The Caretaker and Rob Reiner’s 1986 coming of age classic film Stand By Me, which was based on Stephen King’s novella, The Body. And you'll soon discover that our convo was a genuine LOL-ercoaster. Plus! Also! Bonus! I talk about solidifying my artistic tastes as a precocious tween. YESSSSSSSSS!!

Links:

Joseph May

Led Zeppelin

The Caretaker

Stand By Me

Maria Bamford

MoMa

Fireside Mystery Theatre

Morris-Jumel Mansion

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Lookee here! It's baby's first Oscar winner! The King's Speech producer Iain Canning and I had a super cute chat about his love for Tennessee Williams' masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire and Wong Kar Wai's 1994 film Chungking Express. I mean... that's pretty fucking exciting, right? And I also waxed poetic about the differences between stage and screen acting. And you get to listen to it! When did your life become such a non-stop thrill-mobile?!?!

Links:

Iain Canning

A Streetcar Named Desire

Chungking Express

The Day Shall Come

Fleabag

The Adam Buxton Podcast

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Are you ready for another action packed week, full of surprise and adventure? I hope you are 'cause that what I've got for you. I had a fantastic chat with author Georgia Clark about her love for Aussie musical comedy group Doug Anthony All Stars, silent film star Clara Bow and the Buffy The Vampire Slayer TV show. Didn't someone talk about that already? Yes! I talk a bit at the top of the show about why I think it's important to hear about artworks from multiple perspectives. Sounds extremely interesting, doesn't it? Well... IT IS!!

Links:

Georgia Clark

Doug Anthony Allstars

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Hustlers

The Sound Inside

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It's a week of gay icons and iconic gayness. Your two fave things!! I had a delightful chat with drag queen Cybil War about his love for the Patrick Swayze/Wesley Snipes/John Leguizamo lead 1995 film To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar and legendary singer/actor/entertainer Cher. Sounds like a bucket of lols, eh? And for another drop in the lol-bucket, I talk about how your environment affects your experience of art. Wow! So thought provoking!

Links:

Cybil War

To Wong Foo

Cher

Massive Attack

Emotional Oranges

Ad Astra

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It's Kubrick-mania around here this week. Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award winning playwright Christopher Shinn and I take a deep dive into our mutual affection for/obsession with Stanley Kubrick's final film, the Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise starring Eyes Wide Shut. And then you'll get to hear me bragging about going to a Kubrick exhibition in London while I was away. Who doesn't love to hear people brag about their vacations, right?

Links:

Christopher Shinn

Eyes Wide Shut

Stanley Kubrick Exhibition

Sagrada Familia

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Lookie here! A chat with singer/songwriter/actor Declan Bennett about his love for Ani DiFranco's much loved 1994 album Dilate. You might know Dec from his music. Or from Eastenders. Or from Rent and American Idiot on Broadway. Or Once in the West End. SO many ways to know him, right? We had a superfun chat and you'll have superfun listening to it. And I also talk a bit about how art is integrated into every part of my life. Sounds heavy, but it's light and cute!!

Links:

Declan Bennett

Ani DiFranco

Bat For Lashes

The 1619 Project

Anna Wise

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It's a lovely trip down memory lane this week. I had an absolute blast chatting with Shaun J. Wright about his love for influential dance music label Cajual Records, as well as dance music and culture on the whole. And I even talk a bit about what clubbing and dance music has meant to me throughout my life and how it's shaped me into the person I am today. Inspirational! Unmissable! Transcendent!!

Links:

Shaun J. Wright

Cajual Records

The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance

The Book Of Prince

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Holy ravioli!! It's time for another classic episode. Is it arrogant of me to call it a classic? No. It's just a fact. This week I had the great pleasure of chatting with singer/songwriter Paul Mosley about his love for singer/songwriter Mary Margaret O'Hara. So basically, all of your singing and songwriting needs will be met! I also rattle on a bit about the joys of discovering new artworks. Sounds like an action packed experience, doesn't it?!

Links:

Paul Mosley

Mary Margaret O'Hara

Ready Or Not

Patti Harrison

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You guys. Seriously. This week's episode is so chock full of great stuff that I think it's going to split its seams! Want a great interview? You've got one! I talked to podcaster and writer Alexis Caught about his love for the Buffy The Vampire Slayer TV show, Kate Bush's album Hounds Of Love and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. And if that's not enough, I also talk about artists creating communities and supporting each other. What a selection of delights!!

Links:

Alexis Caught

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Hounds Of Love

His Dark Materials

They Ready

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It's FINALLY here! Babysitting week!!! SCREEEEEAM!!! I spoke to writer/editor Gina Hamadey about her love for The Babysitter’s Club books by Ann M Martin, the classic Julie Andrews film musical The Sound Of Music, as well as the 1987 film Adventures In Babysitting, starring the incomparable Elisabeth Shue. What an array of babysitting-centric delights I've compiled for you! And I also chat a bit about Young Adult novels. YESSSSSSSSSSSS!

Links:

Gina Hamadey

Zilpha Keatley Snyder

The Westing Game

The Babysitter's Club

The Sound Of Music

Adventures In Babysitting

My Favorite Shapes

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Will wonders never cease?! It's only actor/writer/director Lily Bevan here to chat with me about her love for the Asterix series of French comics, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rollerskating musical extravaganza Starlight Express and the work of playwright Caryl Churchill. That's a whole lot of fun stuff to talk about, wouldn't you say? A veritable AVALANCHE of fun! And you'll also get to hear me waffle on about discovering art as a young whippersnapper. Mmmmm. Waffles...

Links:

Lily Bevan

Asterix

Starlight Express

Caryl Churchill

Beloved

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It's really cool when I get to chat with my guests about an exciting topic. Guess what's even cooler? Talking about THREE exciting topics!! This week, filmmaker Annetta Laufer and I discussed her love for Alan Parker's seminal 1980 film Fame, poet Louise Bennett's work and the films of John Cassavetes. Can you handle this much excitement?! I certainly hope so! I also talk a bit about naturalism in art because I like to throw a little something extra at you. That's just the kind of guy I am.

Links:

Annetta Laufer

Fame

Louise Bennett

John Cassavetes

The Boys

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This week, I had a positively scintillating chat with singer/songwriter Scott Matthew about his love for painter Vilhelm Hammershoi's work and his formative experiences with Morrissey's music. Did we talk about Morrissey's repellent political views? You bet we did! And if that's not enough excitement for you, I also talk a bit about the joy of discovering art as an adolescent. Sounds like a rockin' good time, wouldn't you say?

Links:

Scott Matthew

Vilhelm Hammershoi

Morrissey

The Catcher In The Rye

The Art Of Self Defense

When They See Us

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Buckle up, kids! This week is amaaaaaaaaaaazing!! I had a chat with actor Pandora Colin about her love for Blondie's Parallel Lines, Sonic Youth's Daydream Nation and the Beastie Boys' Check Your Head. Can you handle all of that musical greatness in one episode? Only one way to find out!! I also talk about sunny music that belies a darker lyrical meaning. "Well, that's an added bonus!", you say? I agree!

Links:

Pandora Colin

Parallel Lines

Daydream Nation

Check Your Head

How Will I Know

Chernobyl

Kiah Victoria

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What an exciting week you're having!! Or at least you'll be having an exciting week when you find out what I've got in store for you! I had a chat with international pop sensation Rod Thomas (aka Bright Light Bright Light) about international pop sensation Kylie Minogue's world dominating "comeback" album Light Years. You're going to have so much fun listening to it, you will squeal with delight! I also talk a bit about appreciating artwork that hasn't gotten the attention it deserves. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!

Links:

Rod Thomas

Kylie Minogue

Janet Jackson

Poster House

Stephanie McKay

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Well, well, well. What do we have here? An exciting little chat with cabaret artist and bearded drag lady Timberlina about their love for The Cockettes? Yes, that's exactly what we have here!! The Cockettes were a legendary, radical queer theater collective. Don't you want to hear about them? Of course you do!!!

Links:

Timberlina

The Cockettes

Years and Years

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Another unbelievably compelling episode? Man, I'm really spoiling you! This week I dig into Kanye West's back catalog and recent controversies with MC/songwriter/producer EB Rebel. And I run my mouth a bit about the process of 'breaking up' with the artists we've loved. You can't wait to hear it, can you? Good news: you don't have to wait!!! It's out NOWWWWW!!

Links:

EB Rebel

Kanye West

Amber Mark

Los Espookys

Wells For Boys

Cassius

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Can you believe what's happening?! I'm chatting with Martha Stewart's head gardener Ryan McCallister about his love for Pierre-Joseph Redoute and Claude Monet!! I can't believe it either!! I also talk about art in the workplace and the importance of arts education. Woohoo! It's all happening!!

Links:

Ryan McCallister

Pierre-Joseph Redoute

Claude Monet

Late Night

Alternatino

The Last Black Man In San Francisco

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Oooooh! What do we have here? It looks like my guest is London nightlife god/festival promoter/podcaster Glyn Fussell (Sink The Pink, The Mighty Hoopla, Radio 1's Drag Queens' Den). Could it be true? *checks It is! Glyn and I had a chat about his love for Boy George. I also talk about about cover versions of art. Doesn't that sound positively unmissable?! IT IS!!

Links:

Glyn Fusell

Boy George

Aretha Franklin

Tyler The Creator

Blondie

It's Bruno

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Wow! It's Nick Schiarizzi (Cheryl artist collective/SSHH) and me talking about the film Joe Vs The Volcano and the music of Donna Summer and Laurice. What more could you ask for? A little chat about the effect of streaming on entertainment? Well, that's here too!! Your dreams have come true!

Links:

Nick Schiarizzi

Joe Vs The Volcano

Donna Summer

Laurice

Rocketman

Jai Paul

Sleater-Kinney

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Oooooh! Another busy and exciting episode. This week features my conversation with writer and former Attitude magazine editor Matthew Todd about his love for Madonna's Blond Ambition tour and the films Postcards From The Edge and Torch Song Trilogy. Plus, I waffle on about art and social media. Can you handle the excitement?! I bet not!!

Links:

Matthew Todd

Blond Ambition

Postcards From The Edge

Torch Song Trilogy

Fleabag

Booksmart

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How much exciting stuff can one episode handle? You're about to find out! I had an amazing chat with the incomparable Le Gateau Chocolat about his love for Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, Black Panther, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, Angela Gheorghiu and Jessye Norman. With bonus Hamilton thrown in too. Plus, I talk about representation and diversity in film and movies. Yaaaaay!!

Links:

Le Gateau Chocolat

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone

Black Panther

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

Angela Gheorghiu

Jessye Norman

Hamilton

Long Day's Journey Into Night

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Have I got a corker of an episode for you?! Yes! The answer is absolutely yes! This week, I have a chat with actor Stephen Billington about his love for artists Francisco Goya and Salvador Dali, as well as film director Peter Greenaway. And that's not all! You also get to hear me talk about casting. Wow! Everything is going your way, isn't it!?

Links:

Stephen Billington

Francisco Goya

Salvador Dali

Peter Greenaway

Azari

The Cabin At The End Of The World

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SCREAM!! New episode!! This week, I talked to writer, editor and film critic Violet Lucca about the minimalist classic Taste Of Cherry. Director Abbas Kiarostami won the Palm D'or for it in 1997. And now you get to hear all about it! Plus, I talk about the way other people shape your perception of art and give my arts recommendations for the week (standard). So much to look forward to!

Links:

Taste Of Cherry

Violet Lucca

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Santigold

Empress Of

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It's a jam packed episode! Full of delights! I talked to paper engineer and illustrator Simon Arizpe about his love for three amazing people: illustrator Charley Harper, filmmaker Michel Gondry and painter/sculptor Titus Kaphar. And you get to listen to it! Could your life get any better? YES! You also get to listen to me talk about editing! What did you do to get this lucky?!

Links:

Simon Arizpe

Charley Harper

Michel Gondry

Titus Kaphar

Homecoming

I Think You Should Leave

All My Sons

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Do you like music and film, but don't want to choose between them? Then have I got an episode for you! Owen Duff and I discuss his love for Joni Mitchell's album The Hissing Of Summer Lawns and the film Don't Look Now. It's a 2 for 1/BOGOF type deal. So exciting!!

Links:

Owen Duff

The Hissing Of Summer Lawns

Don't Look Now

Burn This

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This week's episode features a great chat (if I do say so myself...) with playwright Chris Thompson about his love for a trilogy of autobiographical novels by Edmund White. I also talk about depictions of sex in art. That sounds exciting, doesn't it!

Links:

Chris Thompson

Edmund White

T.C. Cannon

Amber Mark

Parcels

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This week, musician Alex Marans and I get a bit weepy talking about Prince. But there's lots of fun to be had too! I promise!! Plus, I talk about grieving for the artists we love after they're gone. But there's definitely fun stuff too!! Guaranteed!!

Links:

Alex Marans/DD Walker

Prince

Rosie Lowe

Veep

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This week, I talked to photographer Wunmi Onibudo about her love for Dana Lixenberg's 20 year photography project Imperial Courts and also Paul Delaroche's painting The Execution Of Lady Jane Grey. How are these two artworks related? Listen and all will be revealed!!

Links:

Wunmi Onibudo

Imperial Courts

The Execution Of Lady Jane Grey

Henryk Gorecki: Symphony No 3

Fatima

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This week, I'm talking to theater director Phil Willmott about Richard Eyre's 1982 production of Guys And Dolls, which started at the National Theatre in London. I also talk a bit about the specific power of live theater and give my usual arts recommendation of the week. Doesn't that sound unmissable?! Believe me. It is!

Links:

Phil Willmott

Guys And Dolls

James Acaster

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This week, I'm talking to Aerea Negrot (a singer, DJ and former member of Hercules And Love Affair) about her love for the Andre Lodemann mix of Another World by Akabu. We also chat about her strategy for putting together DJ sets and then reminisce about the old days. Isn't that sweet? I introduce the show by talking about political art and end it with my standard art recommendations. What a time to be alive!

Links:

Aerea Negrot

Another World

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

Amanda Seales

Nancy Graves

Sarah Charlesworth

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This week, I'm talking to the artist Stephen Dunne about Thomas Pynchon, who's had a big influence on Steve's work. Pynchon is a novelist known for writing books like Gravity's Rainbow, V and The Crying Of Lot 49. He's also a notorious recluse. Mysterious, eh? In addition, I introduce a new segment at the start of the episode and new = exciting, right?

This week's link:

Stephen Dunne

Thomas Pynchon

Captain Marvel

Krisha

Joan Miró

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It's the first episode, ya'll! This week, I'm talking to commissioning editor and writer Ali Gitlow about her love for FRUiTS Magazine, a monthly Japanese fashion and street culture publication that ran from 1997 to 2017. Sounds interesting, right? You'll also get a little introduction to the show and I'll talk about the art I've loved this week. What more could you ask for?

Wanna know more about the stuff discussed in this episode? It's your lucky day, 'cause I got your links right here: Ali Gitlow FRUiTS Magazine Choir Boy SWV

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A podcast featuring conversations with amazing people about the art and culture that has shaped their lives.

The Spark Parade: Recent Episodes

Adam Unze