Caught on the Mike...

John Feldmann of Goldfinger

Some conversations feel like they're years in the making. This one has been nearly three decades. John Feldmann, frontman of Goldfinger, Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, A&R visionary, and one of the most influential architects of modern punk rock- joins me for a conversation I'll never forget. Goldfinger has been part of my life since the late '90s. I saw the band tear through Midwest clubs, covered their songs with my own ska band, watched them become one of the defining acts of the third-wave ska movement, and years later found myself introducing their music to my son, who insisted on hearing "Mable" (or as he called it, "the She's the bomb song") every time we got in the car. Sitting down with John felt like one of those rare full-circle moments that reminds me why I started Caught On The Mike. We dive into Goldfinger's incredible journey, the stories behind the band's longevity, and the making of their latest album, Nine Lives. John also pulls back the curtain on a career that extends far beyond Goldfinger. As a producer and songwriter, he's helped shape the sound of generations, working with artists including Blink-182, Good Charlotte, The Used, Story of the Year, 5 Seconds of Summer, All Time Low, Panic! At The Disco, Sleeping With Sirens, Black Veil Brides, Avril Lavigne, and countless others. We talk about discovering talent, making timeless records, navigating an ever-changing music industry, and what separates artists who last from those who fade away. Whether you know John Feldmann as the voice of Goldfinger, the producer behind some of the biggest rock records of the last 30 years, or the creative force who has helped launch and develop countless artists, this is a conversation about passion, perseverance, reinvention, and leaving a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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Alejandro Aranda aka Scarypoolparty

Alejandro Aranda—also known as Scarypoolparty—joins Caught on the Mike for a wide-ranging conversation about his musical journey, his creative process, and the release of his new EP, Baroque. After captivating audiences as the runner-up on American Idol in 2019, Alejandro has continued to chart his own artistic path, releasing acclaimed projects including Exit Form, Doom Hologram, The Act of Forgiveness, and now Baroque. Rather than following trends, he's built a reputation for blending classical, jazz, indie rock, electronic music, pop, and drum & bass into a sound that's entirely his own. In this episode, Alejandro discusses the inspiration behind Baroque, how the project reflects both his musical influences and personal evolution, and why he continues to challenge himself creatively with every release. We revisit his American Idol experience, explore his distinctive fingerstyle guitar technique, and talk about songwriting, artistic independence, and the freedom that comes from creating music without being confined by expectations or genre labels. Whether you've followed Alejandro since his American Idol days or recently discovered his work as Scarypoolparty, this conversation offers an insightful look at one of today's most inventive singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, as well as the mindset that continues to shape his evolving career. www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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J.Lately

J.Lately joins Caught on the Mike for an in-depth conversation about his new album, Room to Grow, and the journey that's made him one of the Bay Area's most respected independent hip-hop artists. In this episode, we explore the inspiration behind Room to Grow, how his songwriting has evolved, and why authenticity continues to drive everything he creates. J.Lately shares what it's like building a loyal fanbase without compromising his artistic vision, balancing introspective lyricism with laid-back production, and navigating today's music industry as an independent artist. We also talk about collaborating with artists like Travis Thompson, Wrekonize (¡MAYDAY!), Evil Ebenezer, and Mouse Powell, life on the road, and the lessons he's learned from years of touring and staying true to his craft. From creative growth to the realities of the independent grind, this conversation offers an honest look at the mindset behind the music and what continues to fuel his career. Whether you're a longtime fan of J.Lately, a supporter of independent hip-hop, or simply enjoy conversations that go beyond the music, this episode delivers thoughtful insight, compelling stories, and an inside look at an artist continuing to carve out his own lane. www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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The show is going through some changes!!

🚨 BIG CHANGES ARE HAPPENING AT CAUGHT ON THE MIKE 🚨 For the past several weeks, I've been working behind the scenes to take this show to the next level. 🎥 Full video episodes are coming to Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 📺 The YouTube channel has been completely reorganized to make discovering past interviews easier than ever. 🎙️ The studio has been upgraded—both aesthetically and technologically. 🤝 New business relationships are creating exciting opportunities for bigger guests, collaborations, giveaways, and more. 🔥 And the content? I'm pouring more into every single episode than ever before. Will there be a few bumps along the way? Probably. That's part of growth. But I truly believe the future of Caught on the Mike has never looked brighter. Thank you to everyone who's listened, watched, subscribed, shared an episode, or believed in this show over the last five years. None of this happens without you. We're just getting started. 🎧 Listen | 📺 Watch | 🔗 Follow: https://linktr.ee/CaughtontheMike #CaughtOnTheMike #Podcast #VideoPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #YouTubeCreator #ContentCreator #MusicPodcast #InterviewPodcast #PodcastLife #CreatorEconomy #BehindTheScenes www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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Carl Bell of Fuel

Rock fans, this one's for you. Carl Bell, founder, guitarist, and the primary songwriter behind FUEL, joins Caught on the Mike for an in-depth conversation about the band's incredible journey, the stories behind timeless hits like "Shimmer," "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)," and "Bad Day," and what continues to fuel one of rock's most enduring bands. Carl also shares the creative process behind FUEL's explosive new single, "Want It," and discusses the band's upcoming seventh studio album, Pendulum, the renewed chemistry within the current lineup, and why this new chapter feels as exciting as any in the band's career. Whether you've been a fan since the Sunburn days or you're just discovering FUEL, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, songwriting insight, and a look at what's next for one of modern rock's defining bands. #CaughtOnTheMike #Fuel #CarlBell #RockPodcast #AlternativeRock www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

Dacota Muckey of Five Door Sedan

Charleston, South Carolina's Five Door Sedan has been building a reputation as one of the Southeast's most exciting rising indie rock bands, blending infectious grooves, bluesy textures, improvisation, and high-energy live performances into a sound that's uniquely their own. On this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Dacota Muckey to discuss the band's journey, developing their signature sound, life on the road, and the creative process behind their music. Dacota also shares the story behind their brand-new single, "Everything," dropping July 10, along with a look ahead at Five Door Sedan's upcoming sophomore album. From overcoming creative roadblocks to embracing spontaneity on stage, this conversation explores the band's evolution, what it takes to build momentum as an independent artist, and why Five Door Sedan continues to win over audiences one show at a time. Whether you're already a fan or discovering them for the first time, I think you'll come away with a new appreciation for a band that's clearly on the rise. www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

Paul DeLisle of Smash Mouth

Smash Mouth has been a staple of pop culture for nearly three decades, delivering the songs that defined a generation. In this episode of Caught on the Mike, founding bassist Paul DeLisle joins Michael Clark for an honest conversation about the band's incredible journey—from the breakout success of "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star" to life on the road, navigating change, and the exciting new chapter ahead with fresh music and a renewed energy. Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories from the band's biggest moments, reflects on the legacy of Smash Mouth, discusses the band's upcoming album Mercury Comet, and explains why the future is just as exciting as the past. Whether you've been a fan since the '90s or discovered the band through movies, memes, or streaming, this conversation offers a rare look inside one of rock's most recognizable acts. #SmashMouth #PaulDeLisle #CaughtOnTheMike #Podcast #RockMusic #AlternativeRock #AllStar #WalkinOnTheSun #MercuryComet #MusicPodcast #BehindTheMusic #Interview caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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Sam and Nico of SNACKTIME

Joining me on the show are Nico Bryant and Sam Gellerstein of SNACKTIME. You may know them as the house band on Jason Kelce's ESPN late-night show, but it won't be long before they're known for much more. What started as a street performance project has evolved into one of the most electrifying live acts in music. Blending funk, soul, hip-hop, and rock with an infectious sense of community, SNACKTIME has built a loyal following the old-fashioned way: earning it one show at a time. We discuss the band's journey, the growth of their sound, life on the road, and how they've turned grassroots buzz into national momentum. We also explore the power of authentic connection and why their music is resonating with audiences across the country. Whether you're already a fan or discovering them for the first time, this conversation offers a look inside one of music's fastest-rising bands. caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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Matthew Roads of Tropidelic

With Tropidelic's 10th studio album, First Light, dropping June 26, Matthew Roads and I spend a lot of time talking about the road that led to this release. We discuss the evolution of the band's sound, working with a new production team, the creative process behind the album, and recently released singles like "No Fear," "Follow Your Nature," and "Home To You." We also dive into the band's growth over the years, building one of the most loyal fan communities in music, life on the road, and what continues to drive Tropidelic after all these years. Matthew is thoughtful, honest, and passionate about both the music and the people who support it, which makes for a great conversation. caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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ME. - Mark O’Connell & Eddie Reyes (formerly of Taking Back Sunday)

Mark O'Connell and Eddie Reyes join Caught On The Mike to discuss the formation of their new band, ME., and the journey behind their debut album, ALL GOOD THINGS. After spending nearly a decade apart following their departures from Taking Back Sunday, Mark and Eddie reconnected with no expectations beyond making music together. What began as a creative experiment evolved into an entirely new band built on trust, growth, and a shared desire to move forward rather than revisit the past. In this conversation, we discuss the emotional story behind their debut single "Special," the process of writing without a frontman, bringing vocalist Mike Jansen into the fold through an open casting call, and why ME. represents a fresh start instead of a reunion. We also dive into creativity, accountability, personal growth, and what it means to build something new after years of experience in the music industry. This is an honest conversation about reinvention, friendship, and finding purpose in the next chapter. Listen to ME.'s debut single "Special" now and watch for their debut album ALL GOOD THINGS, arriving July 24, 2026. caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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Jakob Nowell of Sublime

Thirty years after Sublime's self-titled album became one of the most influential records of the 1990s, the band's story continues with a new generation at the helm. On this episode of Caught on the Mike, Mike sits down with Jakob Nowell for an honest conversation about family, legacy, music, and the unique experience of carrying one of rock's most recognizable names while forging his own artistic path. Jakob reflects on growing up surrounded by the legacy of his father, Bradley Nowell, his journey as a musician outside of Sublime, and the unexpected road that led him to joining Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh in writing the next chapter of the band. The conversation explores the emotional process behind Sublime's first new album in nearly three decades, Until the Sun Explodes, and what it means to honor the past while creating something entirely new. The two also discuss the power of music to connect generations—a theme that resonates deeply as fans who grew up with Sublime now share those same songs with their children. From stories about Bradley's lasting influence to the future of Sublime, this is a thoughtful and personal conversation about music, family, grief, growth, and the enduring impact of songs that continue to bring people together. #CaughtOnTheMike #Sublime #JakobNowell #AlternativeRock #PunkRock #SkaPunk #Podcast caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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Brooks Betts of Mayday Parade

For more than 20 years, Mayday Parade has been one of the defining bands of the pop-punk and emo scene. From packed clubs and Warped Tour parking lots to sold-out venues around the world, they've built a career that has stood the test of time while continuing to connect with new generations of fans. On this episode of Caught on the Mike, guitarist Brooks Betts joins me for a conversation about the band's incredible longevity, staying creative after two decades together, the evolution of the scene, life on the road, and the challenges and rewards of keeping Mayday Parade moving forward year after year. We also discuss the band's ambitious anniversary era, the collaborative songwriting process behind recent music, the return of Vans Warped Tour, and what it means to still be creating and performing at a high level twenty years into the journey. caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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ATTA BOY: Dashel Thompson, Eden Brolin, Freddy Reish, and Lewis Pullman

Atta Boy joins Caught On The Mike to discuss the making of their new album Silt, a record built through years of friendship, long-distance collaboration, and creative trust. In this episode, Mike sits down with Eden Brolin, Freddy Reish, Dashel Thompson, and Lewis Pullman to talk about growing up together, forming the band as teenagers, and how they've continued creating music despite being separated by thousands of miles. The conversation dives into the themes behind Silt, the evolution of their songwriting process, the inspiration behind songs like "Full Cloud," and the challenges and advantages of making music remotely. The band also reflects on revisiting old memories through "Full Cloud" video, experimenting with new sounds and textures on the record, and why their connection as friends remains the foundation of everything they create. If you're a fan of thoughtful songwriting, indie rock, and hearing the stories behind the music, you're going to enjoy this one. #AttaBoy #Silt #IndieRock #CaughtOnTheMike #MusicPodcast caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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Professional Boxer- Jesus Munoz-Ramirez

🥊 Undefeated professional boxer Jesus Munoz-Ramirez joins Caught On The Mike for a conversation about the journey, discipline, and mindset required to succeed in one of the toughest sports in the world. With a perfect 4-0 professional record and training out of Skywalker 101 Boxing Academy in Omaha, Nebraska, Jesus sits down to discuss how he got started in boxing, his transition to the professional ranks, the sacrifices that come with chasing greatness, and what drives him every time he steps into the ring. Joining the conversation as a special cohost is Kaleb Betzold, host of the Sports With Betz podcast. Together, we dive into training camp life, handling pressure as an undefeated fighter, the growing boxing scene in Omaha, lessons learned through competition, and the goals Jesus has set for the next chapter of his career. Whether you're a hardcore boxing fan or simply interested in hearing from someone pursuing excellence at the highest level, this episode offers an inside look at the work, dedication, and mentality required to build a successful career in professional boxing. #CaughtOnTheMike #JesusMunozRamirez #Boxing #ProfessionalBoxing #BoxingPodcast #SportsPodcast #CombatSports #Omaha #Nebraska #NebraskaBoxing #SportsWithBetz #Podcast #Interview #FightLife #AthleteMindset #Undefeated #Boxer #OmahaSports #NebraskaSports #PodcastInterview caughtonthemike@gmail.com www.caughtonthemike.com www.caughtonthemike.com caughtonthemike@gmail.com

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