Shows / Chris DeMakes A Podcast
Chris DeMakes A Podcast
You may know Chris DeMakes as a founding member of the band Less Than Jake, but what you may NOT know is that he's a true music historian. On Chris DeMakes A Podcast, he welcomes accomplished songwriters to sit in and discuss the writing and recording of beloved songs from their back catalogs.
Episodes
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Michael Bishop aka Blöthar the Berserker discusses GWAR's "The Road Behind"
This week’s Throwback Thursday was first released as Episode 230 on October 28th, 2024. In this episode, Michael Bishop aka Blöthar the Berserker sits in to…
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Ep. 325: A discussion on Alice Cooper’s “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)”
In 1986, the Friday the 13th franchise released the sixth installment in their beloved slasher film series. Jason Lives brought Jason Voorhees back from the…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Aaron Bruno discusses AWOLNATION’s “Sail”
This edition of Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 217 on July 29th, 2024. In this episode, Aaron Bruno discusses the creation of…
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Ep. 324: Rev Peters discusses The Drowns “Them Rats”
Honesty has long been a trademark of The Drowns, from their thought-provoking lyrics to their raw and aggressive album production. Their 2020 single “Them…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Joseph Milligan discusses Anberlin’s “Feel Good Drag”
This week’s Throwback Thursday edition was originally released as Episode 225 on September 23rd, 2024. It features Anberlin guitarist Joseph Milligan…
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Ep. 323: Travis Shettel discusses Piebald’s “Gentlemen Callers”
Piebald’s 2026 full-length Tales For The Rages was a long time coming, considering the band’s last LP came out close to 20 years prior. Despite the time…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: A discussion on Dolores O'Riordan and The Cranberries "Zombie"
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 229 on October 21st, 2024. In this conversation, Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer…
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Ep. 322: A discussion on Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”
Dolly Parton was known far and wide as the Queen of Country Music, which is a title that was well-earned when you look back at her prolific career that spanned…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastTHE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (The SNUBS!)
Over on the One Hit Thunder podcast, Chris and Matt compiled the Top 10 lists of listeners to arrive at the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time. In this…
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Ep. 321: Chris Cresswell discusses The Flatliners “Good, You?”
Chris Cresswell makes his return to Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this time to discuss the writing and recording of the 2026 single from The Flatliners, “Good…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Craig Wedren discusses Shudder to Think’s “X-French Tee Shirt”
Originally released as Episode 206 on May 13th, 2024, this edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast features Shudder to Think’s Craig Wedren discussing the creative…
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Ep. 320: Patty Walters discusses As It Is “Live, Laugh, Love, Los Angeles”
Even though he has lived in the UK from a very young age, a part of As It Is vocalist Patty Walters’ heart still remains in the United States. The band’s 2026…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick discusses Fitz and The Tantrums "Out of My League"
This week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 214 on July 8th, 2024. In this episode, Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick sits in to discuss the…
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Ep. 319: John Corabi discusses Mötley Crüe’s “Hooligan’s Holiday”
When John Corabi stepped in as the new singer of Mötley Crüe in the early 90s, the band was at a true crossroads. As if replacing a lead singer isn’t already…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Nick Thomas discusses The Spill Canvas “All Over You”
This episode was originally released as Episode 231 on November 4th, 2024, and it features Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas discussing the writing and recording…
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Ep. 318: David McWane discusses Big D and the Kids Table’s “Opportunity”
“Opportunity” is a laid back, feel-good track off of the new Big D and the Kids Table album The Good Ole American Saturday Night. Though this reggae-infused…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastTHE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (#20 - #1)
Compiled from the Top 10 lists of listeners of the One Hit Thunder podcast, this is the final installment of the Thundred series counting down the 100 greatest…
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Ep. 317: Gerry Beckley discusses America’s “Sister Golden Hair”
This week, the very prolific Gerry Beckley sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 1975 #1 hit single from America, “Sister Golden Hair.” Despite…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Rou Reynolds discusses Enter Shikari's "(pls) set me on fire"
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 177 on October 16th, 2023. In this episode, Enter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds takes…
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Ep. 316: A discussion on Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al”
To celebrate the 40 year anniversary of Paul Simon’s beloved 1986 album Graceland, Chris DeMakes is joined by producer and co-host Chris Fafalios to explore…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Anthony Raneri discusses Bayside's "Sick, Sick, Sick"
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 227 on October 7th, 2024. In this conversation, Bayside guitarist and vocalist…
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Ep. 315: Garrett Klahn discusses Texas Is The Reason’s “Back And To the Left”
It only took one album for Texas Is The Reason to leave a highly influential mark on the world of indie rock for decades to come. Produced by J. Robbins, Do…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Trevor Reilly discusses A Wilhelm Scream's "Boat Builders"
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 221 on August 26th, 2024. In this conversation, A Wilhelm Scream guitarist Trevor…
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Ep. 314: Howi Spangler discusses Ballyhoo!’s “Bad Summer”
When it was time to record a new album, Ballyhoo! knew that they needed to shake things up. When the opportunity to work with acclaimed producer John Feldmann…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastTHE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (#40 - #21)
Chris DeMakes A Podcast producer Chris Fafalios also co-hosts One Hit Thunder, which is the sister podcast to this show. Every year on One Hit Thunder, they…
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Ep. 313: Aaron Barrett and Scott Klopfenstein discuss Reel Big Fish’s “The Set Up (You Need This)”
In October of 1998, Reel Big Fish released their third full-length album Why Do They Rock So Hard?, which captured the band at a time of peak musical…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: A discussion on The Outfield's "Your Love"
This week’s Throwback Thursday was first released as Episode 218 on August 5th, 2024. In this episode, host Chris DeMakes and producer Chris Fafalios reminisce…
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Defeat DeMakes Episode 14: MTV Edition
If MTV still existed, it would be celebrating its 45th anniversary this week. To celebrate, friend of the show Matt Albert sits in as the challenger to Chris…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Nikola Šarčević discusses Millencolin's "No Cigar"
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was first released as Episode 236 on December 9th, 2024. In this episode, Millencolin vocalist and bassist Nikola…
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Defeat DeMakes Episode 13: Metal and Hard Rock Edition
Since it’s the 13th episode of Defeat DeMakes AND Chris currently holds a .666 winning percentage after 12 showdowns, this week’s game is based around ALL…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn discuss Local Natives “When Am I Gonna Lose You”
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was first released as Episode 207 on May 20th, 2024. In this episode, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn of Local Natives unveil…
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Ep. 312: Greg Camp discusses Smash Mouth’s “Walkin’ On the Sun”
Smash Mouth made an instant impact with the release of their 1997 debut single “Walkin’ On the Sun.” The song had a unique throwback vibe that stood out, not…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastTHE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (#60 - #41)
One Hit Thunder is the sister podcast to Chris DeMakes A Podcast. Recently, One Hit Thunder listeners chose their 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time in…
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Ep. 311: Joel Reader discusses The Plus Ones “All the Boys”
Emerging as a sort of supergroup of Bay Area punk rockers in the early 2000s, The Plus Ones wrote catchy songs that weren’t overthought by any means. After a…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Sonny Sandoval discusses P.O.D.’s “Youth of the Nation”
In an episode that was first released as Episode 208 on May 27th, 2024, P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval sat in to discuss the creation of their iconic 2001 hit…
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Ep. 310: Deanna Belos discusses Sincere Engineer’s “Trust Me”
The feeling of being overwhelmed is something that Sincere Engineer’s Deanna Belos can tell you all about. She began her somewhat unexpected music career…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Matt Skiba discusses Alkaline Trio’s “Time to Waste”
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was first released as Episode 209 on June 3rd, 2024, and it features Alkaline trio guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba. In…
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Ep. 309: Shawna Potter discusses War On Women’s “Messages Unsent”
War On Women are generally known for the politically charged subject matter of their songs, but with the 2026 single “Messages Unsent”, the band couldn’t…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastTHE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (#80 - #61)
Over on the One Hit Thunder podcast (which is the sister show to Chris DeMakes A Podcast), the listeners recently chose their top 100 greatest one hit wonders…
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Ep. 308: John Hampson discusses Nine Days “If I Am”
In this episode, John Hampson makes his return to the show to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 2000 single from Nine Days, “If I Am.” Though the…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: Roger Lima discusses Less Than Jake’s “Sunny Side”
Originally released as Episode 261 on June 2nd, 2025, this week’s Throwback Thursday episode features Chris’s Less Than Jake bandmate Roger Lima. Together…
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Ep. 307: Peter Stuart discusses Dog’s Eye View’s “Everything Falls Apart”
In this episode, songwriter and vocalist Peter Stuart discusses the writing and recording of the hit 1996 single from Dog’s Eye View, “Everything Falls Apart.”…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastThrowback Thursday: JR Wasilewski discusses Less Than Jake’s “Walking Pipebomb”
Originally released as Episode 257 on May 12th, 2025, this week’s Throwback Thursday episode features Chris’s Less Than Jake bandmate JR Wasilweski discussing…
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Ep. 306: Dee Snider discusses Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock”
Despite his recent retirement from the touring circuit, Dee Snider most definitely still rocks! This week, he makes his return appearance to the show to…
Chris DeMakes A PodcastTHE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (#100 - #81)
Over on One Hit Thunder (sister podcast of Chris DeMakes A Podcast), Matt and Chris compiled the Top 10 lists of listeners to arrive at the list of the 100…
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Ep. 305: Geoff Downes discusses Asia’s “Heat of the Moment”
This week, Chris is joined by legendary keyboardist Geoff Downes to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 1982 single from Asia, “Heat of the Moment.”…
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Throwback Thursday: Duncan Redmonds discusses Snuff’s “Nick Northern”
Originally released on November 13th, 2023, as Episode 181 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this episode features Snuff drummer and vocalist Duncan Redmonds…
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Ep. 304: Steve Soboslai discusses Punchline’s “Heart Transplant”
After a QUICK five years since his last appearance on the show, Punchline’s Steve Soboslai sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s…
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Throwback Thursday: Geoff Rickly discusses Thursday’s “Signals Over the Air”
Originally released as Episode 192 on February 5th, 2024, this episode features Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly discussing the writing and recording of the…
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Ep. 303: Josh Fiedler discusses The Juliana Theory’s “Do You Believe Me?”
In this week’s episode, guitarist Josh Fiedler sits in to discuss the writing and recording of The Juliana Theory’s 2003 single “Do You Believe Me?” Taken from…
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Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend”
Originally released as Episode 117 on August 22nd, 2022, this episode is a look back on the late Biz Markie and his hit single “Just A Friend.” The unique…
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Ep. 302: Linus Dotson discusses Linus of Hollywood’s “Thank You for Making Me Feel…Better”
This week, LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer Linus Dotson sits in to discuss the writing and recording of his fan favorite 2001 single, “Thank You for…
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Throwback Thursday: Songs That Changed The World
After a Chris DeMakes A Podcast episode all about Sister Hazel’s “Change Your Mind”, Chris and Chris discuss a group of songs throughout history that changed…
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Ep. 301: Ken Block discusses Sister Hazel’s “Change Your Mind”
This week, Ken Block returns to the show to discuss the writing and recording of Sister Hazel’s fan favorite 2000 single “Change Your Mind.” Though the song…
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Throwback Thursday: Jacoby Shaddix discusses Papa Roach’s “Last Resort”
Originally released as Episode 205 on May 6th, 2024, this episode features Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix sharing the story behind the creation of the…
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Ep. 300: Chris Ballew discusses The Presidents of The United States of America’s “Kitty”
Every hundred episodes, Chris Ballew sits in to discuss the writing and recording of a classic song from The Presidents of the United States of America, and…
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Throwback Thursday: Fee Waybill discusses The Tubes “She’s a Beauty”
Originally released as Episode 106 on June 6th, 2022, this episode features Fee Waybill of The Tubes discussing the writing and recording of their hit 1983…
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Ep. 299: Will Gold discusses Lovejoy’s “Scoundrels”
This week, Will Gold of Lovejoy opens up about the writing and recording of the band’s 2025 song “Scoundrels.” Working alongside producer Ali Chant, the band…
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Throwback Thursday: Sondre Lerche discusses his song “Bad Law”
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 99 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast on April 18th, 2022. In this episode, Norwegian singer…
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Ep. 298: Rachel Bolan discusses Skid Row’s “I Remember You”
In this episode, Skid Row bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan tells the story behind the band’s 1989 smash hit, “I Remember You.” He traces the song back to…