Back to the Light

Host J.D. Reager chats with musician and returning guest Jeff Hulett on location at Crosstown Concourse. They dig in to his new collaboration with photographer Alex Smythe - an interactive music and art exhibit called Emotions Without People, which runs through August 29 at Church Health. They also discuss Jeff's affinity for the acoustic guitar, coping with grief, and gambling colloquialisms. Find Jeff Hulett's music at smallbatchrecords.bandcamp.com. For more episodes and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.

Host J.D. Reager chats with old friend and musician Joey Pegram, AKA JoJo Shabbadoo. They discuss Joey's life overseas, the new Shabbadoo record Next Man Up, ZZ Top, and more. Shabbadoo also performs "Sneakin" and "This Place" live at Java Cabana in Memphis. For more Shabbadoo music, visit shabbadoo.bandcamp.com. For more episodes and other fine podcasts vist backtothelight.net.

Host J.D. Reager chats with producer, musician, songwriter, and music supervisor Fred Mollin - who he originally met in 2017 on a Memphis Flyer assignment to cover Lamont Dozier. They discuss the late Motown legend, Fred's early career in improv comedy, a few career highlights (Dan Hill, Kris Kristofferson, America, Rita Wilson, the Monkees' biopic Daydream Believers), and his new book, Unplugged. Get Fred's book here: fredmollinunplugged.com. Also, Memphis friends: meet Fred in-person - August 23 at Lansky Bros.! For more episodes and other fine podcasts, visit ⁠backtothelight.net⁠!

Host J.D. Reager chats with musician/entrepreneur Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 901 Toys), author/musician Russ Thompson (The Loop Breaker series, 1000 Lights), and filmmaker/artist Mike McCarthy (Time Warp Drive In, Black & Wyatt Records Podcast) on location at Midtown Con in Memphis, TN. For more episodes and other fine podcasts, visit backtothelight.net!

Host J.D. Reager hangs out with musician Jeremy Scott and his bandmates in The Drip Edges - Graham Burks, Mitchell Manley and Noel Clark - at the band's rehearsal studio in Memphis. J.D. talks with Jeremy about making his solo album Bear Grease, the transition from "solo artist" to The Drip Edges, the band's new EP Kicking the Tires on the Clown Car, the last ride of the Reigning Sound, mining inspiration from frustration, and more. Later, the full band joins the show to discuss the band's history and dynamics - and they perform the song "Everything's Gonna Have to Be Alright" live at B-Side Memphis. For more episodes of Back to the Light and other fine podcasts, visit backtothelight.net

Host J.D. Reager talks with author and musician Russ Thompson at his home in Memphis. They chat about the recent holidays and forecast the new year before diving into a deep discussion about Russ' latest book, The Loop Breaker: Secrets of the Falls. They also get into Russ' various musical projects, including 1000 Lights, Polyglamorous, and his solo work. For more episodes of Back to the Light and other fine podcasts, visit ⁠backtothelight.net

It’s late December - and that means it’s time for The 43rd Annual Back to the Light-Radio Memphis Holiday Telethon! Back to the Light host J.D. Reager and Radio Memphis hosts Ric Chetter and Monica O'Donniley-Summerfield embark on a star-studded journey to benefit Room In The Inn - Memphis. First, musician Jeremy Scott (The Drip Edges, Reigning Sound) talks about his upcoming new album and Doug Sahm tribute project, and performs “Dirty Sound.” Then Marvin Stockwell provides updates on Baron Von Opperbean, the Mid-South Coliseum and Pezz. Next, Dustin Starr and Big John Dalton discuss all things Memphis Wrestling. And, finally - The Subteens close down the show with lively banter and a raucous version of “Out of My Head.” To donate to Room In The Inn - Memphis, visit ritimemphis.org To listen to Radio Memphis, visit radio-memphis.com For more episodes of Back to the Light and other fine podcasts, visit backtothelight.net

Host J.D. Reager talks with two fine musicians and friends, Jeff Hulett and Dirk Kitterlin. First, Jeff and J.D. discuss the recent U.S. election, Jeff's new LP Little Windows, and maintaining a positive outlook. Then, Dirk taps in to chat about his new album Tempus Novare, synth collecting, and his day job teaching music. For more episodes and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠.

J.D. Reager hosts another star-studded Not Too Late Night Talk Show in front of a live audience at the Memphis Listening Lab. Tylon Monger discusses his comedy career and dating life, Cheyenne Marrs performs the song “Fortune” from his new LP Everybody Wants to Go Home, and Allison McArthur challenges Katrina Coleman to a one-round You Look Like battle. This episode was recorded on 10/11/2024. To support the Memphis Listening Lab, visit memphislisteninglab.org. For more episodes and other fine podcasts visit ⁠backtothelight.net⁠.

Host J.D. Reager talks with returning guest Eric Friedl on location at Goner Records in Memphis, TN. They discuss Gonerfest 21's line-up and planning process in-depth, and also touch on the evolution of the festival, Eric's recent trip to Canada, his musical endeavors, and more. Gonerfest 21 takes place September 26-29 at Railgarten - for more information visit gonerfest.com. For more episodes and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.

Host J.D. Reager talks with filmmaker Morgan Jon Fox, whose new film The Hobby is now streaming for free on Amazon Prime. They discuss the Memphis film community, the benefits of living in Chicago, working with Craig Brewer and Jemaine Clement, and the trading card boom that inspired The Hobby. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net

Host J.D. Reager sits down with The Subteens (Mark Akin, Jay Hines and John Bonds) and special guests Jacob Church, Mike McCarthy and Chris Davis to celebrate the 25th anniversary reissue of the band’s classic album Burn Your Cardigan. They discuss the band’s history, the album’s original creation, the remastering process and more in front of a live audience - and also spin two classic Subteens’ songs, “Anyone” and “Tokarev.” For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For more information on The Subteens visit thesubteens.com.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Chris Milam about his new release Orchid South in front of a live audience at the Memphis Listening Lab. Chris also performs two songs from the album: "Cut Myself Shaving" and "Song of the Summer." For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and entrepreneur Harry Koniditsiotis on location at 901 Toys (Midtown) - while Harry works behind the counter! They discuss Harry's journey in the comic books and toys business, a few of his recent musical projects, and the upcoming Midtown Con at Black Lodge in Memphis on April 27th. They also check out a customer! For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Host J.D. Reager talks with audio engineer and content creator Steve Mayer upstairs at Shangri-La Records. They discuss Steve's journey from Illinois to Memphis, his work as a live engineer, and the inspiration behind his current project The Merrycrest Sessions. Steve also shares Merrycrest Session performances from Memphis artists Seize and Desist and One Strange Bird. Support The Merrycrest Sessions at patreon.com/TheMerrycrestSessions For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, songwriter and producer Mark Edgar Stuart on location at Mark's home studio. They discuss Mark's "adult" audience, recent studio projects, pet grief, and more. Mark also performs "Throwing Rocks At Your Window" live at Shangri-La Records. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠⁠. www.markedgarstuart.com www.shangrilarecords.com

Host J.D. Reager talks to stand-up comedian Mo Alexander on location at Shangri-La Records. They discuss Mo's early days in comedy, the Memphis comedy scene, life on tour, the proper care of domesticated possums, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠.

This episode is a special celebration of the life of Jared McStay. First, host J.D. Reager shares some memories with Jared's friend and business partner John Miller, followed by a replay of J.D.'s conversation with Jared from 2021. To close the show, J.D. spins two classic Jared McStay tunes - "Safe Passage" and "Pen." For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠backtothelight.net⁠.

Host J.D. Reager talks to the 3x former Knockouts World Champion Deonna Purrazzo about IMPACT Wrestling's upcoming shows in Memphis on September 22-23, defining her character, and more. Then Memphis Wrestling's Barnabas the Leader joins to discuss the status of The Circuz, his new career path as a "producer," and his journey in the wrestling business. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!

Host J.D. Reager talks to the acclaimed musician, engineer and producer Ari Morris on location at his studio/secret lair, Edge Recording. They discuss their shared musical history, Ari's journey from New Jersey to making platinum records in Memphis, the rise of Dolby Atmos, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!