Back to the Light

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!

In a very special Back to the Light network crossover, host J.D. Reager talks to Duddy's ur Buddy! host Dustin Heath on the occasion of his podcast's 100th episode. They discuss the milestone, Dustin's injury status, the ever-looming specter of addiction, and the hope that comes from recovery. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts (including Duddy's ur Buddy!) visit backtothelight.net!

Host J.D. Reager talks to writer, filmmaker and musician Chris McCoy on location at the Memphis Listening Lab. They discuss Chris' many paths as an artist, the inner-band dynamics of 1000 Lights, the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the documentary film Antenna, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!

Host J.D. Reager talks with Maggie Trisler of Mystic Light Casino on location at the Hi Tone during WiMM (Women in Memphis Music) Fest. They discuss their shared musical history, Maggie's personal backstory, the artistic vision behind Mystic Light Casino, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net! For more information on WiMM Fest visit wimmfest.com!

Host J.D. Reager talks to performer Alice Hasen and Women in Memphis Music (WiMM) organizers Liz Lane and Miz Stefani on location at the Hi Tone during the inaugural WiMM Fest. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net! For more information on WiMM Fest visit wimmfest.com!

Host J.D. Reager talks to Dale Naron about his complete musical history - including bands such as Bicycle Thief, Bottom of the Bottle, Oracle and the Mountain, and The Great Depression, which J.D. was a member of. They also discuss Dale's latest project Owlbear and his career in the screen printing business with Creation Press. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, activist and podcast host Marvin Stockwell about his latest project, the Champions of the Lost Causes Summer Road Trip, which is currently underway. Then J.D. talks to musician Abe White about his new band Laundry Bats and extensive musical history, including The Oscars, Manatees and True Sons of Thunder.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Rachel Maxann and Doug Walker (Dream Crusher Hope Smasher) at Doug's home studio in Memphis. They discuss Rachel's new album Black Fae (which Doug produced), Rachel's journey as a musician, J.D. and Doug's musical history, Rachel's other career as a therapist, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!