Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

In today's episode, Jesse discuss the significance of the 2026 Land of Hope and Dreams tour. Jesse argues the 2026 tour is a “patriotic protest tour” centered on democracy, freedom, and the Constitution, citing song choices like “War,” a reclaimed “Born in the U.S.A.,” “Purple Rain,” and “Clampdown,” and suggests it may serve as a punctuation mark in Springsteen’s story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes London-based journalist Maddie Frye to a “timey-wimey” episode of Set Lusting Bruce, exploring her path to Bruce Springsteen and U2 and how music shaped her spiritual and political awakening. Maddie, who writes about religion, sex, politics, and pop culture, describes growing up near London with parents who loved Bowie, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, and Genesis, discovering U2 at 12–13 through All That You Can’t Leave Behind, and finding Springsteen via a 2006 BBC broadcast of the Seeger Sessions that felt both political and spiritually transformative. She discusses working backward through Bruce’s catalog, key live shows (including London 2013 and Liverpool with Paul McCartney), family connections to Springsteen, and reflections on religion’s relationship with power. Maddie answers the “Thunder Road” question—Mary gets in the car—and shares where to find her Substack, U2 and Us. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:45 Meet Maddie 01:55 Growing Up Musical Roots 04:07 Finding Bruce via Seeger 06:23 Seeger Sessions Meaning 10:30 Working Backwards Catalog 14:12 Live Shows Life Changes 18:54 How Many Shows Seen 20:45 Discovering U2 Obsession 23:20 Fandom Numbers Talk 24:52 Writing Religion Politics 25:02 Music Sparks Big Questions 26:24 Faith Through Lyrics 28:00 Reading Toward Belief 29:22 Faithless Research Journey 32:53 Religion Meets Politics 36:13 Radical Gospel Values 41:01 Privilege Luck and Power 44:03 Liverpool Show Memories 46:06 Facing Mortality of Icons 48:24 Thunder Road Mary Answer 49:48 Where to Find Maddie 50:53 Podcast Wrap and Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some fans aren’t thrilled with the Land of Hope and Dreams setlist — and Jesse has thoughts. He shares his HBO (Hot Bruce Opinion) and invites anyone who disagrees to send their counter‑take to setlustingbruce@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes London-based journalist Maddie Fry to a “timey wimey” episode of Set Lusting Bruce to discuss how she discovered Bruce Springsteen through a 2006 BBC broadcast of The Seeger Sessions, then worked backward through albums like Devils & Dust, Magic, and The River, becoming a deeper fan after a powerful 2013 London show and later attending the Liverpool concert where Paul McCartney joined Bruce onstage. Maddie also traces her lifelong devotion to U2, sparked in early-2000s adolescence by All That You Can’t Leave Behind and The Joshua Tree, and explains how music by Springsteen, U2, and Johnny Cash shaped her political awareness and led her into writing about religion, spirituality, and culture. The conversation explores faith’s relationship with power, modern politics, and ends with Maddie’s answer to the “Thunder Road” question and where to find her Substack, U2 and Us. https://www.premierchristianity.com/culture/faithless-the-story-behind-bruce-springsteens-soundtrack-to-a-lost-spiritual-western/20448.article https://u2andus.substack.com/ 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:45 Meet Maddie Across Timezones 02:00 Growing Up and Early Music 04:07 Finding U2 First 06:23 Seeger Sessions Lightning Bolt 10:33 Working Back Through Bruce 12:40 Devils and Dust Deep Dive 14:12 2013 Show Turns Superfan 18:54 Concert Counts and Uncle Andy 20:45 U2 Origin Story 23:20 U2 Shows and Fandom Culture 24:52 Writing Religion and Politics 25:02 Music Sparks Meaning 26:24 Faith Through Lyrics 28:00 Reading Toward Belief 29:29 Faithless Research Journey 32:37 Religion And Power 36:13 Radical Gospel Ethics 41:01 Privilege Luck And Myth 44:03 Liverpool Show Reverence 46:06 Facing Cultural Mortality 48:24 Mary Gets In The Car 49:48 Where To Find Maddie 50:53 Podcast Wrap And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Stephen King podcast, Lou is joined by co-hosts Jesse and Karen to discuss Edgar Wright’s 2025 adaptation of The Running Man, the second film version after the 1987 Schwarzenegger movie. They outline the near-future premise of an authoritarian media network running a lethal televised manhunt and share reactions to the film’s tone as a “popcorn thriller” with on-the-nose social commentary. The group highlights cast standouts (including Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, and Lee Pace), discusses themes like violence as entertainment, AI/deepfakes and propaganda, and critiques the movie’s weak, videogame-like hit squad villains and altered ending versus the book. They finish by ranking The Running Man among 2025 King adaptations, placing it below The Life of Chuck and The Long Walk, and often behind Welcome to Derry. 00:00 Welcome Back and Big Question 01:24 Plot Setup and Dystopian World 02:44 First Impressions and Tone 04:30 Cast Highlights and Cameos 11:12 Adaptation Tone Versus Book 13:08 Opening Act and Ben Richards 17:31 Early Chase and Media Spectacle 22:40 Desensitization and Reality TV 27:25 Why Anyone Joins the Game 33:33 Deepfakes and Rigged Narrative 39:50 Villains and Hit Squad Critique 40:53 Hit Squad Problem 42:33 Popcorn vs Satire 43:41 NPC Villains Critique 45:43 Fixing Lee Pace Arc 46:52 Book Ending Debate 48:42 Hopeful Ending Defense 54:56 Adaptation Expectations 57:49 Ratings and Rewatch 59:07 Ranking King 2025 01:04:40 The Monkey Rant 01:06:36 Wrap Up and Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Kathy Durham to discuss Bruce Springsteen news and Kathy’s decision to run for Congress. Kathy shares how she uses Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock curriculum in her classroom, connecting music to U.S. history and innovation through lessons on Bad Bunny, imperialism, and Jimi Hendrix, with upcoming units for Women’s History Month. They talk about the Nebraska-related movie, box sets, and plans to see Springsteen on the new tour, with Jesse noting his prostate cancer diagnosis. The conversation shifts to politics as Kathy explains her “aha moment” to run after tax and healthcare changes impacting rural Nevada and frustrations with an unresponsive representative. They discuss immigration, due process, inequality, monopolies, and threats to democratic institutions, then offer practical civic actions like staying informed, supporting local news, engaging locally, and volunteering. https://www.kathydurhamforcongress.com/ 00:00 Welcome Back Kathy 00:40 TeachRock in the Classroom 03:09 Nebraska Movie Talk 05:22 Tour Plans and Life Updates 07:20 Bruce and Politics 09:27 Why I’m Running for Congress 14:29 ICE and Due Process 17:25 Top vs Bottom Economics 19:45 America Built by Immigrants 21:05 From Servants to Slavery 21:34 Immigration Waves and Division 22:10 Fixing Legal Pathways 22:46 Farm Labor and Work Visas 23:49 Punishing Workers Not Bosses 25:19 No Consequences for Elites 26:06 Top Versus Bottom Politics 27:07 Trickle Down and Offshoring 28:51 Privatization Playbook 29:49 What You Can Do Locally 33:36 Civic Action Beyond Voting 36:19 Trust Grace and Better Angels 37:10 How to Reach Kathy 38:04 Final Thanks and Sign Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sylvan and Jesse spend a few moments sharing their joy and pride in the way the podcast's own Jake Thistle. Please check out Jake's music and watch him on American Idol! https://jakethistle.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎸 We want to be where the bands are every night—but not all of us can be in Minneapolis on Tuesday 3/31 for opening night of the Land of Hope and Dreams tour. That doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it. Join me, Jesse Jackson, host of Set Lusting Bruce, for a live fan discussion on April 1st (no April Fools joke here). We’ll rate, debate, and celebrate the setlist, the surprises, and yes—maybe vent a little about not being elbows on the stage or high in the nosebleeds. 📍 It’s happening over Zoom 🕗 It’s casual, fun, and full of Bruce energy 🎤 All fans welcome—whether you were there or just wish you were Let’s keep the spirit alive. Follow the link and let’s talk Bruce! https://app.ggv.rs/s/04bG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson opens with reactions to a leaked Springsteen rehearsal set list, predicting a more political “Land of Hope and Dreams/No King” tour. Returning guest Maryanne Janosik, a historian researching Springsteen’s Catholic upbringing and its influence, discusses the tour as a spiritual, “gospel-like” continuum tied to servant leadership, roots music, and civic engagement, noting the symbolic arc from Minneapolis to Washington. The conversation shifts to film, including why Ryan Coogler’s Sinners resonated (genre-blending, music mythology, culture), Oscar-season dynamics, mixed feelings on Deliver Me From Nowhere, a review of Project Hail Mary, and a strong recommendation for Baz Luhrmann’s restored Elvis concert film EPiC. 00:00 Prepared Tour Statement 02:53 Meet Marianne Again 04:02 Catholic Roots And Purpose 07:44 Stewardship Over Rapture 10:45 Frankenstein And Redemption 12:14 Art Life And Our Town 15:56 Tour Arc And Activism 17:28 Just Here For The Music 21:14 Roy Orbison Transformation 24:39 From Tour Talk To Movies 27:50 Why Sinners Matters 33:31 Barn Dance Breakdown 34:56 Bold Films vs Safe Picks 36:17 Why Anderson Won 37:40 Jordan’s Award Season Edge 39:14 Marty Supreme Campaign Backlash 41:09 Age Bias in Best Actor 42:49 Why Jordan Beat the Bias 44:28 Springsteen Biopic Misses Spark 49:46 Project Hail Mary Review 53:36 Elvis Concert Film Revival 58:43 Wrap Up and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes pop-culture lecturer and illustrator Arlen Schumer back to Set Lusting Bruce to discuss his three passions—Bruce Springsteen, comic book art history, and Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. Arlen explains what drew him to Twilight Zone imagery and storytelling, its influence on modern creators, and its early diversity and social themes, then connects Serling’s dramatic voice to Springsteen’s writing and speeches. The conversation shifts to Bruce fandom and live performance, including Arlen’s deep focus on the September 19, 1978 Capitol Theatre broadcast and rare early footage like the Gaslight performance and “Wings for Wheels.” Arlen promotes a March 31 New York Adventure Club webinar on Springsteen live history and a planned June multimedia event tied to a New Jersey exhibit. They also discuss Springsteen’s politics, “Streets of Minneapolis,” and Arlen’s critiques of unreleased/altered outtakes like “Roulette.” https://arlenschumer.com/ https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1984298328717 00:00 Welcome and Arlen Returns 00:39 Arlen Background and Passions 03:00 Why Twilight Zone Matters 05:53 Twilight Zone Legacy and Influence 12:05 Connecting Twilight Zone to Bruce 16:23 Greatest Bruce Shows and 1978 19:44 First Bruce Show and Fan Journeys 22:01 Bruce Live Ethos and Spanish Harlem 23:54 Promoting the Bruce Webinar 26:15 Gaslight Footage and March 31 Plan 29:15 Rare 1975 Footage 30:00 Wings for Wheels Magic 31:50 Desert Island Thunder Road 32:34 High Hopes Show Memories 34:15 Dream Baby Dream Debate 35:27 Webinar and Links 35:57 June Exhibit Plans 37:30 Bruce and Politics 42:09 Roulette and Outtakes 45:40 Release Decisions Rant 48:32 True President Finale 50:16 Wrap Up and Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson opens a B-side episode of Set Lusting Bruce that steps outside the Springsteen universe to spotlight guest Cece’s creative joys, blending their shared love of Hallmark movies with music fandom and community. Cece, who grew up near Washington, DC, describes her family’s listening (ZZ Top, Southern rock, blues/R&B, show tunes) and how she gravitated instead to Prince, Michael Jackson, politically driven rap, and alternative/punk discovered through WHFS, MTV’s 120 Minutes, and films like Suburbia. She studied political science at Virginia Tech, attended law school at Temple, passed the New Jersey bar, but left legal work due to culture fit. Cece recounts becoming obsessed with live music—especially seeing Barenaked Ladies about 80 times, later following Steven Page’s solo work and Zoom concerts—and discusses the Avett Brothers fan song-tracking database, concertgoing community, and her current perfume hobby. 00:00 B-Side Detour Intro 00:37 Hallmark Meets Music 01:31 Cece Finds Hallmark Comfort 05:05 Growing Up Near DC 08:26 Finding Her Own Sound 10:33 Politics And Punk Identity 13:33 Films Over Books 14:57 Law School And Philly Bruce 19:17 Workplace Conformity Clash 21:55 Live Music Obsession Begins 22:29 Bare Naked Ladies Era 29:11 Setlists And Fan Databases 32:54 Chasing Rare Songs 33:24 Why See Bands Repeatedly 34:35 Concert Community Bonds 37:31 Music Recommendations Swap 39:54 Bruce Politics And Tours 41:35 Finding The Avett Brothers 43:39 Solo Shows And Fan Culture 47:11 Meeting Musicians Up Close 53:15 Where To Find Cece 53:35 Perfume Rabbit Hole 55:40 Final Thanks And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes back college professor Maryanne Janosik to discuss Bruce Springsteen’s newly released protest song, its rapid creative turnaround, and how it fits Springsteen’s history of politically charged music and themes of Catholic social justice. They compare the song’s naming of names to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Ohio,” speculate about political expression at the Grammys, and reflect on concerns about free speech, polarization, and the shrinking space for teaching controversial art and history. The conversation shifts to film awards, including disappointment that “Deliver Me From Nowhere” received no Oscar nominations, debate about biopic fatigue, and Maryanne’s recommended under-the-radar films such as “Train Dreams,” Linklater’s “Blue Moon” and “Nouvelle Vague,” “Sorry, Baby,” and the baseball film “Eefus,” plus praise for “Sinners” and “Fruitvale Station.” https://www.mjthemovies.com/ 00:00 Welcome Back Maryanne 00:33 Meet Maryanne Janosik 01:50 Bruce Drops New Protest Song 02:55 How Artists Create Fast 05:26 Protest Music Context 07:38 Catholic Imagination Social Justice 08:45 Teaching Songs of Protest 11:07 Grammys Politics and Censorship 13:30 Academic Freedom Under Pressure 17:13 Reviewing the New Song 20:36 Super Bowl Halftime Culture 23:44 Oscars and Springsteen Films 24:37 Box Office vs Oscars 25:35 Deliver Me From Nowhere 28:36 Biopic Fatigue Debate 30:26 Good vs Great Movies 32:24 Why Sinners Works 36:48 Michael B Jordan Rise 39:23 Under the Radar Picks 45:08 Catherine O'Hara Tribute 47:02 Wrap Up and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Holly Cantos, co-host of the mostly ’80s music show What Difference Does It Make? Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation that moves beyond Bruce Springsteen into radio, fandom, and podcasting. Holly shares her early love of AM radio after moving from New York to Los Angeles, her career behind the scenes in radio syndication and production, and how her parents’ music shaped her broad tastes. She recounts discovering U2 on the 1983 War tour, seeing them across every tour, and a highlight at the Sphere, plus taking her son to Bono’s Stories of Surrender. Holly and Jesse discuss how her podcast began in 2018, evolved through studio recording and pandemic-era Zoom access to guests, and the challenges of monetization and audience engagement. They close with Holly’s Springsteen memories and her view that Mary gets in the car in “Thunder Road.” https://www.wddimpodcast.com/ 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:55 Holly’s Radio Roots 05:21 Parents and Early Music 08:28 AM to FM Era 12:52 Discovering U2 Live 20:03 Concert Memories and Family 24:02 Podcast Mission and Format 27:51 Starting the Show Fast 31:44 Podcasting Advice and Growth 36:23 Guests and Great Interviews 38:33 Money Downloads and Rejection 41:26 Respectful Declines 41:46 Springsteen Intimidation 42:40 Ranking 80s Icons 46:08 Barry Manilow Stories 47:38 Podcast Growth Goals 51:04 Community Over Downloads 54:11 U2 Sphere Highlights 56:31 Bruce Live Memories 01:00:22 Music Tied to Family 01:06:24 Thunder Road Debate 01:08:32 Plugging The Podcast 01:11:51 Wrapping Up Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes author and former teacher Sara Goodman-Confino to Set Lusting Bruce to talk Bruce Springsteen, fandom, and fiction. Sara shares her path from 21 years teaching to writing full-time, her Springsteen origin story rooted in hearing “Atlantic City” during a difficult college week, and her family’s deep reading culture. She recounts seeing Bruce live (including being pulled onstage in Charlottesville in 2012 with a “Can I dance with Jake?” sign), attending dozens of shows, favorite songs and albums (especially Born to Run and “Backstreets”), and sending Bruce a copy of her novel Don’t Forget to Write featuring a brief Bruce cameo. They discuss Sara’s focus on humorous, intergenerational stories with strong female characters and “Jewish joy,” including why she writes Jewish characters beyond suffering narratives and how her novels highlight the recentness of women’s legal and social limitations. Sara previews upcoming projects, including her June 9 release Off the Record about a young woman in a 1960s newspaper typing pool who uncovers a Cuban spy plot, plus a planned 2027 novel centered on the Beatles’ first U.S. concert after Ed Sullivan. Find more about her and her books here - https://saraconfino.com/ 00:00 Welcome to Set Lusting Bruce + Meet Author Sara Goodman Canino 00:53 From Teacher to Full-Time Writer: Beyond the Palace Origins 03:54 Growing Up with Books & Classic Rock (and Early Bruce Memories) 05:24 The Springsteen Mix CD That Got Her Through Grief 10:13 Writing Strong Women & Finding Her Voice (Humor, Publishing, Historical Fiction) 13:29 Jewish Joy on the Page: Representation Beyond Trauma 16:28 Intergenerational Healing: The Mother-in-Law Story Behind Good Grief 19:24 New Release Spotlight: Off the Record—Jewish Romcom Meets Cold War Spy Thriller 23:00 Why the Early ’60s Still Matters: Women’s Rights, Research, and Remembering History 27:34 Why These Stories Matter (Especially for Younger Readers) 29:04 Next Novel Tease: The 1964 DC Beatles Show + A Photographer’s Big Break 31:12 Switching Gears to Bruce: The ‘Dance with Jake’ Sign & Getting Pulled Onstage 34:20 Counting Shows & Favorite Springsteen Songs (Born to Run, Backstreets, Sandy) 37:29 Have You Met Bruce? Mailing Him a Book + The New Jersey Cameo 39:27 Family Concert Memories: Dad, Uncle, and the Legendary Ticket Scores 42:46 What’s Next as a Writer: Secret Projects, Building an Audience & Future Horror Book 44:09 Thunder Road Debate: Does Mary Get in the Car? (Plus ‘Waves’ vs ‘Sways’) 44:58 Where to Find Sara: Socials, Website, Buying Options & Final Wrap-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson welcomes back author **Ann Abel**, whose memoir *High Hopes* Jesse calls one of his favorite reads of 2025. Abel—who discovered Bruce Springsteen at age 59—shares the extraordinary story behind her book: how a lifetime of severe depression, the loss of her teaching career, and a desperate need for structure pushed her to book a solo trip to Australia for **eight Springsteen shows across five cities in 26 days**. What began as an escape from “the abyss” became a journey of fear, resilience, connection, and unexpected joy. Ann recounts: - **Battling self‑doubt and loneliness** while navigating a foreign country alone - A terrifying night stranded after the Hunter Valley show when her driver vanished and her flip phone died - Quiet, intimate moments of being “invisible” in hotel lobbies near E Street Band members - Meeting Bruce’s longtime manager **Barbara Carr**, the conversations that followed, and the fundraiser where Ann won a silent auction to **co‑host SiriusXM’s E Street Radio with Dave Marsh** - The months of intense rock‑history study she undertook to prepare—and the unforgettable on‑air moment when she corrected a punk‑rock attribution - How storytelling open mics and winning a **Moth StorySLAM** helped her break through writer’s block and finally write *High Hopes* - Seeing the Springsteen movie and feeling deeply validated hearing Bruce speak openly about struggle - The concert moments that changed her life, including “Dream Baby Dream” and Bruce’s reminder that “It’s all right to have a good time” Ann also talks about her recent **TEDx talk**, her unexpected rise as a late‑in‑life social‑media creator with **750,000 followers and multiple viral videos**, her upcoming travels, and the joy of becoming a grandparent. She closes by sharing where listeners can follow her work online. This is an episode about music, survival, reinvention, and the way Bruce Springsteen’s art can crack open a life at any age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling the pinch from ticket prices? Remember, wisdom can be found in every decision. Don't miss my take on making peace with concert costs and loving the music, wherever you are! 🌟 #SetLustingBruce #ConcertWisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I've got a battle ahead with prostate cancer, but with an excellent prognosis and your support, I'm ready. Join me in spreading love, sending good vibes, and sharing tunes for my F Cancer playlist. 🎧🙏 #ProstateCancerAwareness #MusicHeals" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Jesse Jackson on a new episode of 'Set Lusting Bruce' as he steps off the Bruce train for a chat with rock journalist Martin Popoff. Together, they delve into Popoff's latest book, 'KISS 76: 12 Months that Define the Hottest Band in the Land.' The episode covers KISS’s massive year in 1976, including iconic tours, releases, and cultural impact. Martin also shares his journey from heavy metal fandom to becoming a prolific rock historian, and discusses his unique podcast 'History in Five Songs.' Whether you're a die-hard KISS fan or just love rock history, this episode is a must-listen! https://a.co/d/0hmrKt9E 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 01:53 Guest Introduction and Background 03:10 Early Musical Influences and First Concerts 05:09 The Concept of Perfect Music 07:21 Latest Book: KISS 76 08:40 KISS in 1976: A Year in Review 17:40 KISS's Live Performances and Touring 25:11 The Ed Sullivan Moment and KISS's Influence 26:30 KISS's Unique Sound and Comparisons 29:01 Controversies and Public Perception 33:32 The Podcast and Writing Journey 37:31 Favorite Albums and Musical Preferences 39:13 The Mary Question and Final Thoughts 42:48 Outro and Housekeeping Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Lou and Karen for a JKL Media tie-in discussion of the 2025 film "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," directed by Scott Cooper and based on Warren Zanes’ book about the making of Bruce Springsteen’s "Nebraska." They praise Jeremy Allen White’s performance as Springsteen and Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of manager Jon Landau, but debate who the movie is meant for—hardcore fans versus casual viewers—given its quiet focus on depression, trauma, and the Nebraska era rather than the E Street Band or the more widely known "Born in the U.S.A." period. Lou, less familiar with "Nebraska," finds the film surface-level, criticizing thin characterization (including Springsteen’s father, played by Stephen Graham), a cutaway from a key therapy scene, minimal exploration of individual songs, and the E Street Band’s near-silent portrayal. Karen also notes the story can feel generic without deeper Springsteen context, wishes the film emphasized Springsteen’s mother and band dynamics more, and argues the romantic subplot involving the composite character “Faye” feels unnecessary. Jesse provides background on how the project came to be, shares lore and real-life parallels (including Springsteen’s first psychiatrist visit and a later conversation with his father), and agrees the movie is a mixed bag that likely lands best for viewers who know the book and backstory. 00:00 Welcome + Why This Springsteen Movie Feels Like a Question Mark 01:42 First Reactions: Performances, Expectations, and ‘Who Is This For?’ 03:13 How the Film Got Made: Warren Zanes, Scott Cooper, and Bruce Saying Yes 04:29 Nebraska vs. Born in the U.S.A.: The Era Casual Fans Don’t Know 06:13 Book vs. Movie + The Film’s Quiet, Depression-Focused Tone 08:36 The ‘Love Story’ Angle: Bruce & Manager Jon Landau 12:43 Lou’s Critique: Transactional Scenes and Dodging the Therapy Breakthrough 15:17 Bruce’s Father (Stephen Graham) + Missing Depth and Backstory 17:11 Where’s the E Street Band? Collaboration Erased on Screen 19:33 Karen’s Take: Generic Biopic Vibes, Lore-Heavy Story Choice, and What’s Missing 24:32 The Ending with Bruce’s Dad: Lap Scene, Payoff Without Buildup, and Real-Life Context 30:28 Family Wounds & the Film’s Emotional Core (Bruce and His Dad) 30:49 Who Is This Movie For? The Faye Romance Debate 31:51 Mustard-Gate & Other Fan-Accuracy Nitpicks 32:56 What the Movie Should’ve Shown: E Street Band & Studio Depth 34:39 Mixed Bag Reception: Highlights, Awards, and What Worked 35:35 Lou’s Non‑Sequitur Notes: Wasted Characters, Song Talk, and Stephen King Links 39:16 Karen’s Final Thoughts: Music Choices, Badlands, and Missed Potential 45:02 Wrap-Up, Next Watches, and Where to Find Everyone 48:30 Podcast Outro & Housekeeping: Contact Info and Other Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allen and Jesse do a dive deep into the influence of Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' album on the lo-fi music movement and Alan's personal connection to the record. Alan shares how the album inspired him and his brother to create their own lo-fi recordings and discusses the broader impact on indie rock in the '90s. The conversation also touches on Springsteen's approach to the album, the emotional depth of lo-fi recordings, and Alan's current musical projects. Tune in for a compelling discussion about the enduring legacy of 'Nebraska' and the lo-fi genre. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:57 Discovering Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' 02:49 The Influence of Lo-Fi Recording 04:17 Impact of 'Nebraska' on Music and Personal Life 07:47 Discussion on the 'Nebraska' Movie 10:05 Springsteen's Influence on Indie and Alternative Music 23:18 Future of Bruce Springsteen's Music 25:39 Guest's Current Projects and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices