Tell Craig Your Story

Episode 170- We’re thrilled to welcome Rob Dietrich — Master Distiller and Blender of Blackened American Whiskey — who joins us while on tour with Metallica as part of the explosive Metallica Takeover events. Before becoming the face behind Metallica’s signature Blackened whiskey and cigar's, Rob lived a life few could imagine. From his early days serving in the U.S. Army to working as an event manager and roadie for some of the biggest names in music, Rob has truly seen it all — behind the scenes and behind the bar. In this episode, Rob opens up about his wild journey through the world of live music, his transition into the whiskey industry, and how he blended both passions into something legendary. He shares the science behind Blackened Whiskey's sonic-enhancement process, using Metallica’s own music to shape the flavour of every barrel. He also shares his thoughts on the award winning Rye The Lightening From backstage chaos to barrels of perfectly tuned whiskey, Rob’s story is one of grit, creativity, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. @robwhiskey @blackenedwhiskey https://blackenedwhiskey.com https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #robdietrich #blackenedwhiskey #metallica #masterdistiller #drewestateblackenedcigars #denvercolorado #surfing #schoolbus #jameshetfield #larsulrich #kirkhammett #robtrujillo #davepickerall #usarmyservice #metallicatakeover #ryethelightening #metallicafamily #batch100 #batch106

This episode is a powerhouse showcase of international talent. IONU, the Russian rock band now lighting up the Shanghai music scene, brings serious energy, passion, and versatility. Known as the house band Red Star at the iconic Pearl Theatre, they deliver top-tier tribute performances and original music that spans hard rock, funk, pop, and heavy metal. The conversation gives listeners insight into their journey—from Russia to China, from cover shows to crafting their own distinct sound. Their debut album, launched in January 2025, is a testament to their musical range and commitment. Songs like Taste of Love, Simple Song, and Crime showcase not just technical skill but emotional depth. Ksenia’s vocals are powerful and dynamic, Eugene’s basslines groove hard, Gil drives the rhythm with precision on drums, and Alexander shreds with soul on lead guitar. Their chemistry as a band comes through both in conversation and in every track. Whether you're into stadium anthems or smoky funk grooves, this episode is a must-listen. It’s more than just an interview—it’s an introduction to one of Shanghai’s most exciting live acts. @ionu_offical @thepearlshanghai https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #ionu #redstars #russia #thepearlshanghai #pearltheatre #papag #grantoh #tellcraigyourstory #poisonwater #houseband #hardrock #albumlaunch #tasteoflove #simplesong #crime #shanghaichina #ringnoise

Please welcome to the podcast one of the all time greatest guitar players, Marty Friedman. Born in Washington DC, USA, he started his music career with bands Hawaii and Deuce before forming Cacophony with Jason Becker. Friedman joined Megadeth in 1990 and their Rust In Peace album, is considered one of the best heavy metal album ever. He received International success touring the world and having multi platinum albums. Friedman left Megadeth in 2000 and in 2003 moved to Japan to start a whole new life. Since moving to Japan he has become a Japanese celebrity and has eclipsed his accomplishments in Megadeth. He has released multiple solo albums, has been a producer and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in J-Pop, having consistent sold out tours. Friedman is a TV Star and a cultural ambassador. In December 2024 he released his autobiography which has been critically acclaimed around the world Marty's band will be touring China next May in support of his new album Drama. He will be performing in Shanghai 15th May, Beijing 17th May and Guangzhou 18th May. We have 2 free tickets to give away to the Shanghai show. All you have to do is send a screenshot that you have shared this podcast on your social media and answer this question from the podcast- What Chinese pop star does Marty Friedman want to collaborate with? Send your DM to my Wechat or send to cjmaguire@hotmail.com . Winners will be announced on the 8th of May. https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #martyfriedman #drama #dreamingjapanese #chinatour #bilibili #jacksonguitar #megadeth #davemustaine #rustinpeace #illumination #shanghaichina #jasonbecker #hawaii #deuce #kiss #madonna #theramones #riverplatefc #jaychou #fender #guitarist #soloalbum #cocaphony #japanesetvstar #momoiro #cloverz #culturalambassador #japan #japaneseculture #j-pop #dragonkiss #jeffloomus #tokyojukebox

Episode 167 - Please welcome to the podcast Guido Esposito, Founder of the award winning Bella Napoli Italian Restaurants in Shanghai. In my opinion one of the best Italian Restaurants in China. Guido was born in Salerno, Italy, he moved to several European countries working at 5 star hotels, before getting the opportunity to move to China and start his own business. Bella Napoli was founded in Shanghai in January 2006, serving home made Neapolitan food. After 3 years and 25 years experience in the industry, Guido founded his second Bella Napoli restaurant on Changle Rd. With the traditional southern Italian flavour and unique wood fire oven, Bella Napoli has won numerous awards and has earned the reputation as one of the most popular restaurants in Shanghai. Instagram @guido_espos1to @bella_napoli-shanghai Bellanapoli-sh.com Wechat- @BellaNapoli https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #bellanapoli #guidoesposito #bellanapoliitalianrestaurant #napoliitaly #mimmos #mama #pineapplepizza #marcellolippi #nikkilader #italianculture #pizza #tellcraigyourstory #podcast #5starhotel #marathon #shanghaichina #salernoitaly #sorrentoitaly #changleroad #woodfiredoven #southernflavour #parmesancheese

2025 IS HERE! Welcome to a new season of Tell Craig Your Story podcast. We kick it off with Adrian Manera. Adrian is born in Adelaide, South Australia. He is the owner of World Series Wrestling (WSW), the leading Australian pro wrestling tour company. Superstars like Jeff Jarrett, Gunther, AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan have previously performed with the company. WSW has new "Legacy" tour, with live events this March in Melbourne 28th, Brisbane 29th, Adelaide 30th and Sydney 31st. Limited tickets are still available. https://worldserieswrestling.com.au Adrian is the Managing Director of the Manera Group and is Co-Owner of Haggle Co Home and Furniture, South Australia's largest family owned chain. https://maneragroup.com.au/home-outside-of-australia/#home/home We talk about how we met in Shanghai? What he thought of MKW? This furniture business, Which AEW Superstar was put into the WSW Hall of Fame? Why he loves China, Wrestling in Australia, His entertaining Haggle Co ad's and many great stories. @adrianmanera https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #adrianmanera #haggleco #maneragroup #wsw #worldserieswrestling #tellcraigyourstory #southaustralia #briancage #mkwwrestling #shanghaichina #homeandfurniture #jeffjarrett #ajstyles #gunther #rhearipley #danielbryan #seinfeld #thewiggles #adelaide36ers #andyraymond

A big thanks to Skinny O.G and Black China Music Company for the latest Theme song for Tell Craig Your Story podcast. You check out my podcast with Skinny OG episode 153 and 154. Lets us know what you think? Instagram @skinny_og @black_china_baby https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #skinnyog #tellcraigyourstorypodcast #themesong #newseason #2025

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my family, friends and fans out there. 2024 has been a fantastic year for the podcast and 2025 is going to be even bigger and better. Are you ready? Please welcome to the podcast all the way from Vladivostok Russia, Queen Mariia. We had to postpone the podcast prior to this recording as she was proposed to by her boyfriend. Congrats to you both. Queen Mariia is the manager in MKW Pro Wrestling in China. She manages the heels in MKW. She moved to Harbin China to be a professional dancer and choreographer. Mariia moved to Shanghai and started her business and will move to the Dubai to grow her business. Instagram - @memariia_7575 Wechat - MariiaKharitonova https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #queenmariia #queenmarie #mariiakharitonova #tellcraigyourstory #adriangomez #mkwprowrestling #bigsam #thestable #vladivostokrussia #shanghaichina #harbinchina #firefighter #vladimirputin #moscow #italy #wwe #aew #prowrestling

Episode 163 - Please welcome to the podcast Finnish Artist, Model and Author Jenna Rauten. Now residing in Shanghai China, Jenna has been painting for over ten years now and been sold world wide. Her Artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions. Her recent exhibition "Celebrate Life" received rave reviews. Jenna has recently finished writing her first fantasy novel which will be published next year. Jenna has been a fashion model in Finland and has done fashion shows in Shanghai. www.jennarauten.com Instagram @jennarauten Wechat @CallMeYenna https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #jennarauten #callmeyenna #tellcraigyourstory #artist #painter #author #dungeonsanddragons #finland #shanghaichina #australia #fantasynovel #fashionmodel #apocalyptica #muse #nothingelsematters

Heavy metal band Chimera Cult join me on the podcast. After 2 years, the band will release their 2nd album Feral Well, on the 25th December. Tell Craig Your Story has the exclusive early release of 2 tracks from the new album. At the start of the podcast you heard "Feral Well" and at the end of the podcast you heard "Bore Through The Womb". In my opinion, Chimera Cult are one of the best foreign heavy metal bands in Shanghai. Mixed and Mastered by drummer Mark Kough The full track listing- 1) Daddy's Home 2) Feral Well 3) Bore Through The Womb 4) Malevolent Chromosomes 6) The End Of Culture. Chimera Cult: Jason-Vocals, Trey- Guitar, Mark- Drums, Lloyd- Bass Guitar. The band talks about why its taken so long for album release? The drummer mixing? Guitars and drums used on the album? Touring North America, Europe and South East Asia. Please give us your feedback on the new tracks? www.chimeracult.com Instagram @chimeracult666 https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #chimeracult #heavymetal #tellcraigyourstory #sishen #trey #mark #lllyof #shanghaichina #canada #usa #southeastasia #europe $feralwell #daddyshome #borethroughthewomb #malevolentchromosomes #theendofculture #december25th #exclusive #albumrelease

Finally, after 12 years of waiting (cancelled tour in 2019), Metallica announced last month that they will tour Australia and New Zealand next November 2025, in support of their 72 Seasons album. The sold out tour will take in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland NZ. Who better to get on the podcast than our resident Metallica guru Jason Aird. Jason has just come back from a tour of Mexico City and we break down the Australian tour. Will this be the last time Metallica play in Australia? Why only one show in each city? Why no full stage setup? Why only 15 songs in the set? We finish off by talking about the best Metallica shows we have seen. Jason- Sydney 1989, Newcastle 1998, 30th Anniversary shows 2011, S&M 1999 S&M2 2022, Orion Festival 2012/2013, Jonny Zazula Tribute Show 2022. Craig- Newcastle 1998, 30th Anniversary Show 2011, Glendale 2008, Yankee Stadium Big 4 2011, Melbourne 2004. What's your favourite Metallica show you have been to? https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #metallica #australiantour #tellcraigyourstory #jasonaird #mexicocity #jameshetfield #larsulrich #kirkhammett #robtrujillo #72seasons #newzealand #S&M #big4 #heavymetal #onenightonly #M72worldtour #norepeat #yankeestadium

Episode 160 - Its an absolute honour to welcome to the podcast, Lead Vocalist of the Switzerland Electro Pop band Stevans, Yvan Franel. I was lucky enough to meet the band and see their live performance in Shanghai. Stevans have just finish a 2 week tour of China and including the Montreux Jazz Festival. The podcast was recorded the day after the release of the new single "You" which you heard at the start of the podcast, we also heard "P.L.A.Y.I.N.G". Stevans released their first E.P in 2005 and have released 4 album to date. The band have toured around the world and supported Coldplay, Deep Purple and Snow Patrol. Instagram @stevansoffical @yvan_franel https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #stevans #stevansband #yvanfranel #tellcraigyourstory #playing #you #shanghaichina #genevaswitzerland #coldplay #thekillers #deeppurple #yannsecrest #zeelapord #electropop #popband #lefthandedguitar

Part 2 - Episode 159- As we all know, Metallica fans are predominately males. But today we will talk to 3 of the most passionate and hardcore female fans in the Metallica fan club. Dedicating their life to travelling all over the world. Please welcome- Katy Virgil, Camila Guerrero and Vee Kovach. Katy lives in Chicago USA, mother of 3, along with her husband follow the band all around the US and Europe. Camila lives in Adelaide, South Australia, who I consider the top 2 or 3 most hardcore Metallica fans I know. She has travelled literally around the world and I see her at the front of the line every show. Vee lives in Texas USA, and is the longest Metallica fan on the show, who follows the band around the US/ Canada and will tour Australia next year. Here we talk about preparing the night before and the day of the show, where to stand with the current stage setup, Camila talks about the Detroit mosh pit, is it safe for females to go on the rail, a marriage proposal in the Madrid mosh pit, getting covid at the 40th Anniversary shows, setlists and the sound on the last tour. @kathrynlvirgil @camilarsz @veekovach @metallica https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #metallica #metclub #fifthmember #metclublegacy #dallaschapter #katyvirgil #camilaguerrero #veekovach #femalemembers #hardcore #dedicated #antartica #jameshetfield #larsulrich #kirkhammett #robtrujillo #jasonnewsted #cliffburton #marriageproposal #northamericantour # #metallicafamily #female #meetandgreet #moshpit #showday #40thanniversaryshows #covid

Part 1 - Episode 158- As we all know, Metallica fans around the world are predominately males. But today we will talk to 3 of the most passionate and hardcore female fans in the Metallica fan club. Dedicating their life to travelling all over the world. Please welcome- Katy Virgil, Camila Guerrero and Vee Kovach. Katy lives in Chicago USA, mother of 3, along with her husband follow the band all around the US and Europe. Camila lives in Adelaide, South Australia, who I consider the top 2 or 3 most hardcore Metallica fans I know. She has travelled literally around the world and I see her at the front of the line every show. Vee lives in Texas USA, and is the longest Metallica fan on the show, who follows the band around the US/ Canada and will tour Australia next year. Here we talk about the highs and lows of being a hardcore Metallica female fan. Camila talks about seeing Metallica play in Antarctica, the Metallica fan club lottery system for Meet and Greets, going to Metallica shows pregnant, Fear Festival, touring with Metallica travelling buddies, the financial burden of touring and jealous fans. @kathrynlvirgil @camilarsz @veekovach @metallica https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #metallica #metclub #fifthmember #metclublegacy #localchapter #katyvirgil #camilaguerrero #veekovach #femalemembers #hardcore #dedicated #antartica #jameshetfield #larsulrich #kirkhammett #robtrujillo #jasonnewsted #cliffburton #pregnant #northamericantour #europiantour #metallicafamily #female #meetandgreet #fearfestival #orionfestival

Episode 157- Small Paul AKA 小 保罗 (Paul Copeland) joins me in the studio. Born in England now residing in Shanghai, he is a man of many talents. He has won many awards over his career as a Creative Director at the Mill and Writer. Paul was also a DJ for 20 years and has also been a comedian. During the Covid lockdown, Paul decided to dress up and take photos of famous people. This collection of pictures has turned into a published book and his work can be seen at his Exhibition "Self Bore Traits" at Found Gallery Shanghai. The book and photos are now available. Paul has recently been involved in the 48 hour Film Project and speaks at the PechaKucha night. Paul talks about his exhibition, working with Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistol and meeting Oasis in New York. Wechat @small_paul Instagram @smallsmallpaul https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #paulcopeland #smallpaul #tellcraigyourstory #xiaobaoluo #selfboretraits #pechakucha #england #creativedirector #writer #dj #comedian #davidbowie #48hourfilmproject #newyork #johnnyrotten #sexpistols #cottonnappies #monalisa #oasis #shanghaichina

Part 2 - Finally, I got to do a podcast with award winning Comedian Ian Badenhorst. Born in South Africa, now residing in Shanghai China. Ian was a DJ and working with one of the biggest Chinese Entertainment company, but becoming a Stand Up Comedian was his passion with stories and jokes about living in China as a foreigner and having a Chinese wife. He has performed with International Comedians Tom Green and Jackie Fabulous. Ian has carved his name in the Shanghai comedy scene and has become the first Foreign Entertainer to get a full time Comedian Visa. In September, he won Comedian Of The Year at the "That's Shanghai" Awards night. Ian is a regular at the popular Spicy Comedy and is currently doing his "My Life In China" show to rave reviews. @ianbadenhorst www.ianbadenhorst.net https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #ianbadenhorst #spicycomedy #thatsshanghai #tellcraigyourstory #southafrica #mylifeinchina #shanghaichina #standupcomedian #comedy #bestcomedian #tomgreen #jackiefabulous #joewong #benfrank #deweyparker #maplezuo #lilyma #dawnwong #frankie #msgcomedy #hanq #norahyang #greenday #nofx #theramones #kiss #dj

Part 1- Finally, I got to do a podcast with award winning Comedian Ian Badenhorst. Born in South Africa, now residing in Shanghai China. Ian was a DJ and working with one of the biggest Chinese Entertainment company, but becoming a Stand Up Comedian was his passion with stories and jokes about living in China as a foreigner and having a Chinese wife. He has performed with International Comedians Tom Green and Jackie Fabulous. Ian has carved his name in the Shanghai comedy scene and has become the first Foreign Entertainer to get a full time Comedian Visa. In September, he won Comedian Of The Year at the "That's Shanghai" Awards night. Ian is a regular at the popular Spicy Comedy and is currently doing his "My Life In China" show to rave reviews. @ianbadenhorst www.ianbadenhorst.net https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #ianbadenhorst #spicycomedy #thatsshanghai #tellcraigyourstory #southafrica #mylifeinchina #shanghaichina #standupcomedian #comedy #bestcomedian #tomgreen #jackiefabulous #joewong #benfrank #deweyparker #maplezuo #lilyma #dawnwong #frankie #msgcomedy #hanq #norahyang #greenday #nofx #theramones #kiss #dj

Episode 154- Please welcome to the podcast Hip Hop/ Rap Artist Skinny O.G. Born in Cameroon and grew up in New York USA. He begun break dancing at the age of 7 years old. He developed his own style of hip hop / rap and has played in Cameroon, France and cities in the USA. In 2015 he moved to Shanghai and in 2016 was the founder of Black China Music Company. Here he is producing Hip Hop Artists in Asia and collaborating with some of the best International Hip Hop Artists. He has an energetic live performance and has played hundreds of shows in China. The first track you heard on the podcast was "Amerikkka" off his 2024 album Red Money Gang. Instagram @skinny_og @black_china_baby https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #skinnyog #redmoneygang #hiphop #rap #cameroon #france #newyork #queendiamond #whodat #amerikkka #blackchinamusiccompany #breakdancer #shanghaichina #funkyfresh #tupac #rundmc #tellcraigyourstory

Episode 153- Please welcome to the podcast Hip Hop/ Rap Artist Skinny O.G. Born in Cameroon and grew up in New York USA. He begun break dancing at the age of 7 years old. He developed his own style of hip hop / rap and played in Cameroon, France and cities in the USA. In 2015 he moved to Shanghai and in 2016 was the founder of Black China Music Company. Here he is producing Hip Hop Artists in Asia and collaborating with some of the best International Hip Hop Artists. He has an energetic live performance and has played hundreds of shows in China. The first track you heard on the podcast was "Who Dat" off his 2024 album Red Money Gang. Instagram @skinny_og @black_china_baby https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #skinnyog #redmoneygang #hiphop #rap #cameroon #france #newyork #queendiamond #whodat #amerikkka #blackchinamusiccompany #breakdancer #shanghaichina #funkyfresh #tupac #rundmc #tellcraigyourstory

Its an honour to welcome to the podcast Pro Wrestler and Promoter Ho Ho Lun. Born in Hong Kong China, Ho Ho was trained by legend The Slam. His debut match was June 2009. Ho Ho was the founder of wrestling promotion Hong Kong Pro Wrestling. He has travelled to wrestle in the Philippines, Macau, Singapore and England. In 2016 he moved to the US to join NXT / WWE. He also appeared on AEW in 2021 He currently lives in Osaka Japan and is wrestling in the Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling. He is also working behind the scenes and is a commentator. Ho Ho will be performing at the MKW Pro Wrestling show in Shanghai on the 14th September. Instagram @hoholun719 Adrian Gomez- Episode 119 Zombie Dragon/ MA- Episode 132 Big Sam- Episode 141 https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #hoholun #mkwwrestling #tellcraigyourstory #AEW #WWE #NXT #hongkongchina #theslam #adriangomez #osakajapan #dragongateprowrestling #johnnygargano #tommasochampa #bigsam #zombiedragon #cruiserweight #newjapan #stonecoldsteveaustin #therock

Episode 151 - Please welcome to the podcast Digital Design and Entrepreneur George Lobo. Born in Sao Paulo Brazil, now residing in Shanghai China. His wild creativity shines in his collaborations with local and international clients in China. George is the Founder of the Shanghai Bald Society, which is raising awareness with young men's mental health who have lost their hair. George is also the host of PechaKucha Night Shanghai and their next show is the 15th of August- The Great Architecture and Design Special. George was also apart of the Space Expo, X Change Talk and is a talented photographer. On his down time, George is a Southern Kung Fu Master. Instagram/ wechat- @georgelobo https://tellcraigyourstory.podbean.com https://www.linktr.ee/tellcraigyourstory @tellcraigyourstory #georgelobo #tellcraigyourstory #southernkungfu #lemmy #motorhead #saopaulobrazil #shanghaibaldsociety #spaceexpo #digitaldesign #pechakucha #digitaldesign #kiss #mentalhealthawareness