Shows
Hitmakers PodcastBen Johnson: The BiggestIn this episode, we sit down with our co-host, Ben Johnson—one of today’s most dominant pens in country music and a standout cross-genre songwriter. A small-town guy with big ambition, Ben shares the courageous journey that led him to Nashville, following the advice of his first mentor, Rivers Rutherford, in search of where great ideas come from.We dive into how years of grinding in Music City shaped his relentless work ethic and ignited the competitive edge that fuels his success today. In some hilarious and insightful recaps, Ben reveals how humility—on the basketball court...
2025-08-2852 minHitmakers PodcastNova Wav: Finding the Perfect WavFrom church to SoFi stadium... in this episode we talk about anxieties around Hitmakers , how to find the perfect melody, and what kind of cowriter thrives best with this outer worldly duo . Speaking of, wait til you hear the cosmic meaning behind their name, and the alias that didn’t quite make the cut . Talented, tenacious, and undoubtedly anointed. This is NovaWav.
2025-07-3051 minHitmakers PodcastHitmakers Podcast: Get to know the humans behind the hitsGet to know the humans behind the hits!Step inside the world of Hitmakers, the Netflix series where songwriting takes center stage. This podcast brings you candid, one-on-one conversations with the artists, producers, and creatives who shaped the music—plus unfiltered stories from behind the scenes, including what you didn’t see (or hear) on screen.
2025-07-3000 min
Hitmaker ChroniclesSUMMER'S GREATEST SONGS COUNTDOWN: The Lovin' Spoonful - Summer In The CityWelcome back to Hitmaker Chronicles' countdown of the Top 20 Songs of the Summer, as voted by the staff of Caloroga Shark Media! I'm your host, Garrett Fisher. Coming in at number 14, we're diving into The Lovin' Spoonful's sweltering 1966 classic "Summer in the City" — a track that captured urban heat and desire with groundbreaking production techniques. We'll trace how John Sebastian's Greenwich Village folk-rockers created the definitive city summer anthem while "Batman" dominated TV screens and The Beatles released "Revolver." Break out the fire hydrants — we're heading into the concrete jungle where the nights are hotter than the days.Un...
2025-06-2916 minHitmaker ChroniclesSUMMER'S GREATEST SONGS COUNTDOWN: Harry Stiles - "As It Was"Welcome back to Hitmaker Chronicles' countdown of the Top 20 Songs of the Summer, as voted by the staff of Caloroga Shark Media! I'm your host, Garrett Fisher. Coming in at number 16, we're diving into Harry Styles' melancholic masterpiece "As It Was" — a track that dominated 2022's summer with its deceptively upbeat melody wrapped around themes of change and loss. We'll trace how Styles evolved from One Direction heartthrob to sophisticated solo artist, creating a song that soundtracked our collective emergence from the pandemic while "Top Gun: Maverick" ruled theaters and the world processed two years of unprecedented change. Grab your vi...
2025-06-2216 minHitmaker ChroniclesSUMMER'S GREATEST SONGS COUNTDOWN: Sam Cooke - "Summertime"Welcome back to Hitmaker Chronicles' countdown of the Top 20 Songs of the Summer, as voted by the staff of Caloroga Shark Media! I'm your host, Garrett Fisher. Coming in at number 15, we're diving into Sam Cooke's transcendent 1957 interpretation of "Summertime" — a performance that transformed Gershwin's opera aria into a soul masterpiece. We'll trace how the son of a Baptist preacher evolved from gospel's golden voice to the architect of soul music, creating a definitive version of this American standard while "American Bandstand" debuted and Elvis dominated the charts. Grab your best Sunday clothes — we're heading to church with the King of S...
2025-06-1516 minHitmaker ChroniclesSUMMER'S GREATEST SONGS COUNTDOWN: Taylor Swift - "Cruel Summer"Welcome back to Hitmaker Chronicles' countdown of the Top 20 Songs of the Summer, as voted by the staff of Caloroga Shark Media! I'm your host, Garrett Fisher. Coming in at number 17, we're diving into Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer" — a track with one of the most unusual summer song trajectories ever, becoming a massive hit four years after its release. We'll trace how Swift's collaboration with Jack Antonoff and St. Vincent created a masterstroke of summer heartbreak that initially lived in "You Need to Calm Down's" shadow before finding its true audience during 2023's Eras Tour. Grab your friendship bracelets — we're head...
2025-06-0816 minHitmaker ChroniclesSUMMER'S GREATEST SONGS COUNTDOWN: Superchunk - "This Summer"Welcome back to Hitmaker Chronicles' countdown of the Top 20 Songs of the Summer, as voted by the staff of Caloroga Shark Media! I'm your host, Garrett Fisher. Coming in at number 18, we're diving into Superchunk's bittersweet indie rocker "This Summer" — a 2012 gem that captures both the season's euphoria and its fleeting nature. We'll trace how these Chapel Hill indie pioneers evolved from scrappy punk upstarts to elder statesmen of alternative rock, releasing the perfect summer anthem just as "Call Me Maybe" dominated airwaves and "The Avengers" assembled in theaters. Grab your sunglasses — we're heading into the heart of indie summer.
2025-06-0115 minHitmaker ChroniclesSUMMER'S GREATEST SONGS COUNTDOWN: B-52's - "Rock Lobster"Welcome back to Hitmaker Chronicles' countdown of the Top 20 Songs of the Summer, as voted by the staff of Caloroga Shark Media! I'm your host, Garrett Fisher. Coming in at number 19, we're diving into The B-52's quirky new wave classic "Rock Lobster" — that delightfully bizarre underwater dance party that emerged from Athens, Georgia during the summer of 1978. We'll trace how five friends with thrift-store aesthetics and zero musical training created an otherworldly sound that influenced everyone from John Lennon to RuPaul, all while "Grease" dominated theaters and "Shadow Dancing" topped the charts. Break out your beehive wigs — this party's just...
2025-05-2514 minHitmaker ChroniclesSUMMER"S GREATEST SONGS COUNTDOWN: Nelly - "It's Getting Hot In Here"Welcome to Hitmaker Chronicles' countdown of the Top 20 Songs of the Summer, as voted by the staff of Caloroga Shark Media! I'm your host, Garrett Fisher. Coming in at number 20, we're diving into Nelly's sweat-inducing 2002 smash "Hot in Here" — that club anthem that had us all contemplating our clothing choices during a summer when Tobey Maguire was swinging through theaters and Kelly Clarkson was just becoming a household name. We'll trace how a St. Louis rapper and Virginia Beach producers transformed a go-go classic into the inescapable soundtrack of pool parties, road trips, and nights you might only half-remember from a...
2025-05-1813 min
Hitmaker ChroniclesBruce Springsteen - "Born To Run"This episode explores Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," the thunderous 1975 masterpiece that transformed a struggling New Jersey songwriter into rock's great American storyteller. We trace Springsteen's journey from working-class roots to his make-or-break third album, examining how his cinematic vision of escape and transcendence captured America's post-Vietnam anxiety and yearning. From its wall-of-sound production to its street-poet lyrics, "Born to Run" reimagined rock's possibilities while launching one of music's most enduring careers. We also follow Springsteen's evolution from underdog to icon, exploring how he's maintained artistic integrity and cultural relevance across five remarkable decades.Unlock an ad-free...
2025-05-1119 minHitmaker ChroniclesAretha Franklin - "Respect"This episode explores Aretha Franklin's transformative 1967 reimagining of "Respect," a song that transcended its origins to become an enduring anthem for civil rights and women's empowerment. But beyond this iconic track, we trace Franklin's extraordinary journey from gospel prodigy to the undisputed Queen of Soul and one of the most influential vocalists in recording history. From her early years singing in her father's church to her groundbreaking Atlantic Records period, through her later reinventions and lasting legacy, we examine how Franklin's unparalleled vocal gifts, emotional depth, and artistic vision revolutionized American music and culture across six remarkable decades.
2025-05-0420 minHitmaker ChroniclesRolling Stones - "Gimme Shelter"This episode explores The Rolling Stones' 1969 masterpiece "Gimme Shelter," a harrowing reflection of its turbulent era that showcases the band at their most powerful and prophetic. But beyond this iconic track, we trace the Stones' extraordinary six-decade journey from London blues enthusiasts to rock's definitive survivors. From their early years as blues interpreters to their imperial period in the late '60s and '70s, through their commercial resurgence and eventual status as living legends, we examine how the Stones have continually reinvented themselves while maintaining the distinctive sound, swagger, and chemistry that has made them rock's most enduring band.
2025-04-2719 minHitmaker ChroniclesBob Dylan - "Like A Rolling Stone"This episode explores Bob Dylan's 1965 masterpiece "Like a Rolling Stone," a six-minute revolution that transformed the landscape of popular music. We trace Dylan's extraordinary journey from Minnesota folksinger to voice of a generation, examining how his artistic evolution challenged and expanded the possibilities of songwriting. From its groundbreaking structure to its incendiary wordplay, "Like a Rolling Stone" demolished the boundaries between folk, rock, and poetry, forever elevating the ambition and intellectual depth of popular music. We also follow how this defiant, confrontational anthem not only changed Dylan's career but redefined what a song could accomplish and express....
2025-04-2017 minHitmaker ChroniclesArctic Monkeys -"505"This episode explores Arctic Monkeys' "Five-oh-five," a track from their 2007 album Favourite Worst Nightmare that evolved from album cut to cultural touchstone. We trace the Sheffield quartet's extraordinary journey from teenage garage band to global rock phenomenon, examining how their authentic storytelling and sonic evolution redefined British indie music. While initially overshadowed by radio singles, "Five-oh-five" gradually became the band's emotional centerpiece, finding renewed relevance with new generations through social media. With its cinematic structure, narrative tension, and Alex Turner's poetic lyricism, "Five-oh-five" represents the perfect distillation of Arctic Monkeys' ability to transform intimate emotions into universal anthems across decades.
2025-04-1315 minHitmaker ChroniclesZach Bryan - "I Remember Everything"This episode explores Zach Bryan's "I Remember Everything," a soulful collaboration with Kacey Musgraves that became an unexpected chart-topper in 2023. We trace Bryan's remarkable journey from Navy veteran recording songs in airbnbs to becoming country music's most authentic new voice, examining how his unfiltered songwriting and grassroots success challenged Nashville's traditional star-making machinery. Through its sparse production, poetic imagery, and heart-wrenching vocal performances, "I Remember Everything" epitomizes Bryan's ability to resurrect the raw emotional honesty that defined country's greatest storytellers. We also examine how his meteoric rise represents a significant shift in the genre's landscape toward lyrical substance and artistic...
2025-04-0616 minHitmaker ChroniclesMorgan Wallen - "Whisky Glasses"This episode explores Morgan Wallen's 2018 breakout hit "Whiskey Glasses," a song that catapulted him from reality TV contestant to country music superstar with its perfect blend of traditional country themes and contemporary production. We trace Wallen's journey from small-town Tennessee baseball player to reluctant vocalist to genre-defining artist, examining how his distinctive voice and everyman authenticity connected with millions.From its clever wordplay to its arena-ready chorus, "Whiskey Glasses" revitalized country music's time-honored tradition of drinking songs while introducing a fresh sound that would help blur the boundaries between country, pop, and hip-hop in the years to come.
2025-03-3015 minHitmaker ChroniclesArianna Grande - "7 Rings"This episode explores Ariana Grande's 2019 smash hit "7 rings," a bold reimagining of "My Favorite Things" that transformed a classic show tune into a trap-pop anthem of female empowerment and luxurious self-indulgence. We trace Grande's journey from Nickelodeon child star to pop music powerhouse, examining how personal tragedy and public scrutiny forged her most creatively daring era. Through its innovative production, controversial cultural references, and unapologetic celebration of financial independence, "7 rings" became more than a #1 hit—it established Grande as an artist willing to transform pain into power, controversy into conversation, and personal evolution into musical revolution.Unlock an...
2025-03-2317 minHitmaker ChroniclesGracie Abrams - "I Love You, I'm Sorry"This episode explores Gracie Abrams' breakthrough 2020 single "I love you, I'm sorry," a song that captures the painful contradictions of a relationship's end with devastating intimacy. We trace Abrams' journey from SoundCloud bedroom recordings to becoming a voice for Gen Z's emotional introspection, examining how her privileged Hollywood upbringing contrasts with her disarmingly honest songwriting. From its minimalist piano to its whispered confessions, "I love you, I'm sorry" showcases Abrams' gift for transforming deeply personal moments into universal emotional experiences. We also follow her rapid evolution into a Taylor Swift-endorsed songwriter whose quiet vulnerability resonates across generations....
2025-03-1615 minHitmaker ChroniclesKelly Clarkson - "Since U Been Gone"This episode explores Kelly Clarkson's 2004 breakthrough hit "Since U Been Gone," a song that redefined pop-rock with its explosive chorus and raw emotional power. We dive into how the track transformed Clarkson from American Idol winner to critically respected artist, blending pop accessibility with rock edge. From its origins as a rejected Pink demo to its status as a cultural touchstone, "Since U Been Gone" resonated across genres and generations. We trace how the song's message of post-breakup liberation, combined with Clarkson's powerhouse vocals, created one of the most cathartic sing-along anthems of the 2000s and cemented her legacy as...
2025-03-0916 minHitmaker ChroniclesCarrie Underwood - "Jesus Take The Wheel"This episode dives into Carrie Underwood’s 2005 debut smash hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” a song that redefined modern country music with its powerful storytelling and heartfelt message of faith. We explore how the track, inspired by a true story, became an instant classic, earning Underwood her first Grammy and solidifying her as a country music icon. From its emotional lyrics to its soaring vocals, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” resonated with listeners across genres, offering a message of hope and surrender. We also trace its impact on Underwood’s career and its enduring legacy as a modern country standard.
2025-03-0209 minHitmaker ChroniclesDua Lipa - "New Rules"This episode explores Dua Lipa’s 2017 breakout hit “New Rules,” a song that redefined modern pop with its infectious beats, empowering lyrics, and bold visual storytelling. We delve into how the track became a global phenomenon, offering a fresh take on heartbreak and self-respect.Tracing Dua Lipa’s rise from London newcomer to pop powerhouse, we examine how “New Rules” cemented her as a voice for a generation. With its catchy hooks and relatable message, the song not only topped charts worldwide but also became an anthem of independence, proving that sometimes the best revenge is moving on.
2025-02-2309 minHitmaker ChroniclesAdam Sandler - "50 Years" - Saturday NIght Live 50th Anniversary SpecialThis episode explores Adam Sandler's heartfelt performance of "50 Years" at the "Saturday Night Live" 50th anniversary special, a song that encapsulates the show's rich history and emotional impact. We delve into how Sandler, an SNL alum, crafted this acoustic tribute to celebrate five decades of laughter, innovation, and camaraderie. From its nostalgic lyrics to its candid references to beloved cast members, "50 Years" serves as both a personal reflection and a universal homage to the cultural phenomenon that is SNL. We examine the song's significance in Sandler's career and its resonance among fans and former cast members alike....
2025-02-1708 minHitmaker ChroniclesFoo Fighters - "Best Of You"This episode dives into Foo Fighters’ 2005 powerhouse hit “Best of You,” a song that channels raw emotion and unrelenting energy into a timeless rock anthem. Exploring the track’s origins during a period of personal and political turmoil, we unpack how Dave Grohl’s lyrics and the band’s explosive instrumentation turned pain into power.From its anthemic chorus to its searing guitar solos, “Best of You” became a rallying cry for resilience. We also trace its impact on Foo Fighters’ legacy, cementing their place as one of rock’s most enduring and emotionally charged acts. Unlock an ad-free p...
2025-02-1607 minHitmaker ChroniclesSelena Gomez - "Come And Get It"This episode explores Selena Gomez’s 2013 smash hit “Come & Get It,” a transformative anthem that marked her evolution from Disney starlet to global pop sensation. We delve into the song’s infectious blend of Bollywood-inspired beats, empowering lyrics, and Gomez’s newfound confidence as a solo artist.Tracing her journey from child star to chart-topping icon, we examine how “Come & Get It” became a declaration of independence and self-assurance. With its bold production and universal appeal, the track not only redefined Gomez’s career but also cemented her as a force in pop music. Unlock an ad-free podcas...
2025-02-0909 minHitmaker ChroniclesCharlie XCX - "Brat" *Grammy Nominee*This episode dives into Charli XCX’s explosive debut album Brat, a genre-defying statement that cements her as pop’s newest provocateur. From its edgy soundscapes and irreverent lyrics to its bold exploration of fame, identity, and rebellion, Brat is a visceral celebration of unapologetic individuality. Tracing Charli’s rise from an internet-born DIY artist to a global sensation, we explore how her debut album captures the chaos and creativity of a generation redefining pop. With its mix of hyperpop innovation and raw emotional energy, Brat doesn’t just introduce Charli XCX—it declares her a force reshaping the future of music.
2025-02-0206 minHitmaker ChroniclesChappel Roan - "Good Luck Babe" *Grammy Nominee*This episode dives into Charli XCX’s explosive debut album Brat, a genre-defying statement that cements her as pop’s newest provocateur. From its edgy soundscapes and irreverent lyrics to its bold exploration of fame, identity, and rebellion, Brat is a visceral celebration of unapologetic individuality. Tracing Charli’s rise from an internet-born DIY artist to a global sensation, we explore how her debut album captures the chaos and creativity of a generation redefining pop. With its mix of hyperpop innovation and raw emotional energy, Brat doesn’t just introduce Charli XCX—it declares her a force reshaping the future of music.
2025-01-2405 minHitmaker ChroniclesShaboozey - "A Bar Song" *Grammy Nominee*This episode dives into Shaboozey's soulful and intoxicating anthem “A Bar Song,” exploring how its bittersweet melodies and clever lyricism evoke a timeless sense of nostalgia and escapism. Tracing the Nigerian-American artist’s journey from Virginia to the global stage, we deconstruct the track’s fusion of hip-hop storytelling, bluesy instrumentation, and cinematic imagery. Through its exploration of love, loss, and late-night solace, “A Bar Song” emerges as a modern hymn for those seeking refuge in the dimly lit corners of life. Ultimately, the episode celebrates Shaboozey’s ability to blend vivid storytelling with universal emotions, creating a song that feels both dee...
2025-01-1706 minHitmaker ChroniclesAmy Winehouse - "Rehab"This visceral narrative exhumes how Amy Winehouse's smash "Rehab" became a transcendent confessional exorcism about addiction's cycles. Deconstructing the snarling vocal deliveries and ominous jazz-soul grooves, it explores her uncompromising documentation of personal demons battling therapeutic interventions with unvarnished authenticity.The searing emotional specificity and existential reflections within her anarchic scat-tinged howls are examined as Winehouse's artistic statement reshaping pop's boundaries. Ultimately, despite her tragic demise, "Rehab's" bravery elevating harrowing truth over artifice is enshrined as a universal beacon illuminating creative resilience amidst self-destruction's maelstroms - a soulful requiem for weathering inner vortexes intact....
2025-01-1008 minHitmaker ChroniclesPrince - "Purple Rain"This cosmic narrative explores how Prince's multi-dimensional masterpiece "Purple Rain" became a transcendent cultural supernova. Tracing his humble Minneapolis roots catalyzing the avant-garde vision, it deconstructs the album/film's prismatic intermingling of spiritual awakenings and carnal ecstasies through a fictional lens. From the yearning title track's guitar raptures exorcising pain, to "When Doves Cry" ushering in the video revolution, each facet is examined as a portal into self-actualization through art. Ultimately, the boundary-obliterating creative statement's enduring legacy inspiring generations to fully embody their truths is enshrined as an immortal individuating force.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with...
2025-01-0309 minHitmaker ChroniclesThe New Year's Eve Song: Auld Lang SyneThis nostalgic narrative explores how the timeless "Auld Lang Syne" became an immortal global New Year's ritual. Tracing its origins as an ancient Scottish folk song published by Robert Burns, it examines the poignant lyrics' universal appeal in prompting reflections on cherished friendships and life's cyclical transitions. Iconic interpretations by artists spanning Frank Sinatra to James Taylor are deconstructed, revealing how each refracts the hymn's profound existential themes of reminiscing while embracing new possibilities. Ultimately, "Auld Lang Syne's" ability to provide a transcendent communal pause for pondering our most sacred bonds solidifies its place as humanity's eternal year-ending ceremony.
2024-12-2707 minHitmaker ChroniclesA Christmas Song: Mariah Carey - "All I Want For Xmas Is You"This effervescent narrative unwraps how Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" became a ubiquitous yuletide juggernaut. Tracing her humble beginnings and vocal prowess blossoming from a troubled childhood through record-breaking 90s pop domination, it explores the hit's sophisticated musical structure fusing nostalgic wonderment with grown-up romantic desire. Deconstructing Mariah's stratospheric vocals blending technical dexterity and gospel euphoria, the episode celebrates how the song's irresistible melodies and harmonies bottled Christmas' warmth. With stratospheric streaming stats and cherished annual traditions, "All I Want" stands as an eternal gift of holiday magic renewed each season.Unlock an...
2024-12-2008 minHitmaker ChroniclesA Christmas Song: The Pogues (feat. Kirsty MacColl) - "Fairytale of New York"This gritty narrative exhumes how The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's "Fairytale of New York" became a profane yuletide epiphany. Tracing Shane MacGowan's punk poet roots in 70s East London birthing their anarchic Irish folk-rock, it explores the song's brutal vignettes of holiday squalor and romantic dysfunction heralding a season's redeeming grace. Deconstructing MacGowan and MacColl's combative gender roles battling towards the bridge's transcendent promise of rebirth, the episode consecrates "Fairytale" as the outcast's bacchanal exorcising yule malaise before sacred communion. For the faithful, MacGowan's howls remain eternal punk scripture for stumbling back towards divine Christmas illumination yearly....
2024-12-1306 minHitmaker ChroniclesA Christmas Song: Bing Crosby - "White Christmas"This heartwarming narrative unwraps how Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" became an immortal yuletide standard. Tracing his unique baritone's evolution from rowdy 1920s nightclubs to transporting WWII-era audiences with nostalgic seasonal solace, it explores the song's origins as an Irving Berlin tonic for troops abroad. Deconstructing Crosby's unmatched ability to vocally evoke the kaleidoscopic nostalgia, wonderment and familial warmth of idyllic Christmases past, the episode enshrines how his resonant croon transformed "White Christmas" into an eternal musical Christmas card rekindling our holiday's boundless magic each year. As new generations discover its timeless reverence, the serenade remains our yuletide hearth's illuminating lodestar.
2024-12-0607 min
Sappenin’ Podcast with Sean SmithEP. 315 - Story Of The Year (Dan Marsala & Josh Wills)Tear Me to Pieces. St. Louis scene staples, emo anthem hitmakers and stage diving maniacs, Story Of The Year, are our guests on Episode 315 of Sappenin' Podcast! Dan Marsala and Josh Wills take time out of the bands first UK tour since the 2010s, to expose secrets on the bands evolving legacy, untold rivalries and folklore party moments. In this conversation, Dan and Josh open up on their surprise European absence, package offers vs finance dynamics, unwritten rules, how it all almost ended, near break-up moments, real life jobs, cultural impact of Page Avenue, early day beef with Yellowcard...
2024-12-061h 07Hitmaker ChroniclesA Christmas Song: Wham! - "Last Christmas"This soulful narrative unwraps how Wham!'s 1984 smash "Last Christmas" became an immortal yuletide epiphany. Tracing George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's unbreakable bond from working-class London youths experimenting with punk and ska to pop's cheekily subversive teen idols, it explores Michael's vocal genius elevating the song's nostalgic melancholy into profoundly relatable romantic lament. His exquisite vocals confronting past heartbreaks and yearning for new beginnings add gravitas missing from most holiday fare. Ultimately, Michael's boundless artistic evolution and tragic passing further enshrine "Last Christmas" as an eternal invitation to renew self-acceptance and loving all your truth each season....
2024-11-2907 min