My Rock Moment

Latest Episodes:

Still Harmonizing: Al Jardine on Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, and His Latest EP and Tour Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

In this very special episode of My Rock Moment, host Amanda Morck welcomes Beach Boys founding member Al Jardine for an intimate and heartfelt conversation—just a week after the passing of his lifelong friend and bandmate, Brian Wilson.

As fans around the world reflect on the legacy of the Beach Boys, Al shares personal memories of his journey with Brian, the creative magic they built together, and the emotional weight of continuing on without him. He also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and heart behind his new solo EP, Islands in the Sun.

Now in his 80s, Al isn’t slowing down. He’s preparing to hit the road this summer with The Pet Sounds Band, bringing the timeless harmonies and California spirit to audiences once again—starting July 4th.

This episode is a moving tribute to brotherhood, resilience, and the enduring power of surf, sun, and soul.

Find more info on Al's upcoming tour dates at: https://www.aljardine.com

Listen to his latest EP, Islands in the Sun here: https://aljardine.lnk.to/IslandsInTheSun

For classic rock photos and info on upcoming episodes, don't forget to follow My Rock Moment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks/

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Crime, Chaos and Rock 'n' Roll: Disgraceland’s Jake Brennan on Music’s Dark Side Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

What happens when rock gods go off the rails—and the music still slaps?

In this episode of My Rock Moment, we sit down with Jake Brennan, the creator and voice behind the wildly popular podcast Disgraceland. Known for blending true crime and music history, Jake explores the wild, dark, and often unbelievable stories behind some of rock’s most iconic figures.

We dive into the legends—and the controversies—surrounding John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Mama Cass, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more.

We also tackle the bigger question: Can we really separate the art from the artist?

Find more info on Disgraceland and Hollywoodland here:

https://www.disgracelandpod.com

Disgraceland Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disgraceland/id1275172907

Hollywoodland Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywoodland/id1563966720

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"SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson" with Writer and Director David Leaf May 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of My Rock Moment, we’re diving deep into one of rock and roll’s most legendary what-could-have-beens… and what-finally-was.

Back in 1966, fresh off the groundbreaking success of Pet Sounds, Brian Wilson set out to create his magnum opus: Smile. With poet and lyricist Van Dyke Parks at his side, the project promised to be a revolutionary leap forward—a kaleidoscopic, avant-garde album that would redefine what pop music could be. But as recording progressed, the pressure from within the band, the label, and Brian’s own mental health struggles led to the album’s unraveling. The sessions were shelved, and Smile became one of music history’s greatest mysteries—a “lost” album that haunted fans, scholars, and Brian himself for decades.

That is, until the early 2000s, when Smile finally got its moment in the sun. Reimagined and completed by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks nearly 40 years later, the album was not only resurrected—it was performed live, recorded, and finally released, closing the loop on one of rock’s most mythical stories.

Joining us to unpack it all is David Leaf—acclaimed writer, director, producer, and longtime friend of Brian Wilson. David has chronicled Brian’s life and legacy for decades, and in his new book, SMiLE: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Brian Wilson, he brings fresh insight into Smile's rise, fall, and miraculous comeback.

A little about David: https://www.leafprod.com

Get your copy of SMiLE: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Brian Wilson

Songs in this episode:

Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys

Roll Plymouth Rock - The Beach Boys

Surf's Up - The Beach Boys

Cabin Essence - The Beach Boys

Heroes and Villains - Brian Wilson

Follow My Rock Moment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks/

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The Music of Boz Scaggs with Rock Biographer Jude Warne May 02, 2025

Show notes

Jude Warne is a rock biographer and music columnist. Jude joined the show a few years back to discuss her book America the Band - An Authorized Biography - an episode I highly recommend. Now she’s back with a new book, Lowdown: The Music of Boz Scaggs.

If you're a Boz Scaggs fan—or just someone who appreciates a deep dive into music history—Jude Warne's book is a must-read. It's a comprehensive exploration of Scaggs's six-decade career, offering insights into his musical evolution from blues roots to pop stardom.

Warne delves into Scaggs's collaborations with artists like the Steve Miller Band and the session musicians who would form Toto, providing insight into the artistry behind albums such as Silk Degrees and Middle Man. In this episode, we discuss Skagg’s discography and these collaborations that have shaped his enduring musical legacy.

Find out more about Jude:

https://judewarne.com

Buy the book

Listen to Jude's My Rock Moment episode on America the Band:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Playlist from this episode:

1. "Lowdown" Boz Scaggs

2. “Steppin’ Stone” the Steve Miller Band - start at 10 seconds

3. “Rosanna” Toto

4. “Lido Shuffle” Boz Skaggs

5. “Breakdown Dead Ahead” Boz Scaggs

6. “I Will Forever Sing the Blues” Boz Scaggs

7. “Georgia” Boz Skaggs

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How Shep Gordon Made Rock Stars, Broke the Rules & Stayed a Mensch Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Shep Gordon, the legendary talent manager, producer, and author, joins My Rock Moment from his home in Maui. He shares captivating stories from his 50-plus-year career in the music industry—a journey that began unexpectedly when he took a wrong turn in Los Angeles traffic. We delve into how he masterminded the rise of Shock Rock, the ingenious marketing strategies that propelled Alice Cooper to fame, Alice’s memorable cameo in Wayne’s World that had audiences nationwide exclaiming “we’re not worthy!”, and the challenges that accompany stardom. Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Raquel Welch, and Derek Taylor also make appearances in our conversation!

Shep's remarkable knack for discovering and fostering talent across various fields has earned him the moniker "Supermensch" in showbiz—a title immortalized in the 2013 documentary directed by Mike Myers and used in Shep’s subsequent book, They Call Me Supermensch: A Backstage Pass to the Amazing Worlds of Film, Food, and Rock'n'Roll.

So, plug in, turn up the volume, and join us as we unravel the stories, strategies, and sheer serendipity that define the legend of Shep Gordon.

For all things Shep Gordon, including information on his book and documentary, visit his website: https://www.shepgordon.com

Follow My Rock Moment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks

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Woodstock, Dylan & Rock Icons: Photographer Lisa Law on Capturing a Revolution Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Lisa Law’s still, movie and video images have chronicled decades of social and cultural changes in America. And her film, ‘Flashing On The Sixties,’ was described by actor-director Dennis Hopper as “the most compelling, moving documentary of the Sixties”.

In 1966, Lisa and her husband resided in the renowned "Castle" in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, a hub that welcomed numerous prominent musicians, including Bob Dylan. She shares stories from Dylan's stay and offers her perspective on the recent film, A Complete Unknown.

Lisa was also part of the Hog Farm commune, and they were tasked with keeping the peace at Woodstock ‘69. Yet, her efforts at the festival were integral to its success - from managing the trip tents to mobilizing members of the Hog Farm and other festival goers so that they were able to feed over 200,000 people! She also played a role in the organization of Woodstock '99, and was featured in the recent Netflix documentary, "Trainwreck: Woodstock '99." In our discussion, we explore the stark contrasts between the two festivals and how insights from '69 might have prevented the latter's challenges.

Lisa was there for all the seminal pop culture moments of the 1960s, capturing them with her beautiful photos. And she’s one of the very few people that can say she’s been to all 3 Woodstock festivals!

For more information on Lisa, her photos, as well as her book and film of the same name, 'Flashing on the Sixties,' take a look at her website:

https://www.flashingonthesixties.com

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David Wild - Grammy Writer & Former Rolling Stone Contributing Editor Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Ringo Starr once said, “He's David Wild - he knows everyone.” David is a writer, producer and journalist. He had a decades-long career at Rolling Stone Magazine as a contributing editor, he writes for the Grammys, and maybe you’ve heard his podcast Naked Lunch with co-host Phil Rosenthal of Everybody Loves Raymond and Somebody Feed Phil. In this episode, David will share memorable moments with Paul and Linda McCartney and a life-changing piece of advice Linda offered him, which profoundly impacted his personal life. He'll talk about moving to LA in the early 90s while working for Rolling Stone Magazine and taking up temporary residency and the famed rock hotel, the Sunset Marquis. He'll share unforgettable Grammy moments, why Axl Rose wanted his astrological sign and how Boston is responsible for grunge music.

Find out more about David Wild:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildaboutmusicdavid

Naked Lunch:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naked-lunch/id1620018481

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7C5SyM9P4ZBGtcXnMpsPYFIPD7DneRdl

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Topanga Canyon Playlist with Emmeline Summerton of Instagram's Lost Canyons LA Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

The Canyons have long called to the bohemians and artists of Los Angeles. While Laurel Canyon is renowned for its role as a hub of rock history in the 1960s and '70s, Topanga Canyon has its own rich tapestry of stories. In this episode of My Rock Moment, we welcome Emmeline Summerton from the Instagram account Lost Canyons LA, a historian of the LA Canyons and former writer for the New Topanga Times. Together, we explore Topanga's iconic rock legends and the songs inspired by this enchanting area.

Was there truly a roadhouse that sparked Jim Morrison’s lyrics in “Roadhouse Blues”? Did a fateful house party in Topanga Canyon contribute to the breakup of one of the most successful bands of the late '60s? Which famous Topanga musician got his start with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention before forming his own band? And did Ronald Reagan’s daughter really co-write a classic Eagles song?

In light of the recent devastating fires, this episode pays tribute to the unique beauty of Topanga Canyon, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Despite the challenges, this iconic area endures, and My Rock Moment is proud to celebrate its lasting rock ’n’ roll legacy.

Playlist:

“Ain’t That A Lot of Love’ Taj Mahal
“Mr. Soul” Buffalo Springfield
“Going Up The Country” Canned Heat
“Roadhouse Blues” The Doors
“I Wasn’t Born to Follow” The Byrds
“Willin” Little Feat - Linda Ronstadt cover
“Already Gone” Eagles
“From Boulder to Birmingham” Emmylou Harris
“On the Way Home” Buffalo Springfield
“Long May You Run” CSNY

You can find Emmeline Summerton at @lostcanyonsla on Instagram. And follow My Rock Moment at @la_woman_rocks

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Chris O'Dell - The World's First Female Tour Manager Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

Chris O'Dell might very well hold the title of the world's first female rock 'n' roll tour manager.

O'Dell has led a fascinating life; one that planted her firmly in rock royalty's inner circle in the 60s and 70s. Befriending Derek Taylor in LA, she soon found herself working for the Beatles' Apple Corps in London. While there she was present for the recording of The White Album, Abbey Road, Let it Be, and sang in the Hey Jude chorus. She sat on the rooftop while the Beatles played their last live performance in January of 1969 and even lived with George Harrison and Pattie Boyd at Friar Park.

She went on to be one of the first - if not, THE first - female tour managers, working with the likes of George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan on his 'Rolling Thunder Revue' tour. She inspired George Harrison to pen the song, "Miss O’Dell,” she's the subject of Leon Russell’s “Pisces Apple Lady” and “Hummingbird," she is the “woman down the hall,” in the Joni Mitchell song, “Coyote,” and her picture can be seen on the back cover of The Stones's 1972 masterpiece, Exile on Main Street.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, but to get the full story, check out her book and website with the links below:

https://www.missodell.com

Miss O'Dell: Hard Days and Long Nights with The Beatles, The Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and the Women They Loved

Playlist:

Pisces Apple Lady - Leon Russell

Hey Jude - The Beatles

All Things Must Pass - George Harrison

Miss O'Dell - George Harrison

Torn and Frayed - The Rolling Stones

Just Like a Woman - Bob Dylan

Follow My Rock Moment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks

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Jenny Boyd, '60s Muse and Author of 'Icons of Rock: In Their Own Words' Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Jenny Boyd, though not a musician, is well-known in the music industry. Formerly married to Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, she's also Pattie Boyd's sister and sister-in-law to George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Jenny was surrounded by rock royalty from a young age and experienced many legendary moments in rock history as a result.

Drawing on her deep connections in the rock world, Jenny wrote 'Icons of Rock: In Their Own Words' - a compilation of candid interviews with some of the greatest musicians of the '60s, 70s, 80s and today. Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, Don Henley, Eric Clapton and other rock giants draw back the curtain on their creative process, their thoughts on spirituality and the effect that drugs and alcohol may have had on their art.

Infused with personal stories of her time in San Francisco during the Summer of Love, meeting George Harrison for the first time and her stay in India with The Beatles, Jenny and I discuss some of the most poignant interviews in the book.

Get more details on the book with the links below:

https://thejennyboyd.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Icons-Rock-Their-Behind-Famous/dp/1684815444

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