Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight

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Indie Music Journey-"Trews and Tribulations"-Music Discovery-Canadian Music History Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Trews and Tribulations” - Episode Description

Join Canadian rock legends The Trews on an intimate walking conversation about their groundbreaking eighth studio album “The Bloody Light,” set for release October 24, 2025.

In this exclusive Takin’ a Walk episode, brothers Colin and John-Angus MacDonald from The Trews open up about their most ambitious musical project yet. The Bloody Light represents a bold new chapter for the Antigonish, Nova Scotia rockers, featuring unprecedented collaborations with Brett and Jay Emmons of The Glorious Son who co-produced this highly anticipated release.

The Trews new music 2025 showcases the band’s evolution while staying true to their Canadian rock roots. Their latest single “The Breakdown” has already achieved massive success, hitting number 1 at Canadian radio and becoming the band’s third chart-topping single , proving The Trews continue to dominate the rock music landscape.

During this candid conversation, discover the creative process behind The Trews 2025 tour and how the band spent much of summer and fall 2024 in the studio completing work on their eighth studio album . Learn about their artistic partnership with The Glorious Sons’ Brett and Jay Emmons, the inspiration behind the album title “The Bloody Light,” and how two decades in the music industry have shaped their approach to songwriting and collaboration.

This episode offers fans unprecedented access to The Trews’ creative minds, exploring themes of musical evolution, brotherhood in rock and roll, and the future of Canadian alternative rock. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering The Trews for the first time, this conversation provides intimate insights into one of Canada’s most enduring rock acts.

If this episode of Takin’ a Walk – Music History on Foot struck a chord with you, we invite you to keep the journey going by exploring the many other stories, conversations, and musical pathways waiting in our episode library. Every installment of the podcast opens a new door into the world of music—whether it’s a deep dive into a legendary artist’s creative process, a walk through the overlooked corners of music history, or a compelling conversation with the people who shape the soundtrack of our lives. There’s an entire universe of rhythm, narrative, nostalgia, discovery, and behind-the-scenes insight spread across our past episodes, each one crafted to make your next walk, drive, workout, or moment of downtime more meaningful, more memorable, and more connected to the music you love. So don’t stop here, take a few extra steps and check out the rest of the Takin’ a Walk – Music History on Foot catalog. The stories waiting for you are as timeless, surprising, and inspiring as the songs that have carried you through your life. Keep listening and discover your next favorite episode.

Takin’ A Walk: In-depth music interviews exploring the stories and music history behind the songs.

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Music History is full of hidden connections, just like everything else worth understanding. If you're someone who can't help dig deeper, Claude is for you. We are grateful for Claude's support of the "Takin ' A Walk" podcast and we invite you to try Claude for free at Claude.ai/buzz

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Inspiring Artist Interview :The Musical Joy of Singer-Songwriter Alexa Ray Joel-Music History Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description

Join host Buzz Knight for an intimate and inspiring conversation with singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, daughter of music legend Billy Joel. In this heartfelt episode, Alexa Ray opens up about her journey to establish her own unique musical identity while honoring her family’s incredible legacy.

From her latest EP “Tales from a Winding Tower” and its innovative “waterfall release” strategy to her diverse musical influences spanning Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, and George Gershwin, Alexa Ray shares the stories behind her authentic songwriting process. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a career in the music industry while carrying a famous name, revealing the resilience and dedication that drive her artistry.

Listeners will gain insight into Alexa Ray’s creative process, her approach to authentic storytelling through music, and her deep respect for musical legends past and present. The episode concludes with her dream walk companion choice - the iconic Billie Holiday - offering a glimpse into the artists who continue to inspire her work.

Whether you’re discovering Alexa Ray Joel for the first time or you’re already familiar with her music, this conversation provides a window into the heart and mind of an artist determined to make her own mark on the world.

Show Notes

Guest: Alexa Ray Joel - Singer-songwriter, pianist

Key Topics Discussed:

• Musical Identity & Legacy

• Carving out her own artistic path separate from Billy Joel’s influence

• The balance between honoring family legacy and establishing independence

• Navigating industry expectations and public perception

• “Tales from a Winding Tower” EP

• Creative process behind the latest release

• Innovative “waterfall release” strategy - releasing songs individually

• The artistic vision behind each track

• Musical Influences & Inspirations

• Randy Newman’s storytelling approach

• Joni Mitchell’s lyrical depth

• George Gershwin’s compositional brilliance

• Billy Joel’s impact on her musicianship

• Songwriting & Creative Process

• The importance of authenticity in music creation

• Emotional honesty in songwriting

• Raw, organic approach to developing new material

• Industry Insights

• Challenges of establishing credibility in the music business

• Building a career while managing family name recognition

• Resilience and persistence in pursuing artistic goals

• Dream Walk Segment

• Alexa Ray’s choice: Billie Holiday

• Discussion of Holiday’s lasting influence on jazz and popular music

Notable Quotes:

• Insights on finding her own voice as an artist

• Reflections on authenticity in music

• Thoughts on resilience in the entertainment industry

Takin’ A Walk: In-depth music interviews exploring the stories and music history behind the songs.

Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classic Music Saved Me with Simon Davies-Executive Director Teen Cancer America Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Join Lynn Hoffman on the classic replay with Simon Davies, Executive Director Teen Cancer America.Teen Cancer America engages and supports hospitals and outpatient facilities care programs for young children and young adults dealing with the challenges of cancer. The organization was founded by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who.

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Music Inspiration Stories "Stepping to her own sound with Grammy Winning Singer-Songwriter Cam"-Music History Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description

Join us for an intimate walking conversation with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cam as she opens up about her deeply personal new album “All Things Light.” In this heartfelt episode of Takin A Walk with your host Buzz Knight, discover how motherhood, vulnerability, and musical evolution have shaped one of country music’s most authentic voices.

From Bulgarian folk songs to Joni Mitchell influences, pandemic parenting to psychology research, Cam shares the raw and beautiful journey behind her most ambitious musical project yet. Plus, hear touching stories about her grandma Marvel and why embracing imperfection creates the most powerful art.

Show Notes

Guest: Cam - Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter

Episode Highlights

🎶 New Album Deep Dive: “All Things Light”

• Cam’s most personal and sonically ambitious project to date

• How motherhood and life’s unexpected turns shaped her latest music

• The creative process behind her most vulnerable songwriting yet

👶 Motherhood During a Pandemic

• Navigating the terror and wonder of new motherhood during COVID-19

• How becoming a mother influenced her artistic perspective

• Balancing family life with a music career

🎸 Musical Influences & Inspirations

• Eclectic playlist spanning from Joni Mitchell to Bulgarian folk songs

• How diverse musical tastes influence her songwriting process

• The beauty of untrained guitar playing and embracing musical imperfections

👵 Family Stories & Personal Connections

• Heartwarming story about her grandmother Marvel

• Dream walk companion: exploring the family ranch in Southern California

• How family relationships ground her artistic expression

🌍 From Psychology to Music

• Background in psychology research and how it influences her songwriting

• Academic experiences that shaped her understanding of human emotion

• The intersection of mental health awareness and music creation

🎭 Industry Collaborations & Future Dreams

• Working with renowned producers Tyler Johnson and Jeff Bhasker

• Desire to collaborate with emerging musical talent

• Behind-the-scenes stories from her music career journey

🧘 Vulnerability as Creative Strength

• Using honesty and openness as songwriting tools

• Stripping away societal expectations to find authentic expression

• How vulnerability connects artists with audiences

🌟 Themes of Resilience & Self-Discovery

• Central messages woven throughout “All Things Light”

• Music as a companion through difficult life transitions

• Finding strength through creative expression and personal growth

Key Topics Covered

• Country music songwriting

• Artist motherhood experiences

• Creative collaboration process

• Mental health and music

• Family influence on artistry

• Pandemic-era creativity

• Musical vulnerability and authenticity

• Singer-songwriter development

• Grammy-nominated artist insights

Listen & Subscribe

Available on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Takin’ A Walk: In-depth music interviews exploring the stories and music history behind the songs.

Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedy Saved Me with Thom Tran and the healing power of laughter Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Comedy Saved Me Podcast - Episode Show Notes

Guest: Thom Tran

Episode Description

In this powerful episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with multi-talented veteran, comedian, musician, and activist Thom Tran for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and finding purpose through laughter.

Thom’s journey from combat soldier to comedy stage is nothing short of remarkable. After enlisting in the U.S. Army at just 18 years old, Thom served as a Communications and Civil Affairs Sergeant within the Army’s Special Operations Community. His military career came to an abrupt end in 2003 when a sniper’s bullet struck the back of his skull during combat operations in Iraq, just four days after crossing the border. Despite his injuries, Thom bandaged himself up and completed his 12-month tour—a testament to his incredible strength and dedication.

Following his medical retirement in 2005, Thom discovered that comedy didn’t just change his life—it saved it. He channeled his experiences into stand-up comedy, eventually creating The GIs of Comedy Tour in 2010, a groundbreaking comedic troupe that has performed across the United States and in nearly two dozen countries, bringing healing laughter to military and civilian audiences alike.

Lynn and Thom dive deep into how humor became his lifeline, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and his mission to help other veterans through the transformative power of comedy. Special thanks to Dr. Ron Hirshberg and General Jack Hammond from Home Base for their support of our podcasts and for introducing us to Thom. For information on their amazing work go to https://homebase.org

This episode is a testament to the healing power of laughter and the resilience of the human spirit—a must-listen for anyone who believes in the transformative power of comedy.

Show Notes

Guest: Thom Tran - Veteran, Comedian, Musician, Actor & Activist

Key Topics Discussed:

• Thom’s early military enlistment at 18 and service in Army Special Operations

• Combat injury in Iraq in 2003 and the long road to medical retirement

• How comedy became a lifesaving force in his post-military life

• Creating The GIs of Comedy Tour and its impact on military communities

• Performing for audiences around the world and raising over $50,000 for military families

• The healing power of laughter for trauma survivors

• Transitioning from soldier to entertainer

• Building a career in LA comedy clubs and broadcast radio

• Recent recognition at comedy festivals and future projects

About Thom Tran:

Thom Tran is a Los Angeles-based comedian, musician, and U.S. military veteran who transformed personal trauma into purpose through comedy. After a combat injury ended his Army Special Operations career in 2005, Thom discovered stand-up comedy and never looked back. In 2010, he founded The GIs of Comedy Tour, which has performed internationally and raised significant funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. His work has been featured on Netflix’s “Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy,” and he recently completed a decade-long career as a radio traffic anchor for KNX News. In 2025, he was named to the SLO Comedy Festival “Best of The Fest” and selected as a “Next Wave Top 5 Comics to Watch” at the Blue Whale Comedy Festival.

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This week in Music History for the week of 9-22-Weekly Music History Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Join @thebuzzknight and @theharryjacobs for a look at this week in music history for the week of 9-22.

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Comedy Saved Me Trailer for episode with Thom Tran Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Join Lynn Hoffman for this upcoming episode with Thom Tran. He shares his incredible journey and the healing power of comedy.

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Indie Music Journey "Takin ' A Walk"-Music Discovery with Briscoe unpacking new music "Heat of July" Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Join Buzz Knight as he speaks with Truett Heintzelman and Phillip Lupton from the indie band Briscoe. They give you a behind the scenes look at the making of their new album "Heat of July" and the inspiration behind it.

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Classic Music Saved Me with Dylan Cartlidge Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Join host Lynn Hoffman for this classic replay episode with the rising artist Dylan Cartlidge. He is on GlassNote Records and he tells us the story behind his music and how music truly saved him.

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"Takin A Walk introduces you to The Celebrity Jobber Podcast hosted by Jeff Zito" Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

From time to time we love introducing you to podcasts we love. The Celebrity Jobber Podcast is hosted by Jeff Zito and on this episode Jeff speaks with musician/guitarist Gary Hoey.

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