The Hustle

Latest Episodes:

Episode 585 - Darryl Jenifer of Bad Brains Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

This week is a punk rock legend. As Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer says in here, their band was a "revolutionary act". Having four black men perform hardcore punk mixed with reggae at that time in America's musical history was completely unheard of. Their impact was felt deeply by bands that went on to make their own impact, changing the face of punk, what it could be, and who could do it, in the process. Bad Brains have recorded incredible albums over the years and much has been made of frontman H.R. and his journey through life, but this week we're celebrating Darryl's new solo album, The Weather Channel. It's a straight up jazz album (almost smooth jazz in some spots, but maintains some funk and groove. We discuss this ragged, but important history with the man himself. Enjoy!

www.badbrains.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 584 - Donna Lewis Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

For most of us, singer/songwriter Donna Lewis appeared out of nowhere in 1996 when her smash hit "I Love You Always Forever" got to #2 on the charts and seemed to never go away. What was strange is she kind of disappeared almost as fast, with further singles and albums not making the same impact. You may be surprised to find out Donna's never stopped working and even has a new album, Wanderlust, her seventh, with collaborator David Lowe and it's just as strong as the rest. Get to know an artist you remember, but probably don't know that much about!

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod www.donnalewis.com

Book Club - Richard Houghton and Iain Key authors of It's Time The Tale Were Told: A People's History of the Smiths Jul 19, 2026

Show notes

There is a new series of books released the last couple years that tell the story of a band we all love from the perspective of the fans. Hundreds of stories have been crowdsourced from true obsessives to tell a biography you don't hear as often. This time we welcome Richard Houghton and Iain Key to discuss their new book telling the story of the Smiths. Anecdotes from personal interactions with the band members, epic concerts, purchasing albums and other swag, correspondence, etc. Has Morrissey tarnished the band's legacy beyond repair? Why did they attract such a "laddish" fanbase? What are their worst songs? And a giveaway! Enjoy!

www.spenwoodbooks.com/current-titles

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod?vanity=user

Episode 583 - Robin Beck Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Robin Beck could have been one of the top AOR singers of her era. She had the looks, the voice, the songs - the whole package. But, she was so successful in the jingle world she never really wanted it that much. She did have success anyway, including a massive global hit with "First Time" which, coincidentally, was used in a popular Coca-Cola ad at the time. With this came Top of the Pops, working with people like Desmond Child, Cher, Bowie and even Miles Davis. She has released consistently strong albums on her own schedule over the years, including her latest, Living Proof, which features contributions from former guest Peppy Castro. Robin's never done a podcast before, so we're honored to be her first and hope you all enjoy her fascinating story!

www.robinbeckrocks.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 582 - Bryan Holmes of The Producers Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

You won't find a list of "bands that should have been huge" that doesn't include The Producers. Their debut album from 1981 stood perfectly at the crossroads of power pop and new wave and should have birthed multiple hits. They even performed at the very first MTV's Rockin' Eve. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen and neither did the excellent follow up, You Make the Heat with "She Sheila". Eventually the guys took the hint and broke up, but anyone who's heard them is utterly confused. What more could you ask for?! Drummer Bryan Holmes joins us this week to tell the whole story. Thankfully, the tide is turning as the band are included on this year's Totally Tubular bill that also includes Thomas Dolby, Men Without Hats and more. If any band deserved success, it's them. Enjoy!

www.totallytubularfestival.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 581 - Mick MacNeil of Simple Minds Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

We love talking about Simple Minds around here. Their road has been diverse, rocky, drama-filled, and also wonderful. One of the key members was founding keyboardist Mick MacNeil. His revolutionary playing was a huge part of the fabric of those game-changing early albums. After 1989's Street Fighting Years, Mick decided to leave and has never really looked back. He recently released the gorgeous solo album, Themes From Glory Days, which is largely reimagined versions of the songs he originally played in that band. In this conversation we discuss his current status with Jim and Charlie, his feelings about the trajectory of the band, the writing process and tons more. We're so lucky to hear from him! www.th3minds.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod?vanity=user

Episode 580 - Swamp Dogg Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

In his nearly 84 years on earth, Swamp Dogg has seen some stuff. He was born Jerry Williams and recorded under that name before taking on the Swamp Dogg persona in 1970 as a way to better express himself and his unique view of the world. He's been a legend ever since. Over his long career he's tried on almost every genre of music (including a couple recent albums heavy on the Auto-tune. His latest sees him grappling with what's next in Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife and you know he has some wisdom to pass along. We get into a lot - his friendship with John Prine, his lovelife, his recent documentary Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, and the secretly profound advice he has for staying vital and working hard in your later years. We're honored to hear from him!

www.theswampdogg.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 579 - Marcus Lillington of Breathe Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Breathe were one of the leaders of that sophistopop movement in the late 80s and scored five big hits over two albums for their work, including the enduring ballads "Hands to Heaven" and "How Can I Fall". Unfortunately, after those two albums they disappeared and have never been heard from again, especially the uber-talented front man David Glasper. That leaves guitarist Marcus Lillington as the only former member able to provide some details, but even he can be reluctant about it, which is why it's such a huge boon to have him join us this week. He explains as best he can what happened to the band, the degree to which they were "manufactured" and what happened to Dave. We're extremely honored to welcome Marcus this week and be reminded of this special group. Enjoy!

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 578 - Steve Smith of Dirty Vegas/Squeeze Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Dirty Vegas were shot out of a cannon in 2002 when their song "Days Go By" was selected by Mitsubishi to soundtrack their new ad campaign. The song was everywhere and suddenly there was a culture shift with artists and their music as it relates to advertising. This gave Steve Smith from the band a career that's taken some unexpected turns, but has never let up. Dirty Vegas released a couple albums, then he went solo, and for the last several years he's been a member of Squeeze and is featured on their new album, Trixies, and on their current world tour. Dirty Vegas is still at it too, releasing new music in 2024. Steve lays out this journey for us this week. Enjoy!

www.stevesmithmusic.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Episode 577 - Tasmin Archer Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

When "Sleeping Satellite" hit the airwaves in 1992, it announced a new unique talent in Tasmin Archer that seemed to be going far. Little did we know that we'd only hear from her sporadically over the next 34 years. The usual label politics slowed the follow up album and after that she found it more to her liking to go independent and be her own boss, amounting to only four full length albums, including last year's A Cauldron of Random Notes. Tasmin walks us through this journey, explaining why she made the decisions she did and where things stand today. She's every bit the unique talent she always was, she's just doing it her way. Enjoy! www.tasminarcher.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

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