Music

Unfamous with Justin Tranter

Most of what you love in pop culture didn’t happen the way you think it did. Unfamous, hosted by Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter, reveals how creative work actually gets made. Each episode pairs a celebrity with the collaborator behind their biggest moments in music, comedy, film, and entertainment. You get honest stories, real insight, and a practical blueprint for building a creative career.

New episodes drop every Wednesday. Like, comment and subscribe.

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Latest Episodes:

Wendy Goldstein | The Art of Building Superstars Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Wendy Goldstein, Chairwoman and CCO of Republic Records, joins Justin Tranter for a masterclass on how artists are discovered, careers are built, and hit records are made. From signing The Roots in her first week at Epic Records to helping guide artists like Ariana Grande, Joe Jonas, and DNCE, Wendy shares lessons from decades spent shaping some of the biggest careers and moments in modern music. She breaks down what A&R really is, how she evaluates songs, why some artists become stars while others don't, and the instincts, decisions, and philosophies that turn potential into longevity. Whether you're an artist, songwriter, manager, creative, or simply curious about the music business, this episode offers a rare look inside the art of building a career that lasts. Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Luke Nichols, Joe Carozza and Beau Benton.

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Claire + Ragnar Rosinkranz | The Viral Hit, the Health Scare, and the Comeback Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Claire Rosinkranz and Ragnar Rosinkranz join Justin Tranter for a funny, intimate, and deeply honest conversation about making music as father and daughter. They look back on the musical home that shaped Claire, the unexpected rise of “Backyard Boy,” and what it felt like to have a viral breakout at 16 before fully understanding the scale of it. But this episode is not just about one song. Claire also opens up about the pressure that followed, performing for audiences that are not always hers, returning to music after a serious health crisis, and chasing the raw honesty behind her latest songs. For artists, collaborators, and anyone building something creative, this conversation offers a rare look at trust in the studio and why the safest collaborations can bring out the most honest art. Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Bobbie Gale and Nina Savio.

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Emei + Ricky Reed | How Radical Honesty Builds Great Artists Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Singer-songwriter Emei joins Grammy-winning producer, songwriter and Nice Life founder Ricky Reed for a conversation about the creative partnership behind her latest project, Night at the Opera, and what it really takes to build a lasting career. Together with Justin Tranter, they unpack how Ricky discovered Emei, why one radically honest conversation became the foundation of their collaboration, and how trust, vulnerability, and creative honesty shaped both the music and the artist behind it. They discuss songwriting, artist development, overcoming creative blocks, balancing artistry with content creation, building a devoted fan community, writing through grief, surviving rejection, and why patience often matters more than speed. Whether you're an artist, songwriter, creative, entrepreneur, or simply curious how great work actually gets made, this episode is an honest look at collaboration, resilience, and the long game of building something meaningful. Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Amanda Montgomery and Steven Sparrow.

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Nick Jonas | The Rejections Behind His Biggest Breakthroughs Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Nick Jonas has spent nearly two decades navigating the highs, lows, and reinventions that come with growing up in public. In this episode of Unfamous, he joins Justin Tranter for an honest conversation about the resilience, creativity, and self-belief that have fueled one of pop culture's most enduring careers. Nick reflects on the pressure of being perceived as a Disney star and Jonas Brother while trying to prove himself as an artist, the fear of rejection that almost kept him from taking bigger swings, and the pivotal moments that led to the breakthrough solo era that produced "Chains" and "Jealous." He shares stories about career-defining collaborations, unexpected setbacks, and the mentors who helped him trust his instincts when everything felt uncertain. The conversation also explores songwriting, acting, Power Ballad with Paul Rudd, the Jonas Brothers Christmas movie, creative ownership, and how Nick continues to evolve as an artist, performer, husband, and father while staying connected to the things that first inspired him. Whether you're building a career, navigating change, or searching for the confidence to bet on yourself, this episode is a masterclass in longevity, reinvention, and turning rejection into momentum. Credits: Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Christopher Young, Holly Farr, Alexis Spangler, Greg Garbowsky and Jeff Raymond.

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Rose Gray | From Louder, Please to "Club to Your Arms" Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Rose Gray joins Justin Tranter for a conversation about songwriting, collaboration, and the creative journey behind her latest single, "Club to Your Arms." A Critics Choice Brit Award nominee and one of the most exciting voices in modern pop, Rose shares how she built a devoted fanbase through relentless touring, emotional honesty, and a clear artistic vision long before any viral breakthrough arrived. Together, she and Justin unpack their years-long creative partnership, the evolution of Rose's sound, and the story behind one of her most personal songs yet. They discuss the balance between euphoric dance music and raw storytelling, the lessons that come from performing live, finding confidence as an artist, and why trusting your instincts is often the key to making great work. Whether you're an artist, songwriter, creative, or simply someone chasing a dream, this episode offers an honest look at building a career, finding your voice, and creating art that connects. Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Carimei Smith, Matt Luxon, Bryan Kehn and Veronica Sanjines.

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Katy Perry + Christian Breslauer | Watch It Burn, Feminine Fire, and Why It’s Okay to Be Angry Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Katy Perry, Christian Breslauer and Justin Tranter make bold, emotionally driven work. But more importantly, they know what it means to feel something fully and still let it be seen. In this episode of Unfamous, Katy sits down with Justin to talk about their songwriting collaboration on “Band-Aids” and “Watch It Burn” (out 6/25), and how those songs came from a place of vulnerability, intention, and emotional truth. She talks about fear. About anger she had to let herself touch. About the line between what stays with her and what becomes a song. Then Christian joins to follow that feeling into the visuals. How something heard becomes something you can see. How trust shapes what survives. It’s about songwriting, visual storytelling, and staying open long enough to make something honest. And if you’re building anything creative, it offers a real look at how to trust your instincts, work through resistance, and collaborate without losing your voice. If you love pop culture, music, and the real process behind how things get made, this one’s for you. Follow, subscribe, like and comment wherever you watch and listen. Credits: Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Ngoc Hoang-DelVecchio, Bradford Cobb, Cynthia Parkhurst, Rick Henry, and Chloe Forbes. Shout out to Chloe Pappas and Leslie on Patreon.

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Skylar Grey + Elliott Taylor | Eminem Hits, Bubble Grunge and WASTED POTENTIAL Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Skylar Grey and Elliott Taylor collaborate on making music. But more importantly, they’ve built a creative life together. In this episode of Unfamous, Skylar opens up about writing Love The Way You Lie for Eminem and Rihanna alone in a cabin in the woods with no internet, how emotional burnout shaped her new album Wasted Potential, and why some of the darkest creative moments often lead to breakthrough art. If you love songwriting, creative process, and honest conversations about burnout, ambition, collaboration, and emotional honesty, this episode is for you. Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Maria Eilert & Jenisse Sanches.

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Bongo ByTheWay + Ant Clemons | Songwriting math, producer psychology + Ye hits Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Bongo ByTheWay and Ant Clemons break down the creative chemistry that turned their first session into 11 songs in a single day and eventually led to collaborations with artists like Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Beyoncé, and more. The conversation dives into songwriting “math,” artist development, ego-free collaboration, surviving the music industry, and why emotional intelligence matters just as much as talent. They also talk about sleeping on floors before breakthrough moments, navigating publishing and samples, learning when to say no, and how trust and repetition sharpen great collaborators over time. Watch on Spotify. Subscribe to Spotify for no ads. Credits: Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, & Cory Jasin.

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Linda Perry + Don Hardy | Music, filmmaking, grief, and the power of vulnerability May 27, 2026

Show notes

Linda Perry, the songwriter and producer behind songs like Christina Aguilera's “Beautiful” and Four Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” joins Unfamous alongside documentary filmmaker Don Hardy to talk about the deeply personal documentary about Linda’s life and creative evolution. The episode explores Linda’s journey through music, collaboration, grief, cancer, vulnerability, and emotional honesty while unpacking what happens when an artist allows themselves to be documented in the middle of real life instead of after the story is neatly finished. It’s a raw conversation about creativity, trust, survival, and the power of letting people see the parts of yourself you usually try to hide. Follow, subscribe, like and comment wherever you watch and listen. Credits: Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, and Lauren Mele.

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Valencia Grace + Kyle Stuart | Finding your artistic identity and building the right team May 26, 2026

Show notes

Valencia Grace and manager Kyle Stuart break down what it actually takes to build an artist from the ground up. From getting dropped by a label and rebuilding independently to shaping a theatrical “pop opera” identity in real time, the episode explores the creative and strategic partnership behind an emerging artist’s career. They talk about how to find the right collaborators, what makes artist-manager chemistry work, balancing creative instinct with rollout strategy, navigating budgets and industry gatekeepers, and why building a strong creative community changes everything. Valencia also opens up about learning to lean into her individuality instead of chasing trends, while Kyle shares the realities of developing a new artist versus managing established acts like Duran Duran. Watch on Spotify. Subscribe to Spotify for no ads. Credits: Unfamous is hosted by Justin Tranter Created by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Produced by Justin Tranter & Morgan T. Stuart Written & Researched by Morgan T. Stuart Director: Morgan T. Stuart Co-Director + Cinematographer: Olivia McCrary Audio Engineer: Mike Sabri Camera Assistant: Kolbi Samantha Special thanks to Mark Beavan, Jimmy Knehans, Wendy Laister & Magus Entertainment.

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