My Weekly Mixtape

This week, I’m hanging out with Jaret Reddick, the lead singer, guitarist, and all-around creative engine behind Bowling For Soup, as he looks back on three decades of pop-punk chaos, catchy hooks, and perfectly timed humor.  We get into how the band balances goofy songs with genuine heartfelt moments, why “Belgium” keeps reinventing itself, and how BFS ended up becoming a Radio Disney staple. Jaret talks about the band’s wide-ranging covers—from Miley Cyrus to Hanson to Taylor Swift—our shared love of power ballads (including his personal top three), and how he wound up becoming the voice of Chuck E. Cheese. We also dig into the impact of the band’s Grammy nomination, collaborations with Blues Traveler, The Dollyrots, and Bret Michaels of Poison, the long-running “Stacy’s Mom” misconception, and the real story behind “1985,” SR-71, and Butch Walker. Jaret also breaks down what it was like writing a song for Alexa Bliss and teaming up with WWE for the music video.  Whether you’ve been blasting BFS since the ’90s (when they had horns) or you’re discovering their world for the first time, this episode delivers laughs, nostalgia, and a glimpse at what’s next for the band in 2026 and beyond!  🎙️ LEARN MORE 🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠ 💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠ 🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠ 📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠ My Weekly Mixtape is a music podcast that celebrates the art of the playlist — bringing the spirit of the classic mixtape into the streaming era. Join host Brian Colburn as he teams up with artists, musicians, and passionate music fans to curate themed playlists, share the stories behind the songs, and explore what makes great music connect with us all. From rock and pop to punk, hip-hop, and beyond, My Weekly Mixtape blends interviews, commentary, and nostalgia into the ultimate listening experience — one playlist at a time. Discover new music. Revisit old favorites. Give your playlists the mixtape treatment — every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Theme music: "Unveiled" by The 4th. Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora & Bandcamp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we get 'For Real' with Eric Hirshberg, the former CEO of Activision and Deutsch LA, whose world is now centered around music. Known for leading iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Skylanders, and Destiny, Eric shares how music has run alongside his career and ultimately inspired his new single, “For Real,” the second of his collaborations with GRAMMY-nominated soul artist Aloe Blacc (their first was 2024’s “I Love Not Drinking”). We dive into how Eric blends his folk and Americana roots with Aloe’s soulful style, creating music that feels authentic for both artists while carrying a message about stepping back from negativity and the pressures of social media. Our conversation also offers a glimpse into Eric’s upcoming 2026 album, More Is Not The Answer, and how “For Real” sets the tone for what’s to come. Along the way, we explore the songs that define him and his unique perspective on building a creative life that bridges technology, business, and music. 🎙️ LEARN MORE 🎵 Hear the Playlists / Browse the Catalog:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com⁠ 💬 Join the Mixtaper Community (Patreon):⁠ https://patreon.com/myweeklymixtape⁠ 🌐 Connect on Social:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/social-media⁠ 📧 Email the Show / Contact:⁠ https://myweeklymixtape.com/contact⁠ My Weekly Mixtape is a music podcast that celebrates the art of the playlist — bringing the spirit of the classic mixtape into the streaming era. Join host Brian Colburn as he teams up with artists, musicians, and passionate music fans to curate themed playlists, share the stories behind the songs, and explore what makes great music connect with us all. From rock and pop to punk, hip-hop, and beyond, My Weekly Mixtape blends interviews, commentary, and nostalgia into the ultimate listening experience — one playlist at a time. Discover new music. Revisit old favorites. Give your playlists the mixtape treatment — every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Theme music: "Unveiled" by The 4th. Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora & Bandcamp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices