The Allison Hagendorf Show

Chocolate-loaded peanut butter cookies, vulnerability, and one of the most honest conversations I’ve ever had on this show. 🍪🎸 In this intimate home hang, I welcome Red Leather for his first-ever in-person podcast interview — and what unfolds is raw, emotional, reflective, and deeply human. From addiction and near-death experiences to sobriety, gratitude, and finding purpose through music, Red Leather opens up about the real stories behind Reno and Tahoe and the life that inspired them. Red Leather opens up about: ⚡️ Writing Reno during active addiction and Tahoe in sobriety ⚡️ The importance of place and creating music in Joshua Tree, Tahoe, Big Bear, and beyond ⚡️ The terrifying true story behind “Last Call” ⚡️ Hitting multiple rock bottoms before finally getting sober ⚡️ His heart attack, overdose, and the moment everything changed ⚡️ “Angel Song,” love, healing, and learning how to receive support ⚡️ “Losing My Religion” and questioning everything you thought you believed ⚡️ Nirvana, Radiohead, and the music that shaped his voice and sound ⚡️ Addiction, escapism, and the cycle of shame ⚡️ Why sobriety gave him clarity and helped him become who he really is ⚡️ The origin of the Red Leather persona and how the mask became a symbol of hope ⚡️ Gratitude as a superpower ⚡️ The role live music plays in human connection and healing ⚡️ His dreams of creating timeless albums and building a lasting legacy Plus: cookies, deep music conversations, Marvin Gaye, Phantom Planet, Radiohead deep dives, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change your life. This is Red Leather , vulnerable, thoughtful, and just getting started. Subscribe on Substack for more behind-the-scenes from our house hangs: allisonhagendorf.substack.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa ⸻ ❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON ✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻ 00:00 - Intro 01:38 - Welcome & Cookies 03:32 - Reno vs Tahoe & Sense of Place 05:16 - Songwriting Process 06:49 - The Story Behind “Last Call” 11:42 - Rock Bottom & Near-Death Experiences 13:56 - “Angel Song” & Healing Through Love 15:51 - Favorite & Most Surprising Moment on the Album 16:32 - “Losing My Religion” 18:27 - “Get Out of My Head” & Nirvana’s Influence 20:11 - The Role of Music in Life 22:53 - The Start of Addiction 25:03 - Sobriety, Clarity & Becoming Himself Again 25:34 - The Mask, The Costume & The Character 27:38 - Will He Ever Unmask? 28:42 - Message to Anyone Struggling 29:26 - What He Hopes for Himself 30:56 - Gratitude as a Superpower 33:29 - What’s On His Playlist Right Now 35:40 - What Scares Him Now? 37:30 - What Excites Him Now? 41:00 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Ian pulled up, immediately grabbed the cinnamon rolls, and we ended up having one of the most honest conversations I’ve had on the show. In this intimate home hang, the Anthrax co-founder opens up about the new album, losing his father, raising a son, staying a true music fan after four decades, and what happiness actually looks like now. We talk about: ⚡️ The emotional weight behind “The Long Goodbye” ⚡️ Writing through grief and catharsis ⚡️ Why Anthrax still pushes themselves creatively after 40+ years ⚡️ Joey Belladonna’s vocals and the chemistry inside the band ⚡️ Public Enemy, “Bring The Noise,” and helping open the door for rap/rock ⚡️ Iron Maiden and the Rock Hall conversation ⚡️ Marriage, family, fatherhood, and perspective ⚡️ Staying inspired and connected to music after all these years ⚡️ The changing music industry and what it means to “make it” now ⚡️ Legacy, happiness, and leading with heart Plus: Dave Grohl pillows, cinnamon rolls, beard talk, and a reminder that the legends who last are usually the ones who stay human. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa 🍪 Yes, the baked goods always matter. ⸻ ❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON ✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻ 00:00 - Arrival & Welcome 01:01 - Intro & Cinnamon Rolls 02:00 - Album Title: Meaning & Translation 03:32 - Is This the Final Journey? 07:15 - Why Now Was the Right Time 09:40 - Opening Tracks & First Impressions 13:19 - “The Long Goodbye” & Processing Loss 15:37 - “It’s For The Kids” 18:32 - “The Edge of Perfection” 20:55 - Dave Grohl Story 22:13 - Joey’s Vocals & Band Chemistry 25:12 - Writing About Love 26:33 - Iron Maiden & Rock Hall 31:10 - Staying a True Music Fan 32:13 - Public Enemy & “Bring The Noise” 39:21 - Rap Meets Metal 40:47 - Fatherhood & His Son 45:44 - Then vs Now in the Industry 48:55 - Family & Life Balance 52:30 - Love, Marriage & Happiness 54:37 - Anthrax Longevity 57:09 - Playing Songs Live 58:05 - Legacy & Leading with Heart 01:04:50 - The Beard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chocolate chip cookies, real conversation, and a band entering one of the most powerful chapters of their career. 🍪🎸 In this intimate home hang, I welcome Shinedown as they step into a new era with their eighth studio album, EI8HT. From massive milestones to deeply personal loss, this conversation goes far beyond the music. Brent Smith and Zach Myers open up about the mindset behind the album, the emotional weight of the songs, and why this record feels like Shinedown at their most human, intentional, and fully alive. Shinedown opens up about:⚡️ The making of EI8HT and why it feels like a new era⚡️ Their record-breaking success at rock radio and what it means to them⚡️ Why this 18-song album has no filler⚡️ The songwriting, production, and emotional precision behind the record⚡️ Eric Bass’s role as producer, mixer, engineer, and creative force⚡️ Lessons from Desmond Child and the power of a great rhythm section⚡️ Influences from Elton John, Nirvana, Counting Crows, and more⚡️ Why no AI was used on the album and why the human element matters⚡️ “365,” grief, gratitude, and honoring loved ones through music⚡️ Nostalgia, Xennials, and the emotional pull of “Young Again”⚡️ Longevity, brotherhood, and how they’ve stayed connected as a band⚡️ Giving the audience their flowers and the symbolism behind the album artwork⚡️ The story behind “I’m So Glad You Asked” and Eric’s first lead vocal on a Shinedown record⚡️ “The Pilot,” Dave Bassett, and closing the album with one of its most emotional moments⚡️ Health, fitness, touring, and what it takes to perform at this level Plus: cookies, creative philosophy, deep music references, real talk about loss, and a band that continues to evolve without losing who they are. This is Shinedown: reflective, open, and in their best era yet. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa🍪 Yes, the cookies matter. ⸻❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻00:00 - Intro01:28 - Cookies, First Impressions & Album Conversations07:46 - Success, Accolades & Perspective11:07 - Introducing EI8HT13:16 - The Mindset Behind the Album14:30 - Erik’s Dedication & Creative Process17:25 - What Makes Shinedown Unique18:20 - Lessons from Desmond Child20:51 - Elton John & Musical Influences24:34 - Nirvana, Kurt Cobain & Counting Crows30:59 - Back to EI8HT — Starting from the Bottom33:35 - No AI — Keeping Music Human36:27 - Album Production41:00 - “365,” Loss & Personal Story48:24 - Nostalgia, Xennials & “Young Again”52:00 - Longevity & Staying Power53:23 - Unity & Festival Decisions54:20 - Album Artwork & Symbolism56:20 - “I’m So Glad You Asked”1:00:36 - Album Sequencing1:03:00 - “The Pilot” & Dave Bassett1:09:03 - Proudest Moments1:12:03 - Touring, Fitness & Physicality1:18:41 - Health & Longevity1:23:04 - Entering a New Era1:24:16 - Legacy & Impact1:27:00 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chocolate chip banana bread (still warm), coffee, and one of the most legendary guitarists in rock sitting in my kitchen. 🍌🍞🎸 In this intimate home hang, I welcome Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society founder, Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist, and a true force in music for a conversation that’s as raw, funny, and heartfelt as he is. From life on the road to loss, legacy, and everything in between, Zakk shows up exactly as you’d hope: honest, grounded, and completely himself. Zakk opens up about: ⚡️ His new album and the long road to finishing it ⚡️ Why this record took years — and how time changed the music ⚡️ The balance between heavy riffs and deeply personal ballads ⚡️ Writing “Ozzy’s song” and honoring one of the most important relationships of his life ⚡️ Grief, gratitude, and what it means to truly cherish the time you have with people ⚡️ His first audition with Ozzy — and the advice that changed everything ⚡️ Life on tour, staying physically and mentally strong, and the discipline behind it ⚡️ Marriage, family, and what keeps a relationship strong after decades ⚡️ Why doing what you love is the only path that actually works ⚡️ The importance of authenticity — in music and in life Plus: banana bread, coffee, Ozzy stories, gym talk, guitar nerd moments, and a lot of laughter. This is Zakk Wylde being reflective, hilarious, and fully himself. Subscribe on Substack for more behind-the-scenes from our house hangs: allisonhagendorf.substack.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa 🍌🍞 Yes, the banana bread matters. ⸻ ❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON ✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻ 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Welcome, Banana Bread & Fitness 03:57 - The New Album & Long Creative Process 07:57 - Bangers vs. Ballads 09:41 - Writing “Ozzy’s Song” 13:50 - Is It Cathartic to Sing? 16:07 - Auditioning for Ozzy & Early Days 19:39 - Dance Lessons & Stage Presence 20:54 - YUNGBLUD & That Full-Circle Moment 22:12 - Marriage, Family & Doing What You Love ⸻ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this intimate home hang, I welcome Dogstar — Keanu Reeves, Bret Domrose, and Rob Mailhouse — as they step into a powerful new chapter with their album "All In Now." From their early days to their reunion and now this next evolution, Dogstar has always been about connection, creativity, and the kind of chemistry you can’t fake. And with this new record, you can feel it — raw, live, and fully alive. Dogstar opens up about: ⚡️ The meaning behind *All In Now* — and what it represents for them now ⚡️ Reuniting as a band and rediscovering their sound ⚡️ Working with legendary producer Nick Launay and embracing a live, raw recording style ⚡️ Recording at the iconic EastWest Studios — and feeling the history in the room ⚡️ Letting go of perfection and leaning into instinct and energy ⚡️ Preparing for a massive year of touring — physically and mentally ⚡️ Musical influences from U2, The Cure, Peter Hook, and beyond ⚡️ The return of real, human rock music in a filtered, AI-driven world ⚡️ Their diehard global fanbase — and what that connection means to them ⚡️ What keeps them together after all these years ⚡️ Keanu on music vs. acting — and what each gives him ⚡️ What being in a band teaches you about yourself and each other Plus: cookies, gear talk, studio stories, live music philosophy, and a conversation that feels like sitting in the room with them. This is Dogstar — grounded, present, and fully all in. Subscribe on Substack for more behind-the-scenes from our house hangs: allisonhagendorf.substack.com ⸻ ❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON ✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf ⸻ 00:00 - Intro & Dogstar Arrives 00:28 - Cookies & First Impressions 02:45 - Interview Begins / Becoming Led Zeppelin 05:48 - Back Together & Band Evolution 06:49 - “All In Now” – Album Meaning 09:29 - Working with Nick Launay 14:05 - Recording at EastWest Studios 18:38 - Finishing the Album 19:06 - Touring & Preparing 22:28 - Peter Hook’s Influence 23:58 - What Are You Listening To? 29:10 - Diehard Fans 32:46 - What Keeps Them Together 35:05 - Keanu: Music vs Acting 36:11 - What Being in a Band Teaches You 39:10 - Admiration for Each Other Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices