This week’s guest: Alex Weeden

Alex is one of those musicians who makes you realize just how small (and wild) the music world really is. We go way back decades, from his early days playing for Miranda Lambert to now touring massive arenas with Parker McCollum. We swap memories, embarrassing nicknames, and stories that casually include Dave Grohl being cool, an awkward moment in front of Reese Witherspoon, and an unreal Paul McCartney encounter. This episode is a full-circle moment.

In this episode, I talk about two artists I’d love to sit down with for very different reasons. What I didn’t know while recording was that one of those wishes was about to come true. This is your reminder to knock on wood before you say anything out loud.

This episode is a reminder that doing the work and being a good person still matters. I talk about my conversation with Lee Jennings from The Funeral Portrait... someone who truly embodies patience, hustle, and heart. We covered everything from music influences to Buc-ee’s, and it turned into one of those conversations that sticks with you.

Apparently “working in radio” means I personally control all concert tickets… again. In Part 2, I dive into the unhinged requests and awkward messages I get asking for free tickets. I didn’t plan on getting this fired up, but here we are. Consider this a public service announcement.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how many people say “I want to start a podcast”… and then never do. In this episode, I talk about why I finally started The Real MP3s, how it came together, and the insecurities I still battle every time I hit publish. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this might be it. Start the damn podcast.

If Part 1 was about nostalgia, Part 2 is about whiplash... in the best possible way. One of these shows made me feel everything at once, and the others made me question my hearing (worth it). New year, same obsession.

I wasn’t planning on releasing an episode this week, but once I started thinking about the concerts that defined my 2025, I couldn’t stop. In part one of my Top 5 concerts of the year, I’m talking about wildly different shows that all left a mark, from intimate, emotional moments to full-blown legendary performances. Merry Christmas!!

A solo night seeing Andrew McMahon turned unexpectedly magical. After signing every petition available (including the sea turtles... you’re welcome, ocean) and making a few donations, I somehow landed backstage with another passionate fan. The perfect follow-up to last week’s listener story.