Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

Jesse Jackson
  • 4.9 (144)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

🎙️ Set Lusting Bruce is more than a podcast—it's a celebration of connection through the music of Bruce Springsteen. Hosted by longtime contact center leader and community builder Jesse Jackson, each episode invites fans from all walks of life to share their personal stories, favorite lyrics, and the moments where Bruce’s music met them right where they were. Whether you're a die-hard E Street devotee or someone who just discovered Thunder Road, this show is your backstage pass to heartfelt conversations, unexpected insights, and the kind of camaraderie only music can spark. From tales of redemption and resilience to laughter over setlist debates, Set Lusting Bruce is where fandom becomes family. Because as Bruce once sang, “We learned more from a three-minute record than we ever learned in school.” Proud Member of the Pantheon Podcast Network.

  1. 2D AGO

    Exploring KISS's Defining Year: A Deep Dive with Martin Popoff

    Join host Jesse Jackson on a new episode of 'Set Lusting Bruce' as he steps off the Bruce train for a chat with rock journalist Martin Popoff. Together, they delve into Popoff's latest book, 'KISS 76: 12 Months that Define the Hottest Band in the Land.' The episode covers KISS’s massive year in 1976, including iconic tours, releases, and cultural impact. Martin also shares his journey from heavy metal fandom to becoming a prolific rock historian, and discusses his unique podcast 'History in Five Songs.' Whether you're a die-hard KISS fan or just love rock history, this episode is a must-listen! https://a.co/d/0hmrKt9E 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 01:53 Guest Introduction and Background 03:10 Early Musical Influences and First Concerts 05:09 The Concept of Perfect Music 07:21 Latest Book: KISS 76 08:40 KISS in 1976: A Year in Review 17:40 KISS's Live Performances and Touring 25:11 The Ed Sullivan Moment and KISS's Influence 26:30 KISS's Unique Sound and Comparisons 29:01 Controversies and Public Perception 33:32 The Podcast and Writing Journey 37:31 Favorite Albums and Musical Preferences 39:13 The Mary Question and Final Thoughts 42:48 Outro and Housekeeping Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (2025) Review — Who Is This Movie For?

    Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Lou and Karen for a JKL Media tie-in discussion of the 2025 film "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," directed by Scott Cooper and based on Warren Zanes’ book about the making of Bruce Springsteen’s "Nebraska." They praise Jeremy Allen White’s performance as Springsteen and Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of manager Jon Landau, but debate who the movie is meant for—hardcore fans versus casual viewers—given its quiet focus on depression, trauma, and the Nebraska era rather than the E Street Band or the more widely known "Born in the U.S.A." period. Lou, less familiar with "Nebraska," finds the film surface-level, criticizing thin characterization (including Springsteen’s father, played by Stephen Graham), a cutaway from a key therapy scene, minimal exploration of individual songs, and the E Street Band’s near-silent portrayal. Karen also notes the story can feel generic without deeper Springsteen context, wishes the film emphasized Springsteen’s mother and band dynamics more, and argues the romantic subplot involving the composite character “Faye” feels unnecessary. Jesse provides background on how the project came to be, shares lore and real-life parallels (including Springsteen’s first psychiatrist visit and a later conversation with his father), and agrees the movie is a mixed bag that likely lands best for viewers who know the book and backstory. 00:00 Welcome + Why This Springsteen Movie Feels Like a Question Mark 01:42 First Reactions: Performances, Expectations, and ‘Who Is This For?’ 03:13 How the Film Got Made: Warren Zanes, Scott Cooper, and Bruce Saying Yes 04:29 Nebraska vs. Born in the U.S.A.: The Era Casual Fans Don’t Know 06:13 Book vs. Movie + The Film’s Quiet, Depression-Focused Tone 08:36 The ‘Love Story’ Angle: Bruce & Manager Jon Landau 12:43 Lou’s Critique: Transactional Scenes and Dodging the Therapy Breakthrough 15:17 Bruce’s Father (Stephen Graham) + Missing Depth and Backstory 17:11 Where’s the E Street Band? Collaboration Erased on Screen 19:33 Karen’s Take: Generic Biopic Vibes, Lore-Heavy Story Choice, and What’s Missing 24:32 The Ending with Bruce’s Dad: Lap Scene, Payoff Without Buildup, and Real-Life Context 30:28 Family Wounds & the Film’s Emotional Core (Bruce and His Dad) 30:49 Who Is This Movie For? The Faye Romance Debate 31:51 Mustard-Gate & Other Fan-Accuracy Nitpicks 32:56 What the Movie Should’ve Shown: E Street Band & Studio Depth 34:39 Mixed Bag Reception: Highlights, Awards, and What Worked 35:35 Lou’s Non‑Sequitur Notes: Wasted Characters, Song Talk, and Stephen King Links 39:16 Karen’s Final Thoughts: Music Choices, Badlands, and Missed Potential 45:02 Wrap-Up, Next Watches, and Where to Find Everyone 48:30 Podcast Outro & Housekeeping: Contact Info and Other Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min

  3. FEB 10

    Allen Callaci Springsteen's 'Nebraska' and Its Impact on Lo-Fi Music

    Allen and Jesse do a dive deep into the influence of Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' album on the lo-fi music movement and Alan's personal connection to the record. Alan shares how the album inspired him and his brother to create their own lo-fi recordings and discusses the broader impact on indie rock in the '90s. The conversation also touches on Springsteen's approach to the album, the emotional depth of lo-fi recordings, and Alan's current musical projects. Tune in for a compelling discussion about the enduring legacy of 'Nebraska' and the lo-fi genre. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:57 Discovering Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' 02:49 The Influence of Lo-Fi Recording 04:17 Impact of 'Nebraska' on Music and Personal Life 07:47 Discussion on the 'Nebraska' Movie 10:05 Springsteen's Influence on Indie and Alternative Music 23:18 Future of Bruce Springsteen's Music 25:39 Guest's Current Projects and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  4. FEB 5

    Exploring the Legacy of Sam Cooke and Bruce Springsteen with Scott Shea

    In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes back Scott Shea for a deep dive into the music and legacy of Sam Cooke. They discuss Cooke's impact on gospel, R&B, and pop music, his untimely death, and his influence on other artists. The episode also touches on Bruce Springsteen's career, including their thoughts on the 'electric' version of Nebraska and Brian Wilson's 'Smile.' Scott offers insights from his latest articles and shares exciting news about his upcoming book on Waylon Jennings. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:29 Scott's Career Update 02:00 Discussion on the New Pope 03:24 Sam Cooke's Musical Journey 09:52 Sam Cooke's Death and Legacy 16:33 Lou Rawls and Sam Cooke's Influence 18:48 Sam Cooke's Business Ventures 19:18 The Legacy of SAR Records 20:15 Exploring Sam Cooke's Greatest Hits 21:12 Cover Versions and Tributes to Sam Cooke 23:23 Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska and Its Impact 24:05 The Unreleased Gems of Music Legends 29:47 Brian Wilson's Smile: A Masterpiece Revisited 32:24 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  5. FEB 3

    Tribute Band Sessions with Mike Gendler: Behind the Scenes

    In this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes Mike Gendler to discuss the world of tribute bands, podcasting, and their shared love for Bruce Springsteen. Mike, a lifelong musician and entrepreneur, shares his journey from playing the piano and drums in his Philadelphia home to founding a successful entertainment company and starting the Tribute Band Sessions podcast. Learn about Mike's unique experiences, such as playing at a private party for Pink Floyd and the nuances of recreating the authentic sounds of iconic bands. They also delve into why tribute bands have gained popularity and the importance of both musical fidelity and live performance energy. Tune in for engaging stories and insightful discussions on the art of tribute bands. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:39 Mike's Musical Journey 02:49 Early Career Highlights 04:18 Family Influence and Musical Inspirations 08:48 Tribute Bands and Podcasting 09:31 The Business of Tribute Bands 19:03 Surprising Moments and Celebrity Encounters 22:00 The Passion of Rock Stars 23:07 The Popularity of Tribute Bands 24:32 Setting Up the Perfect Set List 28:10 Mimicking the Original Band 33:17 Bruce Springsteen Stories 39:31 Final Thoughts and The Mary Question Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  6. FEB 3 · BONUS

    In the Name of Bruce: Voices From the Streets

    🚨 Dive into the musical genius of Bruce Springsteen with Lou, Karen and I as we break down Springsteen's impactful new single, "Streets of Minneapolis." Tune in and join the conversation! #SetLustingBruce #Podcast #BruceSpringsteen #jklpodcast #NOICE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min

  7. JAN 30 · BONUS

    When Springsteen Speaks We Should Listen - thoughts on the City of Minneapolis

    In a surprise release on social media, Bruce Springsteen dropped a powerful new song, 'Streets of Minneapolis,' addressing systemic injustices and calling out the misuse of power by federal agencies. Without the usual fanfare of a major artist release, Springsteen's direct and unapologetic ballad highlights the names of those who died on Minneapolis streets and critiques the current behavior of enforcement agencies like ICE. The song serves as both a reminder and a warning that silence in the face of injustice is complicity, urging all to raise their voices against systemic inequities and abuse of power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    6 min
  8. Jackson Reed Returns: New Music, Opening for Nazareth, and Stories from the Road

    JAN 28

    Jackson Reed Returns: New Music, Opening for Nazareth, and Stories from the Road

    Join host Jesse Jackson in this exciting episode of 'Set Lusting Bruce' as he welcomes back returning guest Jackson Reed. Jackson, a musician and podcaster from Calgary, Canada, discusses his band's new EP 'Live in 25,' their thrilling experience opening for Nazareth, and the band's musical journey. Jackson also shares insights into his influences, recording process, and promotion strategies, along with a sneak peek into his podcast 'Guess That Record' featuring music industry big names. Don't miss the exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and upcoming plans for Jackson Reed and the Silverbird. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:22 Guest Introduction: Jackson Reed 01:18 Musical Journey and Band Formation 02:15 New EP: Live in 25 03:42 The Big Break: Opening for Nazareth 09:07 EP Track Breakdown 15:16 Podcast Highlights and Future Plans 15:22 Bruce Springsteen Experiences 22:59 Final Thoughts and Promotions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
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4.9
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About

🎙️ Set Lusting Bruce is more than a podcast—it's a celebration of connection through the music of Bruce Springsteen. Hosted by longtime contact center leader and community builder Jesse Jackson, each episode invites fans from all walks of life to share their personal stories, favorite lyrics, and the moments where Bruce’s music met them right where they were. Whether you're a die-hard E Street devotee or someone who just discovered Thunder Road, this show is your backstage pass to heartfelt conversations, unexpected insights, and the kind of camaraderie only music can spark. From tales of redemption and resilience to laughter over setlist debates, Set Lusting Bruce is where fandom becomes family. Because as Bruce once sang, “We learned more from a three-minute record than we ever learned in school.” Proud Member of the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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