The Popko Project

The Popko Project
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Music Interviews
  • Biweekly

The Popko Project is a podcast providing a platform for discussion and discovery of arts and entertainment featuring interviews with artists like Breaking Benjamin, The Verve Pipe, Everclear, COLD, Tigers Jaw, Bowling for Soup and more!

  1. Oct 16

    Ep. 280 – The UNCRTN: Breaking Free, Finding Individuality & The MACHINE EP

    On Episode 280 of The Popko Project Podcast, I'm joined by Tyler and Sonya of The UNCRTN, a New York-based alternative rock/metal band pushing creative boundaries with their cinematic sound, powerful storytelling, and brand-new EP, MACHINE.What started as a chance meeting in a college computer science class has evolved into something much bigger. The UNCRTN have created an entire dystopian universe built around The Machine, a controlling force that strips people of their individuality, and The Coalition, a rebellion fighting to take that individuality back.We dive into the making of MACHINE, the deeper meanings behind its four tracks — "Memory," "Burnout," "Reverse," and "Bad For Me" — and how the band's music explores surveillance, social media, toxic relationships, societal expectations, and the importance of living life on your own terms.Tyler and Sonya also discuss working with producer Ricky Armellino (Ice Nine Kills, HAWK), the incredible attention to detail behind their music videos and visuals, their passion for creating unforgettable live experiences, and why human connection and collaboration remain at the heart of everything they do.Plus, we get a glimpse into what's next for The UNCRTN, including new music, a more aggressive sound, and the next chapter in their evolving storyline.This episode is about more than music. It's about creativity, individuality, breaking free from expectations, and having the courage to live the life you actually want.Check out MACHINE, available now on all major streaming platforms, and follow The UNCRTN (@theuncrtn) on social media.Listen, watch, and subscribe to The Popko Project Podcast!Visit thepopkoproject.com for more episodes and updates.Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services, The V-Spot Bar, and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy hot sauce and Sauced Up Jerky - get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com with code POPKO at checkout

    Ep. 280 – The UNCRTN: Breaking Free, Finding Individuality & The MACHINE EP

  2. Oct 2

    Episode 279: Mike Paris — O.A.R., STOMP, P!nk & the Journey of a Lifelong Musician

    Mike Paris joins The Popko Project Podcast for Episode 279! For the past 20 years, Mike has toured and recorded with O.A.R. as a keyboardist, percussionist and backing vocalist—but his story goes far beyond O.A.R. Mike takes us back to discovering music as a kid, his years performing around the world with STOMP, touring with P!nk, appearing on Saturday Night Live, and the unexpected connection that eventually led to his O.A.R. audition in 2005. We talk about what it was like stepping onstage with O.A.R. for the first time, playing Madison Square Garden, the incredible relationship between O.A.R. and its fans, and what has allowed the band to continue connecting with audiences after all these years. Mike also dives into his solo career and his unique “GuitarDrumming” style—a combination of guitar, percussion, STOMP-inspired rhythms and live performance that allows him to create the sound and energy of a full band by himself. Plus: • The cancellation of Ocean’s Calling and the impromptu Ocean City performances that followed • Touring the world with STOMP• Playing with P!nk and appearing on SNL • How Mike landed his O.A.R. audition• 20 years of performing with O.A.R. • Developing GuitarDrumming • The importance of taking care of your body as a lifelong musician • His solo music and Out Here Tour • His October 17 show at Mutant Brewing in downtown Scranton, PA • His TuneTrek project combining music, travel and history • Why Mike still feels like he’s “just getting started” 🎙️ The Popko Project Podcast — Episode 279Guest: Mikel ParisSubscribe for conversations with local, regional and national musicians, entertainers, creators and personalities. Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services, The V-Spot Bar and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky. Get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com w/ code POPKO

    Episode 279: Mike Paris — O.A.R., STOMP, P!nk & the Journey of a Lifelong Musician

  3. Sep 25

    The Harbinger Curse: From the Secret Service to Rock & Roll | Episode 278

    Episode 278 of The Popko Project Podcast features The Harbinger Curse, a heavy rock band from Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Frontman Jason shares stories from his nearly 25-year career with the United States Secret Service—including working from the Clinton through Biden administrations, traveling the world, being at work on 9/11, and memorable encounters with Garth Brooks, Jon Bon Jovi, Bono, Journey, and Blackberry Smoke. We also dig into The Harbinger Curse’s formation, influences, songwriting, mental health, the challenges facing original music and live venues, and the band’s plans to record their first full-length album. From protecting presidents to making loud rock & roll, this one goes places.

    The Harbinger Curse: From the Secret Service to Rock & Roll | Episode 278

  4. Sep 11

    Ep 277: Five For Fighting on “Superman,” 9/11 & 25 Years of Music

    What an absolute honor it was to interview John Ondrasik, better known as Five For Fighting—an artist whose music played such a significant part of my life in the early 2000s. The album America Town arrived during my senior year of high school, and songs like “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “Easy Tonight,” and the rest of that record became permanently attached to that time in my life. If you told 18-year-old me that 25 years later I’d have the opportunity to sit down with the man who wrote those songs, I never would have believed you. In Episode 277 of The Popko Project Podcast, John Ondrasik joins me for a conversation about the music and remarkable career of Five For Fighting. We look back at America Town, the unexpected rise of “Superman,” and how that song took on an entirely new meaning following the attacks of September 11, 2001. With this episode releasing on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, John discusses the honor and emotion of once again performing “Superman” in New York City, his memories of performing at The Concert for New York City, and witnessing firsthand the extraordinary power music can have during moments of tragedy, healing, and unity. We also dig into the pressure of following a massive hit like “Superman” and the long process that eventually produced “100 Years,” a song that cemented Five For Fighting as far more than a one-hit wonder. John shares stories behind America Town, why “Easy Tonight” was essential to everything that followed, and how close “Superman” came to never becoming the song we all know today.John also talks about his current string quartet tour, performing alongside his daughter Olivia, his work supporting American troops and veterans, writing and performing music connected to Ukraine, Israel, and Afghanistan, and why—after decades of success—he still believes his best song is yet to come. And yes, we also talk about the other side of John Ondrasik’s fascinating life: working in his family’s shopping cart business while simultaneously becoming a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter. This was a genuinely special conversation for me. Music has an incredible ability to transport us back to specific people, places, and moments in our lives, and Five For Fighting will always be connected to an important chapter of mine. Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services, Ionic Development, The V-Spot Bar and Scotch Sauce, makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky - get 15% off your order online at scotchsauacehotsauce.com w/ code POPKO at checkout

    Ep 277: Five For Fighting on “Superman,” 9/11 & 25 Years of Music

  5. Sep 4

    Ep 276: Scarhaven - Bringing Grunge Back for a New Generation | The Popko Project Podcast

    In Episode 276 of The Popko Project Podcast, Popko sits down with New York-based rock band Scarhaven for a conversation about the band's beginnings, finding their identity, and carrying the spirit of ’90s alternative and grunge into a new generation. Scarhaven wears its influences proudly — drawing inspiration from bands like Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana — while working to create something that feels authentic to who they are rather than simply recreating the past. We get into how the band came together, the chemistry between its members, developing their sound, and what it means to make guitar-driven rock music in 2026. The conversation also digs into the realities of being an emerging band today, the importance of staying true to yourself, building an audience, and why the live experience still matters. Plus, we talk about what's happening in the Scarhaven camp right now, where they hope to take the band next, and plenty more along the way. If you miss loud guitars, big riffs and bands that actually feel like bands, Scarhaven should be on your radar. Episode 276 of The Popko Project Podcast featuring Scarhaven — available now wherever you get your podcasts. Brought to you by Keller's Garden Center & Landscaping Services, Ionic Development, The V-Spot Bar and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky. Get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com with code POPKO at checkout

    Ep 276: Scarhaven - Bringing Grunge Back for a New Generation | The Popko Project Podcast

  6. Aug 21

    Johnny Cochran: Why Streams Are a Vanity Metric & What Really Defines Success | Ep. 275

    In Episode 275 of The Popko Project Podcast, Popko sits down with Nashville-based artist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Johnny Cochran to talk about finding your own lane, staying authentic and why success in music can't always be measured by the numbers on a screen. Originally from Louisiana, Johnny grew up surrounded by music before eventually making the move to Nashville. After initially pursuing country music — including opening opportunities with artists like Brett Young, Walker Hayes and Blake Shelton — Johnny realized the music he was making wasn't an authentic representation of who he was. That realization ultimately led him back toward his rock and pop-rock roots and the sound he's creating today. Johnny breaks down his new album, Empty Shell of the Good Old Days, a nostalgic collection of songs inspired by love, relationships and looking back at moments that aren't quite the same anymore. He describes his sound as "sad boy pop rock," blending melancholy lyrics with bright, energetic music and influences ranging from synthwave to modern rock. We dive into standout tracks including "Miami," "A Couple More Hours Till the Sun Comes Up," "I Should Know Better" and the album's sleeper track, "Shades of You." Johnny also shares the story behind the "Miami" music video and reveals that he's working on a full live recording of the album filmed at the actual house connected to the period of his life that inspired the record. The conversation also gets into the realities of being an independent artist in today's music industry. Johnny explains why he considers streaming numbers a "vanity metric," how great marketing can sometimes outperform great music, and why he'd rather build an audience that buys tickets and shows up in the room than simply chase millions of streams. Johnny also talks about what he wants his live show to become, leaning even further into rock on his next record, making a living as a working musician in Nashville, and his plans for more music videos, live performances and another album potentially arriving in 2027. Plus, we get into his early influences including Switchfoot, Relient K and Underoath, the impact of bands like The 1975 and The Band CAMINO, growing up around his local hardcore scene, The Office, Breaking Bad, Dragon Ball Zand plenty more. If Johnny Cochran isn't on your radar yet, this is a good place to start — and when you're done with the episode, go listen to "Miami." The Popko Project Podcast is proudly sponsored by: Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services Ionic Development The V-Spot Bar Scotch Sauce — makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky. Get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com with code POPKO at checkout.

    Johnny Cochran: Why Streams Are a Vanity Metric & What Really Defines Success | Ep. 275

  7. Aug 14

    Ep 274: Joyous Wolf’s Blake on Why Rock Isn’t Dead, Their New Album & the Power of Live Music

    On Episode 274 of The Popko Project Podcast, Popko sits down with Blake, guitarist for Southern California rock band Joyous Wolf, ahead of the release of their long-awaited debut full-length album, In Between, arriving August 21st. Blake takes us inside the evolution of Joyous Wolf—from their early days playing local shows in Orange County and hitting the road in a van, to signing record deals, navigating lineup changes, and welcoming new vocalist Pedro Cordeiro into the fold. We dig into the making of In Between, why the album took years to finally see the light of day, and the songs that helped define the band's next chapter, including “Juniper,” “Storm,” “Get Myself Right,” and the sleeper track “The Mechanic.”The conversation also goes well beyond the new record. Blake and Popko talk about the lost art of listening to albums front-to-back, discovering music in record stores, Guitar Hero inspiring a new generation of musicians, whether rock is really “dead,” the importance of live music, and why genuine human connection still matters in an increasingly digital world. If you love rock music, record stores, killer live shows, and conversations about why music continues to mean so damn much to us, this episode is for you. Joyous Wolf's In Between drops August 21st. Follow Joyous Wolf on social media and find their music wherever you stream. And as always, a huge thank you to the sponsors who support The Popko Project Podcast and help make the show possible - Keller's Garden Center & Landscaping Services, Ionic Development, The V-Spot Bar and Scotch Sauce - makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce - get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com with code POPKO at checkout

  8. Jul 17

    Ep 273: Burial Ground Reflects on 30+ Years of Hardcore, Friendship & Loss

    Content Advisory: This episode includes discussion of suicide, mental health, grief, and loss. Listener/viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available by calling or texting 988 (U.S. and Canada) or by contacting your local crisis resources. Burial Ground is back! In Episode 273, I sit down with members of the legendary NEPA hardcore pioneers to talk about the band's return, their brand-new EP, and the legacy they've built over more than three decades. We dive into the origins of Burial Ground, their influence on the hardcore scene, and how modern technology made it possible for the band—now spread across the country—to create new music together. One of the most moving moments of the conversation centers around "Forever Friends," a powerful new track featuring the late Jamie White's vocals, reconstructed from a 1996 live recording using modern AI technology. The band shares the emotional story behind finishing one final song with their friend and honoring his legacy. We also spend a significant part of the episode discussing Hardcore For Husvar, the annual benefit show created in memory of Neil Husvar. From celebrating the NEPA hardcore community to raising awareness for mental health through NAMI and funding scholarships in Neil's name, this conversation highlights the incredible bonds that music creates—and why those connections matter now more than ever. Hardcore For Husvar will take place July 25th 2026 at St. Mary's Center in Scranton. If you're a fan of hardcore music, NEPA's rich music history, or conversations about friendship, loss, resilience, and creating something meaningful, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Special thanks to our sponsors: -Keller's Garden Center and Landscaping Services -Ionic Development -The V-Spot Bar -Scotch Sauce – makers of Happy Boy Hot Sauce and Sauced Up Jerky. Get 15% off your order at scotchsaucehotsauce.com with promo code POPKO.

    Ep 273: Burial Ground Reflects on 30+ Years of Hardcore, Friendship & Loss
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The Popko Project is a podcast providing a platform for discussion and discovery of arts and entertainment featuring interviews with artists like Breaking Benjamin, The Verve Pipe, Everclear, COLD, Tigers Jaw, Bowling for Soup and more!

Information

  • Creator
    The Popko Project
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Popko Project
  • Show Website
    The Popko Project