50 For 50 | Life, Music, & Friendship

BSPN Media
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Mike Joseph and Garrett Gonzales have been friends for over 20 years. Their friendship began following each other's music reviews on the now-defunct website, Epinions. In 2026, they officially turn 50 and this podcast is a celebration of their 50 years, and over 20 years as friends. They will choose an album that was released each year from 1976 to 2025 and do a deep dive history and culture podcast episode about it. There will also be other episodes about artists, current music events, music documentaries and movies and more.

  1. American Idol Early Years: The Paula Abdul & Corey Clark Headlines | The Cool Check-In

    1H AGO

    American Idol Early Years: The Paula Abdul & Corey Clark Headlines | The Cool Check-In

    The early years of American Idol were defined by massive talent and even bigger headlines. In this episode of The Cool Check-In, Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph revisit the show’s formative seasons, identifying the true standouts who transformed a British import into an American cultural juggernaut. We look past the polish to find the contestants who truly defined the "Golden Age" of reality competition. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Garrett shares a personal story from the height of the show's most discussed controversy. At the peak of the media frenzy surrounding Corey Clark and Paula Abdul, Clark reached out to Garrett directly. We dive into the details of that unexpected phone call and his attempt to navigate the fallout of his disqualification and the rumors that followed. What is your favorite memory from the early years of American Idol? Whether it was the talent or the tabloid drama, we want to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation by following the 50 for 50 project on your favorite podcast platform and leaving us a review. Find 50 For 50: Website: https://www.50for50.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@50_For_50 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-for-50-life-music-friendship/id1857746432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ADmN7bp4fXQzAZsnSuFQj?si=a283674c59b44be2 Contact at: GG@BSPNMedia.com

    24 min
  2. Ranking Janet Jackson Songs: Top 5 Hits and Best 3 Albums | Top 5

    2D AGO

    Ranking Janet Jackson Songs: Top 5 Hits and Best 3 Albums | Top 5

    Ranking Janet Jackson albums and songs is no easy task, but Mike Joseph and Garrett Gonzales are diving deep into the icon's legendary catalog. Many fans struggle to narrow down Miss Jackson’s hits, often debating which era—Control, Rhythm Nation, or janet.—reigns supreme. In this episode of Top 5, we solve that debate by ranking our top three favorite Janet Jackson albums and our definitive top five songs. We break down the production genius of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis while highlighting essential tracks like "Miss You Much," "That's The Way Love Goes," and the high-energy "If." By the end of this episode, you’ll have a curated roadmap of Janet’s career, from her New Jack Swing roots to her sensual R&B peaks. Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Rhythm Nation or a new listener, this deep dive provides the ultimate guide to her musical legacy. Whose list did you side with? Subscribe to the 50 for 50 podcast feed and leave a review to let us know your personal Janet Jackson Top 5. Follow us on social media to join the debate and see where your favorite album landed! Find 50 For 50: Website: https://www.50for50.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@50_For_50 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-for-50-life-music-friendship/id1857746432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ADmN7bp4fXQzAZsnSuFQj?si=a283674c59b44be2 Contact at: GG@BSPNMedia.com

    33 min
  3. The Janet Jackson History: Before & After Control | 50 For 50

    3D AGO

    The Janet Jackson History: Before & After Control | 50 For 50

    How does a child star escape the world’s most famous musical shadow? Before 1986, Janet Jackson’s history was defined by others—managed by her father, Joe Jackson, and limited to bubblegum pop and sitcom roles like Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes. She was a talented performer without a voice of her own. In this deep dive, Mike Joseph and Garrett Gonzales explore the high-stakes gamble of the Control era. By firing her father and decamping to Minneapolis to work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet didn't just record an album; she became a giant star. We analyze the history of Janet Jackson before the breakthrough and the massive "post-Control" impact that followed, including: The Pre-Control Era: Why her first two albums failed to catch fire.The Minneapolis Sound: How Jam & Lewis provided the sonic "armor" Janet needed to tell her story.The Post-Control Legacy: How this record set the stage for Rhythm Nation, her Super Bowl era, and her complicated history with Justin Timberlake. Whether you're a "Control" devotee or new to Miss Jackson’s legend, this episode clarifies why 1986 was the year the "baby sister" finally became the boss. What is your favorite 'Control' track? Head over to our Spotify or Apple Podcasts page to leave a comment or review! Make sure to subscribe to 50 for 50 so you never miss a deep dive with Mike and Garrett into the legends of music history. Find all our podcasts on our website: https://www.bspnmedia.com/ Follow us on Twitter/X: https://x.com/bspnmedia Follow us on Instagram/Threads: https://www.instagram.com/bspn_media/ Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@bspn Brian on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gonzales.bsky.social Brad on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/evans5150.bsky.social GG on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/roheblius.bsky.social Email: gg@bspnmedia.com

    1h 15m
  4. Ranking The Jacksons: Top 5 Hits & Their Best Albums

    FEB 13

    Ranking The Jacksons: Top 5 Hits & Their Best Albums

    Michael Jackson and The Jacksons redefined the sound of soul and disco, but which "adult era" albums truly reign supreme? In this episode of Top 5, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph take on the monumental task of ranking every Jacksons album from their transformative post-Motown years. Many listeners debate if the group ever topped their early success, but the "Epic" era brought a level of creative freedom that changed everything. We break down the evolution from Philadelphia International funk to the self-produced genius of Destiny and Triumph. The centerpiece of the episode is our definitive ranking of the Top 5 Jacksons songs, featuring heavyweights like "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," "Blame It On The Boogie," and the cinematic masterpiece "This Place Hotel." Whether you’re a die-hard MJ fan or a crate-digger looking for the best disco-era grooves, this episode provides a data-driven look at the music that paved the way for Off The Wall. Join us as we settle the score on the Jacksons' legacy. Find 50 For 50: Website: https://www.50for50.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@50_For_50 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-for-50-life-music-friendship/id1857746432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ADmN7bp4fXQzAZsnSuFQj?si=a283674c59b44be2 Contact at: GG@BSPNMedia.com

    22 min
  5. Triumph: When The Jacksons Took Creative Control (1980) | 50 For 50

    FEB 9

    Triumph: When The Jacksons Took Creative Control (1980) | 50 For 50

    The Jacksons' Triumph stands on par with their greatest work, marking the definitive era when they transitioned into a self-produced, grown-up band. Hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph dive deep into the 1980 landscape to explore how the brothers moved beyond the shadow of Motown to claim their creative independence at CBS/Epic. By 1980, the Jacksons weren't just pop stars; they were sophisticated producers. This episode unpacks the high-stakes history of their Motown exit and the technical freedom required to craft Triumph. We analyze the album’s sophisticated arrangements, share essential trivia, and compare how we perceive these tracks today versus our initial listening experiences decades ago. Key Highlights: The Motown Break: The legal and artistic journey from the Jackson 5 to the Jacksons.Total Control: How the brothers took the producer's chair to define their own sound.1980 in Context: A look at the first year post 70sLegacy vs. Hype: Evaluating Triumph against the greatest albums in the Jackson canon."Is Triumph the peak of the Jacksons' collective creativity? Let us know your favorite track from the album in the comments or on social media. If you're enjoying our deep dives, subscribe to 50 For 50 and leave us a five-star review to help more music lovers find the show!"Find 50 For 50: Website: https://www.50for50.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@50_For_50 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-for-50-life-music-friendship/id1857746432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ADmN7bp4fXQzAZsnSuFQj?si=a283674c59b44be2 Contact at: GG@BSPNMedia.com

    1h 14m
  6. Jeff Pearlman on Only God Can Judge Me & Tupac’s Legacy | The Cool Check In

    FEB 5

    Jeff Pearlman on Only God Can Judge Me & Tupac’s Legacy | The Cool Check In

    Tupac Shakur’s life is often treated as a myth, but author Jeff Pearlman is here to report the human truth. In this episode of The Cool Check In (part of the 50 For 50 series), Garrett Gonzales sits down with the acclaimed author to discuss his new book, Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur. Many biographies simply rehash existing legends, leaving fans with a surface-level understanding of an icon. Pearlman breaks this cycle by detailing his rigorous reporting process, revealing how he tracked down the real-life inspirations behind "Brenda’s Got a Baby" and how Tupac’s persona shifted after his role as Bishop in Juice. By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Tupac’s humanity—beyond the posters and the headlines—and explore where he might stand in today’s political climate. Key Highlights: The Reporting Process: How writing about a rap icon differs from sports legends.The "Bishop" Shift: Analyzing the moment the character became the man.Humanizing a Legend: Handling pushback from fans who prefer the myth over the reality.Modern Context: Speculating on Tupac’s role in our current political landscape. The definitive story of 2Pac is finally here. Pick up Jeff Pearlman’s 'Only God Can Judge Me' at your local bookstore, and if you enjoyed this deep dive, subscribe to the 50 For 50 feed and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Buy the book on Amazon. Find 50 For 50: Website: https://www.50for50.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@50_For_50 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-for-50-life-music-friendship/id1857746432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ADmN7bp4fXQzAZsnSuFQj?si=a283674c59b44be2 Contact at: GG@BSPNMedia.com

    44 min

  7. FEB 4

    Best Tupac Shakur Tracks: Our Top 5 List Ranked | 50 For 50

    Tupac Shakur’s discography defined a generation. In this episode of Top 5, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph tackle the impossible task of narrowing down the legendary Pac’s catalog to just five essential tracks. The struggle to rank a revolutionary artist often leads to heated debates over commercial hits versus deep-cut lyricism. We break down the cultural impact of anthems like "California Love" and "I Get Around," while weighing them against the emotional gravity of "Dear Mama" and "Keep Your Head Up." By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective on Tupac’s versatility and a definitive list to debate with your fellow hip-hop heads. Key Highlights: The sonic evolution of Tupac from Digital Underground to Death Row.Why "Dear Mama" remains the gold standard for tribute tracks.The debate: Does mainstream success overshadow Pac’s social commentary?Garrett and Mike’s personal "Top 5" selections revealed.Find 50 For 50: Website: https://www.50for50.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@50_For_50 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-for-50-life-music-friendship/id1857746432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ADmN7bp4fXQzAZsnSuFQj?si=a283674c59b44be2 Contact at: GG@BSPNMedia.com

    24 min
  8. Tupac: All Eyez On Me: The Legend vs. Reality | 50 For 50

    FEB 2

    Tupac: All Eyez On Me: The Legend vs. Reality | 50 For 50

    Tupac Shakur’s All Eyez On Me is the definitive double-album of 1996, but has the myth of 'Pac eclipsed the man himself? Many fans struggle to separate the polished legend of the revolutionary from the chaotic reality of his Death Row Records era. In this episode of 50 For 50, hosts Garrett Gonzales and Mike Joseph peel back the layers of the legend to examine the real story behind this magnum opus. We dive deep into the making of the album, from his Digital Underground roots to the influence of Jeff Pearlman’s biography. We revisit the cultural landscape of 1996, sharing our first encounters with the music and tracing his discography’s evolution. By contrasting the historical facts with the modern-day icon, this episode provides a grounded perspective on why this album remains a cultural juggernaut. Listeners will gain a richer understanding of Tupac’s artistic intent versus the industry machine, ensuring you never hear these tracks the same way again. Enjoyed the deep dive? Subscribe to the 50 For 50 podcast and leave us a review! Let us know on social media: Do you think the legend of Tupac matches the reality of the music? Find 50 For 50: Website: https://www.50for50.net/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@50_For_50 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-for-50-life-music-friendship/id1857746432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ADmN7bp4fXQzAZsnSuFQj?si=a283674c59b44be2 Contact at: GG@BSPNMedia.com

    1h 36m
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About

Mike Joseph and Garrett Gonzales have been friends for over 20 years. Their friendship began following each other's music reviews on the now-defunct website, Epinions. In 2026, they officially turn 50 and this podcast is a celebration of their 50 years, and over 20 years as friends. They will choose an album that was released each year from 1976 to 2025 and do a deep dive history and culture podcast episode about it. There will also be other episodes about artists, current music events, music documentaries and movies and more.

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