Deep Threads with Dean Balsamini

Dean Balsamini
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  • Documentary
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The Inside Scoop. Recovering journalist Dean Balsamini goes long-form with athletes, artists, lawyers, Olympians, and storytellers — pulling the threads the mainstream press leaves dangling. No talking points, no PR handlers, no time limits.

  1. 2d ago

    Dr. Larrian Gillespie | Did Harry Houdini Really Die on Halloween?

    Did Harry Houdini really die on Halloween? And what if everything we thought we knew about the legendary escape artist’s death was wrong? One hundred years after Harry Houdini’s mysterious death in 1926, physician, medical investigator, and author Dr. Larrian Gillespie joins veteran journalist Dean Balsamini on Deep Threads to challenge one of history’s most enduring legends. Speaking from Budapest, Hungary, Houdini’s birthplace, Gillespie discusses her provocative new book, Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice, a 420-page medical and forensic investigation that questions the official account of the world-famous escape artist’s final days. For nearly a century, the accepted story has been that Houdini died on October 31, 1926, from complications of a ruptured appendix, possibly triggered by a punch to the stomach. But Gillespie says her examination of historical medical records, death certificates, insurance documents, and eyewitness accounts reveals a very different story. Her most startling claim? Houdini actually died on October 30, 1926, a full day before Halloween. Gillespie explains why she believes Houdini’s death certificates were altered, why the infamous stomach punch wasn’t responsible for his death, and how medical complications following surgery may have played a critical role in his final hours. Dean and Gillespie also explore Houdini’s extraordinary personality, his obsession with exposing fraudulent spiritualists, his relationship with his wife Bess, and the annual séances that continue to commemorate his death. And there’s much more to Gillespie than her Houdini investigation. A pioneering physician and former child performer who appeared on The Mickey Mouse Club, she shares stories about her remarkable life, her family, Hollywood’s golden age, and her unexpected journey into one of entertainment history’s greatest mysteries. In This Episode The Houdini death mystery: Did Harry Houdini really die on Halloween, October 31, 1926? The disputed death certificates: Gillespie’s investigation into documents she believes were altered. What really killed Houdini? A medical examination of appendicitis, infection, surgery, and possible complications. The infamous stomach punch: Why Gillespie disputes the theory that a McGill University student caused Houdini’s death. A controversial final meal: The role Gillespie believes food played in Houdini’s final days. The man behind the legend: Houdini’s personality, ambition, family relationships, and extraordinary career. Houdini and the supernatural: His crusade against fraudulent mediums and the séances that continue a century later. The Budapest centennial: How Houdini enthusiasts are commemorating the 100th anniversary of his death. The author’s remarkable life: From early television and The Mickey Mouse Club to medicine, writing, and forensic research. About Dr. Larrian Gillespie Dr. Larrian Gillespie is a physician, author, and medical investigator whose book Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice reexamines the circumstances surrounding Harry Houdini’s death through historical medical evidence and forensic analysis. Her investigation challenges the accepted timeline and medical explanation of Houdini’s death, raising questions about the accuracy of historical documents and the stories that become accepted as fact. About Deep Threads Hosted by veteran journalist Dean Balsamini, Deep Threads goes beyond the headlines to uncover the stories behind the story through revealing conversations with fascinating people. Watch, listen, and subscribe: deepthreadspodcast.com. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Credits Host: Dean Balsamini Produced & Engineered by: Dave Fletcher Recorded at: Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint, Cedar Grove, New Jersey (host recording); guest joined remotely from Budapest. Note: The medical and historical interpretations discussed in this episode represent Dr. Gillespie’s research and conclusions and are not presented as independently established findings.

    Dr. Larrian Gillespie | Did Harry Houdini Really Die on Halloween?

  2. Oct 22

    James Queally — Surviving the Lie, Crime Fiction & the Fight for Truth

    Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and crime novelist James Queally joins Dean Balsamini on Deep Threads to discuss investigative journalism, police accountability, misinformation, and his new crime novel Surviving the Lie. A criminal justice reporter for the Los Angeles Times and former New Jersey Star-Ledger reporter, Queally discusses the final installment of his Russell Avery trilogy, following Line of Sight and All These Ashes. When a journalist-turned-private investigator’s estranged mentor is abducted by conspiracy theorists determined to discredit his reporting, Russell is pulled back into danger. Queally explains how the novel reflects political extremism, propaganda, and declining trust in journalism. He recalls reporting on police accountability in Newark, New York, and Los Angeles, and his role in the Los Angeles Times team’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the 2015 San Bernardino attack. Dean and James discuss how journalism is changing, the pressures of reporting, balancing work with parenthood, the decision to end the Russell Avery series, and writing crime fiction inspired by real investigations. There’s humor, too, with The Wire, The Sopranos, the New York Knicks, and East Coast versus West Coast culture. At its heart, Episode 32 is about storytelling, accountability, and the pursuit of truth in a world where lies have real consequences. In This Episode Surviving the Lie and the Russell Avery trilogy Conspiracy theories, disinformation, and political violence Police accountability in Newark, New York, and Los Angeles Pulitzer Prize-winning San Bernardino coverage Why trust in journalism matters Reporting, parenthood, and writing crime fiction The Wire, The Sopranos, and the New York Knicks About James Queally James Queally is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Los Angeles Times criminal justice reporter, and author of the Russell Avery novels Line of Sight, All These Ashes, and Surviving the Lie. Watch Episode 32 Watch James Queally on Deep Threads Support Deep Threads Support independent podcasting through our Huega House affiliate partner: Shop Huega House. Credits Host: Dean Balsamini Produced & Engineered by: Dave Fletcher Recorded at: Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

    James Queally — Surviving the Lie, Crime Fiction & the Fight for Truth

  3. Oct 15

    Niall Connolly — There's So Much More to See: Music, Loss, Hope & the Power of Community

    Irish singer-songwriter Niall Connolly joins host Dean Balsamini on Episode 31 of Deep Threads for a heartfelt, funny and thought-provoking conversation about songwriting, friendship, grief, the changing music industry and the power of bringing people together through music. Fresh off a European tour, the Cork-born, New York-based musician discusses his tenth studio album, There's So Much More to See, a deeply personal collection of songs exploring loss, resilience, political division and finding hope in difficult times. Connolly opens up about the deaths of his childhood friend Dave O'Mahony and his father, two profound losses that helped shape the album. He explains how his songwriting balances personal grief with compassion, humor and the belief that we can always choose to do better. One of the episode's most moving conversations centers on Connolly's friendship with fellow Irish musician Glen Hansard. Niall shares personal stories about Hansard's generosity, encouragement and support, including their performances together and Hansard's role in championing Connolly's early career in New York. He also recounts the remarkable story behind "A Song for James Connolly," his tribute to the Irish revolutionary, and an unforgettable encounter with James Connolly's great-grandson. As founder of the Big City Folk Collective, Connolly has spent nearly two decades fostering a supportive community for independent musicians in New York City. He discusses why collaboration matters more than competition and recalls a memorable Leonard Cohen tribute night attended by a young performer who would eventually become Lana Del Rey. The conversation also takes listeners back to Connolly's musical beginnings in Cork, Ireland, exploring influences including Leonard Cohen, Pixies, R.E.M., Nick Drake and John Martyn. He shares stories about leaving his job at Cork City Library to pursue music full-time, meeting his future wife on that very day, and the night Prince unexpectedly appeared at a Greenwich Village music venue. Throughout the episode, Dean and Niall explore the evolution of songwriting, the importance of album sequencing, the challenges facing independent musicians and the role of music in an increasingly divided world. At its heart, Episode 31 is about friendship, creativity, resilience and remembering that even during difficult times, there's still so much more to see. In This Episode Niall Connolly's tenth album, There's So Much More to See The personal losses that inspired his new music His friendship and performances with Glen Hansard The story behind "A Song for James Connolly" The Big City Folk Collective and NYC's indie music scene Lana Del Rey's early appearance at a Big City Folk event The night Prince appeared at a Greenwich Village venue Growing up in Cork and the Irish music scene Influences including Leonard Cohen, Pixies and R.E.M. Leaving Cork City Library to pursue music Songwriting, album sequencing and the streaming era Finding hope and kindness in a divided world About Niall Connolly Niall Connolly is an Irish singer-songwriter from Cork, Ireland, now based in New York City. With ten studio albums, Connolly has built a career around emotionally honest songwriting, sharp observations, humor and a deep commitment to independent music. He is also the founder of the Big City Folk Collective, a community of musicians and songwriters supporting independent artists for nearly two decades. Watch Episode 31 Watch Niall Connolly on Deep Threads Support Deep Threads If you've listened to Deep Threads, you've probably noticed Dean Balsamini's signature Huega House hat. We're proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show. Support Deep Threads through our affiliate partner: Shop Huega House Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts. Credits Host: Dean Balsamini Produced & Engineered by: Dave Fletcher Recorded at: Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

    Niall Connolly — There's So Much More to See: Music, Loss, Hope & the Power of Community

  4. Oct 9

    Tommy Stinson — Still Making Noise, Still Doing It His Way

    Rock & roll lifer Tommy Stinson joins Deep Threads with Dean Balsamini for a candid, funny and wide-ranging conversation about making music on his own terms, life on the road, his upcoming record, Cowboys in the Campfire, The Replacements, Guns N' Roses and what matters most after a lifetime in rock & roll. Stinson talks about the freedom he feels at this stage of his career, playing intimate house concerts and unconventional venues, connecting directly with fans and continuing to experiment with new music. He gives Dean an inside look at his next record, including the song "Help You Now," and explains why he plans to release new songs gradually rather than following the traditional album cycle. The conversation explores Cowboys in the Campfire, his longtime friendship and creative partnership with Chip Roberts, songwriting, touring with Carla Rose, and why Stinson has little interest in fitting neatly into a particular band, brand or musical category. Tommy also weighs in on artificial intelligence and songwriting, the changing music business, the importance of keeping music human, and why he still gets excited about discovering new artists. Dean also gets Tommy talking about the history everyone wants to hear. Stinson looks back on The Replacements and Guns N' Roses, his relationship with Paul Westerberg, and his years working alongside Axl Rose. He shares a particularly personal story about recently reconnecting with Axl after seeing Guns N' Roses in Saratoga Springs, saying that more than anything else, it felt like he "got my friend back." Stinson also offers his perspective on Chinese Democracy, calling the album highly underrated and discussing the musical complexity and more introspective side of Axl Rose that he believes the record reveals. Through it all, Stinson sounds exactly like someone who has survived nearly a lifetime in the music business and come out the other side knowing what he values: good songs, good people, creative freedom and having a hell of a good time doing it. In This EpisodeTommy Stinson on turning 60 and life todayNew Tommy Stinson music and his upcoming record"Help You Now" and his evolving songwriting processCowboys in the Campfire and Chip RobertsTouring and performing with Carla RoseHouse concerts and connecting directly with fansMaking music without worrying about labels or brandingAI, songwriting and keeping music humanNew artists and records Tommy is listening toSaturday Night Live and live musicLooking back on The ReplacementsTommy's relationship with Paul WesterbergHis years with Guns N' RosesReconnecting with Axl RoseWhy Chinese Democracy deserves another listenLife, family and creative freedomAbout Tommy StinsonTommy Stinson has spent most of his life making music. Best known as a founding member of The Replacements, he went on to play with Guns N' Roses, front Bash & Pop and Perfect, and create Cowboys in the Campfire. Today, Stinson continues writing, recording and touring while following his own path through the music business. Tommy Stinson's website Linktree Merch Watch Episode 30Watch Tommy Stinson on Deep Threads Support Deep ThreadsIf you've listened to Deep Threads, you've probably noticed Dean Balsamini's signature Huega House hat. We're proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show. Support Deep Threads using our affiliate link: Shop Huega House Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts. CreditsHost: Dean Balsamini Produced & Engineered by: Dave Fletcher Recorded at: Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

    Tommy Stinson — Still Making Noise, Still Doing It His Way

  5. Oct 1

    Kevin Kernan — Baseball Works: The Yankees, October & the Lost Art of Winning

    Veteran baseball writer Kevin Kernan returns to the Deep Threads Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the New York Yankees, postseason baseball, analytics, clubhouse chemistry, and a simple idea that seems almost radical in today’s game: Baseball works. Kernan has spent nearly five decades covering professional sports, including 23 years as a columnist for the New York Post. He is the author of seven books, a member of the New York Baseball Hall of Fame, and currently writes for BallNine.com. In Episode 29, Kevin joins host Dean Balsamini to break down the Yankees as October baseball gets underway, including the emergence of Cam Schlittler and a young core featuring Ben Rice, Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr., Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe. Dean and Kevin examine why postseason baseball often looks so different from the regular season. Starting pitchers stay in longer. Managers lean on their best players. Teams bunt, run the bases, play defense and focus on winning the game in front of them. Kernan argues that when October arrives, experienced baseball people have a greater opportunity to shape how games are played. He also explains why pitching command may be becoming a lost art, why scouting still matters, and why allowing an ace to work deep into a postseason game can send a message to an entire clubhouse. The conversation also turns to one of Kernan’s strongest beliefs about winning teams: chemistry matters. He explains why successful clubhouses need different personalities and recalls players such as Johnny Damon, Nick Swisher and Darryl Strawberry, whose value went beyond what could be measured statistically. Dean and Kevin also discuss Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Pete Alonso, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Paul Goldschmidt and Aaron Boone, along with the Mets, Red Sox, Rays, Brewers, Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, Braves and the rest of the postseason field. At its core, Episode 29 is a conversation about fundamentals, instincts, toughness, team chemistry and the things that still decide baseball games when October arrives. In This Episode Cam Schlittler and the Yankees’ young coreWhy postseason baseball looks different from the regular seasonOld-school baseball vs. analytics Why pitching command may be a lost art Aaron Boone and the Yankees’ October approach Gerrit Cole and the mental side of pitching Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and the meaning of being “the man” Pete Alonso and the Mets Why clubhouse chemistry matters Johnny Damon, Nick Swisher and championship personalitiesPat Murphy and the disappearing old-school managerDon Mattingly, Dave Roberts and postseason managingWhy fundamentals still matter in October About Kevin KernanKevin Kernan is a veteran sportswriter who has covered professional sports for nearly five decades. His career includes 23 years as a columnist for the New York Post, seven books, and induction into the New York Baseball Hall of Fame. He currently writes for BallNine.com. Watch the EpisodeWatch Episode 29 on YouTube Support Deep ThreadsIf you’ve listened to Deep Threads, you’ve probably noticed Dean Balsamini’s signature Huega House hat. We’re proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show. If you’d like to support both Huega House and Deep Threads, please shop using our affiliate link: https://huegahouse.com/DEANBALSAMINI Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts. Credits Host: Dean BalsaminiProduced & Engineered by: Dave FletcherRecorded at: Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

    Kevin Kernan — Baseball Works: The Yankees, October & the Lost Art of Winning

  6. Sep 17

    Chuck Kaye — Inside L’Amour, Brooklyn’s Legendary Heavy Metal Club

    Before social media, before streaming, and before metal became mainstream, there was L’Amour. In Episode 28 of the Deep Threads Podcast, host Dean Balsamini sits down with Chuck Kaye, the legendary DJ, MC, promoter and larger-than-life personality known as “The Roar of L’Amour,” for a trip inside one of the most important heavy metal clubs of the 1980s. Located in Brooklyn, L’Amour became a destination for metal fans and a stage for an astonishing lineup of bands, including Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, White Lion, Overkill, Motörhead, Cheap Trick and countless others. Chuck’s road to becoming the voice of L’Amour began on Staten Island, where a teenage Kaye went from stocking the bar to DJing hard rock and metal shows. By 1984, he had moved to L’Amour, where his booming voice, encyclopedic knowledge of rock and ability to ignite a crowd made him part of the experience. His unmistakable style eventually earned him the nickname “The Roar of L’Amour,” courtesy of White Lion singer Mike Tramp, who immortalized it in the credits of the band’s Pride album. Chuck takes Dean behind the scenes of some of L’Amour’s most legendary nights, including Metallica’s three-night stand in January 1985, Guns N’ Roses in 1987 as Appetite for Destruction was beginning its ascent, and Iron Maiden’s legendary May 8, 1988 appearance under the barely disguised name Charlotte and the Harlots. Chuck also shares stories about Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris, White Lion, Cheap Trick, Slayer, Anthrax, Overkill and the local bands, DJs, bouncers, owners and fans who made L’Amour much more than another New York rock club. By 1988, Chuck felt both the scene and his own life changing. At 26, he abruptly walked away. He returned one final time to host Jane’s Addiction in 1989—a fitting goodbye to his years at the club. Today, through The Roar of L’Amour, Chuck is preserving the stories behind the legendary Brooklyn venue—not simply the bands and setlists, but the people, personalities and moments that made L’Amour what it was. In This EpisodeHow Chuck Kaye became “The Roar of L’Amour”Metallica’s legendary 1985 three-night standGuns N’ Roses during the Appetite for Destruction eraIron Maiden’s secret Charlotte and the Harlots showChuck’s unforgettable night with Steve HarrisWhite Lion, Mike Tramp and Vito BrattaSlayer, Anthrax, Overkill and the Brooklyn metal sceneBringing Cheap Trick to L’AmourWhy L’Amour became a destination for metal bands and fansWhy Chuck walked away in 1988His final Jane’s Addiction showPreserving L’Amour’s history todayAbout Chuck KayeChuck Kaye is a DJ, MC, promoter, storyteller and heavy metal historian best known as “The Roar of L’Amour.” During the 1980s, his booming introductions and larger-than-life personality became an integral part of Brooklyn’s legendary L’Amour rock club. Deep Threads with Dean Balsamini — Episode 28 goes inside the sweat, noise, chaos and camaraderie of a place that helped make Brooklyn an epicenter of American heavy metal—and introduces the man whose voice helped bring the room to life. Yes indeed, L’Amour… are you ready? Watch the EpisodeWatch Episode 28 on YouTube Support Deep ThreadsIf you’ve listened to Deep Threads, you’ve probably noticed Dean Balsamini’s signature Huega House hat. We’re proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show. If you’d like to support both Huega House and Deep Threads, please shop using our affiliate link: https://huegahouse.com/DEANBALSAMINI Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts. CreditsHost: Dean BalsaminiProduced & Engineered by: Dave FletcherRecorded at: Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

  7. Sep 10

    Ep. 27: Robert A. Cumins — The Photograph That Captured 9/11

    A fraction of a second can become history. In Episode 27 of the Deep Threads Podcast, host Dean Balsamini sits down with acclaimed documentary photographer Robert A. Cumins, whose extraordinary career has taken him around the world photographing presidents, prime ministers, historic peace agreements, humanitarian missions, and some of the defining events of the past half-century. But the photograph for which Cumins may be best remembered was taken from his own balcony in Verona, New Jersey, 15 miles from Lower Manhattan. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Cumins heard reports of trouble at the World Trade Center, turned his car around, raced home, grabbed a film camera and long lens, and stepped onto his ninth-floor balcony. Moments later, he saw United Airlines Flight 175 approaching Manhattan. Acting on instinct, he raised his camera. What he captured was the aircraft a fraction of a second before it struck the South Tower — and the fireball that followed. The haunting sequence became one of the defining photographic records of September 11. His image appeared on a historic fold-out cover of People magazine, which Cumins says became the publication's best-selling issue. Cumins takes Dean minute-by-minute through that morning: hearing the first reports on WCBS Newsradio 880, racing upstairs for his cameras, shooting just 19 frames on film, processing the roll at a New Jersey photo lab, and realizing what he had captured when the images appeared on the scanner. He also explains the remarkable struggle to transmit the large digital file to People in an era of AOL, slow internet connections, and overloaded communications networks. Twenty-five years later, Cumins still lives in the same apartment and sees the Manhattan skyline every day. He discusses the emotional weight of the photograph, the flashbacks that can come when he sees aircraft crossing the skyline, and why he doesn't celebrate the image despite recognizing its importance as a unique piece of history. But Robert A. Cumins' story extends far beyond September 11. He recounts a remarkable 50-plus-year career in photojournalism, beginning with a childhood fascination with John F. Kennedy that led him to Washington, D.C., where he interviewed White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger and attended a JFK presidential press conference. Cumins later photographed Robert F. Kennedy, worked with the Associated Press, and spent decades covering Israel and the Middle East. His assignments brought him close to historic figures including Menachem Begin, Anwar Sadat, Jimmy Carter, Yitzhak Rabin, Yasser Arafat, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton. And on a lighter note, Cumins was also on the field and inside the locker room for Super Bowl III, photographing Joe Namath and the New York Jets after their legendary 1969 victory. In This EpisodeThe story behind Robert A. Cumins' iconic September 11 photographPhotographing United Airlines Flight 175 seconds before impactShooting 9/11 on film from 15 miles away in Verona, New JerseyDiscovering the historic images while processing just 19 framesHow the photograph became a special fold-out People magazine coverThe challenge of transmitting a photograph on September 11, 2001Living with the emotional weight of an iconic imageWatching the Manhattan skyline change over the past 25 yearsMeeting the Kennedy White House as a young aspiring journalistPhotographing Robert F. KennedyCovering Israel and the Middle East for decadesPhotographing historic peace talks and world leadersWorking with Hillary Clinton during her first Senate campaignPhotographing Joe Namath and the Jets at Super Bowl IIIPreserving a photographic archive spanning more than half a centuryAbout Robert A. CuminsRobert A. Cumins is a veteran documentary photographer and photojournalist whose career spans more than five decades. His assignments have taken him throughout the United States, Israel, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union, documenting humanitarian work, political leaders, historic diplomatic events, and major moments in world history. His September 11 photograph of United Airlines Flight 175 approaching the South Tower became one of the most haunting images of the terrorist attacks, appearing on the historic fold-out cover of People magazine and earning recognition for spot-news photography. Support Deep ThreadsIf you’ve listened to Deep Threads, you’ve probably noticed Dean Balsamini’s signature Huega House hat. We’re proud to partner with Huega House. If you’d like to support both Huega House and Deep Threads, please shop using our affiliate link: https://huegahouse.com/DEANBALSAMINI CreditsHost: Dean BalsaminiProduced & Engineered by: Dave FletcherRecorded at: Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

  8. Aug 27

    Ep. 26: Jeff Kazee — Inside the Music of Southside Johnny, Springsteen, Bon Jovi & Beyond

    What does it take to become the musician other great musicians trust when anything can happen onstage? In Episode 26 of the Deep Threads Podcast, host Dean Balsamini sits down with Jeff Kazee — acclaimed keyboardist, songwriter, producer, vocalist, musical director, and longtime bandleader for Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes — for a wide-ranging conversation about a life spent at the heart of American rock and roll. Kazee traces his journey from Ohio to New York City, where talent, curiosity, and versatility eventually put him onstage with some of music’s biggest names. He discusses his Appalachian musical roots, including great-uncle Buell Kazee, whose recordings became part of the American folk tradition, and how growing up playing piano in church taught him improvisational skills he would later use behind Southside Johnny. The conversation dives into Kazee’s decades-long relationship with Southside Johnny, from joining the Asbury Jukes with virtually no rehearsal to developing the chemistry that allowed the band to abandon the setlist at any moment. Kazee offers a revealing portrait of Johnny as a performer who never “mailed it in” and whose ultimate compliment was simply: “You’re a rock and roller.” Jeff also shares stories from performing with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Roger Waters, including his firsthand perspective on what makes Springsteen such a singular performer and what he learned from working alongside Bon Jovi. One of the episode’s great rock-and-roll stories comes when Kazee recalls getting an unexpected call to substitute for Paul Shaffer on Late Show with David Letterman. With Warren Zevon having previously filled the role, Kazee suddenly found himself leading one of television’s most famous house bands — a moment he considers one of the highlights of his career. Dean and Jeff also explore his love of the Hammond B3 organ, the Stone Pony, Asbury Park, Madison Square Garden, and the emotional connection between musicians and audiences. There’s also Early Elton, Kazee’s celebration of Elton John’s early catalog. Rather than impersonating Elton, the band reinterprets the music through its own musicianship and the personal memories those songs hold for Kazee. He even recalls the night Jon Bon Jovi introduced him to Elton John, whose review of Jeff’s playing was succinct: “Impressive.” The conversation also turns to Kazee’s solo album Thanks for Checking In, created after the pandemic temporarily shut down live performance. Instead of sitting idle, Kazee livestreamed shows, wrote new material, and turned the downtime into a deeply personal record. At its heart, this episode is about more than the famous musicians Jeff Kazee has played with. It’s about connection, curiosity, musicianship, and the joy of making music with people who challenge you to be better. In This EpisodeJeff Kazee’s journey from Ohio to the New York music sceneJoining Southside Johnny & The Asbury JukesWhat makes Southside Johnny such a unique frontmanPlaying with Bruce SpringsteenWorking with Jon Bon Jovi and Roger WatersFilling in for Paul Shaffer on David LettermanFalling in love with the Hammond B3 organPlaying the Stone Pony and Madison Square GardenEarly Elton and reimagining Elton John’s classic songsMeeting Elton John through Jon Bon JoviThe making of Thanks for Checking InWhy connection between musicians and audiences still mattersAbout Jeff KazeeJeff Kazee is a keyboardist, pianist, Hammond B3 organist, singer-songwriter, producer, and musical director best known as the longtime bandleader of Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. He has performed with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Roger Waters, and many others while building a career spanning rock, soul, R&B, folk, and American roots music. He is also a solo recording artist and leads several musical projects, including Early Elton, which celebrates the adventurous spirit and musicianship of Elton John’s early recordings without simply recreating them. Learn MoreJeff Kazee Official Website Support Deep ThreadsIf you’ve listened to Deep Threads, you’ve probably noticed Dean Balsamini’s signature Huega House hat. We’re proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show. If you’d like to support both Huega House and Deep Threads, please shop using our affiliate link: https://huegahouse.com/DEANBALSAMINI Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts. CreditsHost: Dean BalsaminiProduced & Engineered by: Dave FletcherRecorded at: Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Inside Scoop. Recovering journalist Dean Balsamini goes long-form with athletes, artists, lawyers, Olympians, and storytellers — pulling the threads the mainstream press leaves dangling. No talking points, no PR handlers, no time limits.

Information

  • Creator
    Dean Balsamini
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Deep Threads Podcast. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Deep Threads with Dean Balsamini