Common-X with Jared and Ian

CommonX Podcast
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CommonX Podcast – Real Talk for Real people! Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, the CommonX Podcast dives into the conversations that matter most to Generation X—and anyone tired of the noise. From music legends and cultural icons to everyday people with extraordinary stories, we mix humor, honesty, and perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. Guests have included rock stars like Ivan Doroschuk (Men Without Hats) and Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot), as well as deep thinkers, veterans, entrepreneurs, and small-town innovators like MeeMaws Kitchen.

  1. 1D AGO

    Lighting Up the Legends: Richard Oshen on Life with Aerosmith and Rock’s Brightest Moments

    In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Richard Oshen — the man behind the lights for some of rock’s biggest names, including Aerosmith. Richard shares what life on the road was really like working with legendary bands, how lighting design shapes the live concert experience, and how his career eventually expanded into film lighting and authorship. From wild tour stories to the artistry of capturing emotion through light, this episode shines a spotlight on the creative mind who helped illuminate rock history. Check out our site: www.commonxpodcast.com Check out Richard's site: www.richardoshen.com Richard Oshen, Aerosmith, concert lighting, rock bands, tour life, lighting design, film lighting, behind the scenes, rock and roll, stage production, Common X Podcast, music industry, lighting engineer, books, road stories, rock history, creative careers, music documentaries, entertainment lighting, live shows #CommonXPodcast #RichardOshen #Aerosmith #RockAndRoll #LightingDesign #ConcertLife #StageLighting #FilmLighting #MusicIndustry #TourLife #BehindTheScenes #RockLegends #CreativeMind #PodcastInterview

    1h 23m

  2. OCT 5

    From ‘Lump’ to Light: Chris Ballew on Reinvention, Simplicity, and the Joy of Creation

    In this episode of The Common-X Podcast, Jared and Ian sit down with Chris Ballew, the legendary frontman of The Presidents of the United States of America — the band that gave us the 90s anthems Lump, Peaches, and Kitty. Chris opens up about his musical journey from Seattle’s alt-rock scene to his unexpected second act as Caspar Babypants, creating joyful, imaginative music for kids and families. He shares how stripping music down to two strings and pure creativity became his secret to happiness, and how letting go of fame led to a deeper artistic freedom. From stories of the 90s grunge era to reflections on parenthood, mindfulness, and the power of simplicity, this episode dives deep into the mind of an artist who continues to evolve — and inspire others to do the same. Chris Ballew, The Presidents of the United States of America, Lump, Peaches, Caspar Babypants, Seattle music scene, 90s rock, alternative rock, grunge era, creative reinvention, kids music, mindfulness, simplicity in art, Common-X Podcast, Jared Mayzak, Ian Common X #CommonXPodcast #ChrisBallew #ThePresidentsOfTheUnitedStatesOfAmerica #CasparBabypants #90sRock #SeattleMusic #AltRock #GrungeEra #Lump #Peaches #MusicReinvention #CreativeFreedom #PodcastInterview #CommonSenseRevolution #GenXVoices

    59 min

  3. SEP 28

    America’s Hidden History: Dr. Gerald Horne on Slavery, Revolution, and Resistance

    Historian Dr. Gerald Horne joins us to unpack his book The Counter-Revolution of 1776, showing how America’s Revolution was less about freedom and more about preserving slavery. We explore the hidden truths of U.S. history, how they shape today’s struggles over race, power, and democracy, and what it will take to create real change. Dr. Gerald Horne, Counter-Revolution of 1776, American Revolution, slavery and freedom, history of slavery, U.S. history, racial capitalism, colonialism, democracy, fascism, civil rights, voter suppression, American empire, social movements, Common-X Podcast

    1h 4m

  4. SEP 21

    Survey Says? I Don't think so Tim!: Richard Karn

    In Episode 47 of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with Richard Karn—beloved for his role as Al Borland on Home Improvement and as host of Family Feud. Richard opens up about his journey in Hollywood, what it was like stepping into iconic roles, and how those experiences shaped his career. We also dive into his Seattle roots, his love for the Seahawks, and the stories that make him more than just the man with the flannel. Join us for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with one of television’s most recognizable faces. Richard Karn, Al Borland, Home Improvement, Family Feud, Seattle, Seattle Seahawks, 90s sitcoms, television history, Common-X Podcast, Hollywood careers

    1h 7m

  5. SEP 14

    Unmasking D.B. Cooper: Bruce A. Smith on America’s Greatest Skyjacking Mystery

    On November 24, 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Orient flight, parachuted into the night with $200,000 in ransom, and vanished without a trace. To this day, it remains the only unsolved skyjacking in U.S. history. In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with journalist and author Bruce A. Smith, one of the leading researchers on the D.B. Cooper case. We explore the FBI investigation, the suspects, the myths versus facts, and why this mystery still grips the public imagination more than 50 years later. Was Cooper a criminal mastermind who got away clean — or a desperate man who didn’t survive the jump? DB Cooper, Bruce A Smith, Common X Podcast, skyjacking mystery, Northwest Orient Flight 305, FBI investigation, unsolved crimes, true crime podcast, American mysteries, Cooper suspects, ransom money, parachute hijacking, 1971 hijacking, aviation history, conspiracy theories

    1h 30m

  6. SEP 8

    From Fleetwood Mac to Glenn Frey: Steve Thoma Unplugged

    On this episode of Common-X, we sit down with musician Steve Thoma, who toured with Fleetwood Mac in the mid-90s and played keyboards on their 1995 album Time. Steve shares behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road, what it was like stepping into one of rock’s most legendary bands, and how the music industry looked from the inside during that era. We also dive into raw conversations about alcohol, cocaine, and the highs and lows of rock-and-roll culture. Fleetwood Mac, Steve Thoma, Fleetwood Mac Time album, Fleetwood Mac tour, Fleetwood Mac interview, Common-X Podcast, rock and roll stories, Fleetwood Mac behind the scenes, Fleetwood Mac 1990s, Hammond B3 organ, music industry podcast, rock music history, alcohol and drug use in music

    1h 55m

  7. AUG 31

    Episode 44: Buying Power or Buying Propaganda? Dr. Jared Ball Breaks It Down

    On this episode of the Common-X Podcast, Jared and Ian sit down with Dr. Jared Ball — professor, media critic, and author of The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power. We dive into the trillion-dollar talking point repeated in the media, where it comes from, and why it’s not the economic “power” it’s made out to be. Dr. Ball explains how this myth shifts attention away from structural inequality, housing discrimination, and systemic wealth theft — and puts the blame back on Black communities instead. We also talk about media propaganda, the destruction of the middle class, and what real power looks like: labor, budgets, and ownership. This is a must-listen if you want to understand how money, politics, and race intersect in America today. Dr Jared Ball, Black buying power myth, Common X Podcast, racial wealth gap, propaganda and media, economic inequality, systemic racism in America, wealth vs spending, African American economics, Black wealth myth, media critique, truth about buying power, Gen X podcast, CommonX, racial justice and economics #CommonXPodcast, #JaredBall, #BlackBuyingPower, #EconomicJustice, #WealthGap, #MediaPropaganda, #SystemicRacism, #TruthPodcast, #GenXVoices, #RacialEquity

    1h 6m

  8. AUG 25

    Episode 43: Behind The Kings of Tupelo: KC Tells All

    In this episode of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with KC from the Netflix show The Kings of Tupelo. We talk about the roots of Tupelo, Elvis’s hometown legacy, and the culture that shaped the South. But KC doesn’t stop there—he shares his perspective on corruption, exploitation, and even shocking claims about body part trafficking tied to the community. It’s raw, unfiltered, and eye-opening. Whether you’re a fan of music history, Southern culture, or digging for the truth behind the curtain, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Common-X Podcast, KC Kings of Tupelo, Tupelo Netflix show, Elvis hometown, Tupelo Mississippi culture, Southern history, Netflix documentary interview, KC interview Common-X, Tupelo trafficking claims, body part trafficking Tupelo, small town corruption, Elvis Tupelo truth #CommonXPodcast #KingsOfTupelo #Netflix #Tupelo #Elvis #SouthernCulture #ExposingCorruption #BodyTraffickingClaims #MusicHistory #GenXTalk

    3h 48m
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Trailers

About

CommonX Podcast – Real Talk for Real people! Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, the CommonX Podcast dives into the conversations that matter most to Generation X—and anyone tired of the noise. From music legends and cultural icons to everyday people with extraordinary stories, we mix humor, honesty, and perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. Guests have included rock stars like Ivan Doroschuk (Men Without Hats) and Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot), as well as deep thinkers, veterans, entrepreneurs, and small-town innovators like MeeMaws Kitchen.

Information

  • Creator
    CommonX Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © CommonX Podcast
  • Show Website
    Common-X with Jared and Ian