The Popko Project

The Popko Project
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated 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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 10

    Ep 272 – Jonathon Penn | Leaving Wall Street, Independent Music, Creativity & Finding Your Purpose

    What happens when you walk away from a successful career to pursue the thing you can't stop thinking about? In Episode 272 of The Popko Project Podcast, host Popko sits down with singer-songwriter Jonathon Penn to discuss his journey from a career in finance to becoming an independent musician. Jonathon shares the inspiration behind his new album, It Took a Long Time To Get Young, and opens up about creativity, songwriting, self-doubt, family, and what it means to build a life around purpose instead of expectations. The conversation explores the challenges of leaving a stable career, rediscovering your artistic voice, and navigating today's independent music industry. Jonathon also discusses how fatherhood, the loss of his dad, and years spent away from music ultimately shaped the songs on his latest record. If you're interested in indie music, singer-songwriters, songwriting, creativity, career changes, independent artists, Americana, alternative rock, or personal growth, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. In this episode, we discuss:• Why Jonathon Penn left a successful career in finance to pursue music• The making of It Took a Long Time To Get Young• Finding creativity again after years away from songwriting• The realities of being an independent musician in the streaming era• Balancing family, ambition, and artistic fulfillment• Songwriting, inspiration, and trusting your creative instincts• The stories behind "Hawk Circling," "Wildfire," "Gold Rush," and more Listen to Jonathon Penn's music on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music. If you enjoy conversations with musicians, artists, creatives, and independent creators, be sure to follow The Popko Project Podcast for new episodes featuring compelling guests and authentic conversations about music, creativity, and life.

    Ep 272 – Jonathon Penn | Leaving Wall Street, Independent Music, Creativity & Finding Your Purpose

  7. Jul 1

    Ep 271: Krista Berardelli – Rock to Remember

    Krista Berardelli Shares the Story Behind Rock to Remember | The Popko Project Podcast Episode 271 Some stories deserve to be told because they have the power to inspire others. This conversation with Krista Berardelli is one of those stories. On Episode 271 of The Popko Project Podcast, Krista opens up about the life and […]

  8. Jun 30

    Ep 270: Dead Wrong

    In Episode 270 of The Popko Project Podcast, we sit down with Matt and Stephen from Philadelphia pop-punk band Dead Wrong to discuss their debut full-length album, The Extent, their upcoming album release show, and the journey that brought the band together. The conversation dives into the band’s origins, songwriting process, musical influences, and the […]

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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
    280
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Popko Project
  • Show Website
    The Popko Project