Mixtape Chronicles

Jesse O'Connell

When the music fades, the memories remain. Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to. Each guest shares the soundtrack of their life through a carefully curated playlist (click here for the playlist channel) using music as the starting point for honest, funny, and deeply human conversations about growing up, finding our way, and becoming the people we are today. Each episode will allow you to time travel—with occasional stops at school dances, sleepovers, and the deeply personal decision of which song deserved Track 1. But the show isn’t all about the music. It’s about what the music gives us access to: the person we were before life became so busy, complicated, and disconnected. Sometimes, hearing the right song at the right moment is all it takes to bring a forgotten part of ourselves back into focus. In an on-demand world that constantly reminds us of what divides us, Mixtape Chronicles celebrates the memories, emotions, and experiences that bring us back to ourselves—and closer to one another.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Kim Neaton: From DJ to Land Steward

    What happens when the thing you were obsessed with as a kid becomes your career? This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we explore what it means to turn a lifelong passion into something real. Growing up, Kim Neaton spent hours scanning radio stations, watching Behind the Music on VH1, and becoming fascinated not only by the bands she loved, but by the music industry happening behind the scenes. That curiosity eventually became a career spanning more than a decade in radio, concert promotion, and live music—bringing her closer to the artists, venues, and local music community she had once admired from the other side of the speakers. Through the songs on her mixtape, we talk about childhood passions, creative careers, live music, and what can happen when the things that capture our imagination early in life help point us toward where we’re meant to go in the future. [Listen along to Kim’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Kim Neaton is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region and has been an absolute champion of the local music scene for over a decade. Many know her from being a dj on the local radio station WEQX hosting both EQXposure and The Dead Zone. Kim was also the Marketing and Promotions Assistant for Guthrie/Bell Promotions and continues to work with founder Greg Bell to put on shows such as the Eastbound Throwdown. After over a decade working in radio and concert production, she chose to follow a new path that allows her to dedicate her time to preserving our beautiful local lands and waters with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy as a Conservation Steward. Kim lives in Valley Falls with her husband, dog, cat, and flock of chickens, and still spends much of her free time seeing live music. Kim brings with her a mixtape full of songs from local bands as well as ones from childhood she still listens to. The song at the end of the credits is “What Got You Stoked in the First Place?” by Girth Control Show Notes: Kim’s Mixtape on Spotify Stay connected for all of Kim’s upcoming events! We also discussed: WEQX Radio Eastbound Throwdown

    Kim Neaton: From DJ to Land Steward

  2. Sep 28

    Spencer Sherry: From Cardboard Cars to Tiki Bars

    How do we find the work we’re meant to do—and how do we trust our instincts when that path takes a few unexpected turns? In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we sit down with a filmmaker and arts advocate whose journey into a creative career was anything but linear. From an early fascination with music to building a life around filmmaking, creative projects, and supporting the arts community in Saratoga Springs and Upstate New York, his story teaches us that one moment can change everything. We talk about career pivots, rediscovering childhood interests, finding a new calling, and the people, places, and songs that can help move us from one chapter of life to the next. It’s a conversation about filmmaking, creative careers, community, and what it means to recognize the moment when something in your life begins to change. [Listen along to Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Spencer Sherry is a filmmaker and the Grants and Community Outreach Coordinator at Saratoga Arts, a local arts center that cultivates a vibrant and welcoming arts community in Saratoga Springs, NY. Through this work, and his work as the President of the 518 Film Network, he helped found the Saratoga Film Showcase which features films from and beyond our region and raises scholarships for kids to go to Art Week at Camp Stomping Ground, a radically empathetic summer camp located in Middle Grove, NY.  As a filmmaker, he is best known for his film, “The Monkey” which was the first film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story by the same name. He is currently touring, “Las Hada del la Sombra,” which he helped Produce and Edit. In 2025 he was featured in the publication, “Saratoga Living” as “Saratogian of the Month” where it was said that, “Lots of people have big ideas. Spencer Sherry actually makes his happen.” Show Notes: - ⁠Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify - Stay connected⁠ for all of Spencer's upcoming events! - "The Monkey" film trailer - More of Spencer’s work featured here We also discussed: - ⁠”Saratoga Living” article, “Saratogian of the Month: Spencer Sherry” - Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey,” on Play It Forward - Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey” on WMHT’s AHA (A House for Arts)

    Spencer Sherry: From Cardboard Cars to Tiki Bars

  3. Sep 21

    Aaron Pacitti: From Metalhead to Punk Rock Economist

    Has a song ever convinced you to make a life-changing decision? Today’s guest brings with him a song that did exactly that—one that gave him the push to quit his job and go to grad school. I’m not sure I can trace any one major life decision back to a single track, but I do know music has been there for me in those moments when everything feels uncertain. Sometimes the right lyric can make you feel seen, validated, or just a little less alone—and that can be enough to quiet the doubt and help you trust the choice you’re making. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we talk about the songs that meet us at turning points, the decisions that change the direction of our lives, how banjo might actually get you the girl, and the role music can play in helping us take the next step. [Listen along to Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Aaron Pacitti has actively listened to music since second grade, starting with Black Sabbath. Growing up in Philadelphia, then Cleveland, then Washington, DC, and now Cambridge, NY, the songs he has heard and the concerts he has been to have shaped his life in many positive ways. Music inspired him to become a denim-jacket-wearing skater in the 80s, learn how to play guitar and banjo in the 90s, get a PhD in economics in the 00s, and become an economics professor. He might be the first person in history where playing the banjo caused him to meet his partner of 24 years. Aaron has been in bands since his late teens. He is currently the banjo player in The Boys from the County Hell, a Pogues tribute band; the bass player in Wide Margin, a spacy rock band; guitar player in Big Stone Gap, a bluegrass band; in addition to playing around the house with his violinist wife. His love of music has literally taken him around the world, but more importantly, to very special mental and emotional spaces. The intro and outro music of this episode is "Morning Glory" by Wide Margin, from the "Shout out Loud" EP. Show Notes: - Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify - Stay connected for all of Aaron's upcoming shows! - Listen to Aaron every-other Friday on WAMC’s "The Roundtable" - The Boys From the County Hell (website) - Wide Margin (Spotify) - Big Stone Gap (Facebook) We also discussed: - Video performances of The Boys From the County Hell (YouTube) - "Brown’s Dream" performed by Roan Mountain Hilltoppers

    Aaron Pacitti: From Metalhead to Punk Rock Economist

  4. Sep 14

    Christine O'Donnell: From Midnight Tokes to Waterfalls

    Can music help us have tough conversations? Sometimes a song introduces us to an idea or a word, before we’re old enough to fully understand it—and suddenly a simple car ride turns into a conversation no one was expecting. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, Christine O’Donnell looks back on the songs and memories that shaped her childhood, including one moment when music opened the door to a conversation with her dad that has stayed with her ever since. We talk about the things we learn through music, the memories tied to the people who first listened with us, and the way certain songs can help us approach subjects that might otherwise feel difficult to bring up. Because sometimes music does more than soundtrack our lives—it gives us a place to start talking. [Listen along to Christine’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio After a decade of working as a TV news reporter at top stations and markets and on the national stage, Christine began her podcast career in 2018. Just days after her son was born she found herself face deep in a notebook developing a female empowerment podcast for a brand she created called: GoBAMF.  Shortly after returning to work she was asked to lead the development, launch and growth of The Dr. Gundry Podcast. The show reached the top of 5% of podcasts worldwide in just five months. After receiving a number of referrals Christine took “the leap” and launched her own production and consulting company called: Bright Sighted Podcasting and she hasn’t looked back since. Show Notes: Christine's Mixtape on Spotify Bright Sighted Media The Good Stuff Podcast

    Christine O'Donnell: From Midnight Tokes to Waterfalls

  5. Sep 7

    Carl Anderson: From Emo Kid to Country Rock Drummer

    What happens to our childhood dreams when we grow up? Whatever you imagined yourself becoming, sometimes adult life can look very different from the picture you once had in your head, but that doesn’t mean the dream disappears. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we hear from Carl Anderson, who moonlights as a rock star. Carpenter by day and drummer by night, Carl has found a way to make space for music alongside a different day job. Through the songs that shaped him, Carl traces his journey from playing the trumpet to becoming a drummer, reflecting on how our passions can evolve without disappearing. It’s never too late to pursue the things that make us feel most like ourselves—dreams may just look a little different in reality. [Listen along to Carl's Mixtape Playlist on Spotify⁠] Guest Bio Carl Anderson is the drummer for Eastbound Jesus (EBJ), a country rock band based in Greenwich, NY. He is also the organizer of EBJ’s annual music festival, Eastbound Throwdown, taking place September 11–12, 2026. A former emo and punk rocker, Carl brings a playlist of songs that helped shape his musical evolution and influence the sound he creates today. Show Notes: Carl's Mixtape Playlist on Spotify Get your Eastbound Throwdown tickets!!! Check out an Eastbound Jesus show near you! More music by Eastbound Jesus

    Carl Anderson: From Emo Kid to Country Rock Drummer

  6. Trailer

    Trailer: Mixtape Chronicles Season 1

    When the music fades, the memories remain. Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to.

  • 1 Trailer
    5 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

When the music fades, the memories remain. Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to. Each guest shares the soundtrack of their life through a carefully curated playlist (click here for the playlist channel) using music as the starting point for honest, funny, and deeply human conversations about growing up, finding our way, and becoming the people we are today. Each episode will allow you to time travel—with occasional stops at school dances, sleepovers, and the deeply personal decision of which song deserved Track 1. But the show isn’t all about the music. It’s about what the music gives us access to: the person we were before life became so busy, complicated, and disconnected. Sometimes, hearing the right song at the right moment is all it takes to bring a forgotten part of ourselves back into focus. In an on-demand world that constantly reminds us of what divides us, Mixtape Chronicles celebrates the memories, emotions, and experiences that bring us back to ourselves—and closer to one another.

Information

  • Creator
    Jesse O'Connell
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Copyright
    © 2026

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