The Hook Pondcast

Jess Ellett
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

Hosted by Jess and Johni, The Hook features candid conversations with musicians, artists, entertainers, and creatives of all kinds. We go beyond the surface to explore the real stories behind the art — the first spark, the turning point, the doubt, the obsession, and the moments that changed everything. Just like a hook in a song stays with you, every creative has something that grabbed hold and shaped who they became. This isn’t just about what artists create.  It’s about why they couldn’t stop. 🎙 Interviews 🎸 Live performances 🎣 Real stories behind the craft Once you’re in, you’re in.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    More Than a Tribute: When Music Becomes a Mission

    In this episode of The Hook, Johni and Jess sit down with Matt Smith of Permanent Vacation, Dave McKinny of Dreamsicle, and Will Migern from Children’s Home Services of Virginia to talk about the music, meaning, and mission behind the charity event Bowling for Boat Drinks. What started as a Jimmy Buffett tribute event is about much more than tropical shirts and margaritas—it’s about using music to create real impact. Matt and Dave share what makes Buffett’s music so timeless and why his message of freedom, escape, and belonging continues to bring people together. They also talk about the unique energy of tribute performances and the connection they feel with audiences who aren’t just listening—but living the experience. Will offers a powerful look into the mission of Children’s Home Services of Virginia, an organization that has supported foster youth and young adults for over a century. He shares the realities these young people face and how community-driven events like Bowling for Boat Drinks help provide stability, opportunity, and hope. This conversation explores how creativity, community, and compassion intersect—and how music can be more than entertainment. It can be a bridge. A voice. And sometimes, a lifeline. Whether you’re a Buffett fan, a musician, or simply someone who believes in the power of showing up for others, this episode captures what it truly means to get hooked—not just on music, but on purpose. To support & learn more about Children’s Home Services of Virginia, visit: https://chsva.org/ To keep up with upcoming shows from Matt Smith of Permanent Vacation, Dave McKinny of Dreamsicle, you can follow them on social media at: Permanent Vacation: https://www.facebook.com/PermVaK Dreamsicle: https://www.instagram.com/dreamsicleband/ https://www.facebook.com/hungryhardluckheroes Thank you for listening to The Hook Pondcast. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.com Follow The Hook Pondcast on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook Pondcast — where passion begins with a moment.

    24 min
  2. What Hooked Us

    3D AGO

    What Hooked Us

    Welcome to The Hook. Before we start interviewing musicians, artists, and creatives about the moment that changed everything — we’re going first. In this debut episode, Jess and Johni introduce the concept behind The Hook and unpack what it really means to be “hooked.” Not just the lyric that sticks in your head — but the turning point. The obsession. The risk. The moment you realized normal wasn’t going to work for you. We talk about why this show exists, what kind of conversations you can expect, and the stories we’re most interested in telling. From live performances to candid interviews, The Hook is about going beyond the bio and into the real reasons creatives do what they do. Every artist has a hook. This is ours. Look us up or apply to be on the show: Website: https://www.johniandjess.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 Thank you for listening to The Hook Pondcast. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed. Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.com Follow The Hook Pondcast on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook. The Hook Pondcast — where passion begins with a moment.

    10 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

Hosted by Jess and Johni, The Hook features candid conversations with musicians, artists, entertainers, and creatives of all kinds. We go beyond the surface to explore the real stories behind the art — the first spark, the turning point, the doubt, the obsession, and the moments that changed everything. Just like a hook in a song stays with you, every creative has something that grabbed hold and shaped who they became. This isn’t just about what artists create.  It’s about why they couldn’t stop. 🎙 Interviews 🎸 Live performances 🎣 Real stories behind the craft Once you’re in, you’re in.

Information

  • Creator
    Jess Ellett
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Hook Pondcast
  • Show Website
    The Hook Pondcast