Episodios

  • Kevin and Mike of Great Danes

    Kevin and Mike of Great Danes
    Feb 16 2026
    On this week’s episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Kevin and Mike of Great Danes — a project built on experience, reinvention, and unfinished business.

    Longtime fans will remember Kevin and Mike from their earlier chapter in Halifax, the melodic pop-punk/emo band that helped soundtrack the mid-2000s alternative scene with high-energy anthems and emotionally charged songwriting. After years of growth, perspective, and life beyond that era, they’ve reemerged with Great Danes — a band that feels more refined, more intentional, and creatively fearless.

    In this conversation, we talk about what it really means to evolve as artists, how their Halifax years shaped them, and why Great Danes isn’t about chasing nostalgia — it’s about building something that reflects who they are right now. From touring memories to the creative risks that come with starting fresh, this one hits on legacy, growth, and the hunger to keep making meaningful music.
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    46 m
  • Author: Carla Ondrasik

    Author: Carla Ondrasik
    Feb 12 2026
    What if the one word holding you back is the word you use the most?

    On this episode of Caught on the Mike, Mike sits down with Carla Ondrasik—bestselling author of STOP TRYING!, former Vice President of Creative Writer Development at EMI Music Publishing, and the creator of the powerful No Try philosophy.

    Carla spent over 20 years helping sell millions of records, working with legendary artists like Mariah Carey, Cher, NSYNC, and Christina Aguilera, and famously discovered John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) by hearing him sing through a wall—and choosing to act. In this conversation, she breaks down how the word “try” quietly programs hesitation and excuses, why incomplete intentions drain mental energy, how replacing “try” with decisive action activates momentum, confidence, and dopamine, and why trying harder often leads to worse results. Most importantly, she shares simple, science-backed ways to turn intention into action and finally do the things we keep saying we’ll try.
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    43 m
  • Sonia of Weakenend Friends

    Sonia of Weakenend Friends
    Feb 9 2026
    On this episode of Caught on the Mike, I’m joined by Sonia of Weakened Friends for a powerful conversation about resisting numbness, reclaiming creative freedom, and screaming without self-censorship when the world feels heavy.

    We dive deep into the band’s latest album, Feels Like Hell, a raw, instinct-driven response to burnout, apathy, and the quiet nihilism of modern life. Sonia opens up about the emotional toll of overthinking their previous record Quitter, and how intentionally doing the opposite this time: writing fast, trusting impulse, and letting songs stay sharp and unpolished-reignited their creative spirit.

    This conversation explores art as resistance, songwriting as a form of world-building, and the importance of being loud, honest, and emotionally present in a time when so much music feels restrained or muted. We also talk about identity, creative burnout, post-punk energy, and what it means to imagine better worlds through sound.

    Honest, cathartic, and unfiltered ; this episode hits straight to the solar plexus.
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    34 m
  • Author- Justin C. Key

    Author- Justin C. Key
    Feb 2 2026
    Author and psychiatrist Justin C. Key returns to Caught on the Mike for a powerful, in-depth conversation surrounding his new novel The Hospital at the End of the World. In this episode, we dive into AI in healthcare, the dangers of automation, the human cost of data-driven medicine, and how real-world medical training inspired one of the most timely speculative fiction novels of the year.

    Justin shares insight from his work as a practicing psychiatrist, the evolution from short fiction to novel writing, and why human connection in medicine can never be replaced by technology. We also talk Afrofuturism, dystopian fiction, medical ethics, and the future of storytelling in the age of AI.

    📘 The Hospital at the End of the World is available February 3, 2026.
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    51 m
  • CARR

    CARR
    Jan 26 2026
    Alt-pop artist CARR joins Caught on the Mike for an honest conversation about storytelling, fleeting relationships, and stepping into a bold new creative era.

    Fresh off the release of her new single “Mud,” CARR breaks down how one unforgettable night turned into a cinematic anthem — and how moments that don’t last can still leave a permanent mark. She also dives into the making of her upcoming album CARRGIRRL, out March 20 via DCD2 Records, and what this next chapter represents for her as an artist.

    We talk about her unconventional path into music, from late nights working at a recording studio to catching the attention of Pete Wentz and signing to his label. CARR also reflects on life on the road, touring with Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, and more, and how live performance continues to shape her songwriting.

    If you’re into alt-pop, alternative rock, honest lyrics, and artist journeys that don’t follow the usual rules, this episode is for you.

    🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.
    Photo by Sheva Kafai
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    41 m
  • STANLEY SIMMONS- Nick Simmons & Evan Stanley

    STANLEY SIMMONS- Nick Simmons & Evan Stanley
    Jan 19 2026
    Stanley Simmons: From Viral Moment to Americana Revival | Evan Stanley & Nick Simmons Interview

    In this episode of Caught on the Mike, host Mike sits down with Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, the folk-Americana duo behind Stanley Simmons, for a conversation about creativity, connection, and finding the right sound at the right time.

    Though they’ve known each other their entire lives—and grew up immersed in music history as the sons of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS—they never intended to collaborate. That changed after a spontaneous viral Instagram video revealed an undeniable vocal chemistry, what they describe as a “third voice,” and sparked the formation of Stanley Simmons.

    The conversation explores the making of their debut single “Body Down,” a song rooted in Americana, folk, blues, and classic songwriting traditions, while feeling distinctly modern. Evan and Nick discuss writing 41 songs in just 11 months, working with legendary producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Fleetwood Mac, Paramore), and how early bedroom demos evolved into a full-length album.

    They also reflect on creating music without chasing trends, navigating legacy without leaning on it, and why they believe music is medicine—a form of resilience, expression, and connection in uncertain times.

    If you’re a fan of Americana music, folk revival, singer-songwriters, roots rock, or artists like Fleetwood Mac, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Noah Kahan, and Harry Styles, this episode offers a thoughtful look at two artists building something honest and enduring.
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    1 h y 13 m
  • The Inevitability of a Strange World (2025 Wrap Up & Reflection of 5 Years)

    The Inevitability of a Strange World (2025 Wrap Up & Reflection of 5 Years)
    Dec 22 2025
    Five years in, Caught on the Mike has become more than just a podcast—it’s been a journey shaped by persistence, creativity, community, and a whole lot of unpredictability.

    In this reflective solo episode, I look back on what 2025 represented for the show: 59 episodes released, countless conversations, personal milestones, and lessons learned along the way. From evolving the format to navigating noise, burnout, and social media negativity, this episode dives into why storytelling still matters and why showing up consistently is the real win.

    We focus honestly about growth, resilience, and the importance of creating a positive space where meaningful stories can live. It’s about choosing quality, fostering connection, and keeping perspective in a strange, often overwhelming world.

    As the show looks ahead to 2026, the focus is clear: deeper conversations, more collaboration, more in-person episodes, and continued commitment to making the world feel a little less disconnected—one conversation at a time.

    If you’ve been here since the beginning—or you’re just finding the show—this episode is a moment to pause, reflect, and move forward together.

    www.caughtonthemike.com
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    26 m
  • TWO FEET- Bill Dess

    TWO FEET- Bill Dess
    Dec 1 2025
    Bill Dess — better known as Two Feet — has become one of the most distinctive voices in modern music, fusing smoky guitar work, brooding electronic production, and raw emotional storytelling. In this episode, Bill opens up about the creative process behind his signature sound, the evolution of his artistry, and the personal moments that shaped fan-favorite tracks like “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” and “Go F**K Yourself.”

    We explore how he approaches songwriting, what inspires his darker sonic textures, and how he’s navigated the pressures of rapid success in the digital age. Whether you discovered him through a viral hit or a deep cut, this conversation offers a closer look at the mind behind the mood.

    Dive into an honest, creatively charged conversation with Bill Dess — Two Feet.
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    35 m