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Person

Barack Obama

Referenced in 5 episodes

Episode 230 cover
🎸 Replacements

#230: Randy Jackson

August 14, 2025

Randy Jackson, guitarist and vocalist of the rock band Zebra, discusses the band's origins in New Orleans in the 1970s, their move to New York and rise to success in the early 1980s with their self-titled debut album produced by Jack Douglas, and the ups and downs of their career on the Atlantic Records label. Jackson reflects on Zebra's musical influences, touring with bands like Cheap Trick, and the loyalty of their fanbase as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2023.

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#214: Tim Hunter

April 4, 2025

Tim Hunter, director of River's Edge and episodes of Twin Peaks, Mad Men and Breaking Bad, discusses his career and the current political climate in this episode of the Lifers podcast. Hunter compares the blacklisting of his father during the McCarthy era to "Gestapo tactics" and a "blacklist of thought" under Trump. The hosts and Hunter also debate their favorite uses of heavy metal music in films.

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#68: Joe Kelly

June 3, 2022

Joe Kelly, former singer of the band Lost Cause, discusses his early music career, including touring with Ministry and the Mentors in the late 1980s. He also talks about his later band Beer Nuts and their antics on tour with Local H in the 1990s, such as playing shows naked and destroying the band Creed's career by opening for them with the song "Number of the Beast".

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#67: Freda Love Smith

May 27, 2022

Freda Love Smith, drummer of Blake Babies and Some Girls, discusses her decision to retire from drumming after playing a few final shows. She reflects on her music career, including the 1990s Boston music scene, reuniting Blake Babies in the late 90s, and her current band Sunshine Boys. Freda also talks about her work as a lecturer at Northwestern University, her memoir "Red Velvet Underground" connecting food and music, and her upcoming biographical novel about Angela DeAngelis of the Symbionese Liberation Army.

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#48: Greg Corner

January 7, 2022

Greg Corner discusses his experiences growing up as a metalhead in the Chicago suburbs, playing in the band Kill Hannah, and navigating the major label music industry in the early 2000s. He also recounts how he transitioned into DJing, eventually playing Barack Obama's 50th birthday party fundraiser in 2011. Throughout the conversation, Greg and the hosts share stories and opinions on various music and pop culture topics.