
Hosted by Michael Clark · EN

For more than 20 years, Mayday Parade has been one of the defining bands of the pop-punk and emo scene. From packed clubs and Warped Tour parking lots to sold-out venues around the world, they've built a career that has stood the test of time while continuing to connect with new generations of fans. On this episode of Caught on the Mike, guitarist Brooks Betts joins me for a conversation about the band's incredible longevity, staying creative after two decades together, the evolution of the scene, life on the road, and the challenges and rewards of keeping Mayday Parade moving forward year after year. We also discuss the band's ambitious anniversary era, the collaborative songwriting process behind recent music, the return of Vans Warped Tour, and what it means to still be creating and performing at a high level twenty years into the journey.

Atta Boy joins Caught On The Mike to discuss the making of their new album Silt, a record built through years of friendship, long-distance collaboration, and creative trust. In this episode, Mike sits down with Eden Brolin, Freddy Reish, Dashel Thompson, and Lewis Pullman to talk about growing up together, forming the band as teenagers, and how they've continued creating music despite being separated by thousands of miles. The conversation dives into the themes behind Silt, the evolution of their songwriting process, the inspiration behind songs like "Full Cloud," and the challenges and advantages of making music remotely. The band also reflects on revisiting old memories through "Full Cloud" video, experimenting with new sounds and textures on the record, and why their connection as friends remains the foundation of everything they create. If you're a fan of thoughtful songwriting, indie rock, and hearing the stories behind the music, you're going to enjoy this one. #AttaBoy #Silt #IndieRock #CaughtOnTheMike #MusicPodcast

🥊 Undefeated professional boxer Jesus Munoz-Ramirez joins Caught On The Mike for a conversation about the journey, discipline, and mindset required to succeed in one of the toughest sports in the world. With a perfect 4-0 professional record and training out of Skywalker 101 Boxing Academy in Omaha, Nebraska, Jesus sits down to discuss how he got started in boxing, his transition to the professional ranks, the sacrifices that come with chasing greatness, and what drives him every time he steps into the ring. Joining the conversation as a special cohost is Kaleb Betzold, host of the Sports With Betz podcast. Together, we dive into training camp life, handling pressure as an undefeated fighter, the growing boxing scene in Omaha, lessons learned through competition, and the goals Jesus has set for the next chapter of his career. Whether you're a hardcore boxing fan or simply interested in hearing from someone pursuing excellence at the highest level, this episode offers an inside look at the work, dedication, and mentality required to build a successful career in professional boxing. #CaughtOnTheMike #JesusMunozRamirez #Boxing #ProfessionalBoxing #BoxingPodcast #SportsPodcast #CombatSports #Omaha #Nebraska #NebraskaBoxing #SportsWithBetz #Podcast #Interview #FightLife #AthleteMindset #Undefeated #Boxer #OmahaSports #NebraskaSports #PodcastInterview

Known for creating uplifting, genre-bending music and the global smash hit "Sunday Best," Colin Padalecki returns with a brand new chapter for Surfaces and the release of "Call Me When You're Home," the first single from the band's upcoming seventh studio album. In this conversation, Colin opens up about navigating one of the most difficult periods of his life, how music became a source of healing, and the inspiration behind a new collection of songs centered around growth, resilience, and finding the good again. We also discuss the evolution of Surfaces, building a creative community with fans, the process of sharing music in real time through social media, and what listeners can expect from the band's next era. This is an honest and inspiring conversation about creativity, perspective, and the power of music to connect people. Listen to Surfaces: https://surfacesmusic.com

JP Clark has spent years helping shape some of the biggest records in alternative pop, rock, and hip-hop — working alongside artists like Bryce Vine, blink-182, blackbear, Lukas Graham, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and more while generating over 3 billion streams worldwide. But after years behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer, JP is now stepping fully into the spotlight as an artist with a sound that blends alt-punk energy, emotional honesty, and modern pop production. In this episode of Caught On The Mike, JP opens up about the pressure of hitmaking, the lessons he learned from legendary songwriter busbee, the mental side of the music industry, and what it means to create authentic art in an overstimulated digital world. From songwriting sessions to personal identity, this conversation dives into the highs, burnout, evolution, and realities behind a career most people only see through streaming numbers and credits. #JPClark #CaughtOnTheMike #MusicPodcast #AlternativePop #Songwriter #Producer #PopPunk #MusicIndustry

Phillip “Pip” Henderson joins Caught on the Mike for a conversation centered around resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the growth of combat sports in the Midwest. As the driving force behind Dynasty Combat Sports and Disorderly Conduct MMA, Pip has helped build Nebraska’s premier combat sports promotion while also leading successful ventures in construction, development, and manufacturing. From overcoming adversity at a young age to creating opportunities for fighters, entrepreneurs, and communities, Pip’s story is rooted in discipline, vision, and refusing to let circumstances define the future. Throughout the episode, we dive into the rise of Dynasty Combat Sports, the evolution of Midwest MMA, balancing multiple businesses across different industries, handling pressure as a leader, and why creating opportunities for others has become such an important part of Pip’s journey. A powerful conversation that goes far beyond fighting. #CaughtOnTheMike #DynastyCombatSports #MMA #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

From sharing stages with The Rolling Stones, Muse, and The Cult to landing music across UFC, WWE, blockbuster films, and major video game franchises, Des Rocs has quietly built one of the most compelling stories in modern rock. But behind the explosive live performances, leather-clad swagger, and cinematic sound is a journey marked by setbacks, uncertainty, industry struggles, and a serious health scare that nearly changed everything. In this episode, Des Rocs opens up about the making of the upcoming album To Hell And Back and the years of pressure, frustration, and personal growth that shaped it. The conversation dives into recording the album live to capture its raw intensity, battling through a painful spinal condition during the process, and searching for something timeless in an era where authenticity can feel increasingly rare. We also discuss the changing landscape of rock music, building a loyal audience from the ground up, the impact of hearing his music featured by UFC and WWE, collaborating with Zayn, and why the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll still matters now more than ever. At its core, this is a conversation about creative obsession, survival, and continuing to push forward when the odds say otherwise.

If you’ve been tapped into the reggae rock scene over the last few years, there’s a good chance The Elovaters have been on your radar—and if not, this is the episode to change that. On this episode of Caught on the Mike, I sit down with Jackson Wetherbee to talk about the journey from local Massachusetts shows to chart-topping success and sold-out crowds across the country. We get into the early days as The Cornerstone, the breakout moment with Defy Gravity, and how the band has continued to evolve their sound through projects like Castles and Endless Summer. Jackson opens up about the realities of life on the road, the pressure that comes with success, and the importance of staying grounded while everything around you scales up. We also dive into the creative process behind their upcoming album Shark Belly Motel, what makes this chapter different, and how collaborations with artists like Bryce Vine and Jared Watson helped shape the record. Plus—we talk about what it means to headline Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic venues in the world, and how moments like that redefine what “making it” really looks like. If you’re into real conversations about music, growth, and building something that lasts—this one’s for you. 🎙️

After five years away from releasing new music, Big D and the Kids Table return with renewed energy and a fresh perspective—and in this episode of Caught on the Mike, frontman David McWane breaks it all down. From their roots in the Boston ska scene to becoming one of the most consistent and independent voices in punk, Big D has spent decades doing things their own way. David joins the show to talk about the band’s upcoming album The Good Ole American Saturday Night, the meaning behind their new single “Whiplash,” and how they’ve managed to stay creatively inspired after more than 30 years. This conversation dives into the band’s evolution, the freedom that comes with carving your own path, and the mindset that fuels their legendary live shows. It’s a look at what it takes to last in music without chasing trends—and why Big D continues to connect with fans across generations. If you’re into ska, punk, high-energy live music, or stories about longevity and passion in the independent music world, this episode delivers.

Alt-pop disruptor tiLLie joins Caught On The Mike for a raw, unfiltered conversation about her explosive new EP i miss when monsters were only shadows. Known for blending glittery pop hooks with grungy guitars and emotional intensity, tiLLie opens up about the real-life experiences behind her music—touching on mental health, trauma, empowerment, and her ongoing creative evolution. We get into the meaning behind “earn a living,” the emotion and intention driving this latest project, and how she’s carved out a genre-bending sound that refuses to sit in one lane. tiLLie also breaks down her songwriting process, working with collaborators, and what it looks like to turn chaos into something both powerful and honest. The conversation also taps into her upcoming 2026 run, including Warped Tour stops in Washington D.C., Long Beach, and Orlando, and how her live shows have become a full-on cathartic experience for fans. If you’re into alt-pop, dark pop, and emotionally driven music, or artists pushing boundaries like mgk and Bishop Briggs, this episode dives deep into the mindset, music, and momentum behind one of the most compelling voices in the space right now. From mental health conversations to new music and what’s next, this is tiLLie at her most real.