Friday Night Karaoke – "Turn It Up To 11" (Nov 8, 2025)

Podcast Summary

Overview

In this electric season 4 opener (episode 74 overall), hosts Mike Whiston and Joe Rubin bring FNK's signature energy back after a hiatus with the "Turn It Up to 11" theme—a celebration of high-energy karaoke songs that get the adrenaline pumping. The episode features eight unique performances by passionate members of the Friday Night Karaoke Facebook group, spanning genres, decades, and personal singing styles. Beyond the karaoke showcases, Mike and Joe offer their signature witty banter, discuss the growth of their community, deliberate what "turning it up to 11" means to different people, and share memorable group moments—ensuring both new and veteran listeners feel right at home.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening & Theme Introduction ([00:00]–[05:17])

• The show kicks off with Paul Bright's dynamic rendition of "I Put a Spell on You."

• Mike and Joe banter about technical difficulties and celebrate the return to FNK after months away.

• Theme explanation: "Turn It Up to 11" invites members to submit any song that feels like an 11—power ballads, stadium anthems, or simply songs that make the singer feel most alive. The interpretation is intentionally open.

  "Like one person's 11 is another person's 6 or 20 … my 11 is like a normal person’s 3." – Joe ([05:17])

2. Performance Features & Commentary

1. Paul Bright – "I Put a Spell on You" (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins) ([00:00]–[03:33])

• Powerful opening performance with soulful execution.

• Mike expresses nostalgia for both the original and Bette Midler’s "Hocus Pocus" rendition.

  "Not only was he amazing at delivering that song ... you almost forget that it has all this soul to it." – Mike ([03:33])

2. Neil Burgess – "House of the Rising Sun" (The Animals) ([06:41]–[10:56])

• First-time podcast feature for Neil, who nails the classic with impressive vocal range.

  "He just freaking knocked that one out of the park. ... What a set of lungs on that guy. Holy crap." – Mike & Joe ([10:35])

• Discussion of cover versions (Five Finger Death Punch), the recurring karaoke theme, and a note that Neil won the week’s community contest.

3. Mike Whiston – "Stone Cold Crazy" (Metallica version; originally Queen) ([14:43]–[18:49])

• Mike features himself, living out his metal frontman dreams. Performance described as high-energy, even exhausting.

  "It's like a workout, man … you turn it up to 11, you better bring your freaking energy, right?" – Mike ([17:33])

• Joe praises Mike’s stage presence; both reflect on discovering alternate versions of classic songs via karaoke.

  "You were born to be a front man of a metal band." – Joe ([17:50])

4. Jeanette Lowchel Brown – "I’m The Only One" (Melissa Etheridge) ([21:59]–[26:49])

• A newcomer captures the spirit of live karaoke with a raw, unedited bar recording.

  "She did it beyond justice… made it hers. And it was that live karaoke, nonetheless." – Mike ([26:17])

• Conversation about “Karaoke Fails Week” idea—celebrating imperfect, real, and one-take performances. ([27:24]–[28:28])

5. William Bynum – "As Long As I Have You" (Elvis Presley) ([31:34]–[34:13])

• Another first-time feature. Strong Elvis impersonation, though hosts question if song fits the “11” theme.

  "He's really good. That should have been in the Crooners week for sure." – Joe ([33:49])

6. Scott Otopol – "Who Made Who" (AC/DC) ([38:04]–[43:34])

• Scott tackles the tough vocals of AC/DC with gusto. Mike notes how difficult it is to imitate Brian Johnson’s style.

  "He summoned Brian Johnson on that one… that was 11." – Joe ([41:40])

• Mike humorously notes Brian Johnson’s singing style sounds a bit like Elmo.

7. Eric Dabrowski – "Mary Jane" (Alanis Morissette) ([46:52]–[53:35])

• Long-time member, moderator, and consistent performer Eric brings an emotional Alanis track.

  "Rock on, Eric Dubski… amazing stage presence and amazing voice…" – Mike ([46:52])

• Hosts admit it’s not a traditional “11” energy song, but celebrate heartfelt performances regardless.

8. Jennifer Adams – "You Learn" (Alanis Morissette) ([56:32]–[60:53])

• Group admin Jennifer closes out the episode with a self-duet and the second Alanis song of the day.

• Mike delivers heartfelt thanks for Jennifer’s community support and encourages more singers to join.

  "She’s been part of the Friday Night Karaoke community since also right near the beginning … just one of the many great supporters of the community." – Mike ([55:53])

3. Community Growth & Engagement ([12:23]–[14:25]; [29:15]–[30:17])

• FNK Facebook group now 43,000+ members strong.
• Praise for Jennifer Adams’ behind-the-scenes curation.
• Open invitation for group members to join karaoke events, notably a January 2026 Orlando meetup.

4. Meta Podcast Moments & Banter

• Regular self-aware, humorous asides about podcasting, equipment woes, and their "not on time" release schedule.
• Smule, live, and acoustic recordings are all encouraged in the group.

5. Upcoming Theme Brainstorm ([62:31]–[63:39])

• Tease for next week: “FNK Damn It” or “FNK First Take”—a challenge to post unedited, imperfect recordings.

• Encouragement to share vulnerable, messy creative moments.

  "When you're frustrated enough that you can't sing anymore … that's when you click upload." – Joe ([63:36])

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• On what “turning it up to 11” means:

  "Like one person's 11 is another person's 6 or 20 … my 11 is like a normal person’s 3." – Joe ([05:17])

• On karaoke's discovery power:

  "The amount of music I've discovered through this group is insane. It's more than I've discovered on Spotify." – Mike ([19:30])

• On live, unedited karaoke:

  "Live karaoke … you've got one shot to not mess this up." – Joe ([27:14])

• On community and support:

  "If you're not part of the Friday Night Karaoke group on Facebook … just go to Facebook, you type in Friday Night Karaoke, you look for Friday Night Karaoke, the group, and you click on join. Answer three questions and you are in. And the largest negativity-free, ad-free group on Facebook dedicated to a love of music." – Mike ([12:23])

Artist Lineup & Songs Featured

| Order | Artist | Song Title | Original Artist | Notable Segment (mm:ss) | |-------|---------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------| | 1 | Paul Bright | I Put a Spell on You | Screamin’ Jay Hawkins | [00:00]–[03:33] | | 2 | Neil Burgess | House of the Rising Sun | The Animals | [06:41]–[10:56] | | 3 | Mike Whiston | Stone Cold Crazy | Queen/Metallica | [14:43]–[18:49] | | 4 | Jeanette Lowchel Brown | I’m The Only One | Melissa Etheridge | [21:59]–[26:49] | | 5 | William Bynum | As Long As I Have You | Elvis Presley | [31:34]–[34:13] | | 6 | Scott Otopol | Who Made Who | AC/DC | [38:04]–[43:34] | | 7 | Eric Dabrowski | Mary Jane | Alanis Morissette | [46:52]–[53:35] | | 8 | Jennifer Adams | You Learn | Alanis Morissette | [56:32]–[60:53] |

Memorable Moments

• Joe’s affectionate riff on Bette Midler: "When I see a cloud in the sky… I see Bette in your foam." ([04:09])
• Lighthearted gear talk: Endorsement for Shure MV7 mics—"If you like the way this sounds, then go get yourself an MV7 and tell them Mike and Joe sent you." ([36:36])
• AC/DC vs. Elmo?" Hilarious discussion comparing Brian Johnson’s vocals to Elmo. ([42:47]–[43:14])
• On supportive feedback:

  "The comments that [Jennifer] puts out there for your songs, if she decides to comment, it's not like, good job. It's like something meaningful or a story..." – Mike ([55:53])

Tone & Style

The episode is bursting with playful sarcasm, musician-in-the-basement nostalgia, and inclusive community energy. The hosts riff off each other with rapid-fire jokes, self-deprecating humor, and genuine enthusiasm for every performance. Their love for karaoke—as both music lovers and amateur artists themselves—is infectious and encouraging.

For New Listeners & Prospective Members

• Friday Night Karaoke is more than just a podcast—it's a thriving, welcoming community for music lovers who want to sing their hearts out (regardless of skill level or recording setup).
• You’re invited to join the Facebook group, participate in weekly themed challenges, karaoke nights in real life, and share in a space where everyone’s a star.
• Upcoming theme: Share your karaoke “first take fail”—embracing imperfection and fun.

Listen for:

• Discovery of great new amateur talent
• Warm, relatable stories about music and friendship
• Uplifting encouragement to sing—no matter your level!

"You bleed, you learn, you scream, you learn…"

Connect

• Join Friday Night Karaoke on Facebook: Friday Night Karaoke Facebook Group
• Next episode theme teased: "FNK First Take / Damn It Week" – share your unfiltered, perfect-imperfect performance!