Podcast
Needle Drop Nation
Hosted by Nick Wood and Jodi Barias · EN
Celebrating the Soundtracks of Generation X
Join Nick and Jodie as they explore the iconic music that defined the lives of Gen Xers from 1965 onwards. Sharing personal stories, significant historical moments, and the evolution of music across decades shaped by social and cultural changes.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Needle Drop Nation EP13 | Vinyl Voltage & the Vibe
4w ago00:26:16Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 13 of Needle Drop Nation, where hosts Nick Wood and Jodi Barias explore the three V's: "vinyl, voltage, and the vibe". This week, the guys are tackling 1976, a year of incredible contrasts that gave us everything from happy-clappy pop and funky bass lines to the aggressive undercurrents of early punk rock.While the US was celebrating its 200th Bicentennial, the UK was sweating through one of its hottest summers on record. From massive political shifts and technological births to the rise of female-led television and cinematic underdogs, join us as we dive into a truly monumental year in pop culture.In this episode, we discuss:Tale of Two Nations: We compare the political landscapes of 1976, noting the US election of Jimmy Carter—who Nick famously remembers from the news as the "peanut farmer"—and the founding of Apple by Steve Jobs. Meanwhile, the UK was known as the "sick man of Europe," dealing with a staggering 26% inflation rate, the resignation of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and riots brewing in Brixton and Notting Hill during a massive heatwave.The Punk Rock Rebellion: How the political unrest in the UK paved the way for the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK", while the CBGBs scene in New York City gave us the "happy-go-lucky" but rebellious "Blitzkrieg Bop" by the Ramones.Feel-Good Hits & Funky Basslines: We celebrate the massive success of Paul McCartney and Wings, The Eagles' classic "Hotel California," and Nick's enduring love for the brilliant bassline in Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music".Stevie's Joyful Masterpiece: Jody shares his childhood memories of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life, an album that could be found in almost every household and celebrated mindfulness, emotion, and joy.Cinematic Underdogs: A tribute to Sylvester Stallone's Rocky, praising how he wrote and starred in a phenomenal underdog story that taught us how life continues even after a crushing defeat.The Year of the TV Woman: We discuss the surge of female-led television shows like Rhoda, The Bionic Woman, and Charlie's Angels, plus Jody's childhood fascination with The Cher Show (and the time David Bowie famously performed "Fame" on it!).Mentioned in this Episode:The Ramones ("Blitzkrieg Bop") & The Sex Pistols ("Anarchy in the UK")Paul McCartney and Wings ("Silly Love Songs")The Eagles ("Hotel California") & ELO ("Evil Woman", "Livin' Thing")Wild Cherry ("Play That Funky Music")Stevie Wonder (Songs in the Key of Life, "As", "I Wish", "Ribbon in the Sky")Rufus and Chaka Khan ("Sweet Thing")ABBA ("Dancing Queen") & The Bee GeesDavid Bowie ("Golden Years", "Fame")Film: RockyTV: Laverne & Shirley, Rhoda, The Bionic Woman, Charlie's Angels, One Day at a Time, The Cher ShowTune in Next Week: Get ready for 1977! We will be discussing the monumental rise of Fleetwood Mac, more from the punk rock scene, the "Modfather," and how Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre" famously held back the tide of punk on the charts.Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1971 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist: EP13 | Vinyl Voltage & the VibeWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep12 | Celluloid and Sound waves
Jun 2000:26:19Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 12 of Needle Drop Nation! Hosts Nick Wood and Jodi Barrias are back to take us through a "banging, bonkers year" as we explore 1975 in an episode appropriately titled "Celluloid and Soundwaves".1975 was a year of incredible technological and political milestones running parallel to a massive explosion of culture. From the birth of disco dominating the New York City nightlife to the arrival of massive cinematic blockbusters and cult classic films, we dive into the sights and sounds that defined the mid-70s.In this episode, we discuss:Global Milestones: We reflect on the founding of Microsoft by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the official end of the Vietnam War, Margaret Thatcher becoming the leader of the UK Conservative Party, and the UK's 1975 Common Market referendum.Disco Fever & House Roots: The rise of the disco anthem! We celebrate the Bee Gees ("Jive Talkin'"), Gloria Gaynor, and Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary track "Shining Star". Jody also explains how the beats, funk, and spiritual essence of the NYC disco scene ultimately paved the way for House music.The Boss: Nick geeks out over Bruce Springsteen's monumental third album, Born to Run. We discuss Bruce's incredible working-class storytelling, the adrenaline-pumping power of his music, and Nick's memories of seeing him live in concert.Rock Masterpieces & Reinventions: We break down the six-minute, radio-defying, multi-track genius of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". Plus, we discuss David Bowie's transformation into the funk-inspired "Thin White Duke" and his collaboration with John Lennon on the hit "Fame".The Celluloid (Cinematic Blockbusters): 1975 was an unbelievable year for movies! We chat about Nick's childhood terror of swimming in gravel pits after hearing about Jaws, the heavy subject matter of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Dog Day Afternoon, Elton John's "Pinball Wizard" in The Who's Tommy movie, and the midnight cult-classic screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (complete with Nick's confession of dressing up as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 80s!).UK Sensations: Remembering the tartan-clad boy-band hysteria of the Bay City Rollers, Rod Stewart hitting #1 with "Sailing", and the soothing Sunday afternoon vibes of Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You".Mentioned in this Episode:Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run)Queen ("Bohemian Rhapsody")David Bowie & John Lennon ("Fame", Young Americans)Earth, Wind & Fire ("Shining Star")Roxy Music ("Love is the Drug")The Bee Gees ("Jive Talkin'") & Gloria GaynorRod Stewart ("Sailing")Bay City Rollers ("Saturday Night", "Bye, Bye, Baby")Hot Chocolate ("You Sexy Thing")Janis Ian ("At Seventeen") & Minnie Riperton ("Lovin' You")Films: Jaws, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Dog Day Afternoon, Tommy, Death Wish, Shampoo.Tune in Next Week: We are moving forward to 1976! Get ready for the infamous UK heatwave, the continued evolution of Queen and disco, and the very early, exciting rumblings of punk rock.Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1971 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist: Ep12 | Celluloid and Sound wavesWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep11 | Rebels Rifts And The Restless Year
May 2400:25:58Tap to summarizePodcast Title: Needle Drop NationEpisode 11: 1974 – Rebels, Riffs, and the Restless YearDescription: Welcome to Episode 11 of Needle Drop Nation! This week, hosts Jody Barrias and Nick Wood are diving into 1974, an era they are officially crowning "Rebels, Riffs, and the Restless Year".1974 was a year of massive transition. Globally, it was defined by severe inflation, energy crises, and stunning political resignations. On a personal level, it was the year Jody's earliest vivid childhood memories began as his family moved to a new home. But amidst the restless backdrop of power cuts and political upheaval, the music landscape was exploding with gritty riffs, theatrical rock, the Philly soul sound, and the very first beats of the disco era.In this episode, we discuss:A Year of Political Restlessness: We discuss the dark days of the UK's three-day work week, coal miner rebellions bringing down Edward Heath's government, doing homework by candlelight during power cuts, and the severe flooding of Nick's village on the Thames. In the US, we look at the gas crisis, Nixon lowering the speed limit to 55 mph, the Watergate scandal, and Gerald Ford becoming an unelected President.The Reign of Queen: A deep dive into Queen's brilliant third album, Sheer Heart Attack. Nick shares a vivid childhood memory of his teenage babysitters introducing him to the theatrical, gritty rock of "Killer Queen", and we celebrate the unmatched vocal range of Freddie Mercury alongside the musicianship of Brian May and Roger Taylor.ABBA Conquers the World: Celebrating the irresistibly joyful and catchy hit "Waterloo". We talk about how the beautiful Swedish quartet sprang to fame by winning the Eurovision Song Contest—a massive musical tradition that Nick and Jody dissect.Soul, Glam & Early Disco: We explore the rich Philly soul sound with The Stylistics and The Three Degrees (who happened to be King Charles's favorite band in the 70s!). Plus, we cover David Essex's "Rock On", how Patti LaBelle taught us all French with "Lady Marmalade," and Barry White ushering in the early sounds of disco.Cinematic Masterpieces: The hosts rave about the brilliant intertwined timeline of The Godfather Part II (starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino), as well as the controversial, boundary-pushing themes of Chinatown starring Faye Dunaway.The Rumble in the Jungle: Remembering the epic heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman that had the entire world stopping to watch live on TV.Mentioned in this Episode:Queen (Sheer Heart Attack, "Killer Queen")ABBA ("Waterloo")David Bowie (Diamond Dogs, "Rebel Rebel")Elton John ("Bennie and the Jets")Eric Clapton ("I Shot the Sheriff")Chicago ("I've Been Searchin' So Long") & Steely Dan ("Rikki Don't Lose That Number")David Essex ("Rock On")The Three Degrees ("When Will I See You Again") & The StylisticsBarry White ("Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe")Labelle ("Lady Marmalade")Films: The Godfather Part II, ChinatownTune in Next Week: Get ready for 1975! We will be tackling boundary-pushing films like Taxi Driver and Dog Day Afternoon, the emergence of David Bowie's "Thin White Duke" persona, and more hits from Queen and Elton John. Plus, it is going to be an incredibly special episode because we are celebrating Nick Wood's 60th Birthday!.Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1971 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist: 11: 1974 – Rebels, Riffs, and the Restless YearWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep10 | Flame to the Fury
May 1500:27:00Tap to summarizePodcast Title: Needle Drop NationEpisode 10: 1973 – Flame to the FuryDescription: Welcome to Episode 10 of Needle Drop Nation! Hosts Nick Wood and Jodi Barrias have officially hit double digits, and this week they are dancing their way through 1973 in an episode titled "Flame to the Fury".For our hosts, 1973 felt like a carefree, sunny childhood filled with crisps and fizzy colas, but the reality of the world was shifting dramatically. From the awakening of the OPEC oil crisis and major political milestones to the birth of the cell phone, we dive into how the historic shifts of 1973 ran parallel to an unbelievable era of soulful ballads, glam rock, and cinematic masterpieces.In this episode, we discuss:The Global Landscape: We chat about the major historical awakenings of 1973, including U.S. troops finally returning home from Vietnam, the monumental passing of Roe v. Wade, the UK fully embracing the European Common Market, and the realities of gasoline rationing during the oil embargo.Marvin Gaye's Romantic Evolution: A special listener dedication for a 1973 baby leads us into the incredible story behind Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On. We discuss how he overcame writer's block during a rough separation to create a platinum album inspired by a 17-year-old Janis Hunter (who he later married), ultimately cementing his status as a musical sex symbol.The Genius of Elton John: We celebrate the seminal, multi-generational double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. From the emotional depths of "Candle in the Wind" to the glam-rock, bar-fight energy of "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and "Bennie and the Jets", we honor the brilliant partnership of Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin.Glam Rock & Childhood Memories: Acknowledging the controversy but looking strictly at the musical impact, we discuss Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part 2" as a precursor to punk rock, complete with Nick's hilarious memory of performing as the band Sweet in a primary school play.The Stones & Ex-Beatles: The Rolling Stones return with Goats Head Soup and beautiful ballads like "Angie", while ex-Beatles Paul McCartney and George Harrison continue to dominate the charts.Cinematic Soundtracks & Rock Theater: We geek out over Roger Moore's debut as James Bond in Live and Let Die, featuring Nick's childhood crush Jane Seymour and the epic theme song by Paul McCartney and Wings. We also explore how rock theater hit the big screen with Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar.Tech & Space Trivia: Did you know 1973 gave us the very first cell phone call and the launch of the Skylab space station? (Plus, Nick shares a hilarious story about a piece of Skylab crashing onto a German tourist's tent!).Mentioned in this Episode:Marvin Gaye ("Let's Get It On") & Roberta Flack ("Killing Me Softly")Elton John (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, "Bennie and the Jets", "Daniel", "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting")David Bowie ("Life on Mars?")The Rolling Stones (Goats Head Soup, "Angie", "Heartbreaker")Paul McCartney and Wings ("Live and Let Die")Gary Glitter ("Do You Wanna Touch Me? (Oh Yeah!)", "Rock and Roll Part 2")Films & Theater: Live and Let Die, Godspell, Jesus Christ SuperstarTune in Next Week: We are officially hitting double digits next week for Episode 11! We're planning to make this milestone episode bigger and better as we officially dive head-first into the incredible music of 1974.Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1971 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist: Episode 10: 1973 – Flame to the FuryWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep9 | Fury Fire And The Future Unfolding
Apr 2300:30:56Tap to summarizeEpisode 9: 1972 – Fury, Fire and the Future UnfoldingDescription: Welcome back to Needle Drop Nation! Hosts Nick Wood and Jodi Barias are back for Episode 9, a beautifully entitled chapter called "Fury, Fire and the Future Unfolding". This week, we dive into the pivotal year of 1972—with a sneaky, spectacular detour into 1973.1972 was a year filled with massive global shifts. In the UK, it was marked by the tragic Bloody Sunday massacre and the signing of the treaty to join the Common Market (the precursor to the EU). Meanwhile, in the US, President Nixon opened doors to China, signed an arms control treaty with Russia, and began bringing troops home from Vietnam—all while the shadows of the Watergate scandal started to loom. Against this backdrop of political fury and fire, the music world was boldly unfolding into the future with glam rock, progressive epics, and newly independent soul legends.In this episode, we discuss:The Global Landscape: We chat about the parallels of 1970s politics to today, including the UK and US opening doors to immigrant labor and medical professionals, Nixon's landslide victory, and the UK's complicated history with the European Union.The Genius of Ziggy Stardust: A deep dive into David Bowie's masterpiece, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. We explore his chameleonic performance art, the bluesy hooks of "Suffragette City", and the haunting beauty of "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide".Stevie Wonder's Creative Freedom: How Talking Book marked a pinnacle transition for Stevie as he broke away from the traditional Motown mold. We celebrate his genius on the clavinet, organ, and harmonica on iconic tracks like "Superstition" and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life".A 1973 Sneak Peek (The Dark Side of the Moon): Nick exercises his "podcast owning privilege" to skip over most of The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main St. and instead jumps ahead to Pink Floyd's progressive rock masterpiece. We discuss the experimental tape loops, the Abbey Road Studio 2 alarm clocks, and the amazing story of the session singer on "The Great Gig in the Sky" who rightfully sued for royalties 30 years later.Cinematic Masterpieces: We praise the incredible Italian-countryside cinematography and outstanding cast of the 1972 classic, The Godfather.Mentioned in this Episode:David Bowie (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust..., "Five Years", "Starman", "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide", "Suffragette City")Stevie Wonder (Talking Book, "Superstition", "You Are the Sunshine of My Life")Pink Floyd (The Dark Side of the Moon, "Money", "The Great Gig in the Sky")The Rolling Stones (Exile on Main St., "Tumbling Dice")Yes (Progressive Rock)Oasis ((What's the Story) Morning Glory?)The GodfatherTune in Next Week: We are officially hitting double digits next week for Episode 10! We're planning to make this milestone episode bigger and better as we officially dive head-first into the incredible music of 1973.Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1971 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist: Needle Drop Nation Ep9 | Fury Fire And The Future UnfoldingWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep8 | Heartbreak, Hope & Heavy Rotation
Apr 1900:27:55Tap to summarizePodcast Title: Needle Drop NationEpisode 8: 1971 – Heartbreak, Hope, and Heavy RotationDescription: Welcome to Episode 8 of Needle Drop Nation, and happy two-month anniversary to us! This week, hosts Jodi Barrias and Nick Wood are shaking up our usual format to celebrate 1971 by focusing on several pivotal, monumental albums that shaped our Gen X childhoods.In an episode appropriately titled "Heartbreak, Hope, and Heavy Rotation", we explore a year of major historical shifts—from the banning of cigarette ads on TV and radio and the Apollo 14 moon landing, to the UK finally going decimal and the start of remote learning broadcasts. Grab your headphones and join us as we dive into one of the most prolific years in rock, soul, and glam history.In this episode, we discuss:Marvin Gaye's Masterpiece: We dive deep into the conceptualization of What's Going On. We explore how Marvin's personal grief over losing Tammi Terrell, his brother's Vietnam War experiences, and ongoing racism inspired this brilliant, layered, orchestral album that broke out of the traditional Motown romantic mold.Heavy Rock Arrives: A celebration of Led Zeppelin IV, from the absolute genius of "Stairway to Heaven" and "Black Dog" to how this British band conquered America before returning as absolute heroes to the UK.Multi-Generational Songwriting: We honor Carole King's Tapestry, a massively successful Grammy-winning album that resonated with everyone from Boomers to Gen Z with honest tracks like "It's Too Late" and "You've Got a Friend".Glam Rock & Hunky Dory: Nick and Jody geek out over David Bowie's Hunky Dory, praising it as his best songwriting album, and discuss his close friendship with T-Rex's Marc Bolan as the glam rock movement exploded.The Who's Raw Energy: Remembering the brilliant musicianship of Pete Townshend, the unmatched, chaotic drumming of Keith Moon, and the athletic stage presence of Roger Daltrey.Anthems & Commercial Magic: How a Coca-Cola commercial unexpectedly gave us The New Seekers' hit "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing", the patriotism of Don McLean's "American Pie", and the timeless peace of John Lennon's "Imagine"—which Nick's teenage band was shockingly banned from playing in a church!Mentioned in this Episode:Marvin Gaye (What's Going On)Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin IV, "Stairway to Heaven", "Black Dog", "Four Sticks")Carole King (Tapestry, "It's Too Late", "You've Got a Friend")The Who ("Baba O'Riley")John Lennon ("Imagine")David Bowie (Hunky Dory, "Life on Mars?", "Changes", "Oh! You Pretty Things")T-Rex ("Bang a Gong (Get It On)")Don McLean ("American Pie")The New Seekers ("I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing")Three Dog Night ("Joy to the World")Shirley Bassey ("Diamonds Are Forever"), Bill Withers ("Ain't No Sunshine"), The Rolling Stones ("Brown Sugar")Tune in Next Week: Next week, we are moving forward to 1972—which happens to be the year Nick was a six-year-old! If you want us to feature a particular song from 1972, reach out and let us know.Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1971 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist Needle Drop Nation Ep8 | Heartbreak, Hope & Heavy Rotation Welcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep7 | Soul Power Rock Thunder
Apr 300:36:19Tap to summarizePodcast Title: Needle Drop NationEpisode 7: 1970 – Soul Power, Rock Thunder (and Jody's Birth Year!)Description: Welcome back to Needle Drop Nation! This week, hosts Nick Wood and Jodi Baras are wiping the slate clean and kicking off a brand new decade with 1970, a year they have dubbed "Soul Power, Rock Thunder". This is an extra special episode because 1970 also happens to be the year our pop-culture-obsessed co-host, Jodi, was born!1970 was a true year of awakening. Across the globe, there was a profound sense of change—from anti-war protests and the commencement of Earth Day in the US, to a surprise Conservative government led by Edward Heath and the lowering of the age of consent in the UK. Join us as we explore how the artists of the day captured this powerful cultural sentiment and shaped the soundtrack of our childhoods.In this episode, we discuss:The Power of Soul: We dive deep into the incredible R&B of the era, from the synchronized choreography of The Jackson 5's "ABC" to the heavy, conscious basslines of The Temptations' "Ball of Confusion" and "I Can't Get Next to You".Rock Thunder & The Birth of Glam: Exploring the emergence of early heavy metal with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin's epic "Immigrant Song," alongside the theatrical makeup and performance art of David Bowie and T-Rex's Marc Bolan as the glam rock era took root.Epic Breakups & Solo Triumphs: The Beatles and The Supremes may have called it quits, but their departures gave us massive solo hits, including Diana Ross's beautiful love-ballad version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and George Harrison surprisingly becoming the first Beatle to score a solo #1 with the spiritually driven "My Sweet Lord".Stonewall & Social Milestones: A meaningful discussion reflecting on the Stonewall riots, the founding of the Stonewall charity by Peter Tatchell in the UK, and the groundbreaking narrative of The Kinks' hit "Lola". We also discuss Elton John and Bernie Taupin's "Your Song," and the amazing story of Bernie writing a future hit in 10 minutes at a party with Princess Margaret.Childhood TV & Cinema Escapism: We remember the monumental impact of PBS children's shows like Sesame Street and The Electric Company (featuring a young Morgan Freeman and Rita Moreno). Plus, Nick shares UK nostalgia with memories of the slapstick Carry On films and Benny Hill's cheeky #1 hit, "Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)".Space Race Realities: A look back at the terrifying "Houston, we have a problem" catastrophe of Apollo 13, contrasting it with today's Artemis 2 mission.Mentioned in this Episode:Led Zeppelin ("Immigrant Song") & Black SabbathDavid Bowie & T-RexGeorge Harrison ("My Sweet Lord") & The Traveling WilburysDiana Ross ("Ain't No Mountain High Enough")The Temptations ("Ball of Confusion", "I Can't Get Next to You") & The Jackson 5 ("ABC")Elton John ("Your Song")The Kinks ("Lola")Norman Greenbaum ("Spirit in the Sky")James Taylor ("Fire and Rain")The Guess Who ("American Woman")Films & TV: Love Story, Carry On films, The Benny Hill Show, Sesame Street, The Electric CompanyTune in Next Week: Next week we are moving on to 1971, where glam rock goes into full throttle and artists like Stevie Wonder release some of their most powerful work. We might even share a childhood story about Chuck Berry's "My Ding-a-Ling"!Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1971 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist Needle Drop Nation Ep7 | Soul Power Rock ThunderWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep6 | The Beat That Brought Us Together
Mar 2700:45:50Tap to summarizeNeedle Drop Nation Ep6 | The Beat That Brought Us TogetherComing Together, Epic Goodbyes, and the Moon LandingWelcome to Episode 6 of Needle Drop Nation! This week, hosts Nick Wood and Jodi Barias are tackling 1969, a year dedicated to celebrating the beat that brought us all together.1969 was a monumental year packed with unforgettable historical milestones and legendary music. From the unbelievable feat of the Apollo 11 moon landing to the mud and magic of Woodstock, we dive deep into the cultural shifts, the groundbreaking cinema, and the albums that closed out the decade in spectacular fashion.In this episode, we discuss:The King of Rock and Roll: We finally talk about Elvis Presley, focusing on his 1969 Las Vegas residency, his often-overlooked military service, and brilliant hits like "In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds".One Giant Leap & Space Oddities: We marvel at the fact that Neil Armstrong landed on the moon 240,000 miles away using less computing power than a modern cell phone. This monumental event perfectly coincided with David Bowie's debut hit "Space Oddity," leading to a deep dive into Bowie's genius, his ever-changing personas, and his collaborative spirit.The Magic of Woodstock: Reflecting on the ultimate music festival in upstate New York, wondering how anyone survived a whole weekend of that incredible, exhausting energy, and how modern attempts to recreate it just couldn't live up to the original.Rock Operas & Heavy Riffs: How The Who went from being broke instrument-smashers to creating the lucrative, brilliant rock opera Tommy. We also discuss Led Zeppelin bursting onto the scene with "Whole Lotta Love," and the irony of the BBC using this subversive, heavy track as the theme song for Top of the Pops.1969 at the Movies: A look at cinematic legends with serious screen presence, including Robert Redford and Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the gritty realism of Midnight Cowboy, George Lazenby's brief stint as James Bond, and the classic British caper The Italian Job (complete with its ambiguous ending).Soul, Funk, & Killer Basslines: The unifying power of Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People" and how they heavily influenced the 90s Neo-Soul movement, plus Nick's love for the complex bassline in The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back".The Beatles' Final Bow: We discuss the Let It Be album and their iconic Savile Row rooftop concert. We also delve into the tear-jerking, tense documentary footage of their final studio sessions, and we finally debunk the myth that Yoko Ono broke up the band, sharing personal stories of her genius and mentorship.Mentioned in this Episode:Elvis Presley ("Suspicious Minds", "In the Ghetto", "Unchained Melody")David Bowie ("Space Oddity")The Who (Tommy)Led Zeppelin ("Whole Lotta Love")Sly and the Family Stone ("Everyday People")The Jackson 5 ("I Want You Back")The Beatles (Let It Be)Films: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Midnight Cowboy, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, The Italian JobTune in Next Week: Get ready to cross into a brand new decade! Next week we are covering 1970, which is an incredibly special episode because it is the year our amazing co-host Jodi was born!Listen & Connect: Don't forget to check out our companion Spotify playlist on our YouTube channel to hear all the amazing tracks we discussed today. Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1969 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist Needle Drop Nation 6: The Beats That Bought Us TogetherWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or FacebookTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation EP 5 | The Songs That Defined A Turbulent Year
Mar 2000:36:56Tap to summarizePodcast Title: Needle Drop NationEpisode 5: 1968 – The Songs That Defined A Turbulent YearDescription: Welcome to Episode 5 of Needle Drop Nation, and happy "month-sery" to us as we celebrate our one-month anniversary! This week, hosts Nick and Jody are diving into 1968, a year of incredible art, groundbreaking films, and immense global upheaval.While the world was dealing with painful political strife and tragedy, the music scene was exploding with creativity, from the heavy rhythms of The Rolling Stones to the emergence of funk, soul, and early heavy metal. Join us as we acknowledge the turbulence, celebrate the phenomenal art that helped people cope, and remember the lighter moments of late-60s pop culture.In this episode, we discuss:A Year of Global Turbulence: We discuss the heavy political climate of 1968, including the tragic assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, the exposure of the Vietnam War's vulnerabilities during the Tet Offensive, and the resulting protests at the Democratic National Convention. In the UK, we touch upon Enoch Powell's incendiary "Rivers of Blood" speech and the subsequent racial tensions and dock workers' marches.The Beatles & The Stones: A deep dive into The Beatles' incredible White Album (featuring a listener request for "Hey Jude"!) and the experimental weirdness of tracks like "I Am the Walrus". We also explore the dark, hypnotic, and satirical rhythms of The Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet, specifically "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash".The Birth of Heavy Metal & Funk: Discovering how bands like Status Quo and Black Sabbath actually started off as flower-power psychedelic groups before pivoting to hard rock. Plus, we celebrate the emergence of Sly and the Family Stone, who brilliantly combined rock and funk.Cinematic Masterpieces: 1968 was a monumental year for film. We discuss the lack of dialogue and classical music in 2001: A Space Odyssey, the political metaphors in Planet of the Apes, and the glamorous, complicated upper-middle-class world of The Graduate (featuring Simon & Garfunkel's iconic "Mrs. Robinson").Childhood TV Nostalgia: Taking a lighter turn to remember the pure late-60s joy and groovy theme music of the kids' show The Banana Splits.Mentioned in this Episode:The Beatles ("Hey Jude", "Dear Prudence", "I Am the Walrus")The Rolling Stones ("Sympathy for the Devil", "Jumpin' Jack Flash")Marvin Gaye ("I Heard It Through the Grapevine") & Aretha Franklin ("Think")James Brown ("Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud")Sly and the Family Stone ("Dance to the Music")Eric Clapton (Cream) & Jimi HendrixPink Floyd (and David Gilmour's $14 million guitar!)Steppenwolf ("Born to Be Wild")Status Quo ("Pictures of Matchstick Men")Fleetwood Mac ("Albatross") & Otis Redding ("(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay")Simon & Garfunkel ("Mrs. Robinson")Tune in Next Week: Next week, we are moving on to 1969, a year dedicated to "coming together" after the hurt of '68. Get ready for some major tunes, including David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back"!Listen & Connect: Our ongoing love letter to our youth wouldn't be possible without you. Check out our companion Spotify playlist in the show notes to hear all the tracks we discussed today. You can find our broadcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Please leave us a review, subscribe, and drop your song requests for 1969 in the commentsHere's the Spotify playlist Needle Drop Nation 5: The Songs That Defined A Turbulent YearWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom Hub. 👉 Or Facebook To join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →
Needle Drop Nation Ep 4 | Revolution on the Radio
Mar 1200:37:11Tap to summarizePodcast Title: Needle Drop NationEpisode 4: 1967 – Revolution On The RadioDescription: Welcome back to Needle Drop Nation! In Episode 4, hosts Nick Wood and Jody Baras take us on a psychedelic journey into 1967, a year that Jody describes as the pinnacle of when "rock was art" and the exact moment when music, fashion, and politics truly converged.As the Baby Boomer generation emerged into adulthood, 1967 delivered an explosion of creativity, experimentation, and the legendary Summer of Love. From the Haight-Ashbury scene in San Francisco to the massive gatherings in London's Hyde Park, we explore the sounds and historical moments that defined this monumental year.In this episode, we discuss:The Radio Revolution: How the UK's offshore pirate station, Radio Caroline, bypassed the establishment to broadcast the rock music the youth craved, eventually forcing the BBC to evolve. We also compare this to the US radio landscape, from heavily sponsored local networks to university stations playing eclectic, boundary-pushing music.The Vietnam War & Musical Truths: How progressive newsmen and the airwaves connected people to the harsh realities of the Vietnam War, contrasting the pious perspectives taught in history textbooks.The Birth of the Mega-Festival: Years before Woodstock, we saw the birth of the massive outdoor rock festival with the all-star Monterey Pop Festival in California and Jimi Hendrix making history (and setting his guitar on fire!).The Beatles Go to the Studio: While other bands toured, the Fab Four retreated to the studio to create Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour—concept albums so cinematic they sounded like soundtracks to spectacular films.The R&B and Soul Explosion: 1967 gifted us with timeless classics, including Stevie Wonder's "I Was Made to Love Her", Sam & Dave's iconic "Soul Man", and the incredible Ashford & Simpson-penned duet "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.A Monumental Historic Milestone: Reflecting on the ongoing Civil Rights movement and the monumental appointment of Thurgood Marshall as the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.Mentioned in this Episode:The Beatles (Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour, "A Day in the Life", "I Am the Walrus")Jimi Hendrix & The DoorsThe Who (and their habit of trashing instruments!)The Moody Blues ("Nights in White Satin")Jefferson Airplane ("White Rabbit", "Somebody to Love")The Rolling Stones (Their Satanic Majesties Request & "She's a Rainbow")The Young Rascals & The FoundationsThe Kinks ("Waterloo Sunset") & Small Faces ("Itchycoo Park")Van Morrison ("Brown Eyed Girl")Tune in Next Week: We are moving forward to 1968! We will be talking about the debut of Sesame Street and the major actors whose careers were boosted by PBS children's shows. If you have a specific 1968 song you want us to cover, drop your requests for us!Listen & Connect:Don't forget to listen along with our companion Spotify playlist featuring all the tracks we discussed today. You can also find our broadcast on iTunes. If you enjoyed hanging out with us, please share the show with your friends and leave us a great review so more Gen Xers can join the nation!Here's the Spotify playlist Needle Drop Nation 4: Revolution On The RadioWelcome to Needle Drop Nation.Nick and Jodi aren’t just lifelong music lovers. They’re also passionate about helping people create more freedom in their lives through building simple online income streams. Both actively teach and support beginners who want to learn how to make money online in a realistic, no-fluff way. If you’d like to learn more about their personal programs, tools, and training resources, you’ll find the links in the show notes below.Nick has a free Skool Community 👉 The Digital Income Freedom HubTo join contact Jodi 👉 Mjbhappier2bu - YouTube 👉Instagram
Transcribe →