Episodes

  • Jeff Ament Unpacks The Artists that Influenced Pearl Jam

    Jeff Ament Unpacks The Artists that Influenced Pearl Jam
    Jul 1 2026
    Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by legendary Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament to discuss his life and work, and the wide variety of music that inspired it. In this episode, Jeff and Jack have a conversation about music, community, and the glue that binds us together as they talk about the moments and memories that made Jeff Ament. Covering everything from his early childhood in rural Montana to his youth in Seattle to his time with Pearl Jam and beyond, Jeff shows us how building community and encouraging positive human interaction can change lives. This Episode's Track List: Stir It Up (Jamaican Version) - Bob Marley & The Wailers The Lemon Song - Led Zeppelin The Magnificent Seven - The Clash Never Fight a Man with a Perm - IDLES Could You Be The One? - Hüsker Dü Poptones - Public Image Ltd. Roundabout - Yes Glue - SS Decontrol Sludgefest - Dinosaur Jr. Rain - The Beatles Protest and Survival - Discharge
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    21 mins
  • Testing John Leguizamo's Latin Music Knowledge

    Testing John Leguizamo's Latin Music Knowledge
    Jun 29 2026
    This week on Track Star* Jack is joined by comedian, actor, and producer, John Leguizamo to cover some iconic Latin artists and discuss how Latin music speaks for and resonates with populations around the world. Along the way, John and Jack consider how Bad Bunny became the #1 artist in the world, how salsa in the 70s created a space for Latin people in New York, and the cultural significance of the breakthrough by Latin artists in the past few years. John takes us on a brief and powerful journey through a slice of the history of Latin music, with many dance breaks to accompany. This Episode's Track List: EoO - Bad Bunny La Freak - Paloma Mami & Rauw Alejandro The Message - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five El Cantante - Héctor Lavoe Despídase bien - Carin León Get Up (I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine) - James Brown
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    7 mins
  • Finneas O’Connell Reacts to These 10 Weird Production Choices

    Finneas O’Connell Reacts to These 10 Weird Production Choices
    Jun 24 2026
    Finneas O’Connell joins The Track Star Podcast to explore some of the most fascinating and unconventional production choices behind iconic songs and compositions. Armed with five song picks each, Finneas and Jack take turns sharing tracks that span everything from film scores to classic records. Along the way, they break down the creative techniques that make each piece unique, uncovering what it really takes to push boundaries and create something unforgettable. From the role inspiration plays in shaping a song to the ways production itself can become a form of storytelling, Finneas offers a rare look inside the creative process. Together, they examine how bold decisions, unexpected sounds, and meticulous details can transform a great idea into a lasting piece of music. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro ​​01:16 - Money - Pink Floyd 06:28 - Ms. Jackson - Outkast 09:02 - Nikes - Frank Ocean 12:25 - Aloha! (Main Title Theme) - Cristobal Tapia De Veer 14:35 - Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes 16:52 - Blue Jay Way - The Beatles 19:53 - L’AMOUR DE MA VIE - Billie Eilish 24:14 - O Green World - Gorillaz 28:30 - Supermarine - Hans Zimmer 34:29 - The Mandalorian - Ludwig Göransson 39:38 - Vicious Thoughts - Finneas O’Connell
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    46 mins
  • Testing Glen Hansard’s Music Knowledge

    Testing Glen Hansard’s Music Knowledge
    Jun 22 2026
    Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by Glen Hansard, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for his work as a founding member of the band the Frames, as well as his prolific solo musical and acting careers. ​In this episode, we take a musical journey through his multi-dimensional career, discussing the songs that defined his artistic development from busking on the streets of Dublin to starring in an award-winning movie to working with artists like Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan. ​Glen and Jack discuss good people and good music, and the power they have to change lives. This Episode's Tracklist: Jokerman - Bob Dylan Down Payment Blues - AC/DC Rise - Eddie Vedder Same Old Blues - Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band The Makings of You - Curtis Mayfield Disconnection Notice - Sonic Youth Thru and Thru - The Rolling Stones
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    11 mins
  • A U.S. Senator Stops by Track Star HQ to Talk Music

    A U.S. Senator Stops by Track Star HQ to Talk Music
    Jun 17 2026
    Today on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy for a conversation about everything from touching grass to the pursuit of happiness, discussing how community engagement and human connection have the power to uplift and heal. With a carefully curated playlist, Jack walks Senator Murphy through different times and different lives, and facilitates a conversation about how consumerism and globalization have contributed to a cultural disconnect. Today’s episode shows how music can lead to important discussions, as Senator Murphy explains how genuine connection is the most important thing in society today. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Your Body Is a Wonderland - John Mayer 06:27 - End of the Road - Boyz II Men 11:01 - Rich Men North of Richmond - Oliver Anthony 16:18 - The Way It Is - Bruce Hornsby and the Range 25:16 - Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers 34:36 - Could It Be Another Change - The Samples 34:56 - Carry On - The Samples
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    38 mins
  • Questlove Teaches Us How to Listen to Earth, Wind & Fire

    Questlove Teaches Us How to Listen to Earth, Wind & Fire
    Jun 15 2026
    This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by six-time Grammy-winning drummer and record producer Questlove. The genre-defining drummer and co-founder and co-frontman of The Roots as well as an acclaimed director and filmmaker, is the director and producer of the new documentary: Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World). In this episode, Jack and Questlove dive into the songs that have deeply influenced Questlove’s musical upbringing and modern-day career. He reflects on his journey and discusses his lifelong connection to Earth, Wind & Fire and the documentary. This Episode’s Track List: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - September - Earth, Wind & Fire 8:06 - That’s The Way of The World - Earth, Wind & Fire 18:46 - Wade In The Water - Ramsey Lewis 21:15 - Smokestack Lightning - Howlin’ Wolf 27:10 - Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat & Tears 32:14 - Kalimba Story - Earth, Wind & Fire 37:38 - Can You Get To That - Funkadelic 42:17 - Shining Star - Earth, Wind & Fire 48:54 - Boogie Wonderland - Earth, Wind & Fire 49:06 - Let's Groove - Earth, Wind & Fire
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    56 mins
  • Andrew Watt Teaches Us How to Produce a Hit Song

    Andrew Watt Teaches Us How to Produce a Hit Song
    Jun 10 2026
    This week on the Track Star Podcast, we’re joined by Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician Andrew Watt, one of the defining hitmakers in modern music. From pop stars to rock legends, Andrew has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Bieber, and Lady Gaga. In this episode, Jack plays through a list of songs Andrew has helped create, many of which became chart-topping hits. Andrew reflects on his journey from producing pop records to collaborating with some of rock music’s most iconic artists, and shares his philosophy on creating the right environment for artists to do their best work. From building trust in the studio to understanding what truly makes a great record, this conversation offers a rare look into the mindset and process behind some of today’s biggest songs. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:23 - Rough And Twisted - Rolling Stones 6:22 - Señorita - Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes 10:08 - Gabriela - KATSEYE 14:05 - Die With A Smile - Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars 16:48 - Days We Left Behind - Paul McCartney 22:06 - Peaches - Justin Bieber (ft. Daniel Caesar, GIVEON) 26:10 - Take What You Want - Post Malone (ft. Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott) 31:01 - RUNWAY - Lady Gaga, Doechii
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    36 mins
  • Testing Death Cab for Cutie's Music Knowledge

    Testing Death Cab for Cutie's Music Knowledge
    Jun 8 2026
    On this episode of Track Star*, we're joined by Ben Gibbard and Dave Depper of Death Cab for Cutie. Known for their thoughtful songwriting and influence on indie rock, the two bring decades of musical curiosity to a conversation filled with the records and artists that have stayed with them over the years. Ben, Dave, and Jack dive into the songs that helped shape their tastes, from alt rock, indie pop, post-punk, and emo classics. From the The Cure and New Order to favorites like Built to Spill, Rilo Kiley, and Sunny Day Real Estate, they reflect on inspiration . This episode is packed with great stories and plenty of insights from the guys of Death Cab for Cutie. This Episode's Tracklist: In Between Days - The Cure Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town - Pearl Jam Heart Cooks Brain - Modest Mouse Such Great Heights - The Postal Service Portions For Foxes - Rilo Kiley Bizarre Love Triangle - New Order In Circles - Sunny Day Real Estate Carry The Zero - Built To Spill Strange Powers - The Magnetic Fields What You Do To Me - Teenage Fanclub Falling And Laughing - Orange Juice
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    20 mins