The Zak Kuhn Show
by Backboard Entertainment
Each week, Zak gives his audience an all-access pass to the biggest names in music and entertainment. These are not your typicle PR-polished interviews – they're candid discussions about the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shape careers. Whether you're a fan curious about the inner workings, an aspiring musician or an industry professional, you'll find actionable advice and inspiring stories in every episode.
Episodes
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Jason Robert Brown
Jason Robert Brown is one of the world's most prolific musical theater writers. His works include The Last Five Years, Parade, 13, the Bridges of Madison County, and more.
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Cooper Alan
Country star Cooper Alan returns to the podcast
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Gibson CEO César Gueikian
César Gueikian is the CEO of Gibson Guitars
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Paul Reed Smith
The guitar builder himself.
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Rick Beato
I interview the YouTube master himself
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Why Brad Paisley loves this guitar player: Hayden Baker
Hayden Baker is going to be your new fave guitarist!
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YouTube strategy & BTS from Lee Anderton (Andertons Music)
Lee Anderton from Andertons Music
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Kenny Greenberg: Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn
Kenny Greenberg shares secrets from his career as a Nashville first call guitarist
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Joe Glaser: The world's most famous guitar tech
Brad Paisley, Joe Bonamassa, Keith Urban and pretty much every legendary player in Nashville and beyond takes their guitars to Joe's shop for repairs, set ups, fret work, and everything else. You're going to love listening to Joe!
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A phone call with Walker Hayes
Mr. Applebee's himself Walker Hayes calls into the show this week to discuss his new album and how he got Kane Brown on a feature.
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Tommy Emmanuel
Zak sits down with finger picking master Tommy Emmanuel.
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MARTY STUART
Country legend Marty Stuart on the podcast this week discuss his career, acquiring Clarence White's guitar, touring with legends like Johnny Cash and much more.
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How DEREK WELLS records country’s biggest hits
Zak sits down with first call Nashville session guitarist Derek Wells to discuss recording for artists like Post Malone, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs and much more.
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How Andrew Synowiec became LA's TOP new studio guitarist
Andrew Synowiec is one of LA's first call studio guitarists. You've heard his playing in movies like Frozen and on TV in the Oscars and Golden Globes' house bands. Andrew has played or performed with artists like The Who, Alanis Morissette, Lil Nas X, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, Ariana Grande,...
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Dann Huff talks debut album, how to get 80s guitar tones and shredding like a pro
Studio guitar master Dann Huff returns to the podcast this week to talk about his debut album "When Words Aren't Enough." We cover the new record, how to get 80s guitar tones, how he thinks about playing fast licks, and much more. Dann is literally a legend. You're going to learn and be inspired…
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Laundry Day guitarist Henry Weingartner
Laundry Day guitarist Henry Weingartner on the podcast this week discussing the formation of the band, new music, crafting the perfect guitar parts and much more.
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Broadway Guitar Secrets: How to Sub Shows & Break Into the Scene
I sit down with three leading guitarists in the New York Broadway scene to discuss how to sub on shows, how to make a living as a guitarist and what to be aware of as you enter the scene. John Benthal (The Lion King,) Ben Butler (Mean Girls + Sting,) & Peter Douskalis (Water for Elephants,...
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Punk Drummer to Fashion Mogul: Scott Lipps on playing drums, model mgmt and more
Scott Lipps founded ONE Management and has managed some of the biggest models in the world. He also plays drums for Courtney Love. Check out Scott's podcast Lipps Service, where we interviews the biggest names in entertainment. You're going to love listening to Scott!
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Tim Fagan: Triads, Cage System, Getting Help From John Mayer
Guitar friend Tim Fagan is on the podcast this week. This one is a must listen for all you beginner guitar players out there. We break it all down!
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Andy Timmons: Jeff Beck, Approach & the The Perfect Delay
Guitar hero Andy Timmons on the podcast this week. If you want to learn how to play like Andy, start by listening to this podcast.
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Ariel Posen: Building a Team, Solo Technique, The Altered Scale
Slide guitar master Ariel Posen on the podcast this week.
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Oz Noy: Nashville's favorite New York guitar player
New York based jazz guitar player Oz Noy talks growing up in Israel, finding jazz, moving to New York and the inspiration of Jimi Hendrix. Sign up for my Patreon for guitar licks from this lesson and others. https://www.patreon.com/TheZakKuhnShow
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ACM Electric Guitarist of the Year Rob McNelley
Rob McNelley is a first call Nashville session musician who has recorded for Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson , Lady A, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney and many others. He also spent a decade on the road playing guitar for Bob Seger.
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Guthrie Trapp
East Nashville guitar hero Guthrie Trapp returns to the podcast
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Music producer King Henry talks Major Lazer, Beyonce, and More | The Zak Kuhn Show
Pop must producer King Henry on the podcast this week. You'll want to hear his story. for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Legendary session guitarist Tim Pierce
Legendary session guitarist Tim Pierce is on the podcast this week.
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Brandon Lancaster of LANCO
Brandon Lancaster is the lead singer and founder of the country band LANCO.
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How to run 58 Marathons in 58 days with Lachlan Stuart
Lachlan Stuart is running 58 marathons in 58 consecutive days. As the first episode of 2025, this will inspire you. Check out Lachlan's Man That can project.
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Wicked's music producer Greg Wells talks film adaptation
Greg Wells is the music producer behind the Wicked movie. He also played all the drums, bass, keys and guitar across the entire soundtrack. This interview discuss how he did all of it.
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Cale Dodds
Singer-songwriter Cale Dodds is on the podcast this week. We talk about releasing music independently as well as in the major label system, writing "Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen, " and why he turned down his first publishing deal in Nashville.
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Fender CEO Andy Mooney
Andy Mooney has been the CEO of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation since 2015. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Disney and Nike. We cover it all. This episode was recorded in person at the Fender headquarters in Los Angeles.
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A phone call with Gene Simmons
of Kiss
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Twinnie
Country pop singer-songwriter Twinnie is trying to be the first English country artist to have a No. 1 on American country radio. We talk about her massive rise and new album 'Something We Used to Say"
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Andy Wood
Possibly the best guitarist you haven't heard yet.
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Bob Lefsetz
Bob Lefsetz is a music industry analyst and critic. He is the author of The Lefsetz Letter. Bob holds nothing back in this conversation. Get to know the man behind the newsletter.
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Cory Wong
Funk guitar player Cory Wong on the podcast this week.
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Drake Milligan
Drake Milligan is a country artist and former contestant on America's Got Talent.
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Dadville podcast hosts Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin talk songwriting tips, history of the podcast and fave Billy Joel songs
Zak catches up this week with Nashville music leaders and co-hosts of the popular Dadville podcast, Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin
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Musical duo ni/co wrote their own wedding song
LA based musical duo and couple ni/co (Dani + Colton) couldn't find the perfect song for the first dance at their wedding, so they decided to write it themselves. Now the song has gone viral on TikTok. We talk about how they met, writing the song and growing their massive following across social...
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Erin Kinsey
Rising country artist Erin Kinsey is on the podcast this week. We discuss past relationships, her new album and how to go viral on social media.
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ZZ Ward
ZZ Ward began singing at the age of 8, inspired by her father’s extensive blues collection. By 12, she was already performing blues music, and it helped steer every aspect of her early career, from her musical sound to her signature Fedora. But as a professional female musician, she often felt...
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Andy Grammer
Multi-platinum artist Andy Grammer continues to energize, empower, and bring together audiences around the world with his uplifting and honest pop anthems. His observations and affirmations pick people back up when they need it, affirm their potential, and encourage them to keep going. Grammer…
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Joe Bonamassa
On this episode of the Zak Kuhn Show, legendary blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa talks gear, how to market your own shows and why he sold his Dumble amps + why you need to learn a 31 band EQ. We cover it all!
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I interviewed legendary guitarist and hit producer Dann Huff
This week, I interviewed the truly legendary producer and studio guitar player Dann Huff. His credits include Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and more. We cover it all. He even shares a shred guitar lick at the end. A must learn for all you guitar players out...
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I interviewed the internet's leading guitar historian
This week, I interviewed guitar connoisseur and YouTuber Keith Williams. He created and hosts the famed YouTube channel Five Watt World. We discuss launching the channel, his relationship with Rick Beato, his affinity to Strandberg guitars and why people send him vintage instruments in the mail.
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Brad Tursi talks Old Dominion, solo career and guitar playing
Brad Tursi is the lead guitarist in Old Dominion. He just released his debut solo project Parallel Love. We break down what it's like to play guitar in one of country music's biggest acts and what finally pushed him to release music under his own name.
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Catie Offerman talks opening for George Strait and adopting dogs out of The Home Depot
Catie Offerman is fresh off of playing the largest US ticketed concert ever, opening up for George Strait. The Universal Nashville recording artist has also been on the road with Parker McCollum, Elle King and Ashley McBryde. She has new music on the way.
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Sheppard talks writing Geronimo, plans to conquer the US and early life in the band
38x platinum group Sheppard is on the podcast this week. After spending the majority of their career in Australia, they are now taking over the US. You'll love their story. Go listen!
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Cowboy to country star: Chancey Williams
Former saddle bronc rider Chancey Williams is on the podcast this week. Now he is more known for being a country artist. He and fellow Wyoming artist and rodeo cowboy Chris LeDoux are the only two individuals to compete in the rodeo and perform on the main stage of Cheyenne Frontier. You're going...
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Zac Childs
Host of popular YouTube channel Ask Zac, Zac Childs is who the guitar legends call when they need something. He's a wealth on information. Learn the secrets to buying a vintage guitar in this episode and much more.
About this show
Each week, Zak gives his audience an all-access pass to the biggest names in music and entertainment. These are not your typicle PR-polished interviews – they're candid discussions about the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shape careers. Whether you're a fan curious about the inner workings, an aspiring musician or an industry professional, you'll find actionable advice and inspiring stories in every episode.
Hosted by
Backboard Entertainment
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