The Greatest Mixtape Podcast

I'm not crying, you are! Why have Power Ballads endured for so long? With their soaring melodies, emotional lyrics and ripping guitar solos, Power Ballads have captured the hearts of music lovers for decades. Don't look away and act tough, embrace your softer side and join us as we discuss heart-felt bangers from Journey, Motley Crue, Heart, Poison, Night Ranger, Ozzy Osbourne and more!

"Back in Black" – The Song That Brought AC/DC Back to Life. The song "Back in Black" is proof that sometimes, the greatest art comes from the hardest moments. AC/DC took a devastating loss and turned it into something timeless — not by ignoring their grief, but by channeling it into something bold and alive. The song isn't just a rock classic, it's the sound of a band that refused to give up, and in the process, created history.

The final chapter of the One-Hit Wonders Trilogy is here! Why do we love One-Hit Wonders so much? Because they're just great songs! And because they don’t evolve—they freeze, and that frozen quality is exactly what makes them last. Hearing these songs makes you feel like you're reconnecting with your past. One-Hit Wonders are a perfect snapshot of a moment in time - and none of us can deny that nostalgic attraction. This episode features more of the best of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s as we discuss songs from Sugar Hill Gang, Biz Markie, Lit, The Cardigans, Danzig, Onyx, Harvey Danger and more!

We're back with Volume 2 in our One-Hit Wonders Trilogy! You know these songs and you love them! Who cares if it was an artist's one and only hit - it's still a banger! In this episode, we talk about songs by Faith No More, Saigon Kick, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Ini Kamoze, Men Without Hats, The Darkness and more! Join us for a nostalgic trip through the 80s, 90s and 2000s with the songs that helped define the decades!

One-hit wonders are not to be f#cked with! In the first episode of our "One-Hit Wonders Trilogy," we don't look down on the songs or make fun of the artists - we celebrate the sh#t out of them! One-Hit Wonders pack a nostalgic punch that resonates across generations and, despite their fleeting success, these songs have left an indelible mark on pop culture, reminding us of specific times and places in our lives. This episode features the best of the 70s, 80s and 90s with tracks by Gary Numan, Young MC, Terence Trent D'arby, Soft Cell, House of Pain, Queensryche and more!

We're back with more misheard lyrics! After recording Episode 30: Misheard Lyrics, we remembered a few more "mondegreens" of our own and had a couple shared with us on our social media channels. So enjoy even more of this great musical comedy of errors!

We've all done it. We've all played a role in the musical comedy of errors that results from misheard lyrics. This phenomenon, also known as "mondegreen", produces big laughs and potentially new meanings to your favorite songs. Join us as we talk up some of the most popular and funny examples of song lyrics that music fans have beautifully butchered over the years!

Well, she was an American Girl. Raised on promises. "American Girl" by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers captures the essence of the American experience. The song has resonated with audiences for decades, becoming an anthem of youthful aspiration and resilience by blending nostalgia with the promise of new beginnings.Thanks again to our friends at Once Upon a Coconut for fueling the musical journey!

We're back with more of our favorite cover songs! By paying homage to influences and bridging generational gaps, cover songs are a testament to the enduring power of music to connect, inspire and entertain. Join us as we talk about some great cover songs from amazing artists like Nirvana, The White Stripes, Anthrax, Duran Duran, King's X, Alien Ant Farm and more!

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel! From The Doors classic 1970 album Morrison Hotel, "Roadhouse Blues" is a straight-forward bluesy rock n' roll song that even non-Doors fans can get behind!

The Greatest Mixtape Podcast is a show for music fans, by music fans. Just like your favorite mixtape, we celebrate all kinds of music - heavy metal, hip-hop, classic rock, R&B, punk, funk, alternative, country and everything else in between. We love it all! If music is your life, then press PLAY on The Greatest Mixtape Podcast!

Can you hear the drums echoing tonight? Former WWE Superstar Dean "Mojo" Muhtadi joins us to talk about the song that gets him super hyped - "Africa" by Toto! Come along for the ride as we bless the rains down in Africa and celebrate this classic track from the 1980s!Thanks again to our friends at Once Upon a Coconut for fueling the musical journey!

It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this? "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers has become a timeless anthem. Whether you're singing along to it at a karaoke bar or at a football game, "Mr. Brightside" is an all-time iconic track.

In this episode, we pay tribute to the legendary Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career and his unforgettable personality, Ozzy had a huge impact on the worlds of hard rock and heavy metal. Join us as we honor his life, music and the legacy that continues to inspire millions around the globe.

What are some of the most underrated bands? After finishing recording a recent episode, Eric and I chatted about something that we thought y’all might find interesting. The subject was underrated or underappreciated bands – and we talked about three bands in particular that we think fit into that category - The Cars, The J. Geils Band and INXS.

Right about now, you're about to be possessed by the sounds of emcee Rob Base and D.J. E-Z Rock...Hit it!!! "It Takes Two" is an all-time hip-hop classic with an iconic sample and killer verses. Two hundred years from now, this banger will still make the crowd bounce!

What is Y'allternative music? Is it country? Is it rock? Is it alternative? Yes, yes...and yes! For this episode, we are joined by Tristan Tritt, a Y'allternative artist with legit outlaw country roots. Tristan schools us on this cool musical movement and shares how his many influences came together to inspire his unique sound and style. Check it out as some Southern flavor gets added to the mixtape!

What's the best wrestling entrance music? Or the best musical performance at a wrestling event? For this episode, we're joined by our friend and indie wrestling legend Jonny Idol to talk all things rock and wrestling! So join us in the squared circle for a fun conversation about some of our favorite entrance music (for superstars like CM Punk, Triple H, Rob Van Dam and the Road Warriors) and live performances (from Motorhead, Snoop Dogg and Joan Jett)!

In February 2025, we dropped an episode titled “Sunday Morning Mixtape” dedicated to the songs that bring our Sunday morning moods to life. In this bonus clip, we talk about songs from two very different artists - Jane's Addiction and Tom Petty. But somehow it all works when you’re talking about great Sunday morning jams.

After posting "Episode 25: I Was There!" we decided we wanted to also share an Honorable Mentions conversation that we had with our guest Sammy in this special bonus track. In the original episode, all three of us brought three memorable live music experiences to the table. But because it was so hard to cut it down to three, we each brought three honorable mentions as well. And we couldn't just leave out artists like Prince, Van Halen, Rage Against the Machine, The Cult, House of Pain and more. Check it out!

Are you talkin' to me? "Walk" by Pantera is an all-time great song with one of the most recognizable guitar riffs ever written or performed. Whether you're into heavy metal or not, you know this song! Fire it up!

Get your boogie on! With a disco drum beat and funky slap-bass, "Got the Life" by Korn introduced fans to a new sound and pushed the band to the peak of its popularity.

Gunter gleiben glauchen globen? With a simple, driving beat, solid guitar riffs and lyrics praising the power of rock, "Rock of Ages" by Def Leppard will have you singing "Long live rock-n-roll!"

What's the best concert you've ever seen? Or the most memorable? This episode is all about the shows that changed our lives. Joined by our friend Sammy, we share some incredible memories from concerts by Guns N' Roses, Beastie Boys, David Bowie/Nine Inch Nails, David Byrne, Faith No More, Skid Row and more!(Note from Eric & Mack: This episode is dedicated to the memory of our friend Dan - a great husband, father, son, brother, teacher, mentor and friend. Dan left an amazingly positive impact on this world and made the absolute most of the time he had. He'll be missed by many and forgotten by none. Rest in peace, brother.)

Insane in the membrane...Insane in the Brain! It's time to show love to some legends of West Coast hip-hop, Cypress Hill!

Yeah, we're running a little bit hot tonight! I think we can all agree that "Panama" by Van Halen just kicks ass!

I need a love to keep me happy! What else is there to say? "Happy" by The Rolling Stones just puts a smile on your face. With Keith Richards on lead vocals, this song is just catchy and fun. Any time of day, it’s the perfect song.

Hey boy, do you wanna score? The first episode in our new series "That Song" pays tribute to "Misty Mountain Hop" by Led Zeppelin. From the heavy guitar riff to its undeniable groove, that song is an all-time great!

Which SNL musical performances are the best? With all of the great conversation around the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, we wanted to share some of our favorite SNL musical performances - from Nirvana to David Bowie to Eminem to Rage Against the Machine and more!

What's the perfect song for a Sunday morning? Because Sunday morning is definitely a mood. Whether you're reflecting on the past, living in the now or looking ahead to the future, there's just something special about a Sunday morning. And this episode is dedicated to the music that brings our Sunday morning moods to life. Grab a cup of coffee and listen in as we discuss songs from The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Prince, Sly and the Family Stone, The Tragically Hip, Queen, Ramones, De La Soul, The Doors, The Beastie Boys and more!

Is it Hair Metal? Is it Glam Metal? Is it 80s Metal? Who gives a sh%t?! Forget the labels and just call it what it was and what it still is - a good time! Join us for a nostalgic and spandex-covered trip down memory lane where we celebrate the bands that made their mark on the Sunset Strip and the world. We all know about Motley Crue, but what about Poison, Ratt, Cinderella, L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Whitesnake and Warrant? So tease up your hair, put your lighters in the air and get the party started!

'Tis the season for more kickass holiday jams! We are joined by our special guest Vinnie Favale, a holiday music afficionado best known for his legendary appearances on the Howard Stern Show. Listen as Vinnie shares an incredible collection of holiday songs that will surely be added to your holiday playlist. You think you know all there is to know about holiday music, but trust us, you don't!

What's your favorite Metallica cover song? What song makes you cry? How about favorite rap verse? We're back with another episode full of random, super fun topics to discuss and we also bring in a very special guest to torture in the Ride the Lightning Round! This episode is a can of mixed nuts, if you will.

Do you believe in ghosts? If not, these supernatural tales from the biggest names in music might change your mind. From mischievous to downright scary, we talk about ghost stories from Alice Cooper, Kendrick Lamar, Slipknot, Ace Frehley, Ariana Grande and the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

What do Motorhead and Men at Work have in common? How about Tom Petty and Pink Floyd? That's right - they share different songs with the same titles. Check out this Bonus Track from Episode #18: Same Title, Different Songs.

How many different songs can you think of that have the same title? Like "Jump" by Van Halen, Kriss Kross and the Pointer Sisters, "One" by U2 and Metallica or "Lady" by the Commodores, Kenny Rogers and Styx. Episode #18 is a fun ride through different musical genres that all share one common thread - a song title!

What's the most iconic use of music in a movie? In Episode 17, we're joined by our friend Brandon from the Boozie Floozies For Movies podcast to share our favorite movie scenes set to music. Join us for movie night as we talk about music from Jaws, Halloween, Wayne's World, The Crow, The Big Lebowski, Office Space, Apocalypse Now, The Wedding Singer and The Watchmen!

Can lightning strike twice? In music, yes! Episode #16 is dedicated to Second Acts - artists or bands that were already huge and went on to become even bigger, either as solo acts, in new bands or with new band members - like Dave Grohl, AC/DC, Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne and Dr. Dre!

In Episode #15, we return to one of our favorite topics - Cover Songs! The way an artist chooses to cover a song can not only change the sound, but also the meaning of the song. Which is why we love this topic! Join us as we talk about covers from the Goo Goo Dolls, Orgy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Steve Ray Vaughan, Faster Pussycat, Dolly Parton, Korn, Charles Bradley, Bananarama and Karen O with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

What is Yacht Rock? How did this breezy music subgenre become cool again? Because it's groovy and fun and all it does is put you in a great mood! In this episode, our friend Craig joins us to discuss the artists and songs that make you want to sail off into the sunset. We talk about Michael McDonald, the Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Hall & Oates, Dave Mason, Ace, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins and...Van Halen? Permission to come aboard!

The first Bonus Track from The Greatest Mixtape Podcast is a short conversation dedicated to two of our favorite newer artists - Kim Dracula and the Viagra Boys. We hope listeners like the short format and, more than anything else, we hope listeners go check out these amazing artists!

What is a heavy metal breakdown? What songs have the best breakdowns? Join us as we share some of our favorite heavy metal breakdowns from Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Machine Head, Power Trip and more. Yes, it's that part of the song when the crushing groove kicks in and the circle pit fires up! So don't sit back or relax - bang your head, put the horns up and GET IN THE PIT!!!Full song playlist available on our YouTube Channel.

Episode #12 is a love letter to vinyl records. We discuss all things vinyl - its resurgence in popularity, why we love it, and albums from KISS, AC/DC and Van Halen that had huge impacts on our musical lives. And we're joined by our great friend (and first guest ever!) Paul from Vintage Marche who shares insights on the vinyl resale market. So give us a spin (at 33 1/3 RPM) as we put the needle on the record!

How many times can we say "badass"? This episode was certainly inspired by Women's History Month, but our appreciation and respect for women in music will never be contained to just one month. Join us as we celebrate badass (see, there it is again) women like Joan Jett, Sheila E, Aretha Franklin, Debbie Harry, Nita Strauss and others that have had a massive influence on the music industry and our lives.

Dig that bass groove, y’all. This episode is dedicated to the iconic bass lines that drive some of our favorite songs. They’re funky. They’re heavy. And they are undeniable. Join us as we groove to Rick James, Sly & the Family Stone, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chic, Primus, Chicago, the Breeders, Green Day, the Temptations and...Motorhead! And no matter what, don’t ever be afraid to play the air bass in front of other people.

Episode #9 has a little bit of everything! We throw random questions at each other, like "What's the best use of cowbell in a song?" and "What song triggers a musical memory - good or bad?" And we finish the episode with a Ride the Lightning Round! It's an unplanned free-for-all filled with a bunch of random musical treats. A cornucopia, if you will.

What are the ingredients for the perfect Super Bowl Halftime Show? The artist, the performance, the production, a moment in time? In Episode #8, we talk about our favorite Super Bowl Halftime Shows (Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, U2, Dr. Dre/Eminem/Mary J. Blige, and Prince) and why they left such a huge impression on us. Are you ready for some...light-hearted conversation about musical artists performing in the middle of a football game?!?!

This episode is dedicated to the songs that give us strength, motivate us, help us appreciate life...or just make us want to kick ass!!! Come on the journey with us as we get lifted up by David Bowie, Prince, Slipknot, Clutch, Survivor, Florence + the Machine, Rag'n'Bone Man, Big Daddy Kane and the mighty Hatebreed!

'Tis the season! Everybody has a favorite holiday jam and in this episode we share some of ours. Our lists include some classics songs from Brenda Lee and Stevie Wonder, but also some unexpected picks from the Ramones, RUN-DMC and the Kinks. All we know is, these songs bring us joy during the holidays. We hope they do the same for you!

We're back with Side 2 of the mixtape that inspired this podcast and years of conversation and musical exploration. Side 2 of the OG Mixtape blends together artists like Queensryche, Jane's Addiction, Rage Against the Machine, Skid Row, Nine Inch Nails, Steve Vai and...the Muppets?! The full OG Mixtape Playlist is available on our YouTube Channel.