With a fascinating story of his own, our next guest has become a very well-known KISS fan from around the world due to the release of his new book “The Best KISS of my Life”, which tells the stories of 30 fans from 16 different countries, all of them very emotional and unique. KISS Army, we welcome to the show our dear friend and long time KISS fan…

We are pleased to have on the show, Guitarist, Rock Journalist and author of Backstage Pass: The Grit and the Glamour and his newly released book Louder than Words: Beyond the Backstage Pass...Joe Matera...here to talk about his KISS fandom and his experiences with some our favorite rock legends.

Through a series of KISStastic adventures, our next guest found himself at the right place at the right time leading to multiple encounters with KISS and a friendship with Eric Singer. Listen to the stories from the man who was there since 1974...KISS Army, please welcome a man we are so proud to call a friend, Michael Altini.…

Our latest guest is a huge KISS fan with whom we had the chance to share awesome memories during the last part of the End of the Tour in North America last year. Born in Sweden back in 1977, Alex has become a very well-known KISS fan around the world by sharing is passion through an incredible number of exhibitions he hosted. KISS Army, let's liste…

It’s been 6 months since KISS have reached the end of the road. In that time, we discussed the disappointments expressed by fans regarding the Creatures Boxset and how poorly the 50th Anniversary was handled. We even talked about “Disbandment Depression” where fans found themselves in limbo not knowing what was next for the KISS Empire. But, with t…

A quote about our next guest from the new book from Stefan Frommann “The Best KISS of My Life” says it all, “KISS was responsible for the creative side in young Eku Wand. Setting free unimagined fantasies, the band helped him forge his life motto: Dare to do what you believe in.” On this episode, we will meet the design professor and multimedia dir…

This episode is the result of the disappointments expressed by the KISS Army lately. They have expressed disappointment with the final show, disappointment with the Avatars, disappointment with the release of the Creatures of the Night Vinyl Edition Boxset, Disappointment that nothing was done for the band’s 50th Anniversary, disappointment that no…

Originally from Brooklyn, New York but raised in New Jersey, our guest is extremely well known in the KISS camp. Brian worked as a staff photographer for Metal Forces Magazine in the UK for 5 years and had photos in various other magazines such as Hit Parader, Metal Edge, Enfer, and many more. As for KISS, he ran a Kiss fanzine called Kiss Klassics…

As a Supervisor of a Grocery Store, our next guest makes sure her staff listens to KISS at work. Now that is a positive work environment. She also shapes young minds as an Elementary School Teacher and runs the Dressed to KISS Instagram page. Let’s learn more about our next guest, Katina St. Onge.

It’s inevitable, there is bound to be conflict, tension, arguments and drama from any Fanbase who displays the amount of passion the KISS Army does. But, what is the root of that conflict, what creates and feeds into that tension? We’re going to put forth the premise that it’s our EXPECTATIONS that creates these conflicts.…

Ace Frehley has released, in my opinion, the BEST album he has ever done. Why is it so great, because he is in a good place, because he is writing about something he knows and is close to his heart. Of course, I give credit for the success of this album to Ace, Steve, all the GREAT musicians who played on the album and everyone behind the scenes. B…

In a previous episode, Curt Towne said it best…there hasn’t been this much excitement over an Ace Album in as long as we could remember. Our own Claudio Spera was right when he said, Ace is all over Social Media. Of course, with this much exposure, the naysayers come out of the woodwork. And that’s ok, a lot of valid points, concerns and questions …

What does a public-school science Teacher and a Rock Star have in common? Maybe nothing, but then again, maybe everything. The answer lies with our 2 special guests on the show tonight. After becoming aware of Flipp in 2013 from an episode of Three Sides of the Coin our first guest, John Michalski, found his favorite band in the world. So much so, …

With special panel guest, Curt Towne from the Curt Towne Band, we are going to discuss the premise that through his solo career, Ace Frehley continues to celebrate his KISStory without having to fully rely on it. With his latest album, 10.000 Volts, we are going to answer the question…Did Lightning Strike Twice?…

The name Peter Cory is synonymous with professionalism and dedication. He is well known in the KISS Kommunity for running a highly successful online auction, KLA (KISS LIVE AUCTION) and organizing and participating in KISS related events for the soul purpose of bringing the KISS Army together. Here, to talk KISS, KLA and Bruce Kulick…our friend and…

With over 200 KISS shows in his credentials, Nicola was the brain and hands behind one of the finest KISS Fanzines in the world, Strike. He is also the founder of the KISS ARMY INTERNATIONAL. Nico has organized and participated in numerous KISS Konventions worldwide with exceptional guests such as Ace, Peter, Eric Singer, Bruce and Vinnie. His phot…

Our guest is a music producer, sports agent and the Founder and CEO of Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp. He wrote 3 books, Putting it on the Line, Rock Your Business and Rock Camp: An Oral History. His story was told in the 2021 documentary, Rock Camp: The Movie. On this episode, we’re going to talk all things Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp with David Fishof.…

A MUST WATCH EPISODE!!! Featured on Queer Eye on Netflix, his, is truly an inspiring story…a man devoted to taking care of his brother, a man who has sacrificed and lost so much, a man who had the courage to begin a journey to healing and self-fulfillment. KISS Army, this is a story YOU need to hear, this is a MAN you need to meet. Listen to the he…

A KISS concert is a communal experience and the Madison Square Garden shows would be the last time we would have such an experience. We were lucky to have met our next guest sitting next to us…a long time KISS fan who has experienced it all with the band. We are excited to tell the story of our new friend, William “Boog” Cram.…

On this episode, we are going to do what KISS didn’t on the Final Show in Madison Square Garden…thank and pay tribute to those people in front of and behind the scenes that got the band through 50 years of music. Here’s how it’s going to work… We will discuss 5 topics…Band Members, Management, Original Road Crew, Producers and Behind the scenes. We…

Known as the man behind the dark glasses and bluesy guitar hooks, our guest tonight has captivated audiences worldwide with crushing riffs and swagger. Born in Huntington Beach, California, he has all the possible checkmarks of a true rockstar. Founder of Great White, one of the most successful bands born on the Sunset Strip during the early 80s fo…

Hairball is an explosive national touring act that brings the glory of the 80’s to the present, paying homage to bands such as Van Halen, Motley Crue, Queen, and of course KISS. We are proud to have with us, former bass player for Billy Ray Cyrus, former member of the ACDC cover band, Thunderstruck, the vocalist for Hairball performing tunes from A…

If you are a ROCK Photographer or an aspiring one, then this episode is for you. We are going to take a photographic journey through the eyes of our next guest, Steve Ziegelmeyer. He often says an image is not about what is in front of you but rather the feeling and emotion that photo conveys. To that end, we are going to take a look at his unique …

What can I say but thank you to the wonderful people in the Well Played community. It has been an honor to be part of your educational journey. I look forward to what is in store for future podcast ideas. Please consider joining in these shows by looking at MrMatera.com or Emc2Learning.com I hope you enjoy this personal show with a very special gue…

In this episode I discuss some ways to stay organized in the gamified classroom. Also, I share what is next for me and the podcast! Thanks so much for listening.Check out mrmatera.com for more podcastsBy Michael Matera

On this Fan Profile, we have the unbeLEIFable story of an ordinary, middle-aged guy with no rock star looks and minimal ability has who sung alongside artists such as KISS, Scorpions, Rick Springfield, John Waite Sebastien Bach, Rikki Rockett, Butch Walker and Kip Winger, jammed with Comedian Bill Burr, and had so many other incredible rock n’ roll…

The answer is no! Have a listen to hear how you might level up your assessments tomorrow!By Michael Matera

We are joined by Matt Porter, Mike Brunn, Tony Mann and Angel Kowatsch as we discuss our New York Experiences, Amber Wild, The Final Two Shows and well, KISS Avatars. Stay tuned at the end of the show, we have a little treat for you.

In this episode we are looking at ways to keep yourself organized in this gamified classroom! Enjoy!By Michael Matera

Take a moment to refocus your classroom and support students the way they want to learn.By Michael Matera

On this special episode, we are joined by the Canadian KISS Army from across the Country to discuss our experiences with the final Canadian shows of the End of the Road Tour. Our topics vary from Set List to Amber Wild to the recent cancellations in Ottawa and Toronto. Roger Bernard, of the Legendary KISS Black Books, has submitted a short video ou…

Listen to this crazy idea... Kids creating in front of your eyes, enjoying it, and sharing content...Look no further... We got you!By Michael Matera

This one we take a look at a great activity I ran this week that I think you all should do right now! Seriously. Let's take a closer look, shall we?By Michael Matera

Javier Rueda and Mauricio Vazques are responsible for running one of the most active, professional, and loved KISS Armies in the world. Celebrating their 15th anniversary, and with more than 11.000 followers, we are honored to have two of the members of the KISS ARMY SPAIN staff. KISS is at the end of the Road and KISS Army Spain will be throwing a…

Here are some great games you should pick up for your house or your class! Seriously folks these are great! I hope you consider picking them up! Enjoy!By Michael Matera

If you’re into KISS Vinyl, then this episode is definitely for you. Born and raised in Vineland, NJ, Dylan Peggin is a true music lover and became a member of the KISS Army at a very early age. He has an impressive and unique vinyl collection featuring artists that reside in Rock, Metal, Punk, Alternative, Psych and Indie. Above all, he is well kno…

Have a listen to this short episode getting you thinking about how many design elements you can add to your classroom.By Michael Matera

Celebrate with us in this special and jam-packed episode celebrating the 45th Anniversary of KISS Meets the Phantom. I will be solo, as I talk to Xander about the phenomenon that is KISS Meets the Phantom and his work on updating some of the visual effects in the film. Second, Claudio Spera will be back along with Craig Patton and Patrick DeMontign…

This episode we are reminded of the power of a playful spirit. Give this one a listen! #WellPlayedPodcast #EMC2LearningBy Michael Matera

Bruce Kulick means so much to his fans, not only for his contributions to KISS but what he has done outside of KISS as well. Talk to anyone and they will say Bruce is a class act, the nicest guy you will ever meet. He makes his fans feel special and has given and continues to give so much of his time to us. On this episode, we pay tribute to Bruce …

Adding a bit of fun in your class one set at a time. Have a listen to how this one mechanic can really add a whole lot of kick to your game.By Michael Matera

Originally from Lima, Peru, tonight’s guest is an exceptional guitarist, composer and global rock guitar YouTube sensation, amassing close to a million followers and over 176 million views on his channel. From a very early age, he has been involved in numerous musical projects that cover an impressive genre spectrum including Power Metal, Alternati…

This one is a great little podcast. We are talking about how to build in a bit more excitement with adding the reveal to your class game!By Michael Matera

If you are a fan of 80’s music and especially 80’s KISS, this is the show for you. On this episode, we meet the author of “Don’t Call It Hair Metal”, Sean Kelly. This talented artist has played with Helix and Nelly Furtado and continues to tour with Coney Hatch and the GREAT 80’s icon Lee Aaron. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready to take a memorabl…

Have a listen to my boss battle structure to spice up your next review day in class.Love to hear from you at #WellPlayedPodcast @mrmateraBy Michael Matera

Who doesn’t love a good underdog story. God knows, KISS is the definition of the underdog. This is a band that should not have made it, but here we are, 50 years later on their End of the Road Tour. Of course, the band has had a lot of ups and downs in their illustrious career. Each of their downs in an underdog story in itself. For example, we hav…

Explore with me the power that language has to transform your classroom and students experiences within it. Enjoy!By Michael Matera

This is an IMPORTANT episode. We are going to tell a story, a story of courage and perseverance, a story that needs to be heard, a story that needs to be especially heard by our young people. Using questions from my Sec. V Ethics classes, we are going to tell the story of our next guest, the author of “Every 9 Minutes…Christina Vitagliano…

EMC2 Under The Hood. This one shows you the exciting new activity on EMC2 Learning. Give this one a shot in your classroom. Not a member yet? Check out EMC2Learning.comBy Michael Matera

As our listeners know, we are not a news show. We have always been about the fans, learning about their passions, focusing on their creations of KISS related projects, promoting those who have directly contributed to KISStory and yes, we often enjoy discussing KISS related topics. But lately, we have been getting a lot of requests to do a CURRENT E…