Best CDS Americas Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 12: Back Issue Banter #12: Captain America & The Falcon (1972) 1:06:19

13h ago1:06:19

1:06:19

A nation in turmoil! A hero questioning his relevance in an age where being an American is being redefined! The values of a nation coming under fire! Sound familiar? In this episode, we examine Captain America and The Falcon #153-156, in which not only do Cap and his sidekick The Falcon face off against the usual super-foes, but they also come up a…

1
Episode 58: Episode #58: Police Blotter 1:03:59

12d ago1:03:59

1:03:59

This time, we're talking about one of the biggest bands of the '80s and of all-time, The Police! Author Pete Braidis discusses his book, The Police: On Track, as we delve into the five studio albums released by this legendary band. It's not "just the facts" as we also discuss the musical aspects of these albums and songs. Pete spent a couple of yea…

1
Rotary & Rotaract: Building the Future Together 31:02

1M ago31:02

31:02

In this episode, co-hosts Nick Taylor and Michael DeGrandis sit down to chat with two different Rotaract Club Presidents! We are honored to have Kaylee Melessa from the Rotaract Club of Southern Utah University and Norman Giumelli from the Rotaract Club of Zurich International. Ever wonder what the difference is between a community based and univer…

1
Episode 11: Back Issue Banter #11: The Man Of Steel (1986) 1:07:40

1M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

In 1986, DC Comics did something pretty radical for that time. -- they rebooted Superman. In the wake of the landmark mini-series Crisis On Infinite Earths, DC was relaunching its universe and they went back to the hero that started it all for them. This time, fan favorite writer and artist John Byrne was lured from Marvel Comics to redefine DC's f…

1
Episode 57: Episode #57: Sam Halen 1:07:03

2M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

It's 5150 time, y'all! This episode, Alex Alt (Slydog Music Cast) and me delve into the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen. While it's an era that divides some fans, it's also an era that produced some great, enduring music and we had a lot of fun going into the band's four studio albums as well as their one "live" album. Although a lot of people call th…

1
Episode 10: Back Issue Banter #10: Nick Fury, Agent Of SHIELD (1968) 1:02:06

3M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Once again, we go back to the Marvel age of comics, a swingin' time when the cold war was hot and spies were everywhere...even Marvel Comics! We look at the comics Strange Tales #166 & 167 and Nick Fury, Agent Of SHIELD #1-3, & 5. Nick Fury, once the leader of a group of commandos during World War II, had been refashioned as a 1960s spy as the lead…

1
Episode 56: Episode #56: Mr. Steely Dan 1:33:06

3M ago1:33:06

1:33:06

In this episode, guest co-host Jeff Harris (Behind The Grooves) and me explore the musical enigma known as Steely Dan! And for the record, Steely Dan is a group, not just one guy. A group that defies easy categorization, as they mix rock, jazz, pop, funk, and lyrics that are sometimes inscrutable, but always interesting. Donald Fagen and Walter Bec…

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Episode 9: Back Issue Banter #9: Conan The Barbarian (1970) 56:08

4M ago56:08

56:08

We take a soujourn to the Hyborian age of sword and sorcery with a young barbarian known as...Conan! In this episode, we take a look at Conan's comic roots, beginning in 1970 with the classic Conan The Barbarian series written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith. We not only talk about the stories and art, but also how Marvel Comics came…

1
Episode 55: Episode 55: First KISS (with Bakko and Jeff Hogland) 1:08:49

4M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

50 years ago, the music world got its' first KISS, in the form a debut album by four young men who not only played hard and heavy rock, but had the audacity to wear makeup, over the top costumes, and platform shoes that made them seem bigger than life. 1974's self titled debut album by Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter fired the first shot of KISS's kinet…

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Episode 8: Back Issue Banter #8: Wolverine (1982) 1:24:37

5M ago1:24:37

1:24:37

In this episode, we tackle one of the Marvel Universe's most epic anti-heroes, the mutant known as...Wolverine! More specifically, we tackle 1982's Wolverine mini-series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller as well as X-Men #172 and 173 by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith. To do this, we needed some help doing the heavy lifting, so we brought on our f…

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Episode 54: Episode #54: Bay City Rollers '79: Riding A New Elevator (with Debbie Smith-Clarke) 59:52

5M ago59:52

59:52

What would happen if the legendary teen pop group The Bay City Rollers dropped the "Bay City" from their name, their signature tartan garb, and pursued a new sound? The year is 1979 and after a tumultuous 1978, The Bay City Rollers have a new singer, a new sound, and a new look. Hoping to stake out a post-teen idol territory in anticipation of the …

1
Navigating Presidents - Elect Training Seminar 37:13

5M ago37:13

37:13

In this episode, co-hosts Nick Taylor and Michael DeGrandis sit down to chat with Club President Cristiano Nicolucci from Weston, Florida and President Elect David Nygren from Cayucos, California. We discuss key takeaways they took from their experiences with President Elect Training Seminar and how incoming club presidents might better take advant…

1
Episode 7: Back Issue Banter #7: The Avengers 55:09

6M ago55:09

55:09

In this episode, we revisit an Avengers saga with so many turns and twists -- not to mention flashbacks -- that you'll get whiplash from reading it! We go back to the Marvel Age of Comics to examine The Avengers #57 - 60 by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, a saga that introduces a character that will have a major impact on the Marvel Universe, The Visi…

1
Episode 53: Episode #53: Meet The Beatles! (with Brad Page) 1:03:13

6M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

It was sixty years ago this month that The Beatles set foot in America and our country has never been the same ever since! Guest Co-Host Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast) and me delve into the frenzied state known as Beatlemania, that took over in February 1964, when The Beatles first played to the American TV audience on The Ed Sulliv…

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Episode 6: Back Issue Banter #6: Justice League (International) 1:05:13

7M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

While things were getting grim an' gritty in 1980s comics, the antidote was a dose of BWAH-HA-HA, which came in the form of Justice League International. We take a deep dive into issues #5-8. In the post-Crisis, cold war decade of the '80s, a new Justice League was needed, and while this version of the league took their heroics seriously, it didn't…

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Episode 52: Episode #52: Yes: The Tormato Story (with author Kevin Mulryne) 1:09:27

7M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

On this show, we accentuate the positive, so we start off 2024 with an episode about the band Yes. More specifically, their 1978 album Tormato. Special Guest Kevin Mulryne (Yes Music Podcast) discusses his book Yes: The Tormato Story, in which he delves into the making of this over the top prog rock classic. We had a lot of fun discussing this book…

1
Exploring Rotary What Ifs 26:37

7M ago26:37

26:37

In this episode, we change up the format just a bit. We sent out a survey to a handful of DGEs with the prompt, "Our research has shown that the most important part of Rotary is the club experience, If you had unlimited resources, what innovative changes would you introduce to elevate the club experience?" Co-hosts Nick Taylor and Michael DeGrandis…

1
Episode 5: Back Issue Banter #5: The Teen Titans Swingin' Christmas Carol! 24:54

8M ago24:54

24:54

It's our ho-ho-holiday show and for this one, we decided to go back to the distant past for a story that's so groovy, it's almost far out! Dig it, we're talking about "The TT's Swingin' Christmas Carol" from Teen Titans #13 (1967), in which The Titans (Robin, Wonder Girl, Aqualad, & Kid Flash), become the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and futu…

1
Episode 51: Episode #51: This Is The New Original Spinal Tap Episode 1:00:20

8M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

This episode goes to 11! Guest Co-Host Terry Hamblin and me explore the cult "mockumentary" film This Is Spinal Tap, which is celebrating 40 years of one of the greatest fake bands ever, Spinal Tap. In an episode that walks the fine line between stupid and clever, we had fun going over the many sights, sounds, and yes, great gags, that have turned …

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Episode 4: Back Issue Banter #4: Mister Miracle 1:05:36

9M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

In this episode of Back Issue Banter, we take you into a new world...The Fourth World! When artist Jack Kirby left Marvel Comics in the early 1970s, it sent shock waves throughout the industry. Kirby had visions of creating a new group of characters whose adventures were like nothing you'd ever seen. And they were so wild that DC Comics had to publ…

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Episode 50: Episode 50: KISS Solo Albums 45 (with Eric Miller) 1:04:19

9M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Join us as we celebrate our 50th episode spectacular with a look at the KISS solo albums from 1978 on their 45th anniversary! Guest co-host Eric Miller (Pods & Sods) and me delve into each and every aspect of this unprecedented achievement, in which four solo albums by the members of KISS were released on the same day in 1978! We talk about the mus…

1
Back Issue Banter #3: Spider-Man vs The Master Planner! 37:07

10M ago37:07

37:07

In this episode, we take a look at the classic "Master Planner Saga" from Amazing Spider-Man #31-33. This classic tale by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko represents the peak of their collaboration and is considered by many to be one of the greatest Spidey sagas ever. We go through each issue, discussing every aspect of this iconic storyline. Hosted by Chr…

1
Episode 49: Episode 49: 40 Years Of Dio 1:01:05

10M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

This episode, we celebrate 40 years of one of the greatest metal groups of all time....Dio! Guest co-host Alex Alt (Sly Dog Music Cast) and me examine the 80s albums that built a rock legend. Founded by legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio, the Dio band was responsible for metal classics such as "Rainbow In The Dark," "The Last In Line," and "We Roc…

1
Episode 2: Back Issue Banter #2: Batman Vs. Ra's Al Ghul! 58:31

11M ago58:31

58:31

In this episode, we delve into one of Batman's most compelling and most dangerous foes, Ra's Al Ghul. From his debut in Batman #232, to his epic battle with Gotham's Caped Crusader that spans several continents and countries in Batman #242-244. We look at these classic comics, as rendered by writer Denny O' Neil and artist Neal Adams. These are the…

1
Finding Success as a Young Rotary Leader 37:13

11M ago37:13

37:13

In this episode, we have a great discussion with current District Governor Herbert Pfeiffer our of District 1910. Herbert is a young District Governor balancing work, life, family, and his DG responsibilities that span multiple countries. However, he has a great perspective on how one can achieve success. We know that you will enjoy this one! Guest…

1
Episode 48: Episode 48: KISS Lick It Up 40 59:55

11M ago59:55

59:55

In this episode, guest co-host Lee Conrad (The Scrappy Doo Principle, KISStory Science Theatre) and me explore KISS's Lick It Up album as it celebrates its' 40th anniversary. KISS was at a crucial point in their career, as their glory days were behind them and they chose to bid farewell to that era by taking off the make up that they were so identi…

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Episode 1: Back Issue Banter #1: The Stan Lee Legacy 1:10:41

12M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Welcome to the debut episode of Back Issue Banter, a podcast in which every month, we'll discuss the vintage comic books of the '60s, '70s, and '80s as well as the creators who made them. Join us as we dig deep into our longboxes and pore over those vintage Marvel and DC comics from yesteryear and share our thoughts about them! In this Fabulous Fir…

1
Episode 47: Episode 47: 45 Years Of The Mighty Van Halen 1:04:01

1y ago1:04:01

1:04:01

In this episode, guest co-host Alex Alt (Slydog Music Cast) and me discuss The Mighty Van Halen, whose debut album was released 45 years ago. To say that Van Halen changed rock would be understating things a bit: Eddie Van Halen's emergence signaled a new talent on the scene, one whose influence would profoundly affect the rock scene as we know it.…

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The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin podcast) #16: Celebration Day 49:24

1y ago49:24

49:24

In this episode, we take a look at the various attempts at a Led Zeppelin reunion, beginning with their appearance at 1985's Live Aid concert, and culminating in the 2007 concert that would comprise 2012's Celebration Day video and album. Led Zeppelin had a considerable legacy to live up to and we go in depth, discussing the ups, downs, and what wo…

1
Episode 46: Episode 46: Def Lep 56:12

1y ago56:12

56:12

With this episode, Guest Co-Host Julian Gill (KISS FAQ Podcast, Aerosmith on Tour 1973-85) and I discuss those lads from Sheffield, England, Def Leppard. We discuss their meteoric rise in the 80s as one of hard rock and metal's premiere bands. A band that had many great highs and some crushing lows along their rocket to fame. But ultimately, their …

1
Episode 15: The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin podcast) #15: Led Zeppelin DVD 44:32

1y ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Led Zeppelin DVD, the band's opening of their video vault in 2003. We talk about this treasure trove of vintage Zeppelin video, including the Royal Albert Hall 1970, Earls Court 1975, and Knebworth 1979 shows, among others. This DVD shows why Zeppelin was one of the greatest rock bands ever to hit the conce…

1
Innovative Club Models 39:58

1y ago39:58

39:58

In this episode, we explore two different club models with the Rotary Club of Mental Health Advocates out of New Jersey and the Rotary Satellite Club of Vail Impact in Colorado! Check out how these innovative clubs found models to fit the needs of their members! Guests: Ray Freaney: Club President - Rotary Club of Mental Health Advocates, NJ, USA P…

1
Episode 45: Episode 45: Donna Halper, Rush, and The Spirit Of Radio 54:15

1y ago54:15

54:15

In this episode, I interviewed Donna Halper, who, in addition to being a pioneering female voice on radio, championed the cause of one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all-time, Rush. As a young program director, she came upon the band's self-titled debut as a Canadian import, and was drawn to the incredible music on it. Thus begins a stor…

1
Episode 14: The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin Podcast #14: BBC Sessions 29:08

1y ago29:08

29:08

In this episode, we take a look at the 1997 release BBC Sessions, drawn from the band's live recordings for the BBC in the late 60s and early 70s. We also take a look at the expanded version, 2016's The Complete BBC Sessions. We delve into these early live documents of a band who are already showcasing their instrumental virtuosity as well as their…

1
Episode 44: Episode 44: The Jacko Juggernaut 1:31:04

1+ y ago1:31:04

1:31:04

In this episode, Guest Co-Host Jeff Harris (Behind The Grooves) and me discuss the ascent of Michael Jackson as a solo artist via his first two solo albums, 1979's Off The Wall, and its follow-up, 1982's Thriller, which went on to become one of the biggest selling albums of all-time. We discuss how both albums set the stage for "The Jacko Juggernau…

1
Episode 13: The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin podcast) #13: Page and Plant 35:56

1+ y ago35:56

35:56

In this episode, we jump into the mid-'90s, when Jimmy Page and Robert Plant reunited and released the No Quarter album (aka Page and Plant 'Unledded"). This time, Jimmy and Robert employed new arrangements and re-imaginings of the classic Led Zeppelin songs as well as some new songs. We also explore Page and Plant's one and only studio album, Walk…

1
Episode 43: Episode 43: Bay City Rollers: The Classic Six 59:31

1+ y ago59:31

59:31

In this episode, guest co-host Debbie Smith-Clarke and me discuss The Bay City Rollers, that tartan-clad boy band from the 70s who induced a world-wide case of "Rollermania" to the music world at large. We talk about the six albums that were released during the band's heyday, starting with the 1974 debut album Rollin' through their final album, 197…

1
Episode 42: Episode 42: THE MR. K INTERVIEW: Steve Fossen of Heart 1:30:08

1+ y ago1:30:08

1:30:08

In this episode, Guest Co-Host Russ Roy and myself talk with Steve Fossen, the original bassist for Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees Heart. Heart is one of the most iconic classic rock bands of all-time, and we had a blast talking with Mr. Fossen. You will hear Steve's story. from his beginnings as a young musician to his role in the formation …

1
Episode 41: Episode 41: Sabs Story 56:12

1+ y ago56:12

56:12

Guest Co-Host: Alex Alt In this episode, guest co-host Alex Alt (Slydog Musc Cast) and me delve into an album-by-album look at the original Black Sabbath. Sabbath is credited as being the first heavy metal band and they're one of the greatest ever in our humble opinion. No aspect musical or otherwise is overlooked as we celebrate the music and the …

1
Episode 12: The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin podcast) #12: Coda 29:30

1+ y ago29:30

29:30

In this episode, we take a look at the 1982 album Coda, which would serve as a postscript to the legendary catalogue of Led Zeppelin. This album features unreleased studio (and as it turns out, live) tracks spanning the band's entire career. Although it was put together to fulfill a contractual obligation, this album has some gems on it and if you …

1
Episode 40: Episode 40: Remembering Jeff Beck 1:01:37

1+ y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

In this episode, we pay homage to one of the greatest guitar heroes ever, Jeff Beck, who recently passed away at age 78. Guest Co-Host Brad Page (I'm In Love With That Song podcast, The Pod Remains The Same) and me discuss Beck's music and the impact it had on us and on rock and roll as we know it. We talked about our favorite albums and songs by M…

1
Episode 11: The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin podcast) #11: In Through The Out Door 56:32

1+ y ago56:32

56:32

In this episode, we delve into the origins of Led Zeppelin's final studio album, In Through The Out Door. From the ill-fated 1977 tour to the "satanic" origins of some of the music, we leave no stone unturned as we go track by track through Led Zep's final studio sessions. And we'll explore such mysteries as who REALLY produced this album, which me…

1
Creating Inclusive Clubs and Districts 28:57

1+ y ago28:57

28:57

In this episode, we are excited to share three amazing examples of how clubs and districts are working to be more inclusive and welcoming. Hopefully you can take some key takeaways from the episode that you can incorporate into your own club and district. Enjoy! Guests: Marilyn Sanderson, District 5330 DEI Inclusion Chair Casey Nall, President of t…

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Episode 10: The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin podcast) #10: The Song Remains The Same 1:16:36

1+ y ago1:16:36

1:16:36

In this episode, we take on Led Zeppelin's feature film and live album The Song Remains The Same. What started out as an attempt to document Led Zep's concerts at Madison Square Garden in 1973 became a film that featured fantasy sequences, backstage drama, and yes, the songs and music that propelled Led Zeppelin to become one of the biggest bands o…

1
Episode 9: The Pod Remains The Same (a Led Zeppelin podcast) #9: Presence 55:37

2y ago55:37

55:37

We delve into the mysteries and magic of Led Zeppelin's darkest album, Presence. Though there was much behind the scenes drama, Led Zep was able to turn it into an album that included one of their greatest accomplishments, "Achilles Last Stand," And what exactly is "The Object?" And what does it mean? Hopefully we can shed a light on this. And if w…

1
Episode 39: Episode 39: KISS (Killer Creatures) 1:29:34

2y ago1:29:34

1:29:34

Halloween is upon us, so it's time for another KISS episode We discussed the albums KISS Killers and Creatures Of The Night, which are both celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Guest co-hosts James Hagar (PodKISSt podcast) and Chris Czynszak (Decibel Geek podcast) helped to unravel The Case Of The Mystery Musicians, among other things. And…

1
Episode 8: The Pod Remains The Same (A Led Zeppelin Podcast) #8: Physical Graffiti, Part II 2:25

2y ago2:25

2:25

Continuing on from our last episode, we examine sides 3 and 4 of Led Zeppelin's pivotal 1975 double album masterpiece, Physical Graffiti. From the psychedelia of "In The Light" to the ferocity of the "The Wanton Song," we go track by track through this classic album, leaving no stone (or riff) unturned. Hosted by Chris Karam and Brad Page…

1
Episode 38: The Best Of Kansas 1:05:03

2y ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Guest Co-Hosts Alex Alt (Slydog Music podcast) and Eric Miller (Pods & Sods) help me delve into the legendary progressive band Kansas with a track-by-track deep dive into their first compilation album, The Best Of Kansas. We had fun going into the band's history and their key accomplishment of their golden period spanning the 70s and the 80s.…

1
How You Can Take Advantage of District Trainings 27:17

2y ago27:17

27:17

In this episode, we are excited to have two amazing members from District 6000 join us as we discuss various district training opportunities. This episode has some great information for everyone! Tune in to learn and hopefully take away some ideas for your club and district! Guests: Gretchen Nollman, District Educator D6000, Rotary Club of West Lib…

1
Episode 7: The Pod Remains The Same (A Led Zeppelin Podcast) #7: Physical Graffiti Part I 54:29

2y ago54:29

54:29

In this episode, we delve into the first record of one of the greatest double albums of all-time, Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti. We go track by track on a journey through one of Led Zeppelin's most diverse outings, a collection that emcompasses rock, blues, world music, psychedelia and so much more! The album that gave us "Kashmir," "Trampled Un…

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