Host J.D. Reager sits down with The Subteens (Mark Akin, Jay Hines and John Bonds) and special guests Jacob Church, Mike McCarthy and Chris Davis to celebrate the 25th anniversary reissue of the band’s classic album Burn Your Cardigan. They discuss the band’s history, the album’s original creation, the remastering process and more in front of a liv…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Chris Milam about his new release Orchid South in front of a live audience at the Memphis Listening Lab. Chris also performs two songs from the album: "Cut Myself Shaving" and "Song of the Summer." For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and entrepreneur Harry Koniditsiotis on location at 901 Toys (Midtown) - while Harry works behind the counter! They discuss Harry's journey in the comic books and toys business, a few of his recent musical projects, and the upcoming Midtown Con at Black Lodge in Memphis on April 27th. They also check out a custome…

Host J.D. Reager talks with audio engineer and content creator Steve Mayer upstairs at Shangri-La Records. They discuss Steve's journey from Illinois to Memphis, his work as a live engineer, and the inspiration behind his current project The Merrycrest Sessions. Steve also shares Merrycrest Session performances from Memphis artists Seize and Desist…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, songwriter and producer Mark Edgar Stuart on location at Mark's home studio. They discuss Mark's "adult" audience, recent studio projects, pet grief, and more. Mark also performs "Throwing Rocks At Your Window" live at Shangri-La Records. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠⁠backtothelight.ne…

Host J.D. Reager talks to stand-up comedian Mo Alexander on location at Shangri-La Records. They discuss Mo's early days in comedy, the Memphis comedy scene, life on tour, the proper care of domesticated possums, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit ⁠⁠backtothelight.net⁠⁠.…

This episode is a special celebration of the life of Jared McStay. First, host J.D. Reager shares some memories with Jared's friend and business partner John Miller, followed by a replay of J.D.'s conversation with Jared from 2021. To close the show, J.D. spins two classic Jared McStay tunes - "Safe Passage" and "Pen." For more episodes, music and …

Host J.D. Reager talks to the 3x former Knockouts World Champion Deonna Purrazzo about IMPACT Wrestling's upcoming shows in Memphis on September 22-23, defining her character, and more. Then Memphis Wrestling's Barnabas the Leader joins to discuss the status of The Circuz, his new career path as a "producer," and his journey in the wrestling busine…

Host J.D. Reager talks to the acclaimed musician, engineer and producer Ari Morris on location at his studio/secret lair, Edge Recording. They discuss their shared musical history, Ari's journey from New Jersey to making platinum records in Memphis, the rise of Dolby Atmos, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothel…

In a very special Back to the Light network crossover, host J.D. Reager talks to Duddy's ur Buddy! host Dustin Heath on the occasion of his podcast's 100th episode. They discuss the milestone, Dustin's injury status, the ever-looming specter of addiction, and the hope that comes from recovery. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts (inclu…

Host J.D. Reager talks to writer, filmmaker and musician Chris McCoy on location at the Memphis Listening Lab. They discuss Chris' many paths as an artist, the inner-band dynamics of 1000 Lights, the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the documentary film Antenna, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight…

Host J.D. Reager talks with Maggie Trisler of Mystic Light Casino on location at the Hi Tone during WiMM (Women in Memphis Music) Fest. They discuss their shared musical history, Maggie's personal backstory, the artistic vision behind Mystic Light Casino, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net! For more …

Host J.D. Reager talks to performer Alice Hasen and Women in Memphis Music (WiMM) organizers Liz Lane and Miz Stefani on location at the Hi Tone during the inaugural WiMM Fest. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net! For more information on WiMM Fest visit wimmfest.com!…

Host J.D. Reager talks to Dale Naron about his complete musical history - including bands such as Bicycle Thief, Bottom of the Bottle, Oracle and the Mountain, and The Great Depression, which J.D. was a member of. They also discuss Dale's latest project Owlbear and his career in the screen printing business with Creation Press. For more episodes, m…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, activist and podcast host Marvin Stockwell about his latest project, the Champions of the Lost Causes Summer Road Trip, which is currently underway. Then J.D. talks to musician Abe White about his new band Laundry Bats and extensive musical history, including The Oscars, Manatees and True Sons of Thunder.…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Rachel Maxann and Doug Walker (Dream Crusher Hope Smasher) at Doug's home studio in Memphis. They discuss Rachel's new album Black Fae (which Doug produced), Rachel's journey as a musician, J.D. and Doug's musical history, Rachel's other career as a therapist, and more. For more episodes, music and other fine pod…

Host J.D. Reager talks to Harry Koniditsiotis about the success of Midtown Con and 901 Toys, the life of a "collector," and the new album by The Switchblade Kid, 3 - Love Has Gone Away. Then Dustin Heath joins the show to discuss his recent in-ring injury as Maurice the Strong, and his mental health podcast Duddy's ur Buddy. For more episodes, musi…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe, Me & Leah, Restless Townies) and Jeff Pruitt (The Smokin' Jays, The Heavy Pour) on location at the Back to the Light Spring Turnout at Crosstown Brewing. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!

Host J.D. Reager talks to longtime friend and comedian Caroline Allen about their shared alma mater (Harding Academy), and how a religious upbringing influenced her early life choices. They also discuss the gender dynamics of the Church of Christ, Caroline's time at Second City in Chicago, and her path to becoming a high school teacher/comedian. Fo…

Host J.D. Reager chats with musician and writer Chris Davis on location at Midtown Con. They discuss Chris' career as a journalist for The Memphis Flyer, his work as a musician with Papa Top's West Coast Turnaround, his ambition as a fiction writer, and how their paths have intersected. For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtot…

Host J.D. Reager talks to his favorite teacher from high school (Harding Academy of Memphis), Trent Williamson. They discuss Trent's unbelievable journey from being fired by Harding in 1995 to his current role as Head of School, how things have changed at the school since the '90s, what work there still is to do and how Trent helped J.D. through di…

J.D. Reager hosts a star-studded show in front of a live audience at the Green Room in Crosstown Arts alongside Jason Pulley at the piano. Solo musicians Josh Shaw (Blvck Hippie), Steve Selvidge (the Hold Steady, MEM_MODS, Big Ass Truck), and Mark Edgar Stuart perform live and chat with J.D. at the desk, pro wrestler Trace Lee Hunt shares tales of …

Host J.D. Reager has a deep conversation with musician and artist Lawrence Matthews (formerly known as Don Lifted) on location at Midtown Con in Memphis. They discuss the tricky nature of the music business, mental health maintenance, Lawrence's journey as Don Lifted, and more. backtothelight.net

Host J.D. Reager talks with two guests on location at Midtown Con in Memphis. First, author and musician Russ Thompson discusses the promo push for his new children's book The Owls of Sedgemount and gives an update on his various musical projects. Then, activist, musician and podcast host Marvin Stockwell talks about the recent Mid-South Coliseum n…

Host J.D. Reager talks to Oakwalker and Garrison Starr on location in Nashville at the Music Export Memphis showcase during Americanafest. Also, Oakwalker performs "Sunset" and Garrison Starr performs "Better Day Comin'" and "Superhero." backtothelight.net musicexportmemphis.org

Host J.D. Reager talks to "the GunShow" Brett Michaels about working on the NBC TV series Young Rock and the ongoing Memphis Wrestling trios tournament. Then Dustin Heath (AKA DNA and Maurice the Strong) talks about his finishing move, working for Control Your Narrative, his inspirational podcast Duddy's ur Buddy!, and more - before being interrupt…

Host J.D. Reager talks to singer-songwriter Alexis Jade and drummer/bandleader (and son of the late Bobby "Blue" Bland) Rodd Bland on location in Nashville at the Music Export Memphis showcase during Americanafest. Also, Alexis Jade and the Gemstones perform "Heartstrings," and Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band featuring Stacy Mitchhart perform …

Host J.D. Reager talks to Music Export Memphis founder Elizabeth Cawein and the busiest person in Memphis music, Graham Winchester, on location at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis. Then he talks to musician Rachel Maxann on location at InDo in Nashville, and Rachel performs "Better Off Dead" and "Breathe" live. backtothelight.net musicexportmemphi…

Host J.D. Reager talks to 30 year NBA broadcaster and the TV voice of the Memphis Grizzlies, Pete Pranica, about his love of classic AWA wrestling, calling matches for Memphis Wrestling and the Grizzlies' outlook for the 2022-23 season. Then wrestling legend Gangrel joins the show to discuss his history and future in Memphis, making it with WWE, an…

Host J.D. Reager and guests Mark Akin and Jay Hines from The Subteens discuss the inspiration behind their new albums - J.D.'s Where Wasn't I?, The Subteens' Vol. 4: Dashed Hopes and Good Intentions - which both come out on October 14 on Back to the Light Records. They also discuss high school arts participation, recovery, "daddy issues," and more,…

Host J.D. Reager checks in with three key players in the Memphis radio community on location at Crosstown Concourse. First, Robby Grant and Jared "Jay B." Boyd discuss the second anniversary of WYXR, then John Michael gives an update on 96X. backtothelight.net wyxr.org 96xmemphis.com

Host J.D. Reager has a quick chat with comedian Katrina Coleman about the upcoming You Look Like A Comedy Show re-boot before doing a Gonerfest 19 deep-dive with Goner Records co-owner Eric Friedl, AKA Eric Oblivian. backtothelight.net

Host J.D. Reager talks to two musicians - solo artist and Snowglobe member Jeff Hulett, and Ra'id of Seize and Desist (formerly Negro Terror) and Audionautz - on location at the Memphis Listening Lab/WYXR Record Swap in Crosstown Concourse. backtothelight.net

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Christopher Rubano on location at the Memphis Listening Lab/WYXR Record Swap in Crosstown Concourse about his journey from Chicago to Memphis, getting sober, starting a rock band later in life, and recording Trash Goblin's new album Bad Vibes. J.D. also spins the album's first single, "This Is Your Life Now." back…

Host J.D. Reager talks to two cornerstones of the Coliseum Coalition - filmmaker, musician and activist Mike McCarthy (Teenage Tupelo, Guerilla Monster Films) and musician, activist and podcast host Marvin Stockwell (Pezz, Champions of the Lost Causes) - about Elvis Presley and the live album he recorded in 1974 at the Mid-South Coliseum, Recorded …

Host J.D. Reager talks to new friends Cheyenne Marrs and Neal Lathem from the Memphis band s p a c e r and old friend Harry Koniditsiotis (5 and Dime Recording, 901 Toys, The Switchblade Kid) about making music, not "forcing it," recovery, and friendship. J.D. also spins "L.A." from s p a c e r's new EP. This episode was recorded at 5 and Dime Reco…

Host J.D. Reager talks to filmmaker Craig Brewer about his bi-monthly "Secret Screenings" at Crosstown Theater, his early attempts at making movies, breaking through with Hustle & Flow, the influence of John Singleton, the challenges of re-visiting beloved source material, collaborating with Eddie Murphy, the making of $5 Cover, and much more. This…

Host J.D. Reager talks with two friends - Jeremy Scott (Reigning Sound, The Toy Trucks, Jeremy & the Drip Edges) and Brian "Skinny" McCabe (The Hi-Tone) - throwing birthday shows on the same night in Memphis. First, Jeremy discusses his thought process behind Scott August Night, which takes place on Friday, August 5th at Black Lodge. Then Brian jum…

Host J.D. Reager plugs the upcoming re-boot of The Shangri-La Records Podcast before digging in to 2 new podcasts on the Back to the Light Podcast Network with their creators. First, Brian Balough and J.D. explain the origins of their new show called Of Marks and Men: A Wrestling Podcast and share a clip of their conversation with the "Genetic Nigh…

Host J.D. Reager shares something truly special from his personal archives: a lo-fi "field recording" of his 2017 conversation over breakfast at the Peabody Hotel with music legend Lamont Dozier (Holland-Dozier-Holland, Motown Records, etc.), producer Fred Mollin, and Lamont's late wife Barbara Dozier. They discuss the recording for what would beco…

Host J.D. Reager reads a brief statement before taking questions from a small gathering of media members at the Memphis Listening Lab to celebrate 100 episodes of Back to the Light. J.D. also announces the long-awaited release date - October 14 - for both his new album and the new album by The Subteens.…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and music writer Alex Greene about the end of his band Reigning Sound, upcoming Compulsive Gamblers gigs, and his recent Memphis Flyer cover story before deep diving on Alex's upcoming live film score performance at The Grove at GPAC. Alex also performs a piece from the score called "Come Hither To Me."…

Host J.D. Reager revisits his conversation with a Memphis music icon, the late Howard Grimes. They discuss Mr. Grimes' early career as a drummer in the '50s, his work with fellow legends such as Rufus & Carla Thomas, William Bell, Al Green, Ann Peebles, O.V. Wright and Willie Mitchell, writing his autobiography Timekeeper, and how Memphis music has…

Host J.D. Reager and musician Jason Pulley attempt to provide context for the slightly abnormal (in a fun way) live performance that follows. Most of this episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Rico Fields and Ra'id about their respective musical histories prior to Negro Terror, joining forces with the late Omar Higgins, making the documentary Negro Terror: The Voice of Memphis, Omar's unfortunate passing and its aftermath, re-forming the band as The Negro Terror, and more. J.D. also spins "We Need Supp…

In honor of the 25th anniversary of her debut album Eighteen Over Me, host J.D. Reager talks to musician and songwriter Garrison Starr about the making of that record and how having a breakthrough hit ("Superhero") changed her life, plus her escape from the evangelical South, how her sexual orientation lead to difficulty in both her personal life a…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and radio host James Enck about his personal story of recovery, the intertwined nature of the music and alcohol industries, his predilection for musical "torture," doing a show for WYXR, and more. J.D. also spins "So Disappointing" by James' former band The Long Mynd.…

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Big Star's #1 Record, host J.D. Reager talks to surviving member Jody Stephens about the making of that album and how joining the band changed his life. They also discuss his work with Those Pretty Wrongs, Golden Smog, Matthew Sweet, The Lemon Twigs and more, and J.D. spins "It's About Love" by Those Pretty Wrong…

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, songwriter and fellow podcast host Chris Milam about his life and career, having mixed feelings about Memphis, overcoming issues with mental health and substance abuse, collaborating with the great William Bell, and more. J.D. also spins "In The Blood" from Chris' most recent album Meanwhile.…

Host J.D. Reager chats with returning guests Joshua McLane (HEELS, South Point Grocery) and Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 5 & Dime Recording) live on the scene of the inaugural Midtown Con! This episode was recorded on April 9, 2022 at Black Lodge in Memphis, TN.