Mixtape Chronicles en 2026 When the music fades, the memories remain. Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to. Each guest shares the soundtrack of their life through a carefully curated playlist (click here for the playlist channel) using music as the starting point for honest, funny, and deeply human conversations about growing up, finding our way, and becoming the people we are today. Each episode will allow you to time travel—with occasional stops at school dances, sleepovers, and the deeply personal decision of which song deserved Track 1. But the show isn’t all about the music. It’s about what the music gives us access to: the person we were before life became so busy, complicated, and disconnected. Sometimes, hearing the right song at the right moment is all it takes to bring a forgotten part of ourselves back into focus. In an on-demand world that constantly reminds us of what divides us, Mixtape Chronicles celebrates the memories, emotions, and experiences that bring us back to ourselves—and closer to one another. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/208ebda6-9ccb-11f1-930a-4338d2843283/image/9c9180a6546c89cfee4cac24f673041c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Mixtape Chronicles episodic Jesse O'Connell When the music fades, the memories remain. Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to. Each guest shares the soundtrack of their life through a carefully curated playlist (click here for the playlist channel) using music as the starting point for honest, funny, and deeply human conversations about growing up, finding our way, and becoming the people we are today. Each episode will allow you to time travel—with occasional stops at school dances, sleepovers, and the deeply personal decision of which song deserved Track 1. But the show isn’t all about the music. It’s about what the music gives us access to: the person we were before life became so busy, complicated, and disconnected. Sometimes, hearing the right song at the right moment is all it takes to bring a forgotten part of ourselves back into focus. In an on-demand world that constantly reminds us of what divides us, Mixtape Chronicles celebrates the memories, emotions, and experiences that bring us back to ourselves—and closer to one another. When the music fades, the memories remain.

Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to.

Each guest shares the soundtrack of their life through a carefully curated playlist (click here for the playlist channel) using music as the starting point for honest, funny, and deeply human conversations about growing up, finding our way, and becoming the people we are today. Each episode will allow you to time travel—with occasional stops at school dances, sleepovers, and the deeply personal decision of which song deserved Track 1.

But the show isn’t all about the music. It’s about what the music gives us access to: the person we were before life became so busy, complicated, and disconnected. Sometimes, hearing the right song at the right moment is all it takes to bring a forgotten part of ourselves back into focus.

In an on-demand world that constantly reminds us of what divides us, Mixtape Chronicles celebrates the memories, emotions, and experiences that bring us back to ourselves—and closer to one another.

]]> Jesse O'Connell mixtapechroniclespodcast@gmail.com Sam Luke: From Deadhead to HeadyReads What happens when the passions we had as kids find their way back to us in our adult life? This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we sit down with Sam Luke, an Upstate New York singer, songwriter, guitarist, performer, and book lover whose creative path has taken more than a few turns. From musical theater in high school, to dropping out of college to follow The Grateful Dead, to returning to the theatrical stage over a decade later, and building the hilarious HeadyReads book-review platform, Sam’s story is a reminder that the things we love don’t always disappear — sometimes they just evolve. Through a mixtape that begins in his childhood and ends in the childhood of his own son, we talk about growing up and the unexpected ways old passions can reappear when we least expect them. [Listen along to Sam’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Sam Luke is an Upstate NY native with a passion for music, reading, and the discussion of both. Sam got his start performing in musical theater productions in high school, and now works as a professional singer, songwriter and guitarist in nightlife venues across New York and Vermont and has also performed as a stand-up comedian. He returned to the theatrical stage at Fort Salem Theater in 2021 in “Next to Normal” followed by “Into the Woods” a few years later. He is also the personality behind the @HeadyReads social media account where he gives hilarious reviews of books, including books for the wannabe reader boys. Sam brings with him today a mixtape full of songs that date back to childhood and take us through the wild ride of his 20s and out the other side to where he is today.  Show Notes: Sam’s Mixtape on Spotify Follow @HeadyReads on Instagram for your next book! Connect with @LukeyCharm25 for Sam’s upcoming shows We also talked about: Sam performing in “Next to Normal” at Fort Salem Theater … and “Into the Woods” (also at Fort Salem Theater) Tom Chapin, “Our Next-Door Neighbor, The Moon” (how could I forget?!) Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell What happens when the passions we had as kids find their way back to us in our adult life? This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we sit down with Sam Luke, an Upstate New York singer, songwriter, guitarist, performer, and book lover whose creative path has taken more than a few turns. From musical theater in high school, to dropping out of college to follow The Grateful Dead, to returning to the theatrical stage over a decade later, and building the hilarious HeadyReads book-review platform, Sam’s story is a reminder that the things we love don’t always disappear — sometimes they just evolve. Through a mixtape that begins in his childhood and ends in the childhood of his own son, we talk about growing up and the unexpected ways old passions can reappear when we least expect them. [Listen along to Sam’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Sam Luke is an Upstate NY native with a passion for music, reading, and the discussion of both. Sam got his start performing in musical theater productions in high school, and now works as a professional singer, songwriter and guitarist in nightlife venues across New York and Vermont and has also performed as a stand-up comedian. He returned to the theatrical stage at Fort Salem Theater in 2021 in “Next to Normal” followed by “Into the Woods” a few years later. He is also the personality behind the @HeadyReads social media account where he gives hilarious reviews of books, including books for the wannabe reader boys. Sam brings with him today a mixtape full of songs that date back to childhood and take us through the wild ride of his 20s and out the other side to where he is today.  Show Notes: Sam’s Mixtape on Spotify Follow @HeadyReads on Instagram for your next book! Connect with @LukeyCharm25 for Sam’s upcoming shows We also talked about: Sam performing in “Next to Normal” at Fort Salem Theater … and “Into the Woods” (also at Fort Salem Theater) Tom Chapin, “Our Next-Door Neighbor, The Moon” (how could I forget?!) What happens when the passions we had as kids find their way back to us in our adult life?

This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we sit down with Sam Luke, an Upstate New York singer, songwriter, guitarist, performer, and book lover whose creative path has taken more than a few turns.

From musical theater in high school, to dropping out of college to follow The Grateful Dead, to returning to the theatrical stage over a decade later, and building the hilarious HeadyReads book-review platform, Sam’s story is a reminder that the things we love don’t always disappear — sometimes they just evolve.

Through a mixtape that begins in his childhood and ends in the childhood of his own son, we talk about growing up and the unexpected ways old passions can reappear when we least expect them.

[Listen along to Sam’s mixtape on Spotify]


Guest Bio:

Sam Luke is an Upstate NY native with a passion for music, reading, and the discussion of both. Sam got his start performing in musical theater productions in high school, and now works as a professional singer, songwriter and guitarist in nightlife venues across New York and Vermont and has also performed as a stand-up comedian. He returned to the theatrical stage at Fort Salem Theater in 2021 in “Next to Normal” followed by “Into the Woods” a few years later. He is also the personality behind the @HeadyReads social media account where he gives hilarious reviews of books, including books for the wannabe reader boys. Sam brings with him today a mixtape full of songs that date back to childhood and take us through the wild ride of his 20s and out the other side to where he is today. 


Show Notes:

We also talked about:

]]> 3278 Jocelyn Rose: From Ethnomusicology to Archival Activation What happens when we don’t just remember the past, but we find new ways to bring it back to life? That idea sits right at the center of today’s conversation. The guest on this episode of Mixtape Chronicles runs a studio focused on archival activation—using photographs, recordings, documents, and other historical materials to create new multimedia projects that connect the past to the present. Much of that work is rooted in music, including projects connected to the legendary Caffè Lena and jazz great Erroll Garner. A song can bring back a place, a person, or a version of ourselves we thought we’d forgotten. Archives can do the same—preserving those traces of the past, while also giving us a chance to experience them again in the present. [Listen along to Jocelyn’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Jocelyn Rose is a Brooklyn-based jazz artist, GRAMMY Award-nominated producer, and archival remix strategist whose creative practice is rooted in catalog activation. As a performer and composer, she draws deeply from jazz traditions—an evolving, improvisational art form built on reinterpretation, dialogue, and lineage—which has shaped her broader approach to storytelling and creative remix. Her acclaimed album Heliotrope, reflects her ongoing exploration of American roots music and intergenerational creative exchange. Alongside her work as an artist, Jocelyn is the founder of Studio Arbo, where she leads multimedia projects that reimagine cultural history through archival storytelling, catalog transformation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Music Credit: The song featured in the intro and outro are from Jocelyn's original song and title track on her album Heliotrope, available on bandcamp. Show Notes: Jocelyn’s Mixtape on Spotify Follow Studio Arbo on Instagram for news and updates! Connect with Studio Arbo on LinkedIn Check out more projects by Studio Arbo Listen to “Heliotrope” on Bandcamp Studio Arbo Podcast Productions: The Meals that Made Me Knight’s Laws Tomorrow is the Problem More interviews with Jocelyn: Women Killing It! podcast Brave Girls with Tracy Imm podcast Mon, 26 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell What happens when we don’t just remember the past, but we find new ways to bring it back to life? That idea sits right at the center of today’s conversation. The guest on this episode of Mixtape Chronicles runs a studio focused on archival activation—using photographs, recordings, documents, and other historical materials to create new multimedia projects that connect the past to the present. Much of that work is rooted in music, including projects connected to the legendary Caffè Lena and jazz great Erroll Garner. A song can bring back a place, a person, or a version of ourselves we thought we’d forgotten. Archives can do the same—preserving those traces of the past, while also giving us a chance to experience them again in the present. [Listen along to Jocelyn’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Jocelyn Rose is a Brooklyn-based jazz artist, GRAMMY Award-nominated producer, and archival remix strategist whose creative practice is rooted in catalog activation. As a performer and composer, she draws deeply from jazz traditions—an evolving, improvisational art form built on reinterpretation, dialogue, and lineage—which has shaped her broader approach to storytelling and creative remix. Her acclaimed album Heliotrope, reflects her ongoing exploration of American roots music and intergenerational creative exchange. Alongside her work as an artist, Jocelyn is the founder of Studio Arbo, where she leads multimedia projects that reimagine cultural history through archival storytelling, catalog transformation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Music Credit: The song featured in the intro and outro are from Jocelyn's original song and title track on her album Heliotrope, available on bandcamp. Show Notes: Jocelyn’s Mixtape on Spotify Follow Studio Arbo on Instagram for news and updates! Connect with Studio Arbo on LinkedIn Check out more projects by Studio Arbo Listen to “Heliotrope” on Bandcamp Studio Arbo Podcast Productions: The Meals that Made Me Knight’s Laws Tomorrow is the Problem More interviews with Jocelyn: Women Killing It! podcast Brave Girls with Tracy Imm podcast What happens when we don’t just remember the past, but we find new ways to bring it back to life?

That idea sits right at the center of today’s conversation. The guest on this episode of Mixtape Chronicles runs a studio focused on archival activation—using photographs, recordings, documents, and other historical materials to create new multimedia projects that connect the past to the present.

Much of that work is rooted in music, including projects connected to the legendary Caffè Lena and jazz great Erroll Garner.

A song can bring back a place, a person, or a version of ourselves we thought we’d forgotten. Archives can do the same—preserving those traces of the past, while also giving us a chance to experience them again in the present.

[Listen along to Jocelyn’s mixtape on Spotify]

Guest Bio:

Jocelyn Rose is a Brooklyn-based jazz artist, GRAMMY Award-nominated producer, and archival remix strategist whose creative practice is rooted in catalog activation. As a performer and composer, she draws deeply from jazz traditions—an evolving, improvisational art form built on reinterpretation, dialogue, and lineage—which has shaped her broader approach to storytelling and creative remix.

Her acclaimed album Heliotrope, reflects her ongoing exploration of American roots music and intergenerational creative exchange.

Alongside her work as an artist, Jocelyn is the founder of Studio Arbo, where she leads multimedia projects that reimagine cultural history through archival storytelling, catalog transformation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Music Credit: The song featured in the intro and outro are from Jocelyn's original song and title track on her album Heliotrope, available on bandcamp.

Show Notes:

Studio Arbo Podcast Productions:

More interviews with Jocelyn:


]]> 2858 Dominique Vuvan: From Playing Music to Studying the Brain What makes a song stick with us—the melody, the lyrics, or the memory attached to it? This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we look at one of the show’s biggest recurring questions through a new lens: neuroscience. Our guest is a psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician who studies music cognition, or how the human brain processes and responds to music. Her research explores what happens when we listen to a song, and how much our brains focus on the lyrics or on other aspects of the music. Together, we talk about music, memory, emotion, and how certain songs stay with us for decades—even if we’ve been confidently singing the wrong words since the first time we heard them. [Listen along to Dominique’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Dominique Vuvan is a multi-genre multi-instrumentalist based in the NY Capital Region. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology with a certificate from the Program in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. Currently, she is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program at Skidmore College. As a part of this work, she directs the Music and Cognition Laboratory, where she and her students investigate a variety of questions regarding how humans process music and its relation to language. Her mixtape includes tracks from the very first album she bought with her own money, to music that inspires the sound for her current band, Nice Hockey. Original song, "Let's Talk About You" by Nice Hockey from the album, "Give and Go," is used as the bumper music in the intro and outro of this episode by permission of the band. Show Notes: Dom’s mixtape on Spotify Check out the Skidmore MaCLab to learn more about Dom’s research More original music from Dom’s band Nice Hockey Follow Nice Hockey on Instagram More music from Dom: Sun Dogs band Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell What makes a song stick with us—the melody, the lyrics, or the memory attached to it? This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we look at one of the show’s biggest recurring questions through a new lens: neuroscience. Our guest is a psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician who studies music cognition, or how the human brain processes and responds to music. Her research explores what happens when we listen to a song, and how much our brains focus on the lyrics or on other aspects of the music. Together, we talk about music, memory, emotion, and how certain songs stay with us for decades—even if we’ve been confidently singing the wrong words since the first time we heard them. [Listen along to Dominique’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Dominique Vuvan is a multi-genre multi-instrumentalist based in the NY Capital Region. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology with a certificate from the Program in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. Currently, she is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program at Skidmore College. As a part of this work, she directs the Music and Cognition Laboratory, where she and her students investigate a variety of questions regarding how humans process music and its relation to language. Her mixtape includes tracks from the very first album she bought with her own money, to music that inspires the sound for her current band, Nice Hockey. Original song, "Let's Talk About You" by Nice Hockey from the album, "Give and Go," is used as the bumper music in the intro and outro of this episode by permission of the band. Show Notes: Dom’s mixtape on Spotify Check out the Skidmore MaCLab to learn more about Dom’s research More original music from Dom’s band Nice Hockey Follow Nice Hockey on Instagram More music from Dom: Sun Dogs band What makes a song stick with us—the melody, the lyrics, or the memory attached to it?

This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we look at one of the show’s biggest recurring questions through a new lens: neuroscience.

Our guest is a psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician who studies music cognition, or how the human brain processes and responds to music. Her research explores what happens when we listen to a song, and how much our brains focus on the lyrics or on other aspects of the music.

Together, we talk about music, memory, emotion, and how certain songs stay with us for decades—even if we’ve been confidently singing the wrong words since the first time we heard them.

[Listen along to Dominique’s mixtape on Spotify]

Guest Bio:

Dominique Vuvan is a multi-genre multi-instrumentalist based in the NY Capital Region. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology with a certificate from the Program in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. Currently, she is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program at Skidmore College. As a part of this work, she directs the Music and Cognition Laboratory, where she and her students investigate a variety of questions regarding how humans process music and its relation to language. Her mixtape includes tracks from the very first album she bought with her own money, to music that inspires the sound for her current band, Nice Hockey.

Original song, "Let's Talk About You" by Nice Hockey from the album, "Give and Go," is used as the bumper music in the intro and outro of this episode by permission of the band.

Show Notes:

More music from Dom:

]]> 2679 Ashley Salvadore: From Exotic Animal Owner to Professional Fun Pusher What can a playlist reveal about the life that shaped us? This week’s guest was one of the early supporters of Mixtape Chronicles, serving on the panel for the Pitch Your Podcast contest with Bright Sighted Media. When she sent in her playlist, it was immediately clear: she understood the heart of this show. Her mixtape is filled with songs tied to joy, nostalgia, and unforgettable memories—but also music connected to some of the harder chapters of her life. Together, those tracks tell a much bigger story about where she’s been, what she’s carried with her, and the experiences that helped shape who she is today. In this episode, we talk about the songs that make us smile, the ones that are harder to revisit, and how music can help us make sense of the full journey—not just the highlight reel. [Listen along to Ashley’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Ashley Salvadore is known regionally as the Capital Region Fun Pusher. If you follow her on social media, she inspires you to be a tourist in your own town, checking out all the latest restaurant openings, community events, and classic upstate NY hidden gems and activities. Ashley is a long-time supporter of women-owned businesses, and for the past 2 years has been the Creative Director of the New York Women’s Expo. She is a self-proclaimed “reformed party girl,” co-founding the Undrunk Club, organizing events for women with plenty of tasty mocktails and fun activities to do. She is married to the 2-time National Mullet Champion and together they are parents to a mini Australian Shepherd named Grace. Show Notes: Ashley’s Mixtape on Spotify Stay connected for all of Ashley’s upcoming events! New York Women’s Expo Mon, 12 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell What can a playlist reveal about the life that shaped us? This week’s guest was one of the early supporters of Mixtape Chronicles, serving on the panel for the Pitch Your Podcast contest with Bright Sighted Media. When she sent in her playlist, it was immediately clear: she understood the heart of this show. Her mixtape is filled with songs tied to joy, nostalgia, and unforgettable memories—but also music connected to some of the harder chapters of her life. Together, those tracks tell a much bigger story about where she’s been, what she’s carried with her, and the experiences that helped shape who she is today. In this episode, we talk about the songs that make us smile, the ones that are harder to revisit, and how music can help us make sense of the full journey—not just the highlight reel. [Listen along to Ashley’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Ashley Salvadore is known regionally as the Capital Region Fun Pusher. If you follow her on social media, she inspires you to be a tourist in your own town, checking out all the latest restaurant openings, community events, and classic upstate NY hidden gems and activities. Ashley is a long-time supporter of women-owned businesses, and for the past 2 years has been the Creative Director of the New York Women’s Expo. She is a self-proclaimed “reformed party girl,” co-founding the Undrunk Club, organizing events for women with plenty of tasty mocktails and fun activities to do. She is married to the 2-time National Mullet Champion and together they are parents to a mini Australian Shepherd named Grace. Show Notes: Ashley’s Mixtape on Spotify Stay connected for all of Ashley’s upcoming events! New York Women’s Expo What can a playlist reveal about the life that shaped us?

This week’s guest was one of the early supporters of Mixtape Chronicles, serving on the panel for the Pitch Your Podcast contest with Bright Sighted Media. When she sent in her playlist, it was immediately clear: she understood the heart of this show.

Her mixtape is filled with songs tied to joy, nostalgia, and unforgettable memories—but also music connected to some of the harder chapters of her life. Together, those tracks tell a much bigger story about where she’s been, what she’s carried with her, and the experiences that helped shape who she is today.

In this episode, we talk about the songs that make us smile, the ones that are harder to revisit, and how music can help us make sense of the full journey—not just the highlight reel.

[Listen along to Ashley’s mixtape on Spotify]

Guest Bio:

Ashley Salvadore is known regionally as the Capital Region Fun Pusher. If you follow her on social media, she inspires you to be a tourist in your own town, checking out all the latest restaurant openings, community events, and classic upstate NY hidden gems and activities. Ashley is a long-time supporter of women-owned businesses, and for the past 2 years has been the Creative Director of the New York Women’s Expo. She is a self-proclaimed “reformed party girl,” co-founding the Undrunk Club, organizing events for women with plenty of tasty mocktails and fun activities to do. She is married to the 2-time National Mullet Champion and together they are parents to a mini Australian Shepherd named Grace.

Show Notes:

]]> 3138 Kim Neaton: From Radio DJ to Land Steward What happens when the thing you were obsessed with as a kid becomes your career? This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we explore what it means to turn a lifelong passion into something real. Growing up, Kim Neaton spent hours scanning radio stations, watching Behind the Music on VH1, and becoming fascinated not only by the bands she loved, but by the music industry happening behind the scenes. That curiosity eventually became a career spanning more than a decade in radio, concert promotion, and live music—bringing her closer to the artists, venues, and local music community she had once admired from the other side of the speakers. Through the songs on her mixtape, we talk about childhood passions, creative careers, live music, and what can happen when the things that capture our imagination early in life help point us toward where we’re meant to go in the future. [Listen along to Kim’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Kim Neaton is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region and has been an absolute champion of the local music scene for over a decade. Many know her from being a dj on the local radio station WEQX hosting both EQXposure and The Dead Zone. Kim was also the Marketing and Promotions Assistant for Guthrie/Bell Promotions and continues to work with founder Greg Bell to put on shows such as the Eastbound Throwdown. After over a decade working in radio and concert production, she chose to follow a new path that allows her to dedicate her time to preserving our beautiful local lands and waters with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy as a Conservation Steward. Kim lives in Valley Falls with her husband, dog, cat, and flock of chickens, and still spends much of her free time seeing live music. Kim brings with her a mixtape full of songs from local bands as well as ones from childhood she still listens to. The song at the end of the credits is “What Got You Stoked in the First Place?” by Girth Control Show Notes: Kim’s Mixtape on Spotify Stay connected for all of Kim’s upcoming events! We also discussed: WEQX Radio Eastbound Throwdown Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell What happens when the thing you were obsessed with as a kid becomes your career? This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we explore what it means to turn a lifelong passion into something real. Growing up, Kim Neaton spent hours scanning radio stations, watching Behind the Music on VH1, and becoming fascinated not only by the bands she loved, but by the music industry happening behind the scenes. That curiosity eventually became a career spanning more than a decade in radio, concert promotion, and live music—bringing her closer to the artists, venues, and local music community she had once admired from the other side of the speakers. Through the songs on her mixtape, we talk about childhood passions, creative careers, live music, and what can happen when the things that capture our imagination early in life help point us toward where we’re meant to go in the future. [Listen along to Kim’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Kim Neaton is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region and has been an absolute champion of the local music scene for over a decade. Many know her from being a dj on the local radio station WEQX hosting both EQXposure and The Dead Zone. Kim was also the Marketing and Promotions Assistant for Guthrie/Bell Promotions and continues to work with founder Greg Bell to put on shows such as the Eastbound Throwdown. After over a decade working in radio and concert production, she chose to follow a new path that allows her to dedicate her time to preserving our beautiful local lands and waters with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy as a Conservation Steward. Kim lives in Valley Falls with her husband, dog, cat, and flock of chickens, and still spends much of her free time seeing live music. Kim brings with her a mixtape full of songs from local bands as well as ones from childhood she still listens to. The song at the end of the credits is “What Got You Stoked in the First Place?” by Girth Control Show Notes: Kim’s Mixtape on Spotify Stay connected for all of Kim’s upcoming events! We also discussed: WEQX Radio Eastbound Throwdown What happens when the thing you were obsessed with as a kid becomes your career?

This week on Mixtape Chronicles, we explore what it means to turn a lifelong passion into something real. Growing up, Kim Neaton spent hours scanning radio stations, watching Behind the Music on VH1, and becoming fascinated not only by the bands she loved, but by the music industry happening behind the scenes.

That curiosity eventually became a career spanning more than a decade in radio, concert promotion, and live music—bringing her closer to the artists, venues, and local music community she had once admired from the other side of the speakers.

Through the songs on her mixtape, we talk about childhood passions, creative careers, live music, and what can happen when the things that capture our imagination early in life help point us toward where we’re meant to go in the future.

[Listen along to Kim’s mixtape on Spotify]

Guest Bio:

Kim Neaton is a lifelong resident of the Capital Region and has been an absolute champion of the local music scene for over a decade. Many know her from being a dj on the local radio station WEQX hosting both EQXposure and The Dead Zone. Kim was also the Marketing and Promotions Assistant for Guthrie/Bell Promotions and continues to work with founder Greg Bell to put on shows such as the Eastbound Throwdown. After over a decade working in radio and concert production, she chose to follow a new path that allows her to dedicate her time to preserving our beautiful local lands and waters with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy as a Conservation Steward. Kim lives in Valley Falls with her husband, dog, cat, and flock of chickens, and still spends much of her free time seeing live music. Kim brings with her a mixtape full of songs from local bands as well as ones from childhood she still listens to.

The song at the end of the credits is “What Got You Stoked in the First Place?” by Girth Control

Show Notes:

We also discussed:


]]> 2249 Spencer Sherry: From Cardboard Cars to Tiki Bars How do we find the work we’re meant to do—and how do we trust our instincts when that path takes a few unexpected turns? In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we sit down with a filmmaker and arts advocate whose journey into a creative career was anything but linear. From an early fascination with music to building a life around filmmaking, creative projects, and supporting the arts community in Saratoga Springs and Upstate New York, his story teaches us that one moment can change everything. We talk about career pivots, rediscovering childhood interests, finding a new calling, and the people, places, and songs that can help move us from one chapter of life to the next. It’s a conversation about filmmaking, creative careers, community, and what it means to recognize the moment when something in your life begins to change. [Listen along to Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Spencer Sherry is a filmmaker and the Grants and Community Outreach Coordinator at Saratoga Arts, a local arts center that cultivates a vibrant and welcoming arts community in Saratoga Springs, NY. Through this work, and his work as the President of the 518 Film Network, he helped found the Saratoga Film Showcase which features films from and beyond our region and raises scholarships for kids to go to Art Week at Camp Stomping Ground, a radically empathetic summer camp located in Middle Grove, NY.  As a filmmaker, he is best known for his film, “The Monkey” which was the first film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story by the same name. He is currently touring, “Las Hada del la Sombra,” which he helped Produce and Edit. In 2025 he was featured in the publication, “Saratoga Living” as “Saratogian of the Month” where it was said that, “Lots of people have big ideas. Spencer Sherry actually makes his happen.” Show Notes: - ⁠Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify - Stay connected⁠ for all of Spencer's upcoming events! - "The Monkey" film trailer - More of Spencer’s work featured here We also discussed: - ⁠”Saratoga Living” article, “Saratogian of the Month: Spencer Sherry” - Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey,” on Play It Forward - Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey” on WMHT’s AHA (A House for Arts) Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell How do we find the work we’re meant to do—and how do we trust our instincts when that path takes a few unexpected turns? In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we sit down with a filmmaker and arts advocate whose journey into a creative career was anything but linear. From an early fascination with music to building a life around filmmaking, creative projects, and supporting the arts community in Saratoga Springs and Upstate New York, his story teaches us that one moment can change everything. We talk about career pivots, rediscovering childhood interests, finding a new calling, and the people, places, and songs that can help move us from one chapter of life to the next. It’s a conversation about filmmaking, creative careers, community, and what it means to recognize the moment when something in your life begins to change. [Listen along to Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Spencer Sherry is a filmmaker and the Grants and Community Outreach Coordinator at Saratoga Arts, a local arts center that cultivates a vibrant and welcoming arts community in Saratoga Springs, NY. Through this work, and his work as the President of the 518 Film Network, he helped found the Saratoga Film Showcase which features films from and beyond our region and raises scholarships for kids to go to Art Week at Camp Stomping Ground, a radically empathetic summer camp located in Middle Grove, NY.  As a filmmaker, he is best known for his film, “The Monkey” which was the first film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story by the same name. He is currently touring, “Las Hada del la Sombra,” which he helped Produce and Edit. In 2025 he was featured in the publication, “Saratoga Living” as “Saratogian of the Month” where it was said that, “Lots of people have big ideas. Spencer Sherry actually makes his happen.” Show Notes: - ⁠Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify - Stay connected⁠ for all of Spencer's upcoming events! - "The Monkey" film trailer - More of Spencer’s work featured here We also discussed: - ⁠”Saratoga Living” article, “Saratogian of the Month: Spencer Sherry” - Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey,” on Play It Forward - Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey” on WMHT’s AHA (A House for Arts) How do we find the work we’re meant to do—and how do we trust our instincts when that path takes a few unexpected turns?

In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we sit down with a filmmaker and arts advocate whose journey into a creative career was anything but linear. From an early fascination with music to building a life around filmmaking, creative projects, and supporting the arts community in Saratoga Springs and Upstate New York, his story teaches us that one moment can change everything.

We talk about career pivots, rediscovering childhood interests, finding a new calling, and the people, places, and songs that can help move us from one chapter of life to the next.

It’s a conversation about filmmaking, creative careers, community, and what it means to recognize the moment when something in your life begins to change.

[Listen along to Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify]

Guest Bio:

Spencer Sherry is a filmmaker and the Grants and Community Outreach Coordinator at Saratoga Arts, a local arts center that cultivates a vibrant and welcoming arts community in Saratoga Springs, NY. Through this work, and his work as the President of the 518 Film Network, he helped found the Saratoga Film Showcase which features films from and beyond our region and raises scholarships for kids to go to Art Week at Camp Stomping Ground, a radically empathetic summer camp located in Middle Grove, NY.  As a filmmaker, he is best known for his film, “The Monkey” which was the first film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story by the same name. He is currently touring, “Las Hada del la Sombra,” which he helped Produce and Edit. In 2025 he was featured in the publication, “Saratoga Living” as “Saratogian of the Month” where it was said that, “Lots of people have big ideas. Spencer Sherry actually makes his happen.”

Show Notes:

- ⁠Spencer’s mixtape on Spotify

- Stay connected⁠ for all of Spencer's upcoming events!

- "The Monkey" film trailer

- More of Spencer’s work featured here

We also discussed:

- ⁠”Saratoga Living” article, “Saratogian of the Month: Spencer Sherry”

- Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey,” on Play It Forward

- Interview with Spencer about his film, “The Monkey” on WMHT’s AHA (A House for Arts)


]]> 3487 Aaron Pacitti: From Metalhead to Punk Rock Economist Has a song ever convinced you to make a life-changing decision? Today’s guest brings with him a song that did exactly that—one that gave him the push to quit his job and go to grad school. I’m not sure I can trace any one major life decision back to a single track, but I do know music has been there for me in those moments when everything feels uncertain. Sometimes the right lyric can make you feel seen, validated, or just a little less alone—and that can be enough to quiet the doubt and help you trust the choice you’re making. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we talk about the songs that meet us at turning points, the decisions that change the direction of our lives, how banjo might actually get you the girl, and the role music can play in helping us take the next step. [Listen along to Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Aaron Pacitti has actively listened to music since second grade, starting with Black Sabbath. Growing up in Philadelphia, then Cleveland, then Washington, DC, and now Cambridge, NY, the songs he has heard and the concerts he has been to have shaped his life in many positive ways. Music inspired him to become a denim-jacket-wearing skater in the 80s, learn how to play guitar and banjo in the 90s, get a PhD in economics in the 00s, and become an economics professor. He might be the first person in history where playing the banjo caused him to meet his partner of 24 years. Aaron has been in bands since his late teens. He is currently the banjo player in The Boys from the County Hell, a Pogues tribute band; the bass player in Wide Margin, a spacy rock band; guitar player in Big Stone Gap, a bluegrass band; in addition to playing around the house with his violinist wife. His love of music has literally taken him around the world, but more importantly, to very special mental and emotional spaces. The intro and outro music of this episode is "Morning Glory" by Wide Margin, from the "Shout out Loud" EP. Show Notes: - Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify - Stay connected for all of Aaron's upcoming shows! - Listen to Aaron every-other Friday on WAMC’s "The Roundtable" - The Boys From the County Hell (website) - Wide Margin (Spotify) - Big Stone Gap (Facebook) We also discussed: - Video performances of The Boys From the County Hell (YouTube) - "Brown’s Dream" performed by Roan Mountain Hilltoppers Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell Has a song ever convinced you to make a life-changing decision? Today’s guest brings with him a song that did exactly that—one that gave him the push to quit his job and go to grad school. I’m not sure I can trace any one major life decision back to a single track, but I do know music has been there for me in those moments when everything feels uncertain. Sometimes the right lyric can make you feel seen, validated, or just a little less alone—and that can be enough to quiet the doubt and help you trust the choice you’re making. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we talk about the songs that meet us at turning points, the decisions that change the direction of our lives, how banjo might actually get you the girl, and the role music can play in helping us take the next step. [Listen along to Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio: Aaron Pacitti has actively listened to music since second grade, starting with Black Sabbath. Growing up in Philadelphia, then Cleveland, then Washington, DC, and now Cambridge, NY, the songs he has heard and the concerts he has been to have shaped his life in many positive ways. Music inspired him to become a denim-jacket-wearing skater in the 80s, learn how to play guitar and banjo in the 90s, get a PhD in economics in the 00s, and become an economics professor. He might be the first person in history where playing the banjo caused him to meet his partner of 24 years. Aaron has been in bands since his late teens. He is currently the banjo player in The Boys from the County Hell, a Pogues tribute band; the bass player in Wide Margin, a spacy rock band; guitar player in Big Stone Gap, a bluegrass band; in addition to playing around the house with his violinist wife. His love of music has literally taken him around the world, but more importantly, to very special mental and emotional spaces. The intro and outro music of this episode is "Morning Glory" by Wide Margin, from the "Shout out Loud" EP. Show Notes: - Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify - Stay connected for all of Aaron's upcoming shows! - Listen to Aaron every-other Friday on WAMC’s "The Roundtable" - The Boys From the County Hell (website) - Wide Margin (Spotify) - Big Stone Gap (Facebook) We also discussed: - Video performances of The Boys From the County Hell (YouTube) - "Brown’s Dream" performed by Roan Mountain Hilltoppers Has a song ever convinced you to make a life-changing decision?

Today’s guest brings with him a song that did exactly that—one that gave him the push to quit his job and go to grad school.

I’m not sure I can trace any one major life decision back to a single track, but I do know music has been there for me in those moments when everything feels uncertain. Sometimes the right lyric can make you feel seen, validated, or just a little less alone—and that can be enough to quiet the doubt and help you trust the choice you’re making.

In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we talk about the songs that meet us at turning points, the decisions that change the direction of our lives, how banjo might actually get you the girl, and the role music can play in helping us take the next step.

[Listen along to Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify]

Guest Bio:

Aaron Pacitti has actively listened to music since second grade, starting with Black Sabbath. Growing up in Philadelphia, then Cleveland, then Washington, DC, and now Cambridge, NY, the songs he has heard and the concerts he has been to have shaped his life in many positive ways. Music inspired him to become a denim-jacket-wearing skater in the 80s, learn how to play guitar and banjo in the 90s, get a PhD in economics in the 00s, and become an economics professor. He might be the first person in history where playing the banjo caused him to meet his partner of 24 years. Aaron has been in bands since his late teens. He is currently the banjo player in The Boys from the County Hell, a Pogues tribute band; the bass player in Wide Margin, a spacy rock band; guitar player in Big Stone Gap, a bluegrass band; in addition to playing around the house with his violinist wife. His love of music has literally taken him around the world, but more importantly, to very special mental and emotional spaces.

The intro and outro music of this episode is "Morning Glory" by Wide Margin, from the "Shout out Loud" EP.

Show Notes:

- Aaron’s mixtape on Spotify

- Stay connected for all of Aaron's upcoming shows!

- Listen to Aaron every-other Friday on WAMC’s "The Roundtable"

- The Boys From the County Hell (website)

- Wide Margin (Spotify)

- Big Stone Gap (Facebook)

We also discussed:

- Video performances of The Boys From the County Hell (YouTube)

- "Brown’s Dream" performed by Roan Mountain Hilltoppers



]]> 2845 Christine O'Donnell: From Midnight Tokes to Waterfalls Can music help us have tough conversations? Sometimes a song introduces us to an idea or a word, before we’re old enough to fully understand it—and suddenly a simple car ride turns into a conversation no one was expecting. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, Christine O’Donnell looks back on the songs and memories that shaped her childhood, including one moment when music opened the door to a conversation with her dad that has stayed with her ever since. We talk about the things we learn through music, the memories tied to the people who first listened with us, and the way certain songs can help us approach subjects that might otherwise feel difficult to bring up. Because sometimes music does more than soundtrack our lives—it gives us a place to start talking. [Listen along to Christine’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio After a decade of working as a TV news reporter at top stations and markets and on the national stage, Christine began her podcast career in 2018. Just days after her son was born she found herself face deep in a notebook developing a female empowerment podcast for a brand she created called: GoBAMF.  Shortly after returning to work she was asked to lead the development, launch and growth of The Dr. Gundry Podcast. The show reached the top of 5% of podcasts worldwide in just five months. After receiving a number of referrals Christine took “the leap” and launched her own production and consulting company called: Bright Sighted Podcasting and she hasn’t looked back since. Show Notes: Christine's Mixtape on Spotify Bright Sighted Media The Good Stuff Podcast Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Jesse O'Connell Can music help us have tough conversations? Sometimes a song introduces us to an idea or a word, before we’re old enough to fully understand it—and suddenly a simple car ride turns into a conversation no one was expecting. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, Christine O’Donnell looks back on the songs and memories that shaped her childhood, including one moment when music opened the door to a conversation with her dad that has stayed with her ever since. We talk about the things we learn through music, the memories tied to the people who first listened with us, and the way certain songs can help us approach subjects that might otherwise feel difficult to bring up. Because sometimes music does more than soundtrack our lives—it gives us a place to start talking. [Listen along to Christine’s mixtape on Spotify] Guest Bio After a decade of working as a TV news reporter at top stations and markets and on the national stage, Christine began her podcast career in 2018. Just days after her son was born she found herself face deep in a notebook developing a female empowerment podcast for a brand she created called: GoBAMF.  Shortly after returning to work she was asked to lead the development, launch and growth of The Dr. Gundry Podcast. The show reached the top of 5% of podcasts worldwide in just five months. After receiving a number of referrals Christine took “the leap” and launched her own production and consulting company called: Bright Sighted Podcasting and she hasn’t looked back since. Show Notes: Christine's Mixtape on Spotify Bright Sighted Media The Good Stuff Podcast Can music help us have tough conversations?

Sometimes a song introduces us to an idea or a word, before we’re old enough to fully understand it—and suddenly a simple car ride turns into a conversation no one was expecting.

In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, Christine O’Donnell looks back on the songs and memories that shaped her childhood, including one moment when music opened the door to a conversation with her dad that has stayed with her ever since.

We talk about the things we learn through music, the memories tied to the people who first listened with us, and the way certain songs can help us approach subjects that might otherwise feel difficult to bring up.

Because sometimes music does more than soundtrack our lives—it gives us a place to start talking.

[Listen along to Christine’s mixtape on Spotify]

Guest Bio

After a decade of working as a TV news reporter at top stations and markets and on the national stage, Christine began her podcast career in 2018. Just days after her son was born she found herself face deep in a notebook developing a female empowerment podcast for a brand she created called: GoBAMF. 

Shortly after returning to work she was asked to lead the development, launch and growth of The Dr. Gundry Podcast. The show reached the top of 5% of podcasts worldwide in just five months. After receiving a number of referrals Christine took “the leap” and launched her own production and consulting company called: Bright Sighted Podcasting and she hasn’t looked back since.


Show Notes:


]]> 2137 Carl Anderson: From Emo Kid to Country Rock Drummer What happens to our childhood dreams when we grow up? Whatever you imagined yourself becoming, sometimes adult life can look very different from the picture you once had in your head, but that doesn’t mean the dream disappears. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we hear from Carl Anderson, who moonlights as a rock star. Carpenter by day and drummer by night, Carl has found a way to make space for music alongside a different day job. Through the songs that shaped him, Carl traces his journey from playing the trumpet to becoming a drummer, reflecting on how our passions can evolve without disappearing. It’s never too late to pursue the things that make us feel most like ourselves—dreams may just look a little different in reality. [Listen along to Carl's Mixtape Playlist on Spotify⁠] Guest Bio Carl Anderson is the drummer for Eastbound Jesus (EBJ), a country rock band based in Greenwich, NY. He is also the organizer of EBJ’s annual music festival, Eastbound Throwdown, taking place September 11–12, 2026. A former emo and punk rocker, Carl brings a playlist of songs that helped shape his musical evolution and influence the sound he creates today. Original song, "Run Down" by Eastbound Jesus from the album, "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1," is used as the bumper music in the intro and outro of this episode by permission of the band. Show Notes: Carl's Mixtape Playlist on Spotify Get your Eastbound Throwdown tickets!!! Check out an Eastbound Jesus show near you! More music by Eastbound Jesus Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:22:00 -0000 full 1 1 Jesse O'Connell What happens to our childhood dreams when we grow up? Whatever you imagined yourself becoming, sometimes adult life can look very different from the picture you once had in your head, but that doesn’t mean the dream disappears. In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we hear from Carl Anderson, who moonlights as a rock star. Carpenter by day and drummer by night, Carl has found a way to make space for music alongside a different day job. Through the songs that shaped him, Carl traces his journey from playing the trumpet to becoming a drummer, reflecting on how our passions can evolve without disappearing. It’s never too late to pursue the things that make us feel most like ourselves—dreams may just look a little different in reality. [Listen along to Carl's Mixtape Playlist on Spotify⁠] Guest Bio Carl Anderson is the drummer for Eastbound Jesus (EBJ), a country rock band based in Greenwich, NY. He is also the organizer of EBJ’s annual music festival, Eastbound Throwdown, taking place September 11–12, 2026. A former emo and punk rocker, Carl brings a playlist of songs that helped shape his musical evolution and influence the sound he creates today. Original song, "Run Down" by Eastbound Jesus from the album, "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1," is used as the bumper music in the intro and outro of this episode by permission of the band. Show Notes: Carl's Mixtape Playlist on Spotify Get your Eastbound Throwdown tickets!!! Check out an Eastbound Jesus show near you! More music by Eastbound Jesus What happens to our childhood dreams when we grow up?

Whatever you imagined yourself becoming, sometimes adult life can look very different from the picture you once had in your head, but that doesn’t mean the dream disappears.

In this episode of Mixtape Chronicles, we hear from Carl Anderson, who moonlights as a rock star. Carpenter by day and drummer by night, Carl has found a way to make space for music alongside a different day job.

Through the songs that shaped him, Carl traces his journey from playing the trumpet to becoming a drummer, reflecting on how our passions can evolve without disappearing.

It’s never too late to pursue the things that make us feel most like ourselves—dreams may just look a little different in reality.

[Listen along to Carl's Mixtape Playlist on Spotify⁠]

Guest Bio

Carl Anderson is the drummer for Eastbound Jesus (EBJ), a country rock band based in Greenwich, NY. He is also the organizer of EBJ’s annual music festival, Eastbound Throwdown, taking place September 11–12, 2026. A former emo and punk rocker, Carl brings a playlist of songs that helped shape his musical evolution and influence the sound he creates today.

Original song, "Run Down" by Eastbound Jesus from the album, "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1," is used as the bumper music in the intro and outro of this episode by permission of the band.

Show Notes:

]]> 2901 Trailer: Mixtape Chronicles Season 1 When the music fades, the memories remain. Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 01:54:00 -0000 trailer Jesse O'Connell When the music fades, the memories remain. Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to. When the music fades, the memories remain.

Mixtape Chronicles is a weekly interview show about the songs that became part of who we are—and the memories, relationships, and former versions of ourselves they reconnect us to.


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