You may know Chris DeMakes as a founding member of the band Less Than Jake, but what you may NOT know is that he's a true music historian. On Chris DeMakes A Podcast, he welcomes accomplished songwriters to sit in and discuss the writing and recording of beloved songs from their back catalogs.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 1:05:39
Chris Cresswell makes his return to Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this time to discuss the writing and recording of the 2026 single from The Flatliners, “Good, You?” Lyrically, this…
Sep 24, 2026 · 1:17:19
Originally released as Episode 206 on May 13th, 2024, this edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast features Shudder to Think’s Craig Wedren discussing the creative process that led to…
Sep 21, 2026 · 1:00:00
Even though he has lived in the UK from a very young age, a part of As It Is vocalist Patty Walters’ heart still remains in the United States. The band’s 2026 single “Live,…
Sep 17, 2026 · 1:08:28
This week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 214 on July 8th, 2024. In this episode, Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick sits in to discuss the writing and recording…
Sep 14, 2026 · 1:28:18
When John Corabi stepped in as the new singer of Mötley Crüe in the early 90s, the band was at a true crossroads. As if replacing a lead singer isn’t already an uphill battle for…
Sep 10, 2026 · 1:18:24
This episode was originally released as Episode 231 on November 4th, 2024, and it features Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas discussing the writing and recording of the band’s fan…
Sep 7, 2026 · 1:05:10
“Opportunity” is a laid back, feel-good track off of the new Big D and the Kids Table album The Good Ole American Saturday Night. Though this reggae-infused song doesn’t…
Sep 3, 2026 · 1:15:52
Compiled from the Top 10 lists of listeners of the One Hit Thunder podcast, this is the final installment of the Thundred series counting down the 100 greatest one hit wonders of…
Aug 31, 2026 · 57:39
This week, the very prolific Gerry Beckley sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 1975 #1 hit single from America, “Sister Golden Hair.” Despite the song’s upbeat…
Aug 27, 2026 · 1:04:30
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 177 on October 16th, 2023. In this episode, Enter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds takes center stage as he…
Aug 24, 2026 · 1:04:34
To celebrate the 40 year anniversary of Paul Simon’s beloved 1986 album Graceland, Chris DeMakes is joined by producer and co-host Chris Fafalios to explore every aspect of the…
Aug 20, 2026 · 1:18:45
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 227 on October 7th, 2024. In this conversation, Bayside guitarist and vocalist Anthony Raneri discusses…
Aug 17, 2026 · 1:04:05
It only took one album for Texas Is The Reason to leave a highly influential mark on the world of indie rock for decades to come. Produced by J. Robbins, Do You Know Who You Are?…
Aug 13, 2026 · 1:20:26
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 221 on August 26th, 2024. In this conversation, A Wilhelm Scream guitarist Trevor Reilly discusses the…
Aug 10, 2026 · 1:20:26
When it was time to record a new album, Ballyhoo! knew that they needed to shake things up. When the opportunity to work with acclaimed producer John Feldmann was presented, the…
Aug 6, 2026 · 1:05:50
Chris DeMakes A Podcast producer Chris Fafalios also co-hosts One Hit Thunder, which is the sister podcast to this show. Every year on One Hit Thunder, they roll out their…
Aug 3, 2026 · 1:11:59
In October of 1998, Reel Big Fish released their third full-length album Why Do They Rock So Hard?, which captured the band at a time of peak musical exploration. One of the…
Jul 30, 2026 · 51:41
This week’s Throwback Thursday was first released as Episode 218 on August 5th, 2024. In this episode, host Chris DeMakes and producer Chris Fafalios reminisce about The…
Jul 27, 2026 · 35:56
If MTV still existed, it would be celebrating its 45th anniversary this week. To celebrate, friend of the show Matt Albert sits in as the challenger to Chris DeMakes in a battle…
Jul 23, 2026 · 53:48
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was first released as Episode 236 on December 9th, 2024. In this episode, Millencolin vocalist and bassist Nikola Šarčević discusses the…
Jul 20, 2026 · 35:43
Since it’s the 13th episode of Defeat DeMakes AND Chris currently holds a .666 winning percentage after 12 showdowns, this week’s game is based around ALL heavy metal and hard…
Jul 16, 2026 · 1:07:15
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was first released as Episode 207 on May 20th, 2024. In this episode, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn of Local Natives unveil the…
Jul 13, 2026 · 1:03:58
Smash Mouth made an instant impact with the release of their 1997 debut single “Walkin’ On the Sun.” The song had a unique throwback vibe that stood out, not only from the other…
Jul 9, 2026 · 1:06:11
One Hit Thunder is the sister podcast to Chris DeMakes A Podcast. Recently, One Hit Thunder listeners chose their 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time in the beloved series…
Jul 6, 2026 · 1:17:57
Emerging as a sort of supergroup of Bay Area punk rockers in the early 2000s, The Plus Ones wrote catchy songs that weren’t overthought by any means. After a four album stint in…
Jul 2, 2026 · 1:10:38
In an episode that was first released as Episode 208 on May 27th, 2024, P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval sat in to discuss the creation of their iconic 2001 hit single, "Youth of…
Jun 29, 2026 · 1:07:01
The feeling of being overwhelmed is something that Sincere Engineer’s Deanna Belos can tell you all about. She began her somewhat unexpected music career during a real crossroads…
Jun 25, 2026 · 1:09:40
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was first released as Episode 209 on June 3rd, 2024, and it features Alkaline trio guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba. In this conversation,…
Jun 22, 2026 · 1:04:10
War On Women are generally known for the politically charged subject matter of their songs, but with the 2026 single “Messages Unsent”, the band couldn’t resist the pull of what…
Jun 18, 2026 · 1:00:33
Over on the One Hit Thunder podcast (which is the sister show to Chris DeMakes A Podcast), the listeners recently chose their top 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time in the…
Jun 15, 2026 · 1:23:38
In this episode, John Hampson makes his return to the show to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 2000 single from Nine Days, “If I Am.” Though the song didn’t hit the…
Jun 11, 2026 · 1:00:20
Originally released as Episode 261 on June 2nd, 2025, this week’s Throwback Thursday episode features Chris’s Less Than Jake bandmate Roger Lima. Together, they dive into the…
Jun 8, 2026 · 1:17:21
In this episode, songwriter and vocalist Peter Stuart discusses the writing and recording of the hit 1996 single from Dog’s Eye View, “Everything Falls Apart.” Written quickly…
Jun 4, 2026 · 1:03:47
Originally released as Episode 257 on May 12th, 2025, this week’s Throwback Thursday episode features Chris’s Less Than Jake bandmate JR Wasilweski discussing the writing and…
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:53:28
Despite his recent retirement from the touring circuit, Dee Snider most definitely still rocks! This week, he makes his return appearance to the show to discuss the writing,…
May 28, 2026 · 1:00:00
Over on One Hit Thunder (sister podcast of Chris DeMakes A Podcast), Matt and Chris compiled the Top 10 lists of listeners to arrive at the list of the 100 greatest one hit…
May 25, 2026 · 1:11:28
This week, Chris is joined by legendary keyboardist Geoff Downes to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 1982 single from Asia, “Heat of the Moment.” Considering that the…
May 21, 2026 · 1:15:28
Originally released on November 13th, 2023, as Episode 181 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this episode features Snuff drummer and vocalist Duncan Redmonds discussing the writing and…
May 18, 2026 · 1:11:09
After a QUICK five years since his last appearance on the show, Punchline’s Steve Soboslai sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2004…
May 14, 2026 · 1:09:13
Originally released as Episode 192 on February 5th, 2024, this episode features Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly discussing the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 single…
May 11, 2026 · 1:15:11
In this week’s episode, guitarist Josh Fiedler sits in to discuss the writing and recording of The Juliana Theory’s 2003 single “Do You Believe Me?” Taken from the band’s major…
May 7, 2026 · 58:30
Originally released as Episode 117 on August 22nd, 2022, this episode is a look back on the late Biz Markie and his hit single “Just A Friend.” The unique vocal delivery and…
May 4, 2026 · 55:59
This week, LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer Linus Dotson sits in to discuss the writing and recording of his fan favorite 2001 single, “Thank You for Making Me…
Apr 30, 2026 · 32:49
After a Chris DeMakes A Podcast episode all about Sister Hazel’s “Change Your Mind”, Chris and Chris discuss a group of songs throughout history that changed many minds and…
Apr 27, 2026 · 1:21:46
This week, Ken Block returns to the show to discuss the writing and recording of Sister Hazel’s fan favorite 2000 single “Change Your Mind.” Though the song didn’t hit the…
Apr 23, 2026 · 1:13:39
Originally released as Episode 205 on May 6th, 2024, this episode features Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix sharing the story behind the creation of the band’s enduring 2000…
Apr 20, 2026 · 1:14:38
Every hundred episodes, Chris Ballew sits in to discuss the writing and recording of a classic song from The Presidents of the United States of America, and Episode 300 is no…
Apr 16, 2026 · 1:05:10
Originally released as Episode 106 on June 6th, 2022, this episode features Fee Waybill of The Tubes discussing the writing and recording of their hit 1983 single “She’s a…
Apr 13, 2026 · 1:04:27
This week, Will Gold of Lovejoy opens up about the writing and recording of the band’s 2025 song “Scoundrels.” Working alongside producer Ali Chant, the band set out to craft an…
Apr 9, 2026 · 1:16:46
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 99 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast on April 18th, 2022. In this episode, Norwegian singer, songwriter, and…
Apr 6, 2026 · 1:24:07
In this episode, Skid Row bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan tells the story behind the band’s 1989 smash hit, “I Remember You.” He traces the song back to its humble…
Apr 2, 2026 · 37:45
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released on March 24th, 2025, as an episode of The After Party. In this very fun edition of the show, Chris and Chris each…
Mar 30, 2026 · 44:41
As a month of Defeat DeMakes episodes comes to a close, Chris DeMakes tries to improve to above .500 against friend of the show Johnny Yetsconish. In a music trivia battle that…
Mar 26, 2026 · 1:13:32
This week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released on April 11th, 2022, as Episode 98 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features guitarist, vocalist, and producer Jamie…
Mar 23, 2026 · 35:39
This week, Chris DeMakes faces some of his stiffest competition yet, as he takes on Matt Kelly (of One Hit Thunder / Weird Al-gorithm / Horror Movie Night) in yet another battle…
Mar 19, 2026 · 1:25:15
This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 129 (originally released on November 14th, 2022) in which Jellyfish’s Roger Joseph Manning Jr. discusses the writing and recording…
Mar 16, 2026 · 36:21
Almost four years TO THE DAY since the last time he was a contestant, Tom Brantley makes his return to avenge his loss on St. Patrick’s Day of 2022! In this episode, Chris and…
Mar 12, 2026 · 1:16:43
Originally released on July 31st, 2023, as Episode 166 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this Throwback Thursday episode features Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! discussing the writing and…
Mar 9, 2026 · 38:59
The best music trivia podcast game show in the world is back again! This week, Philadelphia DJ A.J. Santini steps in to take on Chris DeMakes in an epic battle of music…
Mar 7, 2026 · 2:48:50
In early 2005, Punchline faced a career crossroads with the departure of guitarist and vocalist Paul Menotiades. With determination on high in the face of adversity, the original…
Mar 5, 2026 · 1:16:27
This Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 112 on July 18th, 2022, and it features Chris Cresswell discussing the writing and recording of the 2017 fan…
Mar 2, 2026 · 38:39
After a long hiatus, everyone’s favorite music trivia podcast game show is BACK! This week, San Diego resident Steve Jones takes on Chris DeMakes in an IMPRESSIVE battle to the…
Feb 26, 2026 · 2:10:22
In the summer of 2003, Punchline headed to Chicago to record their Fueled By Ramen debut full-length Action with up-and-coming producer Sean O’Keefe. These 12 heartfelt and…
Feb 23, 2026 · 1:13:21
Back when Less Than Jake released their landmark album Hello Rockview in 1998, they chose “History of a Boring Town” and “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads” as the record’s…
Feb 19, 2026 · 1:04:32
This episode was originally released on February 26th, 2024, as Episode 195 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features Jonathan Higgs discussing the writing and recording of…
Feb 16, 2026 · 55:37
This week, Bouncing Souls guitarist Pete Steinkopf sits in to unpack the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2009 single, “Ghosts on the Boardwalk,” a song steeped…
Feb 12, 2026 · 1:10:09
This week’s Throwback Thursday, which was originally released as Episode 94 on March 14th, 2022, features acclaimed songwriter Holly Knight discussing the writing of Pat…
Feb 9, 2026 · 1:12:25
In this episode, Christian “MC Bat Commander” Jacobs of The Aquabats! dives into the writing and recording of “Fashion Zombies!”, the fan-favorite single from the band’s 2005…
Feb 5, 2026 · 1:15:18
This week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 141 on February 6th, 2023, and it features KT Tunstall discussing the writing and recording of her hit 2004…
Feb 2, 2026 · 1:13:58
In the first of four episodes leading up to the Less Than Jake UK Winter Circus Tour, vocalist Tom McFaull discusses the writing and recording of the brand new 2026 single from…
Jan 29, 2026 · 1:13:50
This week’s Throwback Thursday, which was originally released on February 28th, 2022, as Episode 92 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, features Hoobastank guitarist Dan Estrin…
Jan 26, 2026 · 1:04:08
In this episode, guitarist Mike Harder discusses the writing and recording of “Insects Destroy,” Pulley’s 2004 single born from a combination of frustration and observation. Mike…
Jan 22, 2026 · 1:06:04
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released on July 15th, 2024, and features Ace Enders of The Early November discussing the writing and recording of the…
Jan 19, 2026 · 1:02:38
In what has become tradition on the show, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios explore the eight nominees for Song of the Year at the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards, set to take place…
Jan 17, 2026 · 1:15:22
By 2002, things had kicked into high gear for Punchline. They had decided to pursue music full-time, and relentless touring soon followed. Grassroots promotion and a DIY outlook…
Jan 15, 2026 · 1:02:33
This week's Throwback Thursday was originally released on May 30th, 2022, as Episode 105 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features a conversation with Reese Roper of Five Iron…
Jan 12, 2026 · 1:15:25
In this episode, Chris sits down with Ryan Key of Yellowcard to explore the band’s surreal return after what had once been a definitive breakup. Ryan reflects on the emotional…
Jan 8, 2026 · 1:05:30
This week’s Throwback Thursday rewinds to Episode 107 from June 13th, 2022, when Chad Price stopped by to unpack All’s rip-roaring opener “Original Me,” the song that kicked off…
Jan 5, 2026 · 1:10:31
This week, Hit the Lights vocalist Nick Thompson joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s beloved 2006 single “Bodybag.” With tongue-in-cheek lyrics…
Jan 1, 2026 · 1:12:51
This week’s throwback is to Episode 144, first released February 27, 2023, when Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee sat in to unpack “Catch My Disease,” the irresistible 2005…
Dec 29, 2025 · 1:10:54
Chris and Chris are once again joined by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly to reflect on all the songs that were featured on the show in the past year. Together, they crown the Chris…
Dec 22, 2025 · 55:05
In the final episode of their four-part December series, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios wrap things up with Elton John’s festive classic “Step Into Christmas.” They talk about…
Dec 18, 2025 · 28:00
This is a sneak preview episode of The After Party. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into how we got the Santa Claus (aka SINTERKLAAS) that we know and love today. Chris…
Dec 15, 2025 · 51:16
In the 1981 holiday season, The Waitresses delivered a refreshingly offbeat gift with their single “Christmas Wrapping.” Written by Chris Butler, who openly admitted his dislike…
Dec 13, 2025 · 1:33:55
From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/29/2024) In this final installment of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt reveal the Top 20 Albums of All Time, closing out…
Dec 11, 2025 · 1:12:38
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re revisiting Episode 185 from December 11th, 2023. In this episode, Eric Bazilian makes his triumphant return to the show, this time to…
Dec 8, 2025 · 47:57
Darlene Love’s 1963 classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” remains one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, but it wasn’t an instant hit. Produced by Phil Spector,…
Dec 6, 2025 · 1:20:04
From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/22/2024) THE THUNDRED is back! In this exciting installment, Chris and Matt count down from #40 to #21 of the greatest…
Dec 4, 2025 · 42:52
In this festive Throwback Thursday episode from December 23rd, 2024, Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer Chris Fafalios dive into the story behind the beloved 1958 holiday classic…
Dec 1, 2025 · 54:44
This week, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios dive into The Kinks’ 1977 holiday classic “Father Christmas,” a song that manages to sound as punk as it does festive. It features…
Nov 29, 2025 · 1:11:22
From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/15/2024) In part three of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt continue their epic countdown of the Top 100 albums of all…
Nov 27, 2025 · 1:08:10
In this Throwback Thursday episode from November 27th, 2023, Descendents bassist Karl Alvarez dives into the creation of the band’s 1996 single “I’m The One,” a punk anthem of…
Nov 24, 2025 · 1:06:43
In this episode, Chris is joined by siblings Anastasia and Max Haunt to discuss the writing and recording of The Haunt’s 2025 single, “Masochistic Lovers.” Despite the song’s…
Nov 22, 2025 · 1:13:41
From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/8/2024)... THE THUNDRED continues! In this second episode of the five-part series, hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly…
Nov 20, 2025 · 1:21:01
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 148 from March 27th, 2023, in which Modern English bassist and vocalist Mick Conroy shares the story behind the band’s…
Nov 17, 2025 · 1:00:31
In this episode, Chris sits down with Austen Gray of Joker's Republic to unpack the writing and recording of their 2022 single, “Gin and Tonic.” From the raw, emotionally charged…
Nov 15, 2025 · 56:32
By late 1999, there was no turning back for Punchline. They had made the important step of adding a fourth member, and they wasted no time getting back in the studio. This led to…
Nov 13, 2025 · 1:24:34
This week's Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 147 from March 20th, 2023, which features Nine Days frontman John Hampson sharing the story behind the band’s breakout…
Nov 10, 2025 · 59:00
In this episode, Blacklist Royals drummer Rob Rufus sits in for a heartfelt conversation about the band's powerful new single, "Punk Rock Survivors." The song was shaped by Rob’s…
Nov 6, 2025 · 57:34
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 118 from August 29th, 2022, where the spotlight is on George Michael’s genre-blending smash hit “Faith.” With its…
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