Brian Oake is a Minneapolis radio icon. This is a show about music, popular culture, interesting characters, irreverence and laughter, not always in that order.
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Sep 29, 2026 · 50:53
Scott Allen is as MN Music as it gets. He's done sound for EVERYBODY and has made music in his own right for decades. His latest endeavor is a new album called June (out now!).…
Sep 22, 2026 · 52:17
Annie and Kari are back! Annie and The Bang Bang are part of this year's 4th Annual Parkinson's Foundation MN Fundraiser (along with the Flamin' Oh's!) this Friday at The Hook &…
Sep 16, 2026 · 48:30
Holy wow! Mikkel Bee, washboardist extraordinaire AND legendary West Bank cowboy troubadour Pop Wagner on the same podcast?!? Yes! These two will be sharing the stage at some…
Sep 15, 2026 · 58:08
I always love our visits with Michael Anschel of OA Design+Bulid+Architecture. Yes, he sponsors the podcast, but he also happens to be an interesting, thoughtful, and hilarious…
Sep 10, 2026 · 51:23
Robert Wilkinson (Flamin' Oh's) and Dave Egemo (Parkinson's Foundation) stop by to give us the lowdown on the upcoming 4th Annual Parkinson's Foundation Minnesota Fundraiser.…
Sep 8, 2026 · 47:44
Jacob and Daniel of Modern Wildlife stop by to talk about how they got where they are today, their sophomore record (A Glamorous Facade), which came out back in the spring, and…
Sep 1, 2026 · 57:11
It's the return of our favorite skydiving, music-loving punk rock librarian, Jon Copeland! These days, he calls Vermont home, but once a year he comes back to town to reconnect…
Aug 27, 2026 · 56:08
Legendary Minnesota musician, (by the way of Connecticut and Texas) Mary Cutrufello joins us with great insight on the upcoming Do Re Me Too event at The Parkway Theater on…
Aug 25, 2026 · 50:30
Jenny Case is back! For more than 3 decades, she's been a performer, composer, producer, and educator. This time, we focus on her role as bandleader for The ManEaters, the house…
Aug 18, 2026 · 53:27
Aug 12, 2026 · 50:12
Timmy and Tom from MN punk outfit FarFarAway stop by to talk all about their new full-length (out Friday 8.14!), some upcoming shows, and the enduring power of a proper live…
Aug 11, 2026 · 56:30
Ed Cohen (SmartStartMN) is a sponsor of the show, a good friend, and the most voracious consumer of live music that Sean and I know. This episode is one of his regular visits to…
Aug 4, 2026 · 1:01:11
Rachel (vox/guitar) and Angie (drums/ backing vox) are Lips Speak Louder, and they make way more delicious Rock racket than any two people should be able to. Two musical vets…
Jul 29, 2026 · 47:12
Boom (guitar) and Johnna (fiddle) of the 6-piece, all-women bluegrass band The Rosie Daze Band stop by to talk about their latest album and a slew of upcoming shows! Deft…
Jul 28, 2026 · 53:03
She's back! And we couldn't be more delighted! Tricky Miki swings by to talk all about her free, family-friendly outdoor DEI (Disco Energy Infusion) Dance party this Saturday -…
Jul 22, 2026 · 52:47
Erik Brandt (Urban Hillbilly Quartet) has been making music since the mid-90s. He makes his first-ever visit to the 'cast to talk about his 4th solo record, Folksinger.…
Jul 21, 2026 · 56:36
Ciaran Daly (The Stress of Her Regard, Idle Hands) returns for another lovely 'chin wag'. A talented musician, a thoughtful Human, and an exceptional storyteller, Ciaran is…
Jul 15, 2026 · 54:57
Legendary MN songwriting/folk duo Johnson & Drake are back! They've toured with Earth, Wind & Fire, Linda Ronstadt and many others. They were the opening act for Jim Croce and…
Jul 10, 2026 · 51:01
Mark and Terry of The Silverteens are back! Buy it everywhere records are sold and on their bandcamp! Check out their show at the Parkway tonight! Also, watch Jay's Longhorn, a…
Jul 7, 2026 · 49:34
Nick Leet (High On Stress) returns! It's been 6 years since the last High On Stress release, so Nick brings us up to speed on the hiatus and the new album, Still Here. He also…
Jul 1, 2026 · 54:59
Corrine and Pamela from Black Widows join to talk not only about the new full-length Creatures Of The Night, but also what life is like in one of the most badass…
Jun 30, 2026 · 57:08
Chrisy Hughes is a championship-winning sailor. I swear, you can see the determination in her eyes! She is also heavily involved with the Minnetonka Yacht Club. Both Sean and I…
Jun 24, 2026 · 57:59
Kaatwalk makes her first-ever visit to the SmartStartMN Studio! She's a delightful singer-songwriter with a show tonight at the Aster Cafe to celebrate her forthcoming EP, A Week…
Jun 18, 2026 · 57:00
Hannah Von Der Hoff, perhaps better known as HOLY HANNAH! is back! Our favorite global troubador stops by to talk about life in Mexico, her upcoming 'Ramblin' Woman' tour, and…
Jun 17, 2026 · 58:06
Ryan Otte (aka Cole Diamond) makes his inaugural visit to the 'cast! We talk all about the new record, the big release/birthday show coming up July 3rd at the Turf club (only…
Jun 10, 2026 · 55:53
Mother Banjo (Ellen Stanley) and her husband Ben Cook-Feltz have a relatively rare joint show tomorrow evening at The Aster Cafe! Ellen stops by to talk about the gig, the rigors…
Jun 9, 2026 · 1:00:22
Hopefully, you've already heard that we're MCing the big Minnetonka Yacht Club Stars, Stripes and Sails 4th of July Celebration this year, and you're invited! Craig Laing,…
Jun 4, 2026 · 55:08
Peter 'Spike' VanDusartz stops by to talk all about his debut full-length release 'What You Gonna Be?'. It features loads of local musical luminaries and was produced by none…
Jun 2, 2026 · 58:29
Josh Cleveland (along with his band Wonders) has a brand new album on the way! Prove The Sound will arrive July 10th, and to celebrate, they have a big show at The Granada…
May 28, 2026 · 50:51
Billy's Back!! It may have taken nearly 500 episodes, but here we have Billy Morrisette (Dillinger Four, Butcher's Union) back in the studio! Billy rocks the bass in an excellent…
May 26, 2026 · 51:20
Hugo Klaers and Steve Price of legendary Minnesota musical mainstays The Suburbs stop by to talk about the good ol' days, the good new days and! the brand new record A Pagan…
May 14, 2026 · 47:51
This episode we're joined by Sir Chadwick, bass player for Minnesota's premier Action Rock band, Fret Rattles!! They've got a brilliant, bombastic new full-length record out 'As…
May 12, 2026 · 51:34
Annie and Kari, both of Minnesota favorites Annie and The Bang Bang, are back to talk about their latest project, Glass. The sound of the project is described as 'minimalist…
May 7, 2026 · 48:49
Sam and Des came by to tell us all about the folk rock stylings of their band, Harlow. We talk about the debut album, upcoming shows/releases, and get a little insight into what…
May 6, 2026 · 49:10
Monet and Vanessa from Spit Takes stop by to talk about their debut eponymous LP! The big release show is this Saturday at Cloudland. We also talk about some other upcoming gigs…
Apr 29, 2026 · 44:05
Adam and Eric from The Long Honeymoon joined us for a great conversation! We chatted about the history of the band and how they were formed. They have released an EP and an…
Apr 28, 2026 · 50:21
What if there were a way to support the ALCU of Minnesota during these trying times AND rock the hell out with some of the coolest names in MN Music? There is!! Megan and Dan…
Apr 23, 2026 · 55:19
Jake Rudh brought the heat today. Three great song pulls, we're not surprised. This Saturday at the 1st Ave Mainroom, he'll be celebrating 25 years of Transmission. We had a…
Apr 21, 2026 · 1:03:19
Michael Anschel , principal of show sponsor OA Design Build Architecture, joins us to talk remodeling, community and the importance of exploring and recognizing our place in a…
Apr 14, 2026 · 57:07
Mother Banjo is back! Ellen Stanley stops by to talk about her gig with Beth Bombora at the Hook this Sunday AND a huge fundraising livestream next week featuring the likes of…
Apr 7, 2026 · 51:41
One of our 'favourite girls', Katy Vernon, returns to talk about her latest band's debut release, the big release party this Friday at The Parkway, and the importance of…
Mar 31, 2026 · 59:47
Finally! After years of trying, we actually got jeremy messersmith into the cozy confines of the SmartStartMN studio. He has a brand new full-length album, Fox/Coyote, coming out…
Mar 31, 2026 · 1:02:30
We could talk to Peter Jesperson for hours! We covered a ton in sixty-two short minutes: Today we talked about the epic Suicide Commando's final show, the Slim Dunlap 44 song new…
Mar 25, 2026 · 1:00:22
You got that right! It's the return of the Best Lookin' Man in Comedy, Fancy Ray! The mayors of both Twin Cities have declared this Saturday, March 28th Fancy Ray Day! Come…
Mar 24, 2026 · 49:28
This time, we are joined by Cambria and Ben of Duluth band Flutes & Low. They have a lush new album called 'Lay Fallow', and a big album release celebration in NE on April 1st.…
Mar 18, 2026 · 58:29
The legendary Sue Scott (A Prairie Home Companion, etc.) joins us to share the details on her incredible live show/podcast, The Island Of Discarded Women. It's all about the…
Mar 17, 2026 · 52:23
Happy St. Patrick's Day!! Once again, we are joined by our favorite Irishman, John Cosgrove. Affable, knowledgeable, and he always picks out the best Irish music to play. Join us…
Mar 11, 2026 · 48:27
This Friday, The Parkway Theater will feature three incredible bands (Magic Castles, Chatham Rise, and Lana Leone) for the Stand With Immigrants Benefit. If you love shoegaze and…
Mar 10, 2026 · 50:10
Jordan Roll and Jeff Gavin of Six Appeal join us to talk about their history, and the way they do the things they do - which is deliver jaw-dropping a cappella vocal performance!…
Mar 4, 2026 · 45:46
This week, it's just me and John Cosgrove. Sure, we talk a little about his native Ireland, but we do our best to avoid any blatant shamrockery. This epi8sode is mainly about the…
Mar 3, 2026 · 50:32
This time, we are joined by 2/3 of Heartland Souvenirs, an incredible MN music collaboration featuring nuanced playing and gorgeous vocal harmonies. They have an intimate gig…
Feb 25, 2026 · 54:04
Christy Costello is back for her 5th visit on Episode 555! Dude, cosmic. She's got such great energy for this city and the music she plays. Speaking of, she's headlining the 7th…
Feb 24, 2026 · 45:56
Ross Willits is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Association. He swings by to talk about the modern state of Bluegrass in the Upper Midwest and to…
Feb 19, 2026 · 1:01:53
Jillian Rae has always been one of our favorites. She's out now with a very timely and jaunty protest song 'Fuck ICE'. We talk about her music, day-to-day life in a city under…
Feb 17, 2026 · 48:03
For the last several weeks, I've been reading these posts on FB that were so informative, so concise and so hopeful that I had to get the author on the 'cast. Sean Snow is an…
Feb 11, 2026 · 47:56
MN singer/songwriter Obadiah Gamble may still be in high school, but his voice and his critically-acclaimed new album 'Notice' speak to a voice and heart that were always meant…
Feb 3, 2026 · 58:27
the 11th Annual drone not drones event is happening this Friday at The Cedar. drone not drones is an annual 28-hour continous sound collage featuring more than 70 artists/bands.…
Feb 1, 2026 · 1:03:29
Ed Cohen, owner of SmartStartMN, and our dear friend, was on the Brian Oake Show. Ed has been to more shows than Brian or Sean combined. He's passionate about music and tells…
Jan 30, 2026 · 55:16
Just another excellent conversation with a terrific artist, Sarah Larrson! She's a big part of Red Thread! Listen for the release of her remix of Wild Mountain Thyme with…
Jan 27, 2026 · 1:00:10
Kathleen Johnson has done it all. From being a long time member of Soul Tight Committee to performing/recording with the likes of Alexander O' Neal, Keri Noble, Billy McLaughlin…
Jan 20, 2026 · 1:02:35
MN-based filmaker Eric Tretbar makes his first visit ti the SmartStartMN studio to talk about his 30+ year career as a filmmaker AND the 25th anniversary showing of his…
Jan 13, 2026 · 48:40
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce KickStart! A seven piece band of Minneapolis teenagers that are making a difference. Eddie (13, bass) and Sebastian (14, guitar) stop…
Jan 7, 2026 · 50:53
Adam Levy and Barb Brybstad (we miss you Savannah Smith!) of Turn Turn Turn stop by to talk about their new album! They have a kickstarter going right now. So listen to this then…
Jan 6, 2026 · 57:23
Emmy Woods is a MN singer/songwriter with an innate ability to articulate the complexities of emotion through her songcraft. Gentle, articulate and honest, she was a wonderful…
Dec 30, 2025 · 1:09:00
Wow! Our final guest of 2025 is world-class cellist Rebecca Arons. She's a 25+ year member of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra, and has played with the Minnesota Orchestra and St.…
Dec 23, 2025 · 48:14
It's our annual Christmas music special! We play many secular and non-secular songs old and new. There are stories shared of Christmases past and just enough gratitude to get you…
Dec 18, 2025 · 57:44
We are so lucky to be joined by my dear friend and the biggest DJ in the Twin Cities, Jake Rudh. For 25 years, Jake has been filling dancefloors and sharing his deep, passionate…
Dec 16, 2025 · 1:00:40
The incomparable Lizz Winstead returns! Here annual year end wrap-up is coming up at the Parkway theater New Year's Eve. She remains fierce, funny and a genuinely compassionate…
Dec 10, 2025 · 56:16
Rock and Roll, baby! MN punk legend Cindy Lawson returns to the 'cast to talk holiday music, the big Lennon Tribute at The Fitz, a couple of cool upcoming shows AND a new record…
Dec 9, 2025 · 55:12
Andra Suchy is back with a new album! Battle Cat is a 9 song missive that feature's her signature vocal prowess and songwriting chops. She's also surrounded herself with a band…
Dec 4, 2025 · 46:40
He's back! Ben Cook-Feltz returns to talk about his annual Holiday Shindig at The Cedar on Sunday, Dec 14th! Think of a light-hearted, seasonal variety show featuring an…
Dec 3, 2025 · 58:48
Sumanth Gopinath and Beth Hartman, both of The Gated Community, stop by to talk about their latest album Goodbye Work, their particular brand of Americana and some fun upcoming…
Nov 26, 2025 · 1:02:20
There's a new Red Eye Ruby single on the way! There's also a single release show at the 331 Club in just a coule short weeks! This was a great conversation about Ruby, the band…
Nov 25, 2025 · 1:05:43
Holy wow! This episode features a MN pro wrestling legend, THE Jumpin' Jim Brunzell! He shares so many amazing stories about his youth, his decades-long pro wrestling career and…
Nov 21, 2025 · 1:03:11
Peter Jesperson. You likely know him best as the man that signed and managed The Replacements, but he is so much more. Producer, tastemaker, author and a man with a million…
Nov 19, 2025 · 47:16
Friday, December 5th is a momentous ocassion! It's the 25th anniversary of the release of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. To celebrate, Chris Holm, Berek Awend and a…
Nov 12, 2025 · 1:05:20
6 years! It's wild to think about the fact that we've spent that whole time talking to so many amazing voices from our community and! All that music!! the world has gotten…
Nov 6, 2025 · 1:12:27
One of the all-time Minnesota Radio greats, TD Mischke is back in our studio! He's iconic, iconiclastic and has an absolutely unique way of putting things. Here, we talk about…
Nov 5, 2025 · 1:06:29
Now THAT'S a podcast!! We had a spectacular time talking with Tina and Laura Schielske about the 20th anniversary of Tina's debut solo release, Slow Burn. To celebrate, Tina,…
Oct 30, 2025 · 1:01:38
One of the Twin Cities preeminent Jazz vocalists, Leslie Vincent is back! Back with a brand new single, a forthcoming full-length, AND!! a big release celebration at The Parkway…
Oct 22, 2025 · 1:02:39
This episode marks the return of bassist extrordinaire Greg Norton (Husker Du, Ultrabomb). The Numero Group is set to release Husker Du: 1985 - The Miracle Year, a document of an…
Oct 21, 2025 · 54:16
It's the return of Edie Rae! (Singer, songwriter, President of RaeBeat Records) Edie is back to tell us all about A Musician's Menu, a collection of recipes by musicians and…
Oct 15, 2025 · 1:08:39
It's that time of year! We are frighteningly excited to welcome 'Darkness' Dave Schrader back to the podcast. Dave is a life-long paranormal investigator with a storied carreer…
Oct 13, 2025 · 1:08:07
Jared Brewington is back! YAY! This guy wears so many impressive hats. He's the founder, owner and Main Idea Guy for Official Fried Chicken (with locations in Target Field and US…
Oct 10, 2025 · 1:04:57
She's back!! Legenday burlesque figure Queenie Von Curves makes a return vist to the 'cast. This time, she joins us as her mild-mannered (not!) daytime persona Renata Nijiya,…
Oct 4, 2025 · 53:20
You may know her as Diane, host of The Local Show on The Current. Maybe you know her as her hip-hop alter ego DianeAlsoRaps...but did you also know that she has a really cool…
Oct 3, 2025 · 1:03:00
This time, Chris Mozena (aka 'The Guy' at The Hook and Ladder) stops by to talk about the plight of the independent arts venue, something we've been discussing a lot on the show…
Sep 25, 2025 · 59:28
In addition to being one of the coolest people to ever set foot in the SmartStart MN studio, Minnesota musician Chastity Brown is a very busy bee! She has a show coming up this…
Sep 24, 2025 · 1:00:13
Sarah Morris is back! She's got a great new album 'Say Yes' coming out on 10/10! Come listen and celebrate live that evening at the Dakota. Here, we talk about music, our…
Sep 16, 2025 · 59:26
This Saturday, September 20th, beloved Apple Valley-based venue Bogart's Entertainment Center will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a huge outdoor concert! Co-owner Chris…
Sep 12, 2025 · 56:45
She's back! Mary Bue makes a more than welcome return to talk about her music, her yoga, and her journey back from Lyme Disease. We also talk Taos, Tae Kwon Do and The Partridge…
Sep 10, 2025 · 53:29
Another fantastic episode! Two of the coolest women in Minnesota Music, Cindy Lawson (The Clams, Cindy Lawson) and Barb Brynstad (Turn Turn Turn) join us to talk about the 5th…
Sep 6, 2025 · 50:32
WOW! What an episode! Today we sat down with the inimitable Tricky Miki and Minnesota musical mainstay Janey WInterbauer, two of the featured vocalists for an exceptional evening…
Sep 4, 2025 · 54:06
It's not every day that Bob Dylan pulls the car over and spots you on the street and then asks you to come to the studio to hear you play...her story doesn't end there. Scarlet…
Aug 26, 2025 · 58:42
JC Lippold is one of a kind. A Minnesota musician with an inspirational mission statement. We do a deep dive on his music, our mutual cultural nostalgia and the importance of…
Aug 22, 2025 · 54:30
Today, our guest is Ryan Rud. Ryan (along with his brother Matt) is founder, program director and show host of Rabbit Hole Radio, an internet radio station found on Live365. We…
Aug 19, 2025 · 57:01
We were joined by country music royalty in Sherwin & Pam Linton today! Sherwin has played the Gand Old Opry and most likely in your town in the upper Midwest. He just celebrated…
Aug 15, 2025 · 50:40
Matt Levitt (Sycamore Gap, Ledfoot Larry) stops by to talk about Treylor, his Taylor Swift tribute band. We talk Taylor, the decades-long impact of The Cure, and get all medieval…
Aug 14, 2025 · 58:23
Our favorite punk-rock librarian visited us from Vermont. Jon Copeland has been through hell and back with medical issues and spent nearly a month and a half in the hospital.…
Aug 7, 2025 · 1:01:47
On this episode, a couple of pervious guests appear on the 'cast together for the first time. David Anania (Blue Man Group, Greazy Meal) and Brian Z (Dr. Mambo's Combo) are both…
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