Track Star*

Testing Dakota Fanning's Music Knowledge

28 aug 2026

Today on Track Star*, we’re putting Emmy-nominated actress Dakota Fanning’s music knowledge to the test with a mix of Southern classics, childhood favorites, and songs that shaped her along the way. Ahead of her new film The Sun Never Sets, Dakota reflects on growing up between Hollywood film sets and a traditional Southern upbringing, sharing stories from her childhood, career, and the music tied to it all. Watch the full episode as Dakota Fanning puts her music knowledge to the test and shares stories from a life spent on and off screen. This Episode's Track List: Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys Cherry Bomb - The Runaways Shoes - Lil Wayne Weather for Tennis - Hilary Duff The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia - Reba McEntire Una Palabra - Carlos Varela Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean

Medium Build Performs for a Live Audience at Track Star HQ

27 aug 2026

Medium Build returns to the Track Star HQ, this time with his band and for Track Star Tonight. Performing a selection of his discography in front of a live audience, Medium Build takes over our office turned concert venue. Watch the full performance, and subscribe for more music, interviews, and Track Star Tonight.   Set List:   00:00 - Intro 00:21 - White Male Privilege 3:55 - Never Learned To Dance 8:54 - It's Not Easy (Falling in Love) 13:19 - Home Depot 18:14 - Triple Marathon 22:25 - Crying Over You 28:23 - Armor

Alex Warren Played Us His Unreleased Album

26 aug 2026

Singer-songwriter Alex Warren previews music from his new album, Wildchild, as he and Jack drive around NYC. Learn what inspires Alex, how fatherhood impacts his music and how he got John Mayer to collaborate on a track. Thanks Rivian for providing the R1S and for supporting Track Star. #Rivianpartner

Testing Whitmer Thomas' Music Knowledge

24 aug 2026

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Alabama’s very own Whitmer Thomas on home-state classic hits and punk-driven 2000s tracks. Showcasing his own musical influence and childhood upbringing, Whitmer Thomas takes us on a tour through his journey as a singer and stand-up comedian and how they intertwined, with anecdotes that shaped his career along the way.   From stories of van tours as a teenager, being raised by his musical mother, and his love-hate relationship with Alabama, Whitmer Thomas has us hooked on this episode of Track Star.   This Episode's Track List:  Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd Reckless Abandon - Blink-182 First Day of My Life - Bright Eyes Trying To Reason With Hurricane Season - Jimmy Buffett Why Can’t We Be Friends - War If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow Every Morning - Sugar Ray Little Criminals - Randy Newman Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Troye Sivan's Music Knowledge

21 aug 2026

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the iconic Australian pop star Troye Sivan on Y2K euphoria and melancholy R&B classics. Revealing the extent of his own musical influence and knowledge, Troye Sivan gives us the opportunity to learn about his journey as a singer and performing artist and his recent experience touring with legendary genre-bending musician Charli XCX.   With personal stories, a rapid guessing speed, and sunglasses that Jack himself wants to purchase now, Troye Sivan brings a laidback chatty vibe to this episode of Track Star.   This Episode's Track List:  Happy & Sad - Kacey Musgraves No Ordinary Love - Sade Virtuoso - Ryan Beatty SS26 - Charli XCX All For You - Janet Jackson Since I Left You - The Avalanches Music - Madonna Sleeping In - The Radio Dept. Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing This Legendary Rapper's Music Knowledge

19 aug 2026

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing legendary rapper Too $hort on Funk deep-cuts and influential Hip-Hop classics. Revealing the extent of his music knowledge, Too $hort gives us the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the overlapping worlds and influences of Motown, Funk, and Hip-Hop.   Too $hort takes the time today to show us some of the music he was raised on, breaking down how his father’s love of Funk and Motown influenced his own creative process and musical appreciation.   With personal stories and impressive knowledge, Too $hort presents a unique and important perspective on early Hip-Hop figures and influences.    This Episode's Track List:  Distant Lover - Marvin Gaye Mary Jane - Rick James Computer Love - Zapp You Dropped A Bomb On Me - The Gap Band It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube I Get Around (ft. Shock G, Money B) - 2Pac Stompin’ And Pimpin - 8Ball & MJG EARFQUAKE - Tyler, The Creator I Don’t F**k With You - Big Sean DADZ LOVE - Justin Bieber, Lil B Last Time That I Checc’d (ft YG) - Nipsey Hussle Fantastic Voyage - Lakeside Love’s Train - Con Funk Shun   Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Frontman of the Killer’s Music Knowledge

17 aug 2026

Today on Track Star*, we are joined by Brandon Flowers to talk about some of the songs and artists that have inspired his work, both as a solo artist and frontman of the band The Killers. Listening to some classic songs and sharing personal stories of bleached hair, Strokes-induced depression, and playing with Bruce Springsteen, Brandon breaks down how artists like Bruce, The Strokes, and others became a part of his life and fundamentally changed how he approached music. Brandon takes the time today to share with us his love for a wide range of music and show us the importance of listening to and learning from a wide variety of influences. This Episode's Track List: Crying - Roy Orbison Cry! Cry! Cry! - Johnny Cash Hard to Explain - The Strokes Louisiana 1927 - Randy Newman Badlands - Bruce Springsteen Watching the Detectives - Elvis Costello Everyday - Weyes Blood Pulling Mussels (From the Shell) - Squeeze Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Brittany Howard’s Music Knowledge

12 aug 2026

Brittany Howard, acclaimed solo artist and lead singer of band Alabama Shakes, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few classic Funk, Rock, and Doo-Wop songs and discuss their personal and historical importance. Discussing artists from Pink Floyd to Sly Stone, Brittany explains how the music she grew up with influenced the music she makes today, and how some art and artists can challenge us to think outside the box, accept ourselves, and be better human beings. Today’s episode is full of thoughtful commentary, important life stories, and plenty of dancing and singing to accompany. This Episode's Track List: Holdin’ On - Sly and the Family Stone Moonage Daydream - David Bowie Runaround Sue - Dion Blue Moon - The Marcels Have a Cigar - Pink Floyd Bambi - Prince Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Jackie DeShannon Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Travis Barker’s Music Knowledge

10 aug 2026

Travis Barker, best known for his work as drummer in the band Blink-182, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to some iconic rap, rock, punk, and hardcore, and break down some of his earliest and most important influences, explaining how the music they made, from Led Zeppelin to the Muppets, changed his life. Revealing his favorite punk and metal bands, as well as the drummers that inspired him to work hard and play harder, Travis shows us that making great music is an exercise of equal parts joy and dedication. Telling a complicated life story between drum breaks and hard rock classics, Travis takes the time today to share with us a new perspective on his life and the moments behind the music that defined it. This Episode's Track List: Paul Revere - Beastie Boys Beat on the Brat - Ramones Aint Talkin Bout Love - Van Halen Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin Super Rad! - The Aquabats! My War - Black Flag I’m the One - Descendents Raining Blood - Slayer Love for Sale - The Buddy Rich Big Band Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Our Neighbor's Music Knowledge

7 aug 2026

Today on Track Star* we met with John, a firefighter from down the street, to talk about some classic rock and hardcore songs. John breaks down some of the most important and influential figures in the genre and teaches us what makes a hardcore show so special. John shows off his impressive hardcore music knowledge and shares his deep love for Oasis, and through today’s hardcore lesson, John shows us how the most important thing in music is creating a connection between the songs and the fans. This Episode's Track List:  Losing My Religion - R.E.M. Don’t Look Back in Anger - Oasis The Wire - HAIM I Wanna Be Adored - The Stone Roses BLACKOUT - Turnstile Vapour Tail - Ride New Direction - Gorilla Biscuits Break Down the Walls - Youth of Today In-Between - Title Fight We Gotta Know - Cro-Mags If I Can’t Change My Mind - Sugar Covet - Basement I Remember - Agnostic Front Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxo… (https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxo%E2%80%A6)

Oscar Peterson Was No Regular Pianist (ft. Christian McBride & Kelly Peterson)

5 aug 2026

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we’re celebrating the centennial of Oscar Peterson with two guests who have helped preserve and carry forward his extraordinary legacy. Jack is joined by Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s wife and the head of his estate and legendary bassist Christian McBride, who reflects on Peterson’s unmatched artistry and influence on generations of jazz musicians. Together, they revisit some of Oscar Peterson’s most iconic tracks -- including "Tenderly,", "Hymn to Freedom," and "Love Ballade" -- while sharing personal stories and exploring the brilliance that made him one of the greatest pianists and composers of all time. This episode is a celebration of Oscar Peterson’s life, music, and lasting legacy. This Episode's Track List: 00:00 - Intro 2:54 - Oscar Peterson - Tenderly 16:54 - Oscar Peterson Trio - Falling In Love With Love 25:50 - Oscar Peterson Trio - Night Train 27:50 - Oscar Peterson Trio - C Jam Blues 31: 22 - Oscar Peterson Trio - Hymn To Freedom 37:16 - Oscar Peterson Trio - Wheatland 42:51 - Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson - Mean To Me 51: 44 - Oscar Peterson - Love Ballade Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1d5i6AQX4dZaO4MDCbdhjR New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-track-star-podcast/id1836496108 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-track-star-podcast-294088650/ More platforms: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Florence Road Performs their Hit Song "Hanging Out to Dry"

4 aug 2026

Florence Road joins us for an exclusive live performance of their hit song Hanging Out to Dry. Subscribe for more live music, interviews, and performances from Track Star Tonight. Watch the full 30 minute live performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRtEmI5b0g0&list=RDfRtEmI5b0g0&start_radio=1&t=1305s

Testing Questlove's Music Knowledge

3 aug 2026

Questlove, the multi-dimensional musician, filmmaker, and artist, joins us today on Track Star* to show us his deep and profound appreciation for music, and to teach us about the role music has played throughout his life. Originally gaining notoriety as drummer and co-frontman of the Roots, Questlove became a core member of the Soulquarian collective. Today, Questlove gives us a peek into the group's creative process, as well as a lesson on the history of the collective and the members who made it iconic. As we walk through different musical moments and movements, Questlove takes the time to share with us his love for music and the people who make it. This Episode's Track List: The Light - Common Don’t Leave Me This Way (ft. Teddy Pendergrass) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes I Won’t Last a Day Without You - Carpenters For the Love of Money - The O’Jays Bang the Drum All Day - Todd Rundgren Long Lonely Nights - Lee Andrews & The Hearts Loan Me a Dime - Boz Scaggs Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxo…

Testing This Legendary Guitarist’s Music Knowledge

31 jul 2026

In today’s episode of Track Star* Warren Haynes, best known for his work as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, joins us to listen to some iconic, genre-defining Blues and Rock songs, and to discuss the influence they had on the development of Rock. Haynes takes the time today to give us an important lesson on the history of the guitar and how it defined Blues and Rock and Roll music. Diving into the music that influenced him as a child to pick up the guitar and learn to play, Jack and Warren take us on a walk through Rock and Blues history, giving us advice on how to listen to and make music along the way. In discussing his own music alongside the music that came before him, Haynes offers a unique and important perspective on the narrative of Rock history. This Episode's Track List: Fire - The Jimi Hendrix Experience Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton Sweet Little Angel - B.B. King Going Down - Freddie King Born Under a Bad Sign - Albert King Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead Midnight in Harlem - Tedeschi Trucks Band Cortez the Killer - Neil Young & Crazy Horse Statesboro Blues - Blind Willie McTell If This Is Just a Game - David Allan Coe Mississippi Queen - Mountain Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing this Punk Legend's Music Knowledge

29 jul 2026

Lenny Kaye is an icon of the punk rock scene. As a member of the Patti Smith Group, as well as in his work as a solo artist and rock critic, Kaye joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few songs and break down some important Punk history. Beginning with a discussion of the songs and movements that influenced Kaye himself as a child, the conversation soon shifts to a broader discussion of what defined the punk scene and mindset, and how that developed over time. Kaye joins us today for an invaluable, first-person perspective on the New York punk movement of the late 70s, interrupted only occasionally by singing and dancing. This Episode's Track List: Gloria - The Cadillacs Never Let You Go - The Five Discs Johnny Too Bad - The Slickers Know Your Rights - The Clash The Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion) - Grateful Dead Sonic Reducer - Dead Boys White Wedding - Billy Idol Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Swamp Dogg's Music Knowledge

27 jul 2026

Today on Track Star* we are joined by legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Swamp Dogg to cover some of the songs that defined his career and discuss the complicated and somewhat blurred relationship between country and R&B. Swamp Dogg takes some time today to break down a few classic country and R&B songs, giving us an insider perspective on the hit-making process and a unique view of the people behind the iconic songs. Between the songs and the stories, Swamp Dogg gives an important analysis of Country and R&B and the similarities and differences between the two. This Episode's Track List: Cry to Me - Solomon Burke She’s All I Got - Johnny Paycheck She’s All I Got - Freddie North In the Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett Please Don’t Bury Me - John Prine Quarter to Three - Gary U.S. Bonds You Ain’t Woman Enough - Loretta Lynn Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd He’s Sure the Boy I Love - The Crystals Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis Searching For Heaven - Swamp Dogg Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

The Biggest Emo Fan We've Ever Had on the Show

24 jul 2026

We are joined today by lifetime emo fan and expert Charlee to learn about what defines emo music, how it has developed and changed, and how it has influenced her life. As Jack walks Charlee through decades of emo music, she teaches us about the different waves and movements within the emo genre, explaining what classifies the movements and how they changed the face of the genre. Charlee joins us today on Track Star* for the first of her many unemployment sidequests to give us an in-depth look into a fascinating genre, with some helpful tips for crowdsurfing and search engine optimization along the way. This Episode's Track List: Just Another Face - Modern Baseball In Circles - Sunny Day Real Estate Two Deliverances - The Hotelier …So They Left Me At a Gas Station - Marietta MakeDamnSure - Taking Back Sunday Using - Sorority Noise Object Permanence - Arm’s Length All My Friends Are so Depressed - Joyce Manor The Gold (Phoebe Bridgers Version) - Manchester Orchestra Twin Size Mattress - The Front Bottoms Anchor Down - Real Friends Clairvoyant - The Story So Far Nothing Feels Good - The Promise Ring Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

We Turned Our Office Into an ACTUAL Concert Venue w/ Florence Road

23 jul 2026

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Track Star Tonight. To kick off our new series, Florence Road joins us for an exclusive live performance. The up and coming Irish band performs a selection of songs in front of a live audience at our office turned concert venue. Watch the full performance, and subscribe for more live music, interviews, and performances from Track Star Tonight. Set List: 00:00 - Intro 0:26 Figure It Out 3:33 Miss 7:14 Storm Warnings 10:54 Heavy 14:33 Rabbits Can Swim 18:33 Hand Me Downs 22:00 Hanging Out to Dry 26:31 Break the Girl 31:02 Goodnight

Testing KISS's Music Knowledge

22 jul 2026

Today on the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS to talk about rock and roll songwriting, the New York City music scene, and what it really takes to make a song, or a band, truly great. With a collection of songs spanning American and English rock, punk, Motown, and more, Paul and Gene share their thoughts on how different artists and movements engage with the craft of songwriting and balance the art of the song with the energy of performance and the demand of the public. Gene and Paul join us today for a crash-course on rock and roll songwriting, emphasizing, as they have throughout their careers, that the most important thing is the song. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 00:12 - I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles 03:54 - Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals 05:20 - Then She Kissed Me - KISS 09:35 - I Can’t Explain - The Who 13:52 - Personality Crisis - New York Dolls 18:37 - Rock & Roll - The Velvet Underground 23:35 - Cum On Feel The Noize - Slade 24:58 - Ballroom Blitz - Sweet 26:16 - Bang a Gong (Get It On) - T. Rex 29:18 - The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles 30:44 - New York Groove - Ace Frehley Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1d5i6AQX4dZaO4MDCbdhjR New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-track-star-podcast/id1836496108 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-track-star-podcast-294088650/ More platforms: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Gov. Wes Moore’s Music Knowledge

20 jul 2026

This week on the Track Star Podcast, Jack is joined by Maryland Governor and Music-Obsessed Wes Moore. In this episode, he sits down with Jack to unpack the songs that have shaped his life, from the music that soundtracked his childhood and helped form his identity to those that continue to inspire his work today. He reflects on his childhood, the influence of hip-hop, and how music became such a big part of his life. Sharing stories behind the songs and artists that left a lasting impact, they go from the cultural significance of The Notorious B.I.G. and A Tribe Called Quest to the messages found in Sam Cooke and Nina Simone, exploring the intersection of music, leadership, politics, and storytelling. This Episode’s Track List: 00:00 - Intro 01:41 - People Everyday - Arrested Development 03:00 - Hypnotize - The Notorious B.I.G. 14:20 - Award Tour - A Tribe Called Quest ft. Trugoy the Dove 16:17 - You Got Me - The Roots ft. Erykah Badu & Eve 22:45 - Mean Old World - Sam Cooke 26:19 - Baltimore - Nina Simone Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1d5i6AQX4dZaO4MDCbdhjR New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-track-star-podcast/id1836496108 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-track-star-podcast-294088650/ More platforms: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing the Host of “Song Exploder” on his Music Knowledge

17 jul 2026

Today we are joined by Hrishikesh Hirway, musician and host of the hit podcast Song Exploder, to listen to and discuss some of the songs that have influenced and defined his work, both in his music and his show. In this episode, Jack chooses a few songs to play for us, and Hrishikesh explains the personal and professional significance they have had on his life and career. Hrishikesh talks about his love for exploring and investigating the stories and influences behind songs, as well as what made him start his podcast, and how it reconnected him to music. Hrishikesh takes the time today to teach us what it means to dive into a song and share with us how curiosity and passion can change the way we see the world. This Episode's Track List: The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - The Postal Service Our House - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Jeremy - Pearl Jam Ivy - Frank Ocean Stranger - Ken Pomeroy Seventeen - Sharon Van Etten Red Moon - Big Thief Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Legendary Producer David Porter Helped DEFINE Soul Music

15 jul 2026

David Porter, one of the key figures behind Stax Records, joins us today on the Track Star Podcast to discuss his role as one of the primary songwriters, hitmakers, and creative forces behind the Memphis soul movement. ​ Starting with his youth in Memphis, Porter brings us along for a trip through his life, exploring the complex influences that came together in Memphis in the early 60s to define the Stax sound. Porter explains the importance of Stax Records’ position as a collective movement coming out of a segregated Memphis at the time. ​ In today’s episode, David Porter tells a story of the race, music, unity, and respect that defined Stax Records, setting it apart from the music of its time and creating an iconic and timeless sound.  This Episode’s Tracklist:  00:00 - Intro 01:14 - Soul Man - Sam & Dave 05:43 - Sincerely - The Moonglows 08:22 - Blue Monday - Fats Domino 15:27 - Cause I Love You - Carla and Rufus 20:37 - Green Onions - Booker T. & The M.G.’s 20:01 - Last Night - The Mar-Keys 24:56 - Heat Wave - Martha and the Vandelles 25:21 - Hold On, I’m Comin - Sam & Dave 29:03 - B-A-B-Y - Carla Thomas 36:25 - These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding 43:08 - (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next.

Testing Jack Johnson's Music Knowledge | Track Star*

13 jul 2026

Jack Johnson joins Track Star* today to listen to a few songs and chat about the impact they had on his life, personally and professionally, and how those songs and artists continue to inform the work he does today. In this episode, Jack Johnson gets into the role music played in his childhood, his falling in love, and his life as a surfer, a filmmaker, and finally a musician. Exploring the power of music to make us laugh and cry, and to transport us to different times and places, Johnson emphasizes, above all else, the importance of love and hope in his music and in his life. Jack teaches us, ultimately, that music exists so that we might meet each other, share experiences, and learn to understand and love each other in new ways.  This Episode's Track List:  If 6 Was 9 - Jimi Hendrix Steal My Kisses - Ben Harper These Arms of Mine - Otis Redding Bad Mouth - Fugazi Box Full of Letters - Wilco All The Time - Bahamas Night Nurse - Gregory Isaacs Driftless - Greg Brown Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

D’Arcy Carden Was Born to Play Track Star

10 jul 2026

D’Arcy Carden, Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian, joins us on Track Star* today to do what she claims she was put on this earth to do: music trivia. Starting with a story about listening to music in the backseat of her mom’s car, D’Arcy and Jack have a conversation about how she came to love music, the artists that inspired her growth, and the many defining roles music has played throughout her life.  Bringing the joy she feels when listening to music onto the street today, D’Arcy spreads her love for music to the world and proves that she might really have been put here for this. This Episode's Track List:  The Waiting - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder Can I Kick It? - A Tribe Called Quest Heathcliff - Snocaps Venus as a Boy - Bjork Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra War - Edwin Starr Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

6 Perfect Songs ft. Este Haim

8 jul 2026

Today on the Track Star Podcast, Este Haim joins Jack to talk about a few perfect songs. Este and Jack each brought 3 (ish) songs to the table to discuss what makes them perfect, the influences they have had, and the personal significances they carry. Taking us on a journey through time and genre, Este and Jack cover everything from transcendental meditation to Britney Spears’ Pop perfection. As Este walks us through a few of her perfect songs, she reveals the songs, artists, and moments that inspired her to make music, and how her family supported and encouraged that dream. In this episode, Este and Jack teach us the importance of appreciating life and the people around us as they share some of the songs they consider to be perfect. This Episode’s Tracklist: 00:00 - Intro 02:12 - Genius of Love - Tom Tom Club 08:39 - Serpentine Fire - Earth, Wind & Fire 17:37 - …Baby One More Time - Britney Spears 17:52 - Oops!... I Did It Again - Britney Spears 19:11 - Toxic - Britney Spears 24:42 - When Doves Cry - Prince 25:32 - Little Red Corvette - Prince 38:43 - The Love I Lost (ft. Teddy Pendergrass) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes 40:30 - Nick of Time - Bonnie Raitt 42:07 - Have A Heart - Bonnie Raitt 42:37 - Not The Only One - Bonnie Raitt New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1d5i6AQ... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... More platforms: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxo...

Mad Men Stars Go Head-to-Head | Track Star* Versus

6 jul 2026

Actors John Hamm and John Slattery face off today in a head-to-head music trivia battle. Pitting the long-time friends against each other, Jack got to know more about their friendship, the work they have done together, and their upcoming movie, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass.  As they compete, the two Johns break down how their friendship has grown and developed over the course of the movies they have done together and why they like working together so much. With songs ranging from Bad Bunny to Neil Diamond, Jack challenges Hamm and Slattery to show off their music knowledge in this exciting episode of Track Star* Versus.  Today’s Tracklist: American Girl - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond Conversation 16 - The National  Bye Bye Birdie - Ann-Margret Freddie Freeloader - Miles Davis Tití me Preguntó - Bad Bunny Nightswimming - R.E.M. Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing Johnny Knoxville’s Music Knowledge | Track Star*

3 jul 2026

Johnny Knoxville, the acclaimed stuntman, actor, comedian, and producer known best for his role as co-creator and star of Jackass, joins us today to listen to a few songs and share stories of how the show came to be and what it means to him.  Covering a few classic Outlaw Country songs as well as some iconic Jackass songs, Johnny explains the influence of music on him personally, as well as the role it played in the development and creation of the show.  In today’s episode, Johnny reflects on the time he spent working on Jackass, discussing the people who made it special and how he feels now that it has ended.  This Episode's Track List:  Shine A Light - The Rolling Stones Corona - Minutemen  Me and Paul - Willie Nelson If You’re Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough - Roger Alan Wade Banana In Your Fruit Basket - Bo Carter The Pill - Loretta Lynn Mystifies Me - Ron Wood Motherf***er Got F*cked Up - Folk Uke 96 Quite Bitter Beings - CKY My Cricket - Leon Russell Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Listening to Grunge Influences with Pearl Jam’s Bassist

1 jul 2026

Today on Track Star*, Jack is joined by legendary Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament to discuss his life and work, and the wide variety of music that inspired it.  In this episode, Jeff and Jack have a conversation about music, community, and the glue that binds us together as they talk about the moments and memories that made Jeff Ament.  Covering everything from his early childhood in rural Montana to his youth in Seattle to his time with Pearl Jam and beyond, Jeff shows us how building community and encouraging positive human interaction can change lives.  This Episode's Track List:  Stir It Up (Jamaican Version) - Bob Marley & The Wailers The Lemon Song - Led Zeppelin The Magnificent Seven - The Clash Never Fight a Man with a Perm - IDLES Could You Be The One? - Hüsker Dü Poptones - Public Image Ltd. Roundabout - Yes Glue - SS Decontrol Sludgefest - Dinosaur Jr. Rain - The Beatles Protest and Survival - Discharge Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing John Leguizamo's Latin Music Knowledge

29 jun 2026

This week on Track Star* Jack is joined by comedian, actor, and producer, John Leguizamo to cover some iconic Latin artists and discuss how Latin music speaks for and resonates with populations around the world.  Along the way, John and Jack consider how Bad Bunny became the #1 artist in the world, how salsa in the 70s created a space for Latin people in New York, and the cultural significance of the breakthrough by Latin artists in the past few years.  John takes us on a brief and powerful journey through a slice of the history of Latin music, with many dance breaks to accompany.  This Episode's Track List:  EoO - Bad Bunny La Freak - Paloma Mami & Rauw Alejandro The Message - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five El Cantante - Héctor Lavoe  Despídase bien - Carin León  Get Up (I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine) - James Brown Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa

Testing This Legendary Rapper’s Music Knowledge

26 jun 2026

Rapper and actor Heems, best known for his work with rap group Das Racist, joins Jack for a conversation about the rap, rock, and indie music that defined his taste growing up, in college, and as an artist.  Heems and Jack discuss how the music of the 90s and early 2000s influenced the humor, freedom, and DIY energy of his work, and we learn how this spirit continues to manifest itself in his producing, acting, and solo writing today.  In today’s interview, Heems talks us through the music and moments of his life that have made him such a unique, offbeat, and exciting artist.  This Episode's Track List:  Kids - MGMT Zion Wolf Theme (Unfinished) - Jai Paul Marquee Moon - Television I Wanna Be Adored - The Stone Roses Bruises - Chairlift Bhairav - Charanjit Singh Death - Camu Tao Comfy in Nautica - Panda Bear Baar Baar Dekho - Mohammed Rafi Dance With Me - 112 Thumka - Zack Knight Lovers Rock - TV Girl I’m Ready - The Diplomats Watch our podcast here: https://play.megaphone.fm/f-rd86qotxojfhckdq6uaa