Are They Still With Us

We owe you an apology for the delay. We ran into some major computer issues and had to take an unexpected break — turns out internal storage has limits (who knew). This episode was actually recorded on October 27, and thankfully we had the foresight to move our files to an external hard drive before everything went sideways.In this episode, Chris leads a deep dive into Midwest emo — where it came from, how it grew out of the D.C. hardcore scene, and why its emotional honesty still resonates decades later. We trace the connections between bands like Rites of Spring, Fugazi, Sunny Day Real Estate, American Football, Dashboard Confessional, and beyond, all the way to modern revivals and TikTok rediscoveries.

In 1985, the biggest names in music—from Springsteen to Stevie—crowded into one studio, stayed up all night, and recorded a charity single that became a global phenomenon. But behind the anthem were egos, walkouts, awkward Swahili lessons, and legends guiding legends to the bathroom. In this episode, Hannah and Chris dig into the wild backstory of We Are the World: who showed up, who didn’t, and why the messy, magical chaos still echoes almost 40 years later.

Ever sworn Freddie Mercury ended “We Are the Champions” with “…of the world”? Or found yourself confidently singing “hold me closer, Tony Danza” like it was gospel? Same.In this episode, Chris and I dig into all the little ways music has been messing with our memories — from Mandela Effects that make you question reality to misheard lyrics that prove our ears have been lying to us for decades.

In this episode of Are They Still With Us?, Hannah and Chris keep their word (for once!) and dive into one of rock’s strangest disappearances. Jeremy Spencer, Fleetwood Mac’s original slide-guitar virtuoso, walked out in 1971 to “buy a magazine” — and never came back. Days later, the band found him fully immersed in the Children of God cult.From his blues-driven beginnings with Mac to the surreal intervention attempt by his bandmates, we trace Spencer’s shocking exit, the royalties that funded a notorious religious group, and the allegations that have shadowed him ever since. Hannah and Chris also share their recent concert adventures seeing The Ocean Blue and Black Star Orchestra, before breaking down how one man’s choice shaped the future of Fleetwood Mac forever.Is Jeremy Spencer still with us? Yes — alive, making music, but forever tied to one of rock’s darkest twists.

Fleetwood Mac wasn’t always the shawl-twirling rock soap opera we know today. In this episode, Hannah and Chris trace the band’s wild journey — from Peter Green’s bluesy beginnings and cult disappearances to Stevie and Lindsey’s fiery entrance and the chaotic masterpiece that became Rumours. Expect cults, cocaine, breakups, affairs, and shawls galore — plus a few personal asides (including why Rhiannon almost became a baby name in the Kelly household). As always, we’ll ask the ultimate question: Are they still with us?PODCAST SUGGESTIONS? Email us at [email protected]

Some songs just won’t stay in their decade. This week, we’re digging into tracks that got a second (or third!) life thanks to cover versions. From Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” becoming a Guns N’ Roses anthem, to unexpected Beach Boys bangers that everyone wanted to rework — we trace how covers can sometimes outshine the originals.Chris swears we only recorded this episode so he’d have something to listen to while mowing the lawn, but trust us — this is one you’ll want blasting through your headphones, no mower required.

What if the band you saw was the literal thing you were seeing? Imagine dodging blades at a Killers concert, or realizing that Dead and Company is… well, not doing encores for very obvious reasons.In this episode, we unravel the hilariously dark (and sometimes deeply confusing) possibilities of band names taken way too literally. Chris goes on an epic rant about Dead and Company ticket prices (spoiler: he’s not paying $1100 ), and Hannah barely keeps the train on the tracks.It’s unhinged. It’s chaotic. It’s somehow still about music.Grab your snacks, say a prayer for your wallet, and dive in.

We’re diving into Paul and Linda McCartney’s post-Beatles era — from goofy musical lyrics while forming Wings to dropping love songs that critics hated (but we secretly love). Plus: Dustin Hoffman, Picasso, and the case for forgiving “Silly Love Songs.”Have an episode request? Email us at [email protected]

Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance was emotional, epic, and unforgettable. We break down Back to the Beginning—from the setlist to the Sabbath reunion, Yungblud’s touching gift, and the moments that sealed his legacy. Yes, Hannah cries...againHave an episode request? Email us at [email protected]

This week, we dive into the fuzzy, feedback-drenched legacy of The Jesus and Mary Chain—those gloomy Scottish brothers who turned bedroom noise into a full-blown sonic revolution. From lo-fi recordings in East Kilbride to inciting actual riots at 15-minute gigs, the Reids made chaos an art form. Naturally, we honored that chaos by losing audio mid-recording. Twice. 🙃We’ll be back next week to talk about… someone else.📬 Got a suggestion, wild theory, or band you’re dying to hear about? Hit us up at [email protected]