EP. 85 Ranking the Kiss Solo Albums: A Deep Dive into 1978's Musical Experiment

Send us a textBreaking generational cycles begins with understanding that your past doesn't have to define your future. Randi Latzman, creator of Surviving Mom blog, takes us through her powerful journey from childhood abuse survivor to published author and devoted mother determined to parent differently.During the pandemic, Randi channeled her love of writing into creating a platform where she could share her story of childhood trauma while supporting other mothers. What emerged was a dual-purpose blog – surviving her own mother and the day-to-day challenges of motherhood itself. With raw honesty, she explains how growing up in a volatile home shaped her, but didn't determine her path as a parent."You get to decide who you are," Randi emphasizes as we dive into the difficult topic of accepting that our parents failed us. This recognition, while painful, becomes the first step toward healing. Randi shares the moment she knew she had to cut ties with her mother after seeing the same harmful patterns directed at her young daughter – a heartbreaking but necessary choice that exemplifies putting cycle-breaking into action.The conversation takes a beautiful turn when Randi reveals how motherhood itself became her greatest healer: "She held up a mirror to the parts of me that needed fixing and allowed me to truly see them." Through raising her daughter, Randi found a pathway to reconnect with herself and rewrite her story.Her book, "From the Heart of a Mother," offers poetry and inspiration for mothers at every stage – acknowledging both the profound beauty and challenges of parenthood. Rather than delivering advice, Randi's poetry provides connection and understanding, showing readers they're not alone in their struggles or joys.If you've ever wondered if your difficult past means you shouldn't become a parent, Randy's message will resonate deeply. Your history doesn't determine your ability to be an exceptional parent – in many ways, it can become your greatest strength when you commit to doing things differently.Visit survivingmomblog.com to explore Randi's writing and her book "From the Heart of a Mother" – poetry that speaks to the full spectrum of motherhood experiences.Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textWhat's your financial "sleeping level"? According to investment counselor Mick Heyman, that's the amount of money you can comfortably keep in stocks without losing sleep during market turbulence. This insight represents the philosophy at the heart of Heyman's approach to wealth-building—one that prioritizes investor psychology alongside financial strategy.In this enriching conversation, Heyman shares wisdom from his new book, "Mellow Your Money: How to Surf the Market and Build Wealth Without Stressing Yourself Out," explaining why understanding your personal risk tolerance is crucial before market downturns occur. Drawing from decades of experience guiding clients through everything from Black Monday to the pandemic crash, he offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective on diversification that goes beyond simplistic advice.The discussion delves into fascinating territory when Heyman recounts stories of different investor personalities—from the conservative "hit it down the middle" golfer to the swing-for-the-fences gambler. Even when these approaches seem diametrically opposed, Heyman demonstrates how each investor type can find success by acknowledging their psychological relationship with risk. His surfing analogy proves particularly illuminating: just as surfers must look toward the shore rather than down at turbulent waters to stay upright, investors need to focus on long-term horizons instead of daily market fluctuations.Perhaps most valuable is Heyman's candid assessment of day trading pitfalls, cautioning that amateur traders competing against full-time professionals face steep odds. Instead, he advocates a measured approach to investing that acknowledges market unpredictability while building resilience through proper asset allocation. Whether discussing recent tariff concerns, gold as a portfolio diversifier, or the peculiar psychology behind our reluctance to sell winning positions, Heyman's guidance remains grounded in both financial acumen and human understanding.Ready to find your investment comfort zone? Discover how to surf financial waves without wiping out. Subscribe, leave a comment, and learn more about Mick's approach at mellowyourmoney.com.Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textEver wonder what happens when a hard rock enthusiast meets a music lover with deep bluegrass and country roots? That's exactly what unfolds in this special preview episode featuring Shannon Cox, my partner in an exciting new podcast venture called "Talking Rock Fan."What makes our musical chemistry work is how differently we've experienced rock music. Shannon grew up surrounded by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn (even seeing them live shortly before Conway passed) before discovering Kiss, Judas Priest, and eventually thrash metal. Meanwhile, I've been obsessing over album liner notes and collecting specific pressings of favorite records since childhood. These different entry points create fascinating conversations when we discuss the same bands.The episode takes several unexpected turns through musical territory many fans might overlook. We dig into Rick Springfield's surprising heaviness beyond his radio hits, with Shannon discovering the bluesy depth of Springfield's "Snake King" album. We swap stories about the thrill of finding forgotten albums in record store "cutout bins" - those discounted sections where commercial failures often hide artistic treasures.Our mutual appreciation for Kiss solo albums reveals how deeply personal music collecting becomes when you're chasing not just the music, but specific memories attached to particular pressings or editions. As Shannon puts it while describing his own collection spanning from "The Beatles to Slayer," sometimes the breadth of what you enjoy matters less than how deeply you connect with what speaks to you.Whether you're a dedicated vinyl collector, a casual streaming enthusiast, or someone who remembers the thrill of discovering new music before algorithms made recommendations, this conversation captures why sharing musical passions creates such authentic connections between people.Want to join us on this journey? Subscribe to The Ben Maynard Program wherever you get podcasts, and keep an eye out for the launch of "Talking Rock Fan" coming soon. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textEver wondered what happens when a grown man attempts to stuff as many marshmallow Peeps as possible into his mouth? The latest Friday Night Live edition of the Ben Maynard Program answers this burning question with equal parts humor and disappointment.This week's livestream takes an unexpected turn as Ben announces a simulcast on TikTok—a first for the show—while lamenting his terrible performance in the annual "Peep Pack Challenge." Despite once holding a personal record of 15 marshmallow bunnies, Ben barely manages 8 before surrendering, comparing himself to an aging baseball player who can no longer catch up to fastballs. The self-deprecating humor and genuine disappointment make for an endearingly authentic moment.Between celebrity birthdays, historical facts, and show updates, Ben shares news of an exciting venture: a music-focused podcast called "Talking Rock Fan" with his friend Shannon from Indiana. Their natural chemistry during test runs promises engaging conversations for music enthusiasts, with a Facebook page already active for curious listeners. Ben also recounts a parking lot mishap where someone backed into his truck and drove away, prompting an impromptu chase to capture the license plate.Perhaps most touching is Ben's brief but heartfelt reminder about Easter's true significance amid the marshmallow madness. As a self-described "staunch Christian," he emphasizes that while egg hunts and baskets are fun, the resurrection story remains central to the holiday's meaning—adding unexpected depth to an otherwise lighthearted stream.Whether you're here for the challenges, the conversation, or simply Ben's inimitable hosting style, this episode delivers the perfect Friday night entertainment. Subscribe to the podcast, follow on social media, and join the growing Ben Maynard community for more unpredictable moments every week!Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textAs we mark the 50th anniversary of Aerosmith's groundbreaking masterpiece "Toys in the Attic," I'm taking you on a personal journey through one of rock's most influential albums and its lasting impact on music history.Released on April 8, 1975, this nine-track, 37-minute powerhouse would go on to sell over 9 million copies and deliver two of Aerosmith's most enduring hits: "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion." But what makes this album truly special goes far beyond those radio staples – it captured a band at the absolute peak of their powers, with guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford hitting their stride after extensive touring.My relationship with this album began as a 12-year-old Kiss fanatic reluctantly allowing another band into my musical universe. That initial resistance quickly melted away as tracks like "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," and the explosive title track worked their magic. Fifty years later, these songs haven't lost an ounce of their power.We'll also explore how this album's legacy extends far beyond its initial release. When Run DMC collaborated with Tyler and Perry on "Walk This Way" in 1986, it didn't just reach #4 on the Billboard charts – it completely resurrected Aerosmith's career after years of decline and substance abuse struggles, introducing them to an entirely new generation.I'm counting down my personal top 20 Aerosmith songs from the 70s, and you might be surprised where some of your favorites land! Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering these classics for the first time, join me in celebrating this landmark album that helped define American hard rock.Subscribe to the Ben Maynard Program wherever you get your podcasts, and let me know your Aerosmith favorites in the comments below!Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textSeptember 18, 1978 marked a revolutionary moment in rock history – the day all four KISS members simultaneously released solo albums. This wasn't just a marketing gimmick; it was a strategic move to keep the band together during a period of internal friction that fans wouldn't fully understand until years later.On this episode, I dive deep into these four legendary albums, sharing my personal rankings and memories of experiencing them as a 13-year-old superfan. For those not steeped in KISS lore, these records offer fascinating insights into the personalities behind the makeup. Peter Criss surprised everyone with his jazz, swing and R&B influences. Gene Simmons recruited an astonishing lineup of guest stars including Cher, Donna Summer, and Bob Seger. Ace Frehley delivered the only legitimate hit single ("New York Groove") while revealing previously untapped potential. Paul Stanley crafted arguably the most cohesive and KISS-like collection.What makes these albums particularly compelling is how they capture the band at their commercial peak while revealing the creative differences that would eventually lead to lineup changes. As a teenage fan, I initially struggled to understand Peter's departure from the KISS sound, but with age came appreciation for what each member was trying to express. These weren't just KISS albums – they were personal statements that reflected four distinct musical journeys.Whether you're a longtime member of the KISS Army or simply interested in rock history, these solo albums represent a fascinating experiment that has never been duplicated on the same scale. Which one ranks highest in your collection? Join the conversation and share your own rankings in the comments!Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textWhat happens when two lifelong music obsessives trace their journeys from childhood record players to the present day? Magic, that's what. In this deeply nostalgic yet forward-looking conversation, I'm joined by Tommy Sommers from the world's largest KISS podcast, Three Sides of the Coin, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of KISS's "Dressed to Kill" album.Tommy shares the story of discovering his first KISS record as a child at Target while searching for something entirely different – a moment that would shape decades of his life. We trade memories of those massive wooden console stereos our parents owned, how our siblings influenced our musical education, and the remarkable freedom we experienced hearing everything from The Beatles to Motown on the same radio stations. There's something profoundly universal about these formative musical moments that connect us all.Our conversation weaves through fascinating musical history – including the surprising revelation that KISS essentially bankrolled the disco movement when their "Alive!" album success funded Donna Summer's career through Casablanca Records. We analyze "Dressed to Kill" track by track, discussing how Neil Bogart's production choices buried the bass to create a more radio-friendly sound, and how Peter Criss's swing and big band background influenced his often underappreciated drumming style.Beyond KISS, we explore the artificial boundaries between musical genres, why some fans feel compelled to hate certain styles, and how music festivals have changed from showcasing diverse sounds to catering to specific genres. Tommy's photographer's eye and wealth of backstage stories provide a unique window into music culture few get to experience.Whether you're a die-hard KISS fan or simply someone who remembers the transformative power of discovering your first favorite band, this conversation celebrates the lifetime journey music takes us on. Follow Tommy's photography work and podcasts to continue the adventure, and share your own musical origin story in the comments below!Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textThe aftermath of a daring experiment makes for a powerful lesson. After completing "The Drunk Show" last week, Ben Maynard returns with a candid reflection on what happens when a podcast host deliberately gets intoxicated on air as a public service announcement. His shocking revelation? He doesn't remember approximately the last 45 minutes of his own show."Watching myself under the influence of alcohol was horrible," Ben admits, cringing at his slurred speech, impaired movement, and inability to recall basic facts about his favorite band, The Outfield. Despite feeling physically fine the next morning, the experience of watching himself fail a field sobriety test and struggle with basic tasks has left a lasting impression. The glaring cognitive impairment captured on video serves as a vivid demonstration of why responsible drinking matters.With St. Patrick's Day approaching, Ben's timely message resonates beyond entertainment. "I did it so you don't have to," he emphasizes, hoping viewers will learn from his experience rather than repeating it. His friend and fellow podcaster Larry has already followed suit, incorporating breathalyzer tests into his own show to spread awareness about responsible consumption.Between updates on his battle with sciatica and an exciting announcement about a new music podcast collaboration with Shannon from the Eddie Trunk fan community, Ben keeps the conversation flowing. When Tess joins midway through the episode, she provides valuable perspective as the person who witnessed Ben's transformation from sober to dangerously intoxicated during last week's experiment.If you're planning to celebrate this weekend or on St. Patrick's Day, take Ben's advice to heart: arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or stay home. Your future self will thank you for making responsible choices tonight. Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your shows, and follow Ben on Instagram at benmaynardprogram!Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textFour decades can pass in the blink of an eye, especially when the soundtrack is this good. Take a musical journey back to 1985, a year that delivered some of the most influential albums in rock history, now incredibly turning 40 years old. From commercial juggernauts to artistic breakthroughs, these fifteen albums helped define not just a year, but an entire musical era.The mid-80s represented a perfect moment where artistic expression and commercial viability created generation-defining masterpieces. Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required" dominated airwaves with five hit singles and 25 million copies sold worldwide. Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" revolutionized production standards while moving 30 million units globally. And who could forget Heart's self-titled comeback that delivered four top-10 hits despite the Wilson sisters' later misgivings about their glamorous image makeover?This episode also celebrates remarkable career revivals—John Fogerty returning triumphantly after a decade with "Centerfield," Aerosmith reuniting their classic lineup on "Done With Mirrors" to launch their massive comeback, and Simple Minds capitalizing on "The Breakfast Club" success with "Once Upon A Time." We explore how MTV's growing cultural dominance shaped these albums' trajectories, helping transform bands like Mötley Crüe, INXS, and Mr. Mister into household names. And discover why The Outfield's perfect power-pop debut "Play Deep" deserves more recognition beyond their hit "Your Love." Whether these albums formed your teenage soundtrack or you're discovering them for the first time, their influence remains undeniable. Subscribe to the Ben Maynard Program wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube, and help us reach 500 subscribers this year!Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]

Send us a textWhat happens when a podcast host consumes nine shots of tequila over two hours while tracking every change in his speech, coordination, and blood alcohol level? Ben Maynard's "Drunk Show" delivers a raw, unfiltered look at alcohol's progressive effects on the human body and mind — creating perhaps the most authentic public service announcement about responsible drinking you'll ever witness.With St. Patrick's Day approaching, Ben transforms his regular Friday night livestream into a sobering demonstration with his daughter Tess serving as both observer and safety monitor. The episode unfolds as a real-time experiment: one shot every ten minutes, breathalyzer tests charting his journey from 0.007 to 0.12 BAC, and a field sobriety test that removes any doubt about alcohol's impact on motor skills.What makes this episode particularly powerful is watching Ben's transformation. Early on, he maintains his typical conversational style while discussing music, sharing stories, and engaging with viewers. But as the shots accumulate, viewers witness his speech pattern slow, his thought process become fragmented, and his movements grow increasingly uncoordinated. By the ninth shot, even Ben acknowledges, "Forget about it. I'm blitzed."Beyond the experiment itself, Ben delivers heartfelt warnings about drinking and driving, the dangers of lowered inhibitions, and how alcohol affects different body types differently. "Ladies, I'm looking out for you," he emphasizes, explaining how someone smaller than his 202-pound frame would feel the effects much faster.Whether you're planning St. Patrick's Day celebrations or just want to understand alcohol's real effects, this episode offers valuable perspective without preaching. Subscribe to The Ben Maynard Program wherever you get your podcasts, and remember his parting message: "I do this so you don't have to."Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram: benmaynardprogram and subscribe to my YouTube channel: THE BEN MAYNARD PROGRAMI also welcome your comments. email: [email protected]