The Allison Hagendorf Show

One of my dearest friends in music came over to the house. 🖤

MOD SUN joined me for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had about sobriety, heartbreak, purpose, creativity, healing, and why he believes he's entering the greatest chapter of his life.

We dive deep into his incredible new album, how Nashville completely changed his creative process, making music inspired by Bob Dylan, collaborating with Chris Carrabba, his friendship with Machine Gun Kelly, becoming sober, finding peace after heartbreak, and why he finally feels like he's made the quintessential MOD SUN album.

We also talk about:

⚡️ Warped Tour memories and how our friendship began
⚡️ Life after heartbreak and finding a new purpose
⚡️ Why Bob Dylan inspired this new chapter
⚡️ Creating the "quintessential" MOD SUN album
⚡️ Why Nashville changed everything
⚡️ Working with Chris Carrabba on "Danger"
⚡️ Using songwriting as therapy
⚡️ Relationships, love, and wanting to become a father
⚡️ Looking back on his dad and the lessons he carries today
⚡️ His sobriety journey, overdose, and rock bottom
⚡️ Learning to become a better person
⚡️ Regrets, perspective, and living without fear
⚡️ Making peace with his past, including Avril Lavigne
⚡️ Defining success beyond fame and money
⚡️ His lifelong brotherhood with Machine Gun Kelly
⚡️ Why rock music is entering an exciting new era
⚡️ The songs, albums, and artists that changed his life
⚡️ Advice for staying present and living with purpose

Plus: oatmeal cookies, Shirley Temples, vintage barware, brownies, banana hammocks, and plenty of laughs along the way.

If you're a longtime MOD SUN fan or simply love conversations about music, resilience, creativity, recovery, and finding your purpose, this one is for you.

❤️ Subscribe for more At Home conversations:
https://youtube.com/@AllisonHagendorf

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts:
https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa

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✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf
✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com
✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf
✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf
✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf

00:00 - Intro
01:51 - Cookies, Shirley Temples & Brian
05:00 - Connecting at Warped Tour & Friendship Origins
06:30 - How Are You Feeling?
09:12 - New Music & Life After Heartbreak
12:54 - Making Music Like Bob Dylan
17:00 - The Quintessential MOD SUN Album
19:32 - Why Nashville Changed Everything
22:37 - "Danger" with Chris Carrabba
32:32 - Music as Therapy
33:43 - Relationships, Love & Wanting to Be a Dad
36:53 - Looking Back at His Father
39:14 - Sobriety, Rock Bottom & Second Chances
41:53 - Becoming a Better Person
46:09 - Living Without Regrets
48:18 - Making Peace with Avril Lavigne
49:20 - What Success Really Means
52:14 - The Brotherhood with Machine Gun Kelly
57:30 - Why Rock Music Is Changing
59:56 - Deep Cuts
1:10:21 - Outro
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One of my favorite bands of the last 20 years finally came over to the house. 🖤

Simon Neil and Ben Johnston of Biffy Clyro joined me for an honest conversation about friendship, longevity, songwriting, mental health, aging, creativity, and what it takes to keep a band together for more than 25 years.

We dive deep into their incredible new album Futique, recording at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, working with producer Jonathan Gilmore, and why this record feels so special.

We also talk about:

⚡️ Returning to the U.S. after years away
⚡️ Recording at Hansa Studios and the magic of Berlin
⚡️ Working with Jonathan Gilmore (The 1975, Nothing But Thieves)
⚡️ The themes behind Futique and songs like "Hunting Season"
⚡️ Their songwriting process after 10 studio albums
⚡️ Family, kids, baking, and life outside the band
⚡️ "Shot One" and appreciating life in the present moment
⚡️ The emotional story behind "Goodbye"
⚡️ James Johnston's mental health journey and the band's brotherhood
⚡️ The healing power of live music
⚡️ Aging, creativity, and protecting your energy
⚡️ Brian Wilson, "God Only Knows," and Glastonbury
⚡️ Human creativity vs AI
⚡️ Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Jeff Buckley, and their musical influences
⚡️ The lessons they've learned after 25 years together
⚡️ Advice they would give their younger selves

Plus: brownies, Scotland stories, Glasgow rugby players, and some of the most thoughtful reflections on music I've heard in a long time.

If you're a longtime Biffy fan or simply love conversations about creativity, resilience, and finding meaning through music this one is for you.

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts:
https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa

❤️ FOLLOW ALLISON ON SOCIALS
✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf
✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com
✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf
✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf
✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf

#BiffyClyro #SimonNeil #Futique

00:00 - Welcome
01:39 - Intro
02:24 - Finally Back in the U.S.
03:37 - Playing the New Music Live
04:27 - Recording Futique at Hansa Studios in Berlin
07:15 - Working with Jonathan Gilmore
08:28 - Themes of the Album & "Hunting Season"
10:09 - Songwriting After 10 Albums
12:07 - Baking & Brownies
15:03 - Kids & Family
16:45 - "Shot One"
19:04 - Reflection & Living in the Moment
19:55 - "Goodbye"
24:10 - James Johnston & Mental Health
25:09 - How They're Feeling Right Now
26:50 - The Healing Power of Playing Live
30:01 - Sustaining the Physicality of Touring
31:10 - Glastonbury, Brian Wilson & "God Only Knows"
33:29 - Aging, Songwriting & Perspective
35:39 - Human Creativity vs AI
39:39 - Finding Your Own Music & Influences
43:29 - Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Tron & Jared Leto
45:42 - Lessons Learned After 25 Years
49:39 - Glasgow Stories & Scotland
51:22 - Advice to Their Younger Selves
54:03 - Outro
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Chocolate-loaded peanut butter cookies, vulnerability, and one of the most honest conversations I’ve ever had on this show. 🍪🎸

In this intimate home hang, I welcome Red Leather for his first-ever in-person podcast interview — and what unfolds is raw, emotional, reflective, and deeply human.

From addiction and near-death experiences to sobriety, gratitude, and finding purpose through music, Red Leather opens up about the real stories behind Reno and Tahoe and the life that inspired them.

Red Leather opens up about:
⚡️ Writing Reno during active addiction and Tahoe in sobriety
⚡️ The importance of place and creating music in Joshua Tree, Tahoe, Big Bear, and beyond
⚡️ The terrifying true story behind “Last Call”
⚡️ Hitting multiple rock bottoms before finally getting sober
⚡️ His heart attack, overdose, and the moment everything changed
⚡️ “Angel Song,” love, healing, and learning how to receive support
⚡️ “Losing My Religion” and questioning everything you thought you believed
⚡️ Nirvana, Radiohead, and the music that shaped his voice and sound
⚡️ Addiction, escapism, and the cycle of shame
⚡️ Why sobriety gave him clarity and helped him become who he really is
⚡️ The origin of the Red Leather persona and how the mask became a symbol of hope
⚡️ Gratitude as a superpower
⚡️ The role live music plays in human connection and healing
⚡️ His dreams of creating timeless albums and building a lasting legacy

Plus: cookies, deep music conversations, Marvin Gaye, Phantom Planet, Radiohead deep dives, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change your life.

This is Red Leather , vulnerable, thoughtful, and just getting started.

Subscribe on Substack for more behind-the-scenes from our house hangs: allisonhagendorf.substack.com

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa

⸻
❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON
✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com
✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf
✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com
✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf
✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf
✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf

⸻
00:00 - Intro
01:38 - Welcome & Cookies
03:32 - Reno vs Tahoe & Sense of Place
05:16 - Songwriting Process
06:49 - The Story Behind “Last Call”
11:42 - Rock Bottom & Near-Death Experiences
13:56 - “Angel Song” & Healing Through Love
15:51 - Favorite & Most Surprising Moment on the Album
16:32 - “Losing My Religion”
18:27 - “Get Out of My Head” & Nirvana’s Influence
20:11 - The Role of Music in Life
22:53 - The Start of Addiction
25:03 - Sobriety, Clarity & Becoming Himself Again
25:34 - The Mask, The Costume & The Character
27:38 - Will He Ever Unmask?
28:42 - Message to Anyone Struggling
29:26 - What He Hopes for Himself
30:56 - Gratitude as a Superpower
33:29 - What’s On His Playlist Right Now
35:40 - What Scares Him Now?
37:30 - What Excites Him Now?
41:00 - Outro
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Scott Ian pulled up, immediately grabbed the cinnamon rolls, and we ended up having one of the most honest conversations I’ve had on the show.

In this intimate home hang, the Anthrax co-founder opens up about the new album, losing his father, raising a son, staying a true music fan after four decades, and what happiness actually looks like now.

We talk about:
⚡️ The emotional weight behind “The Long Goodbye”
⚡️ Writing through grief and catharsis
⚡️ Why Anthrax still pushes themselves creatively after 40+ years
⚡️ Joey Belladonna’s vocals and the chemistry inside the band
⚡️ Public Enemy, “Bring The Noise,” and helping open the door for rap/rock
⚡️ Iron Maiden and the Rock Hall conversation
⚡️ Marriage, family, fatherhood, and perspective
⚡️ Staying inspired and connected to music after all these years
⚡️ The changing music industry and what it means to “make it” now
⚡️ Legacy, happiness, and leading with heart

Plus: Dave Grohl pillows, cinnamon rolls, beard talk, and a reminder that the legends who last are usually the ones who stay human.

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa
🍪 Yes, the baked goods always matter.

⸻
❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON
✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com
✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf
✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com
✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf
✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf
✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf

⸻
00:00 - Arrival & Welcome
01:01 - Intro & Cinnamon Rolls
02:00 - Album Title: Meaning & Translation
03:32 - Is This the Final Journey?
07:15 - Why Now Was the Right Time
09:40 - Opening Tracks & First Impressions
13:19 - “The Long Goodbye” & Processing Loss
15:37 - “It’s For The Kids”
18:32 - “The Edge of Perfection”
20:55 - Dave Grohl Story
22:13 - Joey’s Vocals & Band Chemistry
25:12 - Writing About Love
26:33 - Iron Maiden & Rock Hall
31:10 - Staying a True Music Fan
32:13 - Public Enemy & “Bring The Noise”
39:21 - Rap Meets Metal
40:47 - Fatherhood & His Son
45:44 - Then vs Now in the Industry
48:55 - Family & Life Balance
52:30 - Love, Marriage & Happiness
54:37 - Anthrax Longevity
57:09 - Playing Songs Live
58:05 - Legacy & Leading with Heart
01:04:50 - The Beard
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Chocolate chip cookies, real conversation, and a band entering one of the most powerful chapters of their career. 🍪🎸

In this intimate home hang, I welcome Shinedown as they step into a new era with their eighth studio album, EI8HT.

From massive milestones to deeply personal loss, this conversation goes far beyond the music. Brent Smith and Zach Myers open up about the mindset behind the album, the emotional weight of the songs, and why this record feels like Shinedown at their most human, intentional, and fully alive.

Shinedown opens up about:⚡️ The making of EI8HT and why it feels like a new era⚡️ Their record-breaking success at rock radio and what it means to them⚡️ Why this 18-song album has no filler⚡️ The songwriting, production, and emotional precision behind the record⚡️ Eric Bass’s role as producer, mixer, engineer, and creative force⚡️ Lessons from Desmond Child and the power of a great rhythm section⚡️ Influences from Elton John, Nirvana, Counting Crows, and more⚡️ Why no AI was used on the album and why the human element matters⚡️ “365,” grief, gratitude, and honoring loved ones through music⚡️ Nostalgia, Xennials, and the emotional pull of “Young Again”⚡️ Longevity, brotherhood, and how they’ve stayed connected as a band⚡️ Giving the audience their flowers and the symbolism behind the album artwork⚡️ The story behind “I’m So Glad You Asked” and Eric’s first lead vocal on a Shinedown record⚡️ “The Pilot,” Dave Bassett, and closing the album with one of its most emotional moments⚡️ Health, fitness, touring, and what it takes to perform at this level

Plus: cookies, creative philosophy, deep music references, real talk about loss, and a band that continues to evolve without losing who they are.

This is Shinedown: reflective, open, and in their best era yet.

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa🍪 Yes, the cookies matter.

⸻❤️ FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO ALLISON✅ Substack: https://allisonhagendorf.substack.com✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf

⸻00:00 - Intro01:28 - Cookies, First Impressions & Album Conversations07:46 - Success, Accolades & Perspective11:07 - Introducing EI8HT13:16 - The Mindset Behind the Album14:30 - Erik’s Dedication & Creative Process17:25 - What Makes Shinedown Unique18:20 - Lessons from Desmond Child20:51 - Elton John & Musical Influences24:34 - Nirvana, Kurt Cobain & Counting Crows30:59 - Back to EI8HT — Starting from the Bottom33:35 - No AI — Keeping Music Human36:27 - Album Production41:00 - “365,” Loss & Personal Story48:24 - Nostalgia, Xennials & “Young Again”52:00 - Longevity & Staying Power53:23 - Unity & Festival Decisions54:20 - Album Artwork & Symbolism56:20 - “I’m So Glad You Asked”1:00:36 - Album Sequencing1:03:00 - “The Pilot” & Dave Bassett1:09:03 - Proudest Moments1:12:03 - Touring, Fitness & Physicality1:18:41 - Health & Longevity1:23:04 - Entering a New Era1:24:16 - Legacy & Impact1:27:00 - Outro
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