Back to the Light
By J.D. Reager
Back to the LightNov 28, 2021
Orchid South with Chris Milam - LIVE from the Memphis Listening Lab
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Chris Milam about his new release Orchid South in front of a live audience at the Memphis Listening Lab. Chris also performs two songs from the album: "Cut Myself Shaving" and "Song of the Summer."
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.
The Return of Midtown Con with Harry Koniditsiotis (901 Toys, Switchblade Kid)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and entrepreneur Harry Koniditsiotis on location at 901 Toys (Midtown) - while Harry works behind the counter! They discuss Harry's journey in the comic books and toys business, a few of his recent musical projects, and the upcoming Midtown Con at Black Lodge in Memphis on April 27th. They also check out a customer!
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.
Open Doors with Steve Mayer (The Merrycrest Sessions) featuring Seize and Desist and One Strange Bird
Host J.D. Reager talks with audio engineer and content creator Steve Mayer upstairs at Shangri-La Records. They discuss Steve's journey from Illinois to Memphis, his work as a live engineer, and the inspiration behind his current project The Merrycrest Sessions. Steve also shares Merrycrest Session performances from Memphis artists Seize and Desist and One Strange Bird.
Support The Merrycrest Sessions at patreon.com/TheMerrycrestSessions
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.
Go Where the Love Is with Mark Edgar Stuart
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, songwriter and producer Mark Edgar Stuart on location at Mark's home studio. They discuss Mark's "adult" audience, recent studio projects, pet grief, and more. Mark also performs "Throwing Rocks At Your Window" live at Shangri-La Records.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.
Possum Advocate with Mo Alexander
Host J.D. Reager talks to stand-up comedian Mo Alexander on location at Shangri-La Records. They discuss Mo's early days in comedy, the Memphis comedy scene, life on tour, the proper care of domesticated possums, and more.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.
Jughead Forever with John Miller and Jared McStay
This episode is a special celebration of the life of Jared McStay. First, host J.D. Reager shares some memories with Jared's friend and business partner John Miller, followed by a replay of J.D.'s conversation with Jared from 2021. To close the show, J.D. spins two classic Jared McStay tunes - "Safe Passage" and "Pen."
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net.
Wrestling is My Artform with Deonna Purrazzo (IMPACT Wrestling) and Barnabas the Leader (Memphis Wrestling)
Host J.D. Reager talks to the 3x former Knockouts World Champion Deonna Purrazzo about IMPACT Wrestling's upcoming shows in Memphis on September 22-23, defining her character, and more. Then Memphis Wrestling's Barnabas the Leader joins to discuss the status of The Circuz, his new career path as a "producer," and his journey in the wrestling business.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Music is the Great Equalizer with Ari Morris
Host J.D. Reager talks to the acclaimed musician, engineer and producer Ari Morris on location at his studio/secret lair, Edge Recording. They discuss their shared musical history, Ari's journey from New Jersey to making platinum records in Memphis, the rise of Dolby Atmos, and more.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Duddy's ur Buddy! 100 with Dustin Heath
In a very special Back to the Light network crossover, host J.D. Reager talks to Duddy's ur Buddy! host Dustin Heath on the occasion of his podcast's 100th episode. They discuss the milestone, Dustin's injury status, the ever-looming specter of addiction, and the hope that comes from recovery.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts (including Duddy's ur Buddy!) visit backtothelight.net!
A Spare Few Tens of Thousands of Dollars with Chris McCoy (Antenna, 1000 Lights, Memphis Flyer)
Host J.D. Reager talks to writer, filmmaker and musician Chris McCoy on location at the Memphis Listening Lab. They discuss Chris' many paths as an artist, the inner-band dynamics of 1000 Lights, the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the documentary film Antenna, and more.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Frequencies with Maggie Trisler (Mystic Light Casino)
Host J.D. Reager talks with Maggie Trisler of Mystic Light Casino on location at the Hi Tone during WiMM (Women in Memphis Music) Fest. They discuss their shared musical history, Maggie's personal backstory, the artistic vision behind Mystic Light Casino, and more.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
For more information on WiMM Fest visit wimmfest.com!
WiMM Fest 2023 with Alice Hasen, Liz Lane and Miz Stefani
Host J.D. Reager talks to performer Alice Hasen and Women in Memphis Music (WiMM) organizers Liz Lane and Miz Stefani on location at the Hi Tone during the inaugural WiMM Fest.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
For more information on WiMM Fest visit wimmfest.com!
Raised Up Right with Dale Naron (Creation Press, Owlbear)
Host J.D. Reager talks to Dale Naron about his complete musical history - including bands such as Bicycle Thief, Bottom of the Bottle, Oracle and the Mountain, and The Great Depression, which J.D. was a member of. They also discuss Dale's latest project Owlbear and his career in the screen printing business with Creation Press.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Fellow Champions with Marvin Stockwell (Champions of the Lost Causes) and Abe White (Laundry Bats)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, activist and podcast host Marvin Stockwell about his latest project, the Champions of the Lost Causes Summer Road Trip, which is currently underway. Then J.D. talks to musician Abe White about his new band Laundry Bats and extensive musical history, including The Oscars, Manatees and True Sons of Thunder.
The Steamroller with Rachel Maxann and Doug Walker (Dream Crusher Hope Smasher)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Rachel Maxann and Doug Walker (Dream Crusher Hope Smasher) at Doug's home studio in Memphis. They discuss Rachel's new album Black Fae (which Doug produced), Rachel's journey as a musician, J.D. and Doug's musical history, Rachel's other career as a therapist, and more.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Love Has Gone Away with Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 901 Toys) and Dustin Heath (Duddy's ur Buddy, Maurice the Strong)
Host J.D. Reager talks to Harry Koniditsiotis about the success of Midtown Con and 901 Toys, the life of a "collector," and the new album by The Switchblade Kid, 3 - Love Has Gone Away. Then Dustin Heath joins the show to discuss his recent in-ring injury as Maurice the Strong, and his mental health podcast Duddy's ur Buddy.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Fresh with Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe, Me & Leah) and Jeff Pruitt (The Smokin' Jays, The Heavy Pour)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe, Me & Leah, Restless Townies) and Jeff Pruitt (The Smokin' Jays, The Heavy Pour) on location at the Back to the Light Spring Turnout at Crosstown Brewing.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
No More Jesus Boys with Caroline Allen
Host J.D. Reager talks to longtime friend and comedian Caroline Allen about their shared alma mater (Harding Academy), and how a religious upbringing influenced her early life choices. They also discuss the gender dynamics of the Church of Christ, Caroline's time at Second City in Chicago, and her path to becoming a high school teacher/comedian.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Trophy Guest with Chris Davis (Papa Top's West Coast Turnaround)
Host J.D. Reager chats with musician and writer Chris Davis on location at Midtown Con. They discuss Chris' career as a journalist for The Memphis Flyer, his work as a musician with Papa Top's West Coast Turnaround, his ambition as a fiction writer, and how their paths have intersected.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
A Worthy Fight with Trent Williamson (Harding Academy of Memphis)
Host J.D. Reager talks to his favorite teacher from high school (Harding Academy of Memphis), Trent Williamson. They discuss Trent's unbelievable journey from being fired by Harding in 1995 to his current role as Head of School, how things have changed at the school since the '90s, what work there still is to do and how Trent helped J.D. through difficult times as a teenager.
For more episodes, music and other fine podcasts visit backtothelight.net!
Not Too Late Night Talk Show - Holiday Spectacular! with Josh Shaw (Blvck Hippie), Steve Selvidge (the Hold Steady), Mark Edgar Stuart, Trace Lee Hunt, Joshua McLane, Jason Pulley and S p a c e r
J.D. Reager hosts a star-studded show in front of a live audience at the Green Room in Crosstown Arts alongside Jason Pulley at the piano. Solo musicians Josh Shaw (Blvck Hippie), Steve Selvidge (the Hold Steady, MEM_MODS, Big Ass Truck), and Mark Edgar Stuart perform live and chat with J.D. at the desk, pro wrestler Trace Lee Hunt shares tales of grit and victory, chef/comedian Joshua McLane teaches the room to make pesto, rock duo S p a c e r (Cheyenne Marrs and Neal Lathem) tears the house down, and everyone joins in for a big grand finale. This episode was recorded on December 8, 2022.
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A Glass Ceiling with Lawrence Matthews (FKA Don Lifted)
Host J.D. Reager has a deep conversation with musician and artist Lawrence Matthews (formerly known as Don Lifted) on location at Midtown Con in Memphis. They discuss the tricky nature of the music business, mental health maintenance, Lawrence's journey as Don Lifted, and more.
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Freedom with Russ Thompson and Marvin Stockwell
Host J.D. Reager talks with two guests on location at Midtown Con in Memphis. First, author and musician Russ Thompson discusses the promo push for his new children's book The Owls of Sedgemount and gives an update on his various musical projects. Then, activist, musician and podcast host Marvin Stockwell talks about the recent Mid-South Coliseum news and the launch of his PR venture, Champion the Cause.
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Running the Table with Oakwalker and Garrison Starr
Host J.D. Reager talks to Oakwalker and Garrison Starr on location in Nashville at the Music Export Memphis showcase during Americanafest. Also, Oakwalker performs "Sunset" and Garrison Starr performs "Better Day Comin'" and "Superhero."
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musicexportmemphis.org
Hurry Up and Wait with "the GunShow" Brett Michaels and Dustin Heath (DNA, Maurice the Strong)
Host J.D. Reager talks to "the GunShow" Brett Michaels about working on the NBC TV series Young Rock and the ongoing Memphis Wrestling trios tournament. Then Dustin Heath (AKA DNA and Maurice the Strong) talks about his finishing move, working for Control Your Narrative, his inspirational podcast Duddy's ur Buddy!, and more - before being interrupted somewhat by the one and only "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock. This episode was recorded on location at The WrestleCenter courtesy of Memphis Wrestling.
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championshipwrestlingmemphis.com
An Unwritten Rule with Alexis Jade and Rodd Bland
Host J.D. Reager talks to singer-songwriter Alexis Jade and drummer/bandleader (and son of the late Bobby "Blue" Bland) Rodd Bland on location in Nashville at the Music Export Memphis showcase during Americanafest. Also, Alexis Jade and the Gemstones perform "Heartstrings," and Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band featuring Stacy Mitchhart perform "I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)."
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musicexportmemphis
A City of Choice with Elizabeth Cawein (Music Export Memphis), Graham Winchester (Turnstyles, Reigning Sound) and Rachel Maxann
Host J.D. Reager talks to Music Export Memphis founder Elizabeth Cawein and the busiest person in Memphis music, Graham Winchester, on location at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis. Then he talks to musician Rachel Maxann on location at InDo in Nashville, and Rachel performs "Better Off Dead" and "Breathe" live.
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musicexportmemphis.org
Hammer, Nail, Coffin with Pete Pranica (Memphis Grizzlies) and Gangrel (WWE)
Host J.D. Reager talks to 30 year NBA broadcaster and the TV voice of the Memphis Grizzlies, Pete Pranica, about his love of classic AWA wrestling, calling matches for Memphis Wrestling and the Grizzlies' outlook for the 2022-23 season. Then wrestling legend Gangrel joins the show to discuss his history and future in Memphis, making it with WWE, and the late Luna Vachon. This episode was recorded on location at The WrestleCenter courtesy of Memphis Wrestling.
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championshipwrestlingmemphis.com
Living the Gimmick with Mark Akin and Jay Hines (The Subteens)
Host J.D. Reager and guests Mark Akin and Jay Hines from The Subteens discuss the inspiration behind their new albums - J.D.'s Where Wasn't I?, The Subteens' Vol. 4: Dashed Hopes and Good Intentions - which both come out on October 14 on Back to the Light Records. They also discuss high school arts participation, recovery, "daddy issues," and more, and J.D. spins "Hard To Be Lonely Tonight" by The Subteens and "Hammer Mannequin" by himself.
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Radio Row with Robby Grant and Jared "Jay B." Boyd (WYXR) + John Michael (96X)
Host J.D. Reager checks in with three key players in the Memphis radio community on location at Crosstown Concourse. First, Robby Grant and Jared "Jay B." Boyd discuss the second anniversary of WYXR, then John Michael gives an update on 96X.
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wyxr.org
96xmemphis.com
You Look Like A Gonerfest 19 Preview with Katrina Coleman (You Look Like A Comedy Show) and Eric Friedl (Goner Records, Oblivians)
Host J.D. Reager has a quick chat with comedian Katrina Coleman about the upcoming You Look Like A Comedy Show re-boot before doing a Gonerfest 19 deep-dive with Goner Records co-owner Eric Friedl, AKA Eric Oblivian.
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Getting Results with Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe) and Ra'id (Seize and Desist, Audionautz)
Host J.D. Reager talks to two musicians - solo artist and Snowglobe member Jeff Hulett, and Ra'id of Seize and Desist (formerly Negro Terror) and Audionautz - on location at the Memphis Listening Lab/WYXR Record Swap in Crosstown Concourse.
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Very Loud, Very Fast, Very Colorful with Christopher Rubano (Trash Goblin)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Christopher Rubano on location at the Memphis Listening Lab/WYXR Record Swap in Crosstown Concourse about his journey from Chicago to Memphis, getting sober, starting a rock band later in life, and recording Trash Goblin's new album Bad Vibes. J.D. also spins the album's first single, "This Is Your Life Now."
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Elvis and the Mid-South Coliseum with Mike McCarthy and Marvin Stockwell - LIVE at the Memphis Listening Lab
Host J.D. Reager talks to two cornerstones of the Coliseum Coalition - filmmaker, musician and activist Mike McCarthy (Teenage Tupelo, Guerilla Monster Films) and musician, activist and podcast host Marvin Stockwell (Pezz, Champions of the Lost Causes) - about Elvis Presley and the live album he recorded in 1974 at the Mid-South Coliseum, Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis. Along the way they also discuss Baz Luhrmann's recent biopic Elvis and efforts to revitalize the Coliseum, and take questions from the live studio audience.
This episode was recorded at the Memphis Listening Lab on August 20, 2022.
Memphis Knights with Cheyenne Marrs and Neal Lathem (s p a c e r) + Harry Koniditsiotis (5 and Dime Recording)
Host J.D. Reager talks to new friends Cheyenne Marrs and Neal Lathem from the Memphis band s p a c e r and old friend Harry Koniditsiotis (5 and Dime Recording, 901 Toys, The Switchblade Kid) about making music, not "forcing it," recovery, and friendship. J.D. also spins "L.A." from s p a c e r's new EP.
This episode was recorded at 5 and Dime Recording.
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Three Set-Ups and Magic with Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Footloose, Coming 2 America)
Host J.D. Reager talks to filmmaker Craig Brewer about his bi-monthly "Secret Screenings" at Crosstown Theater, his early attempts at making movies, breaking through with Hustle & Flow, the influence of John Singleton, the challenges of re-visiting beloved source material, collaborating with Eddie Murphy, the making of $5 Cover, and much more.
This episode is dedicated to Max.
Dueling Birthday Shows with Jeremy Scott (Scott August Night) and Brian "Skinny" McCabe (The Hi-Tone)
Host J.D. Reager talks with two friends - Jeremy Scott (Reigning Sound, The Toy Trucks, Jeremy & the Drip Edges) and Brian "Skinny" McCabe (The Hi-Tone) - throwing birthday shows on the same night in Memphis. First, Jeremy discusses his thought process behind Scott August Night, which takes place on Friday, August 5th at Black Lodge. Then Brian jumps on to discuss his recent foray into the visual arts and his annual birthday show at The Hi-Tone, also on Friday, August 5th.
Back to the Light Network Roundup with Brian Balough (Of Marks and Men) and Mike Anthony (Memphis Heritage Champion) + Anthony Siracusa and Marvin Stockwell (Memphis Hardwood)
Host J.D. Reager plugs the upcoming re-boot of The Shangri-La Records Podcast before digging in to 2 new podcasts on the Back to the Light Podcast Network with their creators. First, Brian Balough and J.D. explain the origins of their new show called Of Marks and Men: A Wrestling Podcast and share a clip of their conversation with the "Genetic Nightmare" and reigning Memphis Heritage Champion Mike Anthony. Then Anthony Siracusa and Marvin Stockwell grab the rock and discuss their excellent new Memphis Grizzlies podcast Memphis Hardwood.
Breakfast with Lamont Dozier, Barbara Dozier and Fred Mollin
Host J.D. Reager shares something truly special from his personal archives: a lo-fi "field recording" of his 2017 conversation over breakfast at the Peabody Hotel with music legend Lamont Dozier (Holland-Dozier-Holland, Motown Records, etc.), producer Fred Mollin, and Lamont's late wife Barbara Dozier. They discuss the recording for what would become Lamont's 2018 solo album Reimagination, the singular inspiration behind several Motown classics, how Lamont's solo work has been reinterpreted by modern hip-hop and soul artists, and much more.
This interview was originally conducted for an article in the Memphis Flyer which was published on August 3, 2017.
100th Episode Media Scrum with Marvin Stockwell, Chris Davis, Magpie Nonconnah and Graham Burks - LIVE from the Memphis Listening Lab
Host J.D. Reager reads a brief statement before taking questions from a small gathering of media members at the Memphis Listening Lab to celebrate 100 episodes of Back to the Light. J.D. also announces the long-awaited release date - October 14 - for both his new album and the new album by The Subteens.
Come Hither To Me with Alex Greene (Reigning Sound, The Rolling Head Orchestra)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and music writer Alex Greene about the end of his band Reigning Sound, upcoming Compulsive Gamblers gigs, and his recent Memphis Flyer cover story before deep diving on Alex's upcoming live film score performance at The Grove at GPAC. Alex also performs a piece from the score called "Come Hither To Me."
Reissue: New Beats, New Rhythms with Howard Grimes (Hi Rhythm, Al Green, Ann Peebles) - WYXR VERSION
Host J.D. Reager revisits his conversation with a Memphis music icon, the late Howard Grimes. They discuss Mr. Grimes' early career as a drummer in the '50s, his work with fellow legends such as Rufus & Carla Thomas, William Bell, Al Green, Ann Peebles, O.V. Wright and Willie Mitchell, writing his autobiography Timekeeper, and how Memphis music has evolved over the years.
This conversation originally ran on the Back to the Light podcast in June of 2021, and was re-aired in this form on WYXR 91.7 FM radio on June 20, 2022.
Lack of Direction LIVE from The Green Room with Jason Pulley (Tape Deck, Glorious Abhor, Fugitive Droids)
Host J.D. Reager and musician Jason Pulley attempt to provide context for the slightly abnormal (in a fun way) live performance that follows. Most of this episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.
Open Mind and Open Heart with Rico Fields and Ra'id (The Negro Terror)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Rico Fields and Ra'id about their respective musical histories prior to Negro Terror, joining forces with the late Omar Higgins, making the documentary Negro Terror: The Voice of Memphis, Omar's unfortunate passing and its aftermath, re-forming the band as The Negro Terror, and more. J.D. also spins "We Need Support" by Negro Terror.
She's Always Known with Garrison Starr
In honor of the 25th anniversary of her debut album Eighteen Over Me, host J.D. Reager talks to musician and songwriter Garrison Starr about the making of that record and how having a breakthrough hit ("Superhero") changed her life, plus her escape from the evangelical South, how her sexual orientation lead to difficulty in both her personal life and professional career, overcoming creative self-doubt, and collaborating with folks like Neilson Hubbard, Glen Phillips and Margaret Cho. J.D. also spins "Don't Believe in Me" from Garrison's 2021 album Girl I Used to Be.
Friend of the Show with James Enck (Turnt, The Long Mynd, A World Away)
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and radio host James Enck about his personal story of recovery, the intertwined nature of the music and alcohol industries, his predilection for musical "torture," doing a show for WYXR, and more. J.D. also spins "So Disappointing" by James' former band The Long Mynd.
A Pretty Lucky Guy with Jody Stephens (Big Star, Those Pretty Wrongs)
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Big Star's #1 Record, host J.D. Reager talks to surviving member Jody Stephens about the making of that album and how joining the band changed his life. They also discuss his work with Those Pretty Wrongs, Golden Smog, Matthew Sweet, The Lemon Twigs and more, and J.D. spins "It's About Love" by Those Pretty Wrongs.
The Lord's Chords with Chris Milam
Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, songwriter and fellow podcast host Chris Milam about his life and career, having mixed feelings about Memphis, overcoming issues with mental health and substance abuse, collaborating with the great William Bell, and more. J.D. also spins "In The Blood" from Chris' most recent album Meanwhile.
LIVE from Midtown Con with Joshua McLane (HEELS, South Point Grocery) and Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 5 & Dime Recording)
Host J.D. Reager chats with returning guests Joshua McLane (HEELS, South Point Grocery) and Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 5 & Dime Recording) live on the scene of the inaugural Midtown Con! This episode was recorded on April 9, 2022 at Black Lodge in Memphis, TN.
Songs & Stories Part 3 LIVE from The Green Room with Graham Burks (Loose Opinions) and HEELS
Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Graham Burks (Loose Opinions) and HEELS. This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.