In this episode, hosts Charles and Doug engage with ZouZou Mansour, the dynamic lead singer of the Philadelphia-based band Soraia. Soraia has opened for major bands like Joan Jet and Jon Bon Jovi. ZouZou reflects on her earliest concert experiences, including how seeing Hall and Oates and Iggy Pop significantly shaped her musical path. The conversation explores Soraia’s discography, their fan interactions, and their collaboration with major artists like Steven Van Zandt and Jon Bon Jovi. Additionally, listeners get tantalizing details about the band’s upcoming vinyl re-release of ‘Shed the Skin,’ their social media presence, and upcoming shows.

In this episode of “Seeing Them Live,” Charles and Doug host members of the New York City band Mad Meg—vocalist Ilya Popenko, Dan Vexler, Jason Laney, and Igor Reznik. The discussion delves into the band’s origins within New York’s Russian-speaking community and their diverse musical influences. They share stories about their concert experiences, notably a unique performance at a women’s correctional facility in Lithuania, and highlight the energy of their live shows. Additionally, they explore Ilya’s filmmaking ventures, including his animated music videos and a documentary on the antifolk scene in New York. The episode provides an in-depth look at Mad Meg’s creative process and the synergy between their music and visual artistry.

This episode features an engaging conversation with Barry and his daughter Emma, highlighting Emma’s extraordinary journey as the world’s youngest concert photographer. At just eight years old, Emma has already photographed several prominent bands and artists, thanks to the mentorship of her father Barry, a seasoned freelance photographer who began his career in 1997, working for JAM TV. Barry has a rich history in photography, contributing to notable publications such as the Rolling Stone Network, Rollingstone.com, Forbes magazine and wire services like Getty Images and the Associated Press. The podcast delves into Emma’s first concert experiences, her progression from using a Polaroid to a professional-grade camera, and the unique souvenirs she’s collected along the way, showcasing her growing passion for music and photography. Emma and Barry also provide listeners with some tips for photographing your favorite bands.

Charles has an in-depth conversation with Rick Onstop who hosts the Rock Talk Studio podcast. Rick is a seasoned veteran of the music industry with a rich history in music distribution, blogging, and podcasting. Rick shares his journey from working in a record store in Hollywood, experiencing in-store appearances by big names like Bruce Springsteen, Alice Cooper, Patrick Swayze and Itzhak Perlman, to attending iconic concerts, including an unforgettable KISS concert at the young age of 14. Rick’s deep-rooted connections within the music scene unfold as he describes his personal encounters with music legends and one near encounter with Bob Dylan.

This episode features an engaging conversation with our guest, Steve Pothel. Steve, an accountant with a deep passion for live music, shares a series of captivating stories that highlight his experiences attending various concerts over the years. Initially mentioned in Charles’ book, “Ticket Stub Stories, A Memoir of Live Music,” Steve’s anecdotes cover a wide range of memorable moments from his first concerts in 1992, including shows by The Cure, artists at Lollapalooza, and U2’s Zoo TV tour, to later events like seeing L7 and the Psychedelic Furs. Throughout the episode, Steve, Charles, and Douglas delve into the nuances of live performances, the significance of certain venues, and the personal connections they’ve made through music. Additionally, discussions about Steve’s transition to DJing, his encounters with bands like Monster Magnet and L7, and reflections on the impact of the late Mars Williams of the Psychedelic Furs. The candid dialogue not only encapsulates the vibrant live music scene from the 1990s to the present but also touches on their evolving tastes and the legacy of the artists who’ve shaped their musical landscape.

In this episode of Seeing Them Live, Charles and Doug host Jessica Catena, a seasoned podcaster and avid concert-goer. Jessica shares her musical journey, offering in-depth stories from live music events and shares the inspiration behind starting her podcast. Discussions include her first concert featuring George Michael, navigating concerts during unpredictable weather, and her most surprising concert experiences, including Lady Gaga and the Global Citizen’s concert. Jessica also reflects on missed opportunities to see performances, such as the Nashville TV series cast, and explores the intriguing realm of misheard lyrics, including a notable Iggy Pop song. The interview concludes with Jessica’s plans for upcoming podcast episodes and her passion for connecting people through music.

Dawn shares her deep connection with music and how it served as therapy during challenging times. Her journey began with Soraia, a band she discovered at a Joan Jett show. Dawn describes how Soraia’s music helped her overcome grief and depression after a personal loss. She expresses how live music and interacting with the bands and fellow fans revitalized her and enabled her to live life to the fullest, attending over 150 concerts and seeing Soraia 26 times, while also meeting significant artists such as Stephen Van Zandt.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes a frank discussion about depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat 988lifeline.org.

For the final episode in our first season of “Seeing Them Live,” Charles welcomes Pauline Zidanek, an educational leader, professional learning designer, and Concert Mom, who shares her memorable concert stories. The focus is on Pauline’s first concert, featuring Dave Matthews, a momentous experience that set the tone for her love of live music. The podcast delves into the serendipitous circumstances surrounding how Pauline ended up at the concert, and how Dave Matthews himself rescued her from fans who pushed their way in front of her and her friend at a backstage encounter.

In this episode of “Seeing Them Live”, Charles welcomes Andy, an avid concert-goer, to share his memorable live music experiences. Andy recounts a particularly chaotic Grateful Dead show, revealing the unexpected circumstances that led him to walk away from a second-row ticket. The conversation explores Andy’s extensive ticket stub collection and the sentimental value he attaches to physical tickets. The hosts delve into Andy’s concert history, discussing his first show and exploring the unique social protocols at Grateful Dead concerts. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of ticketing.

Roger has been interviewed by Vice News, The Guardian, and CBC Radio Canada. He is a retired car mechanic in his 70s with the energy of a 20-year-old, who embarked on an extraordinary journey to experience live music. Notably, he holds a personal record for attending the most consecutive gigs at over 725 nights. He also has a personal record for the most gigs in one night, a staggering 6 gigs at 6 different venues across London on a single evening. With his distinctive ornate military jacket adorned with badges. Roger has become an icon in London’s live music scene. This earned him the affectionate name, “The Gig Slut,” from Debbie Smith of the band Blindness. Roger’s dedication to live music goes beyond mere attendance. He meticulously plans his evenings, documenting exact timings and schedules for every gig in a book he calls “The Book of Bands.” If there’s anyone who embodies the spirit and passion of the Seeing Them Live podcast, it’s Roger Mairlot.