Back to the Light

New episode: The Subteens Celebrate Burn Your Cardigan with Mark Akin, Jay Hines, John Bonds, Jacob Church, Mike McCarthy and Chris Davis – LIVE from the Memphis Listening Lab

June 10, 2024

Host J.D. Reager sits down with The Subteens (Mark Akin, Jay Hines and John Bonds) and special guests Jacob Church, Mike McCarthy and Chris Davis to celebrate the 25th anniversary reissue of the band’s classic album Burn Your Cardigan. They discuss the band’s history, the album’s original creation, the remastering process and more in front of a live audience at

New episode: Orchid South with Chris Milam – LIVE from the Memphis Listening Lab

May 8, 2024

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.” This episode of the Back to the Light podcast is available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Amazon Music and everywhere finer podcasts are distributed.

New episode: The Return of Midtown Con with Harry Koniditsiotis (901 Toys, Switchblade Kid)

April 18, 2024

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!

New episode: Open Doors with Steve Mayer (The Merrycrest Sessions) featuring Seize and Desist and One Strange Bird

March 13, 2024

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

New episode: Go Where the Love Is with Mark Edgar Stuart

February 15, 2024

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. The Back to the Light podcast is available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and everywhere fine podcasts are distributed. This episode can

New episode: Possum Advocate with Mo Alexander

January 4, 2024

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. The Back to the Light podcast is available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and everywhere fine podcasts are distributed. This episode can also be found YouTube.

New episode: Jughead Forever with John Miller and Jared McStay

November 28, 2023

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.” The Back to the Light podcast is available

New episode: Wrestling is My Artform with Deonna Purrazzo (IMPACT Wrestling) and Barnabas the Leader (Memphis Wrestling)

September 19, 2023

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. The Back to the Light

New episode: Music is the Great Equalizer with Ari Morris

September 8, 2023

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. The Back to the Light podcast is available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and everywhere fine podcasts are distributed.

New episode: Duddy’s ur Buddy! 100 with Dustin Heath

August 30, 2023

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. The Back to the Light podcast is available via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and everywhere fine

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