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Back to the Light

Back to the Light

By J.D. Reager

Musician and music writer J.D. Reager talks to friends and fellow creatives about the artistic process, maintaining mental health, and silencing self-doubt.
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Open Doors with Steve Mayer (The Merrycrest Sessions) featuring Seize and Desist and One Strange Bird

Back to the LightMar 13, 2024

00:00
49:39
Open Doors with Steve Mayer (The Merrycrest Sessions) featuring Seize and Desist and One Strange Bird
Mar 13, 202449:39
Go Where the Love Is with Mark Edgar Stuart
Feb 14, 202440:05
Possum Advocate with Mo Alexander
Jan 03, 202448:40
Jughead Forever with John Miller and Jared McStay
Nov 28, 202337:47
Wrestling is My Artform with Deonna Purrazzo (IMPACT Wrestling) and Barnabas the Leader (Memphis Wrestling)
Sep 19, 202335:06
Music is the Great Equalizer with Ari Morris
Sep 07, 202341:43
Duddy's ur Buddy! 100 with Dustin Heath
Aug 30, 202333:06
A Spare Few Tens of Thousands of Dollars with Chris McCoy (Antenna, 1000 Lights, Memphis Flyer)
Aug 14, 202301:35:03
Frequencies with Maggie Trisler (Mystic Light Casino)
Jul 24, 202301:04:48
WiMM Fest 2023 with Alice Hasen, Liz Lane and Miz Stefani
Jul 10, 202339:12
Raised Up Right with Dale Naron (Creation Press, Owlbear)
Jun 27, 202301:09:06
Fellow Champions with Marvin Stockwell (Champions of the Lost Causes) and Abe White (Laundry Bats)

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.

Jun 20, 202330:09
The Steamroller with Rachel Maxann and Doug Walker (Dream Crusher Hope Smasher)
Jun 05, 202349:29
Love Has Gone Away with Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 901 Toys) and Dustin Heath (Duddy's ur Buddy, Maurice the Strong)
Jun 01, 202351:27
Fresh with Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe, Me & Leah) and Jeff Pruitt (The Smokin' Jays, The Heavy Pour)
May 23, 202337:49
No More Jesus Boys with Caroline Allen
May 15, 202351:54
Trophy Guest with Chris Davis (Papa Top's West Coast Turnaround)
May 03, 202356:36
A Worthy Fight with Trent Williamson (Harding Academy of Memphis)
Apr 24, 202301:26:02
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
Dec 14, 202201:54:11
A Glass Ceiling with Lawrence Matthews (FKA Don Lifted)
Nov 29, 202201:16:41
Freedom with Russ Thompson and Marvin Stockwell
Nov 21, 202233:11
Running the Table with Oakwalker and Garrison Starr
Nov 15, 202241:35
Hurry Up and Wait with "the GunShow" Brett Michaels and Dustin Heath (DNA, Maurice the Strong)
Nov 08, 202236:24
An Unwritten Rule with Alexis Jade and Rodd Bland
Nov 03, 202235:36
A City of Choice with Elizabeth Cawein (Music Export Memphis), Graham Winchester (Turnstyles, Reigning Sound) and Rachel Maxann
Oct 27, 202234:25
Hammer, Nail, Coffin with Pete Pranica (Memphis Grizzlies) and Gangrel (WWE)
Oct 24, 202216:42
Living the Gimmick with Mark Akin and Jay Hines (The Subteens)
Oct 10, 202256:15
Radio Row with Robby Grant and Jared "Jay B." Boyd (WYXR) + John Michael (96X)
Oct 04, 202239:36
You Look Like A Gonerfest 19 Preview with Katrina Coleman (You Look Like A Comedy Show) and Eric Friedl (Goner Records, Oblivians)
Sep 17, 202228:30
Getting Results with Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe) and Ra'id (Seize and Desist, Audionautz)
Sep 13, 202232:50
Very Loud, Very Fast, Very Colorful with Christopher Rubano (Trash Goblin)
Sep 06, 202235:58
Elvis and the Mid-South Coliseum with Mike McCarthy and Marvin Stockwell - LIVE at the Memphis Listening Lab
Aug 29, 202201:00:57
Memphis Knights with Cheyenne Marrs and Neal Lathem (s p a c e r) + Harry Koniditsiotis (5 and Dime Recording)
Aug 16, 202250:00
Three Set-Ups and Magic with Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Footloose, Coming 2 America)

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. 

Aug 08, 202201:08:24
Dueling Birthday Shows with Jeremy Scott (Scott August Night) and Brian "Skinny" McCabe (The Hi-Tone)

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. 

Aug 01, 202235:55
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)

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.

Jul 18, 202229:59
Breakfast with Lamont Dozier, Barbara Dozier and Fred Mollin

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.     

Jul 12, 202251:29
100th Episode Media Scrum with Marvin Stockwell, Chris Davis, Magpie Nonconnah and Graham Burks - LIVE from the Memphis Listening Lab

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. 

Jul 06, 202229:05
Come Hither To Me with Alex Greene (Reigning Sound, The Rolling Head Orchestra)

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." 

Jun 27, 202249:13
Reissue: New Beats, New Rhythms with Howard Grimes (Hi Rhythm, Al Green, Ann Peebles) - WYXR VERSION
Jun 21, 202255:43
Lack of Direction LIVE from The Green Room with Jason Pulley (Tape Deck, Glorious Abhor, Fugitive Droids)

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. 

Jun 13, 202232:46
Open Mind and Open Heart with Rico Fields and Ra'id (The Negro Terror)

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. 

Jun 06, 202201:04:59
She's Always Known with Garrison Starr

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.   

May 31, 202201:00:12
Friend of the Show with James Enck (Turnt, The Long Mynd, A World Away)

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. 

May 17, 202236:53
A Pretty Lucky Guy with Jody Stephens (Big Star, Those Pretty Wrongs)

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. 

May 09, 202249:25
The Lord's Chords with Chris Milam

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

May 02, 202252:42
LIVE from Midtown Con with Joshua McLane (HEELS, South Point Grocery) and Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 5 & Dime Recording)

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.  

Apr 25, 202225:05
Songs & Stories Part 3 LIVE from The Green Room with Graham Burks (Loose Opinions) and HEELS

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.

Apr 18, 202250:15
Songs & Stories Part 2 LIVE from The Green Room with Cory Branan and Alicja Trout (Alicja-Pop, River City Tanlines)

Songs & Stories Part 2 LIVE from The Green Room with Cory Branan and Alicja Trout (Alicja-Pop, River City Tanlines)

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Cory Branan and Alicja Trout (Alicja-Pop, River City Tanlines). This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Apr 11, 202245:15
Songs & Stories Part 1 LIVE from The Green Room with Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe) and Michaela & Will Forrest (Rosey)

Songs & Stories Part 1 LIVE from The Green Room with Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe) and Michaela & Will Forrest (Rosey)

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe) and Michaela & Will Forrest (Rosey). This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts. 

Apr 04, 202236:09