Alison interviews opera singer Heidi Schneider about classical music in modern times and the continuing evolution of music. Ever the professional, Heidi remains congenial when Cake’s “Opera Singer” is foisted upon her.

Episode 36: The Definition of Goddess

May 20th, 2021 52m

Alison and Shannon Furtak misunderstand each other re. the research assignment. But don't worry, in true friend form, they navigate the terrain with a discussion about Saraswati and Lady Gaga. Other topics include creativity, family, and thrivi

Episode 35: Supporting The Song

May 13th, 2021 1h 9m

Alison meets with bassist, guitarist, and producer Ben Clarke to talk about the balance between making a living and having a creative outlet - and how Ben has made that happen throughout his career. They also touch on a few deep, difficult topi

Episode 34: Last Reign For The Joker

May 6th, 2021 48m 56s

Alison sits down with longtime friend Brian Platter, the founder and talented shredder for melodic death metal band The Last Reign. They talk about the adaptations required for making music during a global pandemic, legendary guitarists, musica

Episode 33: Music is my Oldest Friend

Apr 29th, 2021 1h 1m

Alison talks with her longtime friend and fellow musician Pamela Ryder about her experiences performing and succeeding in major music-centric cities, including Austin and Nashville. The two also discuss Pamela’s passions, which include improv,

Episode 32: AP Squared

Apr 19th, 2021 48m 35s

Alison interviews pianist and singer Ann Philippone. The two APs discuss being female artists in what has historically been a male-dominated industry, the great Nina Simone, the Civil Rights movement compared to today’s push for racial justice,

Episode 31: Project Walker

Apr 15th, 2021 1h 19m

Alison spends some time with Carole Walker, a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer from Cincinnati, Ohio. They discuss myriad topics including activism, lyrical inspiration, the joys of gardening, and how loved ones can give us strength

Episode 30: Walking Around in the Upside Down

Apr 9th, 2021 58m 18s

Alison interviews writer and hip-hop artist Chuckie Campbell about his childhood, his creative process, and his music, much of which centers around social justice. From being the first in his family to finish college to unexpectedly booming bar

Episode 29: Don't Meddle With My Metal

Aug 14th, 2020 58m 12s

Alison talks to metal singer Ryan Skerrett about starting, quitting, and re-starting various forays into music. Ryan schools Alison on Nu Metal and Alison schools Ryan on how there are no quitters here.

Episode 28: It All Starts With the Blues

Jul 31st, 2020 50m 5s

In this episode, Alison speaks with RiShon Odel, the masterful bassist who has played with jazz stars and rock stars and gospel stars...He is a producer, writer, and arranger, and we were so happy to catch up with him on a recent evening.

Episode 27: Three Cheers for Buffalo!

Jun 22nd, 2020 1h 12m

Alison Pipitone and Peter Burakowski discuss the Pan-American Expo of 1901, his songs based on that era, and the hero Jim Parker, whose name was almost erased from history. Peter also tells us about the time he was traveling for business and hi

Episode 26: What Plagues You

Jun 10th, 2020 1h 2m

Alison Pipitone and Shannon Furtak discuss the fate of musicians during the Black Plague and the Spanish Flu, along with other equally lighthearted topics.

Episode 25: Equal Temperament

Apr 19th, 2020 46m 27s

Alison interviews her brother-in-law/lead guitarist Graham Howes about pianos and guitars and motivation and family.

Episode 24: Zuper Zonic Matt Pszonak

Apr 13th, 2020 55m 35s

Alison interviews Matt Pszonak, a man who plays more instruments than there are consonants in his name. Matt talks about his upbringing and world travels, his influences, and the risks involved with a career in music. SUNY Music Industry Studen

Episode 23: Open Up the Universe

Apr 12th, 2020 40m 7s

Alison spends some time with Robbie Konikoff talking about - among other things - Devo, following your heart, and being open to change. Then SUNY Fredonia music industry students introduce us to the extraordinary Edie Lehmann Boddicker, who was

Episode 22: Marc My Words

Apr 7th, 2020 44m 35s

Alison and Marc W. Hunt talk about the bass and the studio and the Magic Kingdom. SUNY Fredonia Music Industry students introduce us to the pioneering record producer Lillian Shedd McMurry.

Episode 21: The Mighty Ms. Maltese

Apr 5th, 2020 56m 4s

Alison and the wonderfully talented Liz Maltese discuss the fun and foibles of being a singer and songwriter. Our SUNY Music Industry students give us some background on the career of Ella Fitzgerald.

Episode 20: The Prince of Woodlawn

Apr 4th, 2020 45m 11s

Alison talks to BFF Michael Skowronski about his younger years, all things music, and the late great Stan Szelest.

Episode 19: Thinking In Stories

Mar 14th, 2019 1h 6m

In this final episode of Season One, we turn the mics around and the uber-talented Karen Taylor does the interviewing. Karen asks Alison about beginnings, struggles, and inspirations. The two singers also discuss the merits of performing origin

Episode 18: Stupid Courage and the Kids Are All Right

Feb 28th, 2019 52m 24s

This week Alison hands over the reins to Music Industry students at SUNY Fredonia. They talk about their love of music with all the passion you would expect from bright young people just starting their journeys. The students discuss the excitin

Episode 17: Pat Libs

Feb 14th, 2019 56m 34s

Alison interviews her good friend and bandmate Pat Shaughnessy, an accomplished and first rate drummer. They discuss day jobs, cover bands, and Bun E. Carlos. And…Pat absolutely kills a game of Mad Libs!

Episode 16: Detergent and Creamer

Jan 31st, 2019 58m 56s

Alison interviews Tom Stahl, an award-winning folk-rock musician, superb songwriter, and fellow Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee. They talk about Tom’s long road to the stage and the effect a supportive partner has on the life of a working

Episode 15: This Is How History Gets Made

Jan 17th, 2019 44m 3s

Alison interviews the incredible George Scott of the George Scott Big Band and the historic Colored Musicians' Club in Buffalo, New York. They discuss the rich history of the CMC and the remarkable array of talent that has passed through its do

Episode 14: IF is not the word

Jan 3rd, 2019 49m 36s

This week, Alison interviews Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls. Robby & John Rznezik formed their iconic punk/rock/pop band in 1985 and they’ve sustained an incredibly successful career ever since. Alison and Robby discuss a wide range of topi

Episode 13: Pay Attention!

Dec 20th, 2018 1h 20m

This week, Alison interviews ace guitar player Jamie Holka. They discuss the roles fate and sheer determination often play in the lives of working musicians. Jamie reflects on his work with Captain Beyond and as a solo artist, and then Alison a