
Ep. 291: Ryan Key discusses Yellowcard’s “Better Days”
12/1/2026 | 1 h 15 min
In this episode, Chris sits down with Ryan Key of Yellowcard to explore the band’s surreal return after what had once been a definitive breakup. Ryan reflects on the emotional and creative spark that led to their comeback single “Better Days” and explains how collaborating with Travis Barker brought a fresh perspective to the studio. He shares how an open and experimental approach shaped the songwriting, why vulnerability fueled some of his strongest vocal work to date, and how kindness within the band has been essential to their evolution. The conversation also looks at the growing generational crossover in their audience, with new fans singing alongside longtime listeners while Yellowcard stays true to the sound that first defined them. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throwback Thursday: Chad Price discusses All’s “Original Me”
08/1/2026 | 1 h 5 min
This week’s Throwback Thursday rewinds to Episode 107 from June 13th, 2022, when Chad Price stopped by to unpack All’s rip-roaring opener “Original Me,” the song that kicked off 1993’s Breaking Things and ushered in his era as the band’s new vocalist, even if his memory of the finer details was a little fuzzy. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 290: Nick Thompson discusses Hit the Lights “Bodybag”
05/1/2026 | 1 h 10 min
This week, Hit the Lights vocalist Nick Thompson joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s beloved 2006 single “Bodybag.” With tongue-in-cheek lyrics paying tribute to the beatdown hardcore bands that inspired Nick and his bandmates during their formative years in the Ohio suburbs, the song captures the spirit of that era perfectly. Combined with its catchy melodies, memorable guitar riffs, and slick Matt Squire production, “Bodybag” has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with fans decades later. Tune in for a fun and insightful look back at how it all came together. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throwback Thursday: Ben Lee discusses his song “Catch My Disease”
01/1/2026 | 1 h 12 min
This week’s throwback is to Episode 144, first released February 27, 2023, when Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee sat in to unpack “Catch My Disease,” the irresistible 2005 single that earned Song of the Year at the APRA Awards and picked up a whole new audience after landing on Grey’s Anatomy. In this episode, Ben breaks down how the song came together, the ideas behind its feel-good energy, and why it became such a defining moment in his career. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2025 Year-End Wrap
29/12/2025 | 1 h 10 min
Chris and Chris are once again joined by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly to reflect on all the songs that were featured on the show in the past year. Together, they crown the Chris DeMakes A Podcast SONG OF THE YEAR, an honor that went to “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America in the 2024 Wrap. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices



Chris DeMakes A Podcast