Christian ShieldsHe was corrupted by KISS at an early age (sound familiar?) and quickly became a student of the rock’n’roll hustle. Austin-based Christian Shields joins us to discuss his arena-ready rock, the art of self-promotion and how he landed the role of Jason McMaster in the upcoming music venue documentary, “Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of the Back Room.” Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Paul LidelHis raunchy guitar riffs and high-voltage solos have powered Dirty Looks, Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth, Adrenaline Factor and 99 Crimes. Paul Lidel joins us to discuss -- take a deep breath -- his latest project, Paul Lidel’s Scream Therapy; joining Dangerous Toys; the revamped Dirty Looks (with our own Jason McMaster on vocals); his time with Lizzy Borden; opening for KISS; and his audition with Ronnie James Dio. Look out! Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

George LynchHe shot to fame in the ‘80s as lead guitarist in Dokken where his wicked solos immediately placed him in an elite class of all-time greats. George Lynch cracks us up while discussing his latest Lynch Mob album, “Babylon,” auditioning for Ozzy, touring with Metallica, the hypothetical possibility of joining Judas Priest and how Kajagoogoo was an early inspiration. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jason & Dave RiffsWe revisit our original, two-man format and discuss Jason’s recent fly-out gigs with Watchtower (all the way to Germany!), Dangerous Toys and Dirty Looks. We also comment on new albums by the Rolling Stones, Buckcherry, Lower Class Brats, the Hangmen and Dave’s bargain-bin UFO obsession. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Frank MeyerFrank Meyer is a veteran punk-rock’n’roller whose credits include the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, Trading Aces and Spaghetti & Frank (a collab with Eddie Spaghetti of Supersuckers). He’s also an accomplished author and filmmaker whose newly released documentary, “Freestyle 101: Hip-Hop History,” is receiving rave reviews for its insightful exploration of freestyling, rap music and hip-hop culture. He also lands cameo appearances by heavy hitters Ice-T, Chuck D, B-Real, Fat Joe, members of Wu-Tang Clan and more. Yeeeaaahhhh, boy! Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jarvis LeatherbyHe’s a founding member of traditional metal revivalists Night Demon and also plays in cult-status metal heroes, Cirith Ungol. Bassist Jarvis Leatherby joins us to discuss his music and wide-ranging business background, his Valen Halen connection, jamming with Uli Jon Roth and how 2 Live Crew and NWA got him hooked on music. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Wendy DioShe was married to legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio and also managed his career through lean times and massive success. Wendy Dio joins us to discuss the recent release of the DVD and Blu-Ray Deluxe editions of the critically-acclaimed documentary, “Dio: Dreamers Never Die.” We also discuss the new CD and LP box set release of Dio’s final four studio albums (1996-2004); the wild antics of Jimmy Bain and why Ronnie initially hated “Rainbow in the Dark.”Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tony HigbeeHe plays guitar in Tom Keifer’s band, but considers life itself to be his greatest Cinderella story. Tony Higbee joins us to discuss his small-town upbringing, his fight against cancer and how his move to Nashville and jobs in music retail led to gigs with Keifer and Brother Cane. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Riverboat GamblersKnown for their highwire live performances and frantically melodic punk rock, the Riverboat Gamblers have been wowing audiences for more than two decades. With the 20th anniversary reissue of their pivotal 2003 album, “Something to Crow About,” we ask vocalist Mike Wiebe and guitarist Fadi El-Assad to tell us what’s what. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Nikki StringfieldAs a teenager, Nikki Stringfield was an admitted “goth nerd” who later moved from her native Texas to Los Angeles where she quickly joined the internationally popular tribute band, the Iron Maidens. Today, she divides her time between the Maidens, Heaven Below and her solo career, which is now in full swing with the recent release of her debut, full-length album, “Apocrypha.” (Photo credits: Adam Hendershott and David Castillo) Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tracii GunsBack for a second appearance on the Talk Louder Podcast, guitar hero Tracii Guns discusses his latest side band Blackbird Angels; their new album “Solsorte;” his approach to writing for multiple projects; why Danzig would have been a fun collaborator; and why you don’t want to hear “we’re out of ice” when partying with the band. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Gene HoglanHe started as a roadie for Slayer before making an indelible mark as the drummer on Dark Angel’s pivotal 1986 thrash album, “Darkness Descends.” Today, he’s known as the “Atomic Clock” and rightly considered one of the greatest drummers in metal thanks to his mind-blowing work with Death, Testament, Dethklok and others. He joins us to discuss his history, future, first concert (Queen with Thin Lizzy!), the influence of Watchtower and that time he developed double-kick drum patterns while sitting on the toilet. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Michael BruceAs a guitarist in the original Alice Cooper band, Michael Bruce co-wrote such timeless songs as “Eighteen,” “School’s Out,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Under My Wheels” and “Billion Dollar Babies.” He joins us to discuss the band’s earliest beginnings when Frank Zappa and Syd Barret were major influences before Bob Ezrin arrived to shape the classic Cooper sound. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Brian SlagelAs founder and CEO of Metal Blade Records, Brian Slagel helped launch the careers of Metallica, Slayer, Ratt, Armored Saint, Lizzy Borden, Mercyful Fate and even the Goo Goo Dolls. He joins us to discuss his new book, “Swing of the Blade,” his ongoing passion for heavy metal, why he won’t sell out to a major corporation and the band that got away (hint: the guitarist wears a top hat). Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Sean KellyCanadian musician, author and instructor Sean Kelly was raised on ‘80s hard rock – and shamelessly never outgrew it! No wonder we love him! He joins us to discuss his latest book, “Don’t Call it Hair Metal: Art in the Excess of ‘80s Rock;” his audition to join the cast of Dee Snider’s “Rock & Roll Christmas Tale” (he got the gig!); the latest on his long-time band, Crash Kelly; plus mentions of his other credits, including Coney Hatch, Helix, Lee Aaron (“The Metal Queen”) and pop star Nelly Furtado. He also gives us the inside angle (hint, hint) on his next book about a certain guitar body style and the players who love it.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Tyler HeathHe wears his love of ’80s hard rock on his white leather sleeve, but Tyler Heath’s musical palette is blended with a very broad brush. The Leather Duchess frontman joins us to discuss his various bands, his Revolt Vinyl Records label, the importance of visually compelling merch and how a Charlie Daniels Band concert put him on the path to bullet belts, leather gloves and the heyday of Hollywood hair metal. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Taime DowneHis snarling tales of lipstick junkies and runaways put Faster Pussycat singer Taime Downe at the top of the sleaze-rock heap. He joins us to discuss new Faster Pussycat music, an in-the-works book, his cold-turkey sobriety and why his earliest trip to a recording studio was all about the “banging room.” Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Greg ChaissonBassist Greg Chaisson gained international attention as a member of Badlands -- featuring guitarist Jake E. Lee, singer Ray Gillen and drummer Eric Singer (and, later, Jeff Martin) -- but he’s also an accomplished singer/songwriter/producer whose latest project, Atomic Kings, recalls the best hard rock bands of the ‘70s – and adds its own, modern twist. He joins us to discuss Atomic Kings’ debut album, his time in Badlands, Surgical Steel, Steeler, Legs Diamond and Ratt (for a minute) as well as his lifelong addiction to cowboy boots! Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

John GallagherWith the release of their 15th studio album, “All Hell’s Breaking Loose,” New Wave of British Heavy Metal legends Raven are back to bang some heads. Bassist/vocalist John Gallagher returns to the Talk Louder Podcast to discuss the new album, the pitfalls of major labels, his preference for a headset microphone and an early tour with opening act, Anthrax. Bonus: He also reveals his favorite Blue Oyster Cult album! Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Brian TatlerAs guitarist and founding member of Diamond Head, Brian Tatler was at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. As such, he and his music had a massive influence on thrash-metal upstarts, Metallica and Megadeth. He joins us to discuss Diamond Head’s legacy, the importance of punk rock, opening for AC/DC on the last two shows of Bon Scott’s life and his current gig with Saxon. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

“Pictures: ALIVE”What happens when two diehard KISS nerds combine their love of ’80s rock’n’roll, photography and graphic design? You get an eye-popping, full-color, 300-page book titled “Pictures: ALIVE.” Bursting with 400 high-quality, original concert photos, ticket stubs, concert ads and the camera-smuggling stories that go with them, “Pictures: ALIVE” finds photographer Steve Roney and art director Scott Davis walking us through big-city nights on Memory Lane where the hottest bands in the land – from AC/DC, Def Leppard and Motley Crue to Ozzy, Judas Priest, Scorpions and Van Halen – ruled our speakers, arenas and bedroom walls. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Neal SmithHe scared the bejesus out of polite society while shock rocking with Alice Cooper on a string of classic albums and songs, including “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Under My Wheels” and many more. Today, at 75, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer and multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Neal Smith finds his musical muse in the dusty lore of the Wild West. He joins us to discuss his latest album, “Killsmith Goes West,” that time he secretly carried three guns and a snake onto a plane and how Alice shot him in the foot during a drunken rabbit hunt (that cane on the back of “Love it to Death” is not a prop!). Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jack Gibson of ExodusHe’s the gut-punch in Exodus’ thrash-metal assault who also has a deep appreciation for Nashville’s killer country pickers. Bassist Jack Gibson joins us to discuss Exodus’ latest thrashterpiece, “Persona Non Grata,” wild times with Paul Baloff and meeting one of his heroes, Glen Campbell. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Francis RuizBefore joining Buckcherry, drummer Francis Ruiz worked for some if his heroes as the drum tech for Thin Lizzy, Scorpions, Slayer, Anthrax and Motorhead. He was also a member of Great White, Samantha 7 (featuring C.C. DeVille) and for one magical night, Motorhead! We caught up with him during a break from the Buckcherry/Skid Row tour to discuss Buckcherry’s new album, “Vol. 10,” his admiration for Zakk Wylde’s work ethic and how he managed to play gigs with his leg in a cast after being hit by a car. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Derek DavisHe knew he was destined to be a rocker after seeing an early version of Y&T perform at his high school (during lunch period, no less!). He soon became their roadie and went on to form his own band, Babylon A.D. Vocalist Derek Davis brings us up to date on Babylon A.D.’s latest album, “Live Lightning,” an in-the-works new album, his forays into southern rock and soul, and why Babylon A.D. had a “no dudes allowed” tour bus policy during their early ’90s heyday.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Jeff WagnerAuthor Jeff Wagner was an editor at Metal Maniacs magazine from 1997-2001 before turning his attention to music-related books beginning with 2010’s “Mean Deviation: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal” (featuring cover art by Voivod drummer, Away). In 2014, Wagner published “Soul on Fire: The Life and Music of Peter Steele” followed by 2022’s “Destination Onward: The Story of Fates Warning.” We find ourselves in rare company as Jeff shares his meticulous knowledge of obscure bands, his writing process, things he learned about Peter Steele and Jim Matheos, and news of his latest, in-the-works book (we won’t give it Away here so you’ll have to watch and listen).Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Richie FaulknerHe stepped into legendary shoes and spent the past 12 years carving his own identity as co-lead guitarist in Judas Priest. More recently, he formed the heavy metal supergroup, Elegant Weapons, and is set to release the band’s debut album, “Horns for a Halo” on May 26. Richie Faulkner joins us to discuss Elegant Weapons, his performance at the Rock Hall induction alongside K.K Downing, his connection to George Lynch and the best piece of advice Rob Halford ever gave him (live photos by David Castillo)Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mike LevineOn May 29, 1983, Triumph – along with Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Judas Priest, Motley Crue and Quiet Riot -- played in front of 300,000 heavy metal fans as part of the massive US Festival in San Bernardino, California. On the 40th anniversary of this monumental concert, Triumph bassist Mike Levine joins us to relive that memorable day and discuss the brand-new, limited-edition, double-live Triumph “Live at the US Festival” album. We also tell you how to join a live chat with Triumph on May 25 (9pm EST/6pm PST) and share a little-known fact about Alanis Morissette.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Klassik ’78Klassik ’78 sounds so much like vintage KISS even Paul Stanley raised a starry eyebrow. Joe McGinness (aka “Paul Stanley”) joins us to discuss the down-to-the-details album, “Phantoms;” how Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante got involved; and why growing up in the grunge era made him feel 100,000 years apart from his peers.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Back in BlackWhen AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson was sidelined due to hearing loss in 2016, Michael Mroz’s “stupid tribute band” got the phone call of a lifetime. Mroz – who plays the role of Angus Young in the long-running, Dallas-based tribute band, Back in Black – joins us to share what it was like meeting Angus Young while his singer auditioned for AC/DC. He also tells us what it takes to sustain a highly successful tribute band, how Back in Black’s history translated into the documentary, “My Stupid Tribute Band,” and which AC/DC songs are his favorites to play on stage. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

DJ WillHis passion for music was born in the artwork of his mother’s record collection and eventually drove him to jobs at Metal Blade Records, Capitol Records, KNAC.com, That Metal Show, Total Rock and points in between. William Howell, better-known as DJ Will, joins us to share insightful stories about his career-building involvement with the Goo Goo Dolls and Butthole Surfers, missed opportunities with Pantera and Watchtower, and two bands (new and old) he highly recommends. Interesting dude! You won’t wanna miss. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Billy WhiteAs a member of Watchtower (along with our own Jason McMaster), guitarist Billy White helped pave the way for progressive, thrash-metal music. After making his mark on the now-classic 1985 “Energetic Disassembly” album, he left Watchtower and resurfaced as a member of Don Dokken’s solo supergroup in time to record and release the 1990 album, “Up From the Ashes.” He later formed the blues-influenced Billy White Trio before ultimately devoting his life to more spiritual pursuits. He joins us to discuss Watchtower’s kitchen-sink approach, how Warren DeMartini played a role in his Dokken gig and how silence can be the most beautiful sound of all.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Mike TrampHe shot to fame in the late-1980s as the voice (and impossibly good-looking face) of White Lion’s hit songs, “Wait,” “Tell Me,” “Little Fighter” and “When the Children Cry.” Today, he’s reimagined and rerecorded the band’s best-known songs for an upcoming (April 14) new album titled “Songs of White Lion.” He joins us to revisit the classic songs, discuss his love of Thin Lizzy, and recall past tours with AC/DC and Aerosmith (including that time he and Steven Tyler invaded a water park). And, yes, we ask him THAT question.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Sami YaffaHe called it the “worst-sounding album” of Hanoi Rocks’ career, but after four decades, bassist Sami Yaffa and his legendary band have proudly righted the wrongs. He joins us to discuss the remixing and rerelease of 1982’s “Oriental Beat,” his solo album and autobiography, plus his time in Jetboy and whether or not any Hanoi gigs could be up around the bend. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Junkyard Dusted off and back in action since 2017’s well-received “High Water” album, Junkyard is refueled and ready to rumble. Drummer Patrick Muzingo and guitarist Tim Mosher join us to discuss some very special tour dates (featuring original guitarist Chris Gates), the status of new music, the story behind the “Hollywood” video and that time Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington stole their Jack and literally trashed their dressing room -- much to their astonished delight! Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

TraumaFormed in San Francisco in 1981, Trauma owns a sacred place in the hallowed history of whiplash thrash. Currently promoting new album “Awakening,” drummer Kris Gustofson joins us to discuss the band’s long and winding history, touring with Queensryche, the addition of new singer Brian Allen and what it’s like to carry the legacy of original bassist, Cliff Burton.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Todd La TorreBest-known as the powerhouse vocalist for Queensryche, multi-instrumentalist Todd La Torre is a musical force in his own right. He joins us to discuss a special edition of his 2021 solo album, “Rejoice in the Suffering,” his songwriting process inside and outside of Queensryche, and his not-so-secret wish to record a black-metal album.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten Queensryche

John MoyerAs the bassist for Disturbed, John Moyer plays in one of the world’s biggest metal bands. He’s also been a member of Geoff Tate’s Queensryche, the Union Underground, SOAK and star-studded supergroups that – for better or worse -- included Scott Weiland, Scott Stapp, Mike Portnoy, A.J. Pero and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal. He joins us to discuss nu-metal, his Disturbed audition, touring with Marilyn Manson and why it’s better to the nice guy who didn’t get the gig instead of the jerk who did.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Ace Von JohnsonFresh off the set of an L.A. Guns video shoot, guitarist Ace Von Johnson brings us up to speed on the band’s forthcoming new album, “Black Diamonds.” We also discuss his time in Faster Pussycat and U.S. Bombs (among others), his lifelong obsessions with punk-rock and horror movies, and how his quick reflexes behind the steering wheel earned him the name “Ace.” Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Robin McAuleyOn the eve of his latest album, “Alive,” vocalist Robin McAuley joins us to discuss his songwriting process, working with Michael Schenker, his Black Swan supergroup, singing “Eye of the Tiger” with Survivor and his little-known connection to Motorhead’s “Philthy Animal” Taylor. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Alan TecchioHe succeeded our own Jason McMaster as the vocalist for Watchtower and also fronted the metal bands Hades, Non-Fiction, Seven Witches and others. More recently, he and co-author Frank White published the coffee table book “Jersey Metal Vol. 1” documenting the New Jersey heavy metal scene circa 1969-1986. Alan Tecchio joins us to discuss all of the above and more. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Rudy SarzoFrom his groundbreaking tenure with Quiet Riot through his arena-conquering stints with Ozzy and Whitesnake, bassist Rudy Sarzo has spent a lifetime bringing metal to the masses. We caught up with the iconic rocker to discuss Quiet Riot’s legacy, the heartfelt new song, “I Can’t Hold On,” his theory about the Randy Rhoads plane crash and why licking his bass was the least of his worries.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Katon W. De PenaHirax singer Katon W. De Pena was front-and-center for the birth and rise of California’s legendary mid-‘80s thrash-metal scene. Today, at age 59, he’s as metal as ever and joins us to discuss Hirax, his former band Phantasm (featuring original Metallica bassist Ron McGovney), his connection to Celtic Frost frontman Tom G. Warrior, and the times a young Hirax fan named Mike Patton used to show up early to meet the band (and later returned the favor).Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Joey VeraBest known as the bass player for Armored Saint, Joey Vera has also played with Mercyful Fate, Lizzy Borden, Fates Warning, Anthrax, Arch/Matheos and Motor Sister, among others. We cover as much as we can of his storied career, including how a car crash with Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee helped finance an early Armored Saint demo, why he turned down interest from Metallica and how Thin Lizzy and Queen blew his young mind.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Joel GrindHe’s the mastermind behind thrash-metal band Toxic Holocaust and an accomplished studio technician whose credits include Power Trip’s acclaimed “Nightmare Logic” album. Joel Grind joins us to discuss his early fascination with recording, his DIY work ethic and how he got famed Megadeth artist Ed Repka to create Toxic Holocaust’s “Hell on Earth” album cover.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Ed AbornBy the end of the 1980s, drummer Ed Aborn and his Siren band mates hung up their dreams of heavy metal stardom and settled into adult life. Thirty-five years later, a quietly amassing overseas fan base spurred an invitation to reform Siren and play a huge reunion gig at Germany’s world-renowned Keep it True festival. Captured on film in the documentary, “I’m Too Old for This Sh*t,” (produced by Chris Jericho and directed by Nathan Mowery), the tale is retold by Ed on the Talk Louder Podcast where he also reveals how he helped Jason land his recent Accept gig. Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

Year in ReviewAs 2022 comes to a close, we look back on memorable albums, concerts andTalk Louder Podcast guests.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten

The Black HalosBack with all the snot and fury that made 2001’s “The Violent Years” an underground, glam-punk classic, the Black Halos hurl their latest sonic Molotov, “How the Darkness Doubled.” Guitarist Rich Jones and singer Billy Hopeless join us to discuss the new album, how guest vocalist Michael Monroe made a mic stand out of a suitcase (we have photographic proof!) and that time Nazareth singer Dan McCafferty (RIP) endorsed Hopeless as his replacement.Created and Produced by Jared Tuten