Mercy & The Manz

About Mercy & The Manz

A podcast about life, love, music, working together as a couple, and plenty of non-sense! Hear from two love-birds trying to make it work together in the music industry.

Publisher

Mercy & The Manz

Category

music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Jan 2020

Latest episode

19 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

31 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Sept 2026

   Episode 30 "Kool & The Gig"

   A last-minute opening slot for Kool & the Gang, a wind-battered drum gig in Livermore, and a brutal reminder of how fragile a working band’s calendar can be — this episode is a backstage look at what it really takes to stay booked, sound great, and keep your cool when everything is moving at once. Jaque and Kyle break down the chaos and thrill of a packed performance day, from stepping onto a huge free concert stage in South San Francisco with subs in the lineup to making split-second setlist decisions under a hard cutoff. They get into the reality of playing as pros in high-pressure rooms, where trust, preparation, timing, and reading the room matter just as much as the songs themselves.You’ll hear the thinking behind building a set for the widest possible crowd without leaning too campy, why certain songs make the cut and others don’t, and how tracks, charts, and arrangement changes can save a performance — or nearly derail it. They also share what it feels like to battle stage fright in the middle of a set, then experience a side-stage validation moment from Kool & the Gang’s singer that makes the whole day feel unreal. Kyle also unpacks the details of jumping from Mercy and the Heartbeats to Salvage Title, including the preparation, charting, tempo notes, and why he loves playing drum gigs that demand real musicality. Between the two shows, the conversation goes deep on musicianship, professionalism, and the small moments that separate a good gig from a great one. Then the episode shifts into the business side that bands rarely talk about honestly: preferred vendor lists, venue politics, noise complaints, client cancellations, and the constant pressure of protecting future bookings. If you’re a musician, event planner, or anyone trying to build a creative business without losing your mind, this is one of those episodes that feels equal parts cathartic and useful.Perfect for listeners who love live music, behind-the-scenes band stories, and the real-world hustle of making a creative career work without sacrificing the joy.

2. 

   21 Aug 2026

   Ep 29 Subpar Subs, Spats & Brass

   A brutal Fourth of July slot, a fake-it-till-you-make-it sub disaster, and the wild satisfaction of watching a crowd finally get exactly what your band does. Jaque pulls back the curtain on the summer gigs that tested Mercy and the Heartbeats, the wedding request chaos that turned into a masterclass in survival, and the family-fueled Capitola show that made “Heartbeat Nation” feel real. If you play in a working band, book events, or just love the behind-the-scenes drama of live music, this one is packed with the kind of stories you only hear after the stage lights go down. From an opening set where the audience was still stuck in the security line, to a wedding where a sub literally pretended to play sax, to a perfectly timed family turnout in matching “I’m with the band” shirts, the episode swings from frustration to gratitude fast. You’ll hear how Jaque and Kyle navigate: * opening slots versus headline slots at public events * what goes wrong when soundcheck time gets squeezed to nothing * the difference between a prepared sub and one who clearly didn’t do the homework * why wedding setlists can become a puzzle of must-plays, medleys, and last-minute cuts * how a single perfect crowd can erase the burnout from a brutal stretch of gigs They also break down the reality of being a couple who runs a band, runs a household, raises a kid, and still has to show up with energy when they are tired, stressed, and overloaded. The result is candid, funny, and surprisingly moving - especially when Kyle describes what it feels like to look out and see an entire family, a whole community, and a growing fan base showing up for the music. And if you want the full spectrum of the episode, there’s also a concert recap from Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna at Mountain Winery, plus a classic guilty-pleasure music card that sends the conversation into pure nostalgia. This is essential listening if you love live music, event-band life, or the messy, human side of making a band work. It’s equal parts candid debrief, gig war story, and love letter to the people who keep showing up.

3. 

   26 Jun 2026

   Ep 28 Trust The Setlist

   You think most band members secretly wish they'd ditch the set list and just vibe. Or do they?… Join Jaque and Kyle AKA Mercy and The Manz, co band leaders/husband and wife team as they peel back the curtain on gig chaos— adding new songs, missing cues, and the art of staying sane behind the mic. From muddy sound checks at city concerts to surprising audience antics, this episode is the backstage pass you've been waiting for. You'll discover: How band dynamics and setlist strategy can make or break a gig The real reason why requests are the band’s least favorite feature (hint: it’s not just about playing what people want) The inside scoop on subbing, in-ear monitors, and why every musician should build their own monitor system Why your favorite cover band isn’t just playing notes—it's a mental and emotional marathon The importance of owning your stage, even when fans get a little too close for comfort We break down the chaos, the comedy, and the camaraderie of gig life—the stuff no one tells you. If you're a musician, a live music fan, or just someone who loves a good story about surviving and thriving on stage, this episode’s for you. Perfect for music lovers who want the inside scoop or performers needing a dose of reality (and humor). This isn’t just about music—it's about resilience, relationships, and why doing your best isn't always perfect, but always worth it. Join us—because whether you're on stage or in the crowd, you’re part of the story.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Mercy & The Manz

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.