Press Play Conversations is a weekly podcast hosted by Don, Tina, and Dean, featuring real conversations with bands and musicians. Each episode dives into the stories behind the music — from songwriting and influences to touring, challenges, and the journey as an artist. Whether you’re a music fan or a fellow musician, Press Play Conversations gives you an inside look at the people behind the sound.
Steelheart's Miljenko Matijević: The Rock Voice That Refused to Fade # 16
What does it take to build one of the most powerful voices in rock history—and keep it strong decades later?
From singing in his grandmother’s kitchen at age three… to shaking arenas with Steelheart… to surviving career-changing setbacks and still recording orchestral rock today, Miljenko Matijević joins Press Play Radio Conversations for a rare, honest look inside the voice behind We All Die Young, Never Let You Go, and more.
This isn’t just a conversation about rock history.
It’s about discipline, survival, soul, and why real voices still matter in a changing music world.
Watch the full conversation and step inside the story behind the legend.
Learn more about Miljenko here:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/miljenko-matijevic/v7 (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/miljenko-matijevic/v7)
Explore Steelheart here:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/steelheart/v7 (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/steelheart/v7)
16 Apr 2026
Sass Jordan & Brian Tichy Just Reignited Rock—Must Listen! # 15
Before Something Unto Nothing had a name, a label, or even a plan, Sass Jordan and Brian Tichy were just two lifers in a room chasing the sound of real rock and roll again — loud, loose, and alive. In this Press Play Radio Conversations episode, Sass and Brian join The Don, Dean Baldwin, and Tina to unpack the unexpected story behind their collaboration, the spirit of ’70s-era songwriting that shaped the record, their thoughts on AI’s impact on music, and why the newly remastered release feels less like a comeback and more like a spark for what’s coming next.
To learn more about Sass Jordan:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/sass-jordan/v7 (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/sass-jordan/v7)
To learn more about Brian Tichy:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/brian-tichy/v7 (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/brian-tichy/v7)
10 Apr 2026
Why Allie Colleen Might Be the Most REAL Artist Right Now & How A.I. Cannot Understand Tattoos #14
Country artist Allie Colleen joins Press Play Radio Conversations with The Don and Tina for a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about songwriting, memory-triggering moments behind “Mahogany Teakwood,” life in Nashville, performing on tour with Jelly Roll, and why silencing a room with a song might be the greatest privilege an artist can experience. From the stories behind her music to her thoughts on AI in the industry (and why venues should stop using it on posters immediately), Allie proves exactly why fans connect so deeply with her authenticity and voice.
Learn more about Allie Colleen here:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/allie-colleen (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/allie-colleen)
Want to send Allie a message directly? Write her a letter here:
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/allie-colleen-brooks (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/allie-colleen-brooks)
8 Apr 2026
Jet Jurgensmeyer: The Journey from Hollywood Sets to Country Stages Show # 13
Before he was stepping into Nashville writing rooms and crafting songs that feel both classic and current at the same time, Jet Jurgensmeyer was already familiar to audiences as Spanky in The Little Rascals (2014) and from roles in American Sniper, Adventures in Babysitting, and Last Man Standing. But on this episode of Press Play Radio Conversations, Jet sits down with Don and Tina to talk about the journey that brought him from child actor to Belmont University songwriter, from ranch life in Missouri to the Nashville stage, and into a new phase of music built on authenticity, storytelling, and the belief that audiences can still tell the difference between something real and something manufactured.
To learn more about Jet, visit his Mosaic page on Press Play: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/jet-jurgensmeyer (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/jet-jurgensmeyer)
If you’d like to send him a message directly, you can write him a letter here: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/jet-jurgensmeyer (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/jet-jurgensmeyer).
7 Apr 2026
Dan Ashley Interview: News Anchor Turned Musician | Inspiring Story & Songs Explained Show # 12
Veteran ABC7 news anchor Dan Ashley steps behind the headlines and into the heart of songwriting on this episode of Press Play Conversations. Dan joins The Don and Tina for a thoughtful, fun, and deeply personal conversation about the stories that shaped his music, the inspiration behind songs like Outside Looking In and Small Town Nights, and why optimism and memory still fuel great rock storytelling today. From North Carolina roots to San Francisco stages, this is a side of Dan Ashley you don’t hear on the evening news.
Send Dan Ashley a note and let him know what his music means to you: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/dan-ashley (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/dan-ashley)
To learn more about Dan Ashley, readers and watchers can visit:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/dan-ashley (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/dan-ashley)
6 Apr 2026
Won The First Season of Nashville Star and Performed In A War Zone: Buddy Jewell Show # 11
Country music still has storytellers who don’t just sing the songs—they live them. In this episode of Press Play Conversations, Buddy Jewell joins The Don and Tina to reflect on winning Nashville Star, the emotional truth behind “Help Pour Out the Rain,” touring war zones with the USO, and the new music he’s building completely on his own terms. It’s a conversation about faith, resilience, classic country roots, and why authenticity still matters in today’s streaming world.
Learn more about Buddy here:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/buddy-jewell (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/buddy-jewell)
Send Buddy a note here:
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/buddy-jewell (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/buddy-jewell)
6 Apr 2026
Morgan Myles: No Filters, the RAW Truth About Love & Music Show # 10
Morgan Myles joins Press Play Radio Conversations to talk about the emotional journey behind her new album Laced, the real-life heartbreak that shaped it, and why she’ll never stop fighting for music with soul. From Muscle Shoals songwriting sessions to a powerful cover of “Sister Golden Hair,” Myles opens up about authenticity, resilience, and the importance of human connection in today’s music industry.
To learn more about Morgan: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/morgan-myles (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/morgan-myles)
To write Morgan a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/morgan-myles (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/morgan-myles)
6 Apr 2026
She Wasn’t Trained… She Was POSSESSED! The Rise of Bec Lauder Show # 9
Bec Lauder isn’t just making music — she’s channeling a whole mood, a whole movement, and a kind of ec opens up about The Vessel, the real-life heartbreak and self-discovery behind the songrock energy that feels both timeless and brand new. In this Press Play Conversations feature, Bs, her explosive rise from New York jam sessions to selling out shows in Paris, and the magic that keeps pushing her forward.
Raw, hypnotic, emotional, and electric, Bec Lauder and The Noise are tapping into something bigger than a moment — and this conversation proves she’s only getting started.
Learn more about Bec Lauder and The Noise here:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/bec-lauder (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/bec-lauder)
Send Bec a letter here:
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bec-lauder-and-the-noise (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bec-lauder-and-the-noise)
6 Apr 2026
The Kind of Country Voice We Thought Was Gone… Until Now: Savannah Dean Reeves Show # 8
Savannah Dean Reeves is the kind of artist who doesn’t chase songs—they find her. With a voice that carries grit, soul, and a quiet kind of fire, she blends country roots with a raw edge that feels unmistakably her own. From emotionally charged songwriting to live performances that leave a mark, Savannah is entering a bold new chapter—one worth paying attention to.
To learn more about Savannah Dean Reeves, visit:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/savannah-dean-reeves (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/savannah-dean-reeves)
To write Savannah a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/savannah-dean-reeves (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/savannah-dean-reeves)
31 Mar 2026
Autumn Academy Is What Happens When Music Stays HUMAN Show # 7
What happens when real musicians collide with an artificial music world?
Autumn Academy isn’t here to play the algorithm — they’re here to feel something.
From raw songwriting and standout tracks to an unfiltered conversation about AI in music, this Press Play Conversation dives into what it actually means to create in 2026.
No shortcuts. No fake polish. Just a band chasing something honest.
Watch the full conversation and experience Autumn Academy for yourself.
Learn more: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/autumn-academy
(https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/autumn-academy)Write them a letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/autumn-academy (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/autumn-academy)
19 Mar 2026
"I Witnessed Genius—and Its Fragility" Iconic Rock Journalist Steve Rosen Shares His Stories Show 6
In this episode of Press Play Radio Conversations, veteran music journalist Steven Rosen sits down with Don “The Don” Thatcher, SiriusXM’s Dean Baldwin, and Press Play CEO Tina Houser to reflect on the art—and loss—of storytelling in rock music. From his first nerve-wracking interview with Joe Cocker to the intimate, 17-year journey of writing Tone Chaser about his friendship with Eddie Van Halen, Rosen shares the highs, heartbreaks, and quiet revelations of a life spent chasing connection over fame. He reveals what it’s like to watch legends change, the fragile moments behind Van Halen’s mystique, and why modern media and AI can mimic style but never replicate lived experience. Poignant, candid, and deeply human, this conversation reminds us why music writing—and the stories that survive—still matters.
18 Mar 2026
Rock Icon Rick Hughes Finally Reveals Why He Walked Away From the Music Industry on PPRC Show 5
From Sword to Saints & Sinners, Canadian rock powerhouse Rick Hughes has never followed the rules—he’s followed the music. In this exclusive Press Play Radio interview, Rick opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of the industry, the grit behind the glory, and why his voice still echoes with purpose.
Raw. Real. Unfiltered.
Watch as Rick shares untold stories, musical insights, and his unwavering passion for the stage.
Want more? Check out his full profile here: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/rick-hughes (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/rick-hughes)
Write a Letter To Rick!
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/rick-hughes (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/rick-hughes)
#RickHughes #Sword #SaintsAndSinners #PressPlayRadio #RockLegends #ArtistInterview #RealMusicLivesHere
17 Mar 2026
Jeremy Calloway Reveals the Truth About Real Musicianship | PPRC Show # 4
Jeremy Calloway joins Press Play Conversations for a laid-back, authentic chat that highlights a career built on real musicianship and honest storytelling. With years of experience behind him, Calloway reflects the kind of artist who lets the work speak louder than the hype. This conversation captures his grounded perspective, creative spirit, and the confidence of someone who’s truly found his voice.
To learn more about Jeremy: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/jeremy-calloway (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/jeremy-calloway)
To write Jeremey a Letter: https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/jeremy-calloway (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/jeremy-calloway)
17 Mar 2026
We Found The Most Chaotic Rock Band In Los Angeles: Los Frankies on PPRC Show # 3
Los Frankies are carving their own lane through the noise of Los Angeles—raw guitars, controlled chaos, and songs born from real life, not algorithms. From the fuzzed-out bite of “Dog City” to the razor-sharp honesty of “I’m On Drugs,” this is rock that earns its scars and wears them proudly.
To learn more about Los Frankies and their upcoming record, visit: https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/los-frankies (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/los-frankies)
Write the Los Frankies a Letter!
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/los-frankies (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/los-frankies)
17 Mar 2026
Reeve Stimpson: The Viral Singer Who’s Bringing Back REAL Pop Music: PPRC Show # 2
Reeve Stimpson isn't chasing the '80s revival—he is the revival. With big hooks, slick visuals, and an emotional honesty that hits like a Bryan Adams chorus, Reeve opens up about his viral rise, nostalgic roots, and bold vision for the future of pop. Watch as he talks “One Night Stand,” kitchen TikToks, and why this isn’t a gimmick—it’s a movement.
Learn more About Reeve at:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/ (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblhsQUpnZXRJd2dUeHRPeU80TmFtWjFpU0JDQXxBQ3Jtc0ttWDZvVjdsRVk0bmRnamhLMXd3RHlXbW1TWEE2bkdUdjlwWW5sOERhcWN1cDA2SzYtNXBNdU5JQmFJT0F0dGJmVW1xbjlnVWNMeDVtQm1YWVk5dWI5VmI3WXhjQ04wam1PU2hUOUJiNm1pTlJXX2dNSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fmosaic.pressplay.me%2Fprofiles%2Freeve-stimpson&v=9g3GflvvzhA)
Write Reeve a Letter!
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/re (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/re)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXRWSDVSRzRkVWN0VG1DU2o0OW1jbWZMQUdGd3xBQ3Jtc0tuR0x6SzVfZHhnQ2lCaVgydFN1MGk3OHJ0RWdJelZQbFA5bzVfb09lVmtRNnZJMkpka1RhdVcxVEhLc1VsUEc0MV9EVTQ5ZzhTaTZpNTEtSzQ3LVVsZDJjTE8tbWhoMmNfSVIwVlJMMGZONDB1aU9NSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fpressplay.me%2Fartist-letter%2Freeve-stimpson&v=9g3GflvvzhA)
#ReeveStimpson (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/reevestimpson) #viralvideo (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/viralvideo) #viralvideos (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/viralvideos) #synthpop (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/synthpop) #retropop (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/retropop) #80srevival (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/80srevival) #newpopmusic (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/newpopmusic)
9 Mar 2026
Inside the Mind of Firehouse’s Bill Leverty: Ballads, Guitar Tone & Decades in Rock on PPRC Show # 1
Firehouse guitarist and songwriter Bill Leverty joins Press Play Radio Conversations for a wide-ranging, deeply human discussion on ballads, guitar tone, imperfection in music, and what still matters after decades on the road. From the emotional discipline behind rock’s most enduring love songs to the difference between technical perfection and real feeling, Leverty reflects on the craft, the collaborators, and the moments that continue to shape his sound.
To learn more about Bill Leverty and Firehouse, visit:
https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/firehouse (https://mosaic.pressplay.me/profiles/firehouse)
Write Bill a Letter:
https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bill-leverty-of-firehouse (https://pressplay.me/artist-letter/bill-leverty-of-firehouse)
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