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The Business of Taylor Swift with Kevin Evers
Visiting South Carolina
One of my bosses loves Charleston South Carolina. No joke, the other day she came into my studio and said, “I haven’t been to Charleston in two weeks and I think I’m starting to get hives.” She loves it. And I hear that from a lot of people. In fact, another coworker is going down to Charleston soon to take part in a 10K. South Carolina seems to be one of those places that, at least in my area, people love to visit. But the state is bigger than just Charleston.
South Carolina has so much to offer. It has a little bit of everything. Beaches, history, golf, mountains, rural escapes and so much more. I would say it’s part of a handful of states that truly offer a little slice of everything that makes this country what it is. You know what I mean? Every state has something special to offer, but a place like South Carolina takes a piece of every state.
So let’s take a dive into all that South Carolina has to offer. I’m catching up with Devyn Whitmire. She’s the Digital Engagement Manager for Discover South Carolina. This was a great chat. I think South Carolina is on my family’s radar for a little trip this summer.
South Carolina has so much to offer. It has a little bit of everything. Beaches, history, golf, mountains, rural escapes and so much more. I would say it’s part of a handful of states that truly offer a little slice of everything that makes this country what it is. You know what I mean? Every state has something special to offer, but a place like South Carolina takes a piece of every state.
So let’s take a dive into all that South Carolina has to offer. I’m catching up with Devyn Whitmire. She’s the Digital Engagement Manager for Discover South Carolina. This was a great chat. I think South Carolina is on my family’s radar for a little trip this summer.
Lollapalooza with Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour
I can't tell you how many days and hours I spent in dusty, or paved, parking lots in various cities watching the Warped Tour. It was a part of my summer every year for about a decade. I wouldn't miss it. As much joy as I found at the Warped Tour, it never would've happened without Lollapalooza.
First launched in 1991 as a farewell tour for Janes Addiction, Lollapalooza ended up launching a series of touring festivals, and even helped to shape the festival scene that we have now.
Authors Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour have put together what I think is a remarkable oral history of Lollapalooza. They spoke with everyone to create this book called 'Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story Of Alternative Rock's Wildest Festival.'
Visiting Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
I’ve mentioned before that I live in Baltimore. I’m not a Baltimore native, but I’ve lived here for about 18 years now. One thing I’ve learned in my nearly two decades in Charm City is that people here have no love for Pittsburgh. Really it all stems from the NFL rivalry between the Ravens and Steelers. But I haven’t quite been able to put my finger on why there seems to be so much tension between the two cities. I’ve visited Pittsburgh before and, from what I remember of my short time there, I thought it was a funky city that was a lot like Baltimore.
There’s the industrial history. Both cities have dozens of unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality. And of course there’s the pride from being a mid-sized city and having to compete with some of the big dogs for attention. As they always say, we are more alike than we are different.
So today I wanted to head out to the Steel City and learn more about why we should all give it a chance. It’s a close spot to try to run away to for a weekend, and they seem to always have something special going on. Whether it’s a big concert or event at one of their number of stadiums, or a food or beverage festival, Pittsburgh has plenty to do. Oh, and they have the NFL draft coming in 2026, which I know football fans will want to take advantage of.
Joining me today is Alex Kenzakoski. She’s a senior manager for public relations for Visit Pittsburgh. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
There’s the industrial history. Both cities have dozens of unique neighborhoods that each have their own personality. And of course there’s the pride from being a mid-sized city and having to compete with some of the big dogs for attention. As they always say, we are more alike than we are different.
So today I wanted to head out to the Steel City and learn more about why we should all give it a chance. It’s a close spot to try to run away to for a weekend, and they seem to always have something special going on. Whether it’s a big concert or event at one of their number of stadiums, or a food or beverage festival, Pittsburgh has plenty to do. Oh, and they have the NFL draft coming in 2026, which I know football fans will want to take advantage of.
Joining me today is Alex Kenzakoski. She’s a senior manager for public relations for Visit Pittsburgh. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Visiting Rochester New York
It feels like we’ve been taking a little trip around New York recently. We’ve discussed a few different areas in the Empire State, and now we’re going back. I’ve said before that it feels like New York is really a few different states all combined into one. Each region seems to have it’s own personality.
This week we are going to Rochester. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Rochester before. My brother went to RIT for school and I spent a weekend with him bouncing around bars and eating garbage plates. If you don’t know what a garbage plate is, look it up. I promise that it’s not as disgusting as it sounds. Or looks.
Rochester has so many options. It has sports, both at the professional and collegiate level, lots of nature, history and it even has Tim Horton’s. I mean, Rochester is right near Canada. Joining me today is Don Jeffries. He’s the president and CEO of Visit Rochester. And if this guy can’t convince you to go to Rochester, I’m pretty sure no one can. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
This week we are going to Rochester. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Rochester before. My brother went to RIT for school and I spent a weekend with him bouncing around bars and eating garbage plates. If you don’t know what a garbage plate is, look it up. I promise that it’s not as disgusting as it sounds. Or looks.
Rochester has so many options. It has sports, both at the professional and collegiate level, lots of nature, history and it even has Tim Horton’s. I mean, Rochester is right near Canada. Joining me today is Don Jeffries. He’s the president and CEO of Visit Rochester. And if this guy can’t convince you to go to Rochester, I’m pretty sure no one can. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Trousdale On Finding A Voice, New Music and Touring
Do you remember that old SNL skit with Chris Farley where he would interview famous people? It was so uncomfortable, but yet funny. He would act like a nervous fan. For example, he interviewed Paul McCartney once and said, "You remember when you were with the Beatles? That was awesome."
I was very concerned that this interview might go down the same path. I'm such a fan of the guests on this episode. Their song Point Your Finger changed the way I hear music. I'm not even exaggerating. The three part harmonies that come out of their mouths are unmatched.
This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Trousdale. They have a new album coming out on April 11th, and a tour kicking off on April 30th. Both of which I'm very excited about. Hopefully I didn't fanboy too hard during this conversation and you enjoy it.
If you haven't heard their stuff yet, please check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Visiting Bucks County Pennsylvania
This was a fun one. I spent about 8 years of my life living just outside Philadelphia. There was a period of time where, on the off chance I’d have some time off on a weekend, my friends and I would take a little drive north into Bucks County. There are some beautiful, and funky, spots that were perfect for a little day away.
My personal favorite spot was New Hope. Now, it’s been about 20 years since the last time I was there, but it’s such a funky place. Lots of art, cafes and a relaxed atmosphere. And there was this super cool flea market nearby where we used to find all kinds of great stuff.
Like I said, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been to Bucks County. I discovered during this conversation that it’s still very much the same as I remember, but they’ve made some upgrades. And there’s a new spotlight on the area.
This week I got to speak with Paul Vencivengo, the president and CEO of Visit Bucks County. By the end of this conversation I was ready to pack up the car and make the drive north right up to Bucks County. I’m pretty sure you’ll find my family up there this summer.
My personal favorite spot was New Hope. Now, it’s been about 20 years since the last time I was there, but it’s such a funky place. Lots of art, cafes and a relaxed atmosphere. And there was this super cool flea market nearby where we used to find all kinds of great stuff.
Like I said, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been to Bucks County. I discovered during this conversation that it’s still very much the same as I remember, but they’ve made some upgrades. And there’s a new spotlight on the area.
This week I got to speak with Paul Vencivengo, the president and CEO of Visit Bucks County. By the end of this conversation I was ready to pack up the car and make the drive north right up to Bucks County. I’m pretty sure you’ll find my family up there this summer.
Ted Lasso With Jeremy Egner
Ted Lasso was a brilliant show that came into the world at the time that we all needed it. It launched in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Everyone was trapped at home feeling helpless, having anxiety and in need of some cheering up. Welcome Ted Lasso.
This show was the unlikely success story during a wild time. I loved it from day one and still rewatch the series from time to time when I need some happiness in my life (which is often due to the current status of the world).
Journalist and author Jeremy Egner got behind the scenes to share the stories with us about how the show was created, how everyone came together and some of the great stories from the cast that we didn't get a chance to see. He puts it all in his new book 'Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way Into Our Hearts.'
I loved this conversation. If you were a Ted Lasso fan, this is a book you need to read.
Visiting Dutchess County New York
Let’s go back up to New York. I feel like the state of New York really is like 6 or 7 states combined. There are so many unique areas throughout the state. In this conversation I’m taking a trip up the Hudson River to beautiful Dutchess County.
You might not be familiar with Dutchess County by name, but you know it’s role in the history of this country. Have you ever heard of a guy by the name of Franklin D Roosevelt? Or maybe the Vanderbilts? Well they all had homes and businesses in Dutchess County.
This was the area where all of the robber barrons had their summer homes away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. So you can imagine the beauty and nature that fills Dutchess County. Now, these families don’t hold the same kind of power over the world that they did a hundred years ago, but their homes still stand and are incredible historical sites. The FDR Presidential Library and Museum is in Dutchess County, as is the site where Eleanor Roosevelt ran a furniture business.
And history is just one reason to make a visit there. I caught up with Melaine Rottkamp. She’s the president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism Inc, and she is a fountain of knowledge about her county. If she can’t sell you on making a visit, I don’t think anyone can. Please enjoy my conversation with Melaine Rottkamp.
You might not be familiar with Dutchess County by name, but you know it’s role in the history of this country. Have you ever heard of a guy by the name of Franklin D Roosevelt? Or maybe the Vanderbilts? Well they all had homes and businesses in Dutchess County.
This was the area where all of the robber barrons had their summer homes away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. So you can imagine the beauty and nature that fills Dutchess County. Now, these families don’t hold the same kind of power over the world that they did a hundred years ago, but their homes still stand and are incredible historical sites. The FDR Presidential Library and Museum is in Dutchess County, as is the site where Eleanor Roosevelt ran a furniture business.
And history is just one reason to make a visit there. I caught up with Melaine Rottkamp. She’s the president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism Inc, and she is a fountain of knowledge about her county. If she can’t sell you on making a visit, I don’t think anyone can. Please enjoy my conversation with Melaine Rottkamp.
First Time Caller with B.K. Borison
I had such a fun time with this week's guest, author B.K. Borison. I came across her latest novel, First Time Caller, kinda by accident. It was sitting in my radio station and caught my eye. I tell the full story in the podcast so I won't share all the details here. But I found out that Borison is from Baltimore, where I live, and the book is about a radio dj, which is my full time job. I just had to check it out and talk to her.
Thankfully, B.K. Borison is up for a good time and we had a great chat. Romance novels aren't usually in my wheelhouse, but I really enjoyed this one. Maybe it's because it pays respect to one of my all time favorite movies. Maybe it's because it takes place in my city. Or maybe it's just because it's a heartwarming story, which is something I need in this crazy world right now.
I hope you check out her new book, and that you enjoy this week's podcast.