The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music

Ahead of Twisted's (Bent Brother's) upcoming resurrection & tour dates, Jay Jay welcomes a very special guest to the podcast, Sebastian Bach! Jay Jay and Sebastian unite to discuss the upcoming Twisted Sister resurrection tour. Jay begins with outlining the journey leading up to this moment, reflecting on both the highlights and the challenges faced by the band over the years. Bach, who brings a vibrant energy to the conversation per usual, shares his own experiences with Skid Row, drawing parallels between his unique career trajectory in Rock, and the legacy of Twisted Sister. The two musicians engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the evolution of rock music and the impact of their respective careers on the genre. They touch on the importance of fan engagement, the emotional connection between artists and their audiences, and the excitement of touring after years apart. Their reflections on past performances and journeys up until now are inspiring for musicians and fans alike to hear; especially in anticipation of Twisted's upcoming performance dates - which begin on August 28th at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, under the moniker Big Brother. This high energy episode serves both as a celebration of Rock music but also as a reminder of the enduring legacy that bands like Twisted Sister and artists like Bach continue to build. Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Twisted Sister Tour Dates Produced and Edited by Matthew Mallinger 

Tune in for Part II of one the favorite hi fi conversations that has taken place on the podcast: Analog Wars, with Ken Kessler & Michael Fremer! Don't miss the second half of these audio gurus conversation with Jay Jay.Ken is a Hi-Fi expert journalist, who joined Hi-Fi News & Record Review in 1983, to which he still contributes. He also writes a column for the website Soundstage UK, is the author of "Quad: The Closest Approach", "McIntosh … For The Love Of Music", and co-author of "Sound Bites" and "KEF: Innovators In Sound." Michael Fremer is the editor of analogPlanet.com, and senior contributing editor at Stereophile magazine. He’s also contributed to The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, Consumer Digest, and The Bergen Record (New Jersey) among other publications and periodicals.Produced & edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week Jay Jay is joined by legendary audio specialist Randall Messman, also known as the Cheap Audio Man! Jay Jay & Randall explore the intricate world of audio equipment, focusing on the importance of accessibility in audio enjoyment. Randy discusses his mission to demystify audio for everyday listeners, emphasizing that high-quality sound doesn’t need to be associated with high prices. He identifies his audience as the 'blue-collar audiophile,' people who seek better sound without the financial burden, which is all the more relevant in today’s economy.These 2 reflect on their early experiences with audio equipment, sharing stories from their youth, illustrating how their passion for music was ignited by affordable gear that brought them joy. They address the common misconception that one must invest a fortune to enjoy great sound, advocating instead for a more inclusive understanding of audio enjoyment. This leads to a broader discussion about the emotional and psychological aspects of audio gear acquisition, where Randy points out the thrill of purchasing new equipment often overshadows the simple pleasure of just listening to music.They wrap their conversation in getting into the significance of personal connection to audio equipment, encouraging listeners to seek out gear that resonates with them rather than getting caught in the trap of consumerism. The episode serves as a reminder that the essence of audio lies not just in the equipment but in the experiences and memories created through music. Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, Jay Jay is joined by audio expert Lenny Florentine! They take a dive deep into the world of audio to discuss the recent AXPONA Conference in 2026 & share their personal journeys through the audio landscape. Lenny is a prominent figure in the YouTube audio community, and shares insights from his extensive experience with high-end audio gear. They chat about everything from the evolution of audio technology to the nostalgic charm of vintage audio systems. They both get into their early audio experiences, which shaped their passion for sound. Jay Jay talks about his early days exploring the world of stereo systems and how he transitioned from a casual listener to a serious audiophile. Florentine echoes this sentiment, detailing his own journey from a teenager with a boombox to a professional in the audio industry. They reflect on the importance of audio quality in music consumption and the differences between vintage and modern audio equipment. Hear all about the AXPONA conference both Jay Jay & Lenny were recently a part of, and the value in how it brings together audio enthusiasts and industry experts. This episode is a must listen for all audio enthusiasts - don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

This week, Jay Jay is joined by distinguished writer and producer Maxim Langstaff! Max is a Grammy- and Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and author whose creative work has reached millions worldwide. Known for his innovative vision and storytelling versatility, Max has collaborated with many of the most influential figures in music and popular culture. He recently released his first novel Sasq'et, which is available in stores now.The first part of their conversation explores the relationship between the Beatles and the evolution of popular music as a whole, & the cultural zeitgeists surrounding that shaped their legacy. They get into the importance of production nuance and how it typically takes an entire team of varied expertise to create art with a lasting cultural legacy. Jay & Max discuss the impacts that these moments in time have had in shaping their own careers & trajectories. Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Legendary actor & comedian Richard Kind joins Jay Jay this week for a very special episode! Tune in to hear Jay Jay & Richard get into their deep histories with New York, & discuss all things Upper West Side & its unique character. They share stories of their early career development, getting into the differentiation between actors & movie stars, as with the differences between musicians and rock stars. Richard talks about the transient nature of fame, and the importance of prioritizing personal relationships and authenticity over the superficial worlds of celebrity. This episode not only provides a glimpse into their personal lives & remarkable career trajectories, but also serves as a commentary on the human experience in current day, & the significance of genuine connection in an increasingly fragmented world. Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Tune in this week for Part II of Jay Jay's conversation with legendary comedian Dean Delray. Dean joins Jay Jay fresh off the release of his new comedy special '5836,' produced by Bill Burr.This week, Dean & Jay Jay discuss the importance of the nuanced connection between artists and audiences, which leads them to talk about how social media and platforms like Patreon are reshaping artist-fan dynamics. They get into the intricacies of live performance, and discuss the evolving landscape of comedy today. Dean & Jay share the strong belief that when preparation meets opportunity, true magic can happen within one's life & trajectory. This leads them to relate on the idea that consistent practice and readiness can be crucial in the pursuit of success. Del Rey reflects on the years that have shaped his craft, serving as an inspiring example of the dedication & resilience that's required for one to thrive. This conversation is both a first hand glimpse into the comedy world, and an exploration of the spirit that drives true performers to continually hone their craft.Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Be sure to check out Dean's new comedy special '5836' produced by Bill Burr & available now on youtube & through Dean's website https://www.deandelray.com/Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Join us this week as we celebrate 5 years of the podcast! It has already been five years since the inception of The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music, & we've had quite a wonderful run of guests over the years. Today we welcome back the very first guest on the show, the one & only Mike Portnoy! After reflecting on podcast highlights & the years since its beginning, Mike gets into discussing his remarkable journey in the music sphere - from the initial struggles of forming a band to navigating his return to Dream Theater, to the transformation of the music business over the decades. Portnoy & Jay Jay's relationship serves as an inspiring testament to the importance of enduring friendships and collaborations, and the importance of community in the ever evolving music industry. Tune in for a must listen episode, as we celebrate 5 years of the podcast, & what's to come - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

2025 has been quite the journey - in this week's episode, Jay Jay is joined by his producer Matthew Mallinger to reflect on the past year. Jay Jay & Matthew discuss milestones & musical highlights - talking about the ups & downs throughout the year; looking back on favorite guests, & some of their favorite performances. Matthew's insights contribute to this retrospective analysis, & he talks about his recently released record ' Beyond the Flowered Gates,' along with his current artistic projects. Jay Jay gets into the year ahead & what's to come Twisted's Reunion - ending on a hopeful note, talking about how permanent & meaningful of an impact that music can have on listeners across the globe. Don't miss this unique year end recap, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Join us this week for an episode that will always be timely to revisit - as we relisten to Jay Jay's conversation with Rickey Medlocke, who's known both as a rock n roll legend and a prominent voice in advocating for Native American rights. Jay Jay & Rickey's history goes as far back as Twisted Sister does - to 1973 - and they've remained friends ever since. Rickey is best known as being the frontman & guitarist for the band Blackfoot, as well as an original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He's of Lakota Sioux and Cherokee ancestry, and was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame in 2008. He's heavily involved in supporting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Movement, and national efforts to end all violence against American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women, which you can learn more about via the links below:www.niwrc.orgwww.rickeymedlocke.com/never-run-out-of-roadTune in to hear all about Jay Jay & Rickey's deep history that goes back over 50 years, as Rickey discusses how he's been one of the faces of Southern Rock for decades, and set the standard for the genre.Don't miss this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music!A special thank you to our new sponsors, Dimarzio Pickups and Tonequest Report.Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger

Join Jay Jay this week as he welcomes audio expert Adrian Low onto the podcast. Adrian is not only a distinguished audio expert and the owner of Audio Excellence in Canada, but also happens to be one of Jay Jay's favorite audio influencers / reviewers. They delve into the disparity between contemporary listening habits and those of previous generations & reflect on how the allure of high-fidelity systems has waned, with convenience often being prioritized over audio quality. Adrian talks about the challenges faced in rekindling interest among youth, who tend to gravitate towards earbuds and computer speakers rather than traditional stereo systems. These 2 discuss the deep value that the appreciation of hi-fi audio can bring to the listener, & how accessible hi fidelity equipment holds the ability to inspire a new era of musical engagement among younger audiences. Don't miss part 1 of their conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger 

This week, tune in to join Jay Jay as he welcomes Steve Guttenberg to the show, as they they explore the vibrant world of audio and the profound impact music has had on their lives. Jay Jay takes us back to the days when he fell in love with music through his gigantic stereo systems. They delve deep into what being an audiophile really means, and how it’s about more than just the equipment; it’s about the experience of fully immersing oneself in the music. Steve sharing anecdotes from his years in the industry, & swaps stories with Jay about their favorite records, concerts, and the gear that has shaped their musical experiences overtime. This episode is a must listen for all audio files & music lovers - don't miss part I of this conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger 

Rudy Sarzo is gracing us once again this week on The Jay Jay French Connection! Rudy gets into the emotional whirlwind surrounding the recent tribute performance to Ozzy Osbourne, & shares his heartfelt experiences and memories about the man who shaped so many careers, including his own. They discuss the bittersweet nature of honoring loved ones who have passed on, share favorite memories from their storied careers, & talk about Rudy's ongoing musical endeavors. Don't miss Jay Jay & Rudy discuss life, loss, and the indescribable energy that music brings to our lives - only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Produced & Edited by Matthew Mallinger