Jesse Malin quite literally came of age onstage in the gritty clubs of New York City. At just 12 years old, he fronted Heart Attack—one of the earliest hardcore punk bands. After the band broke up in ‘84, Jesse went on to play in other groups, including Hope, and later co-founded D Generation, a glam-punk band that toured extensively through the '90s, opening for acts like Kiss, the Ramones, and Social Distortion. In the early 2000s, Jesse launched a solo career, trading hardcore for a more singer-songwriter-driven approach. As a solo artist, he’s collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, and Billie Joe Armstrong. A true musician’s musician, Jesse has long been a beloved figure in the rock community. So when he suffered a rare spinal stroke in 2023 that left him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down, that community rallied around him. The result was Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin—a 2024 tribute album featuring covers of his songs by friends and admirers. Jesse is also debuting a musical this fall called, Jesse Malin’s Silver Manhattan: A Musical Guide To Survival, at the Gramercy Theatre in New York. On today’s episode, Bruce Headlam talks with Jesse Malin about his colorful upbringing in Queens, how he found the nerve to try out for a gig at CBGB’s at age 12, and what it was like during the formative years of New York’s hardcore scene. Jesse also shares how his “positive mental attitude” helped him through the toughest chapter of his life—recovering from the stroke that nearly ended his ability to walk. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Jesse Malin songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:08:30
Haim
The youngest Haim sister, Alana, started playing music with her older sisters, Danielle and Este, when she was just four years old. Back then, the three of them were part of their family band, Rockinhaim, playing charity gigs all over L.A. and the San Fernando Valley where they grew up. After high school, Danielle was jamming in Laurel Canyon when Jenny Lewis spotted her and invited her to join her touring band. Not long after, she hit the road again—this time playing guitar and drums for Julian Casablancas. But eventually, Danielle came back home, ready to start a band with her sisters. In 2012, Haim dropped their first EP, Forever, to critical acclaim. Pretty soon they were opening for A-listers like Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. On today’s episode, Leah Rose sits down with Alana, Danielle, and Este to talk about their new album, I Quit—co-produced with longtime collaborator Rostam. The album dives into the highs and lows of single life in your 30s. The sisters also share why they still think like an opening band—even when they’re headlining stadiums—and the moment they realized not everyone grew up playing in a band with their parents. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Haim songs HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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54:10
From Revisionist History: The Origin of “You” with John McWhorter
Malcolm Gladwell sits down with the linguist John McWhorter, to discuss his new book, "Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words." Among other things in their wide-ranging conversation, John makes an impassioned case for the return of “thou.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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49:12
Bootsy Collins
Today on Broken Record, we’re joined by the one and only Bootsy Collins. Bootsy burst onto the scene in the early ’70s as James Brown’s young, electrifying bass player. But it was with Parliament-Funkadelic that he truly found his voice—or rather, his voices—balancing raw, uncut funk with a psychedelic, intergalactic persona that would go on to inspire artists from Prince to Thundercat. In this conversation with Justin Richmond, Bootsy reflects on what it’s been like to navigate life as both William Collins—the introspective, spiritually grounded man from Cincinnati—and Bootsy, the rhinestone-rimmed avatar of groove. He also opens up about his legendary songwriting partnership with George Clinton and keyboard genius Bernie Worrell, and how the three of them helped create some of the most joyful and mind-bending music in American history. Even now, more than 50 years into his career, Bootsy remains on the cutting edge—embracing new technology, collaborating with a new generation of artists, and continuing to spread The One with his latest release, Album of the Year #1 Funkateer. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Bootsy Collins songs HERE. Get ad-free episodes to Broken Record by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:05:01
Paul Stanley
Today, Justin Richmond is joined by the Starchild himself—KISS co-founder and frontman, Paul Stanley. Born and raised in New York City, Paul fell in love with music at an early age, attending shows at iconic venues like the Fillmore East. Over the course of more than 50 years with KISS, he helped build one of the most devoted fan bases in rock history, turning theatrical spectacle into an art form. Now that KISS has officially retired from touring, Paul reflects on life beyond the stage. He opens up about what continues to fuel his creativity, and what it means to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the KISS Army. He also shares his personal top five KISS albums—and gives us a preview of KISS: Storms Vegas, the upcoming Las Vegas residency that proves the end of touring doesn’t mean the end of the show. You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Paul Stanley and Kiss HERE. Get ad-free episodes to Broken Record by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond
From Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam, and Justin Richmond. The musicians you love talk about their life, inspiration, and craft. Then play. iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Listen to Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond, Song Exploder and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app