Send us a text A different backdrop, the same heartbeat. We took the year-end show to the patio and opened the door to a free-flowing conversation with friends—part celebration, part confession, all connection. Between mic tests, guest links, and a stubborn winter cough, we found a groove that felt like a living room: holidays recapped, family upda…

Send us a text Holiday shows should feel like a living room: a little noisy, full of laughter, and anchored by stories that matter. This Christmas special does exactly that. We start with a simple question—what does Christmas mean to you?—and follow it into memories of ping pong tournaments in the garage, first stereos with eight-track decks, and t…

Send us a text Rock deserves better than vague labels and fuzzy math. So we pulled up Billboard’s “50 Best Rock Bands” and put it under a bright stage light, testing every pick against a simple, honest standard: influence, longevity, catalog depth, cultural impact, and rock radio airplay. When “rock” balloons to include pop, funk, and industrial, t…

Send us a text Country music hits different when you hear the story behind the song. We welcome Southern California’s own Ashley Felton, a powerhouse vocalist who blends the heart of 90s country with a bold, modern edge—and a schedule packed with 150-plus shows a year. We talk about the real work of building a career today: how to win over a room w…

Send us a text If you miss steel guitar, two-step tempos, and songs born from real work and long roads, you’ll love this one. We welcome Olivia Harms—a ranch-raised artist carrying the torch for true country western honky tonk—who opens up about life on a cattle ranch, the Bakersfield legends who shaped her ear, and why she proudly swims against th…

Send us a text A firefight in a jungle clearing. A river turned to splinters by a Browning Automatic Rifle. A mountain trail threaded through rocks and rigged with explosives. Then months of hospitals, traction, and quiet miracles. That’s the terrain of our time with Mel Borden—101st Airborne veteran, Purple Heart recipient, husband, father, and ma…

Send us a text The phones won’t stop ringing, the Malört keeps pouring, and somehow we still manage to time-travel back to the moment music met television and everything changed. We kick off with the Malört Challenge and a flurry of live calls, then pivot to a genuine, grounded tribute to veterans as we gear up for a special in-studio conversation …

Send us a text Ready to drop into a very specific moment when radio ruled and MTV was just learning to crawl? We spin the clock back to November 1, 1981 and walk through the Billboard Top 40, blending chart facts with the stories, studio secrets, and memories that make these songs glow again. We start by setting the ground rules—Hot 100 vs Top 40 v…

Send us a text Three longtime friends sit down to build the ultimate Halloween watchlist—and accidentally write a love letter to the entire horror genre. We start with a simple premise: the best movies to watch in October don’t need jack-o’-lanterns on screen, they just need that unmistakable fall feeling. From Universal monsters to modern slashers…

Send us a text What if a country song could change the way you love the people closest to you? We sit down with Josh Gale and Sean Monahan of Charleston’s Gale Bird to unpack their high-energy live show, the heart behind their new single “Roses,” and why they reject the “Christian country” box while still writing about what God cares about: marriag…

Send us a text The news hit like a power chord: Ace Frehley, the Space Ace who helped launch KISS into legend, is gone at 74. We didn’t plan this show, but some losses demand a pause, a story, and a stack of records. So we pulled the vinyl, opened the gatefolds, and traced how one guitarist turned curiosity into devotion—from hearing KISS Alive for…

Send us a text What if a single album could define an era, spark a memory, and convert a newcomer in one spin? We dive into the compilations that earned permanent residency in car stereos, living rooms, and playlists—records that are more than samplers, they’re time machines. From Queen’s precision-crafted anthems to CCR’s jukebox grit, from the Ea…

Send us a text The show opened on an empty chair and an honest apology—and then turned into one of our most substantive conversations yet. Sheriff Chad Bianco, longtime Riverside County law enforcement leader and 2026 California gubernatorial candidate, sat down with us to map out practical, fast-acting ways to tackle the problems Californians feel…

Send us a text Ever wondered about the untold stories behind those songs that dominated the airwaves for just a fleeting moment? Friday Night Live takes you on a musical journey through decades of one-hit wonders, revealing the surprising connections and career trajectories that followed these brief moments of fame. After catching up on recent even…

Send us a text Fifty years ago, a struggling band in makeup and platform boots released an album that would not only save their career but reshape music history. KISS Alive, celebrating its golden anniversary this month, stands as perhaps the most consequential live album ever recorded. Before September 1975, KISS had released three studio albums t…

Send us a text What makes an album perfect from start to finish? This question sparked a lively exploration during this special "Breakfast with Ben" episode, where we journeyed through the musical landscape of 1975 and beyond. Taking a nostalgic dive into the top 30 singles of 1975, we rediscovered gems that shaped a generation - from War's "Lowrid…

Send us a text Step into a time machine as we celebrate the golden anniversary of rock's most extraordinary year. 1975 wasn't just another chapter in music history—it was the year that redefined what rock could be, delivering albums that would shape generations of musicians and listeners alike. From Queen's operatic masterpiece "A Night at the Oper…

Send us a text Step into the world of premium bourbon with Ben Maynard and special guest "Brother Jim," the "Bourbon Beard of Knowledge," as they embark on a sensory journey through five exceptional spirits ranging from accessible staples to legendary collector's items. The tasting begins with Buffalo Trace ($35), offering a spicy introduction with…

Send us a text What happens when the cameras leave a disaster zone but thousands still need help? Leigh Brown, founder of Patriot Relief Fund, discovered the answer firsthand after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in September 2024. While FEMA representatives claimed roads were too difficult, the Red Cross was notably absent, and …

Send us a text The music world lost a towering figure this week with the passing of Ozzy Osbourne at 76. In this heartfelt tribute episode, Ben Maynard welcomes Shannon Cox from Talking Rock Fan Podcast to honor the Prince of Darkness and several other music legends we recently lost. Shannon brings his encyclopedic knowledge of Ozzy's career to the…

Send us a text Ever wondered what happens when your family's swimming in the pool while you're broadcasting live? Welcome to my world! In this special Friday Night Live episode, I'm coming to you after a brief hiatus with the ultimate tribute to American rock legend Bob Seger. Life has been throwing curveballs lately—demanding work schedules and fa…

Send us a text Something magical happens when you disconnect from the digital world. During our annual "Griswolds family camping trip," the Wi-Fi went down completely and cell service barely existed. The result? Kids weren't glued to screens, adults weren't checking emails, and we all rediscovered the art of genuine conversation and connection. Som…

Send us a text Stepping from the shadows of Nevada's legal brothels into the spotlight of cultural conversation, Air Force Amy delivers a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and raw honesty on this eye-opening episode. Her extraordinary journey from teenage runaway to decorated military veteran to 35-year veteran of legal sex work provides a fa…

Send us a text "Friday Night Live" returns to The Ben Maynard Program after weeks of incredible guest interviews! Freshly showered and ready to engage, Ben jumps straight into an authentic, unfiltered conversation about—ironically—our filter-obsessed culture. He shares candid thoughts on dating profile dishonesty and the bizarre phenomenon of peopl…

Send us a text What happens when a man who once collected samples from nuclear reactors finds himself writing speeches for the Vice President and facing a deadly leukemia diagnosis with just a 2% survival chance? Chris Skates' life journey reads like fiction but unfolds as a testament to human resilience and unexpected second acts. From the radioac…

Send us a text 1985 was a musical watershed moment—a year when rock transformed, pop perfected its formula, and metal forged its future. In this nostalgia-fueled episode, host Ben Maynard welcomes returning guest Shannon Cox (creator of the Talking Rock Fan podcast) and longtime friend Spaz to share their personal top five albums from this pivotal …

Send us a text Breaking generational cycles begins with understanding that your past doesn't have to define your future. Randi Latzman, creator of Surviving Mom blog, takes us through her powerful journey from childhood abuse survivor to published author and devoted mother determined to parent differently. During the pandemic, Randi channeled her l…

Send us a text What's your financial "sleeping level"? According to investment counselor Mick Heyman, that's the amount of money you can comfortably keep in stocks without losing sleep during market turbulence. This insight represents the philosophy at the heart of Heyman's approach to wealth-building—one that prioritizes investor psychology alongs…

Send us a text Ever wonder what happens when a hard rock enthusiast meets a music lover with deep bluegrass and country roots? That's exactly what unfolds in this special preview episode featuring Shannon Cox, my partner in an exciting new podcast venture called "Talking Rock Fan." What makes our musical chemistry work is how differently we've expe…

Send us a text Ever wondered what happens when a grown man attempts to stuff as many marshmallow Peeps as possible into his mouth? The latest Friday Night Live edition of the Ben Maynard Program answers this burning question with equal parts humor and disappointment. This week's livestream takes an unexpected turn as Ben announces a simulcast on Ti…

Send us a text As we mark the 50th anniversary of Aerosmith's groundbreaking masterpiece "Toys in the Attic," I'm taking you on a personal journey through one of rock's most influential albums and its lasting impact on music history. Released on April 8, 1975, this nine-track, 37-minute powerhouse would go on to sell over 9 million copies and deliv…

Send us a text September 18, 1978 marked a revolutionary moment in rock history – the day all four KISS members simultaneously released solo albums. This wasn't just a marketing gimmick; it was a strategic move to keep the band together during a period of internal friction that fans wouldn't fully understand until years later. On this episode, I di…

Send us a text What happens when two lifelong music obsessives trace their journeys from childhood record players to the present day? Magic, that's what. In this deeply nostalgic yet forward-looking conversation, I'm joined by Tommy Sommers from the world's largest KISS podcast, Three Sides of the Coin, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of KISS'…

Send us a text The aftermath of a daring experiment makes for a powerful lesson. After completing "The Drunk Show" last week, Ben Maynard returns with a candid reflection on what happens when a podcast host deliberately gets intoxicated on air as a public service announcement. His shocking revelation? He doesn't remember approximately the last 45 m…

Send us a text Four decades can pass in the blink of an eye, especially when the soundtrack is this good. Take a musical journey back to 1985, a year that delivered some of the most influential albums in rock history, now incredibly turning 40 years old. From commercial juggernauts to artistic breakthroughs, these fifteen albums helped define not j…

Send us a text What happens when a podcast host consumes nine shots of tequila over two hours while tracking every change in his speech, coordination, and blood alcohol level? Ben Maynard's "Drunk Show" delivers a raw, unfiltered look at alcohol's progressive effects on the human body and mind — creating perhaps the most authentic public service an…

Send us a text Join me in this energetic episode of the Ben Maynard Program as we launch into a lively Friday Night Live filled with laughter and community interaction. Kicking things off is a warm welcome, followed by the thrilling Malort Challenge—a test of daring for those brave enough to join in on the fun. You’ll hear not only playful banter a…

Send us a text What if a simple shot of Malort could change the course of your Friday night? Welcome to a packed episode of the Ben Maynard program, where we tackle everything from technical glitches to new camera angles, all while keeping you entertained with the infamous Malort Challenge and our fan-favorite music trivia game, Stump the Chump. Wh…

Send us a text How can an artist as influential as Chubby Checker not be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Join us on a heartfelt journey as we reconnect with my dear friend Spaz and ponder this and other mysteries surrounding the 2025 nominees. We reminisce about our past collaboration celebrating Foreigner's induction, and this Valentine's Day e…

Send us a text This episode highlights the importance of personal connections, reflecting on a recent work trip to Seattle, memorable moments with family, and commemorating the legacy of musician John Sykes. We celebrate friendship and impending life changes, while discussing the joys of being asked to be a best man at 59 and the impact of building…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it's like to juggle a bustling work trip while keeping up with a 36-week workout streak? Join me, as I broadcast live from the unexpectedly sunny Seattle, where I've embarked on a two-week work adventure that might just stretch into a month. From recording in a hotel room with less-than-ideal lighting to i…

Send us a text What a whirlwind of a year it has been! As we stand on the brink of 2025, join me, Ben Maynard, for a special New Year's Eve edition where we reminisce about the monumental moments from 2024. From reaching the 50th episode milestone around Father's Day to celebrating our 75th episode just in time for New Year's Eve, it's been an incr…

Send us a text Picture this: you're planning an epic holiday-themed podcast episode only to face technical glitches and missing materials. That's precisely how our latest episode kicks off! Join us as we navigate this organized chaos, sprinkle in some housekeeping notes, and recount personal tales of how illness disrupted past Thanksgiving plans. D…

Send us a text What happens when a military hero faces battles of a different kind after service? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps pilot, who shares his transformative journey from a structured military life to the unpredictable civilian world. Garret's candid recollections provide a rare glimpse int…

Send us a text Canadian authors Gwendolyn Jazmin and Alisha Rose invite us into their world of "The Canvas of Life," a mesmerizing blend of poetry and art. Their floral-inspired pen names may first catch your ear, but it's their vivid storytelling and visual artistry that will capture your heart. Against the snowy backdrop of Alberta, these creativ…

Send us a text Ever tried mixing tequila with migraine medication? Spoiler alert: it's not recommended, but at least it makes for a great story! Join me as I share some laughs and welcome you to another lively episode of the Ben Maynard Program. From the famed Malort Challenge to our beloved Stump the Chump music trivia, this edition is packed with…

Send us a text Larry Reidy, a distinguished veteran and passionate advocate, joins us for a captivating conversation this Veterans Day weekend. From his mischievous youth to his transformative military service, Larry's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, as chronicled in his book, "My Quest for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happ…

Send us a text After a remarkable journey marked by courage and dedication, Ronnie Guyer joins us to share his powerful story of service and resilience. From a poignant encounter with President John F. Kennedy to life-altering experiences in the Vietnam War, Ronnie recounts moments that have shaped his life and continue to inspire others. His refle…

Send us a text Ever wondered how a whirlwind of weddings could bring about a wave of nostalgia and reflection? Join me as I recount the lively tales of attending two unforgettable ceremonies—one in Escondido for Kathryn's nephew and another in the picturesque landscape of Portland for our daughter Tess's girlfriend. These adventures remind us of th…

Send us a text What if your favorite band's concert turned into a completely unexpected experience? Join me as I recount the unforgettable night when KISS rocked the stage as a trio back in 2007. With Paul Stanley absent due to a medical emergency, Gene Simmons took center stage to deliver a one-of-a-kind performance. I'll share the chaos of naviga…