The Track Star Podcast

65:25

Testing Elvis Costello's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/10/02

Elvis Costello joins Jack on the Track Star Podcast to explore the music that has stayed with him throughout his life. From the sharp pop instincts of Nick Lowe and the blues-rooted rock of Fleetwood Mac to Randy Newman’s storytelling, Stevie Wonder’s soul and reggae grooves, and Bruce Springsteen’s rock anthems, the conversation spans generations, genres, and approaches to songwriting.They also revisit Costello’s own work and along the way, he reflects on the connections between listening,

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51:23

Sheryl Crow Teaches Us About Her Top Music Influences

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/30

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are honored to be joined by a once-in-a-generation, 9-time Grammy-winning artist, singer, and performer. Jack is joined by Sheryl Crow, who launched herself into the forefront of the music world with her hit single, “All I Wanna Do”, and quickly cemented her superstar status by winning the Grammys for ‘Best New Artist,’ ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Best Female Pop Vocal Performance’ just two years later. Since then, she has won six more Grammys and has

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10:03

Testing Queen Latifah's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/28

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the legendary ‘90s rapper/singer Queen Latifah on some hip hop and soul tracks. As a New Jersey native, Queen Latifah has plenty of stories about her hometown classics. And through each song, she takes us down her musical journey while shocking us with her effortless music knowledge. With each track Jack plays, Queen Latifah has an intriguing behind-the-scenes story about the artist, giving perspective on her own musical influences through fascinating

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48:33

Grandmaster Flash Explains How Rap First Started

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/23

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by a guest who pioneered Hip-Hop and DJing as the lead of the legendary group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, as well as through his groundbreaking dual-turntable techniques.Jack is joined by Grandmaster Flash, who revolutionized turntablism through various cutting, scratching, and backspinning methods, as well as the quick mix theory, involving two identical records played at the same time. In this episode, Grandmaster Flash

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43:14

Ravi Coltrane Teaches Us How to Listen to his...

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/16

This week on the Track Star* Jack is joined by Ravi Coltrane, Grammy nominated saxophonist, bandleader and composer, as well as the son of the legendary John Coltrane and co-owner of the RKM Music record label. Together Ravi and Jack reminisce about the golden age of jazz and one of jazz’s most influential figures through his most iconic tracks.The soundtrack of this episode takes us through John Coltrane’s transformative career, as Ravi helps describe exactly what made his sound so beautiful. Ravi

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33:23

Testing this Legendary Punk Journalist’s Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/11

On today’s episode of the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by a guest who, in his new book, Resident Punk, shares memories from living with some of punk’s most recognizable names. Jack is joined by Legs McNeil, thejournalist known as one of the three founders of the legendary Punk magazine, as well as the author of Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk and Resident Punk: How I Smoked, Drank, and Stumbled my way through the ‘70s Punk Scene. Together they reflect legendary figures

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6:28

Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh Go Head-to-Head |...

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/09

Today on Track Star Versus*, Apple TV'sMAYDAYstars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh go head-to-head in a battle of music knowledge. The pair test their expertise across ’80s rock, new wave, and pop classics from artists including Queen, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper and more! Between competitive guesses, needle drops, and plenty of singing along, Ryan and Kenneth bring their quick wit and undeniable chemistry to an especially lively round of Track Star Versus*. This Episodes Track List: Under

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5:29

Testing Juanes' Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/07

Today on Track Star*, Jack chats with legendary Colombian musician and singer-songwriter Juanes. Juanes shows us how his music taste grew alongside him, from Latin folk in his younger years to hard rock and metal, both in English and Spanish. His deep love for all kinds of music shines as he speaks about the iconic artists and songs that shaped him, especially the sounds of his hometown of Medellin, Colombia. His infectious enthusiasm transports us to his childhood and reveals the wide-range of

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6:34

Testing Andrew Garfield's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/09/02

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield on funk, soul as well as some vocal jazz. In this episode, Andrew shares how different styles of music affect his interpretations of the characters he plays, as well as sharing stories about the obscure French Hip-Hop group he was a member of and his life-changing concert experiences. Watch as he breaks down the soul and vocal ‘purity’ of the timeless classics , and displays the truly special way in which he listens to

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7:48

Testing an NYC Librarian's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/31

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing a local librarian from the NY Public Library, Dan, and his encyclopedic knowledge of 70s/80s rock. While regaling us with fascinating anecdotes surrounding a range of his favorite artists, his deep passion for music is obvious and infectious. Dan has a remarkable knack for expressing exactly what he loves about each and every track Jack throws at him, creating one of the most entertaining and informative episodes of Track Star* to date.Dan adds perspective

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8:33

Testing Dakota Fanning's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/28

Today on Track Star*, we’re putting Emmy-nominated actress Dakota Fanning’s music knowledge to the test with a mix of Southern classics, childhood favorites, and songs that shaped her along the way. Ahead of her new filmThe Sun Never Sets, Dakota reflects on growing up between Hollywood film sets and a traditional Southern upbringing, sharing stories from her childhood, career, and the music tied to it all. Watch the full episode as Dakota Fanning puts her music knowledge to the test and shares

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13:24

Testing Whitmer Thomas’ Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/24

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing Alabama’s very own Whitmer Thomas on home-state classic hits and punk-driven 2000s tracks. Showcasing his own musical influence and childhood upbringing, Whitmer Thomas takes us on a tour through his journey as a singer and stand-up comedian and how they intertwined, with anecdotes that shaped his career along the way.From stories of van tours as a teenager, being raised by his musical mother, and his love-hate relationship with Alabama, Whitmer Thomas has

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8:00

Testing Troye Sivan's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/21

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing the iconic Australian pop star Troye Sivan on Y2K euphoria and melancholy R&B classics. Revealing the extent of his own musical influence and knowledge, Troye Sivan gives us the opportunity to learn about his journey as a singer and performing artist and his recent experience touring with legendary genre-bending musician Charli XCX. With personal stories, a rapid guessing speed, and sunglasses that Jack himself wants to purchase now, Troye Sivan brings a

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10:48

Testing Too $hort's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/19

Today on Track Star*, we are quizzing legendary rapper Too $hort on Funk deep-cuts and influential Hip-Hop classics. Revealing the extent of his music knowledge, Too $hort gives us the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the overlapping worlds and influences of Motown, Funk, and Hip-Hop. Too $hort takes the time today to show us some of the music he was raised on, breaking down how his father’s love of Funk and Motown influenced his own creative process and musical appreciation. With

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7:04

Testing Brandon Flowers’ Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/17

Today on Track Star*, we are joined by Brandon Flowers to talk about some of the songs and artists that have inspired his work, both as a solo artist and frontman of The Killers.Listening to some classic songs and sharing personal stories of bleached hair, Strokes-induced depression, and playing with Bruce Springsteen, Brandon breaks down how artists like Bruce, The Strokes, and others became a part of his life and fundamentally changed how he approached music. Brandon takes the time today to

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7:46

Testing Brittany Howard’s Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/12

Brittany Howard, acclaimed solo artist and lead singer of band Alabama Shakes, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to a few classic Funk, Rock, and Doo-Wop songs and discuss their personal and historical importance. Discussing artists from Pink Floyd to Sly Stone, Brittany explains how the music she grew up with influenced the music she makes today, and how some art and artists can challenge us to think outside the box, accept ourselves, and be better human beings. Today’s episode is full of

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8:14

Testing Travis Barker’s Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/10

Travis Barker, best known for his work as drummer in the band Blink-182, joins us today on Track Star* to listen to some iconic rap, rock, punk, and hardcore, and break down some of his earliest and most important influences, explaining how the music they made, from Led Zeppelin to the Muppets, changed his life.Revealing his favorite punk and metal bands, as well as the drummers that inspired him to work hard and play harder, Travis shows us that making great music is an exercise of equal parts

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57:14

“The Man with Four Hands” - Oscar Peterson Was No...

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/05

On today’s episode of theTrack StarPodcast, we’re celebrating the centennial of Oscar Peterson with two guests who have helped preserve and carry forward his extraordinary legacy.Jack is joined by Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s wife and the head of his estate and legendary bassist Christian McBride, who reflects on Peterson’s unmatched artistry and influence on generations of jazz musicians. Together, they revisit some of Oscar Peterson’s most iconic tracks -- including "Tenderly,", "Hymn to Freedom,"

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11:47

Testing Questlove's Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/08/03

Questlove, the multi-dimensional musician, filmmaker, and artist, joins us today on Track Star* to show us his deep and profound appreciation for music, and to teach us about the role music has played throughout his life.Originally gaining notoriety as drummer and co-frontman of the Roots, Questlove became a core member of the Soulquarian collective. Today, Questlove gives us a peek into the group's creative process, as well as a lesson on the history of the collective and the members who made it

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9:03

Testing Warren Haynes’ Music Knowledge

The Track Star Podcast ·

2026/07/31

In today’s episode of Track Star* Warren Haynes, best known for his work as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, joins us to listen to some iconic, genre-defining Blues and Rock songs, and to discuss the influence they had on the development of Rock.Haynes takes the time today to give us an important lesson on the history of the guitar and how it defined Blues and Rock and Roll music. Diving into the music that influenced him as a child to pick up the guitar and learn to play, Jack and Warren

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