BiB: Zahna – From Kidney Failure to Korn’s Label: The Unbelievable Comeback Story
Release Date: 10/27/2025
Bringin' it Backwards
On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam reconnects with viral sensation and rock artist Bailey Spinn. You might remember Bailey from TikTok, where she first blew up during her college days—but when she last joined the show, she hadn’t even released her own music yet. Fast forward three years: Bailey’s debut EP “My Worst Enemy” racked up millions of streams, her breakout single “Happy Ending” took off far beyond her expectations, and she’s since dropped her powerful debut album “Loser.” Adam and Bailey dig into how she transformed her social media following into a...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
On this episode of "Bringin' It Backwards," Adam Lisicky sits down with Craig Johns Jr for a raw, honest conversation about his journey from a small suburb outside New York City to building a new life and music career in Los Angeles. Craig Johns Jr dives into his early obsessions with guitar, first tours at just fifteen, and the twists and turns of being in multiple bands—each chapter pushing him closer to finding his own sound. He opens up about the leap of faith it took to leave behind family, familiar scenes, and childhood friends to chase his ambitions as a producer and songwriter. The...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
What happens when you tell the world you’re going to be a singer at age five—and then actually make it happen? In this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Alexandra (Lexi Norton) of Echos to uncover the story behind her music journey that started in a small town outside Portland, Oregon, and has taken her all the way to millions of streams and a dedicated global fanbase. Lexi opens up about the early validation she received from family and strangers in her hometown, the importance of delusional belief on the path to becoming an artist, and how Echos was...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
Get ready to see a side of OK Go you’ve never heard before. On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Damian Kulash, frontman of the Grammy-winning icons behind some of the most creative music videos ever made. From growing up in the DC punk scene, finding his voice at Interlochen camp, to building OK Go’s signature blend of jaw-dropping visuals and infectious pop hooks, Damian Kulash brings you into the heart of what makes the band tick. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting to know OK Go, this episode goes deep: how a love of visual art became part...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
What if your entire journey as a musician started with a Lindsay Lohan movie? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Chris Kelly of Hillhaven, who opens up about growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, finding inspiration in the unlikeliest places (think Freaky Friday), and the rocky path from bedroom guitarist to fronting his own band. Chris Kelly shares how music was always swirling around his family—even if it wasn’t always encouraged as a career—and how a chance at the original School of Rock set him on a path that took him from playing Pink Floyd...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
What happens when you’re the first in your family to chase a dream everyone else kept secret? On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Indian singer-songwriter and producer Nikitaa—an artist who grew up in Mumbai surrounded by music, yet never saw anyone actually turn their passion into a career. That is, until she decided to break the mold. From early poetry scribbled in a black diary, to piano lessons she begged her mom for, Nikitaa opens up about leaving home for Los Angeles with more ambition than a plan, stepping into LA’s music scene wide-eyed, and...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Doobie, an artist whose raw blend of rock and hip hop—and brutally honest storytelling—has built a dedicated fanbase. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Doobie shares how a childhood filled with his mom’s eclectic music—from Metallica to Tupac—sparked his love for genre-bending sounds. He opens up about writing poetry as a kid, turning those words into rap verses, and eventually teaching himself beat-making and engineering in high school. The conversation digs deep into how one chance encounter with a local DJ...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
What does it really mean to grow up in a household where songwriting isn't just a passion—it's the family business? On this episode of Bringin' It Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with rising Nashville artist Cecilia Castleman for a raw, insightful look into her journey from Franklin, Tennessee’s cow fields to the brink of her debut album release. From picking up a guitar at age six (instead of a twenty-dollar bill for the mall) to landing a publishing deal at eighteen, Cecilia Castleman and Cecilia Castleman share how a musical family, relentless work ethic, and a willingness to keep her...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with Calvin Langman of The Happy Fits for a candid, electric conversation about growth, vulnerability, and the wild ride from local family jams to viral indie stardom. Calvin—who grew up on a DIY farm in West Jersey surrounded by musical siblings—shares how he went from goofing off with parody songs inspired by Weird Al to writing the band’s breakout EP during high school. What started as a passion project quickly skyrocketed as their DIY artwork accidentally landed them on Spotify’s US Viral charts and brought offers...
info_outlineBringin' it Backwards
What happens when everything you thought your music career would be takes a sharp left turn—not once, but over and over again? On this episode of Bringin’ it Backwards, Adam Lisicky sits down with the wildly talented Alexandra Savior for an honest, vulnerable conversation about reinvention, resilience, and staying true to her creative self through the ups and downs of the music industry. Alexandra opens up about her journey from rainy Vancouver, Washington to New York Fashion Week as a teenager—thanks to an unexpected shoutout from Courtney Love—and the whirlwind that followed: signing...
info_outlineOn this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with Zahna—a resilient rock artist whose journey is anything but typical. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Zahna moved with her family to Ohio before spending a pivotal year in Mexico to reconnect with her roots. After settling in Texas, music quickly became her passion, from musical theater to high school battle of the bands.
But Zahna’s story goes much deeper than band stages and studio sessions. She opens up about facing—and overcoming—a serious genetic kidney disease, receiving a life-saving transplant from her mom, and navigating the toughest years of her life. Despite setbacks, Zahna turned pain into power, launching her solo career, independently releasing her acclaimed album Stronger Than Death, and—most recently—signing with Brian “Head” Welch's label (yes, from Korn!).
In this candid conversation, Zahna shares the highs and lows of her artistic journey, the story behind her explosive single "Pile of Pills," and why authenticity is her greatest strength. If you're a musician hustling to make it or just love hearing what it really takes to chase your dreams, this episode is for you.
Hit subscribe and listen in to hear Zahna’s full story—and remember to rate and review Bringin’ It Backwards wherever you get your podcasts!