Brian Oake Show

Brian Oake is a Minneapolis radio icon. This is a show about music, popular culture, interesting characters, irreverence and laughter, not always in that order.

Ep 478 Breanne Marie (of Breanne Marie and the Front Porch Sinners) 04/23/2025

Ep 478 Breanne Marie (of Breanne Marie and the Front Porch Sinners) What exactly is a front porch sinner? You'll just have to listen to find out. This outstanding Duluthian band has a new album coming out soon...if only enough people kick on their Kickstarter campaign. We had a great conversation with Breanne and found out why she's so passion about their music AND she shared secret places in Duluth! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36269235

Ep 477 Youa Vang 04/22/2025

Ep 477 Youa Vang Our old friend, Youa Vang stopped by to share what she's working on at the Ramsey County Historical Society and of course her amazing cross-stitch work with her sister. Third Daughter, Restless Daughter work can be found at 3drdcrafts.com and on all the socials. See them at Art-A-Whirl this year. We love Youa! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36265410

Ep 476 Chris Mozena & Ira Ford (Hook & Ladder Bong Show 4/20) 04/18/2025

Ep 476 Chris Mozena & Ira Ford (Hook & Ladder Bong Show 4/20) This Sunday may be Easter, but it's also 4/20!! Chris Mozena, Executive Director of the Hook & Ladder, tells us all about the annual ZEN20 celebration. Stoner bingo, live music (dosh!!!) and a coule rounds of The Bong Show, hosted by local comedian Ira Ford. Tune in turn on and turn out this Sunday for this highest of holidays! Cheers!! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36226005

475 Matthew French 04/15/2025

475 Matthew French Matthew French comes back to the 'cast and opens up a vein! We go unexpectedly deep on his journey with mental health. We also hear three songs from his new full length "Circles', which is largely informed by his aforementioned journey. The new album streams everywhere May 1st. You can also check him out live in Duluth on 4/27. Find out more at mfrenchmusic.com Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36154450

Ep 474 Drew Peterson (40 Watt Bulb) 04/09/2025

Ep 474 Drew Peterson (40 Watt Bulb) These days, Drew Peterson is a solo artist, but he used to be the main man behind Midwestern greats 40 Watt Bulb. This Friday (4/11) at the Hook and Ladder, Drew and company will be playing 40 Watt's debut release 'Shovel's Length Short' in it's entirety to celbrate the 21st anniversay of that release. We talk life in rural Minnesota, on the road and hear some genuinely excellent music. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36071755

Ep 473 Ryan Robert Nelson (Actor, Improvisor, Writer, singer) 04/07/2025

Ep 473 Ryan Robert Nelson (Actor, Improvisor, Writer, singer) Ryan Robert Nelson joined us on today's show! You've seen him in local TV commericals, in local productions for many years at Brave New Workshop and Yellow Tree Theater and now Ryan joins us to talk to us about his current project, the Folsom Prison Experience and original Johnny Cash tribute show that is touring and will arrive at the Fitzgeral theater in Saint Paul in October. Ryan is hilarious and we highly suggest you buy tickets to anything he's involved with. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36039550

472 Martin Devaney 04/03/2025

472 Martin Devaney It's the return of the Unofficial Mayor of St. Paul! Once again, Martin Devaney is back in the SmartStartMN Studio. We talk about his latest release, Blueprint For A Ghost, and his upcoming gigs. I'm glas Martin is a friend of the show. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35993570

Ep 471 Local author Scott Berndt 04/02/2025

Ep 471 Local author Scott Berndt This time, we are joined by MN author Scott Berndt. His book John Cleese Saved My Life...and Other True Tales of Pop, Politics and Prayer is an illuminating look at the intersection of Life, Music and Perspective. A very thoughtful man with great taste in music. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35978075

Ep 470 Jim Meyer 03/29/2025

Ep 470 Jim Meyer Reknowned MN music writer Jim Meyer joins to talk about the halcyon days of writing about the scene for City Pages. We also cover his time at the Minnesota Daily, The Star Tribune, writing for a major record retailer and more. After a twenty year absence from music journalism he's back on Substack. We cover a lot of ground and he chose some excellent MN music to puncuate the proceedings. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35910810

Ep 469 Kung Fu Hippies (Chad Whitaker) 03/27/2025

Ep 469 Kung Fu Hippies (Chad Whitaker) Chad Whittaker (Kung Fu Hippies) is back! Kung Fu Hippies are also back with a brand new album 5+ years in the making. 'North' will be released Friday March 28, and their massive album release extravaganza will happen the following night at Bunker's. The new songs sound great! Just listen for yourself. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35889350

Ep 468 Keri Noble and Matt Patrick 03/19/2025

Ep 468 Keri Noble and Matt Patrick Yay! It's the return of my dear, dear friend Keri Noble! She just recorded a brand new album in a highly unothodox manner. She brought along Matt Patrick (The Library Recording Studio) who helped her with this unlikely, yet wonderful project. We also debut three brand new songs! This one warmed my heart. I hope you enjoy it. Cheers! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35780135

Ep 467 Cosgrove (The All Irish Show) 03/13/2025

Ep 467 Cosgrove (The All Irish Show) John Cosgrove joined us for the All Irish edition of the show in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Always great craic with Johnny! Enjoy the tunes and the cheeky banter. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35674115

Ep 466 Mike Michel (The Orange Goodness & Indie Rock Den) 03/07/2025

Ep 466 Mike Michel (The Orange Goodness & Indie Rock Den) Mike Michel is more than the main brain behind the band The Orange Goodness. He's also a frequent musical collaborator, educator and a wealth of musical knowledge and good stories. His Indie Rock Den series (think School Of Rock for adults) has an upcoming showcase and is taking applicants for the next series. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35580810

Ep 465 Dylan Hicks 03/06/2025

Ep 465 Dylan Hicks This time Dylan Hicks stops by to talk about the life and times of...Dylan Hicks. We also cover his upcoming show at the Dakota with Sarah Morris, and hear plenty of his music. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35564770

Ep 464 Elizabeth Ghandour from ELOUR 02/28/2025

Ep 464 Elizabeth Ghandour from ELOUR We were joined by Elizabeth Ghandour from the band ELOUR. She's the main singer and songwriter for the band. This was a band stumbled into at The Big Turn festival a couple of weeks ago and we knew we had to have her on. She plays one live and a couple off of her last album. Shows coming up. Check your local listings. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35488230

Ep 463 Turn Turn Turn (Adam Levy & Barb Brystad-Sans Savannah Smith 02/27/2025

Ep 463 Turn Turn Turn (Adam Levy & Barb Brystad-Sans Savannah Smith Two-thirds of Turn Turn Turn stopped by to premier their new song "Hungry Ghosts", which is being released on Friday, February 298th. Lovely conversation with Adam and Barb. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35446460

Ep 462 Sean's review of Big Turn Music Festival 02/21/2025

Ep 462 Sean's review of Big Turn Music Festival Sean and his wifey went to the Big Turn Music Festival this last weekend. He reviews the entire weekend and picked some songs that he absolutely loved on trip. Please subscribe and share. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35379085

Ep 461 Karan Casey (Zoom interview from Cork Ireland) 02/19/2025

Ep 461 Karan Casey (Zoom interview from Cork Ireland) The lovely and fierce Karan Casey spent an hour with us today to discuss her music which is rooted in passion and social justice. She's performed with James Taylor, The Dubliners, The Chieftain's and many others. She'll be performing at Celtic Junction in St. Paul on March 16th and tickets are still available. Slainte'! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35353055

Ep 460 Pam Linton 02/14/2025

Ep 460 Pam Linton Minnesota's own Pam Linton joined us to talk about her life as a country music performer, her life with country star Sherwyn Linton and her upcoming CD release party of "Songs of the Carter Family" on March 14th at Crooner's Supper Club in Fridley. Get tickets before they're gone! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35286885

Ep 459 Michael Anschel OA Design Build Architecture 02/11/2025

Ep 459 Michael Anschel OA Design Build Architecture Our dear friend and sponsor, Michael Anschel of OA Design, Build, Architecture joined us to let out some frustration about the current administration and to give some hope for our entire nation. We talk Super Bowl halftime show, his fantastic business and so much more. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35241765

ep 458 Sarah Morris & Doug Collins "Family Dinner" at The White Squirrel 02/06/2025

ep 458 Sarah Morris & Doug Collins "Family Dinner" at The White Squirrel Sarah Morris and Doug Collins treated us to three live songs in the SmartStartMN studio. We shared "Plinko" stories, "petting the Ginko" and much much more. They are both old friends of the show, so this one is particularly silly. They will be at the White Squirrel the last Wednesday of every month until the end of time. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35184380

Ep 457 RIP Rob Sheeley 02/04/2025

Ep 457 RIP Rob Sheeley Friend of the show, Ric Menck, joins us to pay tribute to Rob Sheeley. Rob was many things throughout his life, but probably best known as the proprietor and spritual core of the the Hopkins record store, Mill City Sound. We talk about the man and play some of his favorite songs. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35148655

Ep 456 Bicycle 01/30/2025

Ep 456 Bicycle It's going to be close to 50 degrees in Minneapolis today. Sean has a hankerin' for a bike ride. That's today's theme. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/35085470

Ep 455 Brian is back! 01/23/2025

Ep 455 Brian is back! Brian is back from an illness. He talks about it on the show and his path moving forward. You'll hear some great tunes...a few tears from both of us, and some hope! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/34983420

Ep454 Julius Collins (Greazy Meal, Dr. Mambo's Combo, Prince Tributes & More)! 01/21/2025

Ep454 Julius Collins (Greazy Meal, Dr. Mambo's Combo, Prince Tributes & More)! My dear friend, Julius Collins comes out swinging! We talk about the Trumpster fire, what's wrong and right with America. Vikings intergenerational heartbreak. And, Juice picks some outstanding tunes, from Greazy Meal to Prince, to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Check out his Marvin Gaye tribute at the historic Capri Theatre on the North Side in February. Tickets are still available. You can always see him throwing down Sunday nights at 9ish with Dr. Mambo's Combo at Bunkers. Dig! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/34947690

Ep 453 John Cosgrove (Cover Songs) 01/16/2025

Ep 453 John Cosgrove (Cover Songs) John Cosgrove (our Irish brother) talked about his Minnesota connections traveling to Ireland. We talked a bit about what the Irish think about our recent election and John and I share many cover songs and why we love it when an artist makes the cover their own. Enjoy the craic! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/34838860

Ep 452 John Cosgrove (Accents) 01/13/2025

Ep 452 John Cosgrove (Accents) Our good friend John Cosgrove joined as co-host today. John is from near northern Ireland and he shared a bevy of great stories about growing up in Ireland and we focused the music around the trend of performers singing with their original accents, instead of trying to sound American. We had a blast! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/34838800

Ep 451 Katy Vernon Co-host 2 01/09/2025

Ep 451 Katy Vernon Co-host 2 Katy Vernon is back to talk about her music, music she loves and about her version of spirituality and so much more. Enjoy! Help her fund the new Favourite Girl album by going to GoFundMe.com and searching "Favourite Girl" (in that funky English spelling. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/34743280

Ep 450 Katy Vernon Co-host 01/06/2025

Ep 450 Katy Vernon Co-host Katy Vernon was on the show. We talked a ton about her new music with her band, Favourite Girl and upcoming events like the Women's March and an event at White Squirrel. We added a dose of recovery and mental health solutions as well. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/34743245

Ep 449 Front Row Paul 2025! 01/02/2025

Ep 449 Front Row Paul 2025! You say you want a resolution, well, ya know... Front Row Paul is back as co-host and this time we talk about what he's looking forward to in 2025, live shows, golf and giving back. He pulled some great tunes for this show. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/34660370

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