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 496 Andra Suchy 07/06/2025

Ep 496 Andra Suchy Andra Suchy shares great stories about growing up in North Dakota, Daisy the cow, performing with amazing musicians and Poky here sweet pooch! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/37275165

Ep 495 Jenny Case (Flamin' Oh's, She Rock She Rock and so much more!) 07/05/2025

Ep 495 Jenny Case (Flamin' Oh's, She Rock She Rock and so much more!) Jenny Case was on the show today! She's an amazing guitar and bass player in so many bands and she heads up SheRockSheRock.com to teach girls to rock! She had some great song picks and we talked about the Laurie Lindeen scholorship for her camp and her connection with Jill Sobule, who recently passed away in Woodbury. Enjoy the show! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/37278770

Ep 494 Matthew Hope for Open Arms at The Hook July 12th 07/03/2025

Ep 494 Matthew Hope for Open Arms at The Hook July 12th Matthew Hope certainly lives up to his name! Matthew, a musician in his own right, has organized an incredible benefit for Open Arms MN coming up July 12. The musical line up is killer and it couldn't be for a more important cause. Learn all about the event and enjoy the music! Cheers! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/37273860

Ep 493 Minnesota Music Resistance (Event at Hook & Ladder Sunday, 6/22) 06/19/2025

Ep 493 Minnesota Music Resistance (Event at Hook & Ladder Sunday, 6/22) Claire Luger and Mikkel Bee join us to talk all things Minnesota Music Resistance. It's a new organization that puts on events to raise money for great causes. Their first event is Sunday at Hook & Ladder Theater & Lounge in Minneapolis starting at 2pm and going until 7. A killer lineup of bands including Silent Treatment Buffalo Weaver, Turn Turn Turn, Dad Bod, Christy Costello and more. It all benefits the ACLU. Get tickets today. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/37060205

Ep 492 Tina Schlieske 06/18/2025

Ep 492 Tina Schlieske She's a force in the Twin Cities music scene and a fierce advocate for people's rights, Tina Schlieske joins us on this show to talk about her show at Lowertown Sounds on Thursday and her show atop the Hewing Hotel on Sunday. We commemorate Sly of Sly and the family stone, Brian Wilson and hear a great Tina song! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/37059175

Ep 491 Dave Rave & The Governors (at least one of the governors) 06/17/2025

Ep 491 Dave Rave & The Governors (at least one of the governors) Legendary Canadian rocker Dave Rave (Teenage Head, The Shakers) and MN musical everyman Craig Teiken (Edie Rae Band, Bleek & Grimm) join us to talk about the latest expolits of their mutual music endeavor, Dave Rave & The Governors. The band is finish up sessions for their 9th (!) album at Rich Mattson's Sparta Sound, and we caught them just before they hit the road up North. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/37042010

490 Randy Casey and Nate Westgor (Willie DelMar) 06/14/2025

490 Randy Casey and Nate Westgor (Willie DelMar) This episode features MN music stalwart Randy Casey along with Nate Westgor (aka 'Willie' of Willies American Guitars). They both joined to talk about a great show coming up this weekend. Sunday night (6/15) at The Parkway Theater in South Minneapolis it's a special Father's Day celebration of the legendary Joey Molland of Badfinger. We hear some great stories about Joey and hear all about the wicked all-star lineup of featured musicians playing this event. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/37000215

Ep 489 The Federales 06/13/2025

Ep 489 The Federales More great local music! This time we are joined by Ben, Chris and James of Minneapolis-based band The Federales. Are they Country? Are they Rock? Are They Roots? YES! Listen and learn. Also check them out live Friday April 13 at Palmer's. Cheers! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36975110

Ep 488 Zippy Laske 06/12/2025

Ep 488 Zippy Laske What a treat! Zippy Laske makes her inaugural visit to the SmartStart MN Studio to talk about her new self-titled EP (out 6/13) and the big EP release celebration at the Green Room (also 6/13) with other luminaries like Chastity Brown and Leslie Vincent! Zippy is real, funny and definitely lives up to her nickname. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36973350

Ep 487 Annie Enneking 06/08/2025

Ep 487 Annie Enneking She's back! Annie Enneking (Annie and The Bang Bang, Glass) makes her 4th visit to the SmartStartMN Studio in scenic South Minneapolis. Annie is reliably insightful, funny and brings so much amazing enegy to everything she does. She's also a fight director, so she can help you kick someone's ass without actually kicking their ass. So great to have her back in. Enjoy!! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36896125

Ep 486 - Doc (Sawtooth Witch, Theyself, "Desert Islands" on KFAI") 06/06/2025

Ep 486 - Doc (Sawtooth Witch, Theyself, "Desert Islands" on KFAI") Doc (Sawtooth Witch, Fairfax AK, Elle PF, Theyself) makes their inaugural visit to the SmartStartMN studio! Doc is sharp, eloquent and hilarious. Also, a great musician with an excellent ethos. Basically, Doc is just plain cool. Sawtooth Witch has a brand new single on the way and a ton of shows on the near horizon. Listen, learn and enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36894390

Ep 485 Nick Leet (High On Stress) 05/31/2025

Ep 485 Nick Leet (High On Stress) Nick Leet (High On Stress, Figure Eights podcast) makes a long-overdue return to the SmartStartMN Studio. We talk about his new solo record (Detours) and all that that entails. We also dig into the forthcoming new High On Stress record, his podcast (which is excellent, btw), and his partcipation in Front Row Paul Fest, happening all weekend at Palmers. Nick is the best. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36799870

Ep 484 Butch Roy Twin Cities Improv Festival 05/29/2025

Ep 484 Butch Roy Twin Cities Improv Festival He's been improvising for 30 years in the Twin Cities. His main group is "Five Man Job", but he also ran Huge Theater. He runs Improv-A-Go Go at Strike Theater the 1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month AND he helps to run Twin Cities Improv Festival which is happening June 5th through 9th at Phoenix Theater on 26th and Hennepin in Minneapolis. (Get tickets at the Twin Cities Improv Festival website). Great song picks by Butch. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36771495

Ep 483 - Sally Linda (Big Salt, PARISHES) 05/23/2025

Ep 483 - Sally Linda (Big Salt, PARISHES) Sally Linda (Big Salt, PARISHES) makes her inaugural visit ti the podcast to talk a little bit of everything. Her roots in Iowa, the two great bands she sings with and being a single mom who knows how to Rock n Roll. She's delightful, insightful and very funny. She also brought along some great music. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36691065

Ep 482 Juice & Brian Z 05/20/2025

Ep 482 Juice & Brian Z The Combo is back in the house! Julius 'Juice' Collins and Brian Z (Dr. Mambo's Combo) return to talk about a very special tribute to Prince. 'Forever In My Life: A Birthday Tribute To Prince' will feature the Combo playing Prince songs from every era of his legendary career. The celebration is on Weds, June 4th at The Parkway Theater. Juice and Z are always a great conversation. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36644310

Ep 481 Billy Dankert (Gear Daddies, Institutional Green, Solo Work & Doug Collins & The Receptionists) 05/08/2025

Ep 481 Billy Dankert (Gear Daddies, Institutional Green, Solo Work & Doug Collins & The Receptionists) MN music stalwart James 'Billy' Dankert (Gear Daddies, Insitutional Green, etc) stops by to talk music and the world in which we live. We get lots of good stuff - Gear Daddies stories, tales of backstage debauchery and hear his latest solo effort. I wish we could have kept him longer! Enjoy. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36489855

Ep 480 Paul Irmiter (local filmmaker) 05/06/2025

Ep 480 Paul Irmiter (local filmmaker) MN filmaker Paul Irmiter (39 Seconds) joins us to talk process, story and many other fascinating facets of filmaking. Hit latest full-length documentary '39 Seconds' tell the very little-known story of a man who many considered the greatest baseball player of his generation. It's an incredible story, and the story about making this film is also very interesting. This film has won numerous awards and was even picked up by PBS. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36456995

Ep 479 Edie Rae 05/01/2025

Ep 479 Edie Rae Edie Rae (The Edie Rae Band, The deLinda's, etc) makes her inaugural visit to the SmartStart MN studio! From humble beginnings in Spread Eagle, WI, she brings a lifetime of songwriting, storytelling and a fierce love of the Twin Cities music community to the conversation. She runs her own record label, is bringing out a MN Music themed cookbook, and so much more. This was a fun one. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/36394120

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

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