Back to the Light

Host J.D. Reager talks to new friends Cheyenne Marrs and Neal Lathem from the Memphis band s p a c e r and old friend Harry Koniditsiotis (5 and Dime Recording, 901 Toys, The Switchblade Kid) about making music, not "forcing it," recovery, and friendship. J.D. also spins "L.A." from s p a c e r's new EP. This episode was recorded at 5 and Dime Recording. backtothelight.net

Host J.D. Reager talks to filmmaker Craig Brewer about his bi-monthly "Secret Screenings" at Crosstown Theater, his early attempts at making movies, breaking through with Hustle & Flow, the influence of John Singleton, the challenges of re-visiting beloved source material, collaborating with Eddie Murphy, the making of $5 Cover, and much more.   This episode is dedicated to Max.

Host J.D. Reager talks with two friends - Jeremy Scott (Reigning Sound, The Toy Trucks, Jeremy & the Drip Edges) and Brian "Skinny" McCabe (The Hi-Tone) - throwing birthday shows on the same night in Memphis. First, Jeremy discusses his thought process behind Scott August Night, which takes place on Friday, August 5th at Black Lodge. Then Brian jumps on to discuss his recent foray into the visual arts and his annual birthday show at The Hi-Tone, also on Friday, August 5th.

Host J.D. Reager plugs the upcoming re-boot of The Shangri-La Records Podcast before digging in to 2 new podcasts on the Back to the Light Podcast Network with their creators. First, Brian Balough and J.D. explain the origins of their new show called Of Marks and Men: A Wrestling Podcast and share a clip of their conversation with the "Genetic Nightmare" and reigning Memphis Heritage Champion Mike Anthony. Then Anthony Siracusa and Marvin Stockwell grab the rock and discuss their excellent new Memphis Grizzlies podcast Memphis Hardwood.

Host J.D. Reager shares something truly special from his personal archives: a lo-fi "field recording" of his 2017 conversation over breakfast at the Peabody Hotel with music legend Lamont Dozier (Holland-Dozier-Holland, Motown Records, etc.), producer Fred Mollin, and Lamont's late wife Barbara Dozier. They discuss the recording for what would become Lamont's 2018 solo album Reimagination, the singular inspiration behind several Motown classics, how Lamont's solo work has been reinterpreted by modern hip-hop and soul artists, and much more.   This interview was originally conducted for an article in the Memphis Flyer which was published on August 3, 2017.

Host J.D. Reager reads a brief statement before taking questions from a small gathering of media members at the Memphis Listening Lab to celebrate 100 episodes of Back to the Light. J.D. also announces the long-awaited release date - October 14 - for both his new album and the new album by The Subteens.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and music writer Alex Greene about the end of his band Reigning Sound, upcoming Compulsive Gamblers gigs, and his recent Memphis Flyer cover story before deep diving on Alex's upcoming live film score performance at The Grove at GPAC. Alex also performs a piece from the score called "Come Hither To Me."

Host J.D. Reager revisits his conversation with a Memphis music icon, the late Howard Grimes. They discuss Mr. Grimes' early career as a drummer in the '50s, his work with fellow legends such as Rufus & Carla Thomas, William Bell, Al Green, Ann Peebles, O.V. Wright and Willie Mitchell, writing his autobiography Timekeeper, and how Memphis music has evolved over the years. This conversation originally ran on the Back to the Light podcast in June of 2021, and was re-aired in this form on WYXR 91.7 FM radio on June 20, 2022.

Host J.D. Reager and musician Jason Pulley attempt to provide context for the slightly abnormal (in a fun way) live performance that follows. Most of this episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musicians Rico Fields and Ra'id about their respective musical histories prior to Negro Terror, joining forces with the late Omar Higgins, making the documentary Negro Terror: The Voice of Memphis, Omar's unfortunate passing and its aftermath, re-forming the band as The Negro Terror, and more. J.D. also spins "We Need Support" by Negro Terror.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of her debut album Eighteen Over Me, host J.D. Reager talks to musician and songwriter Garrison Starr about the making of that record and how having a breakthrough hit ("Superhero") changed her life, plus her escape from the evangelical South, how her sexual orientation lead to difficulty in both her personal life and professional career, overcoming creative self-doubt, and collaborating with folks like Neilson Hubbard, Glen Phillips and Margaret Cho. J.D. also spins "Don't Believe in Me" from Garrison's 2021 album Girl I Used to Be.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician and radio host James Enck about his personal story of recovery, the intertwined nature of the music and alcohol industries, his predilection for musical "torture," doing a show for WYXR, and more. J.D. also spins "So Disappointing" by James' former band The Long Mynd.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Big Star's #1 Record, host J.D. Reager talks to surviving member Jody Stephens about the making of that album and how joining the band changed his life. They also discuss his work with Those Pretty Wrongs, Golden Smog, Matthew Sweet, The Lemon Twigs and more, and J.D. spins "It's About Love" by Those Pretty Wrongs.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician, songwriter and fellow podcast host Chris Milam about his life and career, having mixed feelings about Memphis, overcoming issues with mental health and substance abuse, collaborating with the great William Bell, and more. J.D. also spins "In The Blood" from Chris' most recent album Meanwhile.

Host J.D. Reager chats with returning guests Joshua McLane (HEELS, South Point Grocery) and Harry Koniditsiotis (The Switchblade Kid, 5 & Dime Recording) live on the scene of the inaugural Midtown Con! This episode was recorded on April 9, 2022 at Black Lodge in Memphis, TN.

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Graham Burks (Loose Opinions) and HEELS. This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Cory Branan and Alicja Trout (Alicja-Pop, River City Tanlines). This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Host J.D. Reager shares an on-stage moment with guests Jeff Hulett (Snowglobe) and Michaela & Will Forrest (Rosey). This episode was recorded live on March 17, 2022 in Memphis, TN at The Green Room in Crosstown Arts.

Host J.D. Reager talks to professional wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett about his hardcore feud with The Moondogs in Memphis, transitioning from babyface to heel in WWE, his new persona "The Last Outlaw," the expansion of WrestleMania weekend, and the power of sobriety. Then wrestling expert Brian Balough returns to discuss Jarrett's legacy, WrestleMania, All Elite Wrestling, and more.

Host J.D. Reager talks to musician Mark Edgar Stuart about his journey from Arkansas to Memphis, the rise and fall of his band The Pawtuckets, playing bass behind Alvin Youngblood Hart, John Paul Keith and The Secret Service, finding solo success with Blues For Lou, the pitfalls of writing highly personal songs, making his new record Until We Meet Again with Reba Russell and Dawn Hopkins, producing for Bailey Bigger, and more. J.D. also spins "What's Louder Than Love?" and "Coffin Half Full" off Until We Meet Again, and Mark performs "Fishing In Heaven" live.