Advertise on podcast: Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan Podcast

In this episode of Set Lusting Football, Jesse and a roundtable of fans (Packers, Holly Mac, Commanders, Joe Kay, Giants, Jean Marie and Eagles, Rich) recap a chaotic week highlighted by Green Bay’s win over Dallas and the NFC East’s struggle to string together wins. They discuss concerns about pass-heavy game plans, shaky coaching and game management (including criticism of Dan Quinn), and the Eagles’ poor showing with backup QB Tanner McKee amid major worry over Jalen Hurts’ reported blood-clot situation and possible medical mishandling. The group previews upcoming matchups (Packers–Lions, Giants–Texans with J.J. McCarthy starting, Cowboys–Eagles) and touches on baseball with Joe’s Brewers optimism. They also debate broadcaster drama involving Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, and Jesse closes with podcast plugs before a brief drop-in from his son Chris. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:45 Meet the Panel 02:12 Cowboys vs Packers Recap 04:50 NFC East Chaos Check 06:25 Commanders Coaching Hot Seat 09:12 Eagles Collapse and Hurts Scare 16:12 Week Ahead Predictions 19:39 Dallas Problems Explained 27:29 Hurts Medical Controversy 30:26 Player Safety and Accountability 31:43 Injury Cover Up Fallout 32:38 Hurts Medical Mystery 33:14 Aikman Buck Breakup 34:03 Announcer Money Egos 35:57 Aikman Reputation Shift 38:39 Where Aikman Lands Next 39:40 Dennis Miller MNF Doc 40:59 Podcast Farewell Plugs 43:21 Chris Drops In Hurts Update 48:02 NFC East Game Predictions 52:08 Division Chaos Rivalry Talk 55:05 Final Goodbyes Brewers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Chad Martin, a Texas-born pro wrestler, author, and podcaster, for a B-side episode that steps outside the Springsteen universe into music, memories, and creativity. Chad shares how Elvis Presley shaped his childhood, how he discovered broader music through a mixtape, and how he found pro wrestling’s “magic” after training on carpet over concrete in a sweltering Arkansas building. He explains performing as the heel character Big Daddy Storm, the physical risks and trust required in wrestling, and how storytelling drives both promos and his writing. Chad recounts leaving the corporate world after a health scare in 2012, learning self-publishing, starting a publishing venture with his doctor, and finally finishing his novel Hale County after outlining it. He also discusses writing multiple books at once, launching the FAFO Podcast for open conversations grounded in facts, and answers the Thunder Road “Mary question.” 00:00 B-Side Detour Intro 00:37 Meet Chad and Tangents 01:40 Life Reset in 2012 03:24 Texas Roots and Elvis 06:36 Southern Identity Talk 08:02 Dad's Mixtape Discovery 09:44 Falling for Wrestling 11:15 Brutal Training Days 14:28 First Match Breakthrough 17:40 Big Daddy Storm Persona 20:23 Wrestling as Storytelling 25:02 Books Bigfoot and Sci-Fi 26:24 Writing Path to Publishing 29:06 Publishing Breakthrough 29:55 Finishing First Novel 30:26 Hell County Origins 31:44 Outline Then Sprint 34:47 Writing Multiple Projects 35:47 Building Bodhi World 37:48 Podcasting Advice 41:27 FAFO Podcast Mission 44:46 Facts Over Hot Takes 48:31 New Genres And Smut 53:40 Mary Gets In Car 56:20 Where To Find Chad 57:23 Final Sign Off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes George P. Brooks for a B-side episode that steps outside Springsteen to focus on music, life experience, and purpose. George, a longtime mental health advocate and founder of the Meta Association, shares his Memphis upbringing shaped by diverse music, his lifelong love of Green Day, and how recovery from addiction led him to nonprofit work supporting Black male mental health, recidivism, and fatherhood. He discusses surviving homelessness and two heart attacks, the barriers men—especially Black men—face in seeking therapy, and the importance of safe spaces, unplugging from social media, journaling, and basic health screenings. The conversation also explores faith, grace in public discourse, and George’s conservative values, before closing with a call to treat people with respect and be better each day. 00:00 B-Side Welcome 00:37 Meet George Brooks 01:48 Wrestling and Memphis Roots 02:35 Memphis Music Upbringing 03:52 Discovering Green Day 05:40 Service and Nonprofit Mission 07:07 Recovery and Resilience 08:02 Men and Mental Health Stigma 13:31 Social Media and Unplugging 14:57 Faith and Spiritual Journey 18:22 Politics and Conservatism 20:55 Core Conservative Values 22:44 Black Culture And Welfare 23:42 Law Order And ICE 24:53 Black Conservatism History 26:13 Polarization And Hypocrisy 29:01 Where America Is Headed 31:05 Divisiveness For Profit 31:41 Unplugging And Batman 33:15 Mens Mental Health Tips 34:32 Where To Find George 35:51 Final Thoughts And Farewell 36:35 Closing Song I Wish You Well Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Lou and Karen for a crossover discussion of the documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band,” directed by Thom Zimny and released on Hulu/Disney+ on October 25, 2025. They highlight backstage and rehearsal footage, Springsteen’s arena walk during soundcheck, the band’s pre-show ritual, and Bruce seeming looser about mistakes while still aiming to “blow” audiences away. The conversation compares band dynamics after major losses like Clarence Clemons, discusses Jake Clemons stepping into a huge role, and notes Patti Scialfa’s reduced touring due to multiple myeloma. They also tackle tour controversies around Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing, scalping, and a largely fixed setlist, while praising musical moments like “Nightshift” and the energy of European crowds. 00:00 Patreon Thanks 01:29 Crossover Intro 02:07 Road Diary Overview 03:31 First Impressions 06:14 Perfectionism Loosens 13:37 Band Rituals 19:01 Replacing Legends 26:39 Patti Health Reveal 32:54 European Crowd Energy 38:29 Tour Pricing Setlist 41:26 Setlists And Fans 41:51 Dynamic Pricing Backlash 43:21 Ticketmaster Monopoly 43:58 Scalpers And Verified Fans 47:41 Concert Value Debate 50:59 Streaming And Artist Pay 53:39 Night Shift Tribute 57:29 Tour Story Explained 59:54 Final Plugs And Farewell 01:03:38 Post Show Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Week 5 episode of Set Lusting Football, Jesse is joined by panelists Jean Marie, Wendy, and Rich to debate whether modern NFL coaching is overly driven by analytics, information overload, and job pressure, using recent late-game decisions involving the Commanders, Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles as examples. They discuss situational football, clock management, and special teams choices, then recap their teams’ weeks: Jean Marie’s Giants escape with a tie despite first-half struggles and a key fumble; Wendy breaks down the Bills’ win over the Rams, including injuries in the secondary, James Cook’s two fumbles, penalties, a blocked field goal, and Josh Allen’s late heroics; Rich vents about the Eagles’ injury chaos and a costly Sirianni decision; and Jesse laments the Cowboys’ poor defense and loss to Tampa. They preview upcoming matchups and share podcast and contact plugs. 00:00 Show Kickoff 01:07 Analytics Or Instinct 04:09 Take The Points Debate 06:22 Coaching Pressure Cooker 09:29 Cowboys Identity Crisis 11:45 Jerry Jones Coaching Choices 12:55 Giants Tie Recap 14:11 Bills Rams Thriller 20:22 Eagles Collapse Breakdown 24:22 Cowboys Thursday Night Shock 25:25 Pettine Joins Defense 26:58 Cowboys Misery Therapy 28:47 Why Cowboys Stay Inconsistent 29:56 Any Given Sunday Factors 30:54 Dak Versus Clutch QBs 32:12 Next Week Matchups 33:50 Giants Saints Preview 35:55 Eagles Panthers Concerns 36:57 Travel And Plane Stories 38:25 Wrap Up And Plugs 40:56 Podcast Housekeeping 42:35 Final Message Of Hope Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes actor-writer-producer Nikki J. Borger for a B-side “Set Listing Bruce” detour focused on theater, dance, and creativity. Nikki, originally from a small town in southwest Germany, describes early music training, her love of dance (from ballroom to salsa and musical theater), and the difficult, criticism-heavy culture of German musical theater school, including injuries and struggles with singing confidence. She recounts performing internationally, including a documentary theater project in Germany, Moscow, and Kyiv, then moving to Los Angeles to build film experience, shooting dozens of shorts, and writing/directing to earn festival recognition during the pandemic for a U.S. artist visa. Nikki discusses creating a sitcom, “NFTs,” and traveling after a denied green card, plus stories of meeting Pink Floyd’s Scott Page and seeing Springsteen at the 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. https://nikijborger.com/ 00:00 B-Side Detour Intro 00:37 Meet Nikki Borger 02:09 Growing Up in Germany 02:57 Early Music and Dance Roots 03:52 Ecuador Salsa and Career Pivot 07:06 Parents React and Health Wakeups 09:04 Why Dance Heals 10:31 Inside Musical Theater Training 12:39 Harsh Critique and Finding Voice 15:12 Creativity Over Cookie Cutter 22:12 Favorite Shows and Performances 25:51 From Europe to Los Angeles 27:56 Hollywood Shorts and Artist Visa 32:33 Storytelling Breakthrough 33:45 Booked For Shorts Fast 34:28 Writing Comedy Sitcom 35:32 NFTs Show Premise 37:14 Networking With Scott Page 39:14 Rock Hall Background Gig 44:26 Visa Denial And Travel 46:57 Shopping The Sitcom 47:45 Creative Goals And Impact 50:31 Thunder Road Mary Debate 57:50 Where To Find Nikki 59:27 Podcast Wrap And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson hosts a new episode of Set Lusting Football with a full panel of music fans repping the Cowboys, Bills, Commanders, Giants, Packers, and Eagles. They recap early-season highs and frustrations, including Buffalo’s sloppy loss to the Patriots, the “Josh Allen experience,” concerns about defensive changes and injuries, and a brief discussion of the Bills-themed Hallmark movie. Jane Marie celebrates the injury-hit Giants sitting atop the NFC East, while Holly notes Green Bay’s progress alongside mounting injuries. Joe reacts to a rough Commanders week with quarterback issues and looming must-win pressure, and Rich breaks down a late Eagles collapse versus the Rams, major injuries, and coaching decisions sparking Sirianni criticism. The group previews upcoming matchups, debates offense vs. defense, shares favorite game times, and even talks game-day food traditions. 00:00 Show Kickoff 00:45 Meet The Panel 02:24 Game Day Superstitions 03:21 Bills Season Check In 07:43 Bills Mafia Hallmark Movie 09:38 Giants Riding High 10:48 Packers Finding Rhythm 11:40 Commanders Injury Spiral 12:56 Eagles Collapse And Coaching 17:10 Next Opponents And Defense Debate 21:28 Defense Still Matters 21:51 Jaguars London Preview 23:14 Best Game Time Debate 24:46 Commanders Must Win 26:11 Coaches Under Fire 28:57 Fourth Down Regrets 29:58 Giants Bar Death Stare 30:41 Bears And Bucs Picks 32:46 Final Thoughts And Menus 36:19 Wrap Up And Sign Off 36:50 Podcast Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes listeners to a B-side episode of Set Listing Bruce featuring returning Springsteen fans Carrie and Nancy to talk about Brandi Carlile. Jesse shares his “Road to Damascus” moment after seeing Carlile in Fort Worth, and Carrie and Nancy recount how they discovered her music, including Carrie’s entry point through The Highwomen and Nancy’s first show in Nashville during a stormy night that included Wynonna Judd’s first public appearance after her mother’s death. They discuss Carlile’s charisma, humor, gratitude, political courage, faith, and her Bruce-like relationship with fans, plus the deep bond and shared business arrangement with bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth. The conversation covers soundcheck fundraisers, favorite and “chased” songs, The Highwomen, and album recommendations, ending with Jesse’s reflections on community and artists who match great art with admirable character. 00:00 Patreon Thanks 01:29 Episode Setup 02:47 Meet Nancy and Carrie 04:35 Carrie Finds Brandi 06:36 Nancy’s First Show Magic 10:14 Fort Worth Lightning Moment 14:30 Stage Presence Like Bruce 21:47 Band Loyalty and The Twins 28:44 Courage and Activism 31:20 Faith and Inclusivity 35:49 Authenticity and Banter 36:44 Tram Trouble Story 37:24 How Many Shows Seen 38:03 Chasing Simple Man 40:01 Soundcheck Tickets Explained 41:45 Nancy’s Song Request 43:47 Highwomen Love and Loss 47:40 Livestream Moments and Lyrics 50:43 Final Thoughts and Next Time 53:35 Listener Recommendations 55:09 Closing Blessing and Tattoo Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Russell Van Brocklen, a New York State–funded dyslexia researcher, to discuss how Bruce Springsteen’s music—especially “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Born to Run”—sparked his love of music and mirrors the “spark” dyslexic learners need. Russell shares his own path from severe reading and writing struggles and damaging academic setbacks to developing a writing-first, typing-based intervention that builds skills by focusing on a student’s specialty, moving from specific details to big picture, and using word analysis and articulation. He explains why traditional “well-rounded” schooling and accommodations often fail dyslexics, describes outcomes from his studies and case examples, and outlines guidance for parents. Russell also answers the “Mary question” about “Thunder Road,” and provides contact info at dyslexiaclasses.com. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:49 Meet Russell’s Story 02:35 Finding Bruce Early 04:16 Born in the USA Impact 09:23 Dyslexia and the Brain 12:54 Teaching Through Hooks 15:45 Born to Run Spark 18:12 Deep Dive and Lyrics 21:27 Dancing in the Dark Layers 23:25 Diagnosed and Determined 24:28 ADHD and Finding Purpose 28:13 Fixing a Broken System 29:46 Typing Over Handwriting 30:37 Interest Driven Learning 31:57 Specific To General Method 32:47 Why Schools Resist 35:03 Program Breakdown 36:40 When To Start Help 38:23 Reed Success Story 39:59 Parents Biggest Mistake 42:01 Motivation By Chores 44:25 Bruce Live Shows Talk 46:47 Thunder Road Mary Debate 48:18 Where To Find Russell 49:13 Podcast Wrap Up 49:47 Host Housekeeping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gang is back to discuss week 3 of the NFL Season. We have Rich, Jean Marie, Joe Kay, Holly Mac and me discussing the ins and outs of their teams. We discuss injuries, records, heartbreaks and happiness. Let us know your thoughts on your team by sending us an email to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson welcomes Matt Donnelly for his third appearance on a B-side “Set Listing Bruce” episode that detours from Springsteen into Matt’s life in comedy and magic. Matt recounts how a dare from Penn Jillette led him to learn magic with mentor Johnny Thompson, tour with Piff the Magic Dragon, and build routines through problem-solving, tension, and performance. He discusses nerves onstage, the work of writing and “mascot” duties on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and shares the story of Moxie Jillette being motivated to fool Penn & Teller. They talk about luck and risk in show business, Springsteen’s long-standing political outspokenness, and criticism of the film Deliver Me From Nowhere. Matt plugs upcoming touring plans, Jokers of Magic, Virgin Voyages work, and his podcasts and Patreon. https://mattdonnellymagic.com/ 00:37 Matt Returns 01:25 Vegas Life Update 02:30 Magic Origin Story 03:54 Why Magic Clicked 06:47 Building A Killer Routine 10:35 Performance And Audience Trust 14:12 Nerves And High Stakes 16:46 Fool Us Behind The Scenes 19:41 Mascot Writer Role 21:13 Moxie Pep Talk Twist 24:18 Protecting Moxie’s Well being 24:53 Dream Job Reality Check 27:16 Luck Risks and Connections 29:42 Springsteen Breakthrough Myth 31:53 Bruce Gets Political Again 34:40 Nebraska Biopic Misfire 38:45 What’s Next for Matt 40:13 Cruise Ship Pros and Cons 41:29 Podcasts and Communities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes returning guest Arlen Schumer, who discusses his Twilight Zone book and debates standout episodes including “Eye of the Beholder,” “To Serve Man,” and “Walking Distance,” while previewing a September webinar deconstructing “Shadow Play.” Schumer then shares his opening-day visit to the newly renamed Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, praising its first-class architecture, interior design, and dense, well-presented exhibits, including a detail about matching wood to Bruce’s guitar. The conversation ranges into Springsteen’s influences, the “Boss” nickname, Bruce’s cultural stature compared with Elvis, Dylan, The Beatles, and Hendrix, and the role of managers Mike Appel and Jon Landau in his career. Schumer also notes rising interest from Black audiences via reaction videos and plugs his website and upcoming events. https://arlenschumer.com/ 00:00 Patreon Thanks 01:29 Meet Arlen 02:03 Twilight Zone Favorites 07:47 Serling Legacy Today 11:13 Twilight Zone Meets Bruce 13:07 Springsteen Center Opens 14:21 Design Details Tour 20:48 Why Not The Boss 21:48 Bruce As The King 27:06 Biopic Scenes And Myth 30:02 Appel Hammond Landau 36:28 Appel Versus Landau 38:11 Outtakes And Alternate Albums 39:17 Bruce As Generational Icon 41:10 Dylan Beatles And Jungleland 48:05 Modesty Influences And Museum 51:47 Unreleased Songs Deep Dive 54:59 Archives Beyond Bruce 56:42 Race Audience And Reaction Videos 01:02:47 Where To Find Arlen 01:03:51 Twilight Zone Events 01:06:47 Farewell And Listener Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Jackson and his friend Ken Schaeferdiscuss Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay after Ken watches it, comparing its supernatural-small-town premise to Haven. Then they pivot to loving Galavant and memorable musical TV episodes (Buffy’s “Once More, with Feeling” and Strange New Worlds). They briefly touch on accents, songwriting for TV, and plan to discuss Supergirl next month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Dive into the heart of NFL week 2 and Bruce Springsteen's legacy with us on Set Lusting Bruce! Jean Marie, Holly Mac, Rich and Jesse share their thoughts on week two in the NFL. Catch our episode now! #SetLustingBruce #NFL #Springsteen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes Sam Sodomsky, senior editor at Pitchfork and musician behind The Bird Calls, to discuss how a childhood encounter with a “Dancing in the Dark” parody sparked a lifelong Springsteen obsession that led him to guitar, songwriting, and writing about music. Sam shares growing up in Reading, Pennsylvania, collecting bootlegs and books, and even creating a mock Springsteen biography, then traces his path through blogging, an MFA in nonfiction at Columbia, and a decade at Pitchfork. He recounts standout Wrecking Ball Tour memories, including receiving Bruce’s harmonica, singing “Waiting on a Sunny Day” at Jazz Fest, and briefly meeting Bruce and Jon Landau backstage in London. Sam also talks about his new record “Take Leave,” his interest in poetry, his thoughts on Tracks II, and answers the “Thunder Road” question. https://www.instagram.com/samsodomsky/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OvIlGI9oNdXSUBTggvQrC?si=qOxLiXqxRci2bWbMyG8zVQ 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:39 Opening Lyrics Montage 02:22 Meet Sam From Pitchfork 03:35 Growing Up In Reading 04:49 Why Bruce Hit Home 07:57 From Fan To Musician 09:40 Books Bootlegs And Obsession 12:08 Counting Shows And Setlists 14:50 Wrecking Ball Tour Stories 17:05 Onstage At Jazz Fest 20:39 Meeting Bruce Backstage 22:17 Pitchfork Writing Journey 25:08 Brian Wilson Tribute Essay 27:04 Beach Boys Mythos 28:49 Writing Beyond Journalism 30:11 Dream Interviews 31:25 Learning Songcraft 33:17 Springsteen Album Lessons 36:41 New Album Take Leave 40:20 Tracks II Deep Dive 45:30 Future Music Plans 47:23 Thunder Road Mary 50:59 Wrap Up And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices