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I’m sitting down with Iman Tucker — an Indy-based DJ and producer who’s also a fashion designer and the official DJ for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indiana Hoosiers. We talk about how sports culture influences music, what AI means for creativity moving forward, and why being honest with yourself might be the most important skill you can develop. This conversation is real, reflective, and packed with gems — let’s tap in.

From the Midwest to the heart of LA’s dance music industry—today we’re sitting with Ryan Roth, also known as Roy LaCroix and Driver405. He’s a DJ and producer who packed up from St. Louis, took a massive risk, and now works inside the world of Pioneer DJ—helping shape the future of AlphaTheta. We’re talking Midwest roots, house music obsession, and how he’s working to elevate what DJs and fans experience everywhere. This was a really fun episode and I'm so excited to share.Let's go!

Only in Chicago do you get a world-class pizza chef, his dad, and his grandpa — all talking family, legacy, and the culinary arts… all while Professor Pizza and I throw back Malört like it’s holy water.This is just one of those episodes. I had the pleasure of sitting down with my guy Tony Scardino, aka Professor Pizza — a chef, creative, and hometown hero who’s turned his obsession with pizza into a legit culinary movement.But here’s where it gets special — Tony’s family was in the city for his birthday so we decided to have his dad and grandpa join us. Three generations, one family, and enough stories to serve the whole restaurant.So grab a slice, pour yourself something questionable, and enjoy one of the most fun and authentic convos I’ve ever had on the show.

What do sports media broadcasters and DJs have in common? A nonstop grind fueled by passion and a love of the game. That’s the thread running through today’s episode — and the crazy part is, this story starts in the same place. Tony East and I both grew up in Zionsville, walked the same high school halls, and chased completely different careers. He went all-in on sports media and became one of the go-to voices for the Pacers and Fever. I dove headfirst into music and built my path as a DJ and podcaster. Two different arenas, but the same mindset: hustle, resilience, and chasing the dream. And now, years later, we’re linking up full circle — recording this conversation on a back porch in Zionsville, right where it all began. This is a very special episode that I'm sure you will enjoy!

Episode 182 features the one and only Tyler Morris AKA Westend!! I caught up with this tech house stallion last week while he was at home in NYC and had so much fun getting his full story. 📖In 182 we discussed:•Early inspirations and influences: Westend was born and raised in NYC and grew up surrounded by tons of different music and cultures. In high school, he was exposed to DJing and electronic music that eventually inspired him to start creating music on his own. He found a groove balancing real-life with music until he knew it was time to turn his passion into a career. He hasn't looked back since! ➡️➡️•Discography: I'm a massive Westend fan and it was truly amazing running through his catalogue of bangers from 2016 through today. We got the full story on how some of his most profound productions came together like "Detonate" with John Summit via Dirtybird, the "Pay Attention" EP via Solotoko, "Get This Party Started" via Glasgow Underground, and "Jumpin" with CID via Repopulate Mars. We also unlocked some old memories from Westend's humble beginnings - loved this portion of the interview. 🎶•Kick + Bass: During lockdown, Westend started doing 1-1 sessions with producers and helped them learn the ins and outs of house music production. It gained so much traction that he eventually started a discord called "Kick + Bass"  that now has over 200 members! I personally know 10 producers that have worked with Westend through this program and it's truly incredible what he is building. 👨‍🏫I am now an even bigger Westend fan than before because he is such a genuine guy who loves making music and sharing it with the world. He has worked so hard for years to make it and is now touring worldwide playing original tracks for fans new and old. Very inspiring. ⭐️Thank you so much for coming on the show my friend and I can't wait to meet in person someday soon.  🙌🏻

He built a 10,000-person Santa-themed party… and that’s not even the craziest thing he’s done in the music industry. Today on SITB, Wes Berger—San Diego entrepreneur, event producer, and all-around legend—shares how he went from Chicagoland kid to running some of the wildest events in SoCal… and the insane stories that came with it.This San Diego-based entrepreneur, talent buyer, label manager, event producer—and all-around solid dude— is a true legend. This guy’s done it all behind the scenes: from Santacon to Freedom Fest to Daisy Chain and Subsessions, Wes has built brands that pull serious crowds.He’s originally from Chicagoland, and in this episode he shares how he took a massive leap to the West Coast, the wins, the struggles, and some crazy industry stories along the way.You’ll also catch the dynamic between us—we’re longtime friends, which means plenty of roasting, plenty of laughs, and a lot of genuine insight into what it takes to thrive in this business.

It's been too long since I did an in person interview and I was quickly reminded why I love them so much - I had a BLAST getting the full story of one of Chicago's biggest rising acts in dance music, Levity! ⭐️John and PJ were kind enough to let me into their home for SITB 202 and we got it all in for this one In 202 we discussed:•Becoming Levity: John was born and raised in Chicagoland and PJ is from just outside Los Angeles and their paths crossed in college at Iowa. They immediately bonded over music and quickly became close friends. They both shared a true passion for music and decided to join forces and become Levity. They haven't looked back since! 🙌🏻•Discography: Although the Levity project is still relatively new, their quality of music comes at a veteran level. They describe their music as "having colorful sounds, upbeat drums, and euphoric landscapes with playful vocals" and they deliver every time. They just passed 2 million cumulative plays on Spotify and with tracks like their remix of "Deliliah" with GUDFELLA and "Paradise" with LINDZ, there's no question that this duo is only just getting started. 🎸•Levity Live Sets: I had heard of Levity through some mutual friends but when I saw them live I was immediately taken back by their stage presence. Straight up, these guys LOVE to perform and their sets are incredibly unique because they legit love so many kinds of music. They say it best, "we aren't there just to DJ, we are there to put on a performance". Love it! ❤️‍🔥This interview was too much fun and we are sorry not sorry for the side-bar conversations that occurred throughout - we were just podcasting and enjoying it!! 🤩So much love and respect to these dudes and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them! 💫

Not gonna sugar coat how excited I am about this one for even a second!! Episode 172 features 2 time Grammy Award winning DJ/Producer/Label Head and all around good guy CID ! I have been following him for over 7 years and am genuinely a massive fan. Truly honored to have this legend on the show and it was a blast getting his full story. 🙌🏻linktr.ee/shermintheboothIn 172 we discussed:•Early inspirations and influences: Born and raised in Queens, NY Carlos is the youngest of three brothers and has always had a passion for music. NYC's rich music and dance culture played a huge role in finding his way to becoming a DJ and eventually made the jump to pursuing production. In 2006, he sent a record to Markus Schulz and got his first track signed - hasn't looked back since! 👟•The CID Discography: We took a sonic journey through CID's incredible catalogue of originals, remixes, and collaborations over the years and got the full scoop on his creative process and how his sound has evolved since day 1. We ran through how some of his biggest hits came together like "Jumpin" with Westend, "Us" with Kaskade, "Fever" with Don Diablo, and solo releases such as "Believer" featuring Cee Lo Green, "Downstairs" and his grammy award winning remix of Lizzo's "Truth Hurts". Can I get a SHEESH?! 🗣•Night Service Only: In June 2019, CID launched his new label "Night Service Only" with one goal in mind - release club bangers. He's given a massive platform to talented artists like J. Worra, Chapter & Verse, Black V Neck, MUUS, Cloverdale and so many more. We had a great discussion on his long-term vision for the label and what he looks for in demos - "It needs to be something I would play in my sets” 📝CID is on FIRE right now and is fresh off a massive Lollapalooza set and an incredible release called "Honey" with Volkoder on Musical Freedom. It's truly incredible to see him continue to grow on all levels but also bring others along on this crazy ride with him. Big things for 2021 and beyond! ⭐️Thank you thank you THANK YOU for making some time and coming on the show - one of the biggest and best interviews yet. I can't wait to meet in person someday soon and I'm looking forward to hearing some new Night Service Only releases! 🔥@cidmusic

In September 2016 I started a journey that didn't have an end goal. I just wanted to do something that I would always enjoy and have no hesitation on consistency or passion. 249 episodes later I've interviewed over 200 guests ranging from DJs, producers, agents, talent buyers, entrepreneurs, and more. The most rewarding part is the relationships and friendships that have come from SITB. There has been a lot of ups and downs but sitting here today I can say for certain that this is my calling. The biggest thing I've learned is that the podcast has to make me happy first. If it doesn't, then why would anyone else want to listen or watch? Just look at my smile throughout this interview. Thank you to everyone that has supported me in any way, shape or form. Thank you to my friends and family for believing in me. Thank you to Olivia Mancuso for inspiring me and also keeping me on track during this interview... lol. Cheers to 250 episodes and here's to the future. This is still just the beginning

So you want to be a touring music artist? This live panel in Denver Coloardo will give you some perspective on how to make that happen. Featuring founder of 128 Productions and Denver talent buyer, Alex Padgett, DJ/Producer/Podcast Host Lizzy Jane, and DJ/Producer Housewife.This conversation goes into the realities on what it takes to go from a local DJ to a touring act and offers insights on how to get booked, build your brand, and create opportunities. Key Takeaways: -Why is it so hard to get gigs outside of the city you're based -How to build a career when your hometown doesn't support you -The strategy of representing your city while building elsewhere -Maintaining your brand through genuine connections -How to make money on tour and how to protect yourself -What talent buyers look for when booking artists- Why relationships matter and how to build them

Episode 249 features Chicago based but Detroit rooted DJ Nanoos - a Palenstian Armenian DJ who is making a big splash in the scene.We had an absolute blast sitting down in person and getting her full story and perspective on some hot topics in the industry right now. Nanoos is a real one on so many levels and there's good reason for his quick rise in following - she's a really good selector on the decks and fuses tons of different genres together in her sets creating one of a kind experiences for anyone who sees her. She's also got an insanely dope sense of fashion and charisma that had me hooked even before I met her. We chatted about the afro-house movement, the state of the scene in the US and what we think is to come, her tour that's taking her all over the country, and her plans for the future.

248 features an artist that I have over 50 tracks from and play at least 1 every set I perform. He goes by the name of BVRNOUT and if you aren't familiar with the name, I guarantee you've heard one of his remixes.Chris has an amazing story and it was so much fun talking about his journey from day 1 through now. He is a prolific producer with an expertise in remixes but has now started focusing on originals and creating his own label- BVRN'D Records - as a way to give himself a platform for his sound.He's been supported by some of the biggest DJs in the world like Loud Luxury and his music has helped many artists go viral on social media when they play a BVRNOUT record. I really mean it when I say that without BVNROUT remixes, this scene would be a different place and I certainly wouldn't be where I am without his music.

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to share this interview because I've been a long time fan of this amazingly talented DJ/Producer who goes by the name of Max Styler! 🎸I caught up with Max from his studio in Las Vegas and had such a blast getting his full story 📖In 203 we got it all in and discussed:•Journey Into Dance Music: Born and raised in a small town outside of San Luis Obispo in Southern California, Max found his love for music early on. Although he grew up in a small town, he had big goals for a future in music and started producing in his early teen years - he spent countless hours in the studio honing his craft until he finally released his first track in 2014. This is a person who has truly manifested their dreams. So much respect for his hard work and genuine passion for music! 👏🏻•Discography: Styler has an incredible discography filled with originals, collaborations, and remixes released on some of the biggest labels in dance music like Spinnin', Toolroom, Dim Mak, Realm and more. We ran through his journey as an artist starting with one of his biggest hits "Badman" with Autoerotique all the way to his recent collaboration project with Friend Within called "Atlantic Garden". You might have heard one of his most profound releases, "Let Me Take You There" feat. Laura White which has over 16 million plays on Spotify! 🙌🏻•Finding Your Sound: One of my favorite portions of this interview was discussing Max's journey to finding his sonic identity. In his early years, he was releasing trap, big room, and progressive but now finds himself producing proper house music. He's never felt more creative in the studio and is having a blast in this new chapter of his career. We know there are so many producers that are trying to figure out their "sound" but Max believes you have to go with what feels natural and exciting. Great advice here! 📝This was such a special interview for many reasons. Although Max is still young, his level of talent and commitment is at veteran levels. I truly believe he will be one of the most impactful and influential producers of our generation. 💫Max, thank you so much for coming on the show, and remember to make sure you snag that aisle seat on every flight for easy bathroom access!! 🤣

Our guest for today is Brad Sweet - the co-founder of Same Same But Different Festival and co-host of the Different Paths PodcastWe had such a great time getting into the origins of SSBD - for those that haven't heard of it, you need to. It takes place in Lake Perris, CA just outside of LA and San Diego. It's grown so much since their first run in 2018 and have had artists like Griz, Polo and Pan, Louis The Child, Big Wild and What So Not on - and that's just to name a few. We talked a lot about purpose, community and longevity and why these things matter when it comes to music festivals but that's what makes SSBD different - it's a truly special experience not just for the fans, but also the artists and they'll tell you that themselves! This is a truly unique festival because everyone contributes in their own way - the artists, the fans, and the staff. Really special.His podcast called "Different Paths" explores the stories of creatives and gets deep into their journeys - he's had guests like Mikey Lion, Mary Droppinz, and Ravenscoon on thus far and I love the format. The 2025 SSBD lineup is going to be dropping soon so make sure to keep an eye out for the announcement. Brad says it's the biggest yet and as you can tell they go BIG so this will be a very special treat.

Episode 246 features SoCal based DJ/Producer XIE - We have been trying to line up a date for an interview for a minute and I'm so glad we found some time to connectXIE is truly a unique talent not just because of her history as a classically trained musician but also her approach and perspective on what her intentions are on her journey as an artist.It's all about the music to XIE and I couldn't agree more - we got deep on topics like purpose, finding your sonic identity, support DJ sets vs headlining, and so much more. XIE you are a real one and I had so much fun talking with you and I'm sure everyone else will enjoy this episode as well!