Advertise on podcast: Tunesmate's Podcast

Join Marc and Ray as they countdown Dolly Parton's top songs and celebrate her incredible career. As a singer, songwriter, actor, business owner, and philanthropist, she made an impact far beyond country music. Her ability to create songs that generate a feeling across music genres and inspire other artists was unprecedented. Explore this episode of Tunesmate and discover songs you may have forgotten or never heard before.

In Episode 118, Ray and Marc catch up with singer and songwriter Ned Hill about his EP "Saw Jesus At The Park". During the interview, they talk about what triggered him to create new music and his 40-year music career.  Tune in to hear Ned reflect on music, inspiration, spirituality, sobriety, CCR, and why sometimes you just have to follow the music bug wherever it takes you. If you enjoy discovering artists you may not have heard before, give this episode a listen. You might just find your next favorite song.

In this episode of Tunesmate, listen to Judy Rodman describe her impressive music career. Find out how she became a #1 country recording artist with her song “Until I Met You,” an award-winning vocalist, songwriter, session singer, and vocal coach. Discover her humble beginnings singing in her family’s band at age two and becoming a professional jingle singer at seventeen. Judy shares stories of working as a backup singer for Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Elvis Presley, and Rick Dees before breaking out as a solo artist. She also talks about songwriting, performing, family, and what it takes to connect with an audience. She believes that great music sends a message and is something that people feel.

What music makes you feel like summer? Tunesmate created a list of the greatest summer songs a while back, but could one state capture the ultimate summer soundtrack? Join Ray and Marc as they count down the top songs about California. These are tracks that transport you to sunny beaches, warm ocean breezes, and endless road trips. What defines the California sound? Is it the surf harmonies of the Beach Boys? The funky rock of the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Or perhaps the psychedelic sounds of The Doors and the Grateful Dead? Maybe it's the folk-pop of The Mamas & the Papas and The Byrds, or the country rock of the Eagles and Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). Or is the true California sound found in the groundbreaking West Coast hip-hop of Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre? Check out the episode to discover which California anthem takes the top spot.

In this episode of Tunesmate, Ray and Marc celebrate the life and career of legendary music executive Clive Davis. He helped launch or relaunch the careers of artists including Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Santana, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jennifer Hudson, Pink, TLC, Outkast, and many others. Listen to explore his incredible legacy of more than six decades, the artists he helped launch, and the lasting impact he has had on the music industry.

In this episode, join Ray and Marc as they celebrate singer and songwriter Janet Jackson’s birthday with a special Top 5 countdown of her greatest tracks. Remember classics like “What I Have I Done For You Lately?,” “If,” “Again,” and “When I Think Of You.” Tune in for a journey through her unforgettable music and discover why Janet Jackson remains one of the most iconic artists of all time.

Join Ray and Marc as Tunesmate takes a ride back to 1986 to celebrate the release of 5150 by Van Halen. The album was a turning point for the band after David Lee Roth left and Sammy Hagar took over lead vocals. Do you remember where you were when you first heard it? The album features tracks like Why Can't This Be Love, Dreams, Best of Both Worlds, and Love Walks In. Sammy brought a new energy, and fans still debate to this day who is the best lead singer. Eddie Van Halen continued to explore keyboards after his success on 1984 and still delivered iconic guitar riffs. Alex Van Halen and Mike Anthony provided a steady rhythm section that supported this new Van Halen sound, commonly called Van Hagar. Wherever you land, it’s hard to deny that this album left a lasting mark on rock history.

In episode #112 of the Tunesmate podcast, Ray and Marc investigate the 1969 Woodstock music festival and put your rock history knowledge to the test. Can you guess how many out of the 29 artists who performed at the 3-day event still haven’t been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Tune in as we count them down, debate the biggest snubs, and explore why they deserve to earn a place in rock history. Find out that folk pioneers like Richie Havens and Arlo Guthrie to blues rock artists like Johnny Winter and Canned Heat, and many other Woodstock performers remain outside the Hall.

In this episode, check out a conversation with author Helen Marketti about her book The Long & Winding Phone. The book features interviews with people who were close to The Beatles, including discussions with Julian Lennon, Pete Best, Pattie Boyd, and May Pang. The Beatles legend seems to be stronger than ever, and this book delivers an intriguing backstory. Whether you're a Beatles fan or just love music, this book is a great read.

In this episode of Tunesmate, join Ray and Marc as they say goodbye to MTV. The groundbreaking cable music television channel launched on August 1, 1981, and signed off on December 31, 2025 playing the same video "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles. Take a moment to reflect back on when you first watched MTV and pay tribute to the station that forever changed the way we experienced music.

Join Ray and Marc as they welcome back bluesman guitarist and composer Stew Cutler to talk about his new album Undercover (Mostly). Cutler’s eighth studio recording is scheduled to be released on February 6, 2026, and features seven covers and two originals. Seven tunes are completely instrumental, while the other two feature Bobby Harden on vocals. Listen to the episode to discover how this musician created his latest release with his friends and what it takes to make a collection of cover songs.

Join Ray and Marc as they count down the top tunes from 2025.  What made your top five song list from the year? Demon Hunters, Chappell Roan, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, SZA, Ariana Grande, and Alex Warren all made an impact. Reflect on the year in music and hear what will be remembered with Tunesmate.

In this episode, join Ray and Marc as they discuss Mariah Carey's record-breaking #1 song "All I Want for Christmas is You". After years of being considered just a holiday song, Mariah's tune has reappeared each year at the top of Billboard's chart to become the #1 song of all-time. Tune-in to find out the impact that this holiday classic will have on music history and why it matters going forward.

In this episode, Ray and Marc break down the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class, celebrating performers Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, OutKast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon are also recognized for their groundbreaking influence. Additional honors include Musical Excellence Awards for Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell, along with the Ahmet Ertegun Award presented to legendary industry executive Lenny Waronker. Tune in as they explore the lasting cultural impact this diverse and influential class has had on the world of music.

In this episode, Tunesmate celebrates guitarist, singer, and producer Ace Frehley, also known as the Spaceman, whose sound helped launch Kiss into rock and roll history. From his unmistakable riffs to his larger-than-life persona, Ace’s influence has shaped generations of guitarists and fans alike. Join Ray and Marc as they honor Ace Frehley’s storied career with a special Top 5 countdown of his greatest tracks. Explore classics like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Cold Gin,” “Rock Soldiers,” and Ace’s signature anthem “New York Groove.” Strap in for a journey through the cosmic, gritty, and unforgettable music of one of rock’s true originals and discover why Ace Frehley remains one of the most iconic guitarists of all time.