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Mark Ronson is the Oscar- and Grammy-winning producer behind "Uptown Funk" and Amy Winehouse's Back to Black. ENCORE EPISODE — With Night People now out in paperback, we're revisiting this conversation. We sit down to talk about Night People, his memoir of the downtown New York that made him, years before the hits, when he was the most in-demand DJ in the city. Ronson went on to produce for Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Adele, Dua Lipa, Jay-Z and Paul McCartney, and curated the Barbie soundtrack. But Night People isn't about the studio. It's a portrait of a grittier, unpolished New York during hip-hop's golden age, and of a career that ran from early acclaim as the city's "It DJ" through post-hype setbacks to reinvention. We get into the unwritten rules of DJing, why you should never play a hit to an empty room, and the thrill of turning a skeptical crowd into a sweaty, euphoric mess. He also traces how Giuliani-era crackdowns and the rise of bottle service turned NYC nightlife from a chaotic melting pot into velvet-rope exclusivity. The city in the book is gone. The rules he learned there still run the room. YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Fab 5 Freddy is a founding figure of hip-hop culture and the original host of Yo! MTV Raps. This episode we sit down with Fab 5 Freddy, artist and filmmaker, for a conversation about the exact moment graffiti, breaking, rap, and downtown punk culture stopped being separate scenes and became one culture: hip-hop. Fab was there for all of it. In his new memoir, Everybody's Fly, he traces the whole arc, from a Brooklyn childhood spent skipping school for the museums to the making of Wild Style, the film that first put the culture on screen. We get into what actually happened the night he realized the audio from Wild Style's climactic concert scene was completely blown out. The reshoot came a year later, and by then Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five had already blown up too big to get back in front of the camera. Fab also talks candidly about running with Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring back when all three of them were broke and sneaking onto the subway without tokens, and what it was actually like watching two of his closest friends become two of the most famous artists in the world. Plus: the letter PBS sent calling the idea behind Wild Style "trash," the real story behind Debbie Harry's "Fab Five Freddy told me everybody's fly," and growing up with a father who marched on Washington with Martin Luther King and was in the room the day Malcolm X was assassinated. Hip-hop didn't have a name yet. Then it did. YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Dave Taylor is the owner of Waco Surf, the 500-acre surf park that brought wave culture to the middle of Texas. We sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about building something from scratch, the culture of surfing, and what it means to bring a coastal lifestyle to the heart of the Lone Star State. A Southern California native who spent years in entertainment and the restaurant industry, Taylor stumbled into wave pool ownership almost by accident. A three-day visit to Waco Surf in 2019 — while he was weeks away from retiring to Mexico with his pregnant wife — convinced him he couldn't walk away. What started as a beat-up water park with a rough reputation has become a surf destination drawing everyone from professional surfers to first-timers who've never seen the ocean. We get into the real costs and regulatory hurdles behind building a surf park, why a Texas zoning loophole called the ETJ made it possible when California couldn't, and how Waco Surf carved out its identity as the "people's pool" in contrast to Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch. Taylor also gets philosophical about whether a perfect wave on demand carries the same meaning as one you earned in the ocean — and what it looks like to build a genuine surf culture somewhere that's never had one. A laid-back Californian bet everything on Waco, Texas. It paid off. YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Nikolai Fraiture is the bassist and a founding member of The Strokes. ENCORE EPISODE — To celebrate the landmark performance The Strokes delivered at Coachella 2026, we're revisiting this conversation. We sit down to talk about what it actually looked like from the inside of one of the most hyped band launches in rock history, and what's happened in the two decades since. We get into the Grammy win for The New Abnormal and the making of Reality Awaits with Rick Rubin in Costa Rica — and what it took for Rubin to get a band that started in a New York basement back to playing like one. The Strokes were the first band any of them had ever been in. After 20 years, Nikolai describes a lock-in with his bandmates that he says can't be manufactured: "I wouldn't walk away from something that special that comes along so rarely." And he's candid about early fame in a way that doesn't feel performed: "I don't think I handled it very well." Reality Awaits is coming. This is where it started. YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Andrew McCarthy is the star of Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo's Fire, and a New York Times bestselling author. We sit down for a candid conversation about friendship, identity, and reinvention. Over the last decade, McCarthy has carved out a second act as a deeply introspective writer. His latest book, Who Needs Friends, documents a 10,000-mile solo road trip across America, where he spoke with strangers—from cowboys to cops—to explore the often unspoken realities of male friendship. The conversation dives into why men struggle with vulnerability, how friendships evolve (or fade) over time, and what happens when a life in Hollywood gives way to a quieter, more reflective creative path. McCarthy also opens up about the complicated legacy of the Brat Pack, the loneliness of the open road, and the surprising honesty he found in conversations with strangers. Our conversation with Andrew is a thoughtful look at connection in modern life—and a reminder that it's never too late to redefine who you are. Purchase Who Needs Friends by Andrew McCarthy → https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/andrew-mccarthy/who-needs-friends/9781538768945/ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Posdnuos, AKA Plug One, is a founding member of De La Soul, one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history. For years, De La Soul's music was caught in a complicated web of licensing issues and corporate politics, leaving their catalog unavailable on streaming platforms and out of reach for an entire generation of listeners. Now, nearly three decades after their groundbreaking debut Three Feet High and Rising, their full body of work is finally accessible again—sparking a long-overdue rediscovery. We discuss Cabin in the Sky, the group's first release following the 2023 passing of friend and bandmate Dave Jolicoeur AKA Trugoy the Dove. Pos reflects on the group's commitment to honoring Dave's legacy while continuing forward. Pos also talks about navigating grief, the decision to carry on as De La Soul, and the defining "Beat Street moment" that reframed loss into purpose. He also reflects on the long fight to reclaim their catalog and the frustration of being absent from the streaming era. From cassette tapes and crate-digging to algorithms and viral discovery, this episode is a deep look at legacy, artistry, and staying true to the music across decades of change. YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Michael "Kaves" McLeer is a Brooklyn-born graffiti writer, painter, and founder of the rap/punk group Lordz of Brooklyn. He's also the creator of Brooklyn Pop, an immersive installation celebrating the borough of Brooklyn with hip-hop memorabilia, graffiti, movie collectibles, historical artifacts, and personal items from the neighborhood that shaped him. In this episode we discuss his path from the proverbial wrong side of the tracks in Bay Ridge to becoming a renowned graffiti writer and musician. We also chat about the neighborhood gangsters growing up, why free Adidas track suits sometimes fell from the sky above the Verrazzano Bridge, and how Brooklyn-based movies and television like The Warriors, Saturday Night Fever and Welcome Back Kotter played a key role in developing self-identity and career goals. Throughout his career he's designed exclusive visuals for Audemars Piguet, Jaguar, NIKE, Rockstar Games, WWE, MTV, ADIDAS, Van's Warped Tour, and created logos & graphics for world-renowned artists such as the Beastie Boys and Metallica. Kaves' energy and thirst for creative expression took him to the world of acting and filmmaking. In 2006, Kaves created, produced and directed The Brooklyn Way, a multi-episode docu-series about his family's life. From 2011 to the present day, Kaves has been featured in short and feature films including The Many Saints of Newark, Gravesend, The Humdinger, Star and The Eulogy. The Brooklyn Pop interactive installation is open to the public at Industry City → https://thebrooklynpop.com/ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Arto Saari is a Finnish professional skateboarder and photographer. He is one of only two Europeans to ever win Thrasher Magazine's prestigious Skater of the Year award, and he's one of the most respected and influential skaters of his generation. Arto built his legacy through groundbreaking video parts and endured numerous brutal injuries along the way. Eventually, he transitioned from professional skating to pursue his passion for photography. His recently released book, Bike Path, intimately captures the vibrant culture and community of Hawaii's North Shore. In this episode, we dive into the contrasts between skateboarding and surfing culture, we dig into the complex interplay of pain, injury, substance abuse, and addictive personalities in skateboarding, and we discuss the challenging path many pro skaters face as they navigate life beyond their skating careers Bike Path by Arto Saari: ⁠https://www.artosaari.com/bikepath-book⁠ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Naz Kawakami is the editor-in-chief of Monster Children, the independent Australian art and media platform. This episode kicks off a collaboration between The Plug w/ Justin Jay and Monster Children, which has been shaping taste for over two decades. For the next several weeks, Monster Children will be presenting a curated series of encore episodes of The Plug across their website and social channels. To kick things off, we sit down with Naz to discuss how a scrappy Australian print title built a global audience without losing its point of view. We'll explore the tension between print and digital media, why some stories are too meaningful to be reduced to a digital scroll, and how imperfection can serve as proof that something is real. Be on the lookout for new episodes here in the weeks ahead, and revisit some of our favorite conversations — including Stacy Peralta, Arto Saari, Tom Sachs, and more — at monsterchildren.com and on Instagram at @monsterchildren and @nazkawakami YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Jay Glennie is the author of The Making of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film has cemented itself as one of Tarantino's most personal and meticulously constructed works—every prop, location, costume, and needle drop carefully chosen to reconstruct a disappearing version of Los Angeles. Glennie was granted rare access to document how that world came together. Drawing from more than sixty interviews with Quentin Tarantino, the cast, and key members of the crew—alongside extensive on-set photography and original production materials—the book goes far beyond a visual companion or standard oral history. It examines the creative decisions, near-misses, and practical realities behind the film: how iconic moments were shaped, which sequences almost didn't happen, and why certain choices mattered to Tarantino on a deeply personal level. For anyone interested in how great films are actually made, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, accidents, and creative obsessions behind this modern classic, told by the only writer granted unparalleled access to Tarantino's creative process. YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

In this encore episode, we revisit our conversation with Luxxury—music producer and co-host of the hit podcast One Song. Each week on their podcast One Song, Luxxury and his co-host Diallo Riddle take a deep dive into a single classic song, and explore the inspirations and specific production techniques that make the track unique. By playing rare, isolated vocal and instrumental stems, they give listeners the chance to rediscover familiar songs, revealing details and textures often hidden in the full mix. So what is the difference between sampling, interpolation, and outright plagiarism? Why is the Jamaican concept of copyright, creatively and the ownership of music almost completely opposite of the way we think of it in the US?  Why is it now legally risky to use the overall vibe and arrangements of a Marvin Gaye track as inspiration for your own song? We'll find out as we sit down for a chat with someone who blends technology with his passion for music history to shed new light on your favorite songs.  00:00 — How Stems Change the Way We Hear Music 00:55 — The History of Sampling in Hip-Hop 01:23 — Luxxury Explains the One Song Podcast 01:52 — Sampling vs Interpolation vs Plagiarism 02:22 — Podcast Production: Research vs Improvisation 03:45 — Why Playing Music in Real Time Matters 05:11 — Music Stems Explained for Non-Musicians 08:01 — Where Do Producers Get Stems? 12:20 — AI Music, Stem Separation, and The Beatles 19:05 — Quincy Jones as a Music Producer 27:05 — Famous Examples of Interpolation in Pop Music 43:22 — Taylor Swift, Masters, and Music Ownership Check out video clips of this episode and other conversations on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNH5UGRKI5E1AUBWAk-OkrA?sub_confirmation=1 Have any comments, feedback or suggestions for upcoming guests? We'd love to hear from you. Email The Plug w/ Justin Jay at: theplugpodcast.jj(AT)gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://justinjay.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hi1k.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MGMT are the musical duo of Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, known for creating irresistibly catchy, genre-blurring music. In this Encore Episode, we dive into how they continually push the boundaries of pop and indie music while still maintaining their unmistakable sound. We also discuss the politics of performing at Madison Square Garden, their unexpected rise to TikTok fame, and how their views on drugs have evolved since their debut album. Since their time as art students in the early 2000s, they've released five studio albums, garnered critical acclaim, and cultivated a devoted fan base. Their newest album Loss of Life is available now. Don't miss this fascinating conversation with the artists behind the hits 'Kids' and 'Little Dark Age 00:00 MGMT on Pop Music vs. Experimentation 00:29 Welcome to The Plug w/ Justin Jay 01:03 Can AI Replace Human Songwriting? 01:59 Introducing MGMT & the Album Loss of Life 02:56 First Reactions to MGMT's New Album Loss of Life 03:22 Post-Album Letdown & Choosing Not to Tour 05:47 Touring Burnout, Aging & Changing Priorities 07:39 Writing Catchy Pop Songs Without Compromise 10:04 Genre Labels, Adult Contemporary & Steely Dan Influence 13:24 MGMT Influences: Roxy Music, Prince & 80s Synth Pop 17:07 The Role of Producers & Working With Dave Fridmann 21:28 Music Videos, Self-Promotion & Streaming Economics 30:00 Drugs, Lyrics & Growing Older as a Band 31:56 Final Plugs, Artists to Support & Closing Thoughts YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Andy Nicholson is the bassist and founding member of Arctic Monkeys. This episode he sits down for one of his most open and personal interviews yet. With the 20-year anniversary of Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not approaching, Andy reflects on the band's explosive early years and the moments that shaped modern indie rock. Andy shares the story behind his brand-new photography book, I Bet This Looks Good on Your Coffee Table, featuring rare and intimate behind-the-scenes photos from 2005–2007. From tiny Sheffield gigs to global fame, Andy captured the raw reality of life inside a band becoming a worldwide phenomenon. In this episode: • How Arctic Monkeys handled sudden fame • What life backstage and on tour really looked like • The creative chemistry behind the first album • Andy's personal journey after leaving the band • Why revisiting hundreds of old photos changed his perspective • Meeting The Strokes, playing SNL, and surreal early-days stories • The emotional process of releasing his photos to the world Whether you're an Arctic Monkeys fan, a music-photography lover, or someone who lived through the 2000s indie rock era, this conversation offers rare insight from someone who was there for it all. YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Kevin Macdonald is the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind One Day in September and the new documentary One to One: John & Yoko. We sit down to discuss One to One, a film that redefines how we understand John Lennon and Yoko Ono in early 1970s New York. Using archival footage—from TV shows, protests, commercials, news footage, and intimate home recordings—Macdonald creates a fully immersive, 360-degree view of their lives, activism, and art. From John Lennon's one and only post-Beatles concert at Madison Square Garden, to Yoko Ono's conceptual artistry and personal struggles, this conversation dives deep into the film's meticulous reconstruction, the creative process behind its storytelling, and the political and cultural context of the era. Discover how One to One blends history, humanity, and artistry to reveal John and Yoko like never before. 00:00 – Teaser: Three Blind Men & an Elephant 00:31 – Host Intro: Setting Up the Conversation 02:02 – Introducing Kevin Macdonald 03:10 – Origins of One to One 06:12 – Building Trust With Participants 09:45 – The Intimacy of the Film's Format 13:20 – Navigating Ethics & Responsibility 17:05 – Crafting Narrative From Raw Lives 21:18 – The Role of Empathy in Documentary Filmmaking 24:56 – Creative Choices Behind the Camera 28:40 – What Kevin Learned From the Project 32:10 – Reflections on Human Connection 35:28 – Closing Thoughts & What's Next YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com

Paul Mittleman worked as VP of Design and Creative Director at Stussy. In this episode, he shares stories from decades shaping the DNA of modern street culture. From working directly with Shawn Stussy to influencing brands like Supreme, Adidas, and Converse, Paul reflects on authenticity, creativity, and the evolution of streetwear. He explains why early Stussy and Supreme succeeded where others failed, and why the term "streetwear" misses the point entirely. Paul also dives into collab culture, subcultures in New York and Tokyo, and how Instagram reshaped personal expression. It's a rare behind-the-scenes look at the people and philosophies that built modern street style. 00:00 – Intro: Paul Mittleman on shaping modern street culture 02:30 – Connecting Shawn Stussy to New York's creative scene 06:15 – The rise of Supreme and its Stussy influence 08:40 – Why Stussy and Supreme stayed authentic 11:00 – The power of saying "no" in creative work 14:00 – When collabs lost their meaning 17:00 – "Future landfill": the dark side of drop culture 20:30 – Streetwear vs. street culture 23:00 – Can real subcultures still exist today? 29:30 – From downtown discovery to the algorithm era 39:00 – Instagram, identity, and authenticity 46:30 – Choosing integrity over corporate success 48:50 – Paul's recommendation: Subculture by Dick Hebdige YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theplugwithjustinjay Website → https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plug-w-justin-jay/id1517322794 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3M3BwnadvgbuwtErUHN1pl Email → [email protected] Justin Jay Photography → https://justinjay.com HI 1K - 10 Years / 1000 Moments On Hawaii's North Shore by Justin Jay → https://www.hi1k.com