Nerds On Tour

Lita Ford's first band, The Runaways, became a global phenomenon. Months later, she was selling men's cologne at the mall. She discusses Nikki Sixx, Ozzy Osbourne, and the value of having the right team.

Abraham talks with one of his all-time heroes, Will Oldham a.k.a. Bonnie “Prince” Billy, about the hard choices that make for a satisfying long-term music career.

X frontman John Doe is a living legend. He discusses X's career, their Bud Light commercial, and the reasons why L.A. punks worship The Doors.

Classical percussionist Patti Niemi gives an insider’s account of surviving Juilliard, enduring high-pressure auditions, and getting a tenured position with an orchestra.  She’s battled serious anxiety issues throughout.

Jason Collett left Broken Social Scene at the height of the band's global fame. His resultant solo career has led to some lucrative ad placements as well as his self-aware new album, "Song & Dance Man".

After having her fill of the major-label A&R game, Bettina Richards started Thrill Jockey Records in 1992 from her apartment. It's now one of the world's most respected indie labels. She discusses how she made it happen.

For Bruce Finkelman, starting the Empty Bottle, Chicago's coolest music venue, at age 23 was just the beginning. He now runs nine different operations. We discuss seeing the world through "owner's eyes".

The Redwalls' Andrew Langer was signed to Capitol Records at age 18 and toured the UK with Oasis. These days, he enjoys being a father of two and a realtor for D'Aprile Properties. He's also very witty and a good hang.

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau share the very funny intersections between rock life and real life. They discuss being Thrill Jockey recording artists, sharing the stage with Velvet Revolver, and doing a corporate gig for Chevrolet. Part 2 of 2.

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau were musicians Abraham worshipped before he became their bandmate. They discuss the secrets of DIY glam, the fleeting gloss of professionalism, and getting stuck in a Bavarian vineyard. Part 1 of 2.

Jason Narducy, musician and entrepreneur, is one of Abraham's personal heroes. He inspired Dave Grohl to pursue music and played Letterman multiple times, he's a member of the Bob Mould Band and Superchunk, and he fronts his own band, Split Single.

New Yorker staff writer John Seabrook recently published The Song Machine, a look at how today's Top 40 gets made. We discuss the future of Spotify, why death metal is more relevant than classic rock, and what the Backstreet Boys and Dylan have in common.

Freda Love Smith, once Juliana Hatfield's bandmate in the Blake Babies, is now a lecturer at Northwestern University whose recently published memoir, "Red Velvet Underground," combines rock, parenting, finances, and recipes.

The debut episode of Nerds On Tour features singer, songwriter, and Chicago civic treasure Kelly Hogan.  We talk about royalty statements, nerdiness, Ramen noodles, decision trees, neck moisturizer, and which one of us secretly wants a Saab automobile.