Kyle Gordon has arrived! From viral alter egos like DJ Crazy Times to his genre-bending comedy albums Kyle Gordon Is Great and Kyle Gordon Is Wonderful, Kyle takes us behind the wigs, accents, and absolute chaos to reveal the real artistry behind parody. We dive into the wild ride of going viral, crafting characters that stick, and what it really takes to write music that’s both hilarious and genuinely good. It’s a laugh-out-loud, unexpectedly heartfelt journey through comedy, creativity, and the beautiful absurdity of the internet.
Episode Breakdown:
0:00 - Intro & Catch Up
4:20 - Welcome Kody Redwing!
8:00 - Kody’s Childhood and family
10:30 - Kody’s American Idol Experience
13:00 - Comparisons to other “millennial” bands
15:00 - Career Choices and their impact on family
17:00 - Favorite versions of “Hallelujah”
18:30 - What’s Next for Kyle
20:00 - “Married in a Year in The Suburbs” collab
22:10 - Welcome Kyle Gordon!
23:00 - A Cappella Roots
25:00 - Wardrobe Malfunction
26:30 - Transitioning into Musical-Comedy
27:45 - Music Background
29:00 - Tiktok Beginnings
33:00 - Kid Who’s No Fun
36:00 - Brendan Abernathy Collab
38:30 - Patterns of “Hate” on the Internet
43:30 - DJ Crazy Times Controversy
46:30 - Performing with the Jonas Brothers
50:45 - Running into Joe Jonas in NYC
53:00 - Jonathan and Paul McCartney
54:30 - Kyle’s new album!
1:00:20 - Game time!
Follow Kyle Gordon:
Listen to Kyle Gordon is Wonderful everywhere.
Follow @kylegordonisgreat on social for all the sparkle.
Follow the Hosts:
@AnthonyGargiula
@ JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
https://pods.to/countermelodies
Credits:
Executive Producer / Showrunner / Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renée Colvert
Everybody welcome Dara Reneé! From her breakout role on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series to Descendants: The Rise of Red, Dara opens up about growing up on set, navigating mental health, and the journey to owning her power. It’s a hilarious, emotional, inspiring ride through Broadway dreams, Disney magic, and the deep inner work it takes to truly love yourself.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Intro and catch up!
04:00- Dara’s here!
05:00 – Being homeschooled, raised by a single mom, and growing up backstage. Dara shares her early years of performing (and Beyoncé karaoke)
8:30 - Early Broadway auditions
10:15 – Auditioning for HSMTMTS with no agent, no reel, and no clue she was about to book her breakout role
19:30 - One year later: Freaky Friday reboot and still no HSMTMTS
20:45 - Working on “Black-ish”
25:00 – Origins of HSMTMTS and auditioning for every role except Courtney
27:45 - Callbacks with Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Sofia Wylie and booking the show!
31:30 - Dara’s relationship with Olivia Rodrigo
32:30 - Kylie Cantrall and wanting to be the best big sister in the business
34:00 - OG High School musical lore
36:30 - Overcoming anxiety both in real life and on-screen
39:00 - Dara’s actual mom playing her mom on TV
40:30 - How HSMTMTS evolved over the 4 seasons
43:30 - Working on Descendants: The Rise of Red
45:00 - The infamous Josh Colley fire alarm story
48:30 - Favorite moments from Descendants
52:00 - Dara’s acting process
53:00 - Upcoming Descendants/Zombies tour!
58:00 - Game time: blind ranking disney channel theme songs!
Follow Dara Reneé:
Watch Descendants: The Rise of Red and stream her music everywhere.
Follow @dararenee on social for all the sparkle.
Follow the Hosts:
@AnthonyGargiula
@ JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
https://pods.to/countermelodies
Credits:
Executive Producer / Showrunner / Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renée Colvert
He’s here! Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix is in the kitchen! From beatboxing in a dorm shower to winning three GRAMMYs with Pentatonix, Kevin shares his incredible journey of combining cello and beatboxing into a genre-bending career. He opens up about immigrant expectations, viral YouTube beginnings, how Yo-Yo Ma changed his life, and presenting Ed Sheeran with his Grammy-Award alongside Stevie Wonder. Plus, Kevin gives an exclusive peek into his upcoming solo album Dawn of a Misfit and competes in Anthony and Jonathan’s ultimate beatboxing challenge.
Episode Breakdown:
• 00:00 – Episode Trailer
• 01:00 – Listener shoutouts! The hosts read glowing reviews from fans and reveal their Uber rating drama.
• 05:00 – Welcome Kevin Olusola! The best intro ever (with a “crash out” pun), and Kevin returns the love.
• 07:00 – Wikipedia connections. Kevin and Jonathan realize their paths crossed years ago at Quincy Jones’s office, and Jacob Collier’s wiki page gets a name-drop.
• 09:00 – Musical beginnings. Piano at 4, cello at 6, saxophone at 10—and Carnegie Hall by college.
• 11:00 – Discovering perfect pitch. Kevin plays “House of the Rising Sun” by ear at age 3, and his dad takes notice.
• 13:00 – The birth of cello boxing. It all started with a Mandarin-speaking professor in Beijing.
• 15:30 – The beatboxing origin story. From annoying his dad to an acapella discovery in a shared dorm shower.
• 17:00 – The immigrant dilemma. Kevin explains how cultural expectations almost kept him from a music career.
• 18:00 – Grammy joke of the year. After performing with Stevie Wonder, Kevin’s dad hits him with a savage comment.
• 19:30 – YouTube beginnings. Kevin starts posting videos after getting support from Yo-Yo Ma and KRS-One.
• 24:00 – Going viral with “Julie-O.” A year of perfecting one video leads to his Pentatonix discovery moment.
• 25:30 – The Pentatonix call. Kevin gets a mysterious audition request... from Ben Bram and Scott Hoying.
• 27:00 – The first rehearsal. Kevin meets the group, hits Roscoe’s, and sings “Telephone” for the first time.
• 30:00 – Sing-Off champions, then dropped. The band wins big—only to be dropped by their label days later.
• 31:00 – The YouTube strategy. Their manager pushes them to go all-in on YouTube—and he was right.
• 32:45 – The Christmas pivot. “Little Drummer Boy” saves the day and leads to their RCA deal.
• 34:00 – Collab favorites. Kevin names his favorite collaborators (Tori Kelly, Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Wonder) and shares why Tori’s vocals are impossible to comp.
• 37:30 – The Stevie Wonder moment. Stevie hits a note so perfectly, Kevin literally stops singing.
• 39:30 – Behind-the-scenes magic. Kevin talks about rehearsing with Matt Sallee and how their friendship powers the rhythm section.
• **41:30 – Dawn of a Misfit. **Kevin opens up about his solo debut, what “misfit” means to him, and the intention behind the project.
• 43:30 – His version of “Crazy.” Kevin breaks down his cinematic Gnarls Barkley cover and the emotional storytelling behind it.
• 45:00 – Miss Rachel! The inside story on how Kevin landed a spot on Songs for Littles—and why it’s his daughter’s favorite credit.
• 47:15 – Game time: Beatbox the Clock. Can Kevin recreate famous beats in under 10 seconds? From “Billie Jean” to “Shake It Off,” he brings the heat.
• 53:00 – Anthony’s theme park beatbox fail. A very questionable “Crazy in Love” moment from Orlando.
• 55:00 – Bonus beatbox tips. Kevin teaches the inward K-snare and reveals how he breathes through performances.
• 56:00 – Final plug: Dawn of a Misfit. Kevin shares his hopes for the record and where to find it.
Follow Kevin’s Journey:
Pre-save Dawn of a Misfit (out May 9) and follow Kevin at @kolusola on all platforms.
Socials:
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Damiano David is in the kitchen! From illegally busking in Rome with his band, Måneskin, to launching his powerful solo career, Damiano opens up about his emotional new record, the relationship between music and fashion, and his thoughts on that iconic “Rock and Roll never dies” moment at Eurovision. He shares stories about writing 72 songs for his debut album “Funny Little Fears’, working with Labrinth, and the differences in writing songs in English vs. Italian. Plus, he plays “Silver Lining Them Up,” a high-stakes elimination showdown where he chooses the next artist he’ll collaborate with.
Episode Breakdown:
• 00:00 - The hosts recap their week, including a Counter Melodies–inspired drink and singing with Rachel Zegler.
• 02:00 - Welcome Damiano David! The hosts introduce the Grammy-nominated artist and his upcoming solo album.
• 04:00 - Damiano shares his basketball-to-band pipeline and the origin of Måneskin.
• 05:30 - Illegally busking in Rome. The police came 2–3 times a day, but the band just circled the block and kept playing.
• 07:20 - Damiano’s Disney debut. He chats voicing “Jeffrey” in the Italian dub of Cruella and fills us in on his acting ambitions.
• 08:45 - Old Hollywood inspiration. Damiano explains why he’s drawn to classic tailoring and crooner-era aesthetics.
• 10:00 - Fashion and fast fashion. Why Damiano avoids fast fashion and how his personal style evolved with his solo era.
• 12:00 - Clothes and songwriting. The connection between mixing fashion pieces and musical influences.
• 12:40 - 72 songs, 14 made the album. Damiano talks about writing over 70 songs and the sounds that didn’t make the cut.
• 14:15 - The song he fought for. Why he insisted on including “Tango” on the album despite label hesitation.
• 15:30 - Born With a Broken Heart vs. Silver Lines. Where each song fits in the sonic direction of Fine Little Fears.
• 16:00 - Labyrinth collab backstory. Damiano wrote “Born With a Broken Heart” on day two of his first writing sessions.
• 16:45 - The songwriting rule. “We don’t leave the room until the song is done”—even if it takes all night in Joshua Tree.
• 17:30 - The realest collaborators. Damiano names his tight circle of trusted co-writers, including Sarah Hudson and Jason Evigan.
• 18:25 - Writing in English vs. Italian. Why writing in English helps him express raw emotion without overthinking phrasing.
• 20:00 - “I’ll lick your tears.” The now-iconic lyric from “Next Summer”—and why the room let him keep it.
• 21:30 - Rock and roll isn’t dead. Damiano clarifies his viral quote and explains why pop has always been a part of his sound.
• 23:20 - Will Måneskin return? Damiano shares how the band is on indefinite hiatus—but in a good way.
• 25:00 - Inside the industry. Why Damiano refuses to “live” in the music industry, even while working in it.
• 26:45 - How he stayed grounded. Launching at 16, his proudest achievement is keeping his head on straight.
• 27:15 - What to expect from tour. No two cities will be the same. Each crowd’s energy will shape the night.
• 28:00 - Game time: Silver Lining Them Up. A rapid-fire round of ultimate dream collabs—from Benson Boone to Bruno Mars to Taylor Swift.
• 31:00 - Where to find Damiano. Tour info, social handles, and where to stream Fine Little Fears.
Follow Damiano’s Journey:
Stream the new singles and pre-save Fine Little Fears, out May 16, at damianodavid.com (https://www.damianodavid.com/) and follow him @damianodavid on all socials.
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Scott Hoying of Pentatonix is in the kitchen! From singing on Star Search to winning The Sing-Off, Scott shares his incredible journey and the experience of building a Grammy-winning a cappella empire. He opens up about his solo music, creative anxiety, queer joy, and a heartfelt behind-the-scenes story of his wedding day with Christina Perri. Plus, the ultimate pop star test: can Scott correctly guess which iconic artists once sang a cappella?
Episode Breakdown:
• 00:00 - He’s here! Scott Hoying joins the show. Anthony and Jonathan fangirl immediately
• 5:00 - Scott, Jonathan, and Anthony chat the Snow White premiere, working with Rachel Zegler, and meeting Jon M. Chu
• 12:00 - Scott’s beginnings. Texas, Star Search, and Maren Morris
• 14:00 - How Pentatonix got their start
• 17:45 - Winning The Sing-Off and immediately losing a record deal
• 20:00 - PTX takes their momentum to YouTube
• 21:15 - Working with Dolly Parton
• 24:00 - Working with Tori Kelly
• 25:30 - Posthumous work with Whitney Houston
• 27:00 - PTX Christmas albums and tours
• 30:00 - Producing for Brittany Broski
• 33:30 - Scott’s dream producing projects
• 35:00 - Christina Perri officiating and singing at Scott’s wedding
• 36:45 - Mel Robbins, bowling, and Sabrina Carpenter singing Justin Beiber
• 39:40 - A surprise guest drops by (hint: our first “pod dog!”)
• 41:45 - Chatting Scott & Mark’s children books
• 43:30 - “Rose Without The Thorns” and Grammy-Award nominations
• 47:00 - Game time! “Land of the Free, Home of the Rank”: Scott blind-ranks the most iconic National Anthems
• 55:00 - Final thoughts and where you can find Scott online!
Follow Scott’s Journey:
Listen to Parallel and find Scott on all socials at @ScottHoying!
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
https://pods.to/countermelodies
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Sam Harris of X Ambassadors joins the guys in the kitchen today—and he’s telling all the stories you want to hear! From the random drumhead brand that inspired the band name to how a one-line fadeout turned into a billion-streamed hit, this episode is packed with career surprises, emotional songwriting, and laugh-out-loud moments. Sam talks about working with Rihanna, co-writing for Lizzo, how Imagine Dragons changed everything, and the surprising story behind their massive Jeep jingle (Renegades). Plus, he joins Anthony and Jonathan for the ultimate performer’s challenge: rank all of the possible live show fails that can happen.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - catching up with the guys + a family affair! Anthony’s parents surprise the team with custom mugs and wooden spoons.
04:00 - Welcome Sam Harris! From mistaken identity (he’s not the neuroscientist) to the backstory behind his full name.
06:00 - The “X” in X Ambassadors. How a copyright issue, Photoshop, and Dan Reynolds led to a last-minute rebrand.
09:00 - The real origin of “Ambassadors.” Hint: it involves a drumhead.
11:30 - Upstate New York roots. Sam and Anthony bond over small-town New York, from Ithaca to Albany.
13:00 - VHS turns 10. Sam reflects on the album that changed everything.
14:30 - How a ballad got them signed. A five-minute sad song caught fire on Virginia radio, leading to a chance encounter with Dan from Imagine Dragons.
17:30 - Label rejections and a surprise call from Alex Da Kid. The real start of X Ambassadors’ record deal.
19:00 - Opening for Imagine Dragons. From schlepping gear to performing for arenas with no crew—it was chaos.
22:15 - Why collaboration changed Sam’s life. How writing with others freed him from perfectionism.
23:30 - The Sucker for Pain saga (full story). Featuring Lil Wayne, a hotel bathroom, and 7 million artists.
26:45 - Working with Lizzo. From writing Jerome and Cuz I Love You to co-producing her latest single.
31:00 - Writing with artists from different worlds. Sam’s approach to helping artists stay authentic, especially with voices as big as Lizzo’s.
33:00 - The Rihanna story. How American Oxygen took a year to write—and why it wasn’t the hit they hoped for.
37:30 - The myth of the “sure thing.” Sam reflects on the unpredictability of the industry.
40:30 - Writing Unsteady. How a song originally intended for Zedd became one of the band’s biggest emotional anthems.
46:00 - Fans and trauma-dumping. Sam opens up about the intensity of fan interactions and what it means when people say “your song saved my life.”
49:00 - TikTok and TV revivals. Why Unsteady lives on, and how Anthony may have helped reignite the trend.
51:00 - The Renegades twist. How Sam accidentally wrote a jingle for Jeep—and why he’s now proud of it.
58:00 - Game time! Sam and the guys rank all of the possible live show fails that can happen
57:00 - Game time: What’s the Rena-grade? Sam gives letter grades to live performance challenges: no soundcheck, broken packs, untuned guitars, and more.
1:11:00 - The rubber band trick. A therapy technique Sam uses to stop the spiral of self-blame.
1:12:00 - What’s next for X Ambassadors? Sam announces (exclusive!) that a VHS 10-year rerecord is coming, with tour dates to follow.
Follow Sam and X Ambassadors:
Stream their new releases and keep up with the band on all socials @XAmbassadors and at xambassadors.com
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Haley Reinhart has entered the kitchen! From American Idol powerhouse to Postmodern Jukebox queen, Haley joins Anthony and Jonathan for an episode packed with career surprises, full-circle moments, and iconic vocals. She spills the behind-the-scenes story of how her version of Can't Help Falling in Love became the soundtrack to a globally beloved gum commercial, shares how her Aunt’s psychic vision predicted one of her legendary Idol performances, and reveals how choosing then-unknown drummer, Anderson.Paak, for her band led to an unexpected Grammy win. Plus, the pressure is on for Haley in this episode’s game: American Idol or American Impostor—and let’s just say sports trivia might not be her thing.
Episode Breakdown:
• 00:00 - Haley Reinhart is here! The crew dives straight into introductions and iconic moments.
• 04:00 - The Extra gum commercial. How a last-minute call turned Haley’s cover of Can't Help Falling in Love into an ad that ran for over five years.
• 09:00 - Voice acting secrets. Haley shares how a homemade audition tape led to voicing Bill Burr’s cartoon alter ego on F Is for Family.
• 13:00 - From music to movies. Haley talks about starring as a superhero in Robert Rodriguez’s We Can Be Heroes.
• 14:30 - Lady Gaga's perfect advice. How Gaga pushed Haley to bring more drama on American Idol and how it changed her performances forever.
• 20:00 - American Idol memories. From her first audition to her game-changing performances of Bennie and the Jets and House of the Rising Sun.
• 24:00 - Why third place was perfect. Haley shares why not making the finale was actually the best-case scenario.
• 28:30 - Justice for Free. Haley talks about her debut single and the surprising reality star cameo in the music video.
• 30:00 - The Postmodern Jukebox era. How Creep became a viral sensation and why touring the world with PMJ felt like a second chapter of Idol.
• 33:00 - What's next? Haley teases her fifth studio album and shares the inspiration behind her new single Danger.
• 35:45 - Grammy winner?! The wild full-circle story of how Haley’s old drummer, Anderson .Paak, brought her into a Grammy-winning project.
• 38:00 - Game time! Haley takes on American Idol or American Impostor—can she spot the fake contestant or is she stumped by sports stars?
Follow Haley’s Journey:
Stay up to date on Haley’s latest music, including her upcoming album, on all socials @HaleyReinhart.
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Make some noise for she-cago’s own Daniella Monet! The Victorious icon, lifestyle entrepreneur, and all-around legend joins Anthony and Jonathan for a deep dive into her career, from sneaking behind her agent’s back to audition for Hannah Montana to creating her wellness community. Daniella spills on Victorious behind-the-scenes secrets, the story behind Trina’s Chicago performance, and what’s REALLY happening with the Victorious spinoff rumors. Plus, we put her to the ultimate test with The Hardest Victorious Trivia Game Ever—will she live up to the challenge?
Episode Breakdown:
• 00:00 - Make some Illi-noise! The hosts welcome Daniella Monet and kick things off with big laughs and nostalgia.
• 07:03 - The Hannah Montana audition that almost changed everything. Daniella reveals she went behind her agent’s back and ended up in a final test alongside Miley Cyrus and Taylor Momsen.
• 11:42 - Victorious origins. From CBS sitcoms to Nickelodeon, Daniella shares how she broke into kids’ TV, why she fought for a role on Nick, and how her agent wasn’t thrilled.
• 12:04 - The Victorious audition process. Why every actor auditioned with the same general script (even for different roles) and how Trina’s tone-deafness evolved over time.
• 19:06 - Trina’s Chicago moment. The story behind her iconic “I’m a woman in Chicago and I’m scared” scene—including how much was improvised.
• 24:28 - Victorious cast love. Daniella gets emotional reflecting on the friendships from set, what the cast meant to her, and why their recent conversations have been extra special.
• 25:57 - Victorious spin-off rumors—what’s real? Daniella opens up about the leaked news, whether the cast knew ahead of time, and how Ariana Grande’s support meant the world.
• 31:50 - Is the world ready for a Victorious spin-off? Daniella expresses gratitude to Victorious fans, and teases a potential way for internet personalities (like Anthony & Jonathan… wink, wink) to be part of the spinoff!
• 35:21 - Life after Victorious and Daniella’s Digest. How she built a wellness empire with her plant-based lifestyle brand.
• 44:42 - Game time! The Hardest Victorious Trivia Game Ever. Daniella and Anthony go head-to-head on deep-cut Victorious trivia—who will come out on top?
Follow Daniella’s Journey:
Stay updated on Daniella Monet’s latest projects and plant-based lifestyle brand at DaniellasDigest.com and follow her on all socials @DaniellaMonet.
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
It’s just the two of us! Anthony and Jonathan take over the mic for a special episode, breaking down their second year at theGRAMMYs! From navigating the red carpet to unexpected celebrity encounters (yes, Kacey Musgraves and Zedd were involved), they share behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else. They also dive into theirfavorite performances of the night, discuss the biggest award surprises, and reflect on how it felt to be part of music’s biggest night—again!
Episode Breakdown:
• 00:00 - The GRAMMYs are here! Anthony and Jonathan kick off the episode and we get a peak at what’s to come later.
• 01:48 - Bonus episode vibes. A rare host-only episode! They chat about the Super Bowl and reflect on comments from listeners who want to get to know them better.
• 08:00 - Walking theGRAMMYs red carpet. The behind-the-scenes chaos, last-minute weather disasters, and why the photographers treated them like Billie Eilish.
• 10:40 - Celebrity sightings! Zedd photobombs their red carpet selfie, and Anthony has a hilarious (and slightly awkward) fan moment withCasey Musgraves.
• 17:45 - TheGlamBot experience. The guys do separate GlamBots, but was it worth the extra pressure?
• 21:00- BestGRAMMYs performance of the night? Anthony and Jonathan discuss the actual show and debate their favorite performances, includingChappel Roan,Quincy Jones Tribute, and theBest New Artist showcase.
• 23:30- Doechii is taking over. A bold prediction: Doechii is about to be music’s biggest breakout star.
• 26:00 - Chappell Roan’sspeech of the night. The moment that had the entire industry talking (and why it took serious guts).
• 27:30 - TheIn Memoriam tribute. A moving tribute toLiam Payne and how the arena felt when his face appeared on screen.
• 29:30 - Lady Gaga’s secretGRAMMYs moment. HowAbracadabra droppedduring the show—and why everyone thought she was about to perform live.
• 30:00 - Album of the Year shocker! Anthony and Jonathan break down thecontroversial winner and chat their personal favorite album of the year.
• 34:00 - The final takeaways. What made this year’sGRAMMYs different, why they felt more relaxed and how theyactually got to soak it all in.
Follow the Journey:
For morebehind-the-scenes chaos, follow the hosts!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch:
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
From viral car covers to chart-topping hits, Lauren Spencer Smith’s rise to fame has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, Lauren joins Anthony and Jonathan to dive into the whirlwind of her career—sharing hilarious stories about cockroach-infested Airbnbs, her chaotic American Idol journey during the pandemic, and the heartfelt inspiration behind her biggest songs. She also opens up about navigating TikTok fame, family dynamics, and the evolution of her songwriting. Get ready for candid laughs, emotional reflections, and a game of "Give Them Their Flowers" where Lauren dishes on the best voices in the biz.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Lauren Spencer Smith is in the house! Anthony and Jonathan kick things off with stories about sinus surgeries and their first curry night with Lauren.
07:18 - From car covers to the Steve Harvey Show: Lauren shares how her viral video led to her first trip to LA—and the unexpected challenges that followed.
08:50 - Cockroaches and contracts: Lauren recalls the bug-infested Airbnb she stayed in during her first LA trip.
10:00 - American Idol chaos: Lauren talks about her last-minute audition, performing from her backyard during the pandemic, and the unexpected drama behind the scenes.
17:00 - Family, fame, and misconceptions: Lauren opens up about the backlash she faced over her family's perceived wealth and how it contrasted with her reality.
24:00 - Life after Idol: Lauren discusses how she kept her momentum going with covers and original music, leading to her breakout hit "Fingers Crossed."
32:00 - Setting the TikTok standard: Lauren reflects on how her no-makeup, authentic videos became the blueprint for viral music marketing.
38:50 - The "Fingers Crossed" backlash: Lauren addresses criticism about the song's production and how she handled the negativity.
46:00 - What’s next? Lauren teases her upcoming album, exploring family relationships, personal growth, and emotional highs and lows.
50:00 - Game time! Anthony, Jonathan, and Lauren play "Give Them Their Flowers," revealing their picks for best vocalists, riffers, and songwriters in the industry.
Follow Lauren’s Journey: Stay up to date with Lauren Spencer Smith’s latest music, tour dates, and more on all socials @LaurenSpencerSmith
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
The multi-platinum pop star and all-around good guy, Andy Grammer, sits down with Anthony and Jonathan to reflect on a career filled with feel-good hits, incredible stories, and groundbreaking risks. From busking in Santa Monica to performing on Dancing with the Stars, Andy shares the highs and lows of his journey, including the magic behind Honey, I’m Good, the emotional power of Don’t Give Up on Me, and his latest album, Monster.
Plus, Andy gets real about navigating TikTok, modern music-making, and even channels his inner life coach during a heartfelt moment you won’t forget.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - He’s here! Andy Grammer joins the show. The hosts welcome Andy with some light-hearted banter about grammar jokes and his in-ear monitors always spelling his name wrong.
05:00 - The TikTok era of music. Andy shares his love-hate relationship with creating buzz on social media, recounting his busking days on Third Street Promenade, and how TikTok reminds him of modern-day digital busking.
12:30 - The grind behind the hits. Andy discusses his breakout hit Keep Your Head Up, hustling to every radio station in the country, and how the game of making music has changed over the years.
23:00 - Family, fame, and boundaries. Andy reflects on keeping his private life separate from his career, deciding to stop sharing his kids online, and setting boundaries in both his personal and professional life.
40:00 - The emotional power of connection. Andy talks about his one-man tour, inviting fans to share heartfelt stories during the show, and the cathartic impact of his song Don’t Give Up on Me.
50:00 - Dancing with the Stars stories. Andy opens up about his time on the show, his competitive spirit, and what it was like learning to dance with professional partner Allison Holker.
54:00 - What’s new? All about Monster. Andy dives into his latest album, its raw emotional themes, and how it reflects his personal growth and struggles with people-pleasing.
Follow Andy’s Journey: Stay up to date with Andy Grammer’s latest album, tour dates, and more on all socials @AndyGrammer.
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Today’s guest is the one and only Christina Perri! The voice behind “A Thousand Years”, “Jar of Hearts”, and more joins Anthony and Jonathan for an unforgettable conversation about love, loss, and wild career twists. From Twilight superfan to penning the biggest song from the Twilight soundtrack, Christina shares how she manifested her dream into reality — hint: a particular tattoo played a role in this. She opens up about the whirlwind rise of her career, her surprising Disney connections, and how she's using her voice to create lullabies, children's books, and magical moments for fans. And don’t miss the ultimate Disney-themed game that puts Christina’s love of Disney classic movies to the test!
Episode Breakdown:
Follow Christina’s Journey: Stay connected with Christina’s latest music, lullabies, and family fun on all socials @ChristinaPerri.
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
She’s here. Rachel Platten has arrived! The multi-platinum artist behind hits like “Fight Song” and “Stand by You” sits down with Anthony and Jonathan for a soul-stirring, laugh-filled conversation. From her early a cappella days to her 13-year grind before fame, Rachel shares the raw truth about persistence, self-discovery, and songwriting. She reveals how she ended up performing with Taylor Swift on the 1989 tour, reflects on her most personal songs, and shares the inspiration behind her newest album, “I am Rachel Platten”. Plus, stick around for a game of "Fight, Flight, or Freeze," where Rachel decides which karaoke go-to songs she’d be willing to take on!
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Rachel Platten is here! The iconic singer-songwriter enters the chat and talks about her start in a cappella.
04:00 - From a cappella nerd to NYC bandleader. Rachel recalls her first moments of musical inspiration and forming a band in college.
12:00 - Life on tour. The truth about 13 years of van tours, smoky bar gigs, and finding her voice.
18:00 - Birth of Fight Song. Rachel reveals how the song came to life after moments of self-doubt and why she knew it would change lives.
28:00 - The Taylor Swift moment. How Rachel ended up on stage with Taylor during the 1989 World Tour.
32:00 - The ups, downs, and evolution of fame. Rachel gets real about the pressure of fame, parenthood, and reclaiming her career after time away.
40:00 - I Am Rachel Platten. Behind-the-scenes of her new album, her Nashville recording process, and her mission to encourage new artists.
48:00 - Girls. Rachel discusses her song for her daughters, the legacy she hopes to leave them, and the power of a mother’s love.
53:00 - Game time: "Fight, Flight, or Freeze." Rachel, Anthony, and Jonathan debate which iconic pop songs are worth the risk to sing live.
1:00:00 - What’s next for Rachel? Her upcoming tours, halftime shows, and why she’s more grounded than ever.
Follow Rachel’s Journey: Stay updated on Rachel's new album, tour dates, and more on all socials @RachelPlatten and visit RachelPlatten.com.
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch: CounterMelodiesPod.com
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
David Archuleta is here! From his early days on American Idol to his journey leaving the LDS church and finding his voice in the LGBTQ+ community, David joins Anthony and Jonathan for an unforgettable conversation. From navigating faith, family, and fame to his love for raves and time on Hannah Montana, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments. Plus, a game of "American Idol or American Impostor" puts David’s memory to the test!
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Highlights:
David Archuleta enters! Reflections on American Idol, faith, and his journey since.
05:00 - Bratz Summer or Sabrina Carpenter Summer? David's surprising music inspirations.
10:00 - Held Together and Rather Be Lonely. The stories behind his latest songs.
20:00 - Leaving the church and family support. A heartfelt story about his mom's acceptance.
30:00 - Life after Idol. What fame felt like at its peak and how he found himself again.
40:00 - Raves, EDM, and free expression. Why David loves raves and how they helped him grow.
46:00 - Game time! "American Idol or American Impostor?" brings laughs and surprises.
Follow David’s Journey: Keep up with David’s latest music, raves, and more on all socials @DavidArchie.
Socials: Follow the hosts for more fun content! @AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch: https://pods.to/countermelodies
Credits: Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Chrish, the king of chaotic humor and viral one-liners joins Anthony and Jonathan for an unfiltered deep dive into the world of Vine fame, TikTok-singing, and everything in between! From gospel choirs to the viral “Patricia!!!” scream that took the world by storm, this episode is packed with laughs, nostalgia, and even a game of the appropriately named, “Whose Vine Is It Anyway?"
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - A chaotic Vine era. Chrish shares stories of early Vine fame, a clementine-inspired viral hit, and surviving hometown rivalries.
10:00 - From singing servers to social stardom. Tales from a Tennessee steakhouse where singing waiters and questionable kitchen practices took center stage.
20:00 - Singing history unlocked. From church choir competitions to national awards, Chrish reveals the roots of his incredible vocal talent.
28:00 - Smosh shenanigans and influencer parties. Behind-the-scenes stories of Smosh collaborations and navigating Hollywood’s influencer scene.
36:00 - Chrish opens up about overcoming a “real-world” Vine bully and redefining his place in the digital world.
40:00 - Improvised songs and cursive singing. Chrish crafts a hilarious live song inspired by random kitchen objects.
44:00 - Game time! The hosts test Chrish’s Vine knowledge in "Whose Vine Is It Anyway?" with iconic clips and laugh-out-loud reenactments.
Follow Chrish’s Journey: Keep up with Chrish's hilarious content on Instagram (@MistaChrish) and TikTok (@ChrishOffish).
Socials: Follow the hosts for more!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
Credits: Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
MAX is in the kitchen! From his theatrical beginnings to his Nickelodeon days, YouTube viral covers, and co-writing for BTS, Max shares his journey with Anthony and Jonathan. Hear about falling in love with his wife while touring with Fall Out Boy, his wild Dolce & Gabbana shoot with Madonna, and what it was like being on Broadway with Ariana Grande. Plus, Max plays an epic game of “Sounds Like Gibberish” with a kitchen twist you won’t want to miss!
Episode Breakdown:
Follow Max’s Journey: Stay updated on Max’s music, upcoming projects, and tour dates by following him on all socials @MaxMusic or just Google him (you’ll find him).
Socials: Follow the hosts for more content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Joshua Colley, Broadway’s own viral icon, is HERE. In this week’s episode, Anthony and Jonathan sit down with Josh to dive into his journey, from his first national tour to having his own Disney Channel Wand ID. From tales of fire alarms and belting out “The Schuyler Sisters” to his process of creating the voice of Captain Hook in “The Descendants”, this episode covers it all—plus, a special game of Disney impressions you have to hear to believe!
Episode Breakdown:
05:00 - Growing up in theater. Josh reflects on his early days, from Les Mis to Newsies, and his supportive family’s role.
10:00 - The Les Mis journey. Josh talks about his role and shares stories of touring the country with his twin brother.
15:00 - Disney Channel memories! Josh reveals his reaction to making the Disney Wand ID—a true dream come true.
20:00 - Almost Dear Evan Hansen? Josh’s experiences auditioning for Evan and the challenges of the role.
25:00 - The infamous fire alarm! Josh tells an unforgettable story about accidentally setting off a hotel fire alarm while filming "Descendants."
30:00 - Viral Descendants moments. From Captain Hook's unique voice to TikTok moments with Trisha Paytas.
35:00 - The hook voice. Josh discusses how he developed Captain Hook’s voice and his inspiration behind it.
44:00 - The game: Hook, Line, and Sinker. Josh takes on Disney Channel lines in his best character voices, from Lumiere to Elmo.
Follow Joshua's Journey: Stay updated on Josh’s upcoming projects, including original music, by following him @JoshRobertColley.
Socials:
Follow the hosts for more content!
@AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
In this episode, Anthony and Jonathan chat with the incredibly talented Lindsey Stirling, diving deep into her journey from YouTube star to chart-topping violinist and everything in between. Lindsey shares the highs and lows—from her time on America's Got Talent to teaming up with power-house artists like Pentatonix and taking on Dancing with the Stars. She opens up about how her family influenced her love for music, the surprising path that led her to where she is today, and the balance between creativity and resilience that keeps her going. With laughs, real talk, and a few heartfelt moments, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight!
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Intro and catch-up time! Anthony and Jonathan are back, and they’re ready to gush about Lindsey’s tour!
02:10 - THEME SONG and the greatest intro ever
05:00 - Lindsey reminisces about her early career— dancing, violin lessons, and a highschool band
11:00 - The Duality Tour Highlights - J & A’s favorite moments
15:00 - Mindfulness, Anxiety, and Breath work
18:00 - The AGT story redefined. Lindsey reflects on how America's Got Talent gave her more than just critique.
29:00 - Lindsey’s Humble Beginnings
33:00 - The Christmas spirit. A deep dive into Lindsey’s Christmas album and "Mr. Grinch" with Sabrina Carpenter.
38:00 - Violin or Viol-out game! Lindsey guesses which celebrities played which instruments growing up—featuring Meryl Streep, Gwen Stefani, and Thomas Jefferson!
Follow Lindsey's Tour: Catch Lindsey Stirling on her Christmas Tour this December across the U.S. and Canada! Follow her @LindseyStirling.
Socials: Follow the hosts and stay connected! @AnthonyGargiula
@JonathanTilkin
@CounterMelodiesPod
Listen and Watch: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
The Team:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Imagine a world where Jesse McCartney, your fave chipmunk, almost starred in Camp Rock, and Beautiful Soul wasn’t the last song of his concerts! In this hilarious and nostalgic dive, Anthony and Jonathan sit down with Jesse McCartney to relive his career highs, lows, and wild detours. From The Masked Singer secrets to frosted tips with Dream Street, to the reason he’ll never hit the Dancing with the Stars stage (spoiler: it’s the dance moves), this episode has everything!
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Intro and vibes (Welcome to the kitchen!)
02:00 Teeth whitening and new songs? Only here!
04:30 THEME SONG
04:45 The most legendary Jesse McCartney intro ever
07:00 Beautiful Soul turns 20?!
11:00 NYC Radio Disney memories and HitClips nostalgia
15:00 Broadway, Soaps, and early career moves
18:00 Dream Street origins (and the frosted tips legacy)
20:00 Almost in Camp Rock—alternate universe unlocked
26:30 The Masked Singer mystery unraveled
30:00 Becoming Theodore in Alvin and the Chipmunks (and the truth about the singing)
36:00 Loving It or Leaving It game: Kingdom Hearts, LA vs. NY, and more
Follow Jesse’s Tour: Catch Jesse McCartney’s All’s Well Tour through November 8th, across the U.S. and Canada! Follow him @JesseMcCartney
Socials: Follow the crew!
Listen and watch here: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
Ever wonder how “Victoria’s Secret” started from a TikTok in a tiny LA apartment? Anthony and Jonathan get all the details from singer-songwriter Jax as she spills her incredible story of viral fame, wild celeb collabs, and why she’s totally fine roasting trolls in her DMs. From a notorious Walmart Magcon tour to songwriting in hotel lobbies, this episode serves up all the cringe and glory of coming up as an artist in the social media age.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Intro and chaos in the kitchen
00:50 Jax in the house (with cupcakes)
02:30 The infamous plain M&M debate
02:50 THEME SONG
03:00 Introducing Jax, our amazing guest!
06:20 Touring tales from cringey Magcon days
10:10 Getting serious: advice for young creators
14:00 “Stacy’s Mom” POV and viral success
20:30 The birth of “Victoria’s Secret”
26:00 Collaborations and TikTok growth
30:50 Writing and producing in a tiny LA apartment
34:10 The celebrity collab game
39:20 Guess That “Joe” Game (feat. JoJo SiwandaVision)
46:30 Too Young to be Old or Too Old to be Young game
49:20 Who’s “Joe” in Dear Joe?
Follow Jax: Find Jax on TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, and more @Jax. Check out her debut album Dear Joe so she doesn’t have to sell photos of her feet!
Socials: Follow the crew!
Listen and watch here: https://tinyurl.com/CounterMelodiesPod
Credits:
Executive Producer/Showrunner/Editor: Louis Gargiula
Consulting Producer: Renee Colvert
