This week on Friends Talking Nerdy, Professor Aubrey and Tim the Nerd crank up the distortion and pay tribute to one of rock’s most unstoppable forces — Joan freakin’ Jett. From her trailblazing work with The Runaways to her solo anthems that defined rebellion for generations, the duo dives deep into the riffs, the attitude, and the pure rock heart that make Jett a legend.
Professor Aubrey breaks down what makes Jett’s guitar tone so distinct — that raw, unapologetic crunch that says “I don’t need your approval.” Tim the Nerd, meanwhile, waxes poetic (and a little nostalgic) about the cultural punch of “Bad Reputation” and how “I Love Rock and Roll” became the rallying cry for every outsider with a beat-up leather jacket.
The songs on the turntable this week include:
“I Love Rock and Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” “Crimson and Clover,” “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah),” “Make Believe,” “Light of Day,” “Fake Friends,” and a trip back to her Runaways days with “Cherry Bomb,” “You Drive Me Wild,” “I Love Playing with Fire,” and “School Days.”
Expect sharp insights, a few laughs, and a lot of love for the woman who turned raw energy into timeless empowerment. Whether you’ve been blasting Jett since the ‘70s or you’re just discovering her now, this episode is pure, high-voltage rock and roll.
Because as Joan herself proved — you don’t have to give a damn about your bad reputation… you just have to turn it up.
Listen to the songs on our YouTube Playlist.
As always, we wish to thank Christopher Lazarek for his wonderful theme song. Head to his website for information on how to purchase his EP, Here's To You, which is available on all digital platforms.
Head to Friends Talking Nerdy's website for more information on where to find us online.